HISTORY 



HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, 



NEW HAMPSHIRE 



COMPILED UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF 

D. HAMILTON HURD. 



ILLUSTRATED. 



I'll I LADELPH U 

J. W. LEWIS & CO. 

1885. 



. 



PUBLISHERS 1 PREFACE. 



Nearly three years ago the attention of the publishers, who have long made a specialty 
of this class of work, was called to the fact that a history of Hillsborough County was needed. 
After mature deliberation the work was planned and its compilation commenced. Tin' besl 
literary talent in this section of the State for this especial work was engaged, whose 
names appear at the head of their respective articles, besides many other local writers mi 
special topics. These gentlemen approached the work in a spirit of impartiality and 
thoroughness, and we believe it has been their honest endeavor to trace the history of the 
development of the territory embodied herein from that period when it was in the undis- 
puted possession of the red man to the present, and to place before the reader an authentic 
narrative of its rise and progress. The work has been compiled from authenticated ami 
original sources, and no effort spared to produce a history which should prove in every 

respect worthy of the county represented. 

The Publishers. 

Philadelphia, August, 1885. 



CONTENTS 



GENERAL HISTORY 



CHAPTER I. 
Early History and Organization of Courts . 



CHAPTER II. 



The Bench and Bai 



TOWN HISTORIES. 









139 




















289 




297 






Greenfield 


331 


















Litchfield 


486 











Greenville 


518 


Merrimack 


527 




551 


New Boston 


585 


New Ipswich 


610 




. 631 


Peterborough 


650 








.... 672 




678 






Windsor 


727 




730 


Appendix 


745 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 



Fit. h, Cliail. - I' . 

Forsaith, Samuel C 

Foster, Herman 

French, John C ... 
Fuller, John G 
Fulton, Jamee .. .. 

Gilbert, John 

Gilman, Hora< •■ W 
Gilman, Vii .■ I 
I m II 

G lale, Levi 

'■ lale, T. N 

Goodell, David II 

■ oiij 

Godfrey, Reuben 

Goffe, John 

Gove, Charles I' 

■li ». 

Gray, II S 
Greeley, fforai e 

!.!■ ■-■_, .l.lhi- 

Griffin, George 

Grimes, l'i ini is .. 
Grimes, James F 
Hall, James H 
Hall, James Hai vey 

Hamblet Eli 

Heald, Dai I 

Hiklretli. Jutham 

Holman, Charles 

Kosley, Jol o 

Howard I'.niiily, Tho 

Hutchinson, John W... 

Jones Family, The 

Kimball, Gilman 

Kin^Inn ■ . ■ 

Lincoln, Leavitt 

Li vermin-.-, Sol. mi. .n K.. 
Lund, Charles 

M.i\ n.i'l I'-ini II 

Merrill, -f.n II 

Mfoore .1 -■ -f--li (' 

Moore, Noi man J. M... 

Morrison, George W 

Murray, "rl.mdoD 

New* I!, Joseph 

Parsons. William M 

Partridgt . S. H 

■r M 

Parker, William T .. . 

Pattee, I. N 

P 1 ■ 

I' ■ : -- 1 tl 

Pierce, Franklin 

Potter, < i.-ncll.-r K 

Preston, John 



BHHiKAI'HIKS. 









,*» 


J ' 








5 ' 1R 






Sawyer, Mobi*b 


Oj4 












397 


Upton, Samuel 






■ill 






Wasou, Klbrklge 

Webster, Kimball 








482 


97- 




Smith, l3.i.«. ... 








. Nil 1 . 








Smith, Luk< 








BaOdi' I 




U'l ig, David 










Stanley Uiul 












w iii, Joseph K 








13 


Stinscli, I'liall.-s 


327 







ILLUSTRATIONS, 



Adams, ['iiiaehas 

Averill, Clinton S 

Balch, Charles E 

Balch, Mark 

Baldwin, Samuel 

Berry, Augustus 

Blood, Aretas 

Bradley, Denis U 

Bradford, Kpbraini P 

Bro ■!.-. [aaac 

Buck, William I) 

Burnbam, Abel C 

Burns, Charles H 

Campbell, Charles H 

Campbell, Daniel, -lr 

Chamberlain, J uni - 1 

« hi I. jr, Person C 

Christie, Morris 

Clapp, Allen N 

Clark, Daniel 

Clark.', John 1! 

Clark, Lewis W 

Clough, Lucien B., 

i i aby, i fliah 

Cross, David 

Ci bie, Niuian C 

Cumner, Nathaniel W 

Carrier, M i' . . 

Cntler, John H 

Davis, Joseph 

Dearborn, Cornelius Van ] 

Dearborn, Samuel G 

Dodge, Perlev 

I' '■■ i Resof 

Dnniap, Vn hibald II 

Edwards, Supply U 



(J I.ii. -. Thomas N ... 

Goodell, David II ... 
Graves, Josiah G ..... 

Gray, II. N 

Gregg '.Hues 

Griffin, 

Grimes, Francis 

Gin,,.,, .1 . r ■ t — I 

Hall, .lames Harvey. 

Hamblet, Eli 

Heald, Davi.l 

Hildrelli, J.itbam 



Holman, i barlefi 

Hoaley, John 

Howard, Ezra P 
Hutchinson, John W. 

Kimball, Gilman 

Kini>l.iii \. 1....1-. 
Lincoln, Leavitt 

I.iveinioi,., Sob. mull I 
Lund, i harli - ... 
Map ■ ■( Hillsborough i 

Mavnal'l, .I.'lili II 

>l « - 1 1 ill, .bun.-- I: 

M Joseph C 

Moore, Norman .1 M 

Mull. iv, I Irian, lo D.... 

Newell, Joseph 

Parker, John M 

Parker, William T. . .. 
Parsons, William M.... 

Partridge, S. II 

Pattee, I.. N 

Pevey, Peter 

IVviv, /.hi. hah 

Pi Franklin 

Pottor, Chandler E 

Preston, John 

Ramsey, John 

s.iu >.-r, Aar.ui W 

v,\.\. i ^l , .. 

Shirley, E. C 

Sun. I:-, llll.ilii 

Simons, Lewis 

Smith, G _• I 

Smith, tsaai W 
Smith, John I 

Smith. I. ilk.- 

Smyth, Fn-ileiii-k 

Spalding, Isaac 

ley, Clinton W 



St.i 



Stevens, William ... 
St 1 1,-,. ii, Charles . 
Straw, Ezekiel A... 
Sullowaj , Cyrus \ 
Swallow, Stillman.. 
Tail.,. II, Joel II .... 
Tuttle, Jacob 

I ph. II, Sal I 

Wallace, Alonzo S.. 
Wason, Elbridge .... 
Webster, bin, I,.. II 
Wi lis, . harli ■ 
Weston, Jai A .. 



HISTORY 

or 

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



CHAPTER I. 
EARLY HISTORY AND ORGANIZATION OF COURTS. 

BY GEORGE A. RAMSDELL. 

For many years previous to 1740 the boundary lines 
of the province of New Hampshire were in dispute. 

Massachusetts claimed that the division boundary 
between that State and New Hampshire was denned 
by a line drawn from a point on the Atlantic coast 
three miles north of the mouth of the Merrimack 
Eiver, and running on the northerly and easterly side 
of the river, and at a distance of three miles from it, to 
a point three miles beyond the parallel of the junction 
of the Winnipiseogee and the Pemigewasset; thence 
due west to the Connecticut. This covered all the 
territory included in the present limits of the county 
of Hillsborough, excepting the town of Pelham and 
such portion of the town of Hudson as lies more than 
three miles from the Merrimack River. It also in- 
cluded the whole of Cheshire County and the larger 
part of the present limits of Merrimack and Sullivan 
Counties. 

New Hampshire claimed for her southern boundary 
a line produced due west from the same point on the 
ocean. By this claim the towns of Pelham, Hudson, 
Litchfield, Nashua, Merrimack, Hollis, Amherst and 
other towns lying within some fourteen miles of 
latitude were conceded to be in Massachusetts. The 
ancient town of Dunstable, containing more than two 
hundred square miles, and including all of the towns 
above named and portions of other towns within the 
present limits of New Hampshire, made a part of the 
county of Middlesex, in Massachusetts, and had not 
before 1740 been regarded by any party as in part the 
territory of the province of New Hampshire. 

Previous to 1740 a board of commissioners, acting 
under the royal authority, had established the eastern 
1 



boundary, but failing to agree upon the southern line 
the King himself terminated the controversy in favor 
of New Hampshire, fixing the present boundary and 
granting the State a much larger territory than had 
been claimed. The decision, though somewhat arbi- 
trary and not in accordance with the prayer of either 
party, was founded upon sound suggestions. By the 
letter of the grant to Massachusetts it would seem that 
her claim was good, but it was urged by the King's 
Council that when the .Massachusetts grant was made 
the country was unexplored, and the course of the 
Merrimack was supposed to be substantially at right 
angles with the ocean its entire length, and that it 
would be just and equitable between the parties to 
follow the river so far as its general course was from 
the west to the cast and no farther. 

This act of the King annexing so much territory, 
before that time under the government of Massachu- 
setts, to the province of New Hampshire was not 
satisfactory to the people of Massachusetts, or to the 
inhabitants of the lauds so virtually annexed. It was 
very naturally urged by the people, who were thus 
made to attorn to New Hampshire, that it was unfair 
to sever them from a more powerful province against 
their remonstrance and annex them to a weaker at a 
time when it seemed there would be no end of Indian 
wars and depredations. An attempt was made to have 
the matter reheard, which failed, as well as a proposi- 
tion to re-annex the entire province to Massachusetts. 

Upon the settlement of a question which had 
troubled the province for half a century, the towns 
which had had a corporate existence under Massa- 
chusetts were rechartered by the province of New 
Hampshire, and new towns were formed from those 
portions of existing towns cut off from Massachusetts. 

The political history of New Hampshire to the 
middle of the eighteenth century is simply the history 
of the southeastern portion of the State, Portsmouth, 
Exeter and Dover being the towns of consequence at 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



i li:i: time. I'n '. ious to the year 177n the entire State, 
for all financial and judicial purposes, was a single 

count. All business <it';i public nature was transacted 

al i of the three towns named, and most of it at 

Portsmouth. All t n ifict rs resided 

tsmouth then had a population of more than 
foul thousand, ami »ii< practically tin- capital of the 

pro> ince. 

As the province increased in population the ] pie 

other and smaller political <li\ isions, in 
which ordinary business could be transacted. 

In 1767, John Wentworth, the second of that name, 
inted < rovernor of New Hampshire, and one 
of the measure* brought forward at the opening of 
his administration comprehended the division of the 
into counties, and the erection of a judicial 
system to meet the want- of the entire State. It was 
opposed by the residents of what is now Rockingham 
( lountj . "ii the ground that it would increase the ex- 
penses of the province without corresponding advan- 
tages The < rovernor favored the measure as one likely 
to develop the province, an end to which he devoted 
hi> entire energies, penetrating the wilderness so far 
as to lay out an estate and erect an elegant mansion 
at Wolfborough, upon the Winnipiseogee. 

The matter was debated in several sessions of the 
Assembly before all points of difference could be rec- 
onciled. The number of counties, and lines of divi- 
sion were not easily agreed upon. It was finally 
settled that the province should he divided into five 
counties, with an ample judiciary system. The act was 
finally passed, suspending its operation until such 
time as the Kind's pleasure should he known. The 
act took effect in the spring of 1771. 

Governor Wentworth named the counties (after his 
friends in England i Rockingham, Strafford, Hills- 
borough, i Iheshire and Grafton. It may be remarked 
that by the efforts of parties opposed to any division. 
the counties of Strafford and Grafton, by an amend- 
ment to the act, remained connected to the county of 
Rockingham until 177o. Sullivan has since been 
taken off Cheshire. Coos from Grafton, Merrimack 
IV. .in Buckingham and Hillsborough, Carroll and 
Belknap from Strafford. 

Hillsborough County upon its organization in- 
cluded all the territory of the present county, except- 
ing the town of Pelhani. which for a time formed part 
of Rockingham County. It also included all of the 
present county of Merrimack west of the Merrimack 
River, excepting: the town of Bow, the city of Concord 
and portions of other towns whose lines have been 
ithin a few wars. The territory thus set 
countj of Hillsborough was not all incor- 
porated into towns. Some of it was not even settled, 
mds then settled remained unincorporated 
1 years. I he population of the county at 
the time of its organization was not far from fifteen 
n i re eighteen incorporated towns 
within the present limits of the county, ranking as 



follows in point of population ami valuation: Am- 
herst, Hollis, New Ipswich, Dunstable, Merrimack, 
Nottingham West (now Hudson). Peterborough, 
Litchfield, Bedford, Im.i1-o.hu, Derryfield (now Man- 
chester), Wilton, New Boston, Mason. Weare, Lynde- 
borough, Temple and Hillsborough. More than half 
the population of the county at this time resided in 
thesis t..wns Amherst, Hollis, New Ipswich, Dun- 
stable, Merrimack and Nottingham West. 

\. n 1 lam]. shire wassettled by immigration coming 
in through tour different channels, the Portsmouth 
and Piscataqua colonies, the Londonderry colony, 
i he settlers coming into the State by way of 1 (unstable, 
and the line of immigration coining up the valley of 
the Connecticut River. The county of Hillsborough 
was peopled from the -econd ami third of these sources, 
ami very largely from the Londonderry settlement. 

No sooner was the demand for the division of the 
State into counties in a fair way to be answered affir- 
matively than the question of the selection of the shire- 
lown began to be agitated. Three towns were named 
mi this connection, — Amherst, Hollis and Merrimack. 
The attention of the Governor of the province was 
called to this matter as early as October, 1767, by the 
Rev. Daniel Wilkins, the first minister of the town of 
Amherst, in the following letter : 

" Hon. and Dear Sir 

" Alt.] .hi.- salutations I b-g leave to inform your Hon' that the pro- 
posal t.t" the general ('unit, that Merrimack he the shire-town of the 
county ..I. tin- west si.t. ..f Merrimack river, has caused a general un- 
easiness throughout the canity, an.l many thinking men in Merrimack 
itself (as I have heen credibly informed) are well satisfied that if the pro- 
posal he established, it will In' greatly to the town damage in general, as 
t!ov at. small in numbers, consisting ..f seventy odd families, no more, 
and (hose rim. h scattered, and many of that number are new places anil 

no ways an mn i lated to entertain a Court, especially with hay and pas- 

niia-v ; math, i do they -0.1 expect 1. !"■ accommodated within the pre- 
111.-. , 1- a _r. .11 part of their land is poor and clothed with shrub. The 
uneaBinessof the ] pie arises from the said proposal not being for Am- 
herst rather than Merrimack, not only as Amherst has heen talked as for 
a shire-town ever from its infancy, thereby fixing the mind of the 

1 pi. ii[ it, being from its situation nearer to the Heart of the county, 

so that many towns can come from home in the morning an.l return 
home in the evening. They could not possibly d.. the like if it. .Court 
beat Mer :k, and thereby save a great deal of charge to poor people. 

■•And now. honored sir, I Lei: leave to _iv. a desi lipiioii of Amherst" 
in a lew words 'It 1- situated about eight miles from Mr. Lutwickes' 
l.-iiv, on M'-iriiuaok river, the contents of which is about six miles 

square, containing about on. hundred I sixty families and accomtno- 

. la l.d, according to men of the best judgment, to settle ..lie hundred fami- 
lies more than is already settled, and near a hundred ..1 11. 
country farms, well accommodated with fields and pastures, and chiefly 
all good Husbands.' 

"The middle of the town is pleasantly situated, a good coach load 
from the eastern and southern pat ts of the province, and all roads center 
n!e in general, knowing the situation and accommodations 
of Amherst t., entertain the » ..int. suppose that the General Court's 
proposal tor Merrimack springs from a misrepresentation. The occa- 
sion of these lines to your lion, was the coos of the j pic, and 1 beg 

1. i\, ... siil.-ciilieyonr humble servant. 

••Amherst, Oct. ye 1, 1767. 

" To 11, 11 I mouth." 

The arguments of this divine, reinforced by other 
expressions of the voice of the people of the county, 
prevailed, and Amherst was made the shire-town. It 



EAKLY HISTORY AND ORGANIZATION OF COURTS. 



was ajusl decision, it being the most populous town, 
and located near what was then the centre of popula- 
tion ami near the present geographical centre of the 
county. Amherst then had as large a population as 
to-day, but it must beremembered that its territorial 
limits have been contracted, the towns of Milford and 
Mount Vernon having been taken from it. For a long 
time it was a place of business and social consequence ; 
many people of culture and distinction have there re- 
sided. A laek of water-power and railroad facilities 
have cost the town the prominence it once had, and it 
has receded from the first to the ninth place in rank 
among the towns of the county in the matter of popu- 
lation and valuation. It was side shire-town for the 
present county limits until 1846, when a term of court 
was established at .Manchester, and another term at 
Nashua in 1857. In 1865 a jail was legally established 
at Manchester, and the old stone building at Amherst 
was discontinued. In 1866 the records, for so long a 
time at Amherst, by vote of the county, were removed 
to Nashua, where they are now kept in substantial 
buildings and vaults. In 1879 the only term of court 
then held at Amherst was abolished, and the town, 
after an honorable record of one hundred and eight 
year-, ceased, in t he language of Parson Wilkins, to 
entertain the courts. 

It is not generally known that a town of consider- 
able ' importance, called Monson, had a chartered 
existence in this county previous to the year 1770, 
It lay upon the south of the Souhegan River and 
measured upon the river about six miles, extending 
from a little above Jones' Corner, in Milford, to a point 
a little below Danforth's Corner, in Amherst. The 
breadth of the town from the river south was some- 
thing more than four miles. The inhabitants of this 
town made several attempts to be annexed to Am- 
herst. The principal reason given in their petition 
to the Assembly was the lack of any central place in 
the town suitable for a meeting-house. Amherst at 
first opposed the annexation, but afterwards voted to 
take a part of the town if Monson would be at the 
expense of the annexation. Accordingly, an act was 
passed annexing to Amherst that part of Monson in- 
cluded in these limits: "From Souhegan River, 
southerly by the town of Merrimack, two miles; from 
thence west to the west line of Monson ; from thence 
northerly to the river, and from this point down 
the river to the first place mentioned." The 
remainder of the town was annexed to Hollis. 
Thus was dismembered a town of the best natural 
facilities for no better reason than that the geographical 
centre was not smooth and level enough for a meeting- 
house common. Amherst held these rich Monson 
intervales until 17U4, when, on the incorporation of 
Milford, she surrendered them, with other choice lands 
upon the north side of the river, giving up in 17'.i4 
more than she had received in 1770. 

The act of the Assembly by which the counties were 
organized was entitled " An Act for dividing the 



Pm\ in-c in in Counties and for the more easy admin- 
istration of Justice." 

It provided for l be erection of three courts of justice 
and foi necessary county buildings. 

The courts were named, — First, the Superior Court 
of Judicature, which was to be the supreme tribunal 
of the province ; this court existed until 1813, when 
the Federalists, having the political power in the State, 
abolishedit for the purpose id' letting rid of politically 
obnoxious judges and erected the Superior Judicial 
Court, which, in turn, was overturned in 1816 by the 
Democratic Republicans, and the Superior Conn of 
Judicature re-erected. The last-named court con- 
tinued to be the court of last resort until the year 
1855, when the American or Know-Nothing partj , com- 
ing into power, abolished it and re-established the 
Supreme Judicial Court, which, in turn, in 1874, was 
abolished and the Superior Court of Judicature estab- 
lished. This court existed until 1876, when it was 
succeeded by the Supreme Court, now in existence. 

In 1813 it was claimed that the Legislature could 
not, by changing the name and, in some minor partic- 
ulars, the functions of a court, get rid of its judges in a 
summary manner; that the only way was by address for 
cause shown or by impeachment. But however much 
politicians and jurists may differ as to the soundness 
of the policy of such radical legislation, it seems now 
to be well settled that this method of procedure has 
been and is constitutional, else the first court erected 
under any fundamental law could never be changed, 
though time and experience should show it to have 
grave defects. 

The chief justices of the Supreme Court of the State, 
under its various names, have been as follows: Before 
the Revolution, Theodore Atkinson and Mesheck 
Weare; since the Revolution, Mesheck Weare, 
Samuel Livermore, Josiah Bartlett, John Pickering, 
John Dudley, Simeon Olcott, Jeremiah Smith, Arthur 
Livermore, William M. Richardson, Joel Parker, 
John J. Gilchrist, Andrew S. Woods, Ira Perley, 
Samuel D. Bell, Henry A. Bellows, Jonathan E. Sar- 
gent, Edmund L. Gushing and Charles Doe. But two 
of these distinguished men were bom in Hillsborough 
County, — Jeremiah Smith, at Peterborough, and 
Samuel D. Bell, at Francestown. 

But one judge has been removed by address of the 
Legislature (and in this case nothing worse was 
charged than inability to discharge the duties of the 
office by reason of old ago. and no judge of our State 
courts has been impeached; a judge of the United 
States District Court for the district of New Hamp 
shire was charged with drunkenness and conduct 
unbecoming a judge, and was tried by the Senate of 
the United States ; he admitted his irregularities, but 
defended upon the ground that he was not intoxicated 

as a justice, but as plain Mr. ; the Senate, however, 

were of opinion that when Mr. was intoxicated 

the court was drunk, and he was removed from office. 
The next court in order of jurisdiction wa- the 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Inferior Court of Common Pleas. While the Superior 
Court of Judicature had cognizance of all questions of 
law and divorce, and ultimately was clothed with 
equity powers, the Inferior Court of Common Pleas 
was the tribunal in which all ordinary controversies 
were settled; this court, established in 1771, continued 
under the name of the Inferior Court of Common 
Pleas and the Court of Common Pleas (excepting that 
it was discontinued from 1820 to 1825) until 1859, 
when it was abolished and all the business of the 
court transferred to the Supreme Judicial Court. In 
1874 it was revived and continued to exist until 1876 
when its business was transferred to the Supreme Court' 

The third and last court provided for by the bill to 
organize the counties was entitled the Court of Gene- 
ral Sessions of the Peace ; this court had for judges or 
justices all the justices of the peace in commission for 
the county of Hillsborough; it had a limited juris- 
diction in criminal complaints, and was attended by 
a grand and petit jury ; it had also the entire control 
of all financial affairs of the county ; the number of 
justices attending the earlier terms of this court rarely 
exceeded ten ; some later terms were attended by forty 
or more justices, depending upon the number in com- 
mission from time to time ; the law did not require 
the justice to reside in the county for which he was 
commissioned, and some of the most distinguished 
men of the State, residing in other counties, were 
commissioned for this county and had the right to sit 
in this court. 

This court continued as at first organized until 1794 
it was a cumbersome piece of judicial machinery; it 
was a matter of choice with the justices how many 
should sit at any particular term, ami it was claimed 
by Samuel Dana, in the Legislature of the State, at 
the time the court was abolished, that parties having 
causes to be heard at any particular term were accus- 
tomed to stir up the justices and obtain the personal 
attendance of their friends at court. 

In 1 79 1 the functions of this court were incorporated 
into the Court of Common Pleas, some of the judges 
of the last court (side judges, as they were called) 
attending to financial matters, and special committees 
appointed for that purpose laving out highways. The 
sessions docket, which we now have as a branch of the 
business of our general term in the Supreme Court, 
but formerly in the Common Pleas, is the remnant of 
this ( lourt of General Sessions of the Peace. 

In 1855 a board of county commissioners was insti- 
tuted to act in conjunction with the court in adminis- 
tering the financial affairs of the county and in laying 
out highways. With the addition of this auxiliary 
tribunal, the services of side judges, men generally of 
sound practical sense, but of no legal learning, were 
dispensed with. It is generally supposed that these 
judges were but ornamental appendages to the learned 
judge who actively presided in the court ; but, in addi- 
tion to the discharge of the duties now substantially 
performed by the county commissioners, they often 



aided the court by their sterling common sense in 
matters requiring not legal learning merely, but an 
acquaintance with men and the ordinary concerns of 
life, which is not always possessed by learned law- 
yers. 

There were but three lawyers resident in the county 
before the Revolution, — Atherton, at Amherst ; Champ- 
ney, at New Ipswich ; and Claggelt, at Litchfield,— 
but prominent attorneys from other parts of the State 
attended all the sessions of the court. 

It would be useful, and perhaps not uninteresting, 
to examine into the condition of the statute and com- 
mon law at the time of the organization of the county. 
The limit of this paper will not permit anything like 
an exhaustive enumeration of the laws then in force, 
and allusion only will be made to some most at 
variance with the present code. 

In 1771, Lord Mansfield was chief justice of the 
Court of King's Bench in England, and for nearly 
half a century had devoted his entire energies to per- 
fecting the common law of that realm ; neither before 
nor since has any one man done so much towards 
making secure the reciprocal rights of the govern- 
ment and the governed, judged by the standard of the 
civilization of that day. The common law of Eng- 
land was brought over and became a part of the law 
of the colonies by the settlers of this continent; vari- 
ous modifications were made in the statutes to conform 
to the necessities of a new country, but in the main 
the inhabitants of the State were amenable to the 
same legal conditions as the inhabitants of England 
one hundred and fourteen years ago. There were 
eight capital crimes in the province at that time, now 
bin <>uf, severe penalties were meted out for small 
offenses; matters which are now left to the tribunal of 
the individual conscience were then made subjects of 
statute law, the violations of which were punishable 
in courts; the whipping-post, the pillory and the 
stocks were recognized as suitable appliances to have 
a place in the machinery of a Christian government, 
and all existed in connection with the jail and court- 
house until the commencement of the present century. 
In punishment of crime, distinctions were made 
founded upon the color or condition of the party to 
suffer the penalty. 

Benefit of clergy, or the exemption of the clergy 
from penalties imposed by the law for certain crimes 
was in existence in England and not abolished 
until the reign of George IV. The history of this 
exemption is long, and was thoroughly woven into 
the texture of English criminal law ; its practical 
working was to exempt the clergy from the punish- 
ment affixed to most crimes ; it was no inconvenient 
thing to be able to plead benefit of clergy, and at one 
time not only those regularly in orders, but all retainers 
of the church and someothers claimed the privilege. To 
make certain who were entitled to this plea, before the 
time of Henry VII. a statute was passed extending 
the exemption to only such as could read. 



EARLY HISTORY AND ORGANIZATION OF COURTS. 



A single instance is found where this plea was 
made in this county in colonial times. Israel Wil- 
kins, of Hollis, was indicted at the September term, 
1773, of the Supreme Court, for the murder of his 
father; he was found guilty of manslaughter; he then 
prayed the benefit of clergy, which was granted; the 
court branded the brawny part of his thumb with the 
letter T, confiscated his personal estate and let him 

A creditor, until the passage of the revised statutes 
in 1842, upon any debt, could seize his debtor, and, in 
default of payment, throw the victim into prison and 
keep him there until he had paid the last farthing. 

One of the chief justices of the Court of King's 
Bench was imprisoned early in life for debt, and dur- 
ing his confinement of five years entered upon and 
completed his legal studies and became one of the 
best of English pleaders. 

Defendants held for this purpose at first were con- 
fined as closely as prisoners awaiting trial or serving 
outa sentence, but as the minds of men became lib- 
eralized they were allowed some privileges not com- 
mon to the average criminal. Jail limits were estab- 
lished in time, and the debtor allowed the privilege 
of going a certain number of rods from the jail. 
Within the present century men have been confined 
at Amherst for debt, one, two, three and even four 
years, and in several instances carried on extensive 
mercantile business while prisoners at the suits of 
creditors. 

A lawyer by the name of Shattuck, held for debt, 
established his family within the jail limits, built a 
house and practiced law with considerable success for 
several years. 

The law is now so lenient that it has become 
difficult to collect honest debts. It is not an 
uncommon thing to find the wife owning the home- 
stead—and a pretty large one sometimes— and the hus- 
band owing all the debts. 

The organization of the Court of General Sessions 
of the Peace was first perfected and was really the act 
by which the county was organized. 

Its first book of records contains twenty pages, six 
inches by nine, and covered with common brown 
paper. 

The first entry is as follows: 



"At a Court of General Sessions of the Teace, held for the purpose of 
preparing a prison, raising money, etc., pursuant to an act of said proT- 
ince, entitled an act for dividing the same into Counties and for the more 
easy administration of Justice, held in the public meeting-house in Am- 
herst, within and for the county of Hillsborough, in said province, on the 
sivth day of May, in the eleventh year of his Majesty's reign, A.D. 1771, 

held by adjournment fr tin- hist Thursday after the first Tuesday of 

April last. 



' John Gofi-e, 

' E. G. LEorWTCHE, 

'John Hale, 

' John Shepherd, . 
' Samuel Hobaht, 
1 Saxuel Blodget. 



"Appointed J. dm Shepherd, Jr., Clerk, ;.r, 
to (lie house of Jonathan Smith, Inii-ludder i 
met at the house of said Smith. 

" Appointed Samuel Ilobart, John Shepherd, Jr., and Benjamin Whit- 
ing, Ksii'r, a committee t<> cause said prison to be built. 

"Appointed Saml. Hol.uit, Es,|., Treasurer. 

"Ordered, That the committee ab.resaid provide a suitable house in 
said Amherst and make it fit to keep 'prisoners in until a prison can be 
built." 

In accordance with this vote, temporary accommo- 
dations were provided. 

John Goft'e, whose name is at the head of the jus- 
tices of this court and who seems to have taken the 
lead in the organization of the county, was one of the 
early settlers atGoffe's Falls, on the Merrimack River, 
living at different times on both sides of the stream. 
He commanded the regiment raised in this vicinity in 
1760, and was present at the capture of St. John's, 
Montreal and Quebec. His regiment mustered at 
Litchfield, and on the 25th of May he issued the fol- 
lowing unique order: 

"i ', .1,,n. 1 CnV requires the officers to lie answerable Unit the lien's 
shirts are changed twice every week at bust ; that such as have hair that 
will admit of it, must have it constantly tyed ; they must be obliged to 
comb their heads and wash th.-ir hands every morning ; ;iud i> it is ,h- 
served that numbers .f ui-oi mrii-i themselves t" wear woolen night- 
caps in the day-time, he allows them iiats ; they are ordered for the fu- 
ture not to be seen in the day-time with anything besides their hats on 
their heads, as the above-mentioned custom of wearing night-iups must 
lie detrimental to their health and cleanliness. Tie- men's hats to be all 
cocked in uniform, as Colonel ib-tle pleases to direct." 

Colonel GofFe marched his regiment across the ferry 
tit Thornton's, (then Lutwyche's) Ferry, and thence up 
the Souhegan River to Amherst ; thence to the ford- 
way tit Monson (now Milford village); thence on the 
south side of the river for the larger part of the way 
to Wilton, and thence to Peterborough by way of the 
notch in the mountains to the east of Peterborough ; 
thence by way of Dublin to Keene; thence up the 
valley of the Connecticut to Charleston. From Honton 
to Keene his route lay mostly through a wilderness, 
and this distance the regiment cut a road for the 
transportation of their baggage and provisions. 

Amherst and Peterborough were incorporated the 
year of Colonel Goffe's march through the county ; 
but there was no sufficient highway from Peterbor- 
ough to Amherst, the principal route of travel from 
Peterborough to the sea-coast being through the 
towns of Mason, and Townsend in Massachusetts. 
Wilton was not incorporated until two years Inter, 
ami Milford not until tin- year 1794. 

Colonel GofFe, though a man of war, was a thor- 
oughly religious man. He often officiated as chaplain 
in his regiment, and after his military career was 
ended, and he was a resident of Bedford, he sometimes 
officiated in the pulpit in the absence of the clergy- 
man of the town. He was the first judge of Probate 
for this county, and nitty justly be ranked with the 
prominent men of ante-Revolutionary times. 

Edward Goldstone Lutwyche, whose name appears 
as the second justice upon the roll, was an English 
gentleman not long in the country, at this time resid- 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY. NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Ing at Thornton's Ferry, then called, from the name < if 
its owner, Lutwyche Ferry. He was colonel of the 
regimen! at the breaking out of the War of the Revo- 
lution, huf on the Declaration of Independence joined 
the English and left the country. His name appears 
among the twenty -four whose e-iaos »nv . 
at the close <>t' the war. 

Captain John Hale, another of the justices, was a 
prominent citizen of Hollis. He held a military 
commission and represented his town in the General 
Court in 177.3; was a successful physician, having 
practiced his profession many years in Hollis; was 
surgeon in the army during the French and Indian 
and also the Revolutionary War. After serving his 
generation in two wars and in many years of peace, 
he died in the summer of 1791. 

Samuel Hobart, a colleagueof Hale, was a resident 
of Hollis; wa> register of deeds for this county from 
its organization to 1776, and its first treasurer. He 
frequently served the courts in the capacity of auditor 
and upon financial committees, and was the most 
practical business member of thecourt. While regis- 
ter of deeds he resided in Hollis, and during a por- 
tion of the time kept the registry at that place. 
He was also a member of the New Hampshire Com- 
mittee of Safety. 

Samuel Blodgett, another justice, was a resilient 
of what is now Manchester, at that time GofFstown ; 
was for many years at work upon a plan to put a 
canal around Amoskeag Falls. Having spent his 
own large fortune in the enterprise and failed, he 
subsequently obtained authority from the State to 
raise large sums of money by lottery to aid in the 
building of his locks and canal, and afterwards 
authority for a second lottery was granted, the pro- 
ceeds of which were to go towards the same object. 
Massachusetts afterwards gave him the same privilege 
and repeated the grant in 1806. After a prolonged 
struggle his enterprise was completed, and he had 
the satisfaction of seeing his work an acknowledged 
success. He was an active and useful member of 
this court, and a most striking example of untiring 
perseverance. 

John Shepherd, Jr., was a resident of Amherst at 
this time. In addition to many places of trust which 
he worthily filled, he is found in the year 1766 pre- 
siding at a town-meeting in Derryfield (now Manches- 
ter). It happened on this wise: a small minority of 
the legal voters had irregularly called a town-meeting 
and chosen a full complement of officers for the year 
in the absence of a large majority of the voters. The 
Governor and ( reneral Assembly, on petition, annulled 
the proceedings of this meeting, and ordered a new 
election, am! n special act authorized John Shep- 
herd, Jr.. of Amherst, to call a meeting of the lega 1 

voters of Derryfield, and to preside in tie ting 

until a full list of town officers was chosen. 

Reuben Kidder, another justice of this court, was 

if- inguished citizen of the town of New Ipswich, 



a large farmer and one of the most influential men of 
his neighborhood. He was the only justice in his 
town before the Revolution, having settled near the hill 
or mountain in New [pswich which hears his name. 
He maintained a style of living superior to most of 
his neighbors; having held two offices under the 
King, the War of the Revolution found him a mod- 
erate Tory; Imt the respectability of hischarai ter and 
the rectitude of his intentions saved him from arrest 
and imprisonment. 

Matthew Thornton was a justice of this court five 
years before he signed the Declaration of Indepen- 
di qci and before he became a resident of the county, 
(the law then not requiring a justice to reside in 
the county tor which he was commissioned). In 
1780 he came to Merrimack; was a physician in 
good standing, and visited professionally most of tin- 
towns in the county. In addition to the many promi- 
nent positions he occupied in the province and State, 
he was at one time chief justice of the Court of 
Common Pleas, and afterwards one of the judges of 
the Superior Court of Judicature. He died in the 
year 1803, at the age of eighty-eight, having written 
political essa\s for the press after he had completed 
his fourscore years. 

William Clark, of New Boston, engaged as sur- 
veyor of land, and the only man in town commis- 
sioned as justice of the peace by royal authority, 
was a member of this court. His sympathiesat first 
were not with the patriots, but after the Revolution 
he served his constituents in every position within 
their gift. 

Moses Nichols, one of the justices, was a native of 
Reading, Mass. He was a physician by pro- 
fession, and practiced many year- at Amherst; 
was appointed colonel of the Sixth Regiment in 
December, 177ti; was at Bennington under Starke. 
He was register of deeds for this county from 1776 
until his death. 

Wiseman Claggett, one of the justices, had been 
the King's solicitor-general, and left the office on ac- 
count of dissatisfaction with the home government. 
He came to Litchfield to reside in December, 1771; 
was an efficient prosecuting officer, attaching great 
consequence to his position ; was active in the Revo- 
lution, ranking among the foremost in zeal for the 
success of the colonists. He was made attorney-gene- 
ral of the State in 177o, and held the position until 
1783. 

Joshua Atherton, of Amherst, Mathew Patten, of 

Bedford, James Underw 1, of Litchfield, Robert 

Fletcher, of Dunstable, Noah Worcester, of Hollis, 
Francis Blood, of Temple. Zacheas Cutler, of New 
Boston, and other prominent citizens of the county 
were from time to time justices of this court. 

The course of business must have been different 
from the order pursued in most judicial tribunals, 
for among the rules promulgated tor the government 
of the court were the following: 



EARLY HISTORY AND ORGANIZATION OF COURTS. 



"II. That all sj lies intended lor ihe roml ]><■ addre^-ed to the 

president. 

" III. That i/vitv member speaking to the president shall <lo it stand- 
ing. 

" IV. Tliat no member speak twice upon any motion until every mem- 
ber has had an opportunity of speaking once." 

At the October term, 1771, the first grand jury ever 
empaneled in the futility was called. General John 
Shirk was "in 1 <>t the jury. < >ne indictment made up 
the sum total of the findings of the grand jury. The 
unfortunate individual by them presented answered 
to the name of Jonas Stepleton. He was brought 
to the bar, and being arraigned, pleaded guilty and 
threw himself upon the mercy (if the court. The 
mercy of the court was dealt out as follows: 

"It is ordered that the -aid Stopletoll he whipped 1\\ eiity -hipe- . . 1 1 I le 
naked back at the public whippingpost, between the horn's of one and 

two of the ..ftern of this :;d day of October, and that he pay N. ilium 

Baldwin, the owner of the goods stolen, forty-four pounds lawful money, 

being tenfold the value of the goods stolen (the g Is stolen being re" 

turned) and that in default of the payment of -aid tenfold damages and 
costs of prosecution, the said Nahnin Baldtn in be authorized to dispose ul 
the said Jonas in servitude to any of Hi- Majesties' subjects for the spai • 
■ from tin- d.ix 



In the Superior Court, a little later, one Kerf was 
convicted of arson, and received the following sen- 
tence : 

"It is therefore considered by the Court that the said Michael Keef 
i;- guilty, and il is ord. red and adjudged thai be sit one hour on the gal- 
lows with a rope round his neck and be whipped thirty stripes on bis 
naked hack, on Thursday, the tenth da \ ol June next, between l be hours 
of ten and twelve o'clock in the forenoon ; that he be imprisoned six 
months from the said tenth day of June, and give bonds for his good be- 
haviour in the sum of one hundred pounds, with two sureties in the sum 
of fifty pounds each, for the' space of two year- from the expiration of 

said six months, and pay the o>st> of prosecution, taxed at lime ] mis, 

Beven shillings and ten pence, anil stand committed till sentence be per 
formed." 

Benjamin Whiting, one of the committee appointed 
to look out tho place for a jail, was a resident of Hol- 
lis, and sheriff of the county at the time of its organi- 
zation. He adhered to the King, quitted the country 
on the breaking out of hostilities, was proscribed and 
forbidden to return and his estate was confiscated. 
He was a zealous officer of the King, as will appear 
by an account of some of his official doings, and was 
a representative man among the Tories of his time. 

Most of them were men appointed to office by the 
royal authority, and of course were in sympathy with 
the general purposes and objects of the government. 
In a word, like all honest office-holders, they believed 
in the administration, and had taken an oath to sup- 
port the laws of their country. May it not In- said 
that the Tories of the Revolution, with few exceptions, 
were right-minded men, fearful of change and consti- 
tutionally opposed to innovations? It seemed to 
them like desertion of a paternal government to 
make common cause with those who stood to them as 
rebels; they also doubted the ability of the colonists 
to achieve their independence, and were unwilling to 
put in jeopardy their fortunes in so hazardous an un- 



dertaking. The lapse of a century leaves them in a 
somewhat improved condition so far as the morality 
of their action is concerned. 

Sheriff Whiting had many obnoxious laws to 
execute, among others the statute giving every white 
pine tree from fifteen to thirty-six inches in diametei 
to the King, for the use of his royal navy ; every man 
in the province held his land subject to this incum- 
brance, ami severe penalties were inflicted upon indi- 
viduals who might use a stick of white pine within 
the proscribed diameter. 

There was a surveyor of the King's woods, with 
many deputies, who were naturally obnoxious to the 
people. The owner of land, before he commenced 
cutting, was by law compelled to employ the surveyor 
or deputy to mark the trees upon the premises fit for 
masts for the navy, and neglecting to do this, or being 
too poor to pay the surveyor his fees, the whole was 
forfeited to the King. 

Seizures and forfeitures were common wherever the 
pine-tree grew and mills had been erected. The 
greatest hostility prevailed against the officers execut- 
ing the law, and soon extended to the government. 
The execution of this law in the interior of the prov- 
ince was with the inhabitants of this county an ex- 
citing cause of the Revolution. 

In the winter of 1771 and 1772 an extensive seizure 
was made in the northern portion of the county. 
Although the pine is found in most towns in the 
southern part of the State, it was more abundant upon 
the Piscataquog River than in other places in this 
vicinity The great road from Manchester to East 
Weare, know-n even now as the Mast road, was origi- 
nally built to facilitate the transportation of masts 
from Goffstown, Weare, New Boston, Dunbarton and 
other towns to the Merrimack, to be floated down 
that stream to the ocean at Xewburyport. 

A deputy visited this locality in 1771 and 1772 and 
condemned a large amount of lumber in the mill- 
yards on the Piscataquog. They were libeled in the 
Admiralty Court at Portsmouth, and the owners cited 
to appear and show cause why they should not be 
forfeited. The citation was published in the New 
Hampshire Gazette of February 7, 1772, and called 
upon all persons claiming property in certain enu- 
merated white pine logs seized by order of the sur- 
veyor-general in < roffstown and Weare, in the prov- 
ince of New Hampshire, to appear at a < lourt of Vice- 
Admiralty to he held at Portsmouth, February 27, 
1772, and show cause why the logs should not he 
foil, it.. 1. The parties interested in the lumber seiz- 
ure -ul Samuel Blodgett, before spoken of as one of 
the justices of the Court of Sessions, to Portsmouth 
to effect a compromise. He made an arrangement by 
which the informations were to be withdrawn upon 
the payment of certain sums of money in each case. 
Blodgett was appointed agent to make this settlement, 
and was also made a deputy by the surveyor-general. 

Blodgett, upon his return, sent the offenders a note 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



saying that at the request of many of their number 
he had made a journey to Portsmouth and obtained 
leave to settle the complaints in a manner easy to the 
trespassers, informing them he was appointed a dep- 
uty of the surveyor, and calling upon them to settle 
with the King. 

A settlement was effected with all the owners of 
logs excepting those at Clement's Mills, in Weare ; 
they would make no compromise. Accordingly, com- 
plaints were made out against them and put into the 
hands of Benjamin Whiting, of Hollis, the sheriff of 
the county, for service. 

On the 13th of April, 1772, Mr. Whiting and his 
deputy, Mr. Quigley, proceeded to serve their warrants. 
One of the defendants was a Mr. Mudget, residing in 
Weare. Whiting arrested Mudget, who agreed to give 
bail next morning. Mudget, instead of getting bailin the 
usual way. collected a company of his friends during 
the night, and very early in the morning called upon 
the sheriff and told him his bail was ready. Mudget's 
friends were disguised. The officer had not dressed 
himself for the daj when they rushed upon him in 
his bed-chamber. He attempted to fire upon them, 
but was seized, disarmed and severely beaten. 

A more desperate encounter preceded the capture 
of Quigley. The horses of both were disfigured by 
the cropping of their ears, manes and tails. For a 
time the officers refused to mount these sorry-looking 
animals, and were helped into their saddles in no 
ceremonious way. 

Whiting and Quigley repaired at once to Colonels 
Goffe and Lutwyce, who at their request ordered out 
the posse eomitatus, and the force thus raised 
marched back to Clement's Mills. The rioters had 
taken to the woods and not a man of them could be 
found. One was afterwards arrested and lodged in 
jail; others gave bail for their appearcnce at court. 
Mudget and seven others, all citizens of Weare, were 
indicted, pleaded nolo contendere, and were lined by 
the court for this assault on Whiting. It was an un- 
justifiable resistance to an officer in the discharge of 
bis duty, and although the action of the government 
was oppressive, it was not the proper way in which to 
inaugurate a revolution. 

From this time forth the county was in a state of 
continual political excitement until the opening of 
the Revolutionary War. The last court record, made 
upon a half-sheet of crown foolscap, is as follows: 

" Ann. > llru'ni Io-_'i- eii Tertii. 

"July session, 1T7:> .lutiti.e- present, John Shepard, Jr., Bloses 
Nichols, Es.|S. 

" t.r.i nil Jin hi n 'i | : i -. ii!, William Bradford, Samuel linl ii' v, Will in iii 
McQuistin. 

" A in- M sty's Court "i General Sessions of tin- Peace, held at Am- 

hersl, in and for tin- ohiij!> of H1Iia.11r1.u-l1 uinl Province ot X.-w 
Hampshire, on the firet Thursdaj next foll..i\ in- tin- first Tuesday in 
July, 177".. said Coin! elect, .1 Mosc- Nichols, Esq., Clerk pro tem, and 
aiiji.mii.il >,ml Court ul' General Ses-ions of tile Peace to the first Thurs- 
day next following the first Tuesday of October next. 






i-, i I r : 1 



Only two justices present, — one presides, the other 
is clerk pro tempore. The court is adjourned to meet 
upon a certain day in his Majesty's name, but the 
coming of that day found the patriotic justices with 
business to their hands more congenial than holding 
court in the name of George III. 



CHAPTER II. 
THE BENCH AND BAR. 

Prior to the War of the Revolution there were 
but three members of the legal profession residing 
within the present limits of Hillsborough County. 
These were Hon. Wiseman Claggett, of Litchfield ; 
Hon. Ebenezer Champney, of New Ipswich; and 
Hon. Joshua Atherton, of Amherst. 

Hon. Wiseman Claggett was born at Bristol, 
England, in the month of August, 1721, and received 
an early and liberal education in that country. Hav- 
ing finished his academical studies, he became a stu- 
dent at the Inns of Court, qualified himself for the 
profession of the law, and titter going through a regu- 
lar course of preparatory studies, was admitted a bar- 
rister in the Court of King's Bench. 

A few years after his admission to the liar he 
crossed the Atlantic to the West Indies, settled in 
Antigua under very flattering circumstances, and was 
cordially received by the principal inhabitants of the 
island, particularly by a gentleman of fortune, who, 
as an inducement for him to remain there, settled on 
him a handsome annuity for life. He was appointed 
a notary public and secretary of the island. He dis- 
charged the duties of these offices with fidelity, and 
pursued his professional business there with success 
for several years, until the decease of his particular 
friend and patron. He then embarked for this coun- 
try, and settled in Portsmouth. He was admitted an 
attorney of the Superior Court at the next session 
after his arrival, and was soon after appointed a jus- 
tice of the peace. In the exercise of this office he 
was strict, severe and overbearing. For many years 
he was the principal acting magistrate in Portsmouth, 
and his name became proverbial. When one person 
threatened another with a prosecution, it was usual to 
say, " I will < 'lagged you." 

He received the appointment of King's attorney- 
general for the province in the year 1 7 < j 7 . He took 
tm early and decided pan in opposition to the oppress- 
ive acts of the British Parliament at a time when a 
considerable portion of his property was in the con- 
trol of the government. Previous to the Revolution 
he removed to Litchfield, where he possessed a large 
ami valuable estate on the banks of the Merrimack. 
He represented that town and Derryfield, classed 



THE BENCH AND BAR. 



with it, several years in the General Court. Being 
omitted one year, the towns of Merrimack and Bedford 
elected him for their representative, although not an 
inhabitant of either of those places. He always re- 
tained a grateful remembrance of this mark of confi- 
dence and respect, and frequently spoke of it with 
pleasure. He was for some time a member of the 
Committee of Safety, and was active, attentive and 
useful. He was influential in framing and carrying 
into effect the temporary form of government which 
was first adopted in New Hampshire, under which 
the office of solicitor-general was created, and Mr. 
Claggett was the only person who ever had that 
appointment; the office ceased at the adoption 
of the constitution, in 1784, a little previous to his 
death. 

He possessed a great flow of wit, which, accompa- 
nied by his social talents and learning, made him an 
agreeable companion. He was also distinguished for 
his classical knowledge. He wrote the Latin language 
with ease and elegance and spoke it with fluency. 
He had a fine taste for poetry, and munyjeux d'esprit, 
the productions of his pen, have been preserved by 
his friends. He did not possess a perfect equanimity 
of temper, but was subject at times to great depres- 
sion of spirits. He died at Litchfield the 4th of De- 
cember, 1784, in the sixty-fourth year of his age. 

Ebenezer Champney ' was born at Cambridge in 
174:!, and was educated at Harvard University, re- 
ceiving the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1762. He 
was at first designed for the ministry, and to that end 
studied divinity and preached two years. He re- 
ceived a call to settle in Township No. 1 (now Mason) ; 
this was declined, and soon after, he left this profes- 
sion for that of the law. He prepared himself for 
this vocation in the office of Hon. Samuel Livermore, 
and was admitted to the bar at Portsmouth, N. H., in 
1768. In June of the same year he removed to New 
Ipswich, and entered upon the duties of his profes- 
sion. In the spring of 1783, Mr. Champney went to 
Groton, where he remained until 1789, was represent- 
ative in 1784, when he returned to New Ipswich. 
His first commission as justice of the peace was re- 
ceived from the celebrated Governor John Hancock, 
of Massachusetts. 

In 1795 he was appointed judge of Probate for the 
county of Hillsborough. The duties of this office 
were appropriately discharged until his resignation, 
a few months before his death. 

Judge Champney married, first, a daughter of Rev. 
Caleb Trowbridge, of Groton, in 1764, which con- 
nected him with the distinguished families of Cottons 
and Mathers. By this marriage he had seven chil- 
dren, three of whom died in infancy. He became a 
widower in 177o, and was married again, in 1778, to 
Abigail Parker, by whom he had four children. She 
died in 1790, and he was again married, in March, 



'Hi6toryof New Ipswich.' 



1796, to Susan Wyman, who died the Septcmbei fol- 
lowing. 

Judge Champney was a man of very respectable 
talents, and exercised no inconsiderable influence in 
the vicinity. During the earlier years of his practice 
he was the only lawyer between Keene and Groton, 
and had offices both at New Ipswich and the latter 
place, in conjunction with his son. The labor of at- 
tending the courts at that period was very great, the 
circuit being extensive, and all journeys were neces- 
sarily performed on horseback. 

During the controversy between the colonies and 
the mother-country the sentiments of Mr. Champney 
were adverse to those extreme measures that led to 
the Revolution. He was a moderate Tory, and dep- 
recating a resort to arms, believed that with prudent 
and moderate counsels all causes of disaffection might 
be satisfactorily adjusted. He wished to preserve 
his loyalty and the peace of the country; but, like 
many others who forebore to take part in the contest, 
he lived to acknowledge the beneficent effects of that 
struggle which gave us our liberties and free institu- 
tions. 

He died on the 10th of September, 1810, at the age 
of sixty-seven. 

HON. JOSHUA ATHEBTON 2 was born in Harvard, 
Mass., June 20, 1737. He numbered among his class- 
mates at Harvard, Elbridge Gerry, Jeremy Belknap 
and other distinguished men. While residing in 
Litchfield and Merrimack he was intimate with Colo- 
nel Lutwyche, a retired colonel of the British army, a 
man of means, of refined tastes, acquainted with the 
world and used to good society. 

Having received the appointment of register of 
Probate for Hillsborough County, Mr. Atherton re- 
moved from Merrimack to Amherst in the summer of 
1773, and was soon busily engaged in the practice of 
his profession. In a short time, however, as the dis- 
pute between the mother-country and her American 
colonies increased in bitterness, as he was an open 
and avowed Loyalist, he fell under the popular dis- 
pleasure. 

In common with many other well-informed men of 
his time, he was not insensible of the wrongs inflicted 
upon the colonies by the British government, but 
saw no prospect of their redress by an appeal to arms. 
His profession, too, was an unpopular one, and it was 
an easy matter for the leaders in the new movement 
to excite the people against him. It is also notice- 
able that much of the persecution to which he was 
subjected bad its origin in towns adjoining Amherst, 
rather than among his townsmen. 

In 1788 he was chosen a delegate to the convention 
to ratify or reject the proposed constitution of the 
United States. Acting upon his own convictions of 
right and the instructions of his constituents, he op- 
posed its ratification. 



- C"inlen*e.:l from Secomh's " History of Amherst.* 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



In 1702 he was appointed a delegate to the conven- 
tion called to revise the state constitution adopted in 
1783. After several sessions the work of this con- 
vention resulted in the amended constitution adopted 

'"} the i pie in 1702. which remained unchanged for 

nearly sixty years. 

In L793and 1794 he served as Senator in the State 
Legislature, and in the latter year received the ap- 
pointment of attorney -general of the State At this 
time many young nun resorted to his office for in- 
struction in their chosen profession, William Plunur. 
William Coleman (afterward of the New York Even- 
ing Post) and William Gordon being among the num- 
ber. 

After the new administration of the affairs of tin- 
country under the Federal government had gone into 
operation, and had exhibited proofs of a steady, wise 
and firm rule over the whole country, he became one 
of its firmest supporters. 

In 1798 he was appointed a Commissioner for the 
county of Hillsborough, under the aei passed l>\ ('un- 
pen 9th July of that year, providing for the valua- 
tion of lands, dwelling-houses, etc., in the United 
States, with a view to levying and collecting direct 
taxes for the support of government. This act was 
an exceedingly unpopular one, and his acceptance of 
office under it revived all the old ill-will against him. 
He, however, discharged the duties of the office, and 
had the honor of being hung in effigy at Deering. 
His health and mental vigor becoming impaired, he 
resigned the office of attorney-general in 1800, and 
thenceforth devoted himself to the pursuits of a pri- 
vate citizen. 

Hon. Clifton Claggett 1 studied law under the 
direction of his father and commenced practice in 
Litchfield in 17S7. whence lie removed to Amherst in 
1811. While' residing in Litchfield he represented 
the town in the General Court several years. In 1802, 
1816 and 181S he was elected a Representative to 
Congress. In 1810 he was appointed judge of Probate 
for Hillsborough County, and held the office until 
September, 1812, when, having been appointed one of 
the judges of the Superior < lourt, lie resigned. From 
this last office he was removed, upon the reorganiza- 
tion of the court, by the Federal party the following 
year. 

In 1823 he was appointed judge of Probate for the 
county of Hillsborough, and held the office until his 
death. 

Dr. John Farmer wrote of him : " Without any com- 
manding powers, hut with the possession of respecta- 
ble attainments. Judge ( 'laggott gave his constituents, 
and the public generally, that satisfaction which has 
not always been imparted by those of higher acquisi- 
tions, or bj those of the most popular and splendid 
talents." 

Hon. Samuel Dana was horn in what is now 

i By Daniel F. Sei omh. 



Brighton, .Mass.. January 14. 1739. He graduated 
from Harvard, and in 1781 was admitted to the Hills- 
borough bar. He resided in Amherst. 

In November, 1782, he was chosen a delegate to the 
convention which framed the constitution of the 
State. Shortly after the adoption of the constitution 
he was appointed a justice of the Inferior Court of 
Common Pleas, but declined toaccept the office. In 
17V> In- was appointed register of Probate for Hills- 
borough County, and held the office until January 9, 
1780. when he was appointed judge of Probate. This 
office he resigned December 21, 1702. saying, in the 
letter conveying his resignation, that "for the sup- 
port of my family I am obliged to practice as an 
attorney, and there is danger that I may not always 
be able to distinguish between a fee to the attorney 
and a bribe to the judge." 

In 1793 he was chosen to the State Senate to rill a 
vacancy caused by the resignation of Hon. Joshua 
Atherton. He died April 2. 1798. 

Charles Humphrey Atherton, son of Joshua 
Atherton, born in Amherst, graduated at Harvard 
College in 1794; read law with Joshua Atherton and 
William Gordon ; commenced practice in 1707; Re- 
presentative in Congress 1815-17 ; register of Probate 
1798-1837; died January 8, 1853. 

He occupied a prominent place in the Hillsborough 
County bar for nearly fifty years. He was a prudent 
and judicious counselor and a faithful advocate. As 
a Probate lawyer he had lew equals and no superiors 
in the State. 

He represented the town of Amherst in the' reneral 
Court in 1823, 1838 and 1839, and served many years 
on the superintending school committee of the town, 
ever manifesting a deep interest in the prosperity of 
its common schools. 

Franklin Pierce' was born at Hillsborough, 
N. H., November 23, 1804. His lather. I General Ben- 
jamin Pierce, served throughout the Revolutionary 
War, and in 1827 and 1820 was Governor of New 
Hampshire. The early youth of Franklin Pierce ex- 
hibited great mental promise, and it was the aim of 
his family that his education should lie thorough. 
His initiatory and academical courses took place at 
Hancock, Francestown and Exeter, and in 1820 he 
entered college at Bowdoin, -Me., where Rev. Dr. 
Stone, Nathaniel Hawthorne, John P. Hall. James 
Bell and others no less celebrated subsequently, were 
his classmates. He took his degree in 1824 and 
spent the three following years in the study of law, 
at North Hampton, Mas>.. and Amherst. In 1827 
he was admitted to the bar, and opened his office in 
his native town, where his success was speedy and 
great, largely because his application was equal to his 
ability. It was earlj seen in his career that he 
would attain the very highest local celebrity, — a con- 
viction that was ultimatclv f'ullv realized. While so 




'fi 



77?&/i«y. • 



THE BENCH AND B \\\. 



earnestly applying himself to his duties as a lawyer 
he espoused himself with great zeal to the cause of 
Democratic principles, and during the second year of 
his legal practice, and for two subsequent years, he 
was chosen to represent Hillsborough in the State 
Legislature. In 1832 and 18:;:: he was also Representa- 
tive and Speaker of the House. This and associate 
honors were not won by any underhand action, but 
by a firm adherence to political principle, eloquence 
in debate, unquestioned capacity for public business, 
uniform courtesy and an exhibition of frankness and 
manliness of character. In the second year of his 
incumbency as speaker, being then in his twenty- 
ninth year, he was elected to represent his native 
district in the United States Congress, which lie did 
in that and the succeeding Congress with much 
ability and credit. 

In 1837 he was chosen by the Legislature to repre- 
sent New Hampshire in the United States Senate, 
and his statesmanship was such as to be the subject 
of universal encomiums among men of all parties. 
Though one of the youngest, he was one of the most 
influential of that then nio*t distinguished body. 
Few public men had such power as he in making 
friends, and very few had a wider circle of admirers. 
From causes ofapurely personal and domestic nature. 
Senator Pierce resigned his office in 1842, and came 
home to Concord, where he had removed his family 
some years previously, and resumed his profession as 
a lawyer. In 1845, owing to the vacancy in the 
United States Senate caused by the appointment 
of Hon. Levi Woodbury to the Superior bench, 
the successorship was offered by Governor John 
Steele to Mr. Pierce, but was gratefully declined. He 
also declined the nomination for Governor of the 
State and a seat in the Cabinet of President Polk. 
In his declinatory letter to the President he said that 
when he left the Senate he did so with the fixed pur- 
pose never again to be voluntarily separated from his 
family for any considerable time, except at the call of 
his country in time of war. When the Mexican War 

broke out, in 1S47, a battali f soldiers was called 

for from New Hampshire, and Mr. Pierce was among 
the very first to enlist as a private soldier, and one of 
the most earnest in the ranks at drill. He was com- 
missioned March .'!, 1*47. as brigadier-general, and 
sailed with a detachment from Newport, R. I., and 
landed at Vera Cruz on the following 28th of June. 
He left Vera Cruz with his brigade lor the Mexican 
interior the succeeding month to reinforce General 
Scott. On the way, with his two thousand four hun- 
dred men, several severe skirmishes with guerrillas 
took place, in all of which the enemy was defeated. 
He carried his force, losing very few men, to Pu- 
ebla, where they joined the army of the command- 
ing general. Contreras, Cherubusco, Molino and 
Chapultepec were hard-fought fields, on which 
he liberally shared the honors of victory, as the 
official reports of these actions abundantly and 



creditably show. An eminent military otlicer, in re- 
viewing the history of these struggles and the merits 
of the leaders therein, says : " 1 have reason to believe 
that every old otlicer in the army will sustain me 
when I say of General Pierce that in his service in 
Mexico he did his duty as a son of the republic, that 
he was eminently patriotic and gallant, and that it 
has added a laurel to his beautiful civic wreath." It 
would be unjust to his memory to neglect mentioning 
In- remarkable regard for the comfort ami health of 
the men under his command; with untiring vigi- 
lance and open hand he administered without stint 
or measure to the alleviation id' their privations and 
their sufferings. In 1847, when peace with Mexico 
was assured, General Pierce returned home to meet 
the welcome of his many friends and to realize the 

highest h rs they could bestowupon him. Among 

them was the presentation of a splendid sword by 
the State Legislature, as a token of esteem for him as 
a man and of his gallantry as a soldier. From the 
period of his return from Mexico up to 1852 he de- 
voted himself to his profession, his principal political 
action being his presiding at the Constitutional ( ^in- 
vention of the State, which met at Concord in L850. 
Some that are now alive, and were present in court at 
Manchester, in May, 1850, will never forget the won- 
derful eloquence, the powerful logic and the amazing 
legal skill which he exercised preceding the acquittal 
of both the Wcntworths, of Saco, Me., charged with 
the murder of Jonas Parker, in Manchester, in 1845. 
As an orator, he presented his thoughts in a style that 
would do credit to any age or nation. His remarks 
on the death of Daniel Webster are unexcelled in the 
English language. In 1852 the New Hampshire 
State Democratic Convention recommended him as a 
candidate for the Presidency ; but he declined, for 
reasons modestly assigned by himself, to allow his 
name to be used in that relation. However, the Na- 
tional Democratic Convention, which met in Balti- 
more in June of 1852, after forty-nine ballot-, gave 
him the nomination by a vote of two hundred and 
eighty-two against eleven. The enthusiasm demon- 
strated all over the nation in favor of General Pierce 
was unprecedented, and the result of the campaign 
was his election over General Scott, the Whig candi- 
date, the Pierce electoral vote being two hundred 
and fifty-four and that for Scott forty-two. 

President Pierce was inaugurated at Washington 
March 4, 1853. he being then in his forty-ninth year. 

He had called to aid him a Cabinet C posed of men 

of rare ability. A member of thatcabinet has truth- 
fully said, — 

" Tbe administration ■■! Franklin Pierce presents the only instance in 

' il'i i :■■ l.in \,mi- uifliouta single 

c1i.mil:.- it. n- . - ■ w tie remembered that there was much 

itj.-.-iiiiil.ilit>. it li. ■! ill- -'11^111 1 ly, ■■! . hin.i. 1. I imi.-li- tin- men il mts ot tlntt 

c.iMimi. - .hm- !■!■ .i ina> I't- !'■■ •! "i [lie p iwer over men pose ssed and 

exercised bj Mr Pierce Chivalrous, generous, amiable, on* lo bie 
fooriil- and to bis faith, frank ami ho]. I in t.i- .!.■< limit ion of liis opinions, 
tie neve] deceived any om-. Ainl if ir.-.-nln-ry Innl e ver come near him, 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



the presence of his truth, bis maulinese 

Among the more important events of his adminis- 
tration were the dispute respecting the boundary be- 
tween the United States and Mexico, resulting in the 
acquisition of Arizona: the exploration of the routes 
proposed for a railroad from the Mississippi to the 
Pacific ; the amicable settlement of a serious dispute 
with Great Britain about the fisheries; the affair of 
Martin Kozta; the repeal of the Missouri Compro- 
mise; the organization of the Territories of Kansas 
and Nebraska; the Ostend conference; the treaty 
negotiated at Washington providing for commercial 
reciprocity between this country and the Canadian 
provinces ; the treaty with Japan negotiated in 1864 
by Commodore Perry ; the dismissal of the British 
minister at Washington and the British consuls at 
New York. Philadelphia and Cincinnati. While 
much political agitation marked the term of his of- 
fice, still it was a period of remarkable prosperity to 
the nation. President Pierce's devotion to his coun- 
try ami tiag was never shaken or impaired by any 
misrepresentation or abuse on the part of his politi- 
cal enemies. In public and in private life his speeches 
ami correspondence evince a sincere sympathy witli 
the Union and a devotion to the principles of the 
Union, to which he had been from childhood a most 
earnest and sincere advocate. 

On retiring from the Presidential chair, and after a 
brief sojourn at home, he visited Europe and trav- 
eled extensively over Great Britain and the continent. 
Everywhere he was received with marked attention 
and respect, although he eschewed all ostentation. 
He returned after an absence of about three years and 
devoted himself almost entirely to the duties of a 
common citizen. Socially, no man had more or 
deeper respect than he, during the period spent by 
him in political retirement. He was beloved by 
young and old, and there was no partisan limit to that 
affection. 

President Pierce died childless. His wife was 
Mary A. Appleton, who gave him two sons, Benjamin 
and Frank ; the latter died when but a child, and Ben- 
jamin was killed in a railroad accident near Andover, 
Mass., soon after his lather's election as President. 
Mrs. Pierce died in 1863, and President Pierce passed 
away < Ictober 9, 1869. The event was a universal 
cause for mourning; high honors, local and national, 
were paid to his memory. The family lie buried in 
the beautiful new cemetery at Concord, N. H. 

Hon. Charles Gordon Atherton ' was born at 
Amherst, in Hillsborough County, N. H., July 4, 
1804. He graduated at Cambridge University, in 
1818, with unusual reputation for ability and scholar- 
ship at an early age. He studied law in the office of 
his distinguished father, Hon. Charles H. Atherton, 
was admitted to the bar at the age of twenty-one and 

i l'.v Hon. L. B. Cluu^li. 



established himself in business in the town of Dun- 
stable (now Nashua), in his native county. In his 
profession his success was decided and his rise rapid. 
His mind, clear, logical and strong, with the ballast of 
excellent common sense, the adornments of a quick, 
fancy and a cultivated taste, was admirably adapted 
to the studies and the labors of the law. So far as 
was permitted by the interruptions of political life, 
he continued to the last in the active practice of his 
chosen profession. As a lawyer, it is not too much to 
say of him that he stood in the front rank of a bar 
which has always been fruitful of legal strength and 
acumen ; his place was side by side with such com- 
peers as Pierce, Woodbury, Parker, Bartlett and Bell 
—following, but not unworthily, in the path of those 
earlier "giants of the law," Webster, Mason and 
Jeremiah Smith. 

In 1830 he commenced his public career as a Repre- 
sentative from Nashua in the New Hampshire Legis- 
lature, and continued in this office for a period of 
several years. He was Speaker of the House of Rep- 
resentatives for the last three of those years. In 
March, 1837, he was chosen one of the Representatives 
of New Hampshire in the national Congress, where 
he remained for three successive terms, At the ex- 
piration of that period he was transferred to the 
Senate of the United States for the term of six years ; 
successor to John P. Hale at being re-elected to the 
Senate in March, 1853, occupying a seat in that body 
during the executive session succeeding the inaugura- 
tion of President Pierce. He was also a member of 
the Baltimore Convention which nominated General 
Pierce for the Presidency. Mr. Atherton died Novem- 
ber 15, 1853. 

Hon. Charles Frederick Gove, A.M., 2 the son 
of Dr. Jonathan anil Polly (Dow) (Jove, was born at 
Goffstown, May 13, 1793. He graduated at Dartmouth 
College in 1817; read law at Harvard Law School, 
graduating LL.B. in 1820; began practice in Goffs- 
town; was assistant clerk of the New Hampshire 
House of Representatives in 1829; represented Gotis- 
town there in 183(1, 1831, 1832, 1833 and 1834; was in 
the New Hampshire Senate, and elected its president 
in June, 1835 ; solicitor of Hillsborough County from 
1XM4 to 1835, when he was appointed attorney-general 
and .served until 1842, and circuit judge of the Court 
of Common Picas from 1842 to 1848; then became 
superintendent of the Nashua and Lowell Railroad. 
He removed from Goflstown to Nashua in 1839; mar- 
ried Mary Kennedy, daughter of Ziba Gay, of Nashua, 
September 22, 1844. He died at Nashua, October 21, 
1856, aged sixty-three years. He was a man of great 
energy of mind and character, but unfortunately pos- 
sessed of a feeble constitution. John Gove, D.C., was 
bis half-brother. 

Judge Gove, in private and public life, sustained 
the character of an upright, honorable man. Ever of 



= Bj- Hon. L. B. Clough. 



THE BENCH AND BAR. 



a slender constitution, yet his industry and energy led 
him to fill the various public offices with which he 
was honored with credit to himself and to the general 
acceptation of the public. He was equally firm in 
his friendship and in his enmity. 

Hon. Samuel H. Ayer, 1 son of Dr. Aver, was 
born in Eastport, Me., in the year 1810. He gradu- 
ated at Bowdoin College in 1839, and afterwards com- 
menced the study of law in the office of Messrs. Pierce 
& Fowler, at Concord. He was admitted to prac- 
tice in Hillsborough County, and opened an office 
at Hillsborough in 1842. For five successive years he 
represented the town of Hillsborough, from 1845 to 
1849, the last two years of this time being Speaker of 
the House of Representatives. In 1847 he was ap- 
pointed solicitor of the county of Hillsborough, and 
successfully performed the duties of said office until 
his death. 

He removed to Manchester in 1850, and opened an 
office in connection with B. F. Ayer. Although of the 
same name, he was not related by blood to B. F. Ayer. 
In 1852 he was one of the commission for revising the 
statutes of the State, and in connection with the late 
Governor Metcalf and Calvin Ainsworth, in June, 
1853, submitted their compilation to the Legislature, 
known as the " Compiled Statutes." He was a pleas- 
ing and effective speaker, frank, generous and just, 
and wiin the esteem of all who knew him. Hon. S. 
H. Ayer died October 4, 1853, aged thirty-four years. 

Hon. George W. Morrison. 2 — The family of 
Morrison was originally of Scotland, a branch of 
which emigrated to the north of Ireland about the 
middle of the fifteenth century, and settled in Lon- 
donderry. 

" Charter " Samuel, so called because he was one of 
the grantees of Londonderry, N. H., was among the 
first settlers of that town. He was there as early as 
1721, and signed the petition for a charter. 

James Morrison, father of George W., was born in 
Londonderry, N. H., in 1781, and removed with his 
father, Samuel, grandson of Charter Samuel, to Fair- 
lee, Vt., about the year 1791. When quite young he 
was apprenticed to a carpenter and joiner, served his 
time faithfully, learned his trade and learned it well, 
and after his emancipation, followed the business in- 
dustriously for many years. 

With the proceeds of his labor he purchased a farm 
at Fairlee, to which, during the latter years of his 
life, he devoted his principal attention. Physically., 
he was a noble specimen of a man ; had a good figure, 
very strongly built, and weighed more than two hun- 
dred pounds. He possessed a well-balanced' mind, 
sound judgment and a vigorous understanding. He 
died in full strength at sixty, without an infirmity or 
even a grey hair upon him. In 1802 he married 
Martha Pelton, daughter of John Pelton, of Lyme, 
N. H. She was a lady of excellent understanding, 



1 By Hon. L. B. Clough. 



■ By David P. Per 



modest and retiring in her manners, managed her 
household with great discretion and good sense, and 
bestowed upon her family of nine children all the 
wealth of a mother's love. She died at Fairlee, July 
14, 1870, aged eighty-seven years. 

Hon. George W. Morrison, the second son of James 
and Martha, was born in Fairlee, Vt., October 1.6, 
1809, lived with his parents and worked on their 
home farm until the fall of 1830, when he entered i lie 
Academy of Thetford, and continued there a little 
more than four months, thus completing his academic 
course of study. He then entered the office of Judge 
Simeon Short, of Thetford, as a student-at-law, and 
read with him and Presburg West, Jr., in all about 
four years. But while he was pursuing his legal 
studies in the offices of Judge Short and Mr. West, he 
was accustomed to return to the farm and assist his 
father in haying and harvesting. Reaping was his 
special delight. No man within the circle of his 
acquaintance, either in Vermont or New Hampshire, 
could excel him in the use of the sickle. His father 
was a man of small means ; he had a large family to 
support ; money was scarce, and George, who was his 
chief dependence in carrying forward his farm-work, 
from a sense of filial duty, rendered him all the assist- 
ance in his power. At the same time he supported 
himself by teaching school during the winter months, 
and by hard labor at night in a saw-mill, in the 
spring of the year. Sawing logs commanded better 
wages than teaching in the village school. 

Mr. Morrison was an ambitious young man, am- 
bitious for success in all his laudable undertakings, 
and always took the advantage of every means in his 
power for improvement. By the laws of Vermont, 
when he was a student, a justice court was entitled to 
a jury panel of six. Before such a tribunal he often 
successfully appeared, even while he was a teacher in 
the common schools, in the defense of some unlucky 
yeoman. And so, while he was a teacher one winter 
in Western New York, he gained quite a reputation 
as a successful practitioner in the justice courts. 

Such were his preparations for the great duties and 
responsibilities of his professional and political life. 
His mental endowments were of a high order, among 
the most apparent of which were his keen perceptions 
and his self-reliance. As a student-at-law, in the 
practice of his profession, in his addresses to the jury 
or the court, on the hustings, in the State Legislature 
and in the halls of Congress his self-reliance never 
forsook him. 

At the June session of 1835 the Orange County 
Court was holden at Chelsea, and Mr. Morrison had 
the sole charge of Mr. West's extensive business, and 
tried without assistance every case, with one excep- 
tion. It was at this term he made application for 
examination, pursuant to admission. He had flatter- 
ing certificates from both gentlemen with whom he 
had read, but on their presentation objections were 
made by some of the young gentlemen of the bar, on 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



the ground that the applicant had not complied with 
the rule-, having read leas than five years. Judge 
Nutting, author of Nutting's Grammar, used exten- 
sively in the schools, an accomplished scholar and 
distinguished lawyer, replied that the young man had 
not asked for admission to the bar, but for examina- 
tion ; and as Mr. Morrison believed he possessed a 
sufficient knowledge of the law to. justify him in sub- 
mitting to an examination as to his qualifications, he 
thought that so reasonable a request ought to be 
granted. 

Judge Parker, of Bradford, thereupon moved that a 
committee of three be appointed for such examina- 
tion. The motion prevailed, and Judge Nutting, 
Judge Parker and Mr. Ordway were chosen. 

The committee held three sessions, of two hours 
each, and gave Mr. Morrison a most thorough and 
searching examination, which he passed triumph- 
antly, and on submitting their report to the bar, he 
was unanimously admitted. 

Before entering upon the practice of his profession 
lie traveled somewhat extensively in New York, 
Pennsylvania, New Hampshire and Maine, and on 
his way home from the latter State to Vermont, he 
Stopped awhile at Amoskeag Falls, in Manchester. 
Its immense water-power attracted his attention. In 
conversation with some of the leading citizens, he 
was informed that a company of Boston capitalists 
hail recently purchased large tracts of land upon both 
shies. if the river, with the view of building up ex- 
tensive manufacturing interests. He saw clearly a 
flourishing manufacturing town springing up in the 
immediate future, as by magic, holding out singular 
attract inns to a young and ambitious lawyer. Acting 
upon his own judgment, with reference to its capacity 
and business prospects, he decided to make Man- 
chester his permanent resilience and grow up with 
the town. It was in the summer of 183(5 that he took 
up his residence at Amoskeag, and opened an office 
in an old school-house, near the west end of McGreg- 
gor's bridge, the only bridge at that time across the 
Merrimack River within the present limits of Man- 
chester and about half-way between the two villages 
of Amoskeag and Piscataquog. At that time there 
were four lawyers at S<ptog(so called) of some distinc- 
tion, and two at Gotl'stown. One of these old lawyers, 
who had been in constant practice thirty years, often 
met Mr. Morrison in the justice courts, anil at first 
treated him with contumely and reproach, called him 
a beardless boy, who had received his education in 
the pastures of Vermont, and now presumed to prac- 
tice law in the courts of New Hampshire; but a few 
lessons of sarcasm, a weapon Mr. Morrison knew well 
how to use with terrible effect, silenced his antagonist, 
and ever after inspired him with the most profound 
respect. 

Mr. Morrison did what little business came in his 
way during the summer and fall, and in the winter 
taught the village school. The next spring people 



flocked in from all the surrounding country, the town 
was rapidly built up. and he removed his office from 
the old school-house to the east side of the river, and 
has continued to reside in and make Manchester his 
home till the present time. He was a constant at- 
tendant when the court was in session, whether he 
hail business or otherwise; this particularly attracted 
lie- attention of Hon. Mark Farley, who asked, " Why 
he was always in court'.'" "To cure the evils of a 
defei ii\e education," responded Mr. Morrison. 

On the 5th of November, 1838, he married Miss 
Maria L. Fitch, of Thetford, Vt., a lady of culture 
and refinement, daughter of the Hon. Lyman Pitch, 
for many years a county judge in Orange County, 
afterwards, and until his death, a prominent citizen 
of Lyme, N. H. 

Business now poured into his office, and he at once 
took a front rank among the ablest lawyers of the 
State at the New Hampshire bar. Early in the 
practice of his profession he was accustomed to meet 
as antagonists such men as Franklin Pierce, Charles 
( i. Atherton, Samuel D. Bell, James U. Parker, Mark 
Farley, Daniel Clark and many others distinguished 
tbr their character and ability, and it can safely be 
said, "It is no disparagement to any of the eminent 
men whom he met at the bar in the different counties 
of the State, that, as a jury lawyer, he was one of the 
most successful practitioners in his time in the courts 
oi New Hampshire." 

Among the distinguished men of New Hampshire, 
Charles O. Atherton stood high, both as a lawyer and 
statesman. In 1850, at a term ofthe court for Hillsbor- 
ough County, holdcn at Manchester, an important case 
was tried before the jury, in which Mr. Morrison and 
Mr. Atherton were engaged as opposing counsel. The 
trial lasted several days. At last it was concluded ; 
the arguments were made and the case was submitted 
to the jury, after which Mr. Atherton invited the 
writer of this sketch to accompany him to his rooms. 
Now, Mr. Atherton was an exceedingly gifted con- 
versationalist. On reaching his chambers at the ho- 
tel, he asked, "What will be the verdict in this 
case? Which party, in your judgment, will be likely 
to win?" The response was, "I think the chances 
are in favor of Mr. Morrison." " 1 am inclined to the 
same opinion," was Mr. Atherton's reply, and then 
continued: "When Mr. Morrison commenced prac- 
tice at the Hillsborough bar I watched him closely, 
and at first entertained strong doubts as to his success 
in his profession. He commenced the practice of the 
law under three great disadvantages, — ill health, a de- 
fective education and poverty; but on my first ac- 
quaintance with him I particularly noticed his self- 
reliance. Nothing that occurred at the bar escaped 
his attention, for he was uniformly in attendance. 
Soon he commenced the trial of cases ; his examina- 
tion of witnesses was thorough and exhaustive, his 
perceptions were clear, his arguments logical and 
condensed, and he had the wonderful faculty to seize 



THE BENCH AND BAR. 



the strong points of his case, and so present them to 
the jury that he seldom failed to win the verdict. If 
he happened to make a mistake as to the rules of evi- 
dence, the law or its application, he was sure not to 
repeat it. 1 soon made up my mind that he was no 
common man, that he was bound to rise, and he did 
rise rapidly, not alone in my estimation, but in the 
estimation of the people of the county and of the 
State. And now he stands at the head of the bar. 
And I tell you in all sincerity that I have never met 
the man in our courts, in the House of Representatives, 
or in the Senate of the United States I more fear, or 
have greater cause to fear as an antagonist, than as 
such I fear to meet George W. Morrison." 

In the practice of his profession he was true to his 
client; especially was he the friend of the poor man, 
and. apparently, would work harder to win the case 
for his client when he had no reason to expect ade- 
quate compensation than for the rich client who was 
abundantly able and willing to pay liberally. Mr. 
Morrison, in the best sense, was a man of the people, — 
easy in his manners and simple in his tastes; unos- 
tentatious in bis intercourse with all, looked down 
upon no man, but treated everyone on terms of equal- 
ity ; generous to a fault, ever ready to extend the 
helping hand to those who needed help. It is no 
wonder that such a man should at once build up and 
maintain a lucrative business, and become one of the 
most popular men in his profession. He had been 
accustomed to athletic sports from his boyhood, and 
when a young man took peculiar pleasure in a wrest- 
ling match, in which he often participated. To lay 
him upon his back required not only well-developed 
muscle, but generous practice and scientific knowledge. 
Hon. Moses Norris was a man of powerful physique, and 
in his prime weighed two hundred and twenty-five 
pounds, whi'eMr. Morrison scarcely ever exceeded one 
hundred and fifty. Though comparatively of slight 
figure, he was wiry and very elastic. They were warm 
personal and political friends, and in familiar conver- 
sation often addressed each other respectively by their 
given names. 

On the 4th of July, 1854, both gentlemen were at 
Washington, 1>. C, — Mr. Norris a United Stat. -s Sen- 
ator and Mr. Morrison a member of the House of 
Representatives. The Fourth was a holiday, and 
Congress was not in session. The writer was with 
them at his rooms on Capitol Hill ; no other person was 
present. The Senator, in course of conversation, hap- 
pened to speak of a certain occasion upon which he 
had exhibited his great strength, to the surprise of 
the bystanders. Mr. Morrison playfully replied, 
" Mosee, 1 could lay you out so easily that you 
wouldn't know how it was done." "Nonsense!" 
responded the Senator ; " why, George, I could throw 
you over my head without an effort." " More easily 
said than done," replied Mr. Morrison. Then, like 
two grown-up boys, they took each other at arms- 
length, and soon commenced to wrestle in good earn- 



est. Mr. Morrison, fully on his guard, waited and 
watched the chances for a certain inside lock, the 
advantages of which he well understood. By-and-by 

he had the Senator in the desired position, and in- 
stantly dropping upon the right knee, he laid Mr. 
Norris uiion his back without any apparent exertion. 
The Senator sprang to his feet, and said, " That was 
handsomely done, George. How in the world did 
you do it ? I did not believe there was a man in 

Washington who could throw ." 

Mr. Morrison was elected to the State Legislature, 
and served during the years of 1840, 1841, 1844, 1849 
and 1850. He was one of the most active, useful and 
efficient members, and his influence was such tin' last 
years of his service that he usually carried the House 
with him on all the more important measures. He 
served one year as chairman of the committee on 
incorporations, and four years on the judiciary com- 
mitter, two of which be was chairman. In 1849 a 
hill was pending in the House for the incorporation 
of the city of Portsmouth. That provision in the 



each ward a town, for the 
•d a good degree id' interest 
hi the ground of its sup- 
It was well understood that 
clause ; n the charter was 
if Mr. Morrison, and that 
ipport in bis power. The 



charter which constitute! 
purpose of elections, exc 
and vigorous opposition, 
posed unconstitutional^;; 
this particular and uniqi 
drafted at the sii<_:lo isl em 
be would give it all the 
day when he was to speak upon the question was 
known beforehand, so that all who might take an in- 
terest in the measure and desired to hear the discus- 
sion could do so. The result was that many of the 
leading politicians of the State repaired to the Capital. 
A full delegation from Manchester, including agents 
of the corporations and other distinguished citizens, 
were present. The galleries were crowded, and many 
of the more favored found seats on the Hoor of the 
House. 

Mr. Christie, of Dover, one of the ablest lawyers in 
the State, having been selected by the opponents of 
the measure to reply to Mr. Morrison, took his seat, 
pen and paper in hand, near, and at the right of the 
Speaker's desk. At length Mr. Morrison arose, look- 
ing pale and feeble, for he had been quite ill all the 
session, but his mind was never clearer. As he went 
on with his argument with reference to the constitu- 
tionality of the bill, Mr. Christie at first took a few 
notes, then dropped his pen and listened attentively 
to the close of the argument. Mi. Morrison sat down ; 
tie Bouse was perfectly still; not a sound was 
heard ; all eyes were turned expectantly towards Mr. 
('bristle. He did not arise. He declined to speak. 
The writer was assistant clerk of the House at that 
time, and asked another distinguished lawyer, a 
personal and political friend of Mr. Christie, why 
he declined to answer Mr. Morrison. His reply was, 
"Mr. Morrison's argument was unanswerable — he 
was clearly right. And Mr. Christie, upon being con- 
vinced thift he was right as to the constitutional 



16 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



question, declined to reply." Though the charters of 
the cities of the State have frequently been amended, 
particularly the charter of the city of Manchester, 
that provision, constituting each ward a town for the 
purpose of elections, still remains. 

In 1845, Mr. Morrison was appointed solicitor 
of Hillsborough County, discharged the duties of 
the office nearly four years and resigned. He 
was a member of the House of Representative in the 
Thirty-first, and was re-elected and served in the 
Thirty-third Congress. Mr. Morrison's personal and 
political relations with President. Pierce had been for 
many years of the most intimate and confidential 
character, and as lie was regarded as one of the ablest 
members of the New Hampshire delegation, the Pres- 
ident, whose Congressional district he represented, 
expressed the desire that he support the Kansas-Ne- 
braska Bill, which he had made one of the leading 
measures of his administration. He knew very well 
he could rely upon Mr. Morrison to support every 
measure of his administration which he deemed would 
be consistent with his constitutional obligations and 
for the promotion of the best interests of his country. 
In a personal interview with the President, Mr. Mor- 
rison told him his present convictions were against 
the bill, particularly that clause in it repealing the 
Missouri Compromise ; that he would make a careful 
examination of the measure, and would support it if, 
in his judgment, the interests of the country would 
demand its becoming a law. He did examine the 
bill, and examined it thoroughly, after which he in- 
formed the President that he regarded it as a most 
dangerous measure, fraught with evils, which, should 
ii become a law, would lead to the most disastrous re- 
sults, and, painful as it was to him to differ with the 
administration upon one of its leading measures, still 
he must oppose it with all the energies of his mind. 

Among the reasons assigned at this interview as the 
ground of his opposition to the measure were that 
tie- slavery question had but recently been settled by 
the compromise measures of 1850, and to reopen the 
subject now, would, in his judgment, be a most dan- 
gerous experiment, would be disastrous to the Demo- 
cratic party and to the best interests of the North, 
and, in his belief, would endanger the perpetuity of 
the republic itself. 

In his speech, made a few weeks after this inter- 
view with the President, Mr. Morrison said,— 

"On a great question like this— one which will seriously affect the 
free laborers of the North, will determine the institutions of a vast ter- 
ritory; one fraught with fearful el.-ineiitsofaisn.nl, which ultimately 
may endanger the perpetuity of the Union itself— I can follow but one 
guidl thi convictions of my ownjudgne nt I regret that the friends of 
this bill had not read and well considered the patriotic denunciation by 
.letters.. n, with reference to sectional parties, before they sprang this 
question upon Congress and the country. This is the firsl ittempl in 
our political history to repeal a great compromise of conflicting interests 
and opinions between the different sections of the country. This meas- 
ure contains mere elements i.f .lander and sectional discord than any po- 
liti. al question of the age. If this bill should I.e. ..m.< a law, I fear the 
spirit of concession and compromise will have passed awa\ 1,. lever. The 



Union has, in the judgment of intelligent and patriotic statesmen, been 
twice preserved trum dissolution by concession aud compromise. When 
similar questions again arise, as come they may and will, 1 ask, Can 
other compromises be made if this is stricken down ? if this shall not he 
sacredly kept and faithfully abided by ? Sir, any man conversant with 
the prejudices which are enlisted and the obstacles to be overcome in the 
accomplishment of such compromises must feel aud know the danger; 
and here let me say, if this Union shall ever be dissolved, history will' 
surely point to this as the first stride, the entering wedge which led to 
dissolution and all its fearful consequences. I haw neither time nor in- 
clination to pursue this thought further. All can .-,■.• th. daiv-er all 
must feel it." 

In this great speech he took the ground distinctly 
that slavery could not for any considerable length of 
time be forced upon the people of that Territory ; and 
from the above extracts copied from that speech it 
appears that he clearly foresaw, should that bill 
become a law, all harmony between the different sec- 



tions of the Union would be destroyed, and ultimately 
result in civil war. 

Colonel Thomas H. Benton, of Missouri, who had 
served thirty consecutive years in the Semite of the 
United States, and had been elected to the House 
from the St. Louis District to serve as their Repre- 
sentative in the Thirty-third Congress, was an atten- 
tive listener during the delivery of this speech, and 
after its close, remarked to a gentleman who sat near 
him, "That, is a true man sir; a smart man ; a man 
of brains, sir." He then went forward, took Mr. 
Morrison cordially by the hand, and congratulated 
him in the most sincere and friendly manner. Sev- 
eral days after, the writer of this sketch, called on 
Colonel Benton at his house, and listened to his con- 
versation with reference to the excitement over this 
question which prevailed throughout the North, when 
he said that " Mr. Morrison's speech on the Kansas- 
Nebraska Bill was the ablest speech delivered on that 
question during this excited and protracted debate." 

Years afterwards, when the whole country was con- 
vulsed by the great civil war, the Hon. Salmon 
P. Chase, Secretary of the United States Treasury 
under the lamented President Lincoln, and subse- 
quently chief justice of the United States Supreme 
Court, speaking of Mr. Morrison, said, "He was a 
man of ability and incorruptible honesty. That his 
course in Congress on the Kansas-Nebraska Bill had 
made a most favorable and lasting impression upon 
his mind." 

But his crowning success in life was that of an ad- 
vocate, and as such he will be chiefly remembered. 
In this respect he was endowed with rare gifts, and 
has had but few equals and no superiors at the New 
Hampshire bar. He prepared his eases with great 
care, frequently after the adjournment of the court; 
would study the evidence far into the night, prepara- 
tory to his argument in the morning, when men of 
less nerve would have considered themselves tit sub- 
jects for medical treatment. He studied the panel 
as though it had been an open book, and acquainted 
himself with the peculiarities of each juror. He 
was apt to seize the salient points in his cause as they 



THE BENCH AND BAR. 



17 



presented themselves to the jury, and to study the 
effect of the evidence as the cause progressed. II. ■ 
watched the effect upon each juror with great '-arc as 
the argument proceeded, and could tell with singular 
accuracy whether he carried his hearer along with 
him. When he discovered a leaning against him on 
the part of any doubting juror, he adapted himself 
tn the views of that juror, with arguments so con- 
vincing, in a manner of such candor, sincerity and 
truthfulness, and with an influence so mesmeric that 
he was quite sure to win him over before he closed. 

Hi hi. Lewis VV. < lark, associate justice of the 
Supreme Conn, formerly a law-partner with Mr. 
Morrison, said of him, in a recent conversation. — 
"He was the coolest man under fire I have ever 
Been in court. The most damaging ;■ -■ ■ ■ ■ ' ■ ■ ■. i ' : < 1 1 • ■ . ■ - 
so tar as the jury could observe, produced no im- 
pression on his mind; and he exercised wonderful 
judgment in handling a dangerous witness. He 
knew when and whore to leave a witness better than 
any man I ever saw in the trial of causes before a 
jury." 

Samuel Dana Bell was born in Francestown, 
N. H., October 9, 1798. His father was the Hon. 
Samuel Bell, LL.D., a judge of the Supreme Court, 
four years Governor of New Hampshire, and twelve 
years a Senator of the United States, llis mother 
was a daughter of the Hon. Samuel Dana, of Antrim. 
N. H. He manifested at an early age the love of 
study which distinguished him through life. He 
entered Harvard College in bis fourteenth year, and 
was graduated in the class of 1816. lie then com- 
menced the study of the law in the otlice of the 
Hon. George Sullvan, of Exeter, and was admitted 
to the bar of the county of Rockingham early 
in the year 1820, He commenced practice in Mer- 
edith, where he remained a few months, and then 
established himself at Chester, then a town of some 
note and the home of several gentlemen of cultiva- 
tion, taste and distinction. Entering into practice 
there, he soon acquired the reputation of being a 
sagacious, learned and trustworthy lawyer. In 1S23 
he was appointed solirhor of Rockingham County; 
in 1825 and L826 was a member of the Legislature; 
in 1827 and 1828 was clerk of the House of Repre- 
sentatives. Mr. Bell remained in Chester ten years, 
and then removed to Exeter, and for some years was 
cashier of the Exeter Bank. In 1836 lie removed to 
Concord, and in 1839 to Manchester. In 1846 be 
was police judge of Manchester, and two years later 
was appointed circuit judge of the Court of Common 
Rica-. In 1849 he was appointed a judge of the 
Superior Court, and in 1859 was chosen chief justice, 
which position be occupied until his resignation, in 
1864. 

Judge Bell possessed rare personal qualifications for 
a position upon the bench. Dignified in appearance 
and bearing, he was distinguished tor patience and 
courtesy. He had all au honorable man's aversion 



and the lower arts of the profe.-sion. He 
used his position and authority to promote uo par- 
tisan or partial purposes. The duties of his position 
wen- always properly discharged, lie was a man of 
very decided opinions. 

The purity of Judge I '.ell's public and private life 
deserves to be mentioned to his honor. The ermine 
which he wore was unsullied indeed; uo shade of 
wrong oi' dishonor ever fell uponhisname. When he 
eame to Manchester, the [present metropolis of t heState 
was a mere village, with its future all undetermined. 
Judge Bell entered with interest into every movement 
for the [prospective welfare of the town. Among the 
pnhlii enterprises which he was greatly instrumental 
in establishing was that of the City Library, which, in 
spite of all drawbacks, is to-day extensive, valuable 
and incalculably useful to the people. He was also 
an early member of the New Hampshire Historical 

Society, and for years held its principal offices. He 

died in Manchester July 21, L868. 

Daniel Clark, 1 the third child of Benjamin and 

Elizabeth (Wiggin) Clark, was born in Stratham, 
Rockingham County, N. II., October 24, 1809. His 
father was both farmer and blacksmith. He was re- 
spected by all who knew him for his integrity, lie 
was industrious, frugal, temperate, kind and obliging. 
His mother was strong-minded, devoted to her family 
and \er\ religious. She was not indifferent to the 
good opinion of others, and was ambitious for the 
success of her family, and especially of her children. 
They lived upon a beautiful farm, in the upper part 
of the town, near the historic town of Exeter. The 
subject of this sketch remained at home under the 
can 1 and nurture of his excellent parents until he was 
thirteen years of age, going to the common district 
school in summer and winter, or so much of I hi time 
as it was kept, and a — i.-ting about the ordinary farm- 
work in vacation. He learned at school easily, and 
was more fond of his books than of work upon the 
farm, \t the age of thirteen he was sent with his 
older brother to the academj in Hampton, N. II.. and 
put upon the common English studies. lie did not 
then expect to acquire a more liberal education, al- 
though his mother bad some undefined notions of a 
higher course of studies for her son. He continued 
at Hampton at intervals, there a term and at home a 
term, helping upon the farm, some four years or more, 
when be determined to go to college. He pursued 
his preparatory studies at Hampton, teaching si lino! 
two winters, and at twenty was prepared for college. 
He entered Dartmouth College, graduating, in ls:tl. 
with the first honors of the institution. Rev. Dr. 
Lord, the president of the college, was then in the 
prime of his life. Although he had presided over the 
college but a few years, he had already secured the 
confidence of its friends, so justly merited, as subse- 
quently shown by his successful administration of the 



By 



Isaac W. Smith. 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



affairs of the college for more than a third of acentury. 

A lining Mr. Clark's classmates were Albert Baker, who 
entered upon the practice of the law at Hillsborough, 
N, II., and died at the age of thirty-one, his untimely 
death extinguishing hopes which his short but bril- 
liant career had caused his many friends to entertain 

of his future usefulness; Hon. M ly Currier, LL.D., 

of Manchester, Governor of New Hampshire; Hon. 
Richard B. Kimball, LL.D.. of New York City, lawyer, 
scholar and author; Rev. Edward A. Lawrence, 1>.I>., 
Marblehead, Mass.; Rev. Newton E. Marble, D.D., 
Newton, Conn. ; and Professor Alphonso Wood, presi- 
dent of Ohio Female < lollege. Mr. Clark taught school 
winters during his college course and while pursuing 
his professional studies, eight winters in all, including 
the two years before entering college, defraying, in 
part, the expenses of his education with the funds re- 
ceived from teaching. Immediately after graduation 
he entered the office of Hon. George Sullivan, then 
the attorney-general of the State, son of General John 
Sullivan, of Revolutionary fame, at Exeter, and com- 
menced the study of the law, remaining with Mr. 
Sullivan a year and a half. He completed his legal 
studies in the office of Hon. James Bell, afterwards 
United States Senator, at Exeter, and was admitted 
to the bar of Rockingham County in 1S37. In the 
same year he opened an office at Epping, where he 
remained some eighteen months, and then, in 1839, 
removed to Manchester, N. II. This thriving city 
was then just rising from the ground. Not a mill was 
running, the canal even being unfinished. The only 
railroad then constructed in the State was the Nashua 
and Lowell. The telegraph and the telephone had 
not then been invented. The lumbering stage was 
the only means of public travel. The rates of postage 
were high and the mails slow and few. The embryo 
city was hardly more than a desolate sand-bank, where 
a lew hundred people had gathered, allured by the 
prospect of business about to spring up with the im- 
provement of the water-power at Amoskeag Calls. 
.Mr. Clark was among the fust to open :i law-office 
here. He soon acquired an active practice, which 
afterwards grew to large proportions, ami for twenty 
years he was employed upon one side or the other of 
nearly every important trial in the county, attending 
the courts also in Merrimack and Rockingham Coun- 
ties. He was employed on behalf of the State in 
the preliminary examination in the "Parker murder 
trial," being occupied almost continuously foraperiod 
of nearly two months. He succeeded in procuring 
the extradition from Maine of the supposi d murderers 
after a lengthy trial in that State, and altera hearing, 
lasting nearly a month, before the Police Court of 
Manchester, procured their commitment to answer for 
the crime of murder. Opposed to him as counsel were 
Genera] Franklin Pierce (afterwards President of the 
United States), General P. F. Butler, Hon. Josiah G. 
Abbott and the late Charles 1 1. Atherton, — an array of 
legal talent seldom seen in this State Mr. Clark was 



employed for the defense in two capital trials in the 
fall of 1854,— Curtis' and Marshall's. Marshall was 
acquitted, and in the case of Curtis the jury disagreed. 
During the period of his active practice the bar of 
Hillsborough County was unusually strong. Among 
its prominent members were Benjamin M. Farley, of 
Hollis; James U. Parker, of Merrimack; George Y. 
Sawyer and Charles G. Atherton, of Nashua ; Samuel 
II. Ayer, of Hillsborough; and Samuel D. Bell and 
I reorge W. .Morrison, of Manchester. General Pierce, 
of the Merrimack bar, also generally attended the 
courts in Hillsborough County. Of these eminent 
lawyers, Mr. Morrison is the only survivor. General 
Pierce, as a jury lawyer, had no superior in the State. 
He hail a very pleasing address, was dignified without 
being reserved, and possessed a magnetic influence 
over men, which rendered him a formidable antagonist 
before jurors. Put, in many respects, Mr. Atherton 
stood at the head of the Hillsborough bar as a lawyer 
and advocate. He was a man of scholarly attainments, 
possessed a graceful diction, had a good command ot 
language, knew how and when to use sarcasm, could 
appeal effectively to the passions and prejudices, was 
thoroughly read in the law and was perfectly at home 
in the court-room. With these and other able lawyers 
Mr. Clark spent the most of his active professional 
life, and he was recognized as their peer. His prac- 
tice was as varied as it was extensive. Whatever he 
undertook was thoroughly done. He was loyal to the 
court, faithful to his clients, courteous to opposing 
counsel and kind and magnanimous to the younger 
members of the profession. In his arguments to the 
jury he was never wearisome. He seized upon the 
weak points of the other side and the strong points of 
his own side and made them prominent to the jury. 
He wasted no time on immaterial matters. While he 
did not possess the personal magnetism of Pierce or 
Atherton's power of sarcasm, he could put before a 
court or jury his case with convincing power and in 
it- Btrongesl light, and if success did not always attend 
his efforts, it was not because he failed to present all 
the favorable views of his case. Legal papers drafted 
by him were models of accuracy and clearness. They 
were also remarkable for their brevity, all useless 
verbiage being avoided. In his writs the cause of 
action was briefly and clearly sot out, and it was rare 
that he had occasion to apply for an amendment. His 
clients became his fast friends. His charges were 

lerate, and no client went away feeling that undue 

advantage had been taken of his position or that his 
interests had not been fully protected. 

It is unfortunate, perhaps, for his legal reputation 
that Mr. (.'lark was drawn into polities. But it was 
his fortune to live in times when questions of great 
public iutere-t were being di>eu>sed and settled, and 
it was inevitable that a person of bis ability, education 
and temperament should not entertain pronounced 
views on public questions. In the early part of his 
professional life there was a difference of opinion as 




jUPtk**/' 




THK BENCH AND BAR. 



in tin wisdom of encouraging the extension of manu- 
facturing and railroad operations in the Statu, and 
unfortunately the question got into politics, and the 
two parties took opposite sides. With the acquisition 
of California came the question of the extension or 
restriction of slavery, the repeal of the Missouri Com- 
promise, the civil war, the abolition of slavery and 
the reconstruction measures after the close of the war. 
As a rule, the lawyers of New Hampshire have very 
generally taken an active interest in political ques- 
tions. Thus circumstanced, it was hardly possible for 
Mr. Clark not to have some inclination towards politi 
cal life. In 1842 he was elected one of the repre- 
sentatives from the town of Manchester to the Legis- 
lature, and was re-elected in 1843, and again elected 
in 1846. In 1854, after the adoption of the city 
charter, he was elected representative from his ward, 
and re-elected in 1855. In 1849, 1850 and 1851 he 
was a candidate for the State Senate, but his party 
being in the minority in the district, he failed of an 
election. He acted with the Whig party until its 
dissolution, when he helped to form the Republican 
party, with which he has since been identified. He 
was often upon the stump during the campaigns pre- 
ceding the elections in 1854 and 1855, speaking in 
every portion of the State, from the sea to the moun- 
tains. He also took part in the election contests during 
the decade which immediately followed. Party feel- 
ing ran high, the contests often being exceedingly- 
bitter. No speaker was received with greater enthu- 
siasm or addressed larger audiences. It was largely 
owing to his labors at the hustings that a change in 
the political sentiment of the State was brought about. 
In 1856 he was a member of the National Republican 
Convention, and in November of that year was elected 
one of the Presidential electors in New Hampshire, 
and voted for Fremont and Dayton tor President and 
Vice-President. 

In 1855 the Legislature was called upon to elect 
two United States Senators. For the first time in a 
quarter of a century, with a single exception, the 
Democratic party was in a minority. The opposition 
was composed of the Whig party, then on the point 
of dissolving, the American party, commonly known as 
the Know-Nothing party, and the Free-Soil party. 
These elements, a year later, were fused in tin- Repub- 
lican party. By common consent, Hon. John P. Hale 
was nominated for the short term, ami the contest 
for the long term was between Mr. Clark and the 
Hon. James Bell. In the Senatorial caucus the latter 
was nominated and subsequently elected by the Legis- 
lature. The contest, although warm, was a friendly 
one, so that when, two years later, in 1857, the Legis- 
lature was called to fill the vacancy in the office occa- 
sioned by the death of Senator Bell, in obedience to 
the common wishes of their constituents, the Repub- 
lican members nominated and the Legislature elected 
Mr. Clark. Upon the expiration of his term he was 
re-elected in 18li0 with little opposition. The ten 



years spent by Senator Clark in ( 'ongress constituted 
the most eventful period in the history of the repub- 
lic. He witnessed the rise, progress and overthrow 
of the Rebellion. This is not the time nor place to 
review his Congressional life. < >ue will l< i .i ■ 1 i 1 1 1 j ■ — ■ ■ 
of his position upon the slavery question on page 
268, volume i., of Mr. Blaine's "Twenty Years of 
Congress." He served upon some of the most import- 
ant committees, and was chairman of the committee 
on claims, and, during portions of two sessions, presi- 
dent pro U mpore of the Senate in the absence of Vice- 
President Hamlin. He was a firm supporter of the 
various war measures adopted for the suppression of 
the Rebellion, and had the confidence of President 
Lincoln and Secretary Stanton. He failed of a re- 
election in 1866, as his colleague, Senator Hale, had 
done two years before, not from any lack of apprecia- 
tion of the invaluable services they had rendered the 
country, nor of the honor they had conferred upon 
the State by their course in Congress, but because the 
rule of rotation in office had become so thoroughly 
ingrafted in the practice of the Republican party in 
the State that a departure from it was not deemed 
wise, even in the persons of these eminent states- 



In the summer of 1866 a vacancy occurred in the 
office of district judge of the United States District 
Court for the district of New Hampshire, and Senator 
Clark was nominated for the posit ion by President John- 
son, and unanimously confirmed by the Senate. He 
thereupon resigned his seat in the Senate and entered 
upon the discharge of his judicial duties. The wisdom 
of his selection has been justified by his career upon 
the bench. The office of the district judge does not 
afford such opportunity for public distinction as the 
bench of some other courts, the jurisdiction of the court 
being limited principally to cases arising under the 
constitution and laws of the United States. New 
Hampshire, from its size, location and business rela- 
tions, furnishes only a small amount of business for 
the Federal courts, and not much of that generally of 
public interest. In addition to holding his ou n court, 
Judge Clark has frequently been called to hold the 
Federal courts in other States in the First Circuit. 
He has brought to the discharge of his judicial duties 
the same learning, industry and interest that charac- 
terized his labors at the bar and in the Senate, JIN 
decisions have commended themselves to the profes- 
sion for their soundness and fairness. Judge Clark, 
apparently indifferent to the preservation of his 
opinions, has neglected to put them in shape for 
publication in the reports of the First Circuit, to the 
regret of his professional friends and admirers. He 
has now (1885) been upon the bench nineteen \ ears. 
He was entitled, under a law of Congress, to retire in 
1879, upon the salary for the rest of his life. But he 
has preferred to earn his salary, and "to wear out 
rather than rust out." With his physical strength 
but slightly impaired, his mind as vigorous as in the 



20 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE 



years ofhis full manhood, he, at the age ofsevcnty-hve, 
gives promise of many years of future usefulness. 

In 1876 he was a member and president of the con- 
vention called to revise the constitution of New 
Hampshire. 

Judge ('lark, in 1850, formed a copartnership with 
; David in the practice of the law, which 
\n« di — 'ihnlby reason ot the ill health ofth 
1856. In December, ls:>i;, he entered into copartner- 
ship with Isaac W. Smith, now upon the Supreme 
bench of New Hampshire, who read law with him in 
1848-50. Their firm wasdissolved in December, 1861, 
at which time his practice of the law may be said to 
have substantially ceased. So much of his time was 
absorbed with Congressional duties, and other public 
duties between sessions, growing out of the disturb- 
ances caused by the civil war, that he had but little 
time or inclination to follow the courts or attend to 
the calls of clients in the office. 

Judge Clark has been fully identified with the 
growth and history of Manchester. He has taken 
great interest in its material prosperity, and has 
merited and received the confidence of its inhabitants. 
Besides representing the town and city five years in 
the Legislature, he has held various offices of trust, 
viz.: member of the School Hoard, chief engineer of 
the Fire Department, trustee of the City Library, city 
solicitor, trustee and president of the Manchester 
Savings-Bank, director of the Amoskeag Manufac- 
turing Company aud trustee of the State Industrial 
School. No citizen of Manchester, with possibly the 
exception of the late Governor Straw, has exerted so 
much influence for its growth and prosperity as he. 
Ashe looks to-day upon this beautiful city of fortj 
thousand people, and their busy mills, well-paved 
streets, shady sidewalks, fruitful gardens and peace- 
ful homes, he, if any one, may repeat the words of the 
Roman poet, " Quorum niuijnii imr.- j'ui." 

Judge Clark has not failed to take a deep interest 
in his Alma Mater, which, in I860, honored herself, as 
well as him, by conferring upon him thi 
LL.D. In 1861, upon the invitation of the City 
Councils of Manchester, he delivered a eulogy Upon 
the life of President Lincoln, and in 1880, upon the 
invitation of the alumni of Dartmouth College, 
eulogy upon the life of Judge George F. Shepley, 
before that association, both of which were subse- 
quently published. In 1869, on the occasion of the 
centennial anniversary of the founding of the college, 
he delivered an address before the alumni at the 
invitation of the trustees, A copy was requested fot 
publication, which, unfortunately, was withheld too 
late for it to appear with the other published pro- 
ceedings of that occasion. 

Judge Clark has contributed liberally to the sup- 
port of preaching, worshiping with the Unitarians. 
His views correspond with those of Rev. Dr. A. P. Pea- 
body, of Cambridge, Mass.. or with the views of what 

maybe called the Orthodox Unitarians. He has no 



sympathy with the doctrines of the ultra portion of 
that denomination. In more recent years he has 
worshiped at the franklin Street Congregational 
Church (Orthodox), Rev. Dr. George B. Spaulding, 
pastor. 

Judge Clark has been twice married, — the tirsi time, 
in 1 840, to Hannah W. Robbins, w ho died in October, 
L844, leaving no children ; the second time, to Anne 
V 3al ei in 1846, who is still living. He has had 
four children, — three sons anil one daughter. The two 
oldest are li sing, engaged in the practice of the law 
in Manchester. One son died in infancy, and the 
daughter when between two and three years of age. 

Hon. William C. Clarke. 1 — Among the public 

men of New Hampshire who have lately passed away, 
none was more widely known in the State, or more 
sincerely respected, than Hon. William Cogswell 
Clarke, of Manchester. He was born in Atkinson, 
N. H., December 10, 1810, being the eldest sou of 
Greenleaf and Julia (Cogswell) Clarke. His father 
was a farmer and master-mason, the constructor of 
many tine business buildings in the neighboring town 
of Haverhill. Mass., and a highly-esteemed citizen of 
Atkinson, where he served as selectman andjusl lee of 
i he peace. He was descended from Nathaniel Clarke, 
a merchant of Newbury, Mass., who died in 1690, and 
from Captain Edmund Greenleaf, of that place, an 
officer of repute in the wars of the early colonists 
with the Indians. The wife of Greenleaf Clarke was 
a daughter of Dr. William Cogswell, of Atkinson, 
who was a surgeon in the Revolutionary army, and at 
one time chief of the Military Hospital at West 
Point. 

William C. Clarke pursued his early studies at At- 
kinson Academy, of which his maternal grandfather 
was one of the founders, and then entered Dart- 
mouth College at the age of eighteen years. He was 
graduated with high honors in the class of 1832, 
which included Professors Noyes and Sanborn, of 
Dartmouth, and the late Samuel H. Taylor, LL.D., 
the noted instructor at Andover, Mass. Immediately 
becoming principal of Gilmanton Academy, he held 
the position for one year, while beginning the study 
of law. He continued his legal studies in the Har- 
vard Law School, in the otliee of Stephen Moody, at 
Gilmanton, and in that of Stephen ( '. Lyford, at 
Meredith Bridge (now Laconia), N. H. On his ad- 
mission to the bar, in 1836, he began practice in the 
latter town, and on the creation of Belknap County, 
at the i lose of 1840, he was appointed county solici- 
tor. He held this position until the spring of 1844, 
removed to Manchester, and continued the 
practice of his profession. Two years later he was 
one of a committee of si ven chosen 1>\ the town to 
petition the Legislature for a city charter, and at the 
firsl city election, in August, 1846, was the Democratic 
candidate for mayor. There being two other candi- 



i l'i . in clmke's "Su"'e^lul Vu Hampshire Men." 



THE BENCH AND BAR. 



21 



dates, there was no choice, and he withdrew his name 
before the second ballot, in September. In the same 
year, however, he consented to act as chief engineer 
of the Fire Department of the young city, and he re- 
tained this position till the close of 1848, having a 
number of leading citizens as his assistants. 

In 1849 he was elected to theofficeof city solicitor, 
which he held for two years, and in 1850 he served 
as a member of the State I .institutional Convention. 
Appointed the judge of Probate for Hillsborough 
County in 1851, he obtained the judicial title which 
clung to him thereafter. In 1854 he was again the 
Democratic candidate for mayor, but the Whig ticket 
was successful. A year later Judge Clarke was ten- 
dered, by Governor Metcalf, an appointment to the 
bench of tin' Supreme Court, but he declined the posi- 
tion. As judge of Probate he discharged his duties 
with high public approval, but his removal from this 
office, in 1856, was included in the sweeping political 
changes which began in 1855. In 1858 he served as 
a member of the Manchester Hoard of Aldermen. 
Soon after the death of the Hon. John Sullivan he 
was appointed, in 1863, to succeed him as attorney- 
general of the State, and, receiving a reappointment 
in 1868, he continued to fill the otfice until his death, 
in 1872. 

From the time of his admission to the bar until he 
became the chief prosecuting officer of the State, 
Judge Clarke was actively engaged in private legal 
practice. He early acquired the reputation of a sound 
and aide lawyer, and obtained an extensive clientage. 
As attorney-general he was highly successful in the 
performance of his duties, to which he devoted him- 
self with conscientious faithfulness. Recognizing the 
semi-judicial character of his office, he did not allow 
the zeal of the advocate to outweigh more important 
considerations, and, in cases where a minor offense had 
been committed for the first time, he frequently caused 
indictments to be suspended so as to give the culprit 
both a chance and a stimulus to reform. Hardened 
or flagrant criminals he pursued with the rigor de- 
manded by the interests of justice, leaving no stone 
unturned in his efforts to secure their conviction. He 
drew all his indictments with the greatest care, and 
ii i> said that no one ofthenumber wasever set aside. 
He took equal pains with the preparation of evidence 
and of his arguments in all importanl causes. These 
case- include a number of murder trials, which at- 
tracted wide attention when in progress, and which 
afforded marked proof of his legal skill. Hissenseof 
duty being above all other considerations, he was un- 
moved by all attempts to affect his official course by 
private appeals or by any species of personal influ- 
ence. 

Judge Clarke had a marked distaste for ordinary 
politics and the arts of the politician. On the few 
occasions when he consented to be a candidate for an 
elective office he did not seek the nomination, but ac- 
cepted it at the request of his friends. Firmly believ- 



ing, however, in the original principles of the Demo- 
cratic party, he often gave his voice and pen to their 

support, and was long a pr inent membei of thai 

party in New Hampshire, When the Rebellion broke 
out he did not hesitate a moment in regard to his po- 
litical course, but was among the foremost of those 
who urged all citizens to sink minor party differences 
and rally to sustain the imperiled government. 1 Hir- 
ing Ibis crisis he was active in calling and addressing 
many public meetings, which pledged aid to the most 
vigorous measures for the defense of the Union. At 
tie- great war mass-meet ing held in Concord, N. II., 
on the 17th of June, 1863, — which was attended by 
thirty thousand people, from all parts of the Slate, 
and was addressed by men of national eminence, in- 
cluding a member of President Lincoln's Cabinet- 
Judge Clarke called the assembly t dcr, and read 

the call, after which he was chosen first vice-president. 
Being dissatisfied with the attitude toward the war 
assumed by many of the leaders of the Democratic 
party, lie was largely instrumental in organizing the 
zealous War Democrats of the State into a third, or 
" Union," party, which nominated a separate ticket 
for State officers in 1862 and 1863. This organization 
was not maintained alter the latter year, and Judge 
Clarke thenceforward voted with the Republican 
party; but after the early years of the war he re- 
frained from any active participation in politics, v\ hich 
he regarded as inconsistent with the nature of his du- 
ties as attorney-general. 

He was one of tin' original directors of the Man- 
chester Bank, serving from 1845 till 1840, and of the 
City Bank, with which he was connected from 1853 
till 1863. He was also a trustee of the Manchester 
Savings- Bank from 1852 until his death. For many 
yens he was a trustee of the Manchester Atln naaim, 
and when this was succeeded by the City Library, in 
1854, lie was chosen a member and clerk of the board 
of trustees of the latter institution, retaining both 
positions during the rest id' his lit'e. He was the first 
treasurer of the Manchester and Lawrence Railroad 
Company, holding that office from July 31, 1847, till 
his resignation took effect, February 8, 1849; and he 
was the clerk of that company from February 28, 
1854, until he died, being also its attorney when en- 
gaged in private legal practice. He was a trustee of 
Gilmanton Academy, and in 1854 was a member of 
the national board of visitors to the United States 
Military Academy at West Point. 

Judge Clarke was one of the earliest members of the 
Franklin Street Congregational Church in Manches- 
ter, and one of the original officers of the society, to 
both of which he rendered valuable service. 

S nue mention of his personal appearance should 

noi In lilted, as he was a man of unusually distin- 

guished presence, having a large, finely-proportioned 
figure, with a handsome, dignified head and lace. 
Without undue formality, his manners were invaria- 
bly courteous and refined. With excellent literary 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



tastes, he possessed much general information, and 
was very attractive in conversation. Though rigid in 
bis sense of righl and wrong, he was eminently chari- 
table in his views of others, having a broad tolerance 
of opinions which differed from his own. His dispo- 
sition was genial and bis kindness of heart unfailing. 

He was married, in 1834, to Anna .Maria Greeley, 
only daughter of the late Stephen L. Greeley. Esq., of 
< iilmanion, \. II. His wife survives him, with four 
children, — Stephen Greeley, Anna Norton, Julia 
Cogswell and ( Ireenleaf. 

The death of Judge Clarke occurred at his home in 
Manchester on April 25, 1872, and was tin- cause of 
widespread sorrow. At his funeral there was a large 
attendance of prominent citizens from many parts of 
the State. Resolutions of regret and eulogy were 
adopted by the city bar, the Hillsborough County bar. 
the Manchester Common Council and various other 
bodies with which he had been connected. In the 
resolutions of the Common Council he was spoken of 
as "one who, as a former member of the city govern- 
ment, and its legal public adviser, served it with 
marked fidelity and ability, and who, by his many 
virtues, had won the confidence and esteem of his 
fellow-citizens." His associates of the Manchester 
bar declared that "hi' was a faithful officer, a wise 
counselor, a respected citizen and a Christian gentle- 
man. He was courteous in manner, efficient in duty. 
upright in character and an ornament to his profes- 
sion." In the resolutions adopted by the bar of Hills- 
borough County, anil entered upon the records of the 
Supreme Court, Judge Clarke was described as "a pub- 
lic officer faithful and upright, discharging his official 
duties with signal ability; a lawyer of large expe- 
rience in his profession, of well-balanced judgment 
and discretion, well read in the principles of the law, 
and faithful alike to the court and his client; a citi- 
zen patriotic and public-spirited; in his private rela- 
tions, a gentleman of unblemished reputation, distin- 
guished for his high-toned character, affable manners 
and uniform courtesy ; and illustrating in his public 
and private life tin' character of a < 'hristian gentleman, 
governed by the principles which he was not ashamed 
to profess." 

Clinton Warringtoh Stani.f.y. 1 — - The subject 
of this sketch was born in Hopkinton, N. H., Decem- 
ber 5, 1830. He was the eldest of four children, 
having one sister, Helen Isabel Scribner (deceased 
March, 1865), ami two brothers, Edward W. Stanley, 
of Hopkinton, and Benton M. Stanley, of New London. 

His father, Horace C. Stanley, still living at Hop- 
kinton, is a farmer of moderate means, but of frugal 
and industrious habits, which are often a surer guar- 
anty of the comforts of life than greater riches. He 
is a sturdy, honest man, of well-balanced character, 
and has always enjoyed the respect and confidence of 
his community. 

I'.y Hon. Joseph W. Fellows 



Hi. moth r. Mary Ann (Kimball) Stanley, was a 
noble and intelligent woman, highly appreciative of 
the value of learning, earnestly and devotedly at- 
tached to the interests of her family and friends, and 
an ardent worker for the good of society. It was 
largely due to her energy and encouragement that 
her s,,n was enabled to acquire his collegiate and 
professional education. 

She commenced his instruction at home, ami at the 
age of three years placed him in the district school, 
where he made good progress and showed signs of 
those properties of mind which marked his course in 
later life. 

When about eleven year- old he entered Hopkin- 
ton Academy, where he remained until his prepara- 
tory education was completed, and at the age of 
fourteen was admitted to Dartmouth College. 

He was the youngest member of his class, and one 
of the youngest who ever completed tlie course of 
Stud) iu that institution. He graduated in 1849, and 
immediately began the study of law in the office of 
Hon. H. E. Perkins, in Hopkinton. During the fol- 
lowing winter he taught school in that town; and, 
although it was a difficult school to manage, and he 
young and without experience, still he completed the 
term with remarkable success and gave entire satis- 
faction. 

He continued to study with Judge Perkins until 
April, 1851, during which time he had the entire 
chargi of the post-office at Contoocook and conducted 
its business in the name of his instructor, who was 
postmaster during the administration of President 
Pierce. He then came to Manchester, and entered 
the office of Hon. George W. Morrison, where he 
continued the study of law until his admission to the 
bar in the Supreme Court in Hillsborough County, 
August 12, 1852. During this time he taught school 
in Acton, Mass., two terms (winter of 1850-51 and 
1851-52), where he met with good success. 

One of his pupils, now a prominent business man 
in that vicinity, says: "Mr. Stanley was the most 
successful teacher we ever had during my school-days. 
He was able to impart knowledge in a plain, intelli- 
gent manner, which even the dullest could under- 
stand ; and his instruction was impressed upon the 
minds of his scholars in a forcible way which enabled 
them to remember it with great distinctness. He is 
still remembered by the people here with much re- 
spect." 

While pursuing his legal studies he displayed the 
practical ability and industry of his character. Judge 
Perkins says: "He was quick to see just what should 
be done, and always did it without being told." 

Mr. Morrison says: "He was one of the best stu- 
dents I ever had. Without interfering with his stu- 
dies, he very soon became familiar with the practice 
sufficiently to do the ordinary business of our office 
with remarkable facility and accuracy." 

The office of Mr. Morrison afforded a rare onpor- 




^Ca 



( 



THE BENCH AND BAR 



tunity for law-students. A great volume of business 
was being transacted, and probably do other place in 
the State had such advantages tor learning the prac- 
tice, and few lawyers could have been found as well 
qualified to impart instruction or convey to the stu- 
dent the subtle and intricate lessons of the advocate 
and jurist, and il is easy to see how a man possessed 
of the ability and genius of Judge Stanley became so 
thorough a practitioner even while a student. 

Immediately after being admitted to the bar lie 
returned to Hopkinton, and remained at bis borne 
until April, 1853. It was during Ibis time that the 
decease of his mother occurred. lie returned to 
Manchester, and became associated with Mr. Morri- 
son and John L. Fitch, Esq., under the firm-name 
of Morrison, Fitch & Stanley. That copartnership 
continued until November, 1857. Dining its exist- 
ence the health of Mr. Fitch gradually became im- 
paired. In those days the Hillsborough bar con- 
tained some of the ablest lawyers in the State, li 
was a period of extensive litigation. Morrison, Fitch 
& Stanley were engaged in most of the important 
cases, and their practice extended largely into other 
counties. The preparation of causes for trial and the 
care and burden of the office-work devolved upon the 
junior member. 

It was a kind of labor which be enjoyed and for 
which be was well lifted, ami be pursued it with zeal 
and assiduity. He was faithful and painstaking in 
the extreme in the investigation id' complicated mat- 
ters of fact, ami bis judgment in the application of 
legal principles was sound and comprehensive, 'flic 
close scrutiny with which he examined every cir- 
cumstance, ami watchful c are with which be gathered 
up all the details of business, gave him uncommon 
readiness and great advantages of an executive char- 
acter, and combined to make him one of the most 
successful practitioners id' bis time. 

In February, 185(3, Patten's Block, where their 
oli'hc was located, was burned, and nearly all of the 
library and other books, together with many valuable 
papers of the linn, were destroyed. In November, 
1857, Mr. Fitch withdrew from the firm and the 
business was continued in the name of Morrison & 
Stanley, but with no material change in its character. 

In 1858, Judge Stanley was appointed by the United 
States Circuit Court a commissioner of that court, 
which position he held until he was made a member 
of the Circuit Court of New Hampshire. In April. 
1860, Hon. Lewis W. Clark became associated with 
them, under the style of Morrison, Stanlej & Clark, 
which continued over six years. The prominence of 
this firm is widely known. Mr. Clark brought 
to it his rare combination of ability as an advocate 
and a lawyer, ami, although the junior, he fairly 
divided the honors with the other members of the 
firm. They bad the largest docket in the State and 
were justly entitled to a front rank in the profession. 
The natural result of their situation, however, was to 



more than proportionally increase the responsibility 
and the labor of Judge Stanley. He carried more 
burden of solid professional work during those years 
than any other man in the State, and, in the belief 
of many of bis brethren, Ids work would have com- 
pared favorably with thai of any member of the 
profession in the country. 

In December, 1866, Mr. Clark retired, and the 
former style of Morrison .\ Stanley was ado'. led, which 
continued until 1872. Early in that year Mr. Frank 
lliland was associated with them, and they continued 
their business in the name of Morrison, Stanley 
& Hiland. The firm of Morrison & Stanley was the 

oldest law partnership in the State at the time Mr. 

lliland became a member. 

They continued together until the Superior and 
Circuit Courts were established, and Judge Stanley 
was appointed one of the associate justices of the 
Circuit Court in September, 1874, a position he held 
until that system of judiciary was abolished, in 1876. 
When the Supreme Caul was established by the 
Republican party, the selection of suitable persons to 
constitute the court was not entirely without embar- 
rassment, but it was universally conceded that Judge 
Stanley should be one of the appointees. In the two 
years which he bad been upon the bench be bad 
demonstrated bis entire fitness and ability for a higher 
position, and bis selection as one of the associate 

justices of the Supreme Court was commended by 
the bar and the people of the State with one accord. 
This position he held until his decease. Indeed, he 
was iii the midst of a jury trial when the " poisoned 
arrow" fell at bis feet 

Notwithstanding the many duties and responsibil- 
ities of his professional and ollicial life, be still had 
time and strength for other labors. 

In 1865 be was elected president of the City 
National Hank, which position he held until 1879, 
when the bank was changed and becami the Mer- 
chants' National Hank. He was elected a trustee 
of the Manchester Savings-Hank in ls.x:t, which 
position be held at his decease. He was a good 
financier, and being familiar with the law concern- 
ing commercial paper and securities and possessing 
superior business ability in a general sense, be was 
qualified to discharge the duties of those places of 
trust to which he was elected with remarkable ease 
and facility. 

Judge Stanley was earnestly interested in educa- 
tional matters. He was one of the trustees of Dart- 

uth College from 1881 to the time of his death, 

and was otn of the most efficient and active managers 
of that institution. He was not wholly in sym- 
pathy with the long-established course of study, but 
favored the "optional" principle and the introduc- 
tion of the modern languages and scientific studies, 
to some extent, in place of if,- . lassie course of the 
early days of the college. But high above all prefer- 
ences of this nature witli him was the determination 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



of his character to do well ami thoroughly whatever 
was being done, and if it were not the wisi si way, 
then to change for that which was such speedily. He 
realized also that institutions of learning like Dart- 
mouth College could not lie successfully managed 
unless upon the same business principles which in- 
sured Mnvess el-owhere, and he applied himself to 
the duties of the college trustee with the same thor- 
oughness and fidelity that characterized his efforts in 
other jdaees of public trust. That venerable institu- 
tion lost one of its stanchest friends and safest 
advisers in ol Judge Stanley. 

He was one of the mn>t earnest promoters of the 
undertaking to establish a school under the auspices 
of the Unitarian denomination, and was one of the 
committee of the Unitarian Educational Society to 
- a Unitarian institution, the Proctor Acad- 
emy at Andover. N. II. He was one of the trustees 
from thi time when the society took control of the 
school, and was one of it- warmest and mosl efficient 
friends. He was an earn . -i i ■■■.,! o iln ''country 
academy ," belies ing it to be one of those institutions 
in our educational system which afforded the priv- 
chool to certain classes that would otherwise 
be deprived of them, and that it should be fostered 
and multiplied until every village and hamlet in the 
country had received its advantages. 

Judge Stanley attended the Unitarian Church 
during most of his life in Manchesti r. He was for 
many years a trustee, and at the time of his decease 
the president of the first Unitarian Society. His 
connection with that society and Ins discharge of tin' 
duties of chief executive officer were characterized by 
the same earnest desire to do his whole duty that dis- 
tinguished him cveryw here. 

Politically,. Tudge Stanley was a lite-long Democrat, 
although he was in no sense a politician. He had 
strong, clear convictions upon the matters of admin- 
istering the government, both in the State ami the 
nation, and was in sympathy with the principles and 
theories of.the Democratic party, and never hesitated 
to express them whenever occasion required. 

His connection with the Masonic fraternity was 
somewhat prominent, and his respect and regard for 
that institution were pronounced and sincere. lit 
became a member of the fraternity in January, 1862, 
receiving all the degrees of the American system, in- 
cluding the orders of knighthood, during the following 
year. He was Worshipful .Master of Washington Lodge 
in 1 Si"»7 and subsequently held important offices in the 

Grand Lodge of the Si ate. He was a g 1 Mason. We 

can express no higher commendation. As a citizen, 
aley was a model. Ho was quick to respond 
with his means and counsel in all worthy enterprises, 
whib be was prudent and sensible in the expend- 
iture of public funds or private contributions. A- a 
friend anil companion, he was dear to his chosen circle, 
Foi his wise admonitions and cherished 
for bis pleasant cordiality and entertaining manners. 



He married MissLydia A. Woodbury, only daughter 
of William Woodbury, Esq., of Weare, X. H., Decem- 
ber 24, 1 *■">;. He resided about two year.- in the north- 
erly part of the city, on Beach Street, but in 1859 he 
purchased and remodeled the place on the corner of 
Concord and Pine Streets, which he made his resi- 
lience, and where he lived until his decease. There, 
in one of the happiest of home-, be gathered his law 
and miscellaneous libraries and pursued hi- official 
'labors and studies in the most agreeable manner 
possible, and no matter how humble the petition, how 
unreasonable the hour or how unnecessary the intru- 
sion, his frank ami genial Welcome wa- always ex- 
tended to the visitor and his patient and kindly 
i. en. His easy and social manner relieved 
those with whom he had official relation- of every 
restraint, and the performance of his duty was always 
free from harshness or useless formality. Those who 
met Judge Stanley, either officially or socially, will 
always rembember -neb occasions with feelings of 
respect and gratitude. 

While Judge Stanley was aide to do everything 
which came within his sphere of lite well, ami seemed 
to lack for iin faculty, he was nevertheless distin- 
guished by certain prominent traits of character and 
endowed with certain mental qualities in a remark- 
e. He had great tenacity of purpose — not 
the sentiment which springs from personal conflict, 
but a strong and abiding principle running through 
every fibre of his being and steadily asserting itself 
in even action. He wa- a man of strong, char con- 
viction- and was as faithful to the course which they 
marked out as the needle to the pole. He disregarded 
abstractions in reasoning and despised method- of 
sophistry. His logic was remarkable for its directness 
and brought him to conclusions with the rapidity 
almost of intuition; and it is not too much to say, 
generally with unerring precision. He was possessed 
ot'a wonderfully strong and comprehensive memory, of 
very great industry and remarkable powers of endur- 
ance, and. what seemed to be made up from many facul- 
ties, a grand general business ability which rendered 
him SO valuable and efficient in every place where he 
was called to act. He loved the practice of the law, 
bi cause it afforded a wide field for his intensely active 
nature, and an opportunity for the protection of in- 
dividual rights. 

But it was upon the bench that Judge Stanley was 
able to do the best work of his life. He knew well 
the value of a fearless and conscientious court. His 
discriminating mind, accurate memory, great love for 
justice ami equity, and quick energetic decision of 
character fitted him in a remarkable degree for the 
duties of that position. Few men have been able to 
transfer their labors from the "heated conflict of active 
practice to the unimpas-ioned and exalted duties of 
the bench" with more perfect adaptation or complete 
fitness. The universal commendation of bis official 
life and the profound res] t in which he was held 



THE BENCH AND BAR. 



by the members of the bar are evidence of his great 
merit as a judge. 

Judge Stanley died December 1, 1884, after a very 
brief illness. He was holding the September term at 
Nashua, and suspended for a few days on account of 
slight indisposition, as was generally understood, 
when, suddenly and without warning, the fatal change 
came. His death was a painful shock to the whole 
State, causing deep and widespread sorrow. The 
whole community mourned bis decease as a public 
loss, and tin' distinguished concourse which assembled 
to pay the last sad rites and show their respect lor 
him was a more eloquent tribute to his worth than 
the profoundest eulogy. 

We came. i conclude this imperfect -ketch of our 
esteemed friend more fittingly than by subjoining the 

proceedings of the Supreme I ' i at the law term 

in March, 1885, concerning his decease. 

The attorney-general, Hon. Mason W. Tappan, 
addressed the court and said,— 

"May it please yow honors: 

"I rise to tin- performance of a melancholy duty,— that oi presentin - 
resolutions in reference to the death of your late associate, Judge Sua i- 

le>\ 1 bad intended to have presented these resolutions at the - i 

of this court in D mber, but it was thought best to postpone it till the 

,„■,.., hl ,; . when there would be .1 n general attend I 1 ■ 

members of til.- lor li the \arieu- ' ■ ointi.-s in 1 1 1 ■ State. 

■■II,. announcement ol I leatb of Judge Stanley in the early days 

of winter fell with startling suddenness upon tin' members of the lor 
and the people of Hie Stat.-, ami very few knew et hi- serious illness until 
the intelligent e was Has I ovei the state that he was dead. 

'•And it is very hard t" realize even new that he, who, but a fev, 

,, e I in the enjoy nt of such perfect health Iwhogave 

promise oi so many years of future usefulness in the position which he 
adorned on the bench of tti is court, has passed from among us forever. 

."II,.. 8 uddeun 1 Judge Stanley's death cannot help reminding us 

,,f the wools of Mr. l'.urk a somewhat similar occasion, which are 

frequently quoted, bul so little heeded : 'Snatched from us, a- he was, in 

the midst of his usefulness, while his desires were as wi and his hopes 

anj "f ours, has feelingly told US what shadows we are and 
what shadows we pursue.' 

" His funeral was attended by a largo concourse of people, not only 
from the city where he dwelt, but by the members of the bar and others, 

rig, I believe, from every county in the State, showing tie' high 

esteem in which he was held by all ranks and i la— - in th .mutiny 

"The friendly and genial relations which exist.',] between Judge 
Stanley and the men. hers ,,f the har generally, an I I mo >M. ,! 'h, 
bench as well, will cause him to he sincerelj mourned and his name and 
character to he held in kindly remembrance as long as any "1 the- win. 
knew him -hall live. I mine, your honors, the adoption of the following 

" Resolved, That in the death of the Hon, Clinton Warrington Stanley, 

one "I theassoi iate justices of the Supre Court of New Hampshire, on 

the 1st day of December, 1884, we recognize the loss of one of the most 

untiring members of lb,- bench, who, by bis ability, integrity 1 faithful 

devotion to the Int.,- ,f hi- ..the... had deservedly , a 1 and possessed 

1, rice and respect of bis associates and of the bar and 

1 pie of th,- State 

"We recognize, al-,,, hi- Bterling qualities a- ;i man and a citizen, 
which made him honored and respected in all the relations of private 

"And weres],,-, tfullj request the court to direct that these proceedings 
be entered upon its records, and that a copy thereof he presented t,, his 
widow, with the n-surancc of our deep and heartfelt sympathy m her 
bereavement." 

Mr. Justice Blodgei then spoke as follows: 

"The estimation in which Judge Stanley was he], I l,v the profession 

ha- , . ii -,, titlv . ,\pi,, I in the resolutions which have I n present.,, 1, 

and in the remark- which have been made, that nothing seems to remain 



Worth alel the deep Sel.se o| It- hearth li 1 ".--. 

" To say that our brother was invaluable 

i ..„, i, , hul the feeble utterance oi a Belf-evident truth, w. 11 I,..,, v., 

the I, a I ,,| the State and O ' all others ha\ 1 l.g 1 ,11-i lie-- i ti ) ., 

, And tr, , in hi- very nature it could not 1 tlei v i <-. ! 

ii was a- natural for him to work a- to breathe, and In- ocas,,, | li ] 

labors only a- he yielded up In- life But he was far than .. me 

uorkei . he was an able, painstaking ami an uprighl nidge II.- ■■ 



.load than he was u. "I willing to extend ovei Urn ei lots „l .tie 
f men are to be judged hi tl.- - . 1 and of evil in t 

by the balancing of theii virtues and theii faults, few, indeed, 



,,i inthejudgn 
" Bul ii i- I-, 

■ 



..lie that Judge Stanley will long 



death, OUt- 
The inelan- 
I itneSS of the social and moral side of 

without ostentati f favor . so many 



,.,., | ; „ [east, the death .,t no other mi/, n "f New Hampshire has 

,aiiie, I le wid, -plead -,,ri.,w I,, tie- hearts of her people or called 

forth in notable tributes of He n respi i i. 

••Cut While, h.llliallh -peak...-. We ,1, 1,1- Ultti I11..1.V n-llloVal ill 

the prime of his liiatlh 1 alei H, the luld-t -■! hi- n- lull.- --. W" cai.Iiot 

hut he grateful that h.s busy, l.d i- and faithful life was crowned 

with a ino-i fitting close ; fol with only a brief illness, and with all his 

faculties unimpaired, lie was rcifullj called aw.o with '.a a struggle, 

lo a i.,.i, h a- gentle as that "huh l,.o-en- the ripe fruit from its bough. 
'God's finger touched loin and he -hpt • ll.s w.nl, was done,— hie mis- 
sion was accomplished." 

Chief .Justice Doe spoke as follows: 

"Brother Blodget speaks for ..- all. hut my personal relations with 
brothei Stanlej wen oi iu. b .. chara. ter and duration that I beg t,, be 
excused for adding a wool. A- -, 1 1-mates, brother I lark and I be- 
came acquainted with him thirty-eight years ago last August, and we 
remained "ii intimate term-, with some separation of tunc an, I -|,.,o. , nil 
the sudden end last I le.-.. 1 1 ,1 ,c i h',,i u- and many others 
side the immediate family circle, cold come so near home 
{'holy feeling of personal [OSS I 

tl ,,ti So many friendly at 

scenes of harmonious counsel ; so long a period .,f .mite, 1 tabor, with some 
inevitable and highly useful diversity of view and opinion, hut without 
,, -n : :,. unpli asant jai di discord left in recollection , bo much constant 
attention t,, the want, of others . - u. I. assistance rendered so habitu- 
ally as 1 spected and rei end a- a matter of course ; so much sacri- 

ti , ,,f In, own tunc, labor and convenience for our own benefit ; so many 
l„, m - alel day-' aid n al, lighted up DJ his t,. .lorn lit alel I heerful spirit,— 

all this mid all the pleasures of life that this suggests 1,,,,, i 

|„i-o.ial hcieavciuelit Seldom experienced by those w ho ale Hot of near 
kindred. 

"The untiring energy that rendered the most valuable judicial service 
was enlisted in helping hie .,--,„ lates, a- well a- it. "- enterprises, 

public and private, lb- capacit} for continuous labor. f.„ detail- and 

lot everything collipii- d ill the -I "fill , olldllCt "I bn -i le — , coll I hi Ul',1 

with eijuaniinity and profound and enthusiastic interest in everything he 

u ii, bit,, ok, made him an invaluable member ..f the curt and would have 

can id him to the highest distinction and su in any department of 

a, tive in, 
"i instance ,.t his iucos-aiii usefulness illustrates the productive 

„a| ,,f hiS talents. The pi , -out sy-tein of exi.lii ill inn candidates for 

idmi i ii i bar is entirely his work, and the great advantages 

derived from it by the profession and tl mmunity are a e mil of the 

mission of progress and improvement ill which he was alwav , o li eat ■_',,, 1. 

Should tin- -\ stein be long cut el. it will g. , fa r t, , p> o, 1 -i ic b a bar 

and ben, b a, tl,,. intei.-t- and tie , relit of the stale do ,.l Tin, one 

movement has already done enough fol tie cans.- ,,| Icjal clll, atl.ol ill 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY. NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



M'li' We Imv ill llii|im\r.,| i, ctlimls i >(" it.lllLllii-t J :it I. .1 l .il.nn i.u.t . , Mm ■■ 

..I genius. 
" w bat aiade linn -i" . mil- pleasing as an assoi iate, and Ins life the 

lll\pple>t llll'l lie-l - ,i||-|:ii Inl v. u.is hi- impel tnrloMe >r|riiity. I llllVe 

Been him in circumstances "I annoyance when !i>- must liave thought 

lli!!]SL'lf ill- Use. I. llllll wlll-ll nthelS ill 111— pi. in- Wi.lll.l IlllVr lllllile l ■■ .-I 

less exhibition of anger, but from nil these thirty-eighl and a half years 

I cannol rei all a single occasion when be ^1h>\m>'1 any sign of irritation. 

II this extraordinary fact is due to a memory that failed to record - 

express^ tngi of vo lor, il is, nevertheless, true that in kind- 

lie— it n.ttille lite I l'lrnlnii. f I ..in ( i nt fill in ■— ;unl resentment— qualities 

ill.- lie. -I l..-ir;il>le in :i fneiel unit of prime nerr-silv in ;i pi.l-e — In- \v:i- 



Hiix. Herman Foster was born at Andover, 
Mas>., October 31, L800. He removed to Hudson, 
N. H., with his father's family in 1810. He 
prepared for college, bul was prevented from pur- 
suing a college course by a disease of his eyes. He 

fir.-i < r i l: ; i l! i • < 1 in mercantile lm>inr~- in l!o>ton. and 
was married to Harriet M. -V. Whittemore, of West 
Cambridge, Mass.. in November, 1826. He removed 
to Warner in March, 1830. lie .studied law with the 
Hon. Henry B. Chase, of Warner, and was admitted 
(.. practice in December, is::;). Hecommenced prac- 
tice in Manchester, X. H., in 1840. 

He was town treasurer before the city was char- 
tered. He was a member of the State Legislature in 
1845-46 and in 1868-69; member of the State Senate in 
1860 and 1861, of which body he was president the 
latter year. He was one of the first directors and 
clerk nf the Manchester and Lawrence Railroad, a 
director of the old Amoskeag Bank for many years, 
a director of the Amoskeag National Bank, and a 
trustee and one of the investigating committee of the 
Manchester Savings-Hank from its organization to his 
death. He also was one of the fouuders of the City 
Library, treasurer and clerk of the Manchester ( Jas- 
Lighl < !ompany from its organization t<> his death. 

In bis profession, Mr. Foster was a safe and valu- 
able counselor. He formed his opinions upon careful 
study and examination, and they were generally cor- 
rect and reliable. In the preparation of a cause he 
was thorough. He neglected nothing ami was seldom 
caught unprepared. It may safely lie said the affairs 
of no client suffered in his hands. Mr. Foster died 
February 17, 1875. 

Lewis W.Clark. 1 — Judge Lewis Whitemore Clark, 
son of Jeremiah and Hannah (Whitemore) Clark, was 
born in Barnstead, X. II.. August 19, 1828. 

With most excellent natural mental capacity, lie 
early showed a hunger lor knowledge. His education 
began in the common schools of his native town, was 
pursued through I'ittslield and Atkinson Academics, 
in which institutions he prepared for college, and 
Dartmouth College, where lie was graduated with ex- 
cellent standing in 1850. 

He immediately began the special preparation for 



By Be 



..linn II. Kimball. 



his chosen profession and at the same time was prin- 
cipal of I'ittslield Academy. His principalship of 
this school continued from August, 1850, to December, 
1852, with eminent success. He began his law studies 
with Hon. Moses Norris, continued them under the 
direction of Hon. A. F. 1.. Norris, and on September 
:;, L852, was admitted to the bar of New Hampshire, 
to commence a career of professional service that has 
been alike honorable to himself and creditable to the 
commonwealth of which he is a citizen. 

He practiced law for a time in I'ittslield, X. H.. but 
his abilities were such a- to soon Call bun to the me- 
tropolis of the State, where he has since resided, one 

of its best-beloved citizens. 

lie was associated in the practice of his profession 
with Hon. George W. Morrison and Hon. Clinton W. 
Stanley, late associate justice of the Supreme Courts 
and remained in this law firm for six years. A-fter a 
time he formed a law partnership with Hon. Henry 
H. Huse, under the firm-name of Clark & Huse, and 
continued thus until May 24, 1*72, when he was ap- 
pointed attorney-general of the State by Governor 
Weston, an appointment which his learning and ability 
justly merited. This position he held, with great credit 
to himself ami benefit to the State, until August, 
1876. 

His ability and great learning as a lawyer, his faith- 
ful and eminent discharge of the duties of attorney- 
general of the State, and his already marked judicial 
ability pointed to him as the man to iill the vacancy 
which had occurred on the Supreme Bench, and on 
August 13, 1877, he was appointed judge of the Su- 
preme Court of Xew Hampshire, an appointment 
highly satisfactory to the able bar of the State. 
This position he has filled to the present time with 
highest honor to himself and in a manner worthy the 
great lawyers who have occupied the Supreme Bench 
of Xew Hampshire. 

In December, 1852, he united in marriage with Miss 

Helen M., daughter of Captain William Know It of 

Pittsfield, a lady every way qualified for the compan- 
ionship ol her eminent husband. Two children have 
been born to them, — Mary Helen and John Lewis. 

Politically, Judge Clark is a Democrat, and while 
not a partisan, has been a wise and honored leader in 
the Democratic party. In 1855 he was the nominee 
of his party for Congress in the Second Congressional 
District ami served as a member of the Xew Hamp- 
shire Legislature from I'ittslield in the years 1855, 
1856, 1857. 

Since his elevation to the Supreme Bench, in ac- 
cordance with his high sense of honor, he has with- 
drawn from active participation in politics, while still 
profoundly concerned in all questions relating to his 
country's weal. 

The private character of Judge Clark is one of 
stainless integrity. His mind is eminently one of 
great self-poise and unusually perfect adjustment. 
He possesses in an unusual degree the power to grasp 






**** 




Jue^f/ziz^ ^rc^Ze^ 




in 



* 





( >><C^^c^^^^(^^^^-'^---^-^U 



THE BENCH AND BAR. 



all sides oJ questions that come under his notice, and 
with imperturbable calmness deal with them. 

He is pre-eminently a lawyer. He loves his profes- 
sion, and whether at the bar pleading, or on the 
bench deciding, he is always the searching, candid, 
judicial-minded lawyer. This word is ennobled and 
and dignified by Judge Clark as it is and has been by 
the thousands of other great nanus who have so much 
to do in making the great in American history. 

Socially, Judge Clark is genial, cordial, of great 
amiability, direct, and in all his bearing towards all 
marked by a large-hearted kindliness and perfect 
simplicity. 

His whole character is permeated by profound reli- 
gious com iction. Personally he is a Baptist, in regular 
communion and active fellowship with the First Bap- 
tist Church id' Manchester, but his great catholicitj of 
character and mind put him in warm fellowship with 
all noble lives of every faith. 

In the confraternity of his profession he stands 
enviably high. In the circle of society in which he 
moves he is sincerely respected and loved. In the 
community of his residence he is esteemed and 
honored; and as a citizen, his large influence can be 
uniformly depended upon in behalf of the public 
well-being-. 

Isaac W. Smith.' — The opportunity to attain the 
posts of high honor and extensive influence, which 
under our free institutions is put within the reach of 
all who feel stirring within them the requisite latent 
ability, and are willing to submit to the requisite 
labor, is illustrated in the life of the subject of the fol- 
owing sketch, the Hon. Isaac W. Smith, associate 
justice of the Supreme Court of New Hampshire. 

Paternal Ancestry. — I. Samuel Smith, supposed to 
have emigrated from England and to have been 
among the early settlers of Haverhill, Mass. 

II. Samuel Smith, died June 2, 1781, in the eighty- 
girth year of his age. Sarah, his wife, died April ">. 
1801, aged ninety-two years. 

III. Joseph Smith, born January 22, 1740 (0. S.), 
died January 28, 181(3 ; moved from Plaistow, N. H., 
to Hampstead, N. H., March 1, 1800. He was a sol- 
dier in the War of the Revolution. His grandmother 
(whether paternal or maternal is not known, nor her 
name) died March 5, 179">, at the age of one hundred 
and two years. He married ( 1 ) Hannah Harriman, 
May ii, 1762, who was born March 25, 1744, died 
May 6, 1782, and by whom he had eleven children ; 
(2) Mary Sawyer, December 2, 17*4, daughter of Jon- 
athan Sawyer, horn October 19, 1758, at Atkinson, 
X. H., died December 2, 1802, and by whom he had 
five children; (:!) Mrs. Phebe Runnels, September 5, 
1803, who dieil in July, 1821, aged seventy-nine years. 

IV. Isaac Smith, fourth child of Joseph and Mary 
(Sawyer) Smith, born at Plaistow, N. H., May 
31, 1793, died at Hampstead, N. H., June 11, 1869; 



married (li .Mary Clarke, daughter of Nathaniel 

and Abigail (W Iman) Clarke, Julj L8, L822, who 

was born January 21, 1800, died June ('., 1833, and by 
whom he had three children ; (2) Sarah < 'lenient, < )c- 
tober 23, 1834, daughter of Muses ami Marj - -- 
Clement, of Salisbury, X. II., who was born 1 »eceml >er 
9, 1795, died May 2, 1866, and by whom he had two 
children; (3) Abigail Clarke, March 20, 1867, daugh- 
ter of Nathaniel and Abigail (Woodman) Clarke, 
who was born April 5, 1795, and died Augusl 27, L879. 
She was the widow of David Clarke, of Sandown, 
\. 11., who died November 24, 1834, at Lowell, Mass 
Isaac Smith was a country merchant, who carried on 
an extensive business for nearly half a century in 
Hampstead, and was widely and favorably known as 
a public-spirited citizen, strongly identified with the 
religious, educational and political interests of the 
town. He was charitable in his views and libera] 
with his means, and was often called to positions of 
public trust and responsibility. His character was 
above reproach, and he died honored and lamented 
by all who knew him. 

Maternal Ancestry. — I. Nathaniel Clarke, born in 
1044 and died August 25, 1690; married, November 23, 
1663, Elizabeth, born November 1, 1646, daughter of 
Henry and Judith Somerly, and died March 15, 1710. 
Nathaniel Clarke's name appears among the early set- 
tlers of Newbury, Mass., where he resided. He 
appears to have been a man of unusually strong qual- 
ities, mental, moral and physical, and these qualities 
have been transmitted from generation to generation 
among his descendants to a quite remarkable extent. 

II. Nathaniel Clarke, Newbury, Mass., bom March 
13, 1666; died October, 1690; married Elizabeth, born 
October 16, 1665, daughter of Dr. Peter and Jane 
Toppan, and sister of Rev. Christopher Toppan, D.D. 
Her father was sixth in descent from Robert, of Linton, 
near Lately Bridge, in the West Riding of York, 
where his descendants continue to the present day 
among the most respectable families of that country. 
Nathaniel went with the expedition to Canada in 
1690, and was mortally wounded there on board the 
ship "Six Friends," in October of the same year. 

III. Nathaniel Clarke, Newbury, Mass., born July 
29, 1689 ; died in 1754 ; married, March 7, 1709, Sarah, 
born November 3, 1692, daughter of Samuel and Sarah 
Kent ( rreenleaf. 

IV. Nathaniel Clarke, Haverhill, .Mass., born in 
1728; died November 7, 1805; married, February 18, 
1753, Mary Hardy, of Bradford, Mass., horn October 
8, 1733, died June 13, 1817. He was a member of 
Captain Richard Saltonstall's (2d) company of foot; 
served in 1780 on the committee to collect clothing 
for the army, and was active in furthering the cause 
of the Revolution. 

V. Nathaniel Clarke, Plaistow, N. H.,born in 1760, 

died March 19, 1846; married Abigail W Iman, 

born August. 1765, died April 3, 1844. When fifteen 
years old he enlisted for three years as filer in Cap- 



28 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



tain Nehemiah Emerson's Company, Tenth Massa- 
chusetts Regiment, and remained till the close of the 
war. Ho was wounded at the battle of White 
Plains. 

VI. -Mary Clarke, born at Plaistow, N. H., January 
21,1800; died June 6, L833, at Hampstead, N. H.; 
married Isaae Smith, July IS, 1822. She was a woman 
of great persona] beauty and rare sweetness of char- 
acter, possessed of gentle ways, dignified manners 
and fine womanly sense. She lived an exemplary 
Christian life, and her early death was deplored by a 
large circle of friends. 

Isaac William Smith, the second child of Isaacand 
Mary (Clarke) Smith, was born in Hampstead.N. II.. 
May 18, 1825, His parents shared fully the honor- 
able ambition which has from the beginning charac- 
terized our old New England families, and which goes 
so tar to account for the moulding and controlling 
icNeu Falkland element in the country ai 
large, — the ambition to secure the best possible advan- 
[ucation for their clildren. For an end so 
important in their estimation they were willing to toil 
and to make large sacrifices, and for this, in his case 
as in so many others, a debt of gratitude not easily to 
be repaid is felt to be most justly due. 

His early years were passed in theipiiet atmosphere 
of a country \ illage, under the influences of a pure and 
happy home, and in attendance for brief periods at 
the academies in Salisbury, Atkinson, 1 >erry and San- 
bornton. At the age of fifteen years he was sent to 
pursue his studies preparatory for college at Phillips 
Academy, Andover, Mass., then under the care of 
Samuel H. Taylor, LL.D., one of the most distin- 
guished educators that this country has as yet pro- 
duce. 1 Having completed these studies, he entered 
Dartmouth College in 1S42. The president of the 
college, Rev. Nathan Lord, D.I>., was then in the 
full meridian of that remarkable career which secured 
for him a placeamong the foremost college presidents 
of tin' country. The class with which Judge Smith 
graduated in 1846 was small in number, but is re- 
markable for the proportion who have become distin- 
guished in professional life, including Rev. Charles A. 
Aiken, D.D., president of Union College and pro- 
fessor in Princeton Theological Seminary ; Hon. Ben- 
jamin F. Aver, LL.D., lawyer, Chicago, 111.; Dr. 
Josiah W. Barstow, superintendent of Flushing (X. Y.) 
Insane Asylum; Rev. James J. Blaisdell, D.D., 
professor in Beloit College; Hon. Joseph M. Cavis, 
judge of Fifth District Court, California ; Dr. Edward 
H. Parker, professor in New York Medical College; 
Rev. Alonzo H. Quint, D.D., trustee of Dartmouth 
College; Hon. Edward J. Warren,judge of Superior 
Court, North Carolina; and Rev. Joshua W. Well- 
man, D.D., trustee of Andover Theological Sem- 
inary. 

Soon after his graduation Judge Smith commenced 
his legal studies in the office of William Smith. Esq., 
at Lowell, Mass. Alter spending nc.irh a year in 



this office, he removed to .Manchester, and completed 
his studies in the office of Hon. Daniel Clark. He 
was admitted to the bar July 9, 1850, and soon after 
entered into a partnership in legal practice with Hon. 
Herman Foster, which continued nearly two years. 
Subsequently he was lor five years the partner of 
Hon. Daniel Clark. 

He was early recognized by his fellow-citizens as 
Liking a lively interest in the welfare of his adopted 
city ami as qualified to till positions of trust and re- 
sponsibility in its affairs. He was president of its 
Common Council in 1851 and 1852, city solicitor in 
1854 and 1855, and mayor of the city in 1869. I D 1 355 
he was appointed judge of the Police i !our( of Man- 
chester, but resigned the office in 1857 to engage more 
fully in the practice of his profession. He was 
elected in 1859 to represent his ward in the Legislature 
of the State, and was re-elected in the following year, 
and in the latter year was chairman of the judiciary 
committee of the House of Representatives. In 1S62 
and L863 he was a member of the State Semite and 
chairman of its judiciary committee. In 1863 he was 
appointed by President Lincoln assessor of the Second 
Internal Revenue District of New Hampshire, and 
held the office until 1870. He was appointed associ- 
ate justice of the Supreme Judicial Court. February 
in. 1874, by Governor Straw. In August of that year 
the court was reorganized, and he was appointed by 
Governor Weston associate justice of the new court, and 
held the office until the court was again reorganized, in 

1876. After leaving the bench he resumed the prac- 
tice' of his profession, and continued it until July, 

1877, "leu a vacancy occurred in the Supreme Court, 
and he was, upon the recommendation of almost the 
entire bar of the State, appointed by Governor Pres- 
ent! to fill it. a position which he still occupies. 

As a lawyer. Judge Smith has throughout all his 
practice been characterized by a clear, penetrating 
judgment, unsparing industry, unbending integrity 
and fidelity to all trusts. The high reputation which 
he early acquired, built on solid foundations, has 
never been shaken. Upon the bench his well-known 
ability as a lawyer, the conscientious care and thor- 
oughness with which every case upon which he is 
called to express an opinion is examined, and the 
judicial poise ami impartiality which he always main- 
tains, secure for his rulings and decisions a high 
degree of confidence and respect. 

Judge Smith's personal interest in the affairs of his 
Ah, in Mater has suffered no abatement as other cares 
and interests have multiplied. He was president of 
the Dartmouth Alumni Association in 1881-83, and of 
the Phi Beta Kappa Society i„ 18S2-84. In college he 
was one of the charter members of the Dartmouth 
( li tpterof the Alpha Delta Phi Society. In 1880 he 
delivered before the Alumni Association a eulogy 
upon the life and character of Hon. William H. 
I'.aitlett, lale associate justice of the Supr< 

of New Hampshire. In Mar, h. 1885, he was elected 




Oh. 



, J 

2^L7 



THE BENCH AM) BAR. 



L".t 



one of the trustees of the college. He has found 
time amid the press of professional duties to indulge 
his taste for historical investigation, contributing his 
share to the researches of the Now Hampshire Histor- 
ical Society, of which he has been a member since 
1861. As early as 1849 he delivered an address, 
which was subsequently published, at the centennial 
celebration of the incorporation of his native town. 
His tastes in this direction gave a special zest and 
value to a visil which lie made, in the summer of 

1878, to several of the scenes of special historical in- 
terest ill the Old World. 

Politically, the sympathies of Judge Smith have 
been with the Republican party since its Brst organi- 
zation, lie was an earnest advocate of the great 
principles which that party bore inscribed upon its 
banners in our terrible civil stri'e and in the period of 
; :ion which followed it, and which are des- 
tined to go down to the future as the inspiring aid 
plastic force in one of the greal epochs in human his- 
tory. He was. in 1856, a delegate to the National Con- 
vention which nominated Fremont and Dayton as 
candidates tor President and Vice-President. 

Religiously, by education and by conviction, his 
sympathies are with the Orthodox Congregationalists. 
He early identified himself with the Franklin Street 
Congregational Society in Manchester, assuming his 
full share of its burdens and responsibilities, being 
called at different times to rill the offices of president, 
treasurer aud director in it. In 1870 he became a 
member in full communion of the church with which 
thai society is connected, and has always taken a 
warm and lively interest in its prosperity and in the 
advancement of the cause which it represents. 

Judge Smith was united in marriage, August 16, 
1854, with Amanda \\\, .laughter of Hon. Hiram 
Brown, the first mayor of Manchester. Their chil- 
dren, eight in number, are Mary Amanda, born June 
5, 1855; William Isaac, born February 22, 1857; 
Arthur Whitney, born March 9, L860; Julia Brown, 
born January 17, 1862 ; Edward Clark, born October 
24,1864; Daniel Clark, born April 5, 1866; Jennie 
Patterson, born September 29, 1868; and Grace Lee, 
born September 10, 1870. 

James F. Briggs. 1 — John and Nancy (Franklin) 
Briggs were of that class of working Englishmen who 
had the courage to flee from hard surroundings which 
no strength could overcome, and seek in a new world, 
among strangers, a chance to improve their condition. 
They were factory operatives at Bury, Lancashire 
County, England, where their son James F. was horn, 
October 23, 1827. When he was fourteen months old 
they took passage on an emigrant ship for America, 
and after a rough voyage of more than seven weeks 
landed in Boston, March 4, 1829. Going direct to 
Andover, Mass., the father found employment in a 



l By Henry M. Putney, from Clark's "Successful New Bampshir 



woolen-factor) there From that place he removed 
to Saugus, where he worked a short nine, and from 
thence to Amesbury, which was the family home 
until 1836. In the fall of that year the lather, in 
company with two brothers, bought a small woolen- 
factory at Holderness (now Ashland), N. II., and, 
having established his home near by, commenced 
business on his own account, in manufacturing 
woolen cloths. But l'r\x operatives were needed to 
run this mill, and they were mainly the three pro- 
prietors and their children, anion- whom was the boy 
James, then a lad nine years old, who had begun to 
earn his living in a factors before the removal from 
Massachusetts, the family circumstances being such 
that all had to contribute to its support as soon as 
able. He was continuously employed in 
the mill for the next five years; but during this time 
he had learned enough of hooks to make him ambi- 
tious to know more; and, as the affairs of the family 
were fairly prosperous, at the age of fourteen he was 
sent to the academj at Newbury, N't. , and afterwards 
to the one at Tilton. Being an expert operative, able 
to take the wool from the fleece and convert it into 
cloth, by working in the factory a part of each year 
be earned the money to pay his expenses at these 
institutions one or more terms every year until 1848, 
when he arranged to commence the study of law with 
Hon. William C. Thompson, at Plymouth; but in 
February of that year his lather died. 'leaving a family 
of eighl children, six of whom were younger than 
James, in destitute circumstances. 'Ibis affliction, 
which threw the care of the family largely upon the 
young man, compelled him to change somewhat his 
plans; but he did not for a moment lose sight of the 
object he had in view, ami, as he could not enter the 
law-office at Plymouth, he borrowed books from it 
and pursued his studies during such time as he could 
get at home, for a y.ar, when he entered the office of 
Hon. Joseph Furrows, then a practicing lawyer at 
Holderness. 

In 1849 the family removed to Fisherville, in order 
that the younger children might obtain employment 
in the factory there, and he completed his studies in 
tl Hi< e of Judge Butler, from which he was ad- 
mitted to the bar in 1851. A lew months later In: 

ci nieed the practice of law at Hillsborough 

Bridge, whither he went a perfect stranger, without 
money or reputation. I'.ul he had ability and energy, 
was willing to work, knew how to live within a small 
income' until lie could make it larger, and little by 
little he gained clients and friends, who gave him a 
lucrative practice, accepted his counsel, followed his 
leadership and established his reputation as the most 
popular and influential man of the town. In 1856, 
1857 and 1858 he was sen! by a nearly unanimous 
vote to represent Hillsborough in the Legislature, 
where he was at once accorded a prominent position 
as a member of the judiciary committee, and the 
third year was honored by the nomination of bis 



30 



HISTORY OF H1LLSBOH01 GH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



party Cor the Speakership. At this time he acted 
with the Democratic party, and continued to do so 
until the War of the Rebellion, when he felt that all 
loyal men should unite to save the Union and main- 
tain the national authority, and, having been nomi- 
nated by the Democracy of his district for councilor 
upon a platform which enunciated peace-at-any-price 
doctrines, to which he could not assent, he declined 
the nomination, and from that day has been an 
ardent, active and enthusiastic Republican. 

While the Eleventh Regiment was being recruited 
he tendered his services to the Governor of the State, 
and was appointed quartermaster on the staff of Col- 
onel Harriman. In this capacity he served through 
the battles of Fredericksburg, the military operations 
in Kentucky, and the Mississippi River expeditions 
which resulted in the capture of Yicksburg and 
Jackson, for about a year, when he was prostrated by 
the malaria of tin- southern swamps, and compelled 
to resign anil return to his home in Hillsborough. 

During his absence in the field and the illness 
which succeeded his return his legal business had 
become somewhat demoralized, and on the recovery 
of his health he concluded to start anew in a wider 
field of action in Manchester, to which city he re- 
moved in 1871, forming a partnership with Hon. 
Henry II. Huse, which still exists. Manchester gave 
him a cordial welcome. Her mill operatives and 
other mechanics greeted him as an honored graduate 
of their school, who in his after triumphs had never 
forgotten the hard road by which he had journeyed 
to success; her lawyers and clients were already well 
acquainted with his professional abilities; her sol- 
diers recognized him as an old companion-in-arms. 
and her politicians as an earnest Republican who 
could and would be a tower of strength in every 
campaign. Under these circumstances he did not 
have to wait for business or political preferment. 
Soon after opening his office he was appointed city 
solicitor, and in 1874 he was elected to the Legislature 
from Ward Three. Two years later he was chosen 
Senator from the Manchester District, and in the same 
yeaj was -cut to the Constitutional Convention. 

In all these positions he won reputation and friends 
to such an extent that in 1877 he was nominated for 
Congress without substantial opposition, and elected 
by a large majority. At the expiration of his hist 
term he was unanimously renominated, and after an 
exciting campaign was re-elected by a majority of 
eight hundred and forty-nine over the combined 
Democratic ami Greenback vote. Two years after- 
wards it became a question whether he should be 
returned. The traditions and prejudices of the dis- 
trict were strongly against a third term. Four other 
able and deserving men were ambitious to succeed 
him, and he declined to push for the nomination, but 
accepted a call to take the stump in Maine, leaving it 
for his friends to determine whether his name should 
be used in the convention. To one of these, who 



wrote him that he ought to return from Maine and 
attend to his canvass, he replied: "I am assured that 
I can be of considerable service here, and, as it is of 
vastly more importance that the cause shall triumph 
in this State next Monday than that I shall be re- 
nominated, I must remain and trust to you and others 
to decide whether it is best to send me back to Wash- 
ington. Whatever that decision may be, I shall be 
satisfied." The convention met just after the disas- 
trous defeat of the party in Maine, and when it 
appeared that there was only a desperate chance for 
its nominee to be elected. It decided that it' any 
man could succeed he could, and a few days alter he 
took the stump. Manchester, which was counted a 
doubtful city when the convention assembled, gave 
him more than eight hundred majority, and the rest 
of the district swelled this to fourteen hundred and 
eighty. 

In Congre>*. Mr. Briggs was from the first a faithful, 
hard-working member, always in his seat, tireless in 
serving his constituents, especially the veteran sol- 
diers, ami conscientiously devoted to the discharge of 
all his duties. In the Forty-fifth Congress lie was a 
member of the committee on patents; in the Forty- 
sixth, of the committee on naval affairs; and m the 
Forty-seventh, chairman of the committee on expen- 
ditures in the War Department, and a member of the 
judiciary and reform in the civil service. No 
member of the House commanded a more perfect 
confidence in his associates, ami few, it' any, were 
able to accomplish so much. He succeeded at Wash- 
ington as he did at home, by quiet, patient, persistent 
work, and was satisfied with results rather than with 
brilliant outbursts and noisy exhibitions of his rhet- 
orical powers. 

Mr. Briggs married Koxana Smith, the daughter of 
Obadiah ami Eliza M. Smith, of New Hampton, and 
ha- had three children, all of whom are living. The 
oldest, a -on. was educated at West Point, ami served 
four years in the army, when he resigned, and is now 
engaged in the manufacturing business in Trenton, 
N. d. Two daughters reside with their parents in 
Manchc - 

In concluding this brief sketch, written without the 
knowledge of its subject, the author feels that it will 
fail to satisfy those who have known Mr. Briggs inti- 
mately without some direct reference to the qualities 
which characterize him in all positions in lite. Prom- 
inent among these arc hi- perfect fidelity, industry, 
steady courage and thoroughness. It is natural for 
him to lie true, impossible tor him to lie false. He is 
ambitions, ami few prize more highly the honors they 
win: lent lie i> incapable of the duplicity, 
and all the cheap artifices b) which some men suc- 
ceed. His faithfulness to his conviction- does not 
count cost or query about consequences to himself. 
He is as stanch and true a friend as ever lived, and 
he never cheats those whom he dislikes or despises. 
His generosity and devotion to his family are far- 




^3l2^^£j ijD^t^y 



THE BENCH AND BAR. 



:;i 



reaching and untiring. He is a public-spirited citi- 
zen, a kind neighbor and a pleasant companion. He 
is always approachable, patient and considerate. In 
every cause in which he enlists he is a hard worker 
and 8 free giver. He knows how to wait and how to 
look beyond temporary reverses to the complete tri- 
umph which he always believes will crown and estab- 
lish the right. He never frets and never rests until 
the result is secure. His private lite is without a 
stain, and the fierce light of the hottest campaign has 
disclosed no shadow of a blot upon his publii record. 
His sympathies are with the people, and his head and 
hands are controlled by his heart. These qualities 
have made James F. Brings what he is. They have 
supplied the place of early advantages, influential 
friends and fortune. They have carried him from 
the woolen-mill, working for a few cents a day, to 
the national House of Representatives, commissioned 
to speak and act for the largest and richest district in 
New Hampshire. They made him strong at the bar, 
popular at the polls and influential in Congress. 

David Cross, one of the leading lawyers at the 
Hillsborough County bar, was born in Weare, N. H., 
July 5,1817. His father, David Cross, son of Abial 
Cross, was born in Salem, N. H., June 19, 1772, and 
died in Weare. March 7, 1856. His father was a 
farmer, a man of great energy, remarkably indus- 
trious and upright, kind and hospitable, and held in 
high esteem by all who knew him. 

His mother was Olive Kimball, daughter of Thomas 
Kimball and Olive Love joy Kimball, of Pembroke; was 
born June 19, 1782, and died April :!, 1871. He fitted for 
college at Hopkinton and Phillips Academy, A ndover, 
Mass., and graduated at Dartmouth College in 1841. 
He read law in the office of Willard Raymond, in 
Troy. N . Y., at the Harvard Law School, and office of 
Hon. Daniel Clark, in Manchester, and was admitted 
to the bar in December, 1844, and has continued in 
active practice to the present time. 

In 1856 he married Anna Quackenbush Eastman, 
a daughter of Hon. Ira Allen Eastman, who was 
a member of Congress from this State for four 
years and one of the judges of the Supreme Court 
for fifteen years, and one of the most distinguished 
lawyers ol the State. He died in Manchester in 1881. 
Her mother, a daughter of John N. Quackenbush, of 
Albany, N. Y., is living in Manchester. 

Of the five children of Mr. and Mrs. Cross, two 
died in infancy, clarence Eastman Cross died Janu- 
ary 11, 1881, he being within eleven days oftwenty-one 
years of age. He was a member of the junior class 
in Dartmouth College. The death of Clarence was a 
terrible grief to his parents and a disappointment of 
many cherished plans. He seemed to leu, inherited 
from his father ami grandfather a taste and an ability 
for the law, and his character and talent gave high 
hopes of success. He seems abundantly qualified to 
assist his father in professional labor ami to achieve 
for himself an honorable position, of the two sur- 



viving children. Allen Eastman Cross, born hecem- 
ber 30, 1864, is now a member of the senior class in 
Amherst College; Edward Winslow Cross was bom 
July 21, 1875. 

Judge Cross has always manifested an interest in 
all matters tending to advance the moral and mate- 
rial interests of his city and the State. 

In 1852 and L853 be was city solicitor. In 1848, 
184'.), 1856, 1876 ami 1S77 he was a member of the 
Legislature from Manchester. 

In L856 he was appointed judge of Probate tor 
Hillsborough County, which office he held until 1874. 
He was United States pension agent from 1865 to 
1872. During all the time he was judge of Probate 
and pension agent he continued in the active practice 
of law at Manchester, — the business of the pension 
agency being done by clerks under his supervision 
and direction. The labor in his profession from 1865 
to 1872, with his other business, was severe ; he, how- 
ever, always worked with great cheerfulness, and 
filled every position.' creditably and honorably. 

Judge ( 'loss was one of the directors, from 1855 to 
1865, of the Merrimack Elver State Bank, and has 
been one of the directors and vice-president of the 
First National Bank since its organization, in L865. 
He has also, since 1861, been one of the trustees of 
the Merrimack River Savings-Bank. He is an active 
meniliorofthe Franklin Street Congregational Church. 
He has been associated as partner in the practice of 
law with Elijah Miller Topliff, Henry E. Burnham, 
Ira A. Eastman, and at the present time with D. 
Arthur Taggart. No office in the State probably for 
the last thirty-live years has had so many law students 

That Judge Cross has been eminently successful in 
his chosen profession the records of the courts of New 
Hampshire and the testimony of his cotemporaries in 
practice abundantly prove. He came to the bar of 
Hillsborough County at a time when such men as 
Pierce, Perley, Daniel Clark, George Y. Sawyer and 
George W.Morrison were inthefull tideof successful 
practice, constituting a galaxj that tor ability and bril- 
liancy has seldom been seen at the same timein prac- 
tice before the courts of a -ingle county or Stat.'. 
While not so richly gifted with oratorical powers as 
some of these men, he at once look a position, and 
lias since maintained a reputation not inferior to 
theirs as a sound lawyer and a safe and prudent 
counselor. 

Tie secret of Judge Cross' success seems to be 
largely due to causes over which he had no control ; 
he had the rare good fortune to be endowed naturally 
with strong and active mental powers, keen moral 
perception and a sound constitution. Careful disci- 
pline of these gifts and faculties has produced in him 
a broad and well-balanced mind, practical good sense 
and judgment, an even and cheerful temper, warm 
ami deep sympathies, a cordial and engaging manner, 
a modest and unselfish disposition, a sturdy honesty 



32 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



that temptation assails in vain, ami a capacity and 
love for the often laborious work and duties of his 
i which make all burdens light and labor 
pleasant. 

Judge Cress enters into the cause of his client with 
zeal and prosecutes it with energy, but never forgets 
the principles of justice, and is never unmindful of 
the rights of others, seeking in all his acts to aid the 
court and jury to reach just conclusions upon the law 
and evidence. By his candor ami fairness in con- 
ducting the numerous i-msis before tie' courts he has 
won the confidence alike of court and jury, which 
fact has deservedly contributed largely to his success, 
and at the same time gained lor him the warmest 
personal regard of his brethren at the bar. To the 
large number of younger men wdio in forty years have 
made Judge Cross's ollice a school in which to pre- 
pare themselves for the duties of professional life 
he has been more than an instructor. By his uniform 
courtesy, his upright, honorable conduct, fairness and 
unswerving rectitude, he has taught them not only the 
principles of law, but the principles that underlie high 
and manly character as well. 

In the full vigor of his professional life, with a large 
and successful business, rich in the confidence and 
regard of his professional brethren and fellow-citizens 
in every walk of life, he seems to have reached the 
full fruition of his labors, and to be in the enjoyment 
of the pleasure that an honorableand unselfish career 
confers upon any man. 

LUCIEN B. CLOUGH was graduated at Dartmouth 
College with the class of 1850. 

lie commenced his legal study with Messrs. Morri- 
son A Fitch, of Manchester, in 1x50, ami afterwards 
pursued it with Raymond & King, of Troy, X. Y., 
ami was admitted to tin liar in Albany, N. Y.. 
upon examination, in 1851. 

In Is/,:; he returned to New Hampshire and. after 
being admitted in this State, opened an office in 
Manchester. 

In 1874 he was appointed judge of Probate for the 
county of Hillsborough, which office he held about 
two years. 

In 1878, David F. ('lark. Esq., who studied his 
profession with Mr. Clough, became associated with 
him as junior partner, under the style of Clough & 
(.'lark, which firm is still in practice. 

CyrtjsA.Si i .low \y, son of Greeley and Betsey 
L. Sulloway, was born in Grafton. N. II., June 8, 
1839. His boyhood was passed in his native town, 
where his opportunities tor securing an education 
were very limited. He, however, improved such ad- 
vantages as were afforded by the common schools, and 
subsequently attended the academies at Canaan, An- 
dover, Franklin, and Colby Academy, at New Lon- 
don, N. II. 

Having decided upon the legal profession as his life- 
work, he began the study of the law, in 1861, in the 
office of Pike & Barnard, at Franklin. N. H. He 



was admitted to the bar at Plymouth, in November, 
1863, and soon after located in .Manchester, forming a 
copartnership for the practice of law with Samuel 1 >. 
Lord, under the firm-name of Lord & Sulloway. This 
partnership continued until September, 1873, when 
Mr. Sulloway associated with him Elijah M. Topliff, 
the firm being Sulloway & ToplifF. Dennis F. O'Con- 
nor subsequently became a member of the firm, it 
Sulloway, ToplifF <& < »'( lonnor. 

Mr. Sulloway was a member of the Legislature in 
1s7l' and 1873, in the former year being chairman of 
the committee on elections, am! in the latter chair- 
man of the judiciary committee of the House. He 
was also deputy collector of internal revenue from 
L873to L878. In 1878 he was opposed to the con- 
traction of the currency, and in that year was the 
Oi'cinliack candidate for Congress. He was a mem- 
ber of the Republican party down to 1880. In that 
year be east his vote tor Hancock, and in 1884 for 
President Cleveland. 

May 31, 1864, he united in marriage with Helen M., 
daughter of Jonathan W. Fifield and Theodorah 
(Dickinson) Fifield, of Franklin, and their family 
consists of one daughter,— Belle H., born July 31, 
1868. 

Mr. Sulloway, upon his admission to the bar, at once 
displayed such energy, ability and adaptation to his 
profession that be soon surrounded himself with a 
large clientage, and rapidly rose to prominence. 

To great keenness, penetration and power id' ana- 
lysis he adds fluency, pungency and force in the pres- 
entation of a cause toajury, and as an advocate, 
he espouses his causes fearlessly and leaves nothing 
undone, in the line of honorable warfare, to win suc- 

cess. 

His prominence in the trial of the most important 
causes in his own county, and his constantly widening 

field of practice, now embracing a majority of the 
counties in the Slate, arc conclusive proofs that his 
legal fame rests upon a solid and enduring basis. 

Hon. Henry E. BuRNHAM, son of Henry L. and 
Maria A. Burnham, was born in Dunbarton, N. II., 
November 8, 1844. He graduated at Dartmouth Col- 
lege in 1865, and was admitted to the Merrimack 
County bar in 1868. He began the practice of the 
law in Manchester, N. 11., in September of same year. 
He was appointed judge of Probate for Hillsborough 
County July 25, 1876, and resigned June 3, L879. 

Charles Henry Bartlett was bom in Sunapee, 
N. H., October 15, 1833. He is the fourth son of 
John and Sarah J. (Sanborn) Bartlett, and is a lineal 
descendant, in the eighth generation, of Richard Bar- 
tlett, \\ ho came from England to Newbury, Mass., in 
the ship "Mary and John," in 1634. 

The original orthography of the name was Bartte- 
lot, which is still preserved by the family in Eng- 
land, whose ancestral home in Stopham. Susses 
County, has remained in possession of the family for 
nearly a thousand years, and the present occupant, 




Y) V /0//0I, 



THE BENCH AND BAR. 



33 



Hon. Walter B. Baxttelot, is the member of Parlia- 
ment from that county. 

In the same ancestral line is found the name of 
Hon. Josiah Bartlett, who, as a delegate in the Con- 
tinental Congress from New Hampshire, was the first 
man to vote "yes" on the passage of the Declaration 
of Independence, July 4,177(1, and the second to affix 
his signature thereto. All the Bartletts whose names 
appear in the annals of New Hampshire trace their 
lineage to the same ancestry. 

Mr. Bartlett has four brothers— Joseph S., who re- 
sides in Claremont, and Solomon, John Z. and George 
H., who reside in Sunapee — and two sisters, — Mrs. 
Thomas P. Smith and Mrs. John Felch. His parents 
passed awaj at the advanced age of eighty-two years, 
in the enjoyment of an ample competency, the fruits 
of a long life of earnest and cheerful labor, and the 
practice of astern, self-denying economy, a character- 
istic of the best type of our Now England husbandry. 

Mr. Bartlett's early life was mainly spent upon his 
father's farm, laboring through the summer season 
and attending school during the winter. He early de- 
veloped a decided taste for literary pursuits, and from 
childh I devoted a liberal share of his leisure mo- 
ments to the perusal of such 1 ks as were accessible 

to him. He also contributed liberally to the current 
literature of the day, and showed remarkable facility 
in both prose and poetic composition. He received 
his education at the academies at Washington and 
New London, after which he commenced the study of 
law in the office of Metcalf & Barton, at Newport. 
He studied subsequently with George & Foster, at 
Concord, and with Morrisson .V Stanley, at Manches- 
ter, being admitted to the bar of Hillsborough County, 
from the office of the latter, in 1858. In that year he 
began the practice of bis profession at Wentworth, 
N. H., and in 18(53 removed to Manchester, where be 
has since resided. For some two years he was law- 
partner with the late Hon. James U. Parker, the 
partnership terminating with the retirement of the 
latter from active business. In June, 1867, he was 
appointed, by Judge Clark, clerk of the United States 
District Court for the New Hampshire district, since 
which time he has not actively practiced his profes- 
sion, but has devoted himself to the duties of his 
office, which became very onerous and responsible 
upon the passage of the Bankrupt Law, about the time 
of his appointment. The holding of this office under 
the government of the United States has disqualified 
him from accepting any office under the State gov- 
ernment. He was clerk of the New Hampshire Sen- 
ate from lSiil to 1*65, Covernor Smyth's private secre- 
tary in 1865 and 1866, treasurer of the State Reform 
School in lstiii and 1867. In the same year he was 
unanimously chosen city solicitor, but declined a re- 
election, owing to his appointment as clerk of the Dis- 
trict Court. In 1872 he was elected, as the nominee 
of the Republican party, mayor of the city, and served 
till February 18, 1873, when he resigned in accord- 



ance with the policy of the national government at 
that time, which forbade United States officials from 
holding State or municipal offices. His cheerful co- 
operation with the administration in this neuter. 
though at a sacrifice of a most conspicuous public 
position, was handsomely recognized by President 
Grant, through Attorney-General Williams. His last 
official act as mayor was to order the city treasurer to 
pay the amount due him for salary to the Firemen's 
Relief Association. Mr. Bartlett has been a trustee 
ol the Merrimack River Savings-Hank from 1865 to 
the present time, and a trustee of the People's Sav- 
ings-Bank from its organization, in 1874. He is also 
a director in the Merchants' National Bank. Hewas 

the Master of Washington Lodge of Freemasons If 

April, 1872, to April. 1874, and uow holds the position 
of United States commissioner, to which he was ap- 
pointed in 1872. The only positions of trust he has 
held since his appointment as clerk of the United 
States Court are as a member of the hist Constitutional 
Convention and chairman of the commission ap- 
pointed by the Governor and Council to investigate 
the affairs of the New Hampshire Asylum for the In- 
sane. 

Mr. Bartlett married, December 8, 1858, Miss Han- 
nah M. Eastman, of Croydon, N.H., by whom he had 
one son, Charles Leslie, who died at the age of four 
years, anil one daughter, Carrie Bell. 

Clarke's "History of Manchester," from which the 
foregoing facts are gathered, closes its biographical 
sketch of Mr. Bartlett as follows: "Mr. Bartlett has a 
keen, well-balanced mind, whose faculties are always 
at bis command. He thinks readily, but acts cautiously, 
and seldom makes a mistake. Hence be bus been 
financially successful in almost everything be has un- 
dertaken. He is one of the most practical lawyers in 
the State, and was for several years in charge of the 
law department of the Mirror, giving general satis- 
faction, ami his withdrawal, when his business com- 
pelled it, was a source of much regret to the readers 
of that paper." 

In 1881 Dartmouth College conferred upon him 
the honorary degree of Master of Arts. 

In 1882, Mr Bartlett was elected to the New Hamp- 
shire State Senate, resigning his office as clerk of the 
United States District Court. At the assembling of 
the Legislature, on account of his eminent fitness, he 
was chosen president of the Senate, an office Second 
in rank to that of < lovernor of the State. 

Joseph B. Clarke was born in Gilford, N. H., 
June 21, 1823. He graduated from Brown Univer- 
sity, L848. He commenced the study of the Ian 
with the late Judge Asa Fowhr, of Concord, and 
subsequently entered the office of S. C. Lyford, 
at Laconia, and was admitted to the bar in 1853. 
He commenced the practice of bis profession, 
in Manchester, in 1855; was city solicitor in 1858 
and 1859; representative in the Legislature in 
1850; was mayor ol' the city in 1867; was appointed 



34 



HISTORY OF HILLSIiOUOUGH COUNTY. NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



county solicitor in 1861, and held the office ten years. 
He is identified with the banking and other leading 
interests ofthe city, and ''has taken pari in whatever 
might be prominent in society at any time, interest- 
ing himself in politics, military affairs, banking, rail- 
ways, etc., and bis election to the mayoralty of the 
city testifies to the confidence with which he lias been 
regarded as a public man. Cautious, prudent and 
thoughtful, a hard worker and a true friend, be lias 
made a good name in the city, and is favorably 
known throughout the State. He is a good citizen 
and was one of the foremost men and most liberal 
giversin the construction ofthe First Baptist Church." 

Hon. Benjamin Franklin Ayer, 1 the son of 
Robert and Louisa (Sanborn) Ayer, was born at 
Kingston, April 22, 1825. He graduated at Dart- 
mouth College in 1846, and read law with George W. 
Morrison. Esq., and at Harvard University Law 
School. Went into practice in Manchester in July, 
1849; was elected clerk of Common Council in the 
sane' year and again in 1850. He was a partner in 
the practice of the law with Samuel H. Ayer, Esq., 
from about 1850 until the decease of the latter, then 
continued in business alone until June 1, 1854, at 
which time be became the law-partner of Herman 
Foster, which partnership continued until April 10, 
1857. He represented Manchester in the New 
Hampshire Legislature in 1853 and was attorney for 
Hillsborough County from 1853 to 1856. One year 
later he removed to Chicago, 111. He succeeded Sam- 
uel H. Ayer, Esq., as solicitor for Hillsborough 
County and held the office several years. He has 
held the office of city solicitor in Chicago and is the 
present attorney of the Illinois Central Railroad. 

Hon. Samuel Upton, who has spent most of his 
active life in the city of Manchester, in this State, has 
been long known as an earnest and aggressive worker 
in politics and a sincere advocate of the cause of 
temperance and of religion. His father, Daniel Up- 
ton, a descendant of John Upton, an Englishman of 
considerable means, who settled very early in what is 
now the town of Danvers, Mass., came to Wilmot, 
this State, in 1816, where he lived until his death, 
which occurred in 1856. He married, for bis second 
wile. Asenath feel, of < Joflstown, N. H., in 1822, and 
had a large family of children. Of him it has been 
said that he possessed little of worldly wealth, but 
was rich in Christian faith and good works ; that he 
possessed sound intelligence and made his influence 
felt in moulding into form the crude elements which 
at best enter largely into the composition of all new- 
settlements. 

His eldest son by this marriage, Samuel, the subject 
<>(' this sketch, was born September 12, 1824. The 
story of his early life differs little from that of many 
others who have, unaided by fortune, successfully 
suii' I'd againsi hardships and privation-. Cour- 



I B. CI. ugh 



ageously, however, he entered the contest, though his 
delicate health counted against his success. Exhaust- 
ing at an early age the resources of the public schools, 
at that time indifferent in quality, and limited in 
quantity, he sought, by such labor in the field and 
the workshop as his health would permit, to obtain 
means lor further education in the academies of 
the State. In time be was enabled to attend one 
term at the New London Academy, and subse- 
quently completed a course at Kimball Union Acad- 
emy, Meriden, N. H., in the fall of 1849, defray- 
ing, by manual labor during vacations and by teach- 
ing winters, the entire expense of his course. He 
loved books, and the pleasure derived from their study 
was to him ample compensation for the many depri- 
vations through which their companionship was pur- 
chased. While pursuing his studies and subsequently he 
taught in the public schools, — one term in Danbury, 
N. H., three in Wilmot, two of which were in his 
own district, into which school he introduced modern 
methods of teaching, and raised its standard a marked 
degree, infusing an ambition and pride among the 
pupils which is still felt. 

He also taught one term at Meriden immediately 
after his graduation and finished one term at I 'ornish 
Flatt, from which school the unruly boys had driven 
the former teacher ; then taught four terms in Ash- 
land, Mass., five in Manchester, N. H., four of which 
were in connection with the High School as assistant 
or principal. He also taught in academies one term 
each at Ashby, Mass., Corinth, Vt., and Deering, 
N. H. As a teacher he was eminently successful, and 
though fond of the work, he was looking forward to 
the law as a profession. For this purpose he com- 
meneed reading law in the office of Butterfield & 
Hamlin, Andover, N. H., in the spring of 1851 ; re- 
mained in that office one year, then completed his 
studies in the office of D. & I). J. Clark, in Manches- 
ter, N. H., in the fall of 18.">4. Upon admission to 
the bar lie opened an office in that city, and soon was 
admitted to practice in the United States Circuit 
Court. In 1857 he was appointed justice ofthe Po- 
lice Court in Manchester, which office he held for 
seventeen years. During bis occupancy of this posi- 
tion the powers of the court were extended, and his 
administration of the duties of justice received gen- 
eral commendation from all parties. 

From his boyhood he was active in politics, and in 
his school-days showed an aptitude for political dis- 
cussion much in advance of his years. On the sla- 
very question he had but one opinion, — that if human 
slavery was not wrong, nothing was wrong, and he 
lost no opportunity to wage warfare upon thai 
institution. He east his political fortunes with the 
Liberty party, and his first vote was probably counted 
as scattering. In the organization and success of 
the Republican party he took an active interest, ami 
was prominent as a public speaker, making many 
canvasses of the State. He represented Manchester 




i-iu^cl 'Itk/l^-'' 




a. 



THE BENCH AND BAR. 



:;.-. 



in the Statu Legislature in 1855 and 1856, and in 
December, 1863, was appointed, by President Lincoln, 
commissioner of Board of Enrollment for the Second 
Congressional District, which position he held until 
the close of the war, in 1865. He was also appointed 
visitor to the West Point Academy in 1861, but owing 
to sickness in his family, was unable to attend the 
examination. He also served three years on the 
Public School Board in Manchester, taking an active 
interest in the schools, especially in the High School, 
the Lincoln Street Grammar School and the Training- 
School, the care ot' which was especially assigned to 
him as a sub-committee. 

As a temperance worker he was connected with 
several organizations and delivered an address before 
the State Temperance Convention on " The History 
and Workings of the Prohibitory Law," which at- 
tracted much attention, and was published by the 
convention in pamphlet form for circulation. Early 
in life he united with the Congregational Church, and 
in some capacity has ever since been connected with 
its Sabbath-schools. For eight years he was superin- 
tendent of the Franklin Street Sabbath-School, in 
Manchester, to the interest of which he devoted much 
time and labor, and he now looks upon the time thus 
spent as the most pleasant and profitable of his life. 

In 1875 he removed to Western Iowa, hoping the 
change might benefit the health of his wife, and free- 
ing himself from political work, be enabled to de- 
vote a few years to a more remunerative occupation. 
There he engaged in mercantile business with his 
brother-in-law, under the firm-name of Prescott & 
Upton, and the firm soon became well known in the 
business community for its enterprise and success. 
As individuals, they did much to build up the new 
town and to establish for it a good reputation. It 
was saiil to be the only town between Dubuque and 
Sioux City free from the curse of beer-saloons. To 
this new field of labor Mr. Upton carried with him 
not only his zeal for temperance, but also his love for 
Sabbath-school work, uniting with the school the first 
Sabbath alter his arrival, and laboring as teacher of 
the class of adult scholars and as superintendent 
•during his residence there. He also served as a mem- 
ber of the Public School Board, and on the incorpora- 
tion of the town, refusing to allow his name to be 
used for mayor, he served as one of the Council. 

In 1883 he returned to New Hampshire, settling in 
Goflstown, opening a law-office there and in Man- 
chester, and also engaging in trade. He is :it present 
superintendent of the Sabbath-school in the village 
where he resides, and a member of the Board of Edu- 
cation. In 1857 he married Jennie L. Merriman, 
one of the teachers in the High School at Manches- 
ter. Their only child died in infancy. Measured by 
results, Mr. Upton can look back upon a most suc- 
cessful life. Engaging in the liberty cause when to 
befriend the negro, even in New England, subjected 
one to vile taunts and social ostracism, he lias seen 



the cause he knew to be right spread until slavery is 
forever dead and a President, elected by its former 
supporters, escorted to the Capitol by a battalion of 
negro soldiers without exciting comment. Advocating 
a prohibitory liquor law when liquor was openly sold 
in everj town in the State, he has lived to see the 
liquor traffic suppressed in all but one or two eities in 
le State, and the measures he advocated received 
almost tin- unanimous approval of both political 
parties. As a public speaker he possesses in a marked 
degree a capacity for marshaling facts and tor pre- 
senting them to the public in a manner which both 
pleases and instructs. For his efforts in polities and 
the cause of temperance be has been both censured 
and praised, but no one has doubted for a moment the 
integrity of his purpose or the unselfish motives 
which have ever prompted him. He is yet in vigor- 
ous health, and likely to enjoy for many years the 
proud satisfaction of having been an active worker 
on the successful side in the two great struggles, one 
■ of which has relieved the country of hitman slavery, 
while the other has well-nigh driven from his native 
State the liquor saloons with their train of evils. 

The present members of the Manchester bar are as 
follows : 

John II. Andrews, Charles H. Bartlett, John P. Bartlett, Samuel N. 
It'll. John e. Bickford, Henry W. Blair, James F. Briggs, Albert 0. 
Brown, II. um I. Buraham, Charles A. Carpenter, Bradbury P. Cillej, 
Benjamin F. Clark, Daniel Clark, David F. Clark, B. F. Clark, Henry S. 

Chirk, .!■-■ [.li l: rl.iik, l..\\i- w chirk, I.ucian B. Clough, Charles E. 

FellowB.John Foster, Christophei \ Gallagher, MichaelJ Btealy, [aaac 
L. Heath, Nathan P. Hunt, Henry B Base, Edwin r Jones, Joseph L 

Boeuf, William Little, _. A Little, Frank! Livingston - ID 

Lord, Thomas l> Lnce, George I. .11. Allister, John T. Moore, Charles ft. 

Morrison, G geW. Morrison, Herbert I-'. NorriB, Charles A. O'Connor, 

Dennis F O'Connor, Alpheus C. Osg 1. Jesse B. Patten, William i: 

Patten, David L. Perkins, David 1'. Perkins, George W. Presi ott, Albion 
R. Simmons, Isaac W. Smith, James B. Straw, Cyrus A. Sulloway, \i- 
tlmi I). Taggart, Elijah 51. Topliff, Newton H. Wilson. 

Perley Dodcje was born in New Boston, N. H., 
May 17, 1799. He is the son of William and Rachel 
(Poland) Dodge. His father was a farmer, and the 
boyhood of Mr. Dodge was spent on the farm until 
his sixteenth year. He then fitted tor college, and 
finally graduated at Union College, Schenectady, 
N, Y., in the class of LsiM. He chose the law as his 
profession, and studied with Titus Brown, of Frances- 
town, and Nehemiah Eastman, of Farrington, N. II. 
October, 1827, he was admitted to the bar, and began 
practice with his former instructor, Titus Brown, al 
I'l.iin estown and New Boston. This copartnership 
was continued until 1832, in March of which year Mr. 
Dodge removed to Amherst, N. II., where he now re- 
sides at the advanced age of eighty-six years. He 
continued the practice of law at Amherst until 1839, 
when, in < Ictober ot' that year, he was appointed clerk 
of the courts of Hillsborough County, the multiform 
duties of which position lie faithfully discharged until 
March, 1857. He then returned to the practice of 
his profession, which hi' has continued to the present 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



time, though for the past few years he lias practically 
retired from the active duties of the profession. Mr. 
1 >odge has been a w ise and sale counselor and a suc- 
cessful praet it inner, and is regard, d a- one of t lie nic- 
est aud must honored members of the New Hampshire 
bar. 

In L837 he was elected as representative from Am- 
herst to the General Court, and again in 1853 and 1854 
he was re-elected to the same position. Waschairman 
of the committee on banks in 1853, and of railroads 
in 1854. 

It may be stated, as a remarkable fact, that Mr. 
Dodge has attended every court of record in Hills- 
borough County since his admission to the bar, and 
during all the years he was clerk of the coiin.hr took 
every verdict from the jury except one (and that 
omission was occasioned by his illness). Mr. Dodge 
is a calm, dignified, plain-spoken man, of clear judg- 
ment and comprehensive intelligence: conservative 
in his views, yet in hearty sympathy with whatever in 
his judgment tends to the elevation of the mental or 
moral tone of the community in which he lives, or of 
mankind in general. In politics he has always been 
a Democrat. 

Hemarried, May 31, 1831, Harriet, daughter of Hon. 
Peter Woodbury, of Francestown, and sister of the 
Hon. Levi Woodbury. Their children were, — 

Perley Woodbury, born March 28, 1839, married 
Sophia E. Phelps. August 13, 1863, and resides iu 
Amherst. They have one child, Charles Perley, born 
September ::. 1864, now a 'udent at Sherburn Falls, 
Mass. 

Charles William, born September -1, 1842, married, 
first, Rebecca 0. Christy, of New Boston, September 
4, 1869. She died January 2, 1873. He married, 
second, Lelia J. Small, March 11, 1878. She died 
April 4, 1885, in Amherst. They have one child liv- 
ing, Martha Belle, bom July 10, 1882. Maurice 
Whipple, bom .Inly 31, 1881, died dune 2."., 1883. 

Martha W., born June 25, 1846, married James B. 
Whipple, of New Boston. June 25, 1877, and died July 
21, 1881. 

Hon. Aaron Flint Sawyer was bom April 

24. 1780, at Westminster, Mass. He was educated at 
Dartmouth, from which college he was graduated in 
1804. He practiced law for many years at Mont 
Vernon, N. 11., and removed to Nashua about 1828, 
and there followed his profession until his death, Jan- 
uary 4, 1847. An able lawyer, he was longa conspic- 
uous man in the community, and represented Nashua 
in the Lower House of the State Legislature in 1N47. 
the \ ear of his death. He was a gentleman of the old 
school, with some not unpleasant eccentricities arising 
from the strong positiveness of his nature: a kind- 
hearted and cheerful individual, he was a good citizen, 
an excellent neighbor and a strong friend. He was an 
eminent Christian, and for years a zealous worker ami 
teacher in the Congregational Sabbath -school. He 
married, August 2o, 1811, Hannah Locke, grand- 



daughter of Rev. Samuel Locke, D.D., president of 

Harvard College from 177ti to 177:1. Of their children, 
two have attained eminence in the legal profession ; 
the oldest, Samuel L., now of Independence, Mo., has 
Keen for a long time a hailing member of the bar of 
that State and a circuit judge for many years. He 
has also been a member of Congress. Aaron W., his 
third child, occupied an equally honorable and dis- 
tinguished place at the New Hampshire bar. 

Hon. A.aron Worcester Sawyer 1 was born in 
Mont \ ernou, Hillsborough County. X. II. . Octobi i 
11. 1818, and died in Nashua, N. II., August 23, 1882. 
He was the son of Hon. Aaron F. and Hannah (Locke) 
Sawyer. His father was a man of liberal education, 
a lawyer by profession, a gentleman of the old - hool, 
a man of warm and generous impulses, a devoted and 
active Christian. His mother was Hannah Locke, a 
granddaughter of Rev. Samuel Locke, D.D., the 
president ol Harvard College from 1770 to 177:'.. Mrs. 
Sawyer was a woman of strong and marked character, 
of much refinement and excellent judgment, and the 
moral and intellectual qualities id' Judge Sawyer bore 
the strong impress of his mother's character ami 
training. The first few years of Judge Sawyer's life 
were passed in Mont Vernon, from which place his 
father removed, about 1828, to Nashua. He was 
educated at the public schools of Nashua, and the 
academies of Hancock, Deny and Nashua. During 
the years which he devoted to the study of the law, 
and, in fact, before he entered upon its study, com- 
mencing at an early age, he taught the winter terms. 
of the district schools in neighboring towns. This was 
an occupation in which he took great enjoyment and 
in which, pursued for eight or teu years, he acquired 
an exceptional aud deserved popularity. In this pur- 
suit he exhibited a diligence, patience and thorough- 
ness which marked the character of the man. while 
lie drew to himself the friendship of his pupils and 
their patrons with a strength and warmth which 
remained through life. 

He was admitted to the bar in 1844, and in 1846 
began the practice of the law in Nashua. From that 
time until 1*72 his profe-sional career was continuous, 
uninterrupted and successful. Commencing with a 
love of business and fondness for legal lore, hi- practice 
was marked by a wonderful patience of research in its 
profound depths, an unflinching courage iu the ad- 
vancement and presentation of his views, ami an un- 
swerving fidelity to his client and his cause. He was 
no machine lawyer, ready at all times to try, but 
indifferent to results; nor did he prostitute his profes- 
sion to speculative purposes, unprofessional in char- 
acter. His presentation to court and jury was earnest, 
vigorous, persuasive and convincing, and, on occasions, 
eloquent. The natural tendency of his mind was at 
once mathematical and logical. His memory was 



Uhirilv condensed from a n.i-m.ukil a.lli.— I.\ o. .,.,.,: 

si, on- I" f.nv llillsKTi'iijili Cmmty l.ar. 




J.foJ* 







THE BENCH AND BAR. 



fresh and retentive, his knowledge of human nature 
accurate and profound, and in his appreciation of the 
individual man, lie was seldom, if ever, deceived. 
Those who have been associated with or opposed to 
him will agree that when putting forth his whole 
strength, — bringing all his resources to bear upon the 
contention of the hour,— his power was wonderful, and 
his success almost certain. 

In 1848, Mr. Sawyer formed a copartnership with 
Hon. Charles G. Atherton, one of the most eminent 
men ofNew Hampshire, a connection which continued 
till the death of the latter, in November, 1853. From 
thai tiiu'' lie pursued the practice of his profession 
alone until April, 1858, when he formed a professional 
connection with General Aaron F. Stevens, which 
continued for more than a quarter of a century. 

Mr. Sawyei was a positive man, with fixed and 
distinct ideas and opinions. He had, withal, a spirit 
of independence, which led him sometimes to grow 
impatient of the restraints of organizations and the 
behests of party discipline; hut in his loyalty of con- 
viction of what was demanded for the welfare of his 
country he was never known to fail. He was a warm 
and ardent patriot, and met with alacrity the call ot 
the Governor for financial aid, when the first warlike 
note of the Rebellion fell upon the ear of New Hamp- 
shire. Eminently fitted as he was for public station, 
the allurements of ambition never drew him from the 
more congenial com torts and j ox a of home or the ardent 
pursuit of professional duty and success. A small 
measure of public fame satisfied a mind well fitted to 
correct the vagaries of polities, and to test, the genu- 
ineness and value id' human pretension. 

Mr. Sawyer held all important local offices of his 
town and city, served as Representative and Senator 
in the State Legislature, and from 1867 until July, 
1876, he held the office of register in bankruptcy. 
(in the 22d of July, 1876, he received from Governor 
Ohenej Ins commission as associate justice of the 
Supreme Court, but tailing health obliged him to 
resign his office within two year>. In all the public 
trusts to which he was called, strength of character 
and fidelity of purpose marked his administration. 

Mr. Sawyer married, first, Mary Frances Ingalls, of 
New York City; second, Fanny, daughter of Francis 
and Almira (Stetson) Winch, of Nashua, September 
12, L855. Their children were Fanny Ingalls (de- 
ceased Fanny Locke, Aaron Frank (deceased) and 
William Merriam. 

.Indue Sawyer was not only an eminent lawyer and 
jurist, but also a devoted laborer in the vineyard of 
Christ. For many years he was a member of the Firsl 
Congregational Church of Nashua, a teacher in the 
Sabbath-school, active in the prayer-meeting and 
useful in all Christian work. About eight years be- 
fore hi> death he received from the Hollis Association 
a license to preach the gospel. In his discourses, 
which he prepared with great care, he possessed rare 
power. His subjects were patiently studied in the 



light ot Scripture, and, with the aid of the best ex- 
positors, thoroughly digested and assimilated in his 
own thoughts; his sermons passed through the glow- 
ing furnace of his own experience and came before 
the listener rich, full and warm with religious fervor. 
Their delivery was marked by a certain tenderness of 
tone and manner which led each auditor to feel that 
the speaker was seeking the individual good of his 
hearers. 

"If tu have won for liiios.lt' .» proud position in the ranks of Ins profes- 
si the suffrages and approbation of his fellow-citizens to the full meas- 
ure of his opportunities ami a.-pirattons ; to have utilized superior intel- 
lectual power and endow nts to the constant ami wise solution of the 

abstruse problems anil varied atlairp of his profession ; to have gained, with" 
out pretension or ostentation, l.v tie- -trermth and force of character, the 

abiding confidence of his clients, and to have held that confiden through 

all tests and trials to the etel ; to have become the favorite adviser of his 
youngei and trustful brethren of the bar ; if to have constantly clothed 

his daily walk with the example ol ■ pure life, whose i ality, though 

Arm and constant, never taught him to be morose or austere ; to have 
elevated that life of undo vial ni- molality to itstwinship with a Christian 
faith ; if to have adorned his domestic life with tic eiidni in- fidelity of 
the husband, the deep and constant altectioii of ll„. father; Pi have 
so cherished industry, frugality, teiuporaiici', that these viitnc- won l,,i 
him, and for those who wen' hi" by tin- sweet and holy ties of nature and 
kindred, the boon of independence and fortune, aid then to Lav net 
death without fear, and in the calm, triumphant hopi Ol a -Ion I., pond 
—if these, and such as these, are the true and justly coveted fruits of 
human life and human exertion, we lev theii illustration and example 
in the life and death of Aaron W . Sawyer." 

Genekal Aaron F. Stevens. — Aaron Fletcher 
Stevens was born in Londonderry (now Derry), N. IF, 
August 0, 1819. He was the only son of Captain 
John F. and Martha Stevens, both of whom were na- 
tives of Massachusetts. His father, who for many 
years had followed the sea, went to Londonderry a 
short time before the birth of his son. where the 
family lived till 1828, when they removed to Man- 
chester, then a small town in Hillsborough County, 
now the largest and most prosperous city in the 
State. Here the father, then in the prime of man- 
hood, tried the experiment of farming, but at the end 
of three years abandoned the pursuit, and took up his 
residence in Peterborough, the oldest manufacturing 
town in the State, attracted thither by the superior 
facilities presented for the education and employment 
"i In- children. 

At Peterborough young Stevens found work in a fac- 
tory under the charge of I lovernorS le, and for about 

four years alternated between that employment and 
attendance upon the district school. In the mean 
time, however, the united savings of the family en- 
abled him to return to his native town and attend, 
for a short time, the Pinkerton Academy. The 
means to defray the expense- .,i i h i- -. lending were 
furnished in part from flu- earnings of elder sisters, 
whostill live to witness the fruits of their counsels 
and sacrifices for a brother. The parent-, careful and 
fond of their children, sympathized with their aspira- 
tions tor improvement, yet the limited means at their 
command enabled them to furnish little mere 
than the facilities of a common-school education. 
The early aspirations of the son for liberal education 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



and professional life were thus held in check, but he 
accepted with alacrity the alternative before him, and 
at the age of sixteen was apprenticed to the trade of 
a machinist. He worked at his trade several years 
as a journeyman, varying his employment, however, 
by attendance at the academy at Nashua, as well as 
by school-teaching, which occupied his time for 
several winters. 

In August, 1842, Mr. Stevens, at the invitation of 
Hon. George Y. Sawyer, then a distinguished lawyer, 
entered upon the study of the law at Nashua, and in 
August. L845, was admitted to the bar. The same 
kind interest led Mr. Sawyer to propose a partner- 
ship with Mr. Stevens, who, in that relation, entered 
at once into a prominent practice before the courts. 
At that period Hillsborough County was greatly dis- 
■i for the abilitj of its liar, numbering on 
its roll, besides Mr. Sawyer. Benjamin M. Farley, 
Charles G. Atherton, George W. Morrison, Daniel 
Clark. Samuel II. Aver and others, all of eminence 
in the State, and some of wider legal reputation. It 
was into such a professional school that Mr. Stevens, 
sensible of his deficient early culture, and peculiarly 
averse to all presumption, was thus early thrown. The 
courage and the thorough preparation with which he 
entered upon hi- work, together with his power in 
grasping the substance of a case, and presenting it in 
a clear, logical manner, commanded the respect of 
both court and liar, ami gave him a high professional 
reputation. 

In the early part of his professional career Mr. 
Stevens was lor five years solicitor of Hillsborough 
County. The absence of the attorney-general ordi- 
narily imposed upon Mr. Stevens the duties of prose- 
cuting officer for that large county, thus bringing him 
into professional conflict with the most adroit and 
experienced practitioners, furnishing a rigorous test 
of his resources, and contributing essentially to his 
early distinction as a lawyer. He subsequently en- 
tered into a professional partnership with Hon. Aaron 
\V. Sawyer, an old schoolmate and townsman. 

Mr. Stevens entered upon active political life as a 
Whig, and followed the fortunes of that party with 
unswerving fidelity as long as it had an existence. 
His fust effort in the political arena was in the mem- 
orable campaign of L840. He was a member of the 
last Whig Convention in Baltimore in 1852. In 1849 
he was a member of the State Legislature, represent- 
ing Nashua, ami again in 1854, when the Democracy, 
after an unparalleled contest, was defeated in the 
Legislature and overthrown in the State. He was 
again a member of the Legislature in 18.30 and ls">7. 
I lis candor, judgment and forecast, united with dig- 
nity, clearness and condensation as a debater, gave 
him a commanding influence in the House, and 
justly made him one of the most popular speakers in 
the State. In the Whig party he belonged to that 
portion who were strong in their anti-slavery convic- 
tions, and he carried those ideas with him into the 



Republican organization, of which he was an early 
and leading member in New Hampshire. 

When, at the outbreak of the Rebellion, a call was 
made for men to defend the capital, Mr. Stevens was 
one of the first to offer his services, and on April 2'.ith 
was commissioned by the Governoras major ofthe First 
New Hampshire (three months') Regiment of Infan- 
try. The regiment reached Washington, took part in 
the movement to Harper's Ferry, but was engaged in 
no battle. 

Returning home with his regiment, he resumed the 
practice of his profession ; but the next year was, by 
the unsolicited tender ofthe Governor, commissioned 
as colonel of the Thirteenth Regiment of New 
Hampshire Volunteers. He promptly organized his 
command and led to the field a superb regiment, 
made up of men from seven ofthe ten counties ofthe 
State. There was probably no regiment in the war of 
greater intelligence and high soldierly qualities. 

Among the names inscribed on the standard of this 
gallant regiment arc: Fredericksburg (its lirst battle), 
Suffolk, Swift Creek, Drury's Blurt; Cold Harbor, 
Battery Five. Petersburg and Battery Harrison, in all 
of which battles their colonel shared the conflict with 
them. During the siege of Petersburg, in 1864, Col- 
onel Stevens commanded a brigade. In the assault 
on Fort Harrison, September 29th, he fell severely- 
wounded at the head of his regiment and brigade. 
He remained upon tin- spot, close to the fort, till the 
colors of his command were planted upon the cap- 
tured parapet and the victory won. In December 
following he was breveted brigadier-general. The 
official records of the war, as well as bis companions- 
in-arms, bear witness to his courage as a soldier and 
his coolness and skill as a commander. 

Having closed his military career and resumed the 
practice of his profession. General Stevens was, in 
December, 1800, unanimously nominated for Congress. 
In March. 1867, he took his seat as a Representative 
in the Fortieth Congress. He served in that Con- 
gress on the naval committee, and the ••Treatment 
of Union Prisoners." Having been re-elected to t lie 
Forty-first Congress, he again served on the naval 
committee, and the committee on patents. During 
his Congressional service General Stevens did not 
often address the House in formal speeches. His 
chief efforts were given to the investigations of the 
committee room. Hut he occasionally spoke on na- 
tional subjects. The vital national interest- which 
were identified with the political struggle in 1 s<;.s 
called forth from him a well-considered speech in the 
House in February of that year, in which he pre- 
sented the subject of reconstruction in its essential 
features. He also made a short but terse argument 
in favor of the impeachment of Andrew Johnson, in 
which he paid a merited tribute to the great war 
minister, Edwin M. Stanton. In February, 1870, lie 
addressed the House on "Grant and the Administra- 
tion." in which he fully sustained the policy of the 




^Zpf^zz^ 



THE BENCH AND BAR. 



President and denounced repudiation and the expan- 
sion of the currency. 

After the close of the Forty-first Congress, General 
Stevens again gave his attention to professional busi- 
ness. In June, 1879, he lacked but two votes oi being 
the Republican candidate for United States Senator 
— the nomination being equivalent to an election. 

In 1861 he married Miss Adelaide M. Johnson, oi 
Lynn, -Mass., an educated and accomplished woman. 
For several years they have passed their winters in 
Florida, having an orange grove on the River St. 
Johns, three miles north of Palatka. General Stevens' 
home, however, is at Nashua. 

Aside from his well-known ability as a lawyer, his 
graceful manner and fluency of utterance make him 
welcome on all public occasions in New Hampshire. 

Benjamin M. Farley, son of Benjamin and Lucy 

(Fletcher) Farley, anil grandson of Lieutenant Sam- 
uel Farley, one of the first settlers of Hollis, was born 
April 8, 1783, in that part of Hollis afterwards set off 
to Brookline. Mr. Farley prepared for college at the 
academy in New Ipswich; graduated at Harvard Col- 
lege in 1804; read law with Hon. Abijah Bigelow in 
Leominster, Mass. ; admitted to the bar and settled in 
his profession in Hollis in 1808, and continued to re- 
side in Hollis till 1855, when he removed to Boston. 
Upon being established in his profession he soon rose 
to a high rank in it, and for many years he had no 
superior at the Hillsborough bar. of which he was for 
several years president. He died September 16, 1865. 

Samuel T. Worcester, son of Jesse and Sarah 
(Parker) Worcester, born August 30, 1804, prepared 
for college at the academies in Pembroke, N. H., and 
Andover, Mass., and graduated at Harvard College in 
1830. After leaving college, taught an academy for 
one year at Weymouth, Mass., and also for one year 
at Cambridge. Read law in the office of Hon. B. M. 
Farley, in Hollis, and also at the Law School in Cam- 
bridge; settled in his profession in Norwalk, Ohio, in 
1835, and continued in the practice of the law in that 
place till the summer of 1867, when he removed to 
Nashua, N. H., where he still resides (1879). May 
13, 1835, married Mary F. C. Wales, daughter of 
Samuel Wales, Esq., of Stoughton, Mass., who de- 
Ci ased at Nashua, April 29, 1874. Was a member of 
the Ohio Senate in the years 1849 and 1850; elected 
district judge of the Tenth Ohio Judicial District in 
October, 1859, and while holding that office was 
elected a member of the United States Congress in 
the spring of 1861. Publications: 1831, "Sequel to 
the Spelling-Book ;" 1833, ''American Primary Spell- 
ing-Book ;" 1871, revised editions of "Worcester's 
Comprehensive and Primary Dictionaries;" 1871, 
•'Old and New; or, the School Systems of Ohio and 
New Hampshire compared." He died Dec. 5, 1882. 

Joseph W. Fellows, son of John and Polly 
Hilton Fellows, was born at Andover, N. H., January 
15, 1835. 

He was educated in the district schools of his na- 



tive town and at the Andover Academy. He entered 
Dartmouth College in July, 1854, and graduated in 
1858. 

He taught school in Bradford and Concord, N. H.. 
and in Upton, Mass., during his college term. He 
was also a teacher in the Brownwood Institute, in La 
( (range; also, the Marietta Academy, in Marietta. 
Ga., in 1859-60. 

He studied law in the office of Hon. John M. 
Shirley, of Andover. and of Pike & Barnard, of 
Franklin, N. II., and subsequently graduated from 
the Albany (X. V.) University Law Department, cla>> 
of 1861. 

He was admitted to the bar in August. 1861, and 
commenced the practice of the law in Manchester in 
1X62, where be has since resided. 

Hi' was appointed judge of the Police Court of 
Manchester in 1874, and resigned the position in 
1875. Judge Fellows was elected clerk of the Con- 
cord Railroad corporation in 1873, and was re-elected 
each year until 1S84. He has been one of the trus- 
tees of Proctor Academy, at Andover. ami of the 
Unitarian Educational Society of New Hampshire 
since its organization. 

Politically, Judge Fellows i- a Democrat and an 
able and fearless exponent of the principles of that 
party. 

In religious matters he is a Unitarian of the liberal 
class. 

Although in the active practice oi an arduous pro- 
fession, Judge Fellows has found time to indulge his 
taste in literary pursuits and has prepared many life 
Sketches of his neighbors and friends, and in this 
branch of literary labor is not easily surpassed. He 
has also given much attention to the Masonic history 
of Manchester, and the able article which appears in 
Ibis work i< from his pen. Judge Fellows is a promi- 
nent and active member of the Masonic fraternity 
and has been through all grades and held many posi- 
tions. Judge Fellows ha- been twice married — first, 
to Miss Frances Moon, w ho died in 1874. and second, 
to Mrs. Lizzie P.. Davis. ( ictober s. 1878. 

Judges ok Probate.— The following is a list of 
the judges of Probate for the county of Hillsborough 
from 1784 to the present time: 

Jonathan Blaneuanl, from 17M I, , 1 Tso : Samml 1 'ana, from 1789 In 
i riiainpn.-.v. from February 13, 1793, to May, 1810; Clif- 
ton Claggett, from 1811 to 1812; John Harris, from August 10, 1812, to 

l.-il: I'liflon Cla-L'.-tt, \ mro-t :., Is*:. I,, January 'J!'. 1*20 : Edward 

Parker, from 1 sjo to 1835; Luke W Ibury, from 1835 to 1851; 

William C. Clarke, from September 8, 1851, to Julj 1", 1856; David 

Cross, from -Inly 14, 1-''. to 10 1874; tucien I:, Clough, 

from .Inly 11. Is74, to July 20, 1876; Henry B. Burnham, from 
.Inly 25, 1876, t" June : 1870 l d trd I Parki - Jul i :, 187! 
,-nl in, nmbent. 

Charles Hknky Burns' was born in Milford, 
N. H., January 19, 1835, of good old New England 
stock, which on both sides had been prominent in 
that town from its earliest settlement. 



Ill 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



On his father's side he descended from that Scotch- 
[rish nice which has given to New Hampshire and 

New England SO many able men. 

His ancestry on his father's side is as follows : 

1. John Burns, of Scotch origin, born in 1700; 
came to America from north of Ireland in 1736; set- 
tled in Milford, X. H., in 1746; died in Milford, 
X. H., in 1782. 

2. Thomas, seventh child and third son of John. 
It is not yet known where or when he was born, but 
he was probably born in Milford. The date of his 
death, which occurred at Milford, is also unknown to 
the writer. He was, however, not far from eighty 
years of age when he died. He married Elizabeth 
Hartness, of Lunenburg, Mass. 

: J .. Samuel, sixth child and third son of Thomas 
and Elizabeth, born at Milford, September 17, 1779, 
died at Milford, September 20, 1817. He was select- 
man in Milford from the age of twenty-one for 
ten years. He was a strong man and died of 
brain fever. His funeral was the largest ever held in 
Milford. He married Abigail Jones, February 12, 
1801. Shewas a woman of great strength of mind 
and of most excellent character. 

4. Charles A., fourth child and second sou of Sam- 
uel and Abigail Burns, was born at Milford, January 
19, 1809, and died of fever at Milford, January 25, 
1857. He married, December 31, 1833, Elizabeth 
Hutchinson, of Milford. They were both people of 
the highest character and well known for their intel- 
ligence anil worth. 

.">. Charles H., son of Charles A. and Elizabeth, 
born at Milford, January 1!', 1835; married Sarah X. 
Mills, January 19, 1856, at Milford. They have four 
living children,— Charles A. Burns, Bessie Burns 
Gregg. Blanch Bums ami Ben. E. Burns. They have 
buried one sou, Arthur H. Burns, aged u, 
and three infant children. On his mother's side, who 
was a Hutchinson, he is of English descent, and we 
here give a somewhat extended record of that old 
family. The antiquity of the Hutchinson family in 
England is very great, ami was represented by Barnard 
Hutchinson, of Cowlan, in the county id' York, in 
1282. He was denominated esquire, and his wile was 
the daughter of John Bagville, one of the oldest fam- 
ilies of Yorkshire. They had children,— John, Rob- 
ert and Mary. 

1. Richard was a direct descendant from John, the 
heir of Cowlan : was born in England, and married, 
December 7, 1627, Alice Bosworth. He resided at 
North Markham, and about the year 1635 emigrated, 
with bis family, to New England. The earliest men- 
tion made of him in this country is found in the town 
records of Salem, Mass., in 1636, when the town 
made him a grant of land. In 1637 the town made 
him an additional grant of twenty acres, " provided he 
would set up a plough." In 1654 and 1660 further 
grants were made. The land was situated in the 
vicinity of Hathorn's Hill and Beaver Brook, which 



now runs through the town of Middlesex into the 
Ipswich River. He died about 1662. 

2. Joseph, son of Richard, was born in England in 
1633, and came with his father to Xew England and 
settled upon a portion of his father's estate, which 
was conveyed to him in 1666. 

3. Benjamin, son of Joseph, died in 1733. He mar- 
ried Jane, daughter of Walter and Margaret Phillips. 
He married, second, January 26, 1714, Abigail Foster. 
Eleven children by Jane. 

4. Benjamin, son of Benjamin, born at Salem, Janu- 
ary 27. 1693. He was a man of large wealth. He 
married, February 7, 1715, Sarah, daughter of John 
and Mary (Nurse) Tarbell. Seven children. 

5. Nathan, son of Benjamin, baptized February 10, 
1717. He was a farmer, and remained with his 
lather at Bedford, Mass., until 17M4. thence to Amherst 
(now Milford), where he died January 12, 1795 ; mar- 
ried Rachel Stearns; six children. He was one of 
the lirst settlers in the territory of Milford. 

6. Nathan, son of Nathan, born in Amherst (now 
Milford), February, 1752, died December 26, 1831. 
He was a farmer. Married, 1778, Rebecca Peabody, 
daughter of William and Rebecca (Smith) Peabody. 
Sin was born January 2, 1752, died February 25, 
1826; seven children. 

7. Abel, son of Nathan and Rebecca, born at Milford. 
August x, 1795, died February 19, 1X46; married, Janu- 
ary 22, 1816, Betsey, daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth 
Bartlett. She was bom in Amherst (now Milford), 
October 26, 1796, died at Milford, August 2:;. L873; 
nine children. 

8. Elizabeth, daughter of Abel and Betsey, born at 
Milford, June 18, 1816, now living; married, Decem- 
ber :;l, 1833, Charles A. Burns; nine children. 

9. Charles H., sou of Elizabeth and Charles A., etc. 
Betsey Bartlett, wife of Abel, was also a descendant 

of the lirst Richard, through Joseph, third son of 
Joseph (first). The three races above named — Burns. 
Bartlett and Hutchinson — are of the highest character 
and respectability. This is also true of the Peabodys. 

Mr. Burns spent his early years upon his father's 
farm, and there developed that strength and good 
constitution with which he is so admirably equipped 
for the battle of life. He early evinced a desire for an 
education, and after getting what assistance he could 
from the common schools of Milford, which were 
always of a high order, he entered theAppleton Acad- 
emy, at New Ipswich, X. H., at that time' under the 
management of Professor Quimby, from which insti- 
tute he graduated in 1854. 

For some time he had entertained the purpose of 
entering the legal profession, for which he had 
already exhibited an aptitude. He read law in the 
office of Colonel O. W. Lull, in Milford, and subse- 
quently attended the Harvard Law School, where he 
graduated in the class of 1858. In May of the same 
year he was admitted to the Suffolk bar, in Massachu- 
setts, and in ( letober following be was admitted to the 




Lyn^a^rii^ cTYti 0( 



LuT-i^l^ 



THE BENCH AND BAR. 



40 a 



New Hampshire bar. In January, 1859, Mr. Burns 
commenced the practice of the law at Wilton, N. H., 
where he has since resided, although of late years his 
extended practice through Hillsborough County and 
the State has necessitated the removal of his office to 
Nashua. He commenced his professional labors, as 
every young man must who has no one to rely upon but 
himself, with the smaller and more ordinary kinds of 
legal work; but by slow degrees he has risen, until to- 
day he is one of the most successful lawyers in New 
Hampshire, and his practice includes the highest order 
of cases Mr. Burns, although a good lawyer in all 
the branches of his profession, especially excels as an 
advocate. His advocacy is of a high order. He is 
what most of our lawyers, and public speakers even, 
are not. a natural orator. The whole bent and incli- 
nation of his mind lias, from his earliest years, always 
been in this direction. He has given himself a thor- 
ough training and practice at the bar, on the stump 
and on all those varied occasions when a public- 
speaker is called upon to address the people. This 
natural talent, thus trained, has made him a clear-cut, 
incisive and polished orator, who never fails to hold 
and impress his audience. 

It can be said of him, what can be said of very few 
men, he excels in advocacy and general oratory. 
His arguments before juries best illustrate bis power 
as a speaker, while his public addresses exhibit his 
peculiar charm as an orator. As an advocate he ranks 
among the first in the New Hampshire bar. As an ora- 
tor he compares favorably witli our best public speak- 
ers. He has held various important offices in the line of 
his profession. In 1876 he was appointed by Governor 
Cheney county solicitor for Hillsborough County, and 
was subsequently re-elected twice to that office by the 
people, the constitution in the mean time having been 
changed so as to make the office elective instead of ap- 
pointive. He held this office in all seven years, and dis- 
charged the difficult and delicate duties of a prosecu- 
ting officer in a large county ably and satisfactorily. 

In February, 1881, he was appointed United States 
district attorney for New Hampshire, and in Febru- 
ary, L885, wa> reappointed to that office, which be 
still holds, bringing to the performance of its duties 
the same zeal ami fidelity which be does to all his 
professional labors. 

Mr. Burns has been a life-long Republican. His 
father, Charles A. Burns, was an active and prominent 
anti-slavery worker in that little band of anti-slavery 
agitators which existeil in Milford. Young Burns 
when a boy was brought in contact with such men as 
Parker Pillsbury, Wendell Phillips, William Lloyd 
Garrison and Fred Douglass, and imbibed the senti- 
ments with which they were animated, so that by force 
of these influences he was naturally a Republican, 
welcoming this party as the means to carry out the 
principles of emancipation and freedom. 

When quite young his interest in the Republican 
cause, together with his aptitude for public speaking, 
led him to take the stump for his party. For years 
he has performed in this way the most efficient ser- 
vice for the Republican party, and to-day is one of its 
ablest and most eloquentstump-speakers. Mr. Burns 



was elected county treasurer of Hillsborough County 
in 1864 and 1865. He was also a member of tin- New 
Hampshire State Senate in 1ST:: ami again in 1879, and 
in both years was chairman of the judiciary committee 
took a prominent part in directing and shaping the 
and legislation of those years, lie was appointed by 
Governor Head, in 1879, on his stall, judge advocate- 
general, with the rank of brigadier-general. 

He was a delegate-at-large to the National Repub- 
lican Convention at Cincinnati in 1876, and repre- 
sented the New Hampshire delegation on the com- 
mittee on resolutions. He was one of the three New 
Hampshire delegates who strenuously opposed Mr. 
Blaine's nomination for President, at first voting for 
Mr. Bristow and finally for Mr. Hayes. 

He was selected to preside at the Republican State 
Convention, held at ( loncord September 10, 1878, and 
upon assuming the chair made one of his character- 
istic speeches. The speech was delivered just after 
the Greenback party had won a victory in Maine, 
and the public mind was full of false theories, and 
the high ground taken by the speaker in favor of 
honest money and national faith created a deep im- 
pression throughout the State. It was everywhere 
commended as a strong, forcible presentation of the 
issues of the hour. Mr. Burns is a man of scholarly 
tastes and habits ; he has a fine law library, one of 
the best in the State, and a choice and valuable col- 
lection of miscellaneous books. He is an honorary 
member of the New Hampshire Historical Society, 
and also of the New England Historical and I reneal 
ogical Society. In 1874, Dartmouth College con- 
ferred upon Mr. Burns the honorary degree of A.M. 
He is a life-long and prominent Mason, ha\ tng taken 
thirty-two degrees in that order. He has also (>.-.- u 
master of the lodge with which he is connected. 

Mr. Burns was united in marriage with Sarah N. 
Mills, of Milford, N. H., upon his twenty-first birth- 
day, January 19,1856,bj whom he has had eight chil- 
dren, four of whom are now living, — two sons and two 
daughters. His oldest son, Arthur H., a high-minded 
young man of fine character and great promise, died 
in 1S77, when only twenty years of age, a great loss 
to his parents ami to the community in which he 
lived, by whom he was universally loved and respected. 

Mr. Burns has a fine homestead in Wilton, in which 
and all its surroundings he very properly takes great 
pride and pleasure. To his wife, his family and his 
home he has ever been loyally and devotedly attachei 1 

On the twenty-fifth anniversary of his wedding his 
friends to a large number met at his house to celebrate 
with him that occasion. It was a notable gathering. 
Governor Head ami many other prominent persons 
were present and celebrated with his friends that event 
with good cheer, with the giving of many valuable 
presents ami by appropriate speeches, expressive of 
their regard and appreciation of tie lives and char- 
acter of Mr. Burns and his wile, and by other appro- 
priate literary exercises. 

The engraving in this "History of Hillsborough 
County," which accompanies this sketch of his life, 
is from a photograph taken January 19, 1885, the day 
he was fifty years of age. 



HISTORY OF MANCHESTER. 



CHAPTER I. 

Geographical— Indian Occupancy— The First Settlements— Names of 

Pioneers— The Fisheries— Biographical Notices of Earl} snil. i- 

Manchester lies in the eastern part of the county, 
and is bounded as follows : On the north by Merrimack 
County, on the east and south by Rockingham 
County, and on the west by Bedford and Goffstown. 

This territory was originally occupied by the Am- 
oskeag Indians, a tribe subject to the Penacooks, 
who dwelt around Amoskeag Falls. The Indians, 
however, did not remain here until the advent of the 
white settlers. Probably forty years elapsed after the 
red man left his much-loved fisheries at the falls be- 
fore the white man became a permanent resident. 

The First Settlement— To John Gotfe, Jr., Ed- 
ward Lingfield and Benjamin Kidder is ascribed the 
honor of having been the first white settlers within 
the limits of the present town of Manchester. They 
located in 1722 and erected habitations on Cohas 
Brook. 

The excellent fisheries at this point Boon attracted 
the attention of other enterprising pioneers, and not 
many years elapsed ere the locality witnessed a large 
(for that early day) influx of settler.-, anxious to rear 
their homes at the " fishing at Ammosceeg." Among 
these were John McNeil, Archibald Stark. Benjamin 
Hadley, Benjamin Stevens, Nathaniel .Martin, Eph- 
raim Hildreth. Charles Emerson, William l'erham, 
Benjamin Kidder, Benjamin Blodgett, John Ridell, 
Alexander McMurphy, Jr., John Hall, Thomas Hall, 
Michael McClintock, David Dickey, William Gam- 
ble, Robert Anderson, Barber Leslie, William Nutt. 

Of these early settlers nearly all were active, en- 
terprising men, while some were possessed of marked 
ability, and subsequently became thoroughly identi- 
fied with the public enterprises of their day in this 
section of the Merrimack Valley. Many of these 
early settlers were from Londonderry, and were of 
Scotch-Irish extraction. 

JOHN GoFFEwas an influential man in the new- 
settlement, and had a son John, who became a distin- 
guished officer in the French and Indian War. 

BENJAMIN Kidder doubtless came here about 
40 b 



1722 with his father-in-law, John Gotfe, as he was a 
grantee of Londonderry in that year. He probably 
was originally of Billerica. He entered in the com- 
pany under the famous Captain Lovewell, in the ex- 
pedition against Pequauquauke, and while on the 
march, and in the neighborhood of Ossipee Lake, was 
taken sick. It is probable that he did not long sur- 
vive the hardships and exposures of this expedition. 
His sou, John Kidder, was named as a legatee in 
the will of hi- grandfather, John Gotfe. Esq., made 
in 1748. 

Edward Lingfield. — Of Edward Lingfield very 
little is known. He married a daughter of John 
Gotfe. Esq., and settled here about 1722. He was 
a corporal in Lovewell's expedition, was one of the 
thirty-four men who marched from Ossipee Lake to 
Pequauquauke, and took part in that famous battle, 
where he (ought with great bravery. He was One of 
the nine men in that battle "who received ii" consid- 
erable wounds." Alter his return from that expedi- 
tion he received an ensign's commission as a reward 
of his heroic conduct in the battle of Pequauquauke. 
Archibald Stark was born at Glasgow, in Scotland, 
in 1693 Soon after graduating at the university he 
moved t.. Londonderry, in the north of Ireland, be- 
coming what was usually denoted a " Scotch-Irish- 
nian." There he was married to a poor, but beautiful 
Scotch girl, by the name of Eleanor Nichols, and emi- 
grated to America. He at lirst settled in Londonderry, 
where he remained umil some time in 17.%, when, hav- 
ing his house burned, he removed to that porti if 

laud upon the Merrimack then known as Harrytown, 
upon a lot that had been granted to Samuel Thaxter 
by the government ot' Massachusetts, and which was 
situated upon the hill upon the east bank of the 
Merrimack, a short distance above the falls of Na- 
maoskeag. Here he resided until his death. An 
educated man, Stark must have had a strong desire 
that his children should enjoy the advantages of an 
education; but in a wilderness surrounded by sav- 
ages, and upon a soil not the most inviting, the suste- 
nance and protection of his family demanded his 
attention rather more than their education. His 
children, however, were instructed at the fireside in 



MANCHESTER. 



II 



the rudiments of an English education, and such 
principles were instilled into them as, accompanied 
with energy, courage and decision of character, made 
them fit actors in the stirring events of that period. 
His education fitted him rather lor the walks of 
civil life; but yet we find him a volunteer for the 
protection of the frontier against the ravages of the 
Indians in 1745 ; and for the protection of tin people 
in this immediate neighborhood, a fort was built at 
the outlet of Swager's or Fort Pond, which, out of 
compliment to Mr. Stark's enterprise in building 
and garrisoning the same, was called Stark's Fort. 

Mr. Stark had seven children, — four sons ami three 
daughters. His four sons — William, John, Archi- 
bald and Samuel — were noted soldiers in the Indian 
ami French wars, and the three oldest had distin- 
guished themselves as officers in the notable corps 
of Rangers prior to their father's death. The 
second -on, John, became the famous partisan officer 
in the Revolution, and as a brigadiei won unfading 
laurels at the battle of Bennington. Mr. Stark died 
the 25th day of June, 1758, aged sixty-one years. 

John Hall came to this country probably after 
1730. He tarried some time in Londonderry, and 
then moved upon a lot of land near the west line of 
Chester, and in that part of the town afterwards set 
off to form the town of Derryfield. He was an en- 
ergetic business man, and for a series of years trans- 
acted much of the public business of this neighbor- 
hood and town. He kept a public-house until his 
death. The original frame house built by him, but 
added to according to business and fashion, until 
little of the original eould be recognized, was stand- 
ing until 1852, when it was destroyed by lire. It bad 
always been kept as a public-house, and generally 
by some one of the name. 

Mr. Hall was the agent of tic inhabitants for 
obtaining the charter of Derryfield in 1751, and was 
the first town clerk under that charter. He was 
elected to that office fifteen years, ami in one and 
the same year was moderator, first selectman ami 
town clerk. 

William Gamble am. Michael McClintock:. 
— William (iambic came to this country in 17^l'. aged 
fourteen years. He and two elder brothers, Archi- 
bald and Thomas, and a sister, Mary, started to- 
gether for America, but the elder brothers were 
pressed into the British service upon the point of 
sailing, leaving the boy William and hi- sister to 
make the voyage alone. William was saved from 
the press-gang alone by the ready exercise of 
" woman's wit." The ( rambles had started under the 
protection of Mr. and Mrs. Michael McClintock, 
who resided in the same neighborhood, and were about 
to emigrate to New England. Upon witnessing the 
seizure of the elder brothers, Mrs. McClintock called 
to William Gamble, "Come here, Billy, quickly," 
and upon Billy approaching her, she continued, 
" Snuggle down here, Billy," and she hid him under 



the folds of her capacious dress! There he re- 
mained safely until the gang had searched the house. 
for the boy in vain, and retired in high dudgeon at 
their ill success. 

I'pon coming to this country the McClintocks 
came to Londonderry. They were industrious, thriv- 
ing people, and Michael and William, his .on, built 
the first bridge across the ('oboes, and also another 
across the Little ('oboes, on the mail from Ainos- 
keag to Derry. These bridges were built in 1738, 
and were probably near where bridges are now main- 
tained across the same streams on the "obi road to 
Derry." Tin- McClintocks were voted twenty shil- 
lings a year for ten years for the use of these bi idges, 

William Gamble, upon his arrival in Boston, went 
to work on the ferry from Charleston to I'.oston. Here 
he remained two years. During the Indian War of 
1715 he joined several "scouts," and upon the com- 
mencement of the "Old French War," in 1755, hav- 
ing lost his wife, he enlisted in the regular service, 
and was in most of the war, being under Wolfe on 
the " Plains of Abraham." 

John McNEiLcame to Londonderry with the firs! 
emigrants in 171!). The McNeils of Scotland and in 
the north of Ireland were men of known reputation for 
bravery, and Daniel McNeil was one of the Council 
of the city of Londonderry, and has the honor, with 
twenty-one others of that body, of withstanding the 
duplicity and treachery of Lundy, the traitorous 
Governor, and affixing their signatures to a resolu- 
tion to standby each other in defense of the city, which 
resolution, placarded upon the market-house ami 

read at the head of the battalions in the garrison, 
led to the successful defense of tin' city. 

John McNeil was a lineal descendant of this 
councilor. Becoming involved in a quarrel with a 
person of distinct ion in his neighborhood, who at- 
tacked him in the highway, McNeil knocked him from 
his horse, and left him to be cared for by his re- 
tainers. This encounter, though perfectly justifi- 
able on the part of Mr. McNeil, as his antagonist 
was the attacking party, made his tarry in Ireland 
unpleasant, if no! unsafe, and he emigrated to 
America, and settled in Londonderry. Here he es- 
tablished a reputation not only as a man of courage 
!'iii one of great strength, and neither white or red 
man upon the borders dared to risk a hand-to-hand 
encounter with him. Measuring six feet and a half 
in height, with a corresponding frame, and stern, un- 
bending will, he was a fit outpost, as it were, of 
civilization, ami main are the traditions of his per- 
sonal encounters during a long ami eventful border 
life. His wife. Christian, was well mated with him 
of strong frame and great energy and courage. It 
is related that upon one occasion a stranger came to 
the door and inquired for McNeil. Christiana told 
him that her " gude mon " \\a- not at home. I'pon 
which the stranger expressed much regret. ( "hii-tiana 
inquired as to the business uj which he came, 



42 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY. NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



and the stranger told her he had heard a great deal 
of the strength of McNeil and his skill in wrestling, 
and he had come some considerable distance to throw 
kirn. "And troth, mon," said Christiana McNeil, 
"Johnny is gone, but I'm notthe woman to Bee ye 
disappointed, an' 1 think it ye '11 try mon, I'll throw 
j e meself." The stranger, not liking to be thus ban- 
tered by a woman, accepted the challenge, and, sure 
enough, Christian tripped his heels and threw him 
upon the ground. The stranger, upon getting up, 
thought he would not wait for "Johnny," hut hit 
without deigning to leave his name. 

The Fisheries at Amoskeag.— At the time the 
white settlers located along the Merrimack the fish- 
eries at Amoskeag Falls had became famous through 
theadjacent country. Here salmon, shad, thealewite 
and lamprey eel ' were found in great abundance. 

In a journal kept by Hon. Matthew Patten, of Bed- 
ford, is the following entry : 



great importance ,],, -tisljin- at Ami,,,,* ,-..g ' „.,. nnsidered l.v the 

ndonderryjand it was natural thai , „,i ,,.. .„„„„. 

"us in maintaining their claim tu the lands adjacent. \cc. 

find their claim to the lands and the subject of the fish, , , 

with them matters acted upon in their town-meetings at an earlj date 

U "" h " nw 1 1' 1 " uad move ,on these landsprobablj forthe 

l""l'"- '' !'■■ Idi,„ I i'l , ..,,-hiwtt., -hi claiming P. a In,., three 

mil.-, east el the Merrimack l.v her charter. This was a Berii us mattei 
for the people of Londonderry, and in the warrant for a town ,,„,',,,,.. 
heann, date .laimar.v .«. IToiKSl, there was the following arti. I. 

'"llthly. To see whether they will allow a Lawyer to be consulted 
abonl those persons thai are settlingai imm ,.' And at the meet- 
ing this arte 1. was thus disposed of,— 

" ' llthly. Voted that they are willing to leave the consulting of a law- 
omosi eeg to the eelei t- 



yer about the settlement that 



"1759, June 8-9.— Fished al Namoskeag Falls andgol 120 shad and 1 

gave Koherl McMurphy 1" of them, and I get I shad and 1 small sallilui 

for my part from the setting-place. Wm. Peters fished 
halves." 



his '• History of Manche 



Says Judge Potter, 
ter"— 



"The Ashing at Amoskeag was of the greatest importance to the peo- 
ple. Tradition has it that the Rev ii, M. . .,.,..,,. , A ,,. ,},,. ,;, , t ,„.,.,.,, 
of the Londonderry settlement to visit the Falls, led thithe, l.y enriositv, 
and prompted by information obtained at Andover as to their grandeur 
and the abundance oi Bah to be found near them at certain seasons ol 
theyear. From this fact originated the custom of pi 
Oregore and his successors the first fruits of the fishing season. The 
first fish caught tvj any man of Londonderry, salmon, shad, alswifeor 
eel, was reserved as a gift to ' the minister.' 

" u ' ■ ll!l " "29a road was laid out and built from N'inian Cochran's 
bouse tin Londonderry), ' then keeping by or near the old path to Am- 
niosceeg Kails.' And another i.<„i «... laid out at the same time inter- 
secting the 'Ammosceeg road,' lor the aci imodation of other sections 

ol the town. This undertaking of building a road some ten miles 
through the wilderness. i„ the infancy of that colonj showsofhovi 



"our lathers treasured the slimy prize : 
They loved the eel as their very eyes 
And of one 'tis said, with a shmder rife, 
For a string of e< 1- he - .1 

' From the eels they formed their food in . In. i. 
And eels were .tilled ' Lierr,,jiel.l , 

llld the marks of eels wele so pi;,,,, ,,, ,,,,, ,.. 

That the children looked like eels in the |.„ „ : 

Vnd before they walked, it is well confirmed, 



That the children i 



i crept, but tquu mei 



i.|uirmers wield 



And their only wish, and their only prayei 

for thepr nt world and the world 

Was a »,,-.„.. . ,„,„ ... 

.... /,,!.,„ h,, Willi mi SI.,,/,, ,, ,.: „/ u„ , 



IS appointed fol the defence of the propriety 
"Itisnotkaown what action was take, I., tie -, I. . „,,. n and eoinm'tttee 
upon the matter; hut,, is to be inferred, as the record 
the subject, thai no legal action was taken at that time. Th 

^'"■"I'.i-etl .tinned I ,„,, the land- in tin- ,,, ,^1,1.,.,1 1,,,,,. 

'""■'''' '""' " bprobahl. that -..me of them had a com iso ,.,- 

''"" ll,,ln f""" time under the authority of then •.., ,,„„„,„ | ,„,, , 

such circumstances it is probable that after 'consulting a lawyei 'the 

people of Londonderry concluded to take quiet possession of the land and 
"'"' ""' resu " "<"•■■ liearine about to he had in Knuland ..- In the 
.i..nn-.,t Massachusetts. That the people of Londonderry 

control of the business here is shown by the r. ,1- ,,t the following 

yen, "herein is found the warrant, one article of which ■ 

4tl.lv. To s.-e whether they will heat the expense of two ca - to 

lie kept at Aiuinosce.-e for the safety of the people at the fishing.' 
" On the day of the meeting, April 22, 1731, the followin 

"•iihly. That in order to the safety of town'speople at the fishing 

at Aniinosceeg the selectmen i- empowered to all., wand pay out of the 

publi. change oi rates of the town three pounds in Bills ol credit tosuch 

person Ol persons as shall be obliged to make tw-.. j 1 -,ui 

the selectmen ..bl^ii,, ti„. ,u.., e-aid' undertakers to serve u,.. Inhabi- 
tant! "f the town the whole time fishing before any out tow a - people 

and shall not exceed one shill pr hundred for all the fish that the, sh,.li 

'"'" ov, . from the tslands and the ownei of the fish and his attendants 
.s to be ferried bai kwards and forwards at free cost." 

The whites took the fish with spears, scoop-nets 
and seines, and in large quantities; so that people 
coming from the surrounding country with their 
wagons and carts could get them filled sometimes for 
the carting the shad away, to make room for the sal- 

"• : "" 1 always for a mere trilling price. Immense 

quantities of shad were taken at one haul or drag of 
the seine. The New Hampshire Gazette of May 23, 
17(30, has the following item under its editorial head : 

"on,- day last »e,-k, was li-awn by a net at one Draught, Two Thou- 
sand Five hundred odd Shad Fish, out of the River Merrimack near Bed- 
ford, in this Province. Thought remarkable by some people." 

Among the names given to the various fishing-]. lacs 
were the following: Eel Falls, Fire Mill, Todd Gut, 
Buss Ray's Hooking-Place, South Cut. Thompson 
Place, Watching Falls, Little Pulpit, Mudget Place, 
Slash Hole, Point Rock, Black Rock, Swine's Baek| 
Snapping-Place, Pulpit, Racket's Stand. Sullivan's 
Point, Crack in the Rock, Bat Place, Dalton Place, 
Puppy Trap, Pot Place, Patten Rock. Setting Place,' 
Maple Slump, fl,,. Colt, Salmon Rock, Eel Trap! 
Salmon Cut, Mast Rock. 



MANCHESTER. 



CHAPTER II. 
M LNCHESTER. {Continued.) 

The French and Indian War— A Fort Built— Names of Soldiers from 

Derryfield— Captain <;..tt. and I -tli.-l^ — Henytiel.l Men ati'l-avn Point 

als.> at Fort William Henry— War of the Revolution— First Action 
of the Town— Derryfield Men at Lexington— Names of It. \ nlntionai \ 
Soldiers— Major-General John Stark— Sketch of His Life— Burial- 
Place. 

DrRiNG the French and Indian War. which began 
in 174(5, the settlers of Amoskeag took an acl ive pari 
and a fort iva< erected a) ilic outlet of what is now 
Xutt's Pond. There wen: soldiers from this town also 
in the French war in 1755, this locality sending three 
companies. These were commanded by Captains 
Goffe and Moor, of Derryfield, and the oilier by Cap- 
tain Rogers, of what is now Dunbarton. 

The roll of Captain Gone was as follows : 

John Goffe, captain; Samuel M ■.lieutenant; Nathaniel M.utain, 

ensign; Jonathan Corlis, sergeant ; .1 ui Hastings, Bergeant j John 

Goffe, Jr., sergeant ; Thomas Merrill, clerk; Samuel Uartain, corpora] 
John Moor, corporal ; Joshua M.irt.iin. ...ipnal; It- ■■■ .nnn Eastman, 

corporal; Benjaniiu Kidder, do i; J..-.ph t. ' ■ I; !■'! 

Benjamin Hadley, Thomas George, [srael I ..J - ih I: ■ II, W 

liam Kelley, Joseph Merrill, Panel < n I -. I '■ Da llM 

tain, Jacoh Silliway, Stephen George, David Nott, l: bert Nutt, oIm.1i.-iIi 

Hawes, David Willson, William Ford, laron ibj Na n ■ 

Tle-ni.i- M I.aughlin, John Litt.ll, Wdli.ui \1 I 1 ... R I- ' H I ■ 
John Wortly, Benjamin Vickery, William Barron, Nathaniel Smith, 

William Walker, David Welch, Caleb Daulton, .la Petters, Aaron 

Copps, Jacob Jewell. Ehenezer Martain, John Hurw 1, Ainu/inh Ilil- 

dreth, John Kidder, John Rowell and Thomas Woilly. 

Captain Moor's roll was as follows : 

John Moor, captain ; Antony Eniary, lieurenant ; Alexander Todd, 
ensign: Matthew Read, sergeant; Thomas Bead. Bergeant; James 

Moor, sergeant ; William Spo.U, -. l jo.ia! l:.'e],:. 1 ^t.o 1, IM 1 ViUl- 

nel McDuffy, corporal; John Rickey, corporal ; John Spe&i or] ral 
Robert I tthran, Theophalas Harvey, Barber Lealy, William Campble, 
James Onail, Robert Tawddle, John McCordy, Thomas Gregg, Joshua 

Rowlings, Tli ana- II ntcli i ngs, Rol.olt Edwards, Edward rains, \l.\an- 
derMcCIary, Robert Smith, David Vance, Robert Kennade, Robert M. - 
Keen, James Bean, John Cunningham, Samuel Boyde, John Crage, 
James ' mghterson, Michael Johnson, John I - gan, Robert Morre], John 

McNight, John Welch, Ja I .. I I hn Mitchel, Daniel Toword, 

Ess Stevens, Hoi. Ci I Karj Samuel Miller, Edward Bean, Wil- 
liam Kenniston, .lames I'.al.v. Nathalie I M. K u v. 

The following, mostly from this neighborhood, were 
at the battle of Lake George, and were subsequently 
known as the " Rangers : " 

Robert Rogers, captain; Richard Rogers, lieutenant ; Noah Johnson, 
ensign ; James Archibald, sergeant ; John McCurdy, Bergeant ; Janes 
McNeal, corporal ; Nathaniel Johnson, eorpornl ; John Michel, Isaac 
Colton, James Henry. James Clark, Fimothj Hodad&ee, John Wadleigh, 
Stephen Young, Joshua Titwood. .1 .m. vie.' I a, .than Silaway, 
John Brown, Elisha Bennett, Rowling Foal I lames Mo] 

gan, James Welch, Matthew Christopher, James Simonds, I baxiesDnd- 
ley, John Kiser, John Hartman, John Frost, James Mars, Samuel Letch, 
David Nutt, William McKeen, Nathaniel Smith, Philip Wills, William 

Cunningham, William Aker, John Leiton, William Wheeler, Sil i 

Toby, Benjamin s.|iiniit..n, I'il.h Simpson, 1'iller Mahanton. 

A regiment of New Hampshire men was raised for 
the expedition to Crown Point in 1756, of which John 
Goffe was ma or. The company from this locality 
was as follows : 

Nathaniel Mar ton. lieutenant ; Thomas Meri'el, scrotal lieutenant ; John 
Goffe, Jr., ensign ; Samuel Martain, sergeant ; Joseph Eastman, ser- 



geant; Ebenezer Martain. sergeant; Thomas McLaughli 

John Wortly, corporal ; John Straw, corporal ; Jacob Jewell, cor] I : 

Josiah Canfield, corporal ; Benjamin Kidder, drummer; Joseph Ordway, 

Joseph Oeo]o,., IVnniinih Hn.llv, Thomas lie. age, William Koneston, 
I'anl l'ouler, plainer II. ell. v. John r.,«l. ,. !•.■■, n M ...... Joel Maniiucl, 



The following company of Derryfield men were at 
the siege of Fort William Henry: 

Richard Emaiy, captain: Nathaniel M.utain. tii-t lieillenanl ; Pal- 

lata Russell, se. 1 lieutenant; John M i, ensign ; Darby Kelley, 

-•■i i - ph Peara :.-. sergeant; Benjamin Kidder, Sr., sergeant ; 

John Lull. .-■■■'. : i ■■ .. ■ - l erl Mur :■■■ k. 

corporal : Mi. ...i.h \\ win. . .a pot., I . .l..|,n lint, h- u-oii. ■ 

Berry, drummei ; Josiah Bean, Jonathan Prescutt, Benjamin Roberts, 

I. ho M I..sepli \\ he hei w.e.l. Jam. - I'linhip. I..i\. ,.i.l l: .,:. \\ . . 

liatn I'.at. holder. Edward I 'J it. hel, J,.-eph II illayord, Eleue/.i Uut.l.eii- 
bou, Samuel Hardie, Henry Hutchenson, Joseph Ekerson, J ithan 



Me|. hel 

Clough, 

fill, Jol. 



John Merrill, .lame- Patt. i-,.u, B.nja {■■'.:, I 

.1 u.e - 1'it. I., I id Blanch. ltd, Timothy Bui on. William Butter- 

. i V Calley, Si u I Gibson, Thomas I. >. i -■ I i 

Sim a M. ..,...,,,, p...,- Bnasell, Samuel Chase, John Davis, Benjamin 
Davia,;William Hutchenson, David Parker, Henry Parker, William Sil- 

!..,-, I ' \. ■ : i I' Alleni. William l>loile,ht, I.a/ - !:■■"■■, 

Haiii.1 loihnj, M. pi Inian. Iu-tiam l.iiiiml.y, John Sandhurne, 

Gideon ^ J. Si I Voiing, Stephen Webster, S..I..111..11 Prescntt, 

in... . p., i . e . Nero, John Corlis, David Nutt, Ebenezer Coar- 

stoti, .M I h,i- . John Slell, .In, ..I. Pa id u ham. Pal lick < hull 

The first vote of the town in relation to the War 01 
the Revolution was under date of January 2,1775, 
when it was voted to call a meeting on the 16th of 
tin- same month, — 

"21y. To see it the town will .hose a man or men as Deputies to go to 

Exeter the J'.tli Hay of January Instant, in Behalf of said town in or- 
der to meet with the I'cputiea tiom tin- Neiglihoring Towns in said 

Province." 

At this meeting it was 

"Voted on the second article, not to send a man to Exeter, but that the 
Selectmen send a Letter to said Exeter, and insert in said Letter that 
the said town will bear their Equal proportion of money that shall here- 
afterarise towards paying the cost of the. General Cor i 
other town in the Province." 

There were thirty-four men from Derryfield in the 

battle of Lexington, and there were but thirty-six 
men in the entire town capable of bearing arms. The 
names of the- soldiers have not been procured, but 
the subjoined tax-list of Derryfield lor 1 7 7 "> Bhows 
that a large majority of the tax-payers were of the 
volunteers : 

.t. q. 

"f'onl. John Goffe 19 I 

John Rand, Esnr 13 8 

Maj. John Moot's 3 13 5 2 

Ensin. Samuel Moors II 111 11 2 

Capt. Nathaniel Merton " :'. 6 

William Nutt 9 9 2 

Timothy Mertion 3 n 

John Griffen 10 . r . 5 

John Griffen, Junr :: 

Benjamin Baker. S 2 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Benjamin Baker, Junr :'. " 

Johanathan Merrell 5 2 

Jesse Baker '■> 

Joseph Gorge 10 2 

Abrham Merrell 16 9 2 

Abrham Merrill, .Iiinr II 2 

David Merrell :) 8 

Joseph Grilfen I 

Ezekiel Stavens 11 s 2 

Joseph farmer :l " 

Isaac farmer 3 

Widow Sarah Unas II 4 11 

Robert Clark 6 - 

John Reay 1 

Conl. John Stark 15 

David farmer h :: 

Levt. James mc (.'alley 7 6 

Esin Samuel Stark " 6 10 2 

Robert mc Night 3 u 

David mc Night » ■". 

Darnel Blodget, Litchfield 1 » 

Joshua Blodget, Litchfield « 4 I 2 

Capt. William Parham 10 

John Parham 10 

Ebenezer Coster r, C 

Charts Eamerson 10 ."• 

Charts Eamerson, Junr 3 6 

Gorge Eamerson u 1 6 

John Harvey 19 2 2 

William Parham, Junr 10 

Micheal mc Clintock I I 2 

James Pairces s 11 o 

Capt. Alexander mc Murphey 12 4 

Benjmen Crombie ... 7 :. n 

Moses Crombie '■> 6 

F-iu. Samuel Iinyd 8 3 2 

Esin. Natheniel Boyd 6 3 

Widow Margaret Boyd 5 1 2 

John Dickey 8 2 

William Gemble 11 2 2 

Robert Cuningham 1 2 

David Starret ii 11 4 

John Hall 7 3 2 

Daniel Hall 8 2 

Sergl Ebnezer Stivns 9 7 2 

Hugh thompson 3 10 " 

Benjmen I'ilsl.nry 3 6 

thomas Numan ... 3 1 

.1,,-rj Masten, K:l!,.i-I.iivii (I 8 

JamesLagon, Londonderry 8 

Rob] i mc < llouer, Lond let ry 4 

Alexander Irving n :; 6 

' easer Written. 1 

■■ Joseph Georci , ' . , 

" SlJII EL Si IKK, | 

" l;., Misled this j itb day u! Ii.-ieinlier, 177.~>. 

"John Ball, Ifi 

Stark was at work in his saw-mill, tit the head of 
tlif Amoskeag Falls, when he heard this news, ami 
without a moment's delay he shut down the gate of 
his mill, repaired to his house, took his gun ami am- 
munition, mounted his horse in his shirt-sleeves, as 
he came from the mill and rode on to unit the enemy. 
As he journeyed on he left word for volunteers to 
meet him at Medford, and without delay made the 
best of his way to Lexington. On his entire route his 
force continually increased, so that on (he following 
morning, when In- arrived tit Lexington, he had tit his 
command a large force of "backw Ismen." 

'fin town Committee of Safety, in t77->, consisted of 



John Harve, Lieutenant James McCalley, Samuel 
Boyd, Ensign Samuel Moors and John Hall. 

"Colony of New Hampshire, etc. — Cohuittee of Safety. 

" To the Selectmen of DerryfieM : In order to carry the underwritten re- 
solve of the Honorable Continental Congress into execution, you are re- 
quested to desire all Males, above twenty-one years of age (lunatics, idiots 

:i|i I : i - ■ ■ ■ l - ■ ■ 1 ;- - I. I ii Mi. .1. , :n. H -I Iln- |U|-'i , uti'i Mlii-U 

so done, to make return thereof, together w ith tin' name or names of all 
who shall refuse t.i sign tin- same, to tin- Genera] assembly or Committee 
of Safety of this Colony. 

'■ M WeAHE, ' liairman. 

•■ l\ I mm. Kiss, M„,;-h 1 t. 177'C 
/.Vs../iv'?, That it tic rec.-imnicndcd t" I In- several Assemblies, Conven- 
tions and Councils- or Committees of Safety of tin- United States imme- 
diately tn ran si- all persons to be disarmed, within their l.-sp. . I i \ .- c,,l... 
nics, who arc notoriously disaflecteil to tin- cause of America, or who 
have not associated and refuse to associate In defend by Arms the United 
Colonies against the hostile alti-lnpls of the Ihitish Fleets and Armies. 

i ,;i, i from the minutes, 

■■ I'll 1 n l l - I'll, Ml'- .V s. ,.,, | ,, ;/ 

"In consequence of the ahove Resolution of the < kmtinental Congress, 

ale! I- -hoc mil determination in joining our American brethren in de- 
fending the lives, lili.-rticsand properties of the inhabitants v( the United 

i mImiii,-, U , , tin- Subscribers, do heri-iiy solelulity engag-- anil |,i,,iin-o 
.that we will, to the utmost of out power, at tin- risk of our liv. s ami for 

tunes, with arms, oppose the hostile prm lings of the Urilish Fleets 

and Armies a-amsl (1,.. United \inericali Colonies." 

This was signed by the following persons, and duly 
returned by the selectmen : 



' John Hall. 

T! :.s Newman. 

David Merrill. 
William McClintock. 
John Goffe. 
ioJiMil Cunningham. 

s.it i Boyd, 

Michael McClintock. 
David Starret. 
John Perbam. 
Benja. Baker. 
William I'.i Ii.iiii 
Simon Lull. 



Ebenezer Stevens. 
Daniel Hall. 
John Dickey. 
John Kami. 
Al. xr. McMurphy, 
Charles Emerson. 
Benjamin < Irombie 



Will..,.,, \,;h 
John Harvey. 
George Greaham. 
William Gambell. 
Abraham Merrill 
Jonathan Merrill. 
Moses Merrill. 
John Russ. 



i .Merrill. 
John Ray. 
Nathaniel Boyd. 
Robert ci. ok 
Joseph I leorge 
James Gorman. 
John Grifen 
Moses Crombey. 



John Moor. 

"Colony of New Hampshire, June 1st, Hay, 177c. To the Hon. Mr. 
Weare, Chearman, this is to certify that we the subscribers has Presented 

tin- Within Declaration to the Inhabitants nt snid Town and they Have 
nit. si a, ,1 s n,i Declaration, which we in our Judgment thought had a 
right to Sign tin- Same. 

" Certified by us. 



.lunel, 177l>, the following persons were in the 
army from Derryfield : Colonel John Stark, Captain 
.1, lin \l , Captain James McCalley, Captain Alex- 
ander McMurphy, Captain Nathaniel Martin, Ben- 
jamin Baker, Nathaniel Baker, Ebenezer Costor, 
Timothy 1 lew, Samuel Harvey. — more than one fourth 
of the inhabitants of the town " tit to Bare arms." 



MANCHESTER. 



15 



In 1777 a bounty of eight dollars was voted to each 

man who should enlist for a term of three years 

The tax-list was as follows : ^ 

" Michael McClintock 1 - "' 

Barber Lessly l " 8 

William Parham Junior * « ° 

John Hervey 4 9 T 

Charles Emerson - ,T ' 

Capt. William Pal-ham - ls '' 

Levt. John Parham 

Ebenezei Coster l 15 z 

,, n| lmin pnsburey ° M '"' 

*•. ':' B l Brtvd" ''.''.' 2 3 7 



Juim Dickey ° - 

William Gambell 3 14 2 

Th us Newman ' 2 " 

Timotliy Dow " ,: ' 8 

James Gorman -' " 7 

George Graham ° ls - 

Ceazer Griffen l 21 ' 

Alexander Ii wing 16 

.1,,,, l ] on of Londonderry " 5 2 

William McClintock 3 6 ,J 

Jol m. .in , 1 6 

Nathaniel Mertain 18 2 

,| I nbie 1 » * 

Samuel Morrson 1 " '" 

William Page of Londonderry " - s 

David Farmer 18 2 

Hugh Thompson ' v - i; 

John Hughs 2 8 2 

Joseph Sanders 1 ■'■ 4 

Nathaniel Merrill " l: ' * 

Daniel Blodget, Litchfield " " ln 

Conl. John Goffe 3 3 4 

John Rand, Esqr ] ,; " 

5Lij. John Moore 4 ' f ' 

Capt. Samuel Moor 4 7 2 

James Mcnight 15 8 

William Nutt - 13 4 

Joseph Griffen "- u s 

Jol fen 2 4 

Benjamin Baker 2 17 2 

Joseph G ge - ] " 

Abraham Merrill :; ' ' ' 

Ensin Abraham Merrill 1 I 3 2 

Ezekiel Stavens 3 12 - 

Joseph Fa r 3 10 S 

WidowandJohn Russ 1 W II 

John Raj ° '' '' 

Conl. John Stark ' ''' 

Capt. J - Mcalley l ! ' 

Ensin. Samuel Stark 2 'J 

Jonathan Merrill ' 7 ' 

.1 Bal er " w ' 

Nathaniel Baker "15 1 

'['I,, ,, ill as Grifin 18 I 

Levi Ehen. zer Stavens 2 17 . 

John Griffen, Junr 1 - 

Levt. John Hall 3 17 

Daniel Hall 

David Starlet 



15 7 



Continental army, or the family of any other soldier 
who should need assistance. 

And the people were equally liberal on other occa- 
sions when acting individually. Thus, this same j eai 
they subscribed most liberally in aid of volunteers, 
although they had already submitted to a double tax. 

When the retreat from Ticonderoga was first heard 
of iii this town. Captain Nathaniel Martin, Theophi- 
lus Griffin, Nathaniel Baker, John Nutt, Enoch 
Harvey and David Farmer immediately volunteered 
and marched to Number Four. A contribution was 
made among the inhabitants for Martin, Griffin and 
Baker, and €4 LOs. were raised. Shu, after, when it 
was seen that an encounter with the British was 
inevitable in that quarter, and Stark was in need of 
troops, another contribution was made "to hold on 
John Nutt, Enoch Harvey, Theophilus Griffin and 
David farmer," and £44 LOs. were raised, and they 
•' held on " and participated with their neighbors in 
the glorious battle of Bennington. 

The loll. .wing is a list of those subscribing : 

"The ano.uit hereafter Sat Down is money payd by Individual In- 
habitants oi the Town of Derryfleld to th. .Soldi. .re Raised at Suudrj 
times for (Hit in on this unilateral ware from the first of September, 
1770, and upwards is as follows : 

" Ezekiel Stavins paid to Enoch harvey for going 



• .v David Stater paid to Na 



thaniel Bakei ,1" 



John Parhain paid to Tiiii'.thj 



13 I' 



A few months after, the town voted Colonel John 
Goffe a committee to furnish Robert McNight's fam- 
ily with proper provisions during his absence in the 



: paid by the Sunilrey persons hereafter Named to 
Nathaniel mart. tin, Theophilus liritlin .V N.i- 

thaniel Baker as voluntera wen they went to 

Noumber foui about the retreal fi Tj ar. e 

followetb : 

William Gamble " 6 " 

\:""'it'",liJ\ '.'.'.'.'.'. " 3 t 

Abraham merrill Junior " I " 

Capt. Samuel moore " 2 

William Parham Junior 5 It 

James mc Night .... 3 6 

Levi John Hall 3 6 

.lame- Pairce u 3 " 

Ahrham Merrill " r ' " 

Jonathan Merrill ° 3 " 

Ebenezr Stavens " 

Joseph Sanders " - u 

John Dickey ° 

John Hall Junior 2 6 

Daniel Hall " - '■ 

Col. John Stark 

Capt. William Parham 6 

William McClintock ' ' ' 

Col. John Goffe " ,; " 

„,,,! John harvey 1 8 



'paid by Individuals to hold on John 
Enoch harvey, Theophilus Oiitlin a I'.o i. 
mer, wen they went with General stark i 
Battel at Benenton, are as followeth, (viz. 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



James Mi S ight 1 

2 

Blajr. John Moore '- 

William Nutt -' 

John Griffin 

Benjamin Baker 1 

Joseph George 

'li ae Newman 

Abraham Merrell 2 

Joseph Farmer o 

Kiimi Samuel stark 

Levt. John Hall 1 

William Gamble 1 

John Dickey 

Capt. Alexr. nic murphy 1 

Knsn. Samuel Boyil 1 

Michael McClintock " 

William mcClintock 1 

(apt. Wm. Parhani -' 

Charles Emerson 

John Hervey 3 

JuhnHugbs 1 

James Pairce 

David Starret 

Zaccheus Richison 

Moses Merrill 

Capt. Samuel Moor 

Kusn. Abraham Merrill 

Ez.-ki.-l Stavins 2 

Uaniel hall 

Levt. John Parhani 1 

James Garman 

William Parhani, .lunr 1 

.1. seph Sanders 

Jonathan Merrill 

Moses Crombie 

Nathaniel Merrill ti 



The following sketches of Revolutionary patriots 

are taken from Judge Potter's "History of Man- 
chester." 

Major-Genekal John Stark was the third j 
son of Archibald Stark, Esq., one of the early settlers ' 
of Derryfield. His father was a man of education, 
and imparted to his children such instruction, and 
such principles at the fireside as few others upon the 
frontier were able to confer upon their children. Dur- 
ing Stark's boyhood the remnants of the Penuaeook 
Indians were still in the Merrimack Valley, and made 
Amoskeag their annual rendezvous during the fishing 
season, and, in fact, in the earlier Indian wars, some 
of them were employed as soldiers by our govern- 
ment, and were enrolled with other soldiers. In this 
manner, young Stark, a hunter from position and 
necessity, became well acquainted with the habits of 
the Indians. This knowledge gave him a superiority 
over most of his brother soldiers in the war with the 
Indians and French that followed. However, this 
knowledge would have been to no great purpose had 
it not been united in him with other qualities pecu- 
liarly befitting a soldier of those times. He was re- 
markable for the vigor and activity of the physical 
man, and hence for his capability in sustaining fa- 
tigue. Adding to these, quick perception, indomit- 
able energy and remarkable decision of character, he- 



was the soldier for the times in which be lived, and, 
in fact, such qualities are the elements of success at any 
and all times. His success as an officer in the noted 
Rangers of the Seven Years' War gave him a popu- 
larity among the i pleat large, and the soldiers in 

particular, that placed him in the front rank as a suc- 
cessful soldier upon the breaking out of the Revolution. 
It was this popularity among the soldiers that gained 
his services to the country, for if his appointment or 
promotion had been left to the politicians of the day, 
it is doubtful, from the way in which he was treated by 
them, whether he could have succeeded to any com- 
mand. Once at the head of a regiment, and in ser- 
vice, the battle-field told the story of his bravery. 
His brilliant achievements at Bunker Hill, Trenton, 
Princeton and Bennington are well known. 

Early in 1778 he repaired to Albany and assumed 
the command of the Northern Department, and re- 
mained there until ordered to join General Gates at 
Providence. 

He passed the winter in New Hampshire, in urging 
forward recruits and supplies, but in the spring joined 
General Gates at Providence. 

In November, by General Washington's orders, he 
joined him in New Jersey, and after a short time was 
sent by Washington to New England to make requi- 
sition for men and provisions. 

In 1780 he was with Washington atMorristown, and 
took part in the battle of Springfield. 

Soon after, he was ordered to New England, col- 
lected a body of militia, and marched them to West 
Point. 

General Stark was one of the court martial who 
decided the fate of Major Andre, and reluctantly, 
though in obedience to his duty, and for his country's 
advantage, favored the sentence of death upon that 
brave but unfortunate officer. 

In 1781 he again took charge of the Northern De- 
partment. The country was overrun with robbers 
and Tories, and he had but a weak and inefficient 
force, but bis strict discipline and stern justice dealt 
out to spies and Tories soon brought things into better 
order. 

The capture of Lord Cornwallis brought the war to 
a close, but General Stark was ordered to New Hamp- 
shire for men and supplies. 

The most of 1782 he was afflicted with a rheumatic 
complaint, brought on by long exposure, and was not 
able to join his command. 

In 1783, however, he joined Washington, and soon 
after aided by his counsels in allaying those feelings 
of disquiet excited by the treacherous Newburg letters 
among the officers and soldiers of the army. Upon 
news of peace, Stark bore the happy intelligence 
to New Hampshire, and forthwith retired to his 
farm at Derryfield to enjoy that repose he so much 
needed. 

But his active mind could not be at rest, and he en- 
gaged in all of those plans for the advantage of the 




3*SL~- J^^^A 



MANCHESTER 



town and State which were so necessary to be matured 
and carried out by clear heads and strong nerves. 

The unjust claim ofthe Masonian proprietors to the 
lands betwixl a straight and a curve line,betwi en the 
northeast and the northwest corner bounds of the 
Masonian grant was first successfully opposed by him, 
and to his exertions it was mainly owing that the 
Legislature took the matter in hand, and established 
the claim of the State to the lands in question, thus 
quieting hundreds of small farmers in the possession 
of their lands, and in the end adding largely to the 
funds ofthe State. 

He was ever found upon the side of his country, 
and when, in 1786, discontent had ripened into open 
rebellion, and the Legislature had been surrounded 
by armed malcontents, the veteran Stark stood ready 
for the occasion, and would have volunteered his ser- 
vices had not the insurrection been repressed by the 
judicious councils and determined action of the gal- 
lant Sullivan, who was at that time, most opportunely, 
at the head of our State government. 

He refused all civil office that would take him from 
his home, but in his native town he was ready to 
serve his townsmen in any capacity where he could 
be of advantage, and that did not trespass too much 
upon his valuable time. 

Thus living not for himself alone, but for his country, 
the veteran Stark passed into the wane of life, ever 
taking, as long as life lasted, a lively interest in even- 
incident in our country's history. At length, suffering 
from the effects of a paralytic shock, at the extreme 
age of ninety-three years, eight months and twenty- 
two days, the old hero departed this life on Wednes- 
day, the 8th day of May, 1822. 

The Friday following his death his remains were 
interred, with military honors, in a cemetery he had 
inclosed upon his own farm, a large concourse of 
people being in attendance to witness the imposing 
ceremony, and pay their last respects over the body 
ofthe man who had contributed so largely in filling 
" the measure of his country's glory." 

The cemetery is situated upon a commanding bluff 
upon the east bank of the Merrimack, and over his 
remains his family have placed a plain shaft of 
granite, indicative alike of his simplicity and hardi- 
hood, upon which is inscribed " Maj. -General Stark." 
This simple stone points to his ashes alone, but his 
deeds are traced in deep-lined characters upon the 
pages of our country's history, while his memory is 
engraven upon the hearts of his countrymen. 
Such a name needs no other monument. 
Major Johx Moore. — He had been an officer in 
tin preceding French war, in which he had won the 
reputation of a man of courage andenergy. After the 
conquest of Canada he quietly settled down upon his 
farm atCohoes Brook. I'pon the news of the battle of 
Lexington he led his neighbors of Amoskeag to the 
scene of action, and on the 24th of April was commis- 
sioned liv the Committee ..I' Safety of' Massachusetts 



asa captain in Stark's regiment. Thomas McLaughlin, 
of Bedford, was commissioned as his lieutenant at the 
same time. He forthwith enlisted a company of fifty- 
seven men, mainly of Derryfield, Bedford and Goffs- 
town. 1 lis roll was as follows : 

Jutui M <\ iMptuin . Thomas Mrl.au-lilin. liinteiiaiit . NatliHi.i. I 



Javin, Clialk> Kln-l-eii, '■.-. i_. I ,, . ... n. 

Iregg, BeDjamio George, Jaiues Gledder, 



Stark, John Turner, John Wyer, Hugh Campbell, Alexandei Hutchin- 

-..II, W illiam Mi Cilu.o. .I.un.-- \i ...i. 

Three of the men joined the company at a subse- 
quent date, viz.: Samuel Patten, of Bedford, June 
17th ; James Gibson, probably of Londonderry and 
John McMurphy of Derryfield, July Kith. Samuel 
Patten enlisted on the 17th, and, with the fifty-seven 
others enlisted on the 24th of April, participated in 
the battle of Bunker Hill. In that battle none did 
better service than Captain John Moore and his 
company of Amoskeag, as related elsewhere. 

On the 18th of June, the day following the battle, 
Captain Moore was complimented with a major's 
commission, to take the place in Stark's regiment of 
Major McClary, wdio had been killed in the battle of 
the day preceding. Lieutenant McLaughlin was 
promoted to the captaincy thus made vacant, and 
Sergeant Nathaniel Boyd, of Derryfield, was made 
lieutenant in his place. Major Moore remained with 
the army but a few months, when the state of his 
health obliged him to retire to his farm. He con- 
tinued, however, his active participation in all matters 
on foot in the town, county and State, to forward 
the- patriot cause, until his removal from the Slate, 
in 1778. In that year he moved to Norridgewock, in 
Maine, where he ever maintained a most respect- 
able position in life. He died in January, 1809. 

Major John Goffe was a son ofthe noted Colo- 
nel John Goffe, of Derryfield. He resided in Bedford, 
just across the Merrimack from his father. In the 
Seven Years' War he was a lieutenant in Captain 
Martin's company, in Goffe's regiment. At the 
close of the French war he returned to Bedford and 
resumed his occupation as a farmer and miller. 
He received a captain's commission from Gov- 
ernor Wentworth in 1764, and 17(18 was pro- 
moted to a majority. At the commencement of 
hostilities he volunteered, went to Cambridge, en- 
listed in Captain Moore's company as a private, ami 
was in the battle of Bunker Hill. In tin summer 
after, he left the army and returned home, his business 
requiring his presence. Several of hi- sons si rved in 
the War ofthe Revolution, and two of them lost their 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



lives in that struggle — Stephen being lost at sea, and 
William killed in an engagement. But in civil lilt- 
Major Goffe was active in the patriot cause, and was 
successful in furnishing recruits for the army. When 
General Stark called for more troops to assist in con- 
quering Burgoyne, Major Go tie at mice volunteered 
his services as a private, and marched to the conflict, 
thus favoring the great cause by precept and exam- 
ple. Of a truth, the good that such men do lives after 
them. He died at Bedford, aged eighty-five years. 

Lieutenant John Orr was of Bedford, where, at 
the commencement of the Revolution, he was a suc- 
cessful farmer. He volunteered under Stark in his ex- 
pedition to Bennington, and was appointed a lieu- 
tenant in Captain McConnelFs company, in Colonel 
Stickney's regiment. This regiment was one of the 
two that were scut against the Tory breast-work on 
the right of the enemy's works, south of the Hoosac. 
Early in the light Lieutenant Orr was wounded in the 
knee by a musket-ball. Unable to stand, he lay upon 
the ground some time before any one came to his 
assistance. Sergeant Griffin then came to him, and 
with the assistance of another soldier carried him to 
a place of safety, forced to drag him upon his back 
through a corn and flax-field to shun the sharpshoot- 
ersofthe enemy. From want of skill the fracture was 
not properly reduced; but employing a private sur- 
geon he began to mend, but was unable to be removed 
until February. On the 4th of that month he started 
for home, riding upon a bed in a sleigh, and reached 
home in ten days, after much suffering. He was una- 
bletostep till the October following, with crutches 
even. In the end he recovered his health, and though 
ever lame, was able to resume the active duties of 
life, lie was much in public business, anil tilled the 
offices of selectman, Representative and Senator in 
the State Legislature with credit to himself in town 
and district. Lieutenant Orr died in Bedford in Jan- 
uary, 1823, aged sixty-five years. 

Si RGEANT EpHRAIM STEVENS was another true 
soldier of Derryfield. He never knew fear. Whether 
driving the Hessians from their quarters, or attacking 
them without regard to disparity of numbers, as at 
Trenton, lit was the same dauntless man. He was 
one who "snuffed the battle from afar," and was 
ready to engage in it. When relating his affair 
at Trenton, in beating up the quarters of the Hessians, 
he was wont to say that the bayoneted Hessians, as 
they lay upon the floor, was the prettiest sight he ever 
saw. He was of powerful make, and had the reputation 
of being the "strongest man in the army." In the 
camp at Valley Forge, when, by the recommendation 
of the officers, the soldiers engaged in all manner of 
athletic sports, Sergeant Stevens was wont to "beat 
the ring" wrestling and lifting. The trial of strength 
was in shouldering and carrying of "oak huts;'' he 



could shoulder and carry the biggest "oak but of any 
man in the army." Such a man was invaluable as a 
soldier. Want of education prevented his promotion. 
After the close of the war Sergeant Stevens returned 
io Derryfield and became a successful tanner, lie 
died in lK-l.j, aged eighty-seven years. 

Sergeant Theophilus Griffin.— He was an- 
other brave soldier of Derryfield. He was with Stark 
at the battle of Trenton, and was one of the men 
who a>-i>te.l Stevens in adventure with the Hessians, 
before related. The most of the day he went bare- 
footed through the snow, throwing off his worthless 
shoes s i after commencing the pursuit of the re- 
treating Hessians, and this without a murmur. No 
man fought better than Theophilus Griffin; but he 
must have a leader. He jould execute, not direct. 
When the news came of the retreat from Ticonderoga 
he was one of the tirst to volunteer his services to meet 
tin' enemy, and was with Stark at Bennington, where, 
in addition to lighting bravely, he assisted with the 
greatest hazard in carrying Lieutenant Orr from the 
tield when disabled by a severe wound. After the 
close of the war he settled down upon a small farm, 
but with indifferent success as a farmer. Habits fos- 
tered, if not contracted in the service unfitted him for 
steady employment. He preferred the exciting scenes 
of the camp to quiet labor, and, used to those, in the 
time of peace he sought excitement where it could be 
found, and, as was often the case with other soldiers, 
passed the last years of his life with little advantage 
to himself or society. He, however, fought nobly for 
his country, and his name deserves a place among the 
patriots of Derryfield. He died at Derryfield at an 
advanced age. 

SAMUEL RemiCK. — He was an apprentice in Bed- 
lord at the time of Burgoyne's approach from the 
north. He volunteered under Stark and was at the 
battle of Bennington. He stood by Lieutenant Orr, 
saw him fall and carried from the held. As he 
emerged from the corn-field he took a position behind 
an oak and commenced tiring upon the enemy. He 
fired some eight or ten times, when, as he was loading 
his gun, an unlucky bullet from the enemy's works 
brought him to the ground. In this position he 
loaded and tired several times upon the enemy. Al 
length, giving his gun to a man, the lock of whose 
gun had been broken by a ball, he dragged himselfto 
a fence near by, where he was taken upon a blanket 
and carried to the surgeon's quarters, an open tield on 
the banks of the Hoosac. He soon recovered, and 
lived to a good old age, receiving the bounties of his 
country for his sufferings in the cause of liberty. 

The following were also in the war from this town : 
Ephraim Stevens, David Merrill, James Thompson, 
Benjamin George, Isaac George, Ichabod Martin and 
Robert McNight. 



MANCHESTKIl. 



CHAPTER III. 

MANCHESTER— (Continued). 

i [VI] HISTORY. 

The Charter of Derryfield— Original Bounds— The First Town Meeting 
Officers Elected— Portion of Harrytown Annexed in 1795— Town 

Named Manchester in 1810 List oi Sele n, Moderators and Town 

clerk The Town-Meeting of 1840— Much Excitement Prevails— 

'Ihn t % ' ,i,--.',.-< h -in to Keep Order— The Waning Power of the 
Town— Strength of the " New Village' First Town-Meeting in th 
"New Village '—Town 11. ,u- lac-ted— Incorporation of the City 

Firsl City Eli tioi Ii ersChos I ire! City 

.inn, .jit — I.i-t ..t May-i, in. I I'l.-ik- ti-.m iligaiii/uliou t.. lss.",. 

The town of Manchester, embracing portions of 
the towns of Londonderry and Chester, and a tract ol 
land lying on the Merrimack River, belonging to the 
Masonian proprietors, called " Harrytown," was char- 
tered September 3, L751, under the name of " Derry- 
fleld. " This name issaidtohave been derived from 
the fact that the people of Londonderry had been ac- 
customed to pasture their cattle within its limits. 
The charter was as follows: 

"Province of New Hampshire. 
"[LS.] 

"George the second bj the gra I God, ofGreat Britain, France and 

Ireland King, Defender uf the Faith, ic, and to all whom these presents 



" WTtereas, our loyal sub]o t-, inhabitants of a tract '4' laud within our 

pro\iuccof Now Ibtiiipshucf said, lying partly within that part of our 

province of New Hampshire called Londonderry in part, and in part in 
Chester, and in part ,1 land not heretofore granted t<- any town within our 

province aforesaid, have humbly petitioned ou-i requested to us that they 
may he erected and incorporated intoa township, and infran, Used with 
the same powers and privileges whichother towns within our said prov- 
ince by law have and enjoy ; and it appearing to n- t,> i 

general good of our said pioviii, e, as Well as of s;iid inhabitants in partic- 
ular, by maintaining good order, and em ouraging the cultivation of the 
laud, that the same should be done ; Know Jfe, therefore, that we, of our 
especial grace, certain knowledge and for the encouragement and pro- 
moting the good purposesand .aids aforesaid. by and with the advice ol 
unr trusty and well-beloved Bennington \\ .-tit \\..i tli. i:-q , our governor 
and Commander in Chief, and of our Council ol oul Province of New 
Hampshire aforesaid, have erected and ordained, and by these presents, 
for ourselves and successors, do will and ordain, that Hie iiihahitantsof a 

(the) tract of land aforesaid, shall inhabit and improve thei 

butted and hounded a- toll. «., v iz. : Beginning at a pitch pin,, tree 

standing upon th-- town line, between Chester and Londonderry, marked 
one hundred and thirty-four, being the hounds of t the sixty-acre 

lots in said Che-t.. i. I»< in_ t)i,- Sooth We.-t . ..incr of -aid lot : thru. ,.- 1 u li- 
ning south into the township of Londonderry one hundred and sivtv 
rods to a stake and stones ; thence running lost to Londonderry North 
and South line ; thence in lining South upon I, on, loud, try line to the Head 
line of Litchfield to a stake and stones ; thence running upon the head 
line of Litchfield to the Bank of the Merrimack river ; then,:,; running 
up said river, as th,- river runs, eight miles to a stake and ti 
upon the bank ,.f said n\,i ; th.nce 1 uniiing East South East one mile 

,tnd tin |icot. r-. through land not -rant, ,1 to any town, until it ■- 

to Chester line ; thence running two miles and a half and fifty-two rods 
on the same curse int., th,- township of Chester, to a stake and stones ; 
thence running south four miles and a half to the bounds tirst mentioned. 
all which lands within said bounds which lies within the townships of 
Londonderry and Chester aforesaid, are not to he liable to pay any taxes 
or rates, but as they shall be settled, and by these presents are declared 
and ordained to be a town corporated, and are hereby erected and incor- 
porated into a body politick, and a corporation to have continuance for- 
ever by the name of Derryfield, with all the powers, authorities, privi- 
leges, immunities and infran, his, s to them the -aid inhabitants and their 

successors f,,rev,r. always reserving t,, us, our heirs, and successors, all 
white pine trees growing and being, or that -hall hereafter grow and be 
4 



on the -said tract of land, til for tl Se of our I; ,yal S 

also the power of dii iding said town a. us, out hi 

it shad appear necessary and , . .n\ , men! tor the benefit of the inhabitants 
tl,,. f, and as the several towns w,t hino in said province ol New Hamp- 
shire, are by law thereof entitled and authorized t, , assemble, and by 
the majority of votes to ill, .„>, all said efiieelsas ale mentioned ill the 

...M. ... 

" \\ e ,1,, by tie si presents nominal, and ippoinl John MiMiuphy a, 

,.,n the in-' "I,., no- "I lie inhabitants to be bold within the mil! town 



if tl„ 



rtb, Esq., our Governor and 

be third day of September, in the year of 



"Province oi New Hampshire. 
i nd recorded in the Book ol Charter, this third day of Sep- 

tembei L756, pages79 a mi. 



'I'm JltE 



This charter covered about eighteen square miles of 
the southwest part of Chester, about nine square miles 
nt' i he northwest part (if Londonderry, including The 
Peak, ami the strip of land between Londonderry, 
id, -i, i and the Merrimack River, called Harrytown, 
containing about eight square miles. 

This charterdid not embrace the wholeof what was 
known as Harrytown, a nook at the north part, be- 
twixt Chester and the Merrimack being left ungranted. 
This contained about two square miles, was called 
Harrysborough, and was added to Derryfield in 1792. 

The act of incorporation empowered John McMur- 
phy to call the first town-meeting, which was held at 
the house of John Hall, inn-holder, September it, 
17"' I, as follows : 

"Province of New Hampshire. 

"At a meeting of the proprietors, freeholders mid inhabitants of 
Derryfield, assembled at the house of John Hall, in said town. At this 
first in,, ting upon Monday, the twenty-third day oi September, inne 

Dom'o, 1751, by His Excellency's d ition in the , .hait.-i f.u ~aid t,,wu- 

ship, dab d September the third. 1751, according to the direction in said 
chatter, by Ills excellency's command, 1, the subscriber issued a nolihcu- 

ti .11 l,.r, hoi I town oth. -.■]- ill the :, lb. I. said day. and II,,' atloiesael 

house, and th,. people being assembled, 

" Pbted, John Goffe, first Selectman 

William Perham, Ditto Selectman. 
Nathaniel Boyd, 
Daniel McNeil, 
Elieza Wells, 

"3dly, for town clerk, John Hall. 

•■ llbly, I ..in nil — i. .ri.-l-- lor assrssm, „t, to examine tie - 
cunt, William MeClinto, k, William Stark. 

"."tidy, for constable, Robert \nderson. 

"6th]y, lor tything men, John Harvey, William Elliott. 

"7thiy, f,.i . i . i 

John Hall. 
"Stilly, for Invoice men, Cluol I Martin. 

"atbly, for llayw.u.l-. Moses Wells, « illii iamble 

"lnihly, I r-k, .,[.,. i>. Charles Emerson, William Stark. 

"11th, forcullerof staves, Benjamin Stevens. 
"12thly, for surveyoi ol 
Merrill. 

i - Ret orded bj me, 

"John Hall, Town CU k " 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Thi 



as organized under the charter. 



The next town-meeting was holden the 16th of 
November following, and mainly for the purpose of 
raising money to defray the expenses of obtaining 
the charter. On the 4th of November the meeting 
was .-ailed by warrant of the Selectmen, the second 
article of which was 

"i. To rase momy In defray the . barges tJi.u Mi .lob,, Hull has been 
■ btaining a corporation for Baid town ami to elms,- a committee for 

••vimmiii" and allowing Lis accounts." 

At the in,., -tin- held November 26, 1751, upon the 
second article of the warrant, it was 

■■ Poled, that Mr. John Hall be piid all the ley thi ommittee 

" ' " xamination of bis accounts shall allow to be his just due for 

">'>■."""- .'" in .u[i..r.iti,.n lor this town. :,t„i the committee's names are 
us Mloweth John Gone, William M, ('lint,., William Perham, 

This committee made their report to the selectmen 
December 21, 1751, as follows: 

" Derryfibld, December ye 21, 17.">1, 
"To the selectmen of Derryfiold, Gents, We, the subscribers, being a 

"" , " 1 "" h " 3 '-'> by the town of Derryficld toexamine and allow the 

" "' M '- John Hall, that wo should lind justly due to him for his 

obtaining a cor] ition foi said town, we liav, sel m that affair, and 

upon a critical examination of the a uts ol said John » I that he 

haB expended in nej and time, at a reasonable, or rather moderate al- 
lowance, amounts to tlie sunt of two hundred and fifty-one pounds old 
tenor, and accordingly wc judge it highly reasonable that he should 
have the sum with all possible expedition. 
•' Certified by us the day and year above. 



1 ft't 



M.i'i 



Lot I 



eeting the following votes were 



rased t,, paye lore 



At the same 
passed : 

"3dly, Voted, to Base 24 pounds old tenor, 

Pi ,' 1 1 1 , , ■ ■ for this present year. 
'■ Ithly, Voted to Rase 12 pounds old te todefray the charges thai 

may arise the present y .' 

As originally incorporated, the town was wholly on [ 
the east side of the Merrimack. In 1795, by an act 
of the Legislature, a gore of land was annexe,) to the 
north side of the town, being a portion of "Harry- 
town," 1 and was intended to be included in the original 
incorporation. June 13, 1810, the name of the town 
was changed to Manchester, it is said, as a compliment 
to Hon. Samuel Blodgett, who constructed a canal 
around Amoskeag Falls and who had often asserted 

1 " It seems that a portion of this city, next to the Merrimack, consist- 
ing of a strip .,f land three miles m width, extending through its entire 

length, was granted, in 1635, to Ephraim Hildreth, John Shepley and 

others, by the Provinc Massachusetts, that province claiming that 

their north line extended three miles north and east ol the Merri 
mai It Hildreth ami M„ ph v. l",.i th.-msoh,.. and ,.ih, , - 
Captain William Tyng, petitioned the General Court of Massachusetts 
province for the grant ,,l'iitra,t„t I ■ i , , ,,| . ... ,,,. |, iM _ .,„ ,„,,], 
Bides of Merrimack Biver at Amoskes Falls PI □ was nreeented 

od ol services rendered in an expedit against the Indians 

on Bnow-shoes, in the winter of 1703. 
"This petition wa 

«as known bj the 



that the place some day would he the Manchester of 
America." 
The following is a list of the selectmen and town 
J clerks from the organization of Derryfield, in 1751, to 
the incorporation of the city in 1846: 

SELECTMEN. 

Lleazer W ella ; 1752, John Gofle, IrcnJbul Stark, Alexander McMur- 
l>hy; 1753, William Perham, Alexandra McMurphy, John Eiddell ; 

1 "''' U '" Ml ' ' Ul '■■■' » i * Murj by, John Hall ; 17:,.:., 

Dan " ' Ml v ' : ' ' Al i : bo Hi rvey ; 1756, Daniel Mi Niel, 

1 u , John Harvej l l , r Bobl ins, Robert Ander- 

"'"' "■ ' M v : l: - William Perham, William McClintock, Abra- 

h | "" Mern "» " '. "oo"" Perham, William McClintock, Abraham 

■"'■"'"■ ' ■ W,lhM " McClintock, Hugh Sterling, Abraham Merrill; 

1761, William Perham, John Hall, Thomas Rubs; 1762, William p er - 

'•■""■ Joh ° M: " '>• John M 8; 1763, John Stark, William )lr, Unto, k 

John Moors; 1764, William McClintock, John Stark John Moors 1765 
Will.am Perham, William McClintock. Abraham Merrill ; 1766, ' Ale* 
under McMurphy,! Kb,.. :-:■■- ,t .. n ; ,. m ;, , 
1767,Eleazer Robbina, Alex, ml. , M. i In, p., I,. Nathaniel Boyd • 1768 
"'" '' ' ' " '" ' '""' ' '' '"" " '' '■' I • l7 ' '■ William M, Clint,,, k, Ale.x- 
urphy, J' in M 1770, Williai McClintock, Alexander 

■- urpny, John .1 ; l.,l, William M, i lmto.-k, Alexander Me- 

Mnrphy; 1772, ilexandei UcMurphy, John Moor, William Mc- 
Clintock ; 1773, John Stark, s 1 Boyd J, - McCalley; 1774, 

' Boyd, .lob,, Perham; 1775, John Stark, 
el 3( vena, John 



John Moor, Joseph G ge ; 1776, David Stan tt.Ezel 

Perham; 1777, John Gofle, Ehenezer Stevens, Be'njam 

John Hall, Benjamin Baker, Sai I Boyd ; 1779, David starrett,3 John 

Perham, Samuel -Moor, Jonathan Russ;< 1780, Jonathan Buss John 

Sheldon, Samuel Moor; 1781 John Hull, Samuel M .Jonathan Buss; 

1782, Samuel Moor, Jonathan Bum, Joseph Sanders ; 1783, Samuel Moor,' 
Joseph Sanders, Jonathan Ilus. ; i:,s| .1 — ,.l, s„,„l, ■ ,.. .1. ,l, ,, ,,„„,., .i,. m 
Hull ; I7s:, ,1„1,„ iiotle, Jr., William Perham, Samuel stark ■ lT.s,; l„. 

seph Fermor, John Goffe, Jr., Isaac Hose; 1TS7. James Thompson, is • 

Huee, John Greene; L7S8, John Hall, John Webster, Job,, Perham. 

n89 ' J ' ST I'-"-^ 1 ■ John Bay; 1790, Isaac Muse, San,-' 

uel Moor, John Start, J, 17 D n . Davi . S 1 Moor, John 

staik, Jr.; 1793, John Gol I n - ■ . Webst. , 1794 John 

stink, Jr., Daniel Hum- Samuel M , Ji , 1795, Hum, 1 Davis, John 

Stark, .ii . sammi Moor, Jr., John buy, John Perham. 1796 fsaa, 
"'""• " l " 1 '" '""'• l,,li " Stark, Ji 1797, John Goffe, Samui I Moor, .1, 

> '" ' l!l ,,Il '"' ■ 1T ' IS . John Gofle, Daniel Davis, John Stark ; 17M, 

John it... i. - ph Moore. Daniel Davis ; Ism,, s uel Moor, Jr., John 

l: ' v - ' IBe] " '~ ! ' '""'• Samuel M ■, Jr., John Ray, [srael Web- 

"'"' '"'-' "" I Moon Jr., Israel Webster, John Bay ; 1803, Samuel 

""'' •'' tarael Webster, John Stark (3d) ; 1804, Samuel Moot, ,i r . 

'"'" """"' John M " ,k ° |s '■ N " ' Moor, Jr., Edward Ray, 

V "'" K,M Gamble ; ""'■ » 1 Moo. .1, . Edward Ray, Vmos Wee- 

ton ; 1807, Samuel J , .,, , i mol We, , ,ard Ray; 1808,8am- 

""' M '""- Jr - * " ""-'""■ 5 tel Hall: 1809, Samuel Moor, Ji 

' "" """" ; 1 " 1 '" Stark l 1810, Samuel M Jr., Thomas SHckney, 

'" """' 'Ml, John Stark, Jr., Amos Weston, Israel Webster; lsio, 
~" II ' !M " ''• l " lin ^tiirk, Jr., John Dickey; 1813, Samuel M 

Job Howell, ,lol,„ ],,, key ; IM|, k„. ||„s,. l M -,el Webster. John (I. 
Moo,; 1815, Isaac I|„.e, Is,., el Weh-to,-, II], I,,,,,,,, S t oV,-,,.s, J, , , ,S | , , 

t«»«Huse,J Frye, John Stark (4th); 1817, Isaa, Hnse, John stark 

(*«>), John Dickey; 1818, 7- Huse, John Dickey, tfatha 1 Moor- 

1819, Samuel M Epbn Stevens,Ji John Stark (4th); 1820, Joseph 

.Moor, Ephraim Stevens. j r ., Amos West,.,,, j, ; 1821, A s Weston 

'- Ephraim Steves, Jr., John Proctor; 1822, Amos t 

Nathaniel 
Nathaniel Moore, Isaac 

v • Weston, Jr., Isaac Huse, Nathaniel Moorejl826, 

Stark, Israel Merrill, .lame, si Queston ; 1821 



Pioctor, Nathaniel Moor; 

1824, Amos Weston, 



the 



oi '!', lest, 



I ol laid included within it 
Tyngstown extended from 
Bell's town" (novi Pembroke to Litchfield, and was 

,t by the Merri, I. . and on the east by a line paral- 

k, and at the distance ,.f three miles from the same. 
- aboul twelve miles in length and three miles in 
i Wallace, D D 



MANCHESTER. 



is:.'.' 



ell ; 1K3S, Joseph M liuKell, A|. hiL.il. ■!• . .'■ . l-'-ic "use 

Joseph M. Rowell, Archibald Gamble, Ji . taaai Huse; 1840, Amoa 
Wcstou, Jr., J. T. P. Hunt, Hiram Brown; 1841, Amoa Weston, Jr. 
Isaac C. Flanders, Isaac Uuse ; 1x42, Moses Fellows, Andrew Bunton, 
Jr., Abram Brighain J 1843, Jin— Fellows, vndrev Bunton, Jr., David 
Child; 1841, Nathan Parker, Warren Jj. Lane, George Clark ; 1845, Na- 
than Parker, G ge Clark, Charles Chase; 1846, Moses Fellows, An- 
drew Bunton, Jr., Edward McQuesten. 

MollHIiAToUS. 



Url.il.aldStark; IT'.K-r, I, William 
; 1762-63, John G He ; 17(14, John 
1766, John Hall , 1767, David Sta 

.an M.a'lintoek ; 1770-7.'., John Sta 



J.ilm Mark 



TOWN" CLF.UKS 

754, Alexander McMurph; 



Samuel Moor, Jr.; 1811, John Stark. .1- . 1-1' 13, I -a u Hum; 1814, 

Samuel Moor; 1815-18, John (., M ; 1819 I ■■■ i 3tark . 

1824-25, Amoa Weston, Jr.; 1826-28, Franklin Uooi II - tel 

Jackson ; 1831-33, Amos Weston, Jr.; 1834-37, John i: Hall; 1838-40, 
Samuel Jackson ; 1841, Walter French ; 1842-46, Jobj) M Noyes. 

The town-meetings were held in the town until 
1840. The increasing power of the "New Village" 
was not looked upon with favor by the old inhabitants, 
who regarded these new-comers as interlopers. 
Mutual jealousies soon arose, which finally resulted in 
a stormy town-meeting in March, 1840, which re- 
quired the selection of thirty constables to keep order 
before the other town officers were elected. 

It had become apparent (said Judge Potter, in re- 
ferring to this meeting) that the inhabitants of the 
" New Village " would soon outnumber those of the 
town, if they did not at that time. The people of the 
village did not talk or act with much moderation. 
They openly told their intention of controlling the 
affairs of the town, and the nominations for town 
officers by the two parties seem to have been made 
with this idea, as all the candidates for the important 
offices in the town lived at the " New Village," or in 
its immediate vicinity. At the annual meeting, 
the votes of the first dav showed conclusively that 



the people of the "New Village" predominated. 
Accordingly, when about to adjourn on the evening of 
that day, a motion was made to adjourn to meet at 
Washington Hall, on Amherst Street, at ten o'clock 
A.M. of the next day. This motion at once produced 
a most stormy discussion. Upon putting the question, 
the utmost confusion prevailed andapoll of the house 
was demanded. Finally it was proposed that the two 
parties to the question should form in lines upon the 
common, in trout of the town-house, and should be 
counted by the selectmen, thus taking the vote surely 
and in order. This suggestion met the views of all 
parties ; the question was put by the moderator and a 
large portion of the voters went out and formed lines 
as suggested. While most of the voters had thus left 
the house, some one made a motion to adjourn the 
meeting to the next day, then to meet at the town- 
house ; the moderator put the vote, it was carried, and 
the meeting was declared adjourned. When the 
"outsiders" heard of the vote, they rushed into the 
house ; but to no purpose, the meeting was adjourned, 
and the moderator would hear no motion. After 
much confusion the people left the house and went 
home ; but on both sides it was only to rally their 
forces for the contest the next day. The voters of the 
" New Village" met the same night in Washington 
Hall, and laving aside their political preferences, 
nominated a union ticket for town officers. The next 
day the parties were at the polls at an early hour, all 
under much excitement; so much so, that it soon be- 
came apparent that they could not proceed with the 
meeting without an increase of the constabulary 
force ; it was accordingly " Voted to postpone the choice 
of selectmen until constables be chosen." 

They then made choice of thirty constables, as fol- 
lows, viz.: .lames McQuesten, J. L. Bradford, David 
Young, William P. Fanner, Mace Moulton, Matthew 
Kennedy, Walter French, John H. Copp, Levi Sar- 
gent, Adam Gilmore, Jonathan K. Cochran, Isaac C. 
Flanders, Joseph B. Hall, Jr., Alonzo Boyce, Nehe- 
miah (.'base, Taylor L. Southwick, Barton Monsey, 
George W. Tilden, Josiah Stowell, Thomas Gamble, 
Jonathan C. Furbish, E. W. Harrington, Hiram 
Brown, Alonzo Smith, Reuben Kimball, John H. 
Maynard, Henry S. Whitney, Jacob G. Cilley, Joseph 
M. Rowell and Ebenezer P. Swain. 

They then proceeded to elect the Board of Select- 
men, and made choice of the gentlemen nominated in 
the caucus at the " New Village," viz.: Amos Weston, 
Jr., Jona. T. P. Hunt, Hiram Brown. 

After this ballot the business of the meeting passed 
off' quietly, the village party having things their own 
way. After choosing the usual town officers they 
raised a committee, consisting of the selectmen, 
George Clark and James Hall, to purchase a " Pauper 
Farm," without limitation as to the price, and author- 
ized the selectmen to hire such a sum of money as 
might be necessary to pay for said farm. They also 
constituted the selectmen a committee to take into 



f.U 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



consideration the subject of a new division of the 
town into districts fur . school purposes. 

The villagers were triumphant ; but they seem to 
have been moderate us victors, as the selectmen called 
the very next meeting for the choice of electors at the 
town-house. 

It may well be imagined that a people of as strong 
prejudices as those of Manchester could not look upon 
these "new-comers" overriding them in a town- 
meeting with any great degree of complacency, and 
many stories are told of their remarks during the ex- 
citement. One is told of John Stark, Esq., or " Justice 
Stark," as he was commonly designated. He went into 
the moderator's desk and addressed the people thus: 

"Who are ye, that are lure to act, and to tread 
upon us in this manner'.' I'll tell ye who you are?— 
You're a set of interlopers come here to get a living 

upon a sand bank, and a d d poor living you will 

get, let me tell ye ! " 

Upon this the "interlopers" made so much dis- 
turbance that, the "Justice" could not be beard, and 
he left the desk. The result was decisive. The peo- 
ple of the old part of the town saw at once that their 
power had departed, and that henceforth Manchester 
was to be controlled bythepeopleof the " New Milage." 
The first town-meeting in the new village was held 
in Washington Hall, February 1, 1841, and among 
Other improvements voted was that of building a town- 
house. This structure was completed during the 
following summer at an expense of seventeen thou- 
sand dollars. The building committee consisted of 
John I). Kimball, Edward McQuesten and J.T.I'. 
Hunt. The first meeting in the new bouse was held 
March 8, 1842. 

City of Manchester.— s., large bad the popula- 
tion of this town become that at the March meeting, 
in 1846, it was deemed expedient to petition the 
Legislature for a city charter, and a committee, com- 
posed "I' David Gillis, Samuel I ». Bell, Isaac Kiddle, 
William ('. Clarke, John A. Burnham, Luther Farley 
and Walter French, was chosen to take the matter in 
charge. Accordingly, a petition was at once pre- 
sented; on June 1, L846, the citj of .Manchester was 
incorporated. At the August election the an was ac- 
cepted, by a vote of four hundred and eighty-five to 
one hundred and thirty-four. 

The first city election occurred August 19, 1846, 
with four candidates for mayor, viz., Hiram Brown, 
Whig : William ( '. Clarke, Democrat ; Thomas Brown, 
Abolition; and William Shepherd. 
The result was as follows : 

a. Br< urn. Clarke. T.Brown. Shepherd, Whol Ms voter 
Ward 1 . . Si 85 8 I 111 

Ward J. . 7S 65 'Jl 3 160 

Ward 3 . 85 38 30 1."' 170 

Ward 4 . . Ms 26 8 I l:: 

Ward 5, i-.; 93 28 <; -'52 

Ward 6 . . 05 74 5 I I 185 

Ward 7 . . 46 81 ') 4 187 



Kecessary tu a choice > M ' 

11. Brown's vote 569 

Majority against Brown 17 

The following officers were chosen at this election ; 

Aldt n - Andrew Bunton, .u : Ge rge Pi rti .. William G. Means, 

David liiliis. Timothy Blaisdell, Kdwar.l M. ou.-ieii. >!■<-''" Fellows. 

ii nci!.— John S. Kidder, rge W Eaton, William Boyd, 

Herrey Tufts, Daniel J. Hoyt, James M. Morrill, Israel I i 
Russell, George P. Folsom, David Cross, U.r.im r.ii-ham. William M. 
Parker, I benezei Clark, Asa 0. Colby, Nathaniel Herrick, William Pot- 
. i \ Eussey, Sewell Leavitt, William W. Baker, Rod- 
nia Nutt, 

Scl 1 C tiittee— Archibald Stark, Nathaniel Wheet, Joseph Knowl- 

ton, Moses Hill, James Mcfiauley, William W. Brown, Amos Weaton. 

..... poo-.— Joseph M. Rowell, B. T. Locke, Francis Beed\ 

Levi Batchelder, Caleb Johnson, Flair- T. I nderhill, James Emerson. 

Aaaaort — Edward Hall, Ira Ballon. James Wallace, Charles Chase, 

Lewis Bartl.'tt, Stillnan I'-ll""-. .lane- Hall. Jr. 

The second election for mayor was held Septembei 
1st. There were four candidates, viz. : Hiram Brown. 
Isaac C. Flanders, Thomas Brown and John S. Wig- 
gin. The result was as follows ; 

;;, Br i Flanden Wiggin. T, Bi H h ■'■ » 

War. I 1 . . 41 4N 2 I 100 

Ward J . . 79 47 15 26 175 

Ward 3 . . 98 36 17 23 183 

Ward 4 . . 112 1« 4 9 14J 

Ward 5 . . 124 65 9 30 236 

Ward 6 . . II 72 I H 186 

Ward 7 . . 58 64 4 1S2 



Hiram Brown hail ■ 602 

v i essary t" a choice 578 

Brown's majority 24 

The city government was organized in the City 
Hall, September 8, 1846, Moses Fellows, chairman of 
the retiring Board of Selectmen, presiding. Prayer 
wa> offered by Rev. C. W. Wallace, D.D., after which 
the oath of office was administered to the mayor by 
Hon. Daniel Clark. After the delivery of the 
mayor's address the city government was organized 
as follows: President of Common Council, William 
M. Parker; Clerk, David Hill; City Clerk, J. S. T. 
Cushing; Treasurer, Thomas Hoyt ; Marshal, George- 
T. ( 'lark. Hon. Samuel D. Bell was appointed, Si p- 
tember 28, 1846, police justice, and Isaac Riddle and 
Joseph Cochrane. Jr.. special justices. 

Mayors and Clerks.— The following is a list of 
the mayors and clerks from the incorporation of the- 
,-it\ to 1885: 

MA YOBS. 
Hiram Brown, 1846 17 .1 b r James, 1848-49; Moses Fellows, 

lS.Mi-.-il ; Frederick Smyth, ls.Y>-55, 1864; Theodore T. Abbot, 1S55- 
7. i .... i i. I James, 1857; Alonzo Smith. 1858; K. W. Harring- 
ton, 1859-60; David A. Bunton, 1861-62; Darwin J. Daniels, 1 1865; 

J..!m 1 1 .-1. > , - l-i" J-- ph r. Clark, 186T; James A. Weston, 1868, 

1870-71, 1874-75; Isaac W. Smith, 1869 ; PereonB Cheney, 1872 ; Charles 

II Bartlett," 1873; John P. Newell,' 1873 ; Al us Gaj 1876; Era 

, ,,... I-:: John L. Kelly, 1878; Horace B. Putnam, I 
Stearns, 1884. 

CLERKS. 
JohnS. T. Cushing, 1840-49; Frederick Smyth, 1849-52 ; George A, 



MANCHESTER. 



.'.:; 



ake 



M,i 



Vim. Ii 1- ■-' ".i; ; I Tuyl'T.' lS."ii>-.".7; Frank H. Lyfunl," ls.-.r,-;.7 ; 

Joseph Knowlton,' 1858-65; Joseph E. Bennett, « 1865 

Jackson, 1S7C; John P. Newell, 1876; Nathan P. Kidder, 1877 to presenl 

The area of the city was enlarged July 1, 1853, by 
the annexation of what is now known as Amoskeag 
from Goflstown and Piscataquog from Bedford. 



CHAPTER IV. 

MANCHESTER— {Continued). 

THE PRESS— EDUCATIONAL — CITY LIBKAKY. 

The first newspaper published in Manchester was 
Amoskeag Representative, established by John Cald- 
well, October is, 1839. Its name was changed to 
Manchester Representative January 22, 1841. The 
paper was sold, 1 (ecember 7, 1842, to Kimball & < iur- 
rier, and merged with the Manchesh r Democrat. 

The second paper was the Amoskeag Memorial, be- 
gun January 1, 1840, by Joseph C. Emerson. Jan- 
uary G. 1841, its name was changed to Manchester 
.)/, mortal. Joseph Kidder became its editor February 
17, 1841, at which time he sold to Mr. Emerson the 
People's Herald, which he had publishe 
for two months previous, having issuei 
The Memorial then assumed the doub] 
Chester Memorial and People's Herald 
June 5, 1842, when the latter half was 
26, 1841, Mr. Emerson associated w 
publisher ( ). D. Murray, and in the a 
nary, when Mr. Kidder resigned the 
publishers announced themselves as 
establishment was bought, Septembi 
Samuel F. Wetmore and A. A. Wallace, who con- 
tinued its publishers till August 21, 1844, when Mr. 
Wallace retired and left the paper in the hands of 
Mr. Wetmore, the senior partner. Its name was 
changed, September 6, 1844, to that of Manchester 
American. In September, 1845, Mr. Wetmore started 
the Semi- Weekly American, of which John H. War- 
land was editor. April 17, 1846, the establishment 
passed into the hands of James O. Adams, who at 
■once discontinued the semi-weekly issue. He re- 
mained the publisher and editor of the American till 
May, 1852, when, having another weekly paper upon 
his hands, he sold the American to < leneral Joseph C. 
Abbott and Edward A. Jenks. A few weeks later 
they bought the Saturday Messenger, Henry A. Gage. 
one of the owners of the latter, being admitted to part- 
nership, and they published the American and Messen- 
ger under the name of Abbott, Jenks & Co., Mr. Abbott 
being the editor. A daily had been issued during the 
■campaign of 1848, and again in 1850 during the progress 
of the Parker murder trial, but the first regular issue of 



dropped. May 

ic. ceding Jan- 
editorship, the 
editors. The 
■r 2, 1842, by 



the Manchester Daily American occurred September 4, 
1854. Charles G. Warren subsequently bought the in- 
terest of the two junior partners, and the publication 
was continued by Abbott & Warren. Both the daily 
and weekly were sold in 1857 to John II. Goodale, of 
the Manchester Democrat, and united with that paper. 
I'pnii the appearance of the Memorial, in January, 

1840, John Caldwell, of the Representative, began the 
publication of a neutral and literary paper of the size 
of the new sheet, with the title of the Manchester 
Magazine, whose matter was selected from what had 
once appeared in his own paper. This was continued 
but three months. 

July 4, 1840, Joseph (.'. Emerson, of the Memorial, 

began the publication of the Manchester Workman. 

The Star of Bethlehem was established January 2, 

1841, and was continued here about one year anil 
removed to Lowell. 

The Literary Souvenir was a weekly paper which 
was begun in Lowell, in 1838, by A. I:. E Hildreth, 
but in its fourth year was removed to Concord, and 
four months later to this city. Emerson .V Murray, of 
the Memorial, were its publishers, and S. H.Napoleon 
Bonaparte Everette was its editor. J le was an eccen- 
tric man, who styled himself "Rag Emperor," and 
his name was printed in the paper with that title. 
The Iris, in, I Literary Recordw&s a monthly magazine, 
which had been published at Hanover by E. A. Allen, 
but in the summer of 1842 was bought by Emerson & 
Murray and removed to Manchester. Mr. Everette 
was the editor of both this ami the Souvenir. These 
tun were united the 1st September and pub- 
lished under the name of the Iris and Souvenir. Mr. 
Murray soon after retired, and left Mr. Emerson in 
sole possession of the business. The latter, in De- 
cember, 1842, began the Semi- Weekly Advertiser, which 
was edited by Colonel Isaac Kinsman, of Pembroke, 
and was continued but four or five weeks. In January, 
1843, Mr. Emerson sold all his newpaper property to 
Willard N. Haradon, who bought at the same time 
the interest of the senior partner in the Manchester 
Allodium, whose first number was issued, January 14, 
1S43, by James Bursiel and a man of the name of 
Hamlet, the second number bearing the names of 
Hamlet it Haradon. 'flic Allodium was a neutral and 
literary paper, ornamented with cheap engravings on 
wood. This firm continued its publication till April 
s. 1843, when E. D. Boylston, now the editor of the 
1',, nuns' CibiiK-t at Amherst, purchased it of them, 
ami also bought the Iris and Smimiir of Mr. Haradon, 
continuing both papers under different names and in 
a different fashion, 'flic Allodium became the Man- 
chester Transcript, which was removed a tew months 
later to Great Falls and there deceased, and instead "f 
I, is iin,l Souvenir, be established, in August. 1845, a 
religious and temperance journal, under the name of 
the New Hampshire Magazine, which was published 
lor a year and was then discontinued. 

In IS ">7, .1. II. Goodale bought the Ihiihj American 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



iiml Aiiirri>-iiit fin-/ J/e.<sen</er, continued the publica- 
tion of the former and united the latter with the 
Democrat, under the name of the Democrat and Ami ri- 
can. >-iii afterwards Simeon D. Farnsworth, then a 
school-teacher of Concord, came to this cttj and 
entered into partnership with Goodale, and the 
firm became Goodale & Farnsworth. In the fall of 
1861 the latter bought out his partner and continued 
the sole proprietor till April, 1SG3, when, having be- 
come a paymasterin the army, he leased the daily and 
weekly to Gage, Moore & ( !o. : Henry A. < rage, < Irren 
C. Moore, .Tame- 0. Adams), and the name Democrat 
was dropped from the title. In August, 1863, 0. C. 
Moore sold his interest to Sylvester C.Gould. In 
December, I863,Mr. Farnsworth bought back the lease 
and sold both papers to John B. (lark.-, who united 
them with the Mirror. The last issue of the Daily 
Am Heart was dated December. 26, 1863. 

The Gleanerw&s issued November 12, 1842, its pub- 
lisher being William A. Hall and its editor John Cald- 
well. It wa> suspended in the latter part of 1845. 

The Manchester Palladium, another of Mr. (.'aid- 
well's enterprises, was begun May 21, 1846, and 
continued about six month-. 

The White Mountain Torrent was published here 
a few months in 1843. 

The Manchester Operative was begun Saturday, 
December 3d, 1843, by Willard N. Haradon, and 
discontinued November 16, 1844. 

The Independent Democrat was begun in this city 
May 1, 1845, by Robert < '. Wetmore. It was re- 
moved after a few weeks to Concord, and was subse- 
quently united with the Iiiilejuwlenl Niitexniun. 

July '•'>, 1845, was issued the first number of the 
Manchester Mercantile Advertiser, published by 
Charles II. Chase. It was suspended after an ex- 
istence of nearly live months, and then Mr. Chase 
began the publication of the Munrhrsler >,//«/'<'-■// 

Messenger, November 29, 1845. The Messenger ap- 
peared March 28, 1846, with J. E, Davis, Jr., and 
Israel P. Chase as publishers. E. D. Davis took 
Mr. ( hase's place in the firm on the loth of August 
of the -ante year. They continued its publication 
till March 20, 1847, when they disposed of the es- 
tablishment to William 11. Gilmore and Israel P. 
< lhase. Joseph Kidder, who had been its editor from 
the -tart, reigned hi- charge at the I li 
second volume, November 2n. 1847. Mr. ( 
thereafter the principal editor till he retired from the 
paper. June 24, 1848. Subsequently, Henry A. Gage 
bought Mr. Gilmore's interest, and May 26, 1849, 
associated with him Francis F. Forsaith, who then 
became the editor. He withdrew January 25, 1851, 
and was sm. ceded by Benjamin F. Wallace, who 
had been for several years the principal of Piscata- 
quog Village Academy. In 1852 it was sold to 
Abbott, .leak- & Co. (Joseph < '. Abbott, Edward 
A. Jenks and Henry A. Gage), the owners of the 
. I nu ■rim ii, and muted with that paper. 



The New Hampshire Temperanci Banner was es- 
tablished in 1847. and in about three years removed 
to ( loncord. 

The Old Hero, a short-lived campaign paper, was 
issued in 1848 from the office of the Manchester 
American, in advocacy of the claims of General 
Zacharj Taylor for the Presidency. 

September 9, 1848, the first number of the Man- 
chester Telescope was issued by Haradon & Kiely. 
After an existence of about two years its name was 
changed bj Mr. Haradon, who had become its sole 
proprietor February 19, 1849, to that of Haradon's 
Wril.hj Sjnj. A subsequent change made it the Man- 
and under this title it was published till 
the beginning of 1852, when it was sold to the pub- 
lishers of the Filmier* Monthly Visitor, and incor- 
porated with that paper. 

The Merchants' Own Jour, ml was begun in No- 
vember, 1S48, by Haradon & Storer, and was issued 
for a short time. 

About 1849 the late Dr. Thomas E. Crosby, then 
a practicing physician in Manchester, conceived tin- 
idea of publishing an agricultural paper in the city, 
and at length having associated with himself James 
• I. Adams as publisher, issued the first number of 
the Granite Farmer February 2d. 1850. It was a 
weekly of eight pages, and, according to the an- 
nouncement on its first page, was " published under 
the patronage of the Nov Hamphire State Agricul- 
tural Society." At the beginning of the fourth 
volume, in January. 1853, the Rev. A. * i. t lomings, of 
Mason, became associate editor, but he removed from 
the State about March, 18.~>3, and the twelfth number 
was the last which bore his name. The paper was 
sold, October 5, 1853, to the Hon. Chandler E. Potter, 
and was united not long afterwards with the Fanners' 
Monthly Visitor. 

The Manchester Daily Mirror was started a- a 
morning paper, Monday, October 28, 1850, by Joseph C. 
Emerson. With the seventh number appeared the 
name of F. A. Moore as that of the editor. He was 
succeeded as editor, December 10, 1850, by Edward 
N. Fuller. Monday, June 23, 1851, it was changed 
from a morning to an evening paper. Mr. Emerson 
began. Saturday, February 22. 1851, under the name 
of the Dollar Weekly Mirror, a weekly paper, made 
up from the columns of the daily, of which also Mr. 
Fuller was the editor. In February, 1852, he retired 
from the editorship, and his place was filled by 
John B. Clarke. lie held the position tiil September 
1st, when Mr. Emerson, who had been engaged in the 
manufacture of fireworks, lost heavily by lire, and 
became financially embarrassed. He struggled along 
till October 20th, when he sold at auction the daily 
and weekly, which were bought by John 1'.. Clarke, 
who has owned ami edited them ever since. He 
bought, in 1863, of S. D. Farnsworth, the Daily and 
Weekly American, in which the Manchester Democrat 
had been swallowed up, and united the latter w ith 





S*£~ ^ / 



MAXCH F.ST Kit. 



the Dollar Weekly Mirror sad the former with the 
Daily Mirror, w nich has since been known as the Daily 
Mirror and American. In 1863 he bought of Francis 
B. Eaton the New Hampshire Journal of Agriculture, 
which had already absorbed the Granite Farm r and 
the Farmers' Monthly Visitor, and united it with the 
weekly, under the name of the Dollar Weekly Mirror 
and New Hampshire Journal of Agriculture. Jul) 
8, 1865, its name was changed to that of Mirror 
and Farmer, und under this it has since been pub- 
lished. 

Colonel John B. Clarke, 1 editor and proprietor 
of the Manchester Mirror. — Among the business en- 
terprises in which the men of to-day seek fortune and 
reputation, there i- scarcely another which, when 
linnly established upon a sound basis, sends its roots 
so deep and wide, and is so certain to endure and pros- 
per, bearing testimony to the ability of its creators, as 
the family newspaper. Indeed, a daily or weekly 
paper which lias gained by legitimate methods an im 
mense circulation and a profitable advertising patron- 
age is immortal. It may change owners and names, 
and character even, but it never dies, and if, as is 
usually the ease, it owes its early reputation and suc- 
cess to One man, it not only reflects him while he is 

associated with it, but pays a constant tribute to his 

memory after lie has passed away. 

But, while the rewards of eminent .success in the 
newspaper profession are great and substantial, the 
road to them is one which only the strong, sagacious 
ami active can travel, and this is especially true when 
he who strives for them assumes the duties of both 
publisher and editor. It requires great ability to 
make a great paper every day, ami even greater to sell 
it extensively and profitably, and to do both is not a 
possible task lor the weak. To do both in an inland 
city, where the competition of metropolitan journals 
must lie met and discounted, without any of their ad- 
vantages, requires a man of grip, grit and genius. 

In 1852 the Manchester Mirror was on,- of the 
smallest ami weakest papers in the country. Its 
weekly edition had a circulation of about six hundred, 
that of its daily was less than five hundred, and its 
advertising receipts were extremely small. Alto- 
gether, it was a load which its owner could not carry, 
and the whole establishment, including subscription 
lists, good-will, press, type and material was sold at 
auction for less than one thousand dollars. 

In 1885 the Weekly Mirror and Farmer has a cir- 
culation of more than twenty-three thousand and 
every subscriber on its books has paid for it in advance. 

The Daily Mirror and American has a correspond- 
ingly large and reliable constituency, and neither 
paper hicks advertising patronage. The office in which 
they are printed is one of the most extensive and best 
equipped in the Eastern States cut of Boston. In 



every sense of (he word the Mirror is successful, strong 
and solid. 

The building up of this great and substantial enter- 
prise boil i so small a beginning has been tin' work of 
John 1'.. Clarke, who bought the papers, as Stated 
above, in 1852, has ever since been their owner, man- 
ager and controlling spirit, and in spite of sharp ri- 
valry at Inline and from abroad and the lack of oppor- 
tunities which such an undertaking must contend 
with in a Small City, has kept the Mirror, in hard 
times as in good times, steadily growing, enlarg- 
ing its scope and influence, and gaining strength 
with which to make and maintain new advances; 
and at the same time has made it yield everj 
year a handsome income. Only a man of 
pluck, push and perseverance, of courage, sagaeii\ 
and industry could have done this; and he who has 
accomplished it need point to no other achievement 
to establish his title to a [dace among thestroug men 
of his time. 

Mr. Clarke is a native of Atkinson, where he wis 
born January 30, 1820. His parents were intelligent 
and successful farmers, and from them he inherited 
the robust constitution, the genial disposition and the 
capacity for brain-work which have carried himtothe 
head of his profession in New Hampshire. They also 
furnished him with the small amount of money neci s- 
sary to give a boy an education in those days, and in 
due course he graduated with high honors at Dart- 
mouth College, in the class of L843. Then be became 
principal of the Meredith Bridge Academy, which 
position he held for three years, reading law mean- 
while in an office near by. In 184S he was admitted 
to tin Hillsborough ( lounty bar, from the office of his 
brother, at Manchester, the late Hon. William 
C.Clarke, attorney-general of New Hampshire, and 
the next year went to California. From 1849 until 
1851 be was practicing his profession, roughing it in the 
mines, and prospecting for a permanent busim 
location in California, Central America and Mexico. 

In 1851 be returned to .Manchester and established 
himself as a lawyer, gaining in a few months a prac- 
tice which gave hima living, but in October of the 
next year the sale of the Mirror afforded an opening 
more suited to his talents and ambition, and having 
bought the property, he thenceforth devoted himself 
to it- development. 

He had no experience, no capital, but be had con- 
fidence in himself, energy, good judgment and a wil- 
lingness to work for the success he was determined to 
gain, for months and years be was editor, reporter, 
business manager, accountant and collector. In these 
capacities he did an amount of work that would have 
killed an ordinary man, and did it in a way that told ; 
for every month added to the number of bis patrons, 
and slowly but steadily his business increased in 
volume and his papers in influence. 

He early made it arule to condense every thing that 
appeared in the colums of the Mirror into the smallest 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY. NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



possible space, to make what he printed readable as 
well as reliable, to make the paper better every year 
than it was the preceding year, and to furnish the 
weekly edition at a price which would give it an im- 
mense circulation without the help of traveling 
agents or the credit system ; and to this policj he has 
adhered. Resides this, he spared no expense which 
he judged would add to the value of his publications, 
and his judgment iias always set the bonds far off on 
the very verge of extravagance. Whatever machine 
promised to keep his office abreast of the times, and in- 
crease tli' 1 capacity for good work, he has dared buy. 
Whatever man he has thought would brighten and 
strengthen his staff of assistants lie has gone fur. and, 
if possible, got, andwhatever new departure has seemed 
to him likely to win new friends for the Mirror he has 
made. 

In this way he has gone from the bottom oftheladder 
to the top. From time to time rival sheets have sprung 
up beside him, but only to maintain an existence for 
a brief period or to lie consolidated with the Mirror. 
All the time there lias been sharp competition from 
publishers elsewhere, but this has only stimulated him 
to make a better paper and push it successfully in 
fields which they have regarded as their own. 

In connection with the Mirror, a great job-printing 
establishment lias grown up, which turns out a large 
amount of work in all departments, and where the 
State printing has been done six years. Mr. Clarke 

lias also published several 1 ks, including ".Sanborn's 

History of New Hampshire," "Clarke's History of Man- 
chester," "Successful New Hampshire Men," " Man- 
chester Directory" and other works. Within a few 
years a book-bindery has been added to the establish- 
ment. 

Mr. Clarke still devotes himself closely to his business 
six hours each day. but limits himself to this period, 
having been warned by an enforced rest and voyage to 
Europe, in 1872, to recover from the strain of over- 
work, that even his magnificent physique could not 
sustain too great a burden, and he now maintains 
robust and vigorous health by a systematic and regular 
mode of life, by long rides of from fifteen to twenty- 
five miles daily and an annual summer vacation. 

In making the Mirror its owner has made a great 
deal of money. If he had saved it as some others ba\ e 

done, lie would have re to-day than any other in 

Manchester who lias done busines> the >ame length of 
time on the same capital. But if he ha- gathered 
like a man born to lie a millionaire, lie has scattered 
like one who would spend a millionaire's fortune. He 

has been a g 1 liver ami a free giver. All his tastes 

incline him to large expenditures. His home abounds 
in all the comforts that money will buy. His farm is 
a place where costly experiments are trie. I. He is pas- 
sionately fond of fine horses, and his stables are always 
full of those that are highly bred, fleet and valuable. 
He loves an intelligent dog and a good gun, and is 
known far and near as an enthusiastic sportsman. 



He believes in being good to himself ami generous 
toothers, values money only tor what it will buy, and 
.very day illustrates the fact that it i> easier for him 
to earn ten dollars than to save one by being "close." 

A business that will enable a man of such tastes ami 
impulses to gratify all his wants and still accumulate 
a competency for his children isa good one, and that is 
what the busine>s of the Mirror counting-room has 
done. 

Nor is this all, nor the most, for the Mirror has made 
the name of John B. Clarke a household word in nearly 
every school district in Northern New England and 
in thousands of families in other sections. It lias given 
him a great influence in the politics, the agriculture 
and the social life of his time, has made him a power 
in shapingthe policy of his citj and State-, and one of 
the forces thai have kept the wheels of progress mov- 
ing in both for more than thirty years. 

In a word, what one man can do for and with a 
newspaper in New Hampshire John B. Clarke has 
done for and with the Mirror, and what a great news- 
paper can do tor a man the Ma ror has done for John 
B.Clarke. 

The Manchester Union.— The first Democratic 
newspaper in Manchester was the Amoskeag Repre- 
sentative, started in October, 1839, by John Caldwell. 
\ lew i iths later its name was changed to Man- 
chester Represenlaiiee. In 1842 the course of the 
Representative on important party issues became so dis- 
tasteful t.. a majority of the Democrats in the town 
that measures were taken to establish a new organ, 
and in April of that year William H. Kimball and 
Joseph Kidder started the Manchester Democrat. A 
few months later Mr. Kidder sold his interest to 
George W.Morrison and M ly furrier. Mr. Mor- 
rison subsequently disposing of his share to Mr. Cur- 
rier, who became associate editor with Mr. Kimball. 
In October, 1843, Mr. Currier's interest was pur- 
chased by E. 1'.. Davis, and in the spring of 1S44 the 
paper passed by purchase into th.' hands of Chand- 
ler E. Potter, a graduate of Dartmouth, and at that 
time a practicing attorney. The Representative was 
discontinued soon afterthe Democrat was started, and 
Mr. Caldwell established the Gleaner, a scurrilous 
sheet, the conduct of which involved the proprietor 
in numberless difficulties and lawsuits, and finally 
drove him from the town. 

In 1S4.S, Judge Potter, who was a forcible writer 
and an earnest advocate of Democratic principles, 
sold the Democrat to John H. Goodale, a native of 
Deering and a graduate of Wesleyan University, at 

Middletown, Conn. Mr. G laic conducted the 

paper in full accord with the principles of the Dem- 
ocratic party until 1850, when he evinced a decided 
tendency to espouse the doctrines of the Free-Soil 
party, then becoming a prominent factor in national 
politics. 

At tie Democratic State Convention in December, 
1850, John Atwood, of New Boston, who had been a 



MANCHESTER. 



57 



Baptist minister and for several years Stale treasurer, 
was nominated as candidate for Governor. In the 
platform adopted by the convention the question of 
slavery was not specifically mentioned, but the com- 
promise measures which had just been passed by Con- 
gress were Cully indorsed. Soon after the convention 
Mr. Atwood, in answer to a letter addressed to him 
b\ John II. White and other Free-Soilers, expressed 
sentiments similar to those held by the leaders of the 
Free-Soil party. This letter was not immediately 
published, but when its contents became known to 
Bome of the Democratic leaders there was great ex- 
citement. General Pierce, who believed that Mr. At- 
w 1 had written the White letter without due con- 
sideration, endeavored to persuade him to retracehis 
steps, if he could conscientiously do so. Thereupon 
Mr. Atwood signed a letter in which he substantially 
rev. iked the sentiments contained in his letter to 
White. Upon the publication of this letterthe Free- 
Soilers printed his communication to White, though 
Atwood declared he never gave his consent to its 
publication. Naturally, Mr. Atwood soon found 
himself in a most melancholy predicament through 
his attempt to pleaseboth parties. The Democracy, 
finding then- was no way of escaping from the di- 
lemma in which Atwood had placed them, except by 
throwing him overboard altogether, immediately 
called a new convention, repudiated their former can- 
didate and renominated Samuel Dinsmore, whowas 
then serving his second term as Governor. 

Mr. Goodale, as editor of the Democrat, had be- 
come thoroughly imbued with Free-Soil principles, 
and sustained Mr. Atwood in the controversy. In 
tin- state of affairs the leaders of the Democratic 
party in Manchester held a meeting on the 28th of 
I> jeember, 1860, to consider the question of starting 
a new paper which should correctly reflect the prin- 
ciples of the party. James McK. Wilkins presided, 
and Joseph Kidder was chosen secretary. On motion 
of William C. Clarke, it was voted that a committee he 
appointed to establish a paper which should advocate 
sentiments in harmony with those of the Democratic 
party, and the following gentlemen were chosen such 
committee: Richard II. Aver, Walter French, Mace 
Moulton, John S. Kidder, Warren L. Lane, William 
C. Clarke, A. G. Gale, isaac < '. Flanders, Charles 
Stark, William A. Putney, S. H. Aver, I. N. Hays, 
Silas Tenney, G. P. Prescott, Samuel Dame, James 
\l Queston, William Boyd, E. W. Harrington, S. W. 
Parsons, D. P. Perkins, John L. Fitch, J. D. Emer- 
son, Leonard Lyon, Thomas Rundlett, William I'.. 
Johnson, Edward Hall. Lorenzo Dow, S. W. Jones, 
Charles Rundlett, W. S. Morey, James S. Cheeney, 
Charles B. Gleason, Sherburne Fogg, Thomas P. 
Fierce, [saac .Marshall, J. L. Keniston, C. E. Potter, 
J. McK. Wilkins, Moody Currier, Joseph M. Rowell, 
Leonard Rundlett, Samuel N. Bell, Robert Ayer, 
John Stark, Isaac Currier, Franklin Tenney, Nehe- 
miah Chase, A. Hatch, S. P. Greeley, D. F. Straw. 



Joseph Kidder, .1. s, Elliott, R. D. Mooers, Walter 
P.Fogg, Dustin Marshall, W.W. Baker, LG.l acker, 

John Sargent, S. S. Collin, A. Kimball. 

The committee immediately purchased the neces- 
sary material and fitted up an office, and January 'J4. 
1851, the first number of The Union Democrat was 
issued. For a few week- the editorial work was per- 
formed by a number of gentlemen who were aide and 
experienced writers ; but finally the committee made 
an engagement with James M. Campbell, by which 
he was to assume the entire editorial management of 
the paper, and he entered upon his new duties with 
great zeal and enthusiasm. 

In thespringof 1852 it seemed unlikely that any 
of the very distinguished Democratic statesmen who 
had been named for the Presidency would receive the 
nomination at the next national convention of that 
party. Under these circumstances Mr. Campbell be 
lieved it possible to bring about the nomination of 
General Franklin Fierce. With this view, he wrote 
a letter in Mr. Pierce's behalf to his friend. General 
Conway, a leading Democrat at Fredericksburg. The 
convention met and failed to agree upon a candidate 
during twenty-five ballots. A Iter the twenty-fifth ballot 
the Virginia delegation retired for consultation, when 
Mr. Campbell's letter to Conway was read, and it was 
decided that at the next ballot the vole of Virginia 
should be cast for General Pierce. This was done, 
and on a subsequent ballot he was nominated. The 
letter of Mr. Campbell was afterwards published in 
the Richmond Enquirer and in most of the other 
I democratic papers of the South. 

In his conduct of the Union Democrat through the 
trying times that followed the election of General 
Fierce, and continued through his administration and 
that of Buchanan, Mr. Campbell displayed the high- 
est qualities of statesmanship, maintaining throughout 
a steadfast allegiance to the constitution. In State 
and local affairs he pursued a wise and conservative 
course, building his paper upon a solid foundation. 

In February, 1856, tl ffice was destroyed l>\ fire, 

but was immediately re-established in Union Build- 
ing, corner Elm and Market Streets. 

In 1861, Walter Harriman, of Warner, became 
joint owner with Mr. Campbell, and assume. 1 charge 
of its editorial columns, the name of the paper 
being changed to the Manchester Union. Colonel 
Harriman retained his interest in the paper until 
January, 1863, when he disposed of it to Colonel 
Thomas P. Pierce, and the old name, Union Democrat, 
was restored. The same month Colonel Pierce sold 
his interest to Charles Lamson, of Nashua. 

March 1, 1863, the first number of the Manchester 
Daily Union was issued from the office of the Union 
Democrat, and in August following, Mr. Lamson sold 
his interest in both papers to Alpheus A. Hanscom, 
of Eliot, Me., and the firm became < lampbell & Hans- 
com. the latter devoting his time chiefly to the busi- 
ness management of the office, though a frequent 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



contributor to the editorial colums. Early in 1864 
t Iil' office was removed to Merchants' Exchange. 

In September, 1872, < reorge A. 1 lanscom, a brother 
of the junior partner, and James E, the second son 
of Mr. Campbell, were admitted as partners in the 
business of printing and publishing, the firm still re- 
taining the style of Campbell .v Hanscom. Mr. 
Campbell, Sr., retained control of the editorial col- 
ums, George A. Hanscoin took charge of the local 
department and James L. Campbell attended to the 
mechanical part of the business. In the winter of 
187-';-74 the firm erected a brick block on Manchester 
Street, near Elm, twenty feet wide and fifty feel deep, 
four stories high, with basement, the office occupying 
the greater part of the block. The first paperprinted 
in the new building bears date February 9, 1874. 

Mr. Campbell continued to edit the paper until the 
fall of 1876, when finding his health greatly impaired 
by his long-continued and confining labors, he severed 
his active connection with the Union Democrat and 
Daily Union, and went to Florida, where he purchased 
a tract of land and engaged in the occupation of 
orange culture. He was succeeded in the editorial 
chair by A. A. Hanscom. Mr. Campbell maintained 
a lively interest in the paper, and sent an occasional 
contribution to its columns from his Southern home. 
He died quite suddenly at Sorento, Florida, on the 
last day of April, 1883. 

November 10, 1879, marked a new era in the history 
of the Manchester Union. On that date the paper ami 
material passed by purchase into the hands of Stilson 
Hutchins, of Laconia, John H. Riedell, of Boston, and 
Joseph C. Moore, of Lake Village. July 27, 1880, a 
stock company was formed, of which Mr. Moore 
became president, Mr. Hutchins treasurer and Mr. 
Riedell secretary. June 26, 1881, Messrs. Hutchins 
and Moore purchased Mr. Riedell's interest, and later, 
on the 5th of December, 1882, Mr. Hutchins dis- 
posed of his interest in the office to .Mr. Moore, 
since when no further change in proprietorship has 
been made. From the inception of the enterprise, in 
July, 1880, Mr. Moore was the leading and active 
spirit, in the management of the paper, and his addi- 
tional interest acquired in December, 1882, was a 
natural and eminently proper sequence. 

The new proprietors, realizing fully the task to 
which they had put their hands, brought to it the 
same enterprise, energy and sagacity that would have 
been found essential to success in any other business. 
It was their purpose to publish the best newspaper in 
and not only that, but one which could 
compete successfully with the larger metropolitan 
dailies in the publication of news. And they suc- 
ceeded. When the paper passed into their hands, 
November, 1879, an evening edition only was issued, 
and comparatively little attention was paid to tele- 
graphic news. On the morning of the 20th of 
November the first issue of the morning edition 
appealed. The change from an evening to a morning 



paper was looked upon with disfavor by many of the 
supporters of the paper, who could see no 
possible chance of success in a business rivalry with 
the Boston dailies, 'lime, however, vindicated the 
wisdom of the enterprise. Full telegraphic service 
was obtained through the National Press Association, 
the editorial and reportorial force was increased and 
special arrangements made for early transportation 
over the lines of railroad to the north, and as a result 
the circulation of the paper throughout the State in- 
creased with phenomenal rapidity. In January, 1882, 
the national telegraphic service was exchanged for 
that of the Associated Press, vvith its extended facili- 
ties lor securing news from all parts of the civilized 
world. With the increase of circulation naturally 
came increased advertising patronage. To meet the 
demand lor additional space, the paper was increased 
ill size at various times, until it had grown from a 
twenty-four column to a thirty-six column sheet, and 
even then a double edition on Saturdays has been 
found necessary to meet the wants of advertisers since 
November 10, 1883. 

For nearly twenty years after the establishment of 
the Weekly Union, and about seven years after the 
daily was started, the press-work was done outside of 
the office. Until 1856, when Patten's building was 
destroyed by lire, the presses upon which all papers 
in the city were printed were located in the basement 
ofthat building. These presses consisted of two Adams 
bed and platen presses and a Guernsey press, the 
latter of a pattern that would scarcely be accepted as 
a gift by any live establishment to-day. liny were 
destroyed in tin' conflagration that swept away the 
offices of The Union, the Mirror and the American. 
After the fire S. ( '. Merrill, who carried on the coffee 
and spice business in a building located on YAm Back 
Street, in the rear of Merchants' Exchange, and hail 
surplus steam-power which he wished to utilize, 
bought and put in operation two Adams press, s, 
on one of which was printed The Union and 
on the other the Mirror. The forms of type were 
taken from The Union office, then in Union Building, 
at the corner of Market and Elm Streets, and carried 
on a hand-bier to the press-room, a task that was any- 
thing but coveted by those upon whom it devolved. 
Merrill subsequently built a brick block on the corner 
of Manchester Street and Elm Back Street, to which 
the press-room was removed. This block, with its 
contents, was destroyed by the tire of Julj . 1870 again 
leasing The Union office without press facilities. The 
press-work of the daily edition was then for a time 
printed on the press of ( '. F. Livingston, and the 
weekly forms were sent to Concord and printed on 
the Patriot press until the proprietors purchased a 
Cottrell cylinder press and placed it in Merchants' 
Exchange, to which the office bad been removed, ob- 
taining power from the Mirror engine in the basement. 
This press was rated at a speed id' fifteen hundred 
impressions per hour, though it was seldom speeded 



MANCHESTER. 



59 



faster than one thousand or eleven hundred. The Cot- 
trell was moved into the new building erected bj the 
proprietors of The Union, in 1874, on Manchester Street, 
where it met the requirements of the paper until it 
passed into the hands of the new proprietors, in 1879, 
when a Hoe two-cylinder replaced it. 

Up I" this time the old style presses had proved "I 
ample capacity to print the editions of the daily and 
weekly. But with the establishment of a morning 
edition of the daily, and the journalistic enterprise 
displayed in other directions by the new linn, the cir- 
culation of both papers increased so rapidly that be- 
fore a year had passed, the capacity of the two-cylinder 
press was severely taxed to meet the demands made 
upon it. From 1879 to this date the growth in cir- 
culation had been steady, far exceeding the most 
sanguine expectations of the proprietors, until the two- 
ey Under press, printing tour thousand papers per hour, 
was utterly inadequate. There was no alternative but to 
again increase the printing capacity, both in size and 
speed, and it was determined not only to meet pres- 
ent demands, but be prepared for still further increase 
in circulation. An order was placed in the spring of 
1883 with R. Hoe & Co., New York, the greatest 
press-builders in the world, for a type-revolving, web- 
perfecting press, capable of printing thirty -two thou- 
sand impressions an hour, or sixteen thousand com- 
plete papers, printed on both sides. At the same 
time a new folding-machine was purchased, which 
cuts, pastes and folds the eight-page editions of the 
daily and the weekly edition. With this new 
machinery and an entire outfit of type, The Union 
office is as finely equipped as any newspaper office in 
New England. 

These improvements, however, necessitated more 
commodious quarters, and in February, 1884, a ten- 
years' lease of the east half of the Opera-House Block 
on Hanover Street, with privilege of purchase, was 
obtained. A three-story brick building, thirty-two by 
thirty-four, was built in the rear of the opera-house, 
in which is located the press-room and composing- 
rooms, a new engine and boiler being placed in the 
basement. This building having been erected es- 
pecially for the purpose to which it has been devoted, 
is admirably adapted for the different mechanical de- 
partments of the paper. The business office and 
editorial rooms are on the ground-floor of the Opera 
Block, and, taken all in all, it is one of the 
most complete newspaper establishments in New 
England. 

The first editor or editorial writer of 77c I hion as 
a morning daily was Henry H. Metcalf, who began 
his labors with the first number and closed them Oc- 
tober 22, 1881. He was followed by B. F. Saurman, 
who remained till April 22, 1882. On May 4th, of 
the same year, George F. Parker assumed the position, 
filling it till December 9th of the same year. The 
editorial work was provided for from several sources 
till the first weak in January, 1882, at which time the 



arrangement now in force went into Operation. Im- 
portant changes were made. The scope of the edi- 
torial work was enlarged, and the labors divided. 
John T. Hulme and Edward J. Burnham weri as- 
signed to duty in this department. < >n December 22, 
1884, Mr. Burnham was transferred to the subscrip- 
tion and collection department, tilling also the duties 
of stall' corresponded . 

The first city editor was Edgar J. Knowlton, who 
remained in the position till June 5, 1880, and was 
succeeded by Herbert F. Eastman. Mr. Eastman 
fulfilled the duties till January 22, 1881, at which 
time John T. Hulme came to the position, holding it 
continuously till be was promoted to his present 
position. On his promotion, Henry H. Everett came 
to the duties of the position. Edgar J. Know [ton re- 
turned to the stall' as a local reporter October 20, 
1884, ami December 29th of the same year succeeded 
to his old position as city editor. 

Walter E. West was first telegraph editor of the 
paper, filling the position till October 6, 1883, when 
he retired, and was followed by the present occupant 
of that chair, Willis T. Dodge. 

John B. Mills and Herbert X. Davison at present 
comprise the staff of local reporters. John B. Mills 
was in a similar capacity in the first two years of the 
morning paper, but retired and returned in February, 
1884. True M. Thompson followed him. ami was 
succeeded by George F.Richards. 0. Fred. Crosby 
was also a local reporter for some two years. 

John H. Reidell attended the State news and several 
other departments of the paper up to January li. 1883. 
(In tin' formation of the new arrangement that went 
into force at that time, Edward J. Burnham assumed 
special charge of the State news ami agricultural de- 
partments, and also took the editorial management of 
the weekly edition of the paper. On the retirement 
of Mr. Burnham, Henry 11. Everett assumed the du- 
ties of the position. 

John T. Hulme undertook to provide for the " ex- 
change " work, both in the line of general and politi- 
cal miscellany. He also retained the musical ami 
dramatical assignment. 

Seven gentlemen have sat at the proof-reader's 
desk in the following order: E. D. Houston, I. I.. 
Rowe, E. J. Burnham, David W. Cobb, Henry H. 
Everett, W. H. H. H. Snow and Alvin T. Thoits. 
The last-named gentleman still fills the position. 

The longest incumbent was E. J. Burnham, who 
filled the position sixteen months, retiring from it to 
bis present place. 

April o, 1883, a special department, "The Vets' 
Budget." was added to the paper under the charge of 
Henry H. Everett, who still continues the work. A 
Grange department was also added in 1884, and came 
under the direction of E. J. Burnham. "The 1 ireside" 
was a feature of The Union when the morning daily- 
was started, it was under the special charge of .Mrs. 
L. A. Scott, who continued till December 29,1884, 



€0 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



when Mrs. Etta F. Shepard assumed the conduct of 
the department. 

The agricultural department numbers among its 
special contributors the following gentlemen: James 

0. Adams, secretary of the State Board <>! Agriculture : 
James M.Connor,of Hopkinton; George R. Drake, of 
Pittsfield ; G. A. Simons, of Weare, and others. The 
session of the State Legislature in 1881 was specially 
reported for The Union by John T. Hulme. In 188?. 
and L885 the same gentleman took charge of the 
work. 

Regular stall' correspondents of The. Union are 
located at Concord. Nashua and Portsmouth. At 
Concord the duty is performed by True L. Norris, at 
Nashua by Charles S. Bussell, and at Portsmouth by 
Samuel W. Emery. A large force of correspondents 
furnish local news from all the prominent points in 
the State. The Granges of the State have by vote ap- 
pointed speeial correspondents to furnish the news 
pertaining to that order. 

Since the inauguration of the morning daily, Dana 

1. Eastman has taken the press reports and furnished 
by far more " copy " than any other single individual. 
I'lie mechanical departments of the paper are in 

charge of the following gentlemen : Foreman of the 
composing-room, Frank T. Parsons; daj foreman, .1. 

Wilbur Fife; foreman of the press-r a, Edward H. 

Murphy : engineer, James Barry ; mailing and deliv- 
ery clerk, John N. Pearsons. 

The counting-room is presided over by Howard L. 
Kelley, who, since 1880, has attended to the manifold 
duties of the business office. 

The growth of the Manchester Union has 1 a mar- 
velous. In 1851 an unpretentious weekly sheet, 
started for the purpose of educating the people in the 
principles of true Democracy, a work in which its 
founder spent the I icst and most fruitful years of his busy 
life: struggling agnin-t the apathy ami indifference 
of men who had yet to learn the value of a newspaper 
and to estimate its real worth; slowly thrusting its 
roots down deeper and deeper into the public mind, 
and getting a firmer grasp upon the public confidence. 
from which it drew nourishment, while giving in return 
the best results of the facile pens and fertile brains of 
its editors, until to-day. grown strong and self-reliant, 
it takes its place among the solid and substantial 
institutions of the Granite State. The Union is an 
able exponent of the principles of the Democratic 
party, fearless and outspoken in its view-, and 
takes front rank among the leading dailies of New 
England. 

Joseph Clifford Moore.— Hon. Joseph Clifford 
Moore, editor of tin' Manchester Union and the finan- 
cial head of the Union Publishing Company, is a 
thorough representative of that valuable class known 
as self-made men. He is the second son of Dr. D. F. 
and Frances S. Moore, and was born in Loudon. N. H., 
August 22. 1845. His early education was limited 
to th ■ e ciinioa schools, and more or less shared with 



labor. Later in life, having made the best of such 
advantages as came within his reach, he pursued with 
-iicd-s a course of medical training at New York 
Medical College. From this training he returned to 
Lake Village, the business centre of the town of Oil- 
ford, which has been his home since he was ten years 
of age, and entered upon the practice of medicine in 
partnership with his father, Dr. D. F. Moore. This 
was in 1866, and from that time up to his joining in 
the newspaper enterprise at Manchester, in November, 
1879, he followed his profession with untiring industry 
and gratifying success. His practice extended over a 
wide section, and involved long hours and much 
arduous travel. During this time he was also active 
in general business enterprises. 

Mr. Moore began his journalistic career without 
the benefit of any special training whatever, but 
brought to the work a clear, cool head, ripe judg- 
ment and honest purpose; but it was early apparent 
that he possessed that rare quality, " the newspaper 
faculty." Careful, prudent, caution- and conserva- 
tive by nature, he applied that faculty with con- 
stantly increasing shrewdness and wisdom ; so that 
the enterprise not only developed a remarkably rapid, 
but a sound and healthy, growth. Exercising good busi- 
ness judgment and methods, lie successfully main- 
tained the financial standing of the paper, notwith- 
st mding tin- excessive demands of a rapidly-growing 
plant. In shaping the tone and conduct of Thi Union, 
he has uniformly aimed to give it a character for 
independence, integrity and respectability, advancing 
it on the true line of progressive modern journalism. 
He is a ready editorial writer on political and gene- 
ral topics, eschews the ornamental and descriptive, 
and goes straight at the meat of a matter in a plain 
and direct style. His methods are convincing as well 
as terse and vigorous. 

Mr. M e has always taken a warm and active 

interest in politics, not from the selfish motives of the 
office-seeker, but as an ardent believer in and stanch 
supporter of a sound, sterling and progressive De- 

cracy. At the State election of 1880 he was 

elected a member of the State Senate from the Sixth 
Senatorial District, and filled the seat with credit to 
himself and bis constituency. He introduced and 
was chiefly instrumental in securing the passage of 
the measure which created the present State Board of 
Health. Always under self-command, easy and 
agreeable in manner, he proved to be valuable in 
legislative work, and was invariably relied upon to 
release the Senatorial body when sharp conflict of 
opinion led it into a jangle. Since the expiration Of 
this official trust his time has been given exclusively 
to business matters and the conduct of the Union. 

In January, 1885, he was unanimously chosen 
president of the New Hampshire Club, an organiza- 
tion comprising the leading business and professional 
men of the State, and shortly after accompanied it on 
a successful excursion Smth. As president of this 




Ux 



(L 2~>-i 



MANCHESTER. 



61 



body he is broad and liberal, seeking only to develop 
its interests and extend its influence. 

Dartmouth College, at the June commencement, 
1884, conferred upon him the degree of A.M. 

Mr. Moore retains his residence at Lake Village, 
with his aged parents. He is married, but has no 
children. In manner he is easy and agreeable, and is 
favored with an excellent address and attractive per- 
sonal presence. In business affairs he is careful and 
conservative, and at the same time enterprising. 
Honorable and just in his transactions, he enjoys the 
confidence and respect of business men. At this 
writing he is in the full vigor of his powers, with the 
promise of a useful and successful future before him. 

The Farmers? Monthly Visitor, which had Keen pub- 
lished at Concord by Governor Isaac Hill since 1838, 
was suspended in 1849, but revived in this city in 
1852, when Rowell, Prescott & Co. (Joseph M. 
Rowell, (ieorge P. Prescott, Chandler E. Potter) be- 
came its proprietors, and Judge Potter its editor. It 
was published as an octavo of thirty-two pages, and 
its first number was issued in Manchester, as the first 
number of its twelfth volume, in January, 1852. 
Judge Potter bought the Granite Farmer of Mr. 
Adams, October 5, 1853, and Dr. Crosby retired from 
the editorship two weeks later. In 1854 the latter 
was united with the Visitor, and published in folio 
form under the name of the Granite Farmer and Visi- 
tor. Judge Potter, having bought out his partners. 
was then the sole proprietor and editor. About a 
year later Lewis H. Hildreth, of Westford, Mass., a 
writer upon agriculture, came to Manchester and 
entered into negotations in reference to a paper. As 
a result, he and James 0. Adams each bought a third 
of the Farmer and Visitor, Judge Potter retaining a 
third and Mr. Adams' name appearing as that of the 
editor. Hildreth, however, remained but a few 
months, and about April, 1857, the. paper was -old at 
auction to John C. Merriam & Co. (Henry C. Adams), 
and it was issued. July 18, 1857, as a new paper 
under the name of the Granite State Fanner. Subse- 
quently Merriam retired, and Eenry C. Adams owned 
it for a while and then sold it to S. A. Hurlburt, wdio 
was the sole proprietor and editor— James 0. Adams 
then leaving the editor's chair— till the latter part of 
1859, when Gilmore & Martin (William H. Gil- 
more, Warren Martin) bought the paper and issued it 
in folio form as the New Hampshire Journal of Agri- 
culture. Zephaniah Breed and Moses A. Cartland, 
both of Weare, became the editors. In 1861 the 
paper was sold to Francis B. Eaton, who published it 
till January, 1863, when he sold it to John B. Clarke, 
who united it with the Dollar Weekly Mirror, of 
which he was then the owner, under the name of the 
Dollar Weekly Mirror and New Hampshire Journal if 
Agriculture. 

The Qrusader was begun in Concord about 1850. In 
December, 1851, it was published simultaneously in 
Concord and Manchester, and in February, 1852, was 



published altogether in this city. It was not long 
afterwards moved to Concord, united with the Pha nix 
of that city and afterwards absorbed by thi \"i i 
Hampshire Gazette at Portsmouth. 

I ii 1 s ">.':, licnjamin F. Stanton and William B. Burn- 
ham issued, for a short time, a small sheet devoted to 
phonography, called the Junto Organ. 

A paper called the Ladies' Enterprise was begun 
January 1, 1854, and published for a time. 

In 1N54 the Stars and Stripes, a "Know-Nothing" 
paper, was established, and was removed soon after- 
wards to Laconia and absorbed in the Win,, 
tin:,//,. 

The New Hampshire Journal of Medicine was first 
issued at Concord in August, 1850, and was removed 
to Manchester in July, 1856, and continued till De- 
cember, 1859, when it was suspended. 

The New J lamps hire Journal if Education was es- 
tablished in January, 1857, and soon after removed 
to Concord. 

The Literary Visitor, begun January 1, L859, bj 
George W. Batchelder and Martin A. Hayncs, was 
short-lived. 

The True Republican was started February 4, 1859, 
by Benjamin F. Stanton. With him were afterwards 
associated Hector Canfield and Orren C. Moore. The 
paper was continued about a year under the titles of 
True Fepiihlieaii, Citij Messenger and Republican and 
Manchester Republican. 

Moore's Musical Record, John W. Moore, editor, was 
begun in January, 1857, and published monthly, by 
John W. Moore & Co., for two years. In Jan- 
uary, 1869, John W. .Moore. Samuel ( '. Merrill, ( 'harles 
Clough and Sylvester ('. Gould began the publication 
of the Manchester Daily News. It was soon discon- 
tinued. 

La Voir du Peuple, was begun in 1869, but was 
short-lived. 

The Labor Journal was started March 24, 1870, by 
Daniel S. Holt, and soon after suspended. 

The Public Forum, a weekly paper, was started Sep- 
tember 30, 1871, as a Democratic journal, by George 
J. Foster & Co., Joshua L. Foster being its edi- 
tor. It was soon after removed to Dover, its name 
changed to that of Foster's Democrat, and is still pub- 
lished there. 

TheNew Hump shin Journal of Music was begun 
January 1, 1872, by Imri S.Whitney. JohnW. Moore 
was its editor till the close of 1874. Discontinued. 

The Saturday Night Dispatch was begun Saturday, 
January 24, 1874, by Merritt S. Hunt. James ( ). 
Adams was associated with Mr. Hunt as editor and 
proprietor from September 1, to December 1, 1874. It 
was subsequently changed to Mancftester limes, and 
conducted by Henry II. Everett until late in the win- 
ter of 1883, when it was discontinued. 

The New Hampshire Sunday Globe was begun Feb- 
ruary 7, 1875, by Rollins & Kingdom Discontinued. 

The Manchester Weekly Budget was established 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



June 16, L883,by William M. Kendall, Jr., and David 
M. Ladd, by whom it is still published. The success 
of the Budget has been phenomenal, the circulation 
having reached seven thousand five hundred copies 
sveekly. Thesize of the paper is twelve pages, seventy - 
two columns; subscription price, two dollars a year. 
The circulation of the Budget now penetrates nearly 
everv village and school district in the State. 

7V American Young Folks was established in 1875, 
and consolidated with the Buys and Girls of New 
Hampshire inMarch, 1882. Editor, George W. Browne, 
[ssued semi-monthly by the American Young Folks 
Company. 

The Echo des < 'anadiens was established July 2, 1880, 
with Leander Boudreau editor and Charles L. Fitz- 
patrick and Leandre Boudreau proprietors. Discon- 
tinued. 

I,c Bateau was established November 5, 1881. P. 
C. Chatel, editor and proprietor. Discontinued. 

Manchester Guardian was established July 14, 1883. 
Charles A. O'Connor, editor-in-chief. Discontinued. 

The Semi-WeeMy Record was started December 1, 
1883, Frank H. Challis, editor and publisher. "A 
penny newspaper," published on Wednesdays and 
Saturdays. Discontinued. 

Notes and Queries, a magazine containing miscella- 
neous notes and queries, with answers, for professors 
and students, teachers and pupils, is published monthly 
by S. C. & L. M. Could. 

Mr. S. C. Gould manifests a deep interest in his- 
torical matters, and has a collection of books, pam- 
phlets and magazines relating to Manchester, number- 
ing over sixteen hundred, from 1743-1885. 

This collection comprises book and pamphlet lit- 
erature, including some of the leading magazine 
literature published serially. It contains the published 
literary efforts of former and present residents, whether 
native or temporary, and whether published prior to 
their residence here or subsequent to their departure ; 
also, all works relating to or published by the city. 
The collection also includes more or less of literature 
relating to Bedford, together with some relating to 
Londonderry and Deny, of which towns Manchester 
was formerly a part. 

The first published pamphlet in reference to Man- 
chester, now known, is the (Rev. Joseph Secombe) 
" Discourse uttered in part at Ammauskeeg-Falls, in 
the Fishing Season, 1739; ' Businessand Diversion in- 
offensive to God, and necessary for the comfort and 
support of human society;' " from the text. "Simon 
Peter saith unto them, ' I go a fishing.'" This dis- 
course was printed in Boston, in 1743, — one hundred 
and forty-two years ago, — and only five copiesare now- 
known to be extant. The first pamphlets to be im- 
printed in Manchester, now known, wire " An Address 
delivered at Pembroke, N. H., May 13, 1841," and 'A 
Historical Sketch of Bedford, N. H., a discourse deliv- 
ered July 4, 1841," both by Rev. Thomas Savage, 
A. M.. and printed at the office of Emerson >V Mur- 



ray, in 1841, octavos of sixteen pages each. The first 
book now known to have been imprinted in Manches- 
ter was "The Life and Adventures of Seth Wymanj 
Written by Himself," and printed by J. H. Gate, in 
1843, a duodecimo of three hundred and ten pages, 
bound in cloth. This book was suppressed by rela- 
tives of the autobiographer, before a hundred copies 
were sold, and is now a scarce book. 

Educational.— In 17*4 the town voted a liberal 
expenditure for educational purposes, and in that 
year also the town was divided into four school dis- 
tricts ; but it was notuntil 1795 that a school-house was 
erected in "Derryfield." This primitive educational 
institution was built by private subscription and was 
located upon what was then known as the Falls road, 
intherear ofthe present residence of Hon. David Cross. 
This house was purchased by the town in 1798, and it 
was also voted that year to erect two additional ones. 
In 1809 the town was redistricted and a school-house 
built at the Centre. 

The school district system, which was originated in 
1773, continued until 1868, when the city assumed 
control of the schools. The first teachers were, — 
1791, Jonathan Rand; 1792, Edward Blodget, Ste- 
phen Potter and Frederick Hastings ; 1793, William 
White and Peter Severens ; 1794, John Tufts and 
Peter Severens ; 1795, John M. Laughlin ; 1796, 1797 
and 1798, Samuel Moor, Jr.; 1799, Samuel Moor, 
Jr., and Mathew Reed. 

Mr. Rand was the first teacher in town of whom 
any record can be found. The wages paid were from 
eight to twelve dollars a month. The highest sum 
paid per month from 1791 to 1801, as appears from 
the selectmen's book, was " to Samuel Moor, Jr., 
twelve dollars for keeping school in the lower district 
one month." 

The school property now owned by the city is val- 
ued at over three hundred thousand dollars, and con- 
sits of a High Si-liool building, on Beech Street, 
valued at forty-five thousand dollars, and numerous 
others. 

High School.— The High School was first kept in 
the old building now standing on the corner of Low- 
ell and Chestnut Streets. The house was erected in 
1841 at a cost of three thousand dollars, and was used 
for a district school, with David P. Perkins as the 
first master. Some five or six years later it was 
changed to a High School, and in 1867 it was moved 
to its present location, on Beech Street, the new 
building having been erected to meet the demand for 
better accommodations for the school. 

Fuaxki.in Street Schools. — The school formerly 

called the South Grammar S.-l 1 was originally kept 

in a chapel on Concord Street, from which it was 
moved, in 1N47, to the brick building on Park Street, 
built for its use. Ten years later it was transferred to 
its present location, on the corner of Franklin and 
Pleasant Streets. This building and lot are valued 
at eighteen thousand dollars. 



MANCHESTER. 



Spring Street Schools. — A school was begun in 
L848 in the brick building on Spring Street, and then 
called the North Grammar. Moses T. Brown was its 
first principal. 

Lincoln Street Schools.— Under the name of 
the East Grammar, a school was begun in 1867, in the 
new High School house, with two divisions, gathered 
from the North and South Grammar Schools. In the 
fall of 1868 another division was added, and in the 
spring of 1869 it was moved to the old Bigh School 
building, where a first division was added and a 
master was appointed. In 1871 a new house was 
built for its accommodation on the corner of Lincoln 
and Merrimack Streets, worth fifty thousand dollars, 
where it is now located. 

Ash Street Grammar Schools.— In 1874 a fine 
building was erected on the corner of Ash and Bridge 
Streets to meet the growing demand lor school facili- 
ties, and a grammar school was established, composed 
of pupils residing in the northeastern section of the 
city. The building is a line specimen of school arch- 
itecture, and is valued at fifty-eight thousand dollars. 
Main Street Schools, West Manchester — 
With the annexation of Piscataquog village, in 1853, 
the grammar school came under the care of the city. 
It was kept in the Centre Street building until 1874, 
when it was removed to its present location, on Main 
Street. An addition was made to the building in 
1882 for the accommodation of the considerable in- 
crease in pupils. 

Webster Street Schools, West Manchester. 
—During the year 1882 a handsome school building 
was erected on Webster Street, between Elm and 
Chestnut, at a cost of seventeen thousand dollars. It 
is designed for scholars residing at the north end of 
the city. Two schools are already located there. 

There are other schools located on Blodgett, Bridge, 
Lowell, Manchester, Merrimack and Beech Streets ; 
also on South Main Street and School Street, West 
Manchester. There are a number of suburban 
schools. The largest of these is located at Bakers- 
ville. The school building was erected in lsx:: at a 
cost of twelve thousand dollars. Others are: No. 1, 
Stark District; No. 2, Amoskeag ; No. 3, Bakers- 
ville; No. 4, Goffe's Falls; No. 5, Harvey District; 
No. 6, Webster's Mills; No. 7, Hallsville; No. 8, 
Youngsville; No. 9, Mosquito Pond. 
Catholic Educational Establishments — 

Mount St. Mary's Academy, corner Union and Laurel 
Streets, is under the control of the Sisters of Mercy. 
This is a boarding-school for young ladies. It has 
been in existence lor twenty-five years, and has an 
average attendance of sixty pupils. The course of 
studies, embracing five \ ears, includes all the branches 
of a useful ami Christian education. Young ladies of 
all religious denominations are received, and inter- 
ference with their religious convictions is scrupulously 
avoided. The present superior is Rev. Mother Fran- 
ces Leeson. 



The school for boys in Park Street, taught by 
twelve Sisters of Mercy ; Rev. Thos. Corcoran, princi- 
pal. Number of scholars, about four hundred. 

St. Joseph's School for Inns, corner of Lowell anil 
Beach Streets, taught by six Sisters of Mercy. Num- 
ber of pupils, two hundred and fifty. 

St. Joseph's School for girls, comer Lowell and Pine 
Streets, taught by six Sisters of Mercy. Number of 
pupils, two hundred and fifty. The schools of St. 
Joseph's parish are tinder the immediate supervision 
of the right reverend bishop. 

St. Agnes' School for girls, corner Union and Spruce 
Sii eeis, taught by seven Sisters of Mercy. Number ol 
scholars, three hundred. 

St. Augustine's School for boys and girls, East 
Spruce Street, taught by Sisters of Jesus and Mary. 
Number of pupils, live hundred. 

St. Mary's School for boys and girls, connected with 
St. Mary's Church, West Manchester. This school 
has just been erected, and will be under the control 
of the Sisters of Providence. It will accomodate four 
hundred pupils. 

Charitable Institution*.— St. Patrick's Home and 
Hospital, Hanover Street, conducted by the Sisters 
id' Mercy. Number of orphans, sixty; patients 
in hospital, fifteen. 

St. Patrick's Home for Aged Women, Hanover 
Street, managed by the Sisters of Mercy. Number of 
inmates, fifteen. 

German School.— The first German School-house 
in the State of New Hampshire was dedicated here in 
1884. It is located at the comer of Third and Ferry 
Streets, and is of brick, thirty-two by forty-eight in 
size, and two stories in height, with a flat roof. Over 
the main entrance, on Third Street, are two tablets of 
polished granite, bearing in gilt letters of German 
text the words, "Deutsch Schule" and the year of 
erection, "1884." The German School Society, to 
which this convenient and comfortable little edifice 
owes its existence, was organized August 22, 1875, 
mainly through the efforts of members of theTurn- 
verein. 

The State Industri m School.— The movement 
which resulted in the establishment of this institution 
was started in 1855, when the Legislature passed an 
tut authorizing the Governor and Council to appoint 
a board of three commissioners, empowered to buy a 
tract of land and erect buildings thereon, to provide a 
"house of reformation for juvenile and female offend- 
ers against the laws." The commissioners— the Hon. 
Frederick Smyth, of Manchester, the Hon. Matthew 
Harvey, of Concord, and Hosea Eaton, of New Ips- 
wich—were appointed that year, and selected, as the 
site for the bouse proposed, the farm which was one,' 
111,' home ,,f General John Stark, two miles north of 
the city hall, on the east bank of the Merrimack 
River, containing about one hundred acres. The 
price paid was ten thousand dollars, and another 
piece of ten acres was bought soon after for a thou- 



64 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



sand dollars more. The building was commenced in 
the spring of 1856, finished in the autumn of 1857 
and furnished in the spring of 1858. Its cost was 
thirty-four thousand dollars ; the total cost of build- 
ing and land was forty-five thousand dollars. The 
house was dedicated on the 12th of May, L858, and 
occupied at that time, when the first superintendent. 
Brooks Shattuek, was appointed. He was succeeded, 
on the 20th of April, 1866, by Isaac 11. Jones. Upon 
his departure Edward Ingham was elected, the 17tii 
of May, 1870. The present superintendent, John G. 
Ray, was appointed on the 2d of July, 1874. The 
institution is now known as the Slate Industrial 
School, and is under the management of a board of 
seven trustees, by whom the superintendent is chosen, 
and who are appointed by the Governor and Council. 
A lire, on the 20th of December. 1 <>'•'* . marly destroyed 
the building, and the children were temporarily kej t 
in the buildings known as the "Stark house" and 
"Gamble house," which had stood near by since the 
early settlement of the town. During their residence 
in it the "Stark house" was set on fire and consumed. 
As soon as possible after the fire the old school build- 
ing was repaired and the inmates returned to it. The 
institution is in annual receipt of interest from the 
legacies of James McKeen Wilkins, of .Manchester, 

and M ly Kent, of Pembroke, which amount to eighl 

thousand and three thousand dollars respectively; 
also the income from Miss Louise Penhallow's bequest 
of one thousand dollar.-, to be expended for a library. 

The Manchester City Library ' was established 
in September, 1854, under the terms of a contract 
between the Manchester Athenaeum and the city of 
Manchester, whereby the library of the Athenaeum 
was transferred to the city, to be the foundation of a 
free public Library. 

The Manchester Athenaeum was established in Feb- 
ruary, 1*44, mainly through the efforts of Hon. Samuel 
I). Bell, Hon. Daniel Clark, Hon. Herman Foster. 
Hon. Moody Currier, David Gillit, Esq., John \. 
Burnham, Esq., William A. Burke, Esq., and others, 

with the design of founding a library, reading-r a 

and museum. In accordance with the liberal policy 
pursued by the manufacturing corporations towards 
the public institutions in the city, the Amoskeag 
Manufacturing Company presented to the Athenaeum 
the -ii i' i of "in' thousand dollars, ami the Stark Mills 
and the Manchester Print- Works the sum of five 
hundred dollars each, for the purchase of books for 
its library. Donations and loans of books were also 
made to the library by many of the members of the 
association, anil accessions were made by purchase 
from time to time from the money derived from mem- 
bership and the annual tax. For the following ten 
years tin- library of the Athenaeum continued to in- 
crease in size and value till, in 1854, it numbered 
nearly three thousand volumes. 



Hon. Nathan P. 



in ls">4 the subject of the establishment of a free 
public library having been brought to the attention 
of the City Council by the mayor. Hon. Frederick 
Smyth, in his inaugural address, a committee was ap- 
pointed to eoiiler with the managers of the Athemeum 
in relation to the transfer of the library of the Athen- 
aeum to the city for that purpose. The matter was 
favorably considered by the managers of the Athen- 
aeum, and a proposition made by them to transfer 
gratuitously to the city their library and other prop- 
erty, to form the basis of a public library. This propo- 
sition was accepted by the city, and authority for the 
purpose having been obtained from the Legislature, 
the transfer of the library was made to the city in 
accordance with a contract, dated September 6, 1854, 
executed by the Athenaeum and the city, and the City 
Library established on a permanent basis. 

The contract provides that the city shall annually 
appropriate and pay to the trustees id' the library a 
sum not less than one thousand dollars, to be expended 
in the purchase of books and periodicals, and shall, 
b\ suitable appropriations, provide for the expense of 
maintaining the library. The control and manage- 
ment of the affairs of the library is vested in a board 
of nine trustees, of whom the mayor of the city and 
president of the Common Council are members « 
officiis. One trustee is elected annually, by joint ballot 
of the board of trustees and of the aldermen of the 
city, for the term of seven years. 

Thus established, the library progressed successfully 
until February 5, 1856, when, by the burning of Pat- 
ten's Block, in which the library was located, the 
whole library, with the exception of about six hundred 
volumes, — the greater part of which were odd vol- 
umes, — was destroyed. Immediate measures were 
taken by the trustees to reorganize the library and 
replace the books destroyed, and it was reopened to 
the public July '22, 18.36, in rooms obtained in Mer- 
chants' Exchange, but subsequently was again located 
in Patten's Block, when it was rebuilt in ls">7. In 
1S71 the city erected a brick building for the us. of 
the library, upon a lot on Franklin Street, which was 
given to the city for this purpose by the Amoskeag 
Manufacturing Company, the cost of which was about 
thirty thousand dollars. In 1881 the increase of the 
library requiring larger accommodation, an addition 
was made to the library building, at a cost of nine 
thousand dollars. The addition nearly doubled the 
capacity of the library building and provided for the 
regular increase of the library for many years. At 
the date of the last report of the trustees, December 
31, 1884, there were in the library about twenty-eight 
thousand volumes, including pamphlets, of which 
there are about nineteen hundred. Connected with 
the library is a reading-room, which is supplied with 
sixty-seven periodicals and newspapers, and thelibrary 
and reading-room are both open to the public eight 
hours each day and evening, except Sundays, through- 
out the year. 



MANCHESTER, 



65 



The late Oliver Dean, who was promiuently con- 
nected with the manufacturing interests of the city, 
bequeathed to the library a legacy of five thousand 
dollars, the income of which is expended by the 
trustees in the purchase of scientific, mechanical and 
technical works, and designated as the "Dean Fund 
Purchase." 

In 1872 the Hon. Gardner Brewer, of Boston, 
Mass., presented to the library a collection of six 
hundred ami eighty-three volumes of the Tauchnitz 
edition, uniformly ami handsomely bound, which is 
known as the "Brewer Donation." In 1876 lion. 
Moody Currier presented the library with Bohn's 
Standard, Classical, Illustrated, Ecclesiastical, Scien- 
tific and Antiquarian Libraries, and Harper's Select 
Family Library. To these he subsequently added a 
number of valuable works on ecclesiastical history, 
and a collection of Greek, Latin and foreign authors 
in the original text. The number id' volumes in this 
collection now amounts to eleven hundred and forty- 
seven volumes, which are known as the " Currier Dona- 
tion." 

Under the will >d' Mary E. Elliot, late of this city, 
the sum of two thousand dollars was bequeathed to 
the city of Manchester, to be securely invested, and 
the annual income thereof to be spent in the purchase 
of medical books and periodicals. This amount 
became available in the early part of the year 1885, 
and the income when sufficient will be devoted to 
the class of books indicated, which will be placed in 
alcoves by themselves and designated as the " Elliot 
Fund Purchase." A large number of other citizens 
have also, from time to time, generously aided in the 
increase and usefulness of the library by donations of 
valuable books and files of newspapers. 

The volumes in the library are well selected as to 
use and value, and the whole collection contains a 
fair representation of every department of English 
literature, as well as the sciences and arts. In the 
selection of books for the increase of the library it 
lias always been the policy of the trustees, while pro- 
viding a reasonable number of books of a more tem- 
porary character as the demand from the patrons of 
the library for the same seemed to require, to expend 
by far the larger part of the amount appropriated by 
the City Council in the purchase of works of perma- 
nent value. This course, pursued for so many years, 
has made the library one id' the most valuable in the 
State. The library is particularly valuable in the 
number of volumes relating to local history and in its 
till- of newspapers, many of which, if destroyed, 
could not iic replaced. 

The first Board of Trustees consisted of Samuel D. 
Bell, Daniel Clark, Ezekiel A. Straw, Samuel X. 
Bell, William C. Clarke, David Gillis and William 
P. Newell. In 1862 David Gillis removed from the 
city and was succeeded by Samuel Webber. Mr. 
Webber served as trustee till September, 1864, when 
he resigned, he also having removed from the city. 



the vacancj thus occasioned was tilled by the elec- 
tion of Phinehas Adams, who continued in office till 

1876, when he was succeeded by M ly Currier. 

Upon the death of Samuel D. Hell in 1868, Water- 
man Smith was chosen to till the unexpired term, 
and was succeeded in 1873 by Nathan P, II mil. 
Upon the death of William ('. Clarke in 1872, [saac 
W. Smith was elected a member of the board, Sam- 
uel X. I'.ell resigned in September, 1879, and Lucian 

B. Clough was elected to fill the vacancy. Ezekiel 
A. Straw died in 1882 and was succeeded by Thomas 
L. Livermore. The present board therefore consists 
of Daniel Clark, William P. Newell, Nathan I'. 

Hunt, Lucian B. Clough, Thomas I.. Livermore, 
.Moody Currier and [saac W. Smith, and the mayor 
and president of the common council. The fust 
treasurer of the trustees was Samuel X . 1 
held the office till he resigned in September, 1879, 
when he was succeeded by Nathan P. Hunt. William 

C. Clarke was clerk of the board from its organization 
till his death in April, 1872. Isaac W. Smith was, 
chosen to fill the vacancy in January, 1873. Mr. 
Smith served as clerk till January, 1876, when he 
resigned and Nathan P. Hunt was elected in his 
place. At the organization of the library Francis I!. 
Eaton was chosen librarian and served in that ca- 
pacity till September :lu, 1m;::, when he re- 
Marshall P. Hall was elected to succeed him. Mr. 
Hall served till June, 1865, when he also resigned 
and Benjamin F. Stanton was appointed to fill the 
position. The latter resigned in April, 1866, when 
Charles II. Marshall was elected. Mr. Marshall held 
the office till July 1, 1877, when Mrs. Lizzie B. Davis 
was elected, and resigning July 1, 1878, was suc- 
ceeded by Mrs. M. J. Buncher, the present incum- 
bent, 



CHAPTER V. 

MANCHESTER— (Continued). 

The Amoskeag National Bank— The Manchester National Bank— The 

Merchants' National Bank— The First N'atiuiinl liank— s t . - 1 vei nai 

flank— The Manclii'sl'-r Sa\ iii.r-l' ink -Merrimack ltivpr Savings- 
Bank— Onaranty Saving- I'.ank — 'I In- \ -k. :il' Sa\ in::--! lank — The 

People's Savings-Bank i l ■ *' ' ■ . i I: -e - The Amos- 
keag Manufacturing Company -ink Ml- -Mancliestei M Its— 
Langdon Milts— Amory Manilla, liirniu' Cimpany -Narwiski- Mills — 
Deary MillB— P. C. Cheney Paper d npanj ^inoskeag Paper-Mill— 
Manchester Locomotive- Works— Manchester Gas-Li^ht i 'uinnat y— 
ForBaith Manufai hiring Company other Manufactures. 

The Amoskeag National Bank.— The Amoskeag 

Bank was incorporated June 24, 1848, and commenced 
business, in October of the same year, with a capital 
of $100,000. This was increased, August 5, 1850, to 
$150,000, and, August 7, 1854, to $200,000. 

The first board of directors were elected I 
1848, as follows: Richard II. Aver, Samuel D. Kill, 
Mace Mmilton, Stephen D. Green, John S. Kidder, 
Stephen Manahan ami Edson Hill. Richard H. Aver 



66 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



was chosen president and M ly Currier cashier. 

February 14, 1853, Walter French succeeded Mr. 
Aver as president and officiated until his death, which 
occurred in a railway accident, at Norwalk, Conn., 

the -aine year. May 'J, 1853, John S. Kidder was 
chosen president and officiated until the bank was 
discontinued. 

The first and only cashier was Moody Currier. 

The Amoskeag National Hank was organized No- 
vember 1, 1864, with a capital of $100,000, which was 
increased, June 12, 1865, to $200,000. The first 
b.ard of directors was a- follows: Moody Currier, 
,T.hn S. Kidder, Stephen D. Green, Edson Hill, 
Henry Putney, Adam Chandler, Daniel Clark, Dar- 
win J. Daniels and Horace Johnson. Moody Cur- 
rier was chosen president anil G. Byron Chandler 
cashier, both of whom still hold their respective 
offices. 

Hon. Moody Currier, LL.D., the present Gover- 
nor of New Hampshire and one of theleading bankers 
and capitalists of the State, has been the architect of 
his own fortune, and by his energy, clear business fore- 
sight and indomitable will, has risen from a penniless 
laborer on the rocky farms of Merrimack County to 
the present exalted and honorable position he oc- 
cupies among the citizens of his native State. 

The rudiments of his education were acquired at 
home, in the evening, after the day's work was 
done, and in this manner he fitted himself to enter 
Hopkinton Academy. From thence he went to 
Dartmouth College, where he graduated with high 
honors in the class of 1834. Hon. Daniel Clark, of 
chis city, also graduated in this class. After leaving 
college he taught school one term at Concord and 
one year at Hopkinton Academy, and then became 
principal of the High School at Lowell, Mass., where 
he remained until 1841. In the spring of that year, 
having, in the mean time, read law, he came to Man- 
chester, was admitted to the bar and formed a part- 
nership with Hon. George W. Morrison for the practice 
of his profession. This partnership continued about 
two years when it was dissolved, and Mr. Currier 
pursued his profession alone until 1848, acquiring 
a large and lucrative practice. 

During Ibis time he had developed rare skill as a 
financier, ami upon the organization of the Amoskeag 
Bank, in 1848, was elected its cashier, a position which 
he retained untij its reorganization as a National 
Bank, in 1864, when he was chosen president of the 
bank, and is the present incumbent. Mr. Currier 
lias led an active life ami has been prominently iden- 
tified with many of the largest ami most successful 
monied institutions in the city and State. He has 
been treasurer of the Amoskeag Savings-Bank since its 
incorporation in ]Xf>2, a director of the People's Savings 
Bank ami of the Manchester Mills since their organ- 
ization. He was a director of the Blodgett Edge Tool 
Company and a director and treasurer of the Amoskeag 
Axe Company. Hewasalso treasurer of the Concord 



Railroad in 1871 and 1872; has been treasurer of the 
Concord and Ports uth Railroad since 1S56; pres- 
ident of the Eastern Railroad in New Hampshire 
since 1877; treasurer of the New England Loan ( lom- 
pany since .1874; director of the Manchester Gas- 
Light Company since 1862, besides holding various 
other positions of trust ami responsibility, in all of 
which he has been eminently successful. 

Notwithstanding he has been actively engaged in 
the management of large financial operations, he has 
found time to indulge his taste for literary pursuits, 
and is one of the most accomplished scholars in the 
State. While a teacher in Concord, he edited a lit- 
erary journal and later edited and published a weekly 
paper in this city. His tastes have led him into the 
realm of poetry, and in 1879 a volume of his poems 
was published for private circulation. 

Politically, Mr. Currier is a Republican. Prior to 
1852, however, he affiliated with the Democratic 
party, which elected him clerk of the State Senate 
in 1843 and LS44. He subsequently became a Free- 
soiler and has been a member of the Republican party 
since its organization. 

He was a member of the Senate in 1856 and 1857, 
and in the latter year president of that body. In 
18(30 and 1861 he was a member of the Governor's 
Council and chairman of the committee for raising 
and cipiiping troops to fill New Hampshire's quota 
of men in the War of the Rebellion. In 1876, Mr. 
Currier was one of the Presidential electors who cast 
the vote of New Hampshire for Hayes and Wheeler. 
In 1884 he received the nomination of his party for 
the gubernatorial office, and was elected by a majority 
vote. There were three candidates in the field. He 
has been married three times, but has no children 
living. 

Mr. Currier is one of Manchester's leading and 
most honored citizens, and all measures tending to 
advance the welfare of the city have found in him an 
earnest supporter. 

The Manchester National Bank.— The Man- 
chester National Bank was chartered in December, 
1 S44, and organized in 1845 with the following 
directors: Samuel D. bell, Hiram Brown, Jacob G. 
Cilley, Isaac c. Flanders. Walter French, William C. 
Clarke and Nathan Parker. At the annual meeting 
in July, 1845, the following board of directors was 
chosen : Janus U. Parker, Samuel I). Bell, David A. 
Bunton, Hiram Brown, Jonathan T. P. Hunt, Wil- 
liam i'. Clarke and Isaac Riddle. The bank began 
op. 'rations September 2, 1845, with a capital of Sod, 

000, which was subsequently increased to $125,1 , 

The first officers were James U.Parker, president, 
and Nathan Parker, cashier, both of whom officiated 
during the existence of the bank. 

It was organized as a national bank in April. 1865, 
under the style of the Manchester National Hank, 
with I he following officers; Nathan Parker, presi- 
dent; Charles E. Balch, cashier; Nathan Parker, 




#>ow-7 C 



M VNCHESTER. 



Benjamin F. Martin, Phinehas Adams, Gilman II. 
Kimball, John H. Maynard, David A. Bunton and 
Horace P. Watts, directors. 

The original capital of the bant was $100,000, 
which was increased, April 2, L872, to $150,000. 
Nathan Parker, the first president, has continued as 
such to the present lime, and Charles E. Balch, the 
first cashier, remained in that position until his 
death, October 18, 1884. Be was succeeded bj Wal- 
ter M. Parker. The present board of directors is as 
follows: Nathan Parker, Horace I'. Watts. Phinehas 
A. lams, B. F. Martin, John 11. Maynard, N.S.Clark, 
William J. Boyt, Waltei M. Parker. 

The Merchants' National Bank. This hank was 

organized as a State hank under the nai f Citj 

Bank in 1853 with the following directors : Isaac C. 
Flanders, William < '. Clarke, Oliver W. Bailey, 
Samuel W. Parsons, Andrew (i. Tucker ami William 
H. Hill; President, Isaac < '. Flanders; Cashier, 
Edward W. Harrington. 

In 1865 the hank was converted into a national 
bank under the name of the City National Bank. 
when Hon. Clinton W. Stanley was elected president 
to succeed Mr. Flanders, resigned. 

In 1870, Daniel W. Lane was elected cashier, to 
succeed E. W. Harrington, deceased. 

The original capital was $100,000, which has 
been increased to $1 

January, 1879, lion. James A. Weston was elected 
president, to succeed Hon. Clinton W. Stanley. 

In 1880 the name of the bank was changed to the 
Merchants' National Hank. 

The present board of directors are Hon. James A. 
Weston, John C. French, Hon. Nathan P. Hunt, 
Bushrod W. Hill, lion. John M. Parker, Hon. 
Charles H. Bartlett and William < '. Rogers. Officers : 
President, Hon. James A. Weston ; Cashier. Daniel 
W. Lane. 

The First National Bank was incorporated under 
the name of the Merrimack River Bank, July 14, 
is;,:,, Ralph Metcalf being Governor of the State. The 
charter was granted for the term of twenty years from 
July loth, and was accepted August 1st bj the fol- 
lowing hoard ofgrantees: William Whittle, 1 William 
G. Means, John B. Moore, 1 Peter P. Woodbury, 1 
Frederick Smyth, William P. Newell, Timothy W. 
Little, 1 William Patten, 1 Isaac Tompkins, 1 Isaac W- 
Smith, Frederick < i. Stark, 1 John Ordway, 1 George 
W. Converse,' Josiah < '. Eastman, William Shep- 
herd, 1 D. J. Daniels. 1 C. W. Baldwin, 1 Jacob G. 
Ciller. 1 Alonzo Smith, 1 David Cross, Phinehas 
Adams. 1 Francis II. Lyford, P.. F. Martin, William 
Richardson, 1 Waterman Smith, Frank A. Brown, 1 
Alpheus Nay, Jr., Joseph B. ('lark, John M. Parker, 
Henry T. Mowatt, 1 George W. Bailey, William Per- 
kins and their associates. 

The first meeting of the grantees took place at the 



office of Frederick Smyth, No. 1 Smyth's Block. 
Suitable by-laws were adopted, the capital stock, 

one hundred and fifty thousand dollars, divided into 

fifteen hundred shares, and the requisite machinery 
lor the successful working of the new institution was 
provided. 

The first organization was as follows: Directors, 
William G. Means, William P. Newell, William 
Whittle, Waterman Smith, John 11. Moore, B. F. 
Martin, David Cross; President. William ( I. Means; 

Cashier, Frederick Smith ; Clerk, John D. [rving. 

The Hank of Commerce, in Boston, was selected as 
a place of deposit. The discount of notes was author- 
ized November 1, 1855, and the first loan was made 
to the agent of the Manchester Mills. Bj November 
7lh lie capital stock had all been subscribed and 
paid in. In 1856 the board of directors was re-elected 
and in November of that year William Whittle re- 
signed ami Phinehas Adams was chosen in his place, 
and then' was no further change until 1859, when 
Mr. Means resigned as president, and was succeeded 
by B. F. Martin, who served one year, and was suc- 

eeeded by Waterman Smith, who c tinned until 

|ss4, when he was succeeded by John Frederick 
Smyth, the present incumbent. John Frederick 
Smyth was cashier of the hank from its incorporation, 
in is;,;,, tt, 1884, when he was succeeded by the pres- 
sed cashier, Mr. Charles F. Morrill. 

i Mi the22dof March, 1865, the stockholders voted 
to reorganize, under United States laws, as the First 
National Hank of Manchester, and the old board of 
Officers continued until the annual meeting in the 
following January, when fchej « ere re elected. 

The present officers and directors are as follows: 
Hon. Frederick Smyth, president; Hon. David 
Cross, vice-president; Charles F. Morrill, cashier; 
John P. Goggin, clerk; Directors, David Cross, 
Joseph B. Clark, Thomas Wheat, Frederick Smyth, 
F. B. Eaton, Frank Dowst, Joseph F. Kennard. 

The clerks in employ, in the order of time in which 
they are named, are as follows: 

John l>. Irving, now insurance commissioner, 

Toledo, <»hio; Samuel T. Foster, died in Was jton 

D. C; H. A. Viarly, banker in Boston, Mass. ; George 
Gage, now hank commissioner for New Hampshire; 
George B. Lord, now at St. Louis, Mo.; W. R. 
Walker, in savings-bank at Concord, N. II. ; Josiah 
Morrill, died while in the employ of the hank; John 
Porter, resigned on account of ill-health. The charter 
was obtained against the most strenuous opposition 
on the part of other resident hankers, and was re- 
garded as a personal triumph of Mr. Smyth. The 
fact once accomplished, however, all opposition sub- 
shied, and the business relations have ever been har- 
monious with his fellows. His fortunate investments 
ami always conservative management have gained for 
the hank an enviable reputation, second to none in 
the State. 

Iii in rick Smyth. — The subject of this sketch was 



68 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



boi n Man h 9, I 319, in ( iandia, Rockingham I lountj 
His ancestors, as far as we have any record, were thrifty 
I'm nucrs, and be was early inured to the toils of farm- 
life on the homestead, in the northwest pari of thai 
picturesque town. 

The common school and the llinh Scl I gavi him 

all they had to give; a single term at the Phillips 
Academy, in Andover, Mass., completed his brief 
study of text-books, and hi> eilueati.ui thenceforth 
continued in the larger school of men and affairs. For 
a short time he was a partner in trade at Candia with 
Thomas Wheat, now a distinguished physician of 
Manchester. The field, however, was too limited to 
satisfy his ambition, and in 1839 he sought and found 
employment in the establishment of George Porter, 
Esq., who did a large business in the sale of gi ni ral 
merchandise in Manchester. During the days of his 
clerkship hi' was librarian of a reading club, of which 
Samuel D. Bell, John A. Burnham, John Porter and 
others wire members, when the Worth American 
A'cc/ev, tin- Simlhrrn Literary Mexxr/ii/fr, the Knirli r- 
bocker Magazine, etc., were placed within his reach. 
This appears to have been the germ of the Manches- 
ter Athenaeum. 

After about two years he entered int >mpany with 

John rorter, Esq.,and bought out his employer. This 
was the beginning of a brief but successful mercantile 
career, which terminated with his election as city 
clerk in 1849. While in trade he was very scrupu- 
lous in regard to his financial obligations. In the 
panic of 1X47 every firm doing business on the street 
went under, except two, anil one of those was thai 
with which Mr. Smyth was connected. Like others, 
he was compelled to trust out large quantities of 
goods, and was unable to command much capital. He 
went lo his Boston creditors, frankly told them his 
situation, said he did not want to fail, and so impressed 
I hem with his evident sincerity of purpose that they 
promised him all the goods and time he wanted. The 
event justified their confidence, and to-day no man 
who knows him needs to be told that his word is as 
good us his bond. 

He was elected city clerk by the usual party major- 
ity, and did his work so acceptably that he was re- 
elected by a City Council two-thirds of whose mem- 
bers were politically opposed to him. The American 
and Messenger of thai date said: "This is a com- 
pliment to Mr. Smyth, which has been well merited 
b\ lii- faithfulness and courtesy during the last year." 
His manifest efficiency in city affairs, and the thor- 
oughness with which lie mastered every detail, sug- 
gested his fitness for mayor, ami he was accordingly 
nominated and elected to that office in March, 1852. 
He was re-elected for two successive years thereafter, 
and again at a time of peculiar importance in munic- 
ipal affairs, in 18l>4. A distinguishing mark of his 
first year's administration will ever remain in the 
trees which adorn our parks and streets. He advo- 
cated an act of the < !ity < Council, which passed in spile 



of considerable opposition, authorizing trees to be -,-t 
on all the public streets, parks and lands, and ever} 

year since, with but feu exceptions, he has personally 
inspected the trees, ami notified the proper authori- 
ties when any of them loaded replacing. With this 

^ I work some, but not all, his successors in office, 

have sympathized. In duly ami October ol Mayoi 
Smyth's first year the Whig partj lost its two great 
leaders, — Henry Clay and Daniel Webster, — and the 
attention of the citizens was called t" some fitting 
expression of feeling in both cases bj a brief message 
from the ma\ or. His first election was by Whig votes 
over the opposition ol' Democrats and Frec-Soilers ; 
hissec 1 by Whig and Free-Soil votes, and an in- 
creased majority ; his third with very little opposition, 
and his fourth with virtually none at all. During his 
second year the Amoskeag Fall- bridge was rebuilt, 
and parts of Goffstown and Bedford were annexed to 
the city. The most honorable monument, however, 
which will stand lo bis name is tin pari he took in 
the foundation of a free public library. In the fust 
instance, the conception belongs to the late Hon. 
Samuel I). Bell, but it is very doubtful if thai idea 
would ever have been realized without the activi and 

persistent efforts of the mayor. The city government 
of that day was composed of men mostly practical 
in their ideas, with but little faith in the ralue or 
necessity of literary culture. Workingmen were op- 
posed io all needless expenditures in city affairs, and 
it required tact and wise handling to get a measure 
which called for an annual expenditure of two thou- 
sand dollars, with a certainty of future increase, framed 
into a law, and il was largely due lo the confidence 
ib<\ had in their chief executive officer that they 
supported the measure. When Mayor Smyth was 
about retiring, as he supposed finally, at the end of his 
third year, the following resolution, offered by the 
Hon. S. II. Bell, March 7, 1854, was unanimously 
voted : 

"Resolved, That the thanks of the trustees of the 
City Library be presented to the Hon. Frederick Smy th 

for the early, decided and successful exert ion- made 

by him, as chief magistrate of the city, for the estab- 
lishment of a free public library." 

In 1855 he was appointed by I lovenior Metcalf and 
( louncil chairman of commissioners to locate and build 
a House of Reformation for juvenile offenders, the 
late ex-Go\ ernor Harvey, of the United States Circuit 
( Jourt, ami the late Hon. Hosea I '.a i on. being his asso- 
ciates. The signal success of this institution is well 
known to every intelligent citizen, but uian\ have 
doubtless forgotten thi storm of partisan obloquy 
through which il was piloted to popular favor. From 
the first Mr. Smyth thoroughly believed in it, and in 
his remarks at the dedication, in 1858, he said : 

" This institution to-day dedicated supplies a need 

of the Stale, that incipient Clinic may not become 

continued wickedness; that the jail and I he prisoi 

not forever harden and ti.\ what thej were designed 



MANCHESTER 



69 



to prevent." The importance of this occasion can 
hardly be over-estimated, if we look at the sad pro- 
portion of young persons on the criminal list in our own 

and other States. If we investigate the results of means 
which it is now proposed to use, that society may be 
saved from the curse of (heir vicious lives, and them- 
selves from the greater curse of mental and moral de- 
struction, we shall find that the cost in dollars and 
cents dwindles in comparison into utter insignificance. 
He was able, also, to announce that "the building 
had been completed within the amount appropriated, 
that no contractor had failed to perfoim his work, that 
not one cent of the amount had been expended except 
through legitimate channels and for duly authorized 
purposes." Governor Ilaile, in the course of his re- 
ply, complimented the commission upon the fidelity 
with which their work was done. 

In the years 1857-58, Mr. Smyth was a member of 
the House of Representatives in the State Legislature, 
and was also made treasurer of the Reform School, in 
the good management of which he took great interest. 
His executive ability and reputation as a good finan- 
cier caused him to he selected as the treasurer of the 
New Hampshire Agricultural Society, ami the ten 
years during which he held that place were years of 
the society's greatest usefulness. He was also a di- 
rector in the United States Agricultural Society, and 
manager of the three great fairs held at Richmond, 
Chicago and St. Louis by the National Association, 
and also vice-president of the American Pomological 
Society, which, under the leaded' the venerable Mar- 
shal P. Wilder, has done so much to improve Ameri- 
can fruits. 

Meantime, men were not wanting wdio believed in 
our mayor's fitness for the highest office in the State, 
ami in the convention which nominated Ichabod 
Goodwin, in ls.lO, he -tood fourth on the li-t of candi- 
dates. In I860 he was president of the State Repub- 
lican Convention, and was soon after appointed by 
Secretary < 'base one of the agents to obtain subscrip- 
tions to the national loan. In L861 he was appointed 
as one of the agents on the part of the United States 
to the International Exhibition at London, where 
Her Majesty's commissioners made him a juror; by 
the jury he was made reporter, a position which gave 
him some advantages not easily obtained in knowl- 
edge of the exhibition. He wrote some private letters 
home, and his impressions of matters and things 
abroad were published in the New Hampshire 
Journal of Agriculture, then under the editorial man- 
agement of the writer of this sketch. 

It was war-time, as we all know, and he wrote: " In 
regard to American affairs, I do not think there is a 
particle of danger of any interference from England, 
or has ever been : most people sympathize with 
Americans and the North, when they understand the 
issue." It was found on Mr. Smyth's arrival that only 
three of our commissioners were present, and nothing 
had been done to place our department in readiness. 



Patriotic resident Americans contributed about three 
thousand dollars, and work began in earnest. Very 
much of the favorable exhil.it we made on that occa- 
sion is fairly due to a few men who, with Mr. Smyth, 
did double duty. His position as juror enabled him 
to do much toward securing a recognition of the merits 
of goods exhibited by the Langdoii Mills, and bj the 
Manchester Print Works, both of which took a medal. 
He was also, by virtue of his place, admitted to many 
social entertainments, one of the most interesting of 
which was that given by Lord and Lady Salisbury, at 
Hatfields, where he met Gladstone and Disraeli, the 
two foremost men of England. 

In company with C. L. Flint, Esq., secretary of the 
Massachusetts Hoard of Agriculture, he visited France, 
Germany, Switzerland and Italy, and managed to 
compass a great deal of sight-seeing into a brief space 
of time. While at Pome, tidings from home were far 
from assuring, and Mr. Smyth deemed it hi> duty not 
to prolong his tour. He landed at New York in Sep- 
tember, when matters had already begun to take on 
a more favorable look for the Union. He was then 
cashier and principal financial manager of the Merri- 
mack River Bank, of which he is now president, and 
also of the Merrimack River Savings-Bank. His faith 
in the government led him to invest largely in bonds 
and to accept the charter for the bank of discount, 
which thenceforth became the First National Bank of 
Manchester. At that time few monied men or banks 
in town cared to follow his example, but the event 
justified his sagacity. Mr. Smyth's course in finance 
has been strictly conservative ; he has never dabbled 
in fancy stocks or in merely speculative matters for 
himself or for his bank, and the reputation thus ac- 
quired enabled him, as will be seen, to lift the State 
from a condition in which it was compelled to pay 
exorbitant interest to one not inferior to that of any 
in the Union. 

In May, 1863, a fair was held at Manchester in aid 
of the Sanitary Commission. Mr. Smyth was chair- 
man of the committee, and gave the use of his hall 
and his zealous personal eflbrts to promote its success. 
The sum raised was about lour thousand dollars. In 
the years that followed he did his best to keep up the 
spirit and courage of tin; people. With others, he 
went down to the battle-field of Gettysburg, and 
labored among wounded and dying soldiers, and. in 
consequence of exposure at the time, was confined to 
a sick-room all the ensuing fall. In May of the next 
year, however, lie again went to the front, and after 
the battle of the Wilderness rendered efficient aid as 
before. He has since received many testimonials of 
gratitude from men who owed, under God, their lives 
to him on that occasion. 

In this year (1803) he was again elected mayor of 
Manchester, under what circumstances and to what 
end. let another say. The Daily Mirror and Ameri- 
can, of November 2S, lSt.i4, in its leading editorial, 
said,— 



W 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY. NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



" A year ago this month the i rovemor and ( louncil 
of New Hampshire wisely recommended the towns 
and cities of this Stan- to cash the t rovernment bounty 
of $302, payable in installments, and till up their 
quotas. The advice was taken: It took between 
three and four millions ol dollars of ready monej to 
carry out the idea. It drained every bank, and made, 
for the time being, the best securities seem of no 
account in raising money. Manchester was in trou- 
ble; she needed more funds than could be had, and, 
with all her wealth, seemed like a beggar. ... In 
this eritieal condition of financial affairs the question 
of mayor of this city came up. The field was can- 
vassed .main and again, and each time the report 
would be ' Hon. Frederick Smyth is the man. but he 
won't take it.' It was a necessity that the chief 
executive of the city should have the confidence of 
business men and be familiar with financial matters. 
Finally, the pressure was so great that some of our 
leading citizens went to him ami convinced him that 
it was his dutj t" accept <>f the onerous ]■<■-! i i ■ > 1 1 one 
year. He reluctantly assented, with a distinct under- 
standing that he should not again be called upon for 
that place. Some ten years ago he was three times 
elected to till the office <>f mayor, each year with 
increased majorities, and time had shown that his 
municipal record grew higher and brighter as new 
opportunities to judge of its merits presented them- 
selves, ami a year ago he was elected for a fourth term 
without show of opposition, an event unprecedented 
in our municipal history, or in that of any city in the 
State. It was a wise choice. From the moment he 
took the mayor's chair harmony prevailed in every 
department of the city government. He is a peace- 
maker. He believes that a 'house divided against 
itself cannot stand.' and has the power of discerning 
almost intuitively the average sense of mankind, what 
is generally called common sense, ami hence is a 
natural leader of the people." 

Such was the opinion and tin- reeling concerning 
Mayor Smyth at home, where he was best known. 
But this feeling, also, had obtained to a considerable ex- 
tent throughout the State, ami his friends had for some 
time determined to present his name as a candidate 
for the highest office in their immediate gift. In the 
Republican Convention, therefore, of January, 1865, 
he received two-thirds of an informal ballot, which 
was then made unanimous by acclamation. He was 
elected bj a majority of over six thousand, the largest 
majority given to any Governor for twenty-four years. 
He entered upon no easy task. The State was begin- 
ning to tee] severely the -tress of the time. Gradually a 
great debt bad accumulated, regiment after regiment 
had been promptly equipped and sent into the held, 
the banks bad advanced money quite to the extent of 
their courage, and nearly to that of their ability. In 
the open market we met the gold bonds ofthegovern- 
ment, free from raxes; the same trouble pulsed through 
all the arteries of the body politic, and the [people of a 



State always careful and conservative in all its-, 
expenditures beheld with something like dismay 
this mountain of obligation, swollen into millions. Ir 
was almost impossible to get money for current ex- 
penses. A previous Legislature had authorized the 
issue of three and one-half millions of six per cent. 
State bonds, payable in currency ; only four hundred 
ami twenty-four thousand dollars bad been taken. 
Governor Smyth, in his brst message, recommended 
the issue of bonds better calculated to meet the exi- 
gencies of the case, and that current expenses be pro- 
vided for by taxation. As a matter of interest to- 
capitalists, he took care to set forth the resources of 
the State, its prudent habit in expenditures and the 
hostility to repudiation in every form, which oui 
people bad inherited from a frugal, patriotic and God- 
fearing ancestry. "We must," he said, "nowobservi 
the most rigid economy in expenditure, and bring 
the expenses to a peace basis as soon as possible. ( >ur 
people are naturally economical, and hold sacred all 
pecuniary obligations." He compared, in a very 
effective manner, the agricultural products of a State 
which bad hitherto borne the reputation of producing 
only men with Those of some of the more fertile mem- 
bers of the Union, to our decided advantage. He 
called to mind the unrivaled water-power, with its- 
present and prospective improvement, and urged that 
attention to the latent wealth of the Srate which due- 
regard to our prosperity demanded. 

Besides these matters which had to do with the imme- 
diate restoration of State credit, be took advanced Re- 
publican ground in regard to our obligations to the 
freedmenand to the maintenance of the authority of the 
national government. He indicated in a i't-w words 
the fact that our indebtedness bad its full compensation. 

"From the outbreak of the Rebellion New Hamp- 
shire has stood firmly by the flag; and knowing what 
we do to-day of the scope and aim of the great con- 
spiracy and of the infamous means which brought 
about its inception and urged on its progress, can any 
one regret that the State was so far true to her hon- 
ored name and her noble memories as to offer without 
stint of her name and means for the re-establishment 
of national authority'.' " 

In the first three months of his administration be 
raised over one million of dollars on favorable terms, 
a large amount of which was obtained in Manchester. 
From that time forward the financial affairs of the 
State received the most scrupulous attention. In the 
haste and waste of war unavoidable confusion at 
X in accounts between the several States 
aud the general government, and it was not only then 
impossible to pay our debts, but equally so to get our 
.hi.-. I rovernip]' Smyth's large acquaintance with 
men gave him influence ar headquarters, and he suf- 
fered no opportunity to pass to advocate the claims 
of his State. As will appear from the following 
extract from the Providence Journal, all States had 
not been so fortunate: 



MANCHESTER. 



71 



"At the close of the war he (Governor Smyth) 
found the suspended and disallowed accounts of thr 
State against the general government of over one 
million of dollars. These disallowanci s and suspen- 
sions were mainly in the expenditures growing out of 
earlier military operations previous to his accession 
to office. Governor Smyth did not busy himself to 
fix charges of petty larceny against one officer, or ol 
wholesale robbery against others. He did not assume 
that every man who was charged with fitting out the 
first regiment sent from the State had stolen all thai 
he could n't duplicate vouchers for on official paper. 
On the contrary, he urged upon the accounting offi- 
cers at Washington the impetuous zeal with which 
the State had responded to the call of the govern- 
ment ; he represented the impossibility of complete 
exactness in the accounts. Under such circumstance- 
he exerted himself to obtain vouchers where his 
predecessor had omitted to secure them, and to ex- 
plain their absence when they could not be procured. 
. . . In this way he saved hundreds of thousands of 
dollars to the treasury of the State, and put no stain 
on its fair fame." 

Among other things relating to the prosperity of 
the State, the Governor took up and advocated with 
zeal the restoration of the fisheries. He quoted the 
opinion of Agassiz and others, that our waters could 
he restocked at no great expense. In his second 
annual message he was aide to state that tie Legisla 
tare of Massachusetts had been induced to move in 
the matter. On our own part, it was provided by law 
of June, 1865, that no dam or weir should be erected 
on the ( lonnecticuf or Merrimack Rivers, or upon the 
Pemigewasset. Atiiinonoo-ueAVinuipiseogeeorBaker's 
Rivers, without suitable fishways below the bounda- 
ries of the State. In the following October the Gov- 
ernor announced, by proclamation, that the law, by 
its terms, was to he enforced. The attorneys of the 
several corporations concerned, however, on one pre- 
text or another, managed to delay the consummation 
of this useful act until a very recent period. 

This first year of Governor Smyth's administration 
was a busy one. Our soldiers were returning from 
the war; it was the Governor's pride to receive them 
with something of the enthusiasm and warmth which 
he felt was their due. He urged that State aid should 
be extended to sick or disabled soldiers, and on this 
ground protested a-ainst the removal of the Webster 
Hospital, then maintained by the general govern- 
ment, at Manchester. Something of this effective 
service in behalf of the volunteers, no doubt, pointed 
him out as one peculiarly fitted to serve on the hoard 
of managers of the National Home for disabled vol- 
unteer soldiers, the establishment of which, on so 
grand a scale, rendered State aid unnecessary. To 
this important place he was appointed by vote of 
Congress in 1866. His associates were the President, 
Chief Justice and Secretary of War, ex-officio ; -Major- 
General B. F. Butler: Major-General John H. Mar- 



tindale, Rochester, V Y.; Hon. Louis 1;. Guncl ■ I 
Dayton, Ohio; General Thomas 0. Osborn, Chicago, 

111.; Hon. Hugh L. Bond, Balti re, Md.; In Er: 

tus 1'.. Wolcott, .Milwaukee, Wis.; .Major-General 
John S. Cavender, St. Louis, Mo.; Major-General 
.lames S. Negley, Pittsburgh, Pa. Governor Smyth 
was one ol' the \ ice-p residents of the hoard. He was 
reappointed in 1872 l"i' a second term of six years. 
Acting on his oftcn-expn ssnl idea that no man ought 
to take an office of the kind unless he was willing to 
devote to the discharge of his duties all the time and 
effort required, he ha-- been a very efficient manager, 
traveling many hundred miles annually on visits of 
inspection at Dayton, Milwaukee, Hampton ami Au- 
gusta, and to lie present at meetings of the hoard in 
Washington, besides giving his personal attention to 
the admission of soldiers to the Eastern Branch, all 
this without other compensation than that win h 
arises from a consciousness of duly done. 

General B. F. Butler, in a letter written from Boston, 
sa id, not long since: " I know I shall echo the opinion 
of all his associates when I say Governor Smyth was 
one of the most valuable members of the board. I lis 
accurate business knowledge, the skill and ability 
displayed by him in adjusting complicated accounts, 
caused the board to put upon him more by far than 
his share of such work. 

General Gunckel, of Dayton, Ohio, said: "Every 
one who visits these Homes recognizes the peculiar 
fitness of the selections made, especially for the Cen- 
tral and Northwestern Branches; but few people even 
in Ohio and Wisconsin knew how largely this result, 
as well as the saving of thousands of dollars in the 
purchase, was due to the taste and judgment, the 
Yankee tact and shrewdness, ol' New Hampshire's ex- 
Governor. In the management and control of an 
institution caring for eight hundred disabled soldiers, 
and expending a million and a quarter annually, 
there wat especial need of just such a man as Governor 
Smyth, and I do not exaggerate when I say that 
through t he watchfulness and care, the courage and 
determination, of Governor Smyth, thousands, yes, 
tens of thousands, of dollars were saved to thr govt rn- 
menl and people.'' 

An extract from an address of Governor Smyth, at 
the Dayton Home, in 1868, shows somewhat of the 
spirit he brought to the discharge of his duties. It 
was on the occasion of laying the corner-stone of the 
Veteran Soldiers' Chapel, — 

"This little church which we quarry from this 
beautiful stone, and begin to build here to-day. is a 
token of allegiance, a signet of loyalty, both to the 
rightful authorities of the land and to the Supreme 
Ruler over all. The best and truest citizen, the world 
over, is he who first discharges his duty to hi- < (od, 
and under Him to the laws of the land. 
A memorial like this holds out no threat and con- 
veys no taunt to a vanquished foe; it says as it means, 
— peace to all who will have peace, — but as a Bymbo] 



:■ 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY. NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



of the highest authority, it also proclaims a law to 
I beyed. Liberty without law is worse than worth- 
less, for it means the liberty of the mob and of riot, 
and by it the weak are oppressed and the poor made 
poorer yet. . . . But I hope that this building 
.also Hill convey to you the idea that the four cold 
bare walls of an asylum is not all that the country 
owes or will give to its defenders. She recognizes, 
let us all hope and believe, the hand of an all-wise 
God in every act of this great drama, while com- 
pelled to take the sword to preserve a liberty unsul- 
lied by violence and law made with regard to the 
i ery man. she oiler- to her citizens, e\ ery- 
where, a fireside safe from intruding wrong, and a 
•wor>hip and a Bible free to the humblest." 

In September, 1865, the Xew England Agricultu- 
ral S icietj held its annual session in Concord. Gov- 
ernor Smyth delivered the address, and among other 
distinguished gentlemen present upon the platform 
were the late Governors Andrew, of Massachusetts, 
and Buckingham, of Connecticut. In his introductory 
remarks, Governor Smyth said: •■ 1 cannot claim to 
teach you as a practical farmer, but I can claim to 
have made a constant endeavor, in my humble way, 
to kei p alive agricultural enterprise and to stimulate 
agricultural investigation. It has always been my 
firm conviction that the safety of the State and the 
prosperity of the people require as a foundation an 
intelligent knowledge of agriculture ; and while I 
have been obliged to admire the practical operations 
of others, and to search in fields not of my own for 
the results of well-managed experiments, I have 
learned to respect the ureal art which feeds and 
clothes us, and secures for us all the comfort and 
beauty of adorned and civilized life upon a subdued 
and cultivated earth." The address, as a whole, was 
received with very marked favor, and the-volume of 
the Society's Transactions" in which it was pub- 
lished met with a large sale. 

In some remarks following, Governor Andrew 
. toi^k occasion to thank the speaker tor his eloquent 
words, and called tor cheers, first for "His Excel- 
lent, Governor Smyth, and next for Governor 
Smith's address." During this ami the succeeding 
year he gave many brief talks at county and other 
fair-, always evincing the liveliest interest in the 
welfare of the State. At Milford, in the course of his 
remarks, he said: " I know it is often said that 'Xew 
Hampshire is a good State to emigrate from,' ami 
perhaps it i- generally believed that our young 
men can better their fortunes by turning their backs 
upon their mother State and seeking elsewhere for 
larger returns and richer rewards for their labors and 
enterprise. For one, I do not share in this feeling. 
I believe thai ours is no- only agood State to he born 
in, hut a good State to live in, and to die in, and that 
one great concern of the fathers and mother- should 
be to awaken in the hearts of their sons and daugh- 
ters a feeling of attachment and affection for, and 



of pride and interest in. the homes of their childhood 
and the State of their fathers." In 1876 he deliv- 
ered the annual address at the Vermont State Fair, 
in St. Albans. 

At the end of his first year his nomination for a 
second term followed as a matter of course. A Con- 
necticut paper, in advocating the election of General 
I law ley, said : "Xew Hampshire, in her State elec- 
tion of the 13th iust., has nobly led the way in re- 
electing her patriotic chief magistrate by so hand- 
some a majority, considerably larger than was given 
Mr. Lincoln in 1SG4;" and it also quoted, with marked 
approval, that passage in his message beginning 
"The question of negro suffrage is one of those de- 
fenses behind which slavery will yet entrench itself, 
and by which it will seek to regain some fragment 
of lite power it has justly lost. " 

Tin- second year of Governor Smyth's administra- 
tration was in all respects as satisfactory as the 
first. The State debt was funded at a lower rate of 
interest than was offered by the general government. 
The revision of the statutes, the reorganization of 
the militia, measures looking to the restoration of 
fish to our waters, and the publication of ancient State 
papers tire among some of the matters of general 
interest. I have before me an autograph letter from 
the late Rev. Dr. Bouton, thanking the Governor in 
the most complimentary manner for the interest he 
had manifested in the preservation of these important 
papers. 

i Ine very pleasant incident id' the year was the 
visit of scholars aid teachers of the public schools 
of Manchester, on the Governor's invitation, to the 
State institutions at Concord. On twooccasions dur- 
ing In- occupancy of the i fovernor's chair he spoke at 
the dinner of the Xew England Society in Xew York, 
in brief but effective efforts, which were received with 
emphatic demonstrations of applause. 

So sir cessful was the administration that, contrary 
to precedent, many of the most influential and re- 
spectable journals of the State, among which were 
ili.' National Eagle, the Concord Statesman, the Dover 
Enquirer, the Portsmouth Journal and the Keene Senti- 
nel, advocated his nomination for a third term. The 
Governor, however, declined to be considered a 
candidate, and his letter to that effect was published 
in the Statesman in January, 1867. A brief extract 
or two from some of the papers of the day will serve 
to show the assumptions of this sketch, not unwar- 
ranted by public opinion : 

Said the Boston Journal: "Governor Smyth's ad- 
ministration has been highly successful, not only in a 
financial point of view, which is demonstrated by 
statistics, but in all other respects." The ( fa 
Bulletin: "He has been as vigorous and careful of 
the interests of the people, as if those concerns were 
personal to himself, and successfully sought so to 
manage the financial affairs of the State that its 
credit stands as well as any other commonwealth." 



[ANCHESTER. 



The Daily Monitor: "To-day Governor Smyth resigns 
his trust with the proud consciousness of leaving 
nothing uncertain or unsettled which diligence, busi- 
nes> tact and untiring zeal could close up and ar- 
range, nor has Governor Smyth's administration been 
merely a financial success ; he has neglected no single 
public interest; himself a practical example of all 
the virtues which constitute a good citizen, he has 
interested himself in every movement which looked 
to the welfare of the community and the promotion 

of industry, temperance and g I morals among the 

people." 

It is a signilicaiit tact that in a time of much party 
feeling the Governor was able to say, in his vale- 
dictory : " Whatever may have been the difference of 
opinion among us, there has been no factious opposi- 
tion from any source to measures necessary for the 
public good, but I have uniformly received the 
hearty co-operation of all parties in this difficult 
work.'' Only once during his two years' administra- 
tion did he consider it necessary to interpose his veto. 
and the House sustained him, one hundred and thirty- 
two to six. Another fact indicative of confidence in 
ili executive was the appropriation, on motion of a 
distinguished political opponent, of fifteen hundred 
dollars to defray expenses incurred while on business 
for the State, and for which he had refused to take 
anything from the contingent fund. The appropria- 
tion was advocated by leading men of the opposition 
ami unanimously voted. It was also declared by one 
of the journals "that no hostile criticism had been 
made from any source upon the conduct of affairs." 
It was extensively quoted, and, as far as I am aware, 
has never been contradicted. 

Mr. Smyth now found it expedient to devote his 
time to the interest of the banking institutions of 
which mention has been made, and to his personal 
business affairs. 

In 1876 he was an active member of the Constitu- 
tional Convention, when several important amend- 
ments were made to the State constitution, including 
the removal of the Religious Test Act. 

One of his marked characteristics is an unwearied 
industry, and it seems to be the opinion that one who 
does much can always find time to do more. Among 
tin appointments he still holds are the following: 
president and director of the Concord Railroad, 
trustee and treasurer of the New Hampshire College 
■of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts, director and 
treasurer of the Manchester Horse Railroad, direc- 
tor of the National Agricultural Society, vice-presi- 
dent of the American Pomological Society, president 
of the Northern Telegraph Company, president of 
the Franklin Street Congregational Society, trustee 
and treasurer of the Northern Telegraph Company, 
president and manager of the First National Bank 
of Manchester, trustee and treasurer of the Merrimack 
River Savings-Bank. In 1866 the faculty of Dart- 
mouth College i onferred upon him the d< gree of A.B. 



In the spring of 1878 he was appointed by Presi- 
dent Hayes one of the commissioners on the part of 
the United States for Now Eampshire to the Inter- 
national Exhibition at I'aris. He left horn,', accom- 
panied by his wile, in April, ami reached Paris, after 
a lew days in London, early in May. On the 1 1th of 
that month they left I'aris lor an extended tour, 
visiting the principal points of interest in I 
Holy Land, Turkey ami i Ireece, returning, by way of 
Italy, Switzerland, Holland, Belgium, Austria and 
Germany, to l'an- in September. Some interesting 
extracts from private correspondence were published 

in the Minor owl Fnnncr, in lime -< ■ o I which the 

condition and work of the American Missions was 
spoken of. He was much impressed with the value 
ofthiswork to the growing civilization of Eastern 
nations, ami has frequently expressed bis opinio,, to 
that effect in various addresses since his return. 

Ex-Governor and Mrs. Smyth worn the recipients 
of many attentions iron, ministers and consuls res- 
ident abroad, particularly at Constantinople and 
Athens. At Paris they were among the lew invited 
guests at the dinner of the Stanley Club to I r< ' 
Grant, and were also present at the reception given 
by the American Legation to " General and Madam 
Grant." Witha trio of other ex-Governors, Haw- 
b\ , Hoffman and Fenton, — he was made an honorary 
member of the Stanley Club. 

Soon after the return of Mr. and Mrs. Smyth from 
this foreign tour they visited Cuba and Mexico. The 
Mexican trip was exceptionally agreeable Iron, the 
fact they were invited to join the party ol Hajoi 
General Ord, and so were made guests of the repub- 
lic. A banquet was given their party at Vera I ruz 
at which General Lrevino, son-in-law of General Ord, 
ami mam distinguished oliicials were present. The 
trip to the city of Mexico by rail was accompanied b) 
a guard of honor, and they had every facility for see- 
ing all that was most desirable in the ancient capital 
of the Aztecs. Mrs. Smyth, particularly, was the re- 
cipient of many attentions from the COUrl 1; 
officers. 

As souvenirs of this journey they brought home 
quaint specimens of Mexican manufacture, onys 
tables, feather-work, images of street occupations, etc., 
—to add to the interesting collection at the Willows. 

In December, 1882, ex-Governor and .Mrs. Smyth 
sailed again for Europe in the royal mail steamship 
" Sen ia." spent Christmas near London audi he New 
dear's day in Paris. From Paris they journeyed 
leisurely through Switzerland in a season memorable 
for destructive Hoods in the valley of the Rhone, and 
went by the Mt. Cenis Tunnel to Turin and Genoa. 
I | ..„ thi ace to Sh e, Marseilles, and by the ' lulf of 
Lyons across the Pyrenees to Barcelona, in Spain. 

In that country they spent si ■ time, visiting Sara- 

gossa, Madrid, Toledo. Cordova, Grenada, Malaga. 

Seville and Gibraltar. From Gibraltar thi 

over to Tangiers, on the African coast, and returning. 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE 



took ship lor Malm ami Alexandria. This latter city 
was halt' in ruins from the recent British bombard- 
ment. From Cairo they ascended the Nile to the 
first cataract, passing through Lower, Middle and 
Upper Egypt to Nubia, visiting on the way the old 
temples and tomhs of Denderah, Luxor, Karnac, 
Thebes, Assouan and other famous places. Tien 
alter visiting the battle-field at Tel-el-keber, thej 
passed through the Suez Canal and landed at Jaffa, 
the ancient Joppa. Alter visiting the principal points 
in the Holy Land, — Jerusalem, Jericho, 
the Jordan and theDead Sea, etc., — they wenton, via 
Tyre and Sidon, to Beirut, Damascus and the 
ruins of Baalbec, Cyprus and Antioch. Fromthence 
by steamer along the coast of Asia Minor, touching 
at Troas, Smyrna, Ephesus and oilier places, they 
reached Constantinople. After an interesting stay 
of some day sthey crossed the 1 Slack Sea to Varna, and 
went through Bulgaria and Rotimania to Bucharest. 
From thence, through Hungary, Austria, Bavaria and 
Germany, returning to Paris. 

During this trip, as on other occasions, thej re- 
ceived numerous attentions, and Governor Smyth 
had an interesting interview with the Khedive. 
They brought home many articles of value, curiosi- 
ties and special manufactures of the countries visited. 
( >n this occasion, also, tin 1 ( rovernor madea successful 
ascent of the great pyramid and explored the labyrinth 
within. This occurred on the last day of his sixty- 
third year. 

In February, after their return, Governor Smyth 
presided at a very large meeting in Smyth's Hall 
which was addressed bj Hon. John E. Redmond, 
M. P. for Wexford. Ireland. He introduced the elo- 
quent " Home Ruler " in a brief speech, saying thai In- 
believed in " Your purpose to raise up the lowly and 
oppressed and weaken the bonds of the oppressor," 
and sharply arraigned England for her course in 
Ireland as well as in other Lands, as he had observed 
it when abroad. 

In September of the same year Mr. Smyth tend- 
ered a reception to the Hon. James G. Blaine, the 
Republican candidate for the Presidency. A dinner 
was given at the Willows, on Thursday, September 
4th, when Mr. Blaine met some of the most distin- 
guished citizens of New Hampshire, and in the even- 
ing the house and spacious grounds were brilliantly 
illuminated and thrown open to visitors. A fine mil- 
itary hand occupied a position on the lawn, and il was 
estimated that fullj ten thousand people passed into 
see the candidate. 

At this very time, and in the midst of all this joy 
and popular acclaim, a shadow was settling over the 
two lives which for forty years had been as one. The 
beautiful lady of the house, who that night and day 
had entertained Iter guests with all her old-time in- 
terest and vivacity, was within a t't_-K days stricken 
with a fatal illness. To so large a degree had Mrs. 
Smyth been identified with her husband's public 



career and success that no sketch of the life of one 
of the most eminent citizens of New Hampshire 
would be complete without mention of her. 

I. mil- (Lane) Smyth was horn in Candia, July 22, 
1822, and was the daughter of John Lane and Nabbj 
(Emerson) Lane and the granddaughter of Colonel 
Nathaniel Emerson, who fought under Stark at 
Bennington. Her father was a man of prominence 
in town. She was a near neighbor to her future 
husband, and was a bright and ready scholar in the 
schools of the district ami in the town High School. 
Her school-days were completed at a young ladies' 
seminary in Charlestown, Mas.-., and -he taught 
school for several terms thereafter in Candia. Chester 
and Manchester with marked success. She was mar- 
ried December 11, 1*44. and brought to her vuw 
position some most admirable qualities. Her excel- 
lent good sense, intelligent comprehension of public 
affairs, vivacious manner, rare personal beauty and 
entire freedom from tmy affectation of pride ua\e In i 
at once a popularity which, widened and extended 
as her husband's success introduced her into other 
circles. Receptions given by Governor Smyth at 
Concord, in which she was so conspicuously charm- 
ing, are still remembered as among the leading social 
events of the State, and she has entertained at her 
hospitable board some of the most distinguished peo- 
ple in the United States, including Chief Justice 
Chase. Chief Justice Waite and his family. President 
Hayesand wile, the wife and daughter of General and 
President Grant, Vice-Presidents Colfax and Ham- 
lin, General Chamberlain, of Maine; Henry Ward 
Beecher and wife, and < ieneral Butler has been a fre- 
quent guest. At home and at ease in the highest 
circles -be was nowhere more delightful and more 
engaging than in the houses of her old neighbors, to 
whom -In/ was a perpetual joy. Industrious and 
possessing great ability, she has accomplished much 
during her life-time that counts for truth and good- 
ness. Her ear was ever open to the call of distress, 
and she was one of the most efficient workers in the 
various benevolent organizations of our city and State. 
That the impression Mrs. Smyth made upon per- 
sons of both sexes and of all stations in life was no 
passing and ephemeral effect, is shown by the letters 
of a memorial volume printed for private circulation 
only, but which contains most remarkable testimony 
to her character ami worth. Governor Smyth fully 
appreciated the worth of his helpful companion, and 
for nearly forty years their mutual devotion was a 
noble example of the beauty and sacredness of the 
marital relation. Her health had for the most part been 
so good, and her manner was always so hopeful and 
cheery that no immediate alarm was felt at hei Con- 
dition. A i'rw weeks, however, developed fatal 
symptoms, and in spite of all that the best medical 
science of the country and the care of skillful nurses 
could do, Mrs. Smyth died 'January 14. 1885. The 
obsequies at the Franklin Street Church called out 




y^caj /2un?&y 



MANCHESTER. 



an immense concourse of people eager to bring 
tributes of affection and to < l< > honor to the lovely 
character of the departed. 

Fur many years Mr. Smyth has had an extensive 
acquaintance with the public nun of the time, li 
will be remembered that six months prior to Mr. 
Lincoln's nomination for the Presidency he intro- 
duced him from the platform in Smyth's Hall as the 
next President, and with Mr. Lincoln, and iu after- 
days with his great war minister, Stanton, he was <>n 
most friendly terms. 

His conservative course in finance, his reputation 
as a safe adviser and his general good judgment on 
public affairs has caused his counsel to be often 
sought in high quarters. 

A truth which forms a large part of every man's 
experience oughl never to lose its freshness. There 
is no royal road to success. Ex-Governor Smyth has 
had the advantage of good health, a sound constitu- 
tion and great power of endurance; but he is one of 
the must industrious men in the State, and the means 
l.\ which he has achieved his position are open to 
every young man of equal energy, sell-denial, high 
aim and conscious rectitude of purpose. Some of 
the results which he set himself to attain were beset 
with difficulties ; but he was not discouraged by op- 
position or disheartened by delay. 

The Second National Bank was chartered in L877. 

The tirst board of directors, which has u0 ( changed 
since, was as follows : Aretas Blood, Josiah Carpenter, 
Frank P. Carpenter, John Hoyt and N. S. Bean. Mr. 
Blood was elected president and Josiah Carpenter 
cashier, positions which they still occupy. The bank 
has a capital of one hundred thousand dollars. 

\i:i i \- Blood, son of Nathaniel and Roxellana 
( Proctor) Blood, was born in Weathersfield, Vt., ( (ctober 
8, 1816, When he was but three \ ears of age his parents 
removed to Windsor, Yt., where he remained until sev- 
enteen years of age, improving the meagre advantages 
afforded by the common schools of those days. He 

was then apprenticed to the trade of blacksmith, 
which he worked at about two years and a half and 
then became a machinist. In 1840 he journeyed to 
Evansville, lud., where he worked at his trade until 
June 17, 1841, when he started eastward in search of 
employment. He stopped at city after i ity, but each 
time was disappointed in his hopes. He traveled on, 
however, still in quest of work, and it was not until 
he reached North Chelmsford, Mass., that he found 
employment for his ready and willing hands. After 
.. maining here a short time he subsequently went to 
Lowell as a machinist in the Lowell Machine-Shop. 
Here he remained seven years and then went to Law- 
rence, where he commenced the manufacture of ma- 
chinists' tools for the large machine-shop then in pro- 
cess of erection at that place. Here tl haracter of 

the man asserted itself. His ability demanded greater 

SCOpe, and s< alter he assumed the management of 

the establishment there and began the manufacture, 



by contract, of tools, turbine-wheels, locomotives, 
stationary engines, etc. His untiring energy had at 
last found its reward. He was master of the business. 

September 7, 1853, he ca to Manchester and estab- 
lished the Vulcan Works, under the name of Bailey, 

Blood & Co., for the manufacture of locomotives. 

Business was first c< neneed in Mechanics' Row, but 

in the spring of 1854 buildings were erected on the 
present location and in the same year the company 
was incorporated as the Manchester Locomotive- 
Works, witli Oliver W. Bailey as agent. He was 
succeeded in 1857 by Mr. Blood, who has since 
resided in Manchester and has given Ids personal 
supervision to the business. 

The locomotive-works are located on Canal Street 
and cover about six acres. The machine-shop is a 
substantial building, parallel with Canal Street, two 
stories in height, four hundred ami thirty feet in 
length and eighty-four in width. The wood-shop is 
also a two-story building, one hundred feet long and 

forty feet wide; the blacksmith-shop is three hundred 
and sixty-live feet long and fifty feet wide; the boiler- 
shop, two hundred and five feet long and fifty-two 
feet wide. 

There is also a large brick building, two hundred 
and thirty by thirty-six feet, for making brass cast- 
ings ami building steam lire-engines. In the spring 
of 1872, Mr. Blood purchased the steam lire-engine 
business of the Amoskeag Company, good-will, pat- 
ents, etc., and now manufactures the "Amoskeag 
Engine," which is the old engine in name only, -as it 
has been entirely remodeled and is now one of the 
most complete, perfect and efficient engines manufac- 
tured. There are now over six hundred and fifty of 
these engines in use. Here are also built all kinds of 
hose-carriages, tire apparatus, etc. 

Mr. Blood has proved one id' the most successful 
locomotive-builders in the country, twelve hundred 
and twenty-three having been turned out at these 
works. A thorough machinist and a man capable id' 
handling a large force of men and conducting large 
business operations, he has commanded success, and 
the Manchester Locomotive- Works are one of the repre- 
sentative institutions of manufacturing NV« England. 

Mr. Blood is also a director in the Ames Manufac 
tilling ( lompany, of ( Ihicopee, .Mass. ; president of the 
Globe Nail Company, of Boston ; and treasurer of the 
Nashua Iron and Steel Company, which is doing the 
largest business of its kind iu New England. He was 
a director in the Merrimack River Bank from I860 till 
its name was changed to First National Bank, in 1865, 
and until 1868 a directur of the latter ; was a director 
in the Manchester National Hank from 1874 till 1877, 
and from 1X77 to present time has been president ol 
I he Second National Bank. 

September 4, 1845, he united in marriage with 
Miss L. K. Kendall, and their family consists of t \\ . . 
children,— Nora, wife of Frank 1'. Carpenter, of this 
city, and Emma, who resides with her parents. 



76 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY. NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Politically, Mr. Blood is a Republican. His first 
vote was cast for i reneral Harrison, but lie has been a 
member of the Republican party since its organiza- 
tion, although never an active politician. He has 
been twice elected alderman, and was chairman of the 
electors who cast New Hampshire's vote for Garfield 
and Arthur. 

The Manchester Savings-Bank was chartered 
Julys, 1846, and organized with Samuel I). Bell 
president and the following board of trustees: John 

A. Burnham, Daniel Clark, Herman Foster, Nahum 
Baldwin, George Porter, David Gillis, William P. 
Newell, Hiram Brown. Nathan Parker was chosen 
treasurer and has held the office to the present time. 
Mr. Bell resigned in 1*47. and the succeeding presi- 
dents have been as follows: Hiram Brown, William 
P. Newell and Hon. Daniel Clark. The [.resent trus- 
tees are as follows: Nathan Parker, Charles F. War- 
ren, B. F. .Martin, Charles Wells, W. M. Parker, 
Charles I>. McDuffee and Stephen X. Bourne. Present 
amount of deposits, tour million live hundred thou- 
sand dollar-. 

The Merrimack River Savings-Bank was incor- 
porated June, 1858, under the name of the Manches- 
ter Five-Cent Savings Institution, and the charter 
was issued to the follow ingboard of grantees : Phineas 
Adams, Joseph B. Clark, John Ordway, Warren 
Paige, 1 Waterman Smith, John L. Kelley, George 
Porter, B. F. Martin, Daniel Clark, Harry Leeds, 
Frank A. Brown,' Samuel Upton, John I',. Chase. C 
Sackrider, 1 Daniel W. Fling, Brooks Shattuck, 1 David 
Gillis, John H. Goodale, William Crane, Henry T. 
Mowatt, 1 Stephen Palmer, Ezra Huntington, Calvin 
Boyd, Josiah S. Shannon, John B. < llarke, l>a\ id ( Iross, 
John M. Parker. George Thompson, Frederick Smith, 
Charles II Campbell,' George W. Thayer, Charles C. 
Parker, F. B. Eaton, .lames M. Varnum, Thomas ( ,. 
Holbrook, 1 1!. V Batchelder, James S. Cheney, 1 
Israel Dow, Ebenezer Ferren, Isaac Kiddle, 1 M. O. 
Pears. .n. W. W Leighton, Thomas Wheal. F. W. 
Harrington, 1 Varnum II. Hill, 1 Alonzo Smith.' William 
Richardson ' and their associates and successors. 

In 1865 the name was changed by act of Legisla- 
ture to that which it now hears. The first meeting 

for the adopti f by-laws, choice of officers, etc., ua- 

held July 14, 1858, and the following board of officers 
chosen: President. Waterman Smith; Vice-Presi- 
dents, F. W Han iiijimi i o.ii-e Porter; Treasurer 
ami Clerk, Frederick Smyth ; Trustees, B. F.Martin, 
Joseph II. clark, Isaac W.Smith, William B. Web- 
ster, F. A. Brow N, ( leorge Thompson, Petei S. Brow a, 
Frederick Smith, Josiah S. Shannon, John I.. Kelley, 
James M. Varnum, Alonzo Smith, Thomas Wheat, 
Warren Paige, Albe C. Heath. F. S. Peabody, John 

B. Clarke. Joseph A. Haines. 

The first deposit wasmade August 2, 1858. 

The business has been transacted in the rooms oc- 



cupied by tin; First National Hank, and its details at- 
tended I., by the clerks employed in that institution. 

Waterman Smith remained president until 1884, 
when he was succeeded I >y Hon. Frederick Smith, the 
present incumbent. Hon. Frederick Smyth continued 
as treasurer until 1884, when, upon assuming the presi- 
dency of the bank, he was succeeded by C. F. Morrill. 

The present members of the corporation are as fol- 
lows: Jos. B. Clark, Waterman Smith, Jno. L. Kelly, 
George Porter, B. F. Martin, Daniel Clark, Henry 
Feeds, Samuel Upton, John 11. Clarke, Daniel W. 
Fling, David Gillis, John H. Goodale, William ( Irane, 
Stephen Palmer, Ezra Huntington, J. S. Shannon, 
David (.'toss. John M. Parker, George Thompson, 
Frederick Smyth, F, I'.. Eaton, James M. Varnum, 
Ebenezer Ferren M.O.Pearson, W.W. Leighton, Thos. 
Wheat, Joseph Kennard, Joseph L. Stephens, E. M. 
Toplilf. A. J. Lane. Charles Williams, John Porter, 
C. F. .Morrill. T. L. Livermore, G. 1'. Whitman, John 
H. Andrews, A. W. Quint, John I'. Goggin. 

President. Frederick Smyth: Vice-Presidents, 
Joseph I'.. Clark, F. I'.. Eaton ; Treasurer and Clerk 
C. F. Morrill. 

The amount of deposits, January 1, 1885, were 
$1,882,825.38. 

Guaranty Savings-Bank was incorporated in 1879, 

with the following incorporators: Nathan P. Hunt, 
Robert M.Shirley, William P. Fatten. II. K. Slay- 
ton, Alonzo Elliott, James A.Weston, Jess,. Gault, 
J. W. Hihlreth, Horace Pettee, George W. Weeks, 
Junes f Briggs, George A. Bailey, John C. Ray, 
Patrick A. Divine and Hums H. Pike. The first offi- 
cers were as follows: President, John M.Parker; 
Treasurer and Clerk, James A. Weston. The present 
amount of deposit is six hundred and twenty-five 
thousand dollars. The first board of trustees wvie 
. lames A. Weston, Alonzo Elliott, Nathan P. Hunt, 
John P. Moore. David A. Parker, Patrick A. Deviiie. 
Hiram K. Slayton, John Kennard, BushrodW. Hill. 
Present board of trustees are John M. Parker, 
Alonzo Elliott, Nathan 1'. Hunt. John I'. Moore, 
David \. Darker. John Kennard, Hiram K. Slayton, 
Bushrod W. Hill. James A. Weston. 
The Mechanics' Savings-Bank was organized in 

]s77. with the following trustees: Arctas Blood, 
Josiah Carpenter, Frank P. Carpenter, N. S. Bean 
and George Dodge. Mr. Blood was the first presi- 
dent, and was succeeded by Henry E. Burnham on 
October 1. 1880. Mr. Josiah Carpenter has been 

treasurer from the beginning. 

There are aU.. t».. saving-banks— -the People's 
and the Amoskeag — located in the Amoskeag Bank 
building. 

The Amoskeag Manufacturing Company, one of 

the largest corporations in New Fnglan. 
rated under its present name in 1831. 
ing, however, had been carried on at this point with 
indifferent success since 1809. In that \ ear Benja- 
min Pritchard, who had built the first cotton-mill in 



was mcorpo- 
Manufactur- 



MANCIIFSTKIt. 



77 



New Hampshire, in New Ipswich, in 1803, came to 
Amoskeag Falls, and, in company with Ephraim, 
David and Robert Stevens, built a small mill at 
Amoskeag village. In the following year these en- 
terprising men organized a stock company under the 
name of the Amoskeag Cotton and Wool-Factory. 
The first move in this direction was as follows : 

"We, the Subscribers, Owners & proprietors of a large Tract of Land 
in Goffstown, in the county of Hillsborough, Joining on Amoskeag falls, 
in the Merrimack liver, with the water privilege Sufficient f,.r carrying 
on the Manufacturing of cotton & wool at all Seas.ms of the year, an.l 
having began the works by cutting a Canal for Carrying the water, 
erecting Buildings Convenient fur Said factory, & preparing a consider- 
able part of the Machinery, have agreed to form a Company for improv- 
ing Said privilege, by dividing the Same into one hundred Shares, by 
receiving from Said Company a fair price for the privilege, and the La- 
bour Expended, which, if not agreed upon by Said Sui 
Company, to be apprised by men appointed by Said parties, and a Good 
Title by the Subscribers. 

" Signed by 



Ki'iiuAiM Stevens, 

' Bl V IN. I'HICHARD, 

' Kobekt & Davip Steve 



•Gutfstown, .laliuari 1Mb, 1 



To this paper was attached a caption of a subscrip- 
tion and signatures as follows : 

"We, the Subscribers, Agree to take the Several shares in the above 
mentioned privilege & factory annexed to our names, respectively, agree- 
able to the above proposals. 



Shar.-s 



' Benj'n Prichard, Goffstown . 
James Parker, Bedford . . . 
William Parker, Bedford . . 
Jotham Gillis, Gofistown . . . 
William Parker, Jr., Bedford 
William Walker, Goff6town . 
Ephraim Harvill, Bedford . . 
Samuel P. Kidder, Goffstown . 
Bobt. McGregore, Goffstown . 
Joseph Richards, Goffstown . 
Seth Bartlett, Goffstown . . . 
Ephraim Stevens, Goffstown . 
David L. Morrill. Goffstown . 
Isaac Hardy, Goffstown . . . 
Hoses Hall, Gutfstown .... 
Benjamin AUcock, Bedford . 
Alenson Prichard, Goffstown . 
Elnathan Whitney, Goffstown 
David Sargent, Goffstown . . 
John G. Moor, Manchester . 



The following notice was then issued: 

"Notice is hereby given that a meeting of the proprietors of the 
Amoskeag Cotton ,v wool Factory will be holden at Col. Robert Mc- 

\v,,li,, -,l;i\. tin- a lo of January instant, at one of the 
clock. P M . f<>i tb" purpose <>f taking into consideration the regulation 
,f >,,! , I ., • v. , i.|..i.i' ..if shares not sold. All persons who wish to 
become proprietors are requested to attend, when and where they may 

"Benj'n Prichaiii>. 
" Goffstown, Jannarj II 

January 31, 1810, the company organized with 
Joseph Richards, of Goffstown, as president, and 
Jotham Gillis, of Goffstown, as clerk. 

March 2. 1810, Messrs. Ephraim and Robert Ste- 
vens executed a bond to this company, agreeing to 
keep their dam in repair, and to furnish the "Wool 
and Cotton Manufactory " a certain quantity of water 
at all seasons of the year. 

The first mill was put in operation in 1810, but it 
was without pickers or looms. The cotton was picked 



and the yarn woven in the neighborhood. It is said 
that a smart weaver might earn thirty-six cent- per 
day! This company was not successful, and after 
1815 little was done until lsi>, when the majority of 
the stork was purchased by Dr. Oliver Dean, Lyman 
Tiffany and Willard Sayles. Dr. Dean was made 
agenl and from this time forward manufacturing tit 
this point has been a continued suci 

July, 1831, the presenl company was incorporated, 
it having up to this time been a private enterprise. 
July 13th, the act was accepted, which allowed a capital 
of one million dollars, and on the following daj the 
first officers of the new corporation were chosen: 
Lyman Tiffany, president ; Lyman Tiffany, Ira Gray 
and Willard Sayles, directors ; Ira Gray, clerk ; ( (liver 
Dean, agent and treasuna-. With Larned Pitcher, 
these were the five men who accepted the charter on 
the evening of July 13, 1831. 

The property of the old firm (says Mr. Clarke, in 
his excellent "History of Manchester") was ex- 
changed for stock in the new company, and the bitter 
acquired by purchase a title to land on both sides of 
the river, mostly, however, on the east side, where 
engineers had decided were the best sites for mills 
and the best tracks for canals. In 1835 tin- new 
organization bought the property and interest of the 
P.ow Canal Company, tin- Isle of Hooksett Canal 
Company, the Amoskeag Locks ami Canal Company 
and the Union Locks and < 'anal, all of which, as their 
names imply, had built canals at different points on 
the river. The Hooksett Manufacturing Company 
was merged with the Amoskeag in 1836 and the Con- 
cord Manufacturing Company shared the same fate 
the next year. The Amoskeag Company thus had 
obtained a full title to all the water-power on the 
river from Manchester to Concord and all the land 
in Manchester on the Merrimack available for mill- 
sites. It was also in possession of large tracts of land 
adjacent to the river and extending for some distance 
from it- 
Having thus cleared the way, they Boon began 
operations in earnest. In 1836 the wooden dam 

which had hitherto checked the river's flow at A -- 

keag Falls was thoroughly repaired in order to answer 
the purposes of a colter-dam, and the next year was 
begun the construction of a wing-dam of stone, with 
guard-locks on the east side, which was completed in 
1840. At the same time the farther from the river of 
the two present canals was built by Lobdell & Rus- 
sell. In 1838 a contract was made with Russell, Ban 
& Co., (of which linn Isaac C. Flanders, after- 
wards president of the City Dank, now Merchants* 
Bank, wasamember), to construct the "lower canal," 
and the contract was fulfilled. The first building put 
upon the east side of the river was what was then 
the Stark Mills counting-room, at the foot of Stark 
Street, part of which was temporarily used for a 
counting-room by the land and water-power depart- 
ment of the Amoskeag Company. The next was the 



78 



HlSiOlU" OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



one designated as "No. 1, Stark Block," where the 
agents and clerks of the mills boarded with S. S. 
Moulton till November, 1*39, when the Manchester 
House \\ ;is finished. The first mills built on the easl 
side were what wen- then No. 1 and No. 2 Mills of 



the Stark corporation, which were erected for that 
company in 1838 and L839. 

At that time a number of men who have since been 
well known in Manchester were in the pay of the 
Amoskeag Company. Hiram Brown, afterwards mayor 
of the city, was employed to oversee the stone-work ; 
Phinehas Stevens, was its millwright ami wheelwright; 
John D. Kimball was an overseer of carpenter-work ; 
T. J. Carter was the resident engineer; Henry S. 

Whitney was an overseer of general out-d work; 

AVarren Paige had charge of the lumber-yard ; Nahum 
Baldwin, Daniel L. Stevens and Charles Hutchinson, 
were employed in the planing-mill ; George F. Jud- 
kins managed the saw-mill, and Samuel Boice was 
employed in it ; Samuel B. Kidder had charge of the 
locks and canals; Andrew Bunton and Levi Sargent 
wcic contractors for --tone ; John H.Maynard was the 
head carpenter ; Jonathan T. P. Hunt and Joseph E. 
Bennett were employed as masons in the building 
of the mills. 

The company laid out the site of a town with a 
main street running north and south, parallel with 
the river, with other streets running parallel with this 
and across it, reserving land for public squares, and 
in 1838, having divided part of its lands into lots 
suitable for stores and dwellings, sold it, bringing 
into the market by this and subsequent sales a large 
part of the land on which the city of to-day stands- 
In 1838 they sold a site and privileges for mills to a 
new company which had been incorporated as the 
Stark Mills, and built for them, in this and subse- 
quent years, the factories they now occupy. After 
the burning of their old mills at Amoskeag they 
finished, in 1841, two new ones just below the Stark 
Mills for their own use, and added to them in subse- 
quent years as their needs required. In 1845 thej 
sold land ami built mills and a priutery for anew 
corporation which had been organized as the Man- 
chester Mills. To meet a demand for machinery for 
their own mills and those they erected for others, they 
built in 1840 a machine-shop, in 1842 a foundry, and 
in 1848 replaced both these by new and larger ones, 
beginning at that time the manufacture of locomo- 
tives, building new shops for mechanical purposes 
when needed. In 1 S.V.I was begun the manufacture of 
the famous Amoskeag steam fire-engines. Some time 
after they had finished mills for the larger corpora- 
tions already mentioned they built, for the convenience 
of individual enterprises, a building known as "Me- 
chanics' Row," at the northern end of the canals, ami 
also sold land and erected shops for small corpora- 
tions which were subsequently organized. They 
carried out meanwhile their original idea of the city, 
building boarding-houses and tenements lor their own 



operatives and those of the other corporations, gh ing 
away land for churches and public buildings, selling it 
to manufacturers and business men, and continuing a 
liberal policy to the present time. 

The first directors of the company were Lyman 
Tiffany, Ira Gay and Willard Sayles, elected in 1831. 

The following is a list of officers from 1831 to 1885: 



1831: Lyman Tiffany (president), [ra Gay, Willard Sayl 
Ira Gay, clerk ; Oliver Dean, treasurer and agent. 1833 : George Dan- 
iel!*, clerk. 1831: Harvey Hartshorn, treasurer and agent ; Lyman Tif- 
lan.v, Oliver Dean, Willard Sayles, directors. 1836: P. T. Jackson, Ly- 
man Tiffany, William Appleton, George Bond, Samuel Krothingham, 
Daniel D. Broadhead, George Howe, Oliver Dean, directors; Francis 
('. Lowell, treasurer ; Hiram A. Daniels, clerk. 1837: Hubert Head, 

i lerk ; William Amory, t surer ; Oliver Dean, Willard Sayles, George 

H l ■ :■ C. Lowell, Si tel Frothingham, John A. Lowell, Sam- 

uel Hubbard, Daniel D. Broadhead, William Appleton, directors. 1838 : 

Francis 0. Lowell, president H llian G ffeans, clerk G geW.Ly- 

uian, Nathan Appl.-loii .,mi .l.mi.- K M.l!- -m led Samuel Krothing- 
ham, John A. Lowell ami Daniel D. Broadhead as directors 1840: 
David Sears succeeded Samuel Hubbard as director. 1842: Joseph 
TiMcn succeeded Irami- i I,, .well as ]. resident ami director. 1847: 
"William Amory succeeded Willard Sayles as director. 1851: Robert 
head succeeded William Amory a? director. Is", ; : i .ardiier Brewer suc- 

rrded .loop], TlMrM .1 - , | i I VCt 111 ; Oliver Deall Succeeded JoSepll TiMen 

as president ; 1 \ Straw succeeded William G. Means as clerk. 1856: 
.l.ma. T. P. Hunt succeeded Robert Head as director. 1857 : David Sears 
resigned as director. 1801 : Oliver Dean, George Howe, George W. Ly- 
man, William Appleton, Gardner Brewer, dona. T. P. Hunt, directors. 
18132: William Appleton, deceased. 18'"..". : Daniel Clark succeeded Jona. 
T. P. Hunt as director. 1866: T. Jefferson Coolidge and Thorn as " ig- 
elesmith were added to the directors. 1871 : Oliver Dean and George W". 
Lyman having declined re-election, and George Howe having ceased 
to be a stockholder, William Amory, John L. Gardner and William P. 
Mason succeeded them as directors: Gardner Brewer succeeded Oliver 
Dean as president. 1874 : Charles Amory succeeded Gardner Brewer, 

eased a director; Daniel Clark sue led Gardner Brewer, deceased, 

as president. 187."' William W. Bremer succeeded Charles Amory as 
direct,,]. 10; '1'. Jefferson i 'oolidge sue, ceded W illiaiu Amory as treas- 
urer ; William Amory succeeded Daniel i lark as president. 1877 : John 
L. Bremer succeeded William M. Bremer as director ; George Dexter and 
I A Straw were added to the directors. 1879: Thomas L. Livermore 
succeeded E. A. Straw as clerk and agent. 1880: I 'banning Clapp 
succeeded T. Jefferson < oolidge as treasurer : < banning clapp succeeded 
K A. Straw as director. 1885: Herman F. Straw succeeded Col. Liver- 
more a- i lerk and agent. 

The company once owned fifteen hundred acres of 
land on the cast side of the river. They own land on 
the west side also. 

The present dam at Amoskeag Falls was built in 
1871 by the company, after Mr. Straw's plans and 
under his personal supervision. Its predecessor had 
lasted thirty-four years, had become leaky and unsafe, 
was built low and in the wrong place. The old one 
ran straight across, but the one which took its place 
curved around so as to give a wider entrance from the 
river, was built two feet higher and farther down the 
stream. It is in two parts, the main dam, from the 
west side to the bridge, being four hundred and twenty 
feet long, and the canal wing, from the bridge to the 
gate-house, being two hundred and thirty feet long, 
making a total length of six hundred and fifty feet. 
It is eight led wide at the top. a verages twelve feet in 
height, ami cost, all things included, about sixty thou- 
sand dollars. The upper canal extends from the basin 
at the dam to the weir at the foot of Central Street, 
where it empties into the lower, and is five thousand 



MANCHESTER. 



lour hundred and eighty feet long. The lower begins 
at about the same place, and extends to the weir below 
the Namaske Mills, where it empties into the river. 
It is six thousand nine hundred feet long, and runs 
a part of the way over the track of the old Blodget 
Canal. Till 1855 the canal was connected with the 
Merrimack, near the old Met rregor bridge, by a set of 
locks, the company having been under obligation to 
keep the canal open to the public as when it was 
owned by the Amoskeag Locks and Canal Company; 
bin the Legislature of 1855 gave permission to discon- 
tinue the kicks. The openings of the canals at the 
guard-gates are five hundred and ten feet square. The 
canals' width at their head is seventy-three feet, and 
at the weirs fifty feet, with an average depth of ten 
feet. The fall from the upper to the lower canal is 
twenty feet, and from the lower canal to the river 
thirty-four feet. 

No. 1 and No. 2 Mills are northernmost, and are 
exact duplicates of each other. They were the first 
mills upon the Amoskeag corporation, were built sepa- 
rately, one hundred and fifty-seven feet long by forty- 
•eight wide, and six stories high, in 1841. but in 1859 
and 1860 were united by what is called No. 6 Mill, 
eighty-eight feet long by sixty wide. 

No. 3 Mill, directly to the south of this triple com- 
bination, was built in 1834, and thoroughly rebuilt in 
1870. It is five stories in height and four hundred 
and forty feet long, while its width varies from sixty- 
five to seventy-two feet. At its south end is a three- 
story picker-house, one hundred and thirty-five feet 
long by sixty wide. 

At the upper end of the mills, on the lower level, 
is a low building, four hundred and seventy-two feet 
long and thirty wide, used as a bag-mill, which has 
forty bag-looms. 

No. 4 Mill was built in 1846 and enlarged in 1872. 
The original building was seven stories high, two 
hundred and sixty feet in length by sixty in width. 
In the fall of 1872 an extension was built in the rear, 
one hundred feet long and sixty feet wide. In the 
rear, also, are two picker-houses, three stories high, 
fifty-six feet in length by thirty-seven in width. 

No. 5 Mill is just north of the one last mentioned. 
It is two hundred and fifty-eight feet Long by sixty 
wide, and has a picker-house, sixty-two feet in length 
by forty-four in width, in the rear. 

The building at the north of No. 5 Mill, occupied 
as a dye-house and gingham-mill, consists of a centre- 
piece and two wings. The south wing is the dye- 
house, and is two hundred and three feet long, sixty- 
seven feet wide ami three stories high. The middle 
part is one hundred and twenty feet long, sixty-seven 
feet wide, three stories high and is occupied by dress- 
ing-machinery for ginghams. The north wing is of 
the same length and breadth as the dye-house, but 
four stories high. 

A mill was built in 1874, just at the north of these 
buildings and parallel with them. It is two hundred 



and sixtj feet long, sixty-eight feet wide and lour 
stories high. 

The bleachery and nipping-house, for bleaching 
and napping flannels, are in a small building, one 
hundred and ten feet in length and thirty-six in width, 
in the rear of the old gingham-mill and near the river. 

In 1874 the company erected the mill of the Anion 
Manufacturing Company. In 1880 they builtalargedye- 
house, two hundred and eighty by fifty feet, two stories, 
and in 1881 a new mill with forty-four thous 
dies. In 1880 the old machine-shop which originally 
stood on the bank of the river was taken down and the 
new machine-shop erected, one hundred and niin is by 
fifty feet, three stories high. The machine-shops up 
to 1X72 manufactured the celebrated Amoskeag fire- 
engine. In that year this business was sold to the 
Manchester Locomotive- Works. There are also seven 
cotton-houses, one hundred by seventy feel, three 
Stories high. The mills are driven by seventeen tur- 
bine wheels, six and eight feet in diameter, which are 
sufficient to run all machinery in ordinary stages of 
water, In addition to this power, there is also 
one pair of engines of eight hundred horse-power 
in No. 3 Mill; one pair of two thousand horse- 
power for driving machinery in Mills Nos. 4, 5, 7 and 
8; also an engine of two hundred and fifty horse 
power to drive the machine-shop. There are forty- 
eight boilers, one-half for high pressure, to be used 
when engines are run and exhaust steam is used for 
heating and drying. These engines are only run in 
low water. The other twenty-four boilers, of an old 
type, are only used when the engines are not run, be- 
cause suited to lower pressure. These boilers have 
all been placed in a great boiler-house, about two 
hundred and fifty by fifty feet, on the west side of 
the river, next to the coal shed, which is a new one 
built of brick, with a capacity for twenty thousand 
tons, having three railroad tracks from which the coal 
is uuloaded. On this side of the river also a chimney 
has been erected two hundred and fifty feet high. 
The steam is carried across the river in a pipe twenty 
inches in diameter and two thousand five hundred 
feet long, which crosses the river on two bridges, dis- 
tributing steam to the whole establishment. The 
mills are lighted by electricity, the first light (Weston 
& Brush,) having been put in February, 1880. The 
corporation runs ten mills, including Naniask .Mill, and 
eight hundred tenements. This immense establish- 
ment has six thousand looms, uses forty thousand 
bales of cotton and twenty thousand tons of coal per 
year, and manufactures annually sixty million yards 
consisting of ticking, denims, stripes, ginghams, cot- 
ton Maine Is and che\ lot-. Employs five thousand per- 
sons, with a monthly pay-roll of one hundred and 
sixty thousand dollars, 
'fhe present officers are as follows: 
William Amorv, Daniel Clark, T. Jefferson Coo- 
lidge, Thomas Wigglesworth, George A. Gardner, 
William 1'. Mason, John L. Bremer, < 'banning Clapp, 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



George Dexter, directors; William Amory, president ; 
T.Jefferson Coolidge, treasurer ; Herman F. Straw, 
clerk and agent. 

Ezekiel Albert Straw was born in Salisbury, De- 
cember 30, 1819, making bis age at the time of his 
death sixty-three years. He was the eldest son oi 
James B. and Mebitable (1'isk) Straw, and one of a 
family of seven children (five suns and two daughters). 
and of whom three survive. — Miranda (wife of Benja- 
min F. Manning), Abigail and Janus B. Straw. Esq., 
all residents of Manchester. His father, after a few 
years' residence in this State, removed to Lowell, 
.Mass., where he entered into the service of the Apple- 
ton Manufacturing Company. Mr, Straw acquired 
his education in the schools of Lowell, and in the 
English Department of Phillips Andover Academy, 
where be gave especial attention to practical mathe- 
matics. Upon leaving this institution, he was, in the 
spring of 1838, employed a- assistant civil engineer 
upon the Nashua and Lowell Railway, then in pro- 
cess of construction. In July, 1838, he was sent for 
by Mr. Boyden, the consulting engineer id' the Amos- 
keag Manufacturing Company, to take the place of 
T. J. Carter, the regular engineer, who was absent 
from work on account of illness. He came to the 
city of Manchester July 4, 1838, expecting to remain 
hut a few days, and has ever since made it his home. 
This was before a mill had been built upon the 
eastern side of the river ; among his first duties 
were the laying out of the lots and streets in what is 
now the compact part of the city, and assisting in the 
construction of the dams and canals. In November, 
1844, he was sent by the Amoskeag Company to Eng- 
land and Scotland to obtain information and machi- 
nery necessary fir making and printing muslin de- 
laines, and the success of the Manchester Print- 
Works, which first introduced this manufacture into 
the United States, was due to the knowledge and 
skill he then acquired. He continued in the employ 
of the Amoskeag Company as civil engineer until 
July, 1851, when he was appointed agent of the land 
and water-power department of the company, the 
mills and machine-shops then being managed 3epa 
rately, under different agents. In July, 1856, the first 
two were united and put in charge of Mr. Straw, ami 
in July, 1858, all three were combined under one 
management, and Mr. Straw assumed the entire cen- 
tred of the company's operations in Manchester. 

Mr. Straw was prominent in the early history of 
the town's prosperity. He was a member of the com- 
mittee to provide plans and specifications for the re- 
building of the town-house in 1844. and one of the 
lirst committee appointed to devise plans for the in- 
troduction of water into the town. He was connected 
with all the subsequent plans for the same purpose, 
and when the board of water commissioners, who 
had charge of the construction of the present water- 
appointed in 1871. he was made its presi- 
dent, ami held tl ffice until within a tew year.-. He 



was chosen, in 1854, a member of the first board of 
trustees of the public library, and held the office for 
twenty-five years. In 1846, Mr. Straw was elected 
assistant engineer of the Fire Department, and was 
re-elected several times afterwards. In 1859 he 
served as Representative in the State Legislature, and 
cted in I860, 1861, L862, 1863, and during 
the last three years was chairman of the committee 
on finance. In 1864 he was elected to the State 
Senate and was re-elected in 1865, being chosen its 
president in the latter year. He was also chosen, mi 
the part of the Senate, one of the commissioners to 
superintend the rebuilding of the State-House. In 
1869 be was appointed by Governor Stearns a mem- 
ber of his stall'. In 187l' he was elected by the Re- 
publicans of New Hampshire Governor of the State, 
and was re-elected the succeeding year. In 1870 he 
was appointed by President Grant the member from 
New Hampshire of the commission to arrange for the 
centennial celebration of the independence of the 
United States at Philadelphia, Pa., in 1876. 

From the organization of the Namaske Mills, in 
185(3, till the dissolution, Mr. Straw was the treasurer 
and principal owner, and after 1864 until near the 
end of bis business career the sole proprietor. In 
1874 he was chosen a director of the Laugdon Mills, 
lie was the president and one of the directors of the 
Klodget I'.'lge-Tool Manufacturing Company from its 
organization, in 1855, till its dissolution, in 1862, and 
during the existence of the Amoskeag Axe Company, 
which succeeded it, he was a director. He was one of 
the first directors of the Manchester Gas- Light ( lom- 
pany when it was organized, in 1851, and was chosen 
its president in 1855, holding the office until January 
29, 1881. In 1860 he was elected a director of the 
Manchester and Lawrence Railroad, and in 1871 was 
elected president of the corporation, resigning in 1879. 
Upon the organization of the New England Cotton 
Manufacturers' Association he was chosen its pres- 
ident, and was also president of the New Hamp- 
shire Fire Insurance Company from its organization, 
in 1869 to 1880, when he resigned. He was one of 
the founders of the First Unitarian Society, in 1S42. 
its clerk and treasurer from that time till 1*44. its 
president from 1853 to 1857, ami was chairman of 
the committee which built its present house of wor- 
ship. 

Governor Straw married, April 6, 1842, a1 Ames- 
bury, Mas-., Charlotte Smith Webster, who died in 
this city March 15, 1852. To them were born four 
children. — Albert, who died in infancy; Charlotte 
Webster, wile of Mr. William H. Howard, of 
Somerville, Mass.; Herman Foster, agent of the 
Amoskeag Mills; Ellen, the wife of Mr. Henry M. 
Thompson, formerly agent of the Manchester Print- 
Works, and now agent of the Lowell Felting I om- 
pany, of Lowell. Mass. 

There are now seven living grandchildren, — Albert 
Straw. William H. and Sarah Cheney Howard. Par- 




<L ' < i . r 



MANCHESTER. 



ker and Harry Ellis Straw, and Albert \V. and Her- 
man Ellis Thompson. 

His rapidly-failing health and strength obliged Mr. 
Straw to retire from the active management of the 
Amoskeag Manufacturing Company in 1879, and at 
the annual meeting of the proprietors of the company 
next following, this resolution was unanimously 
adopted, — 

"Resolved, That tbe Hon. E. A.. Straw, agon) oi this company at 

Manchester, having Bine u last annual meeting been compelled by ill 

health to resign his office, in which for about forty years, in many differ. 

ent capacities, he h.i.-.ie.l I rporathm from its infancy with signal 

ability, fidelity and skill, we owe it to him and ourselves to put upon rec- 
ord the testimony of our high appreciation of the value of those services, 
our sincere regret at his resignation, our deep sorrow for the cause, our 
cordial thanks for his long-continued and excellent management of our 
affairs in this city, and our earnest wishes that, free from pain orsufl'er- 
ing, he may pass the remaining years of his life improved in health, 
prosperous and happy." 

The Hon. Daniel Clark, on rising to second the 

resolution, said, — 
•• Mr. President and Gentlemen,— It is with mingled feelings oi pleasure 

and of pain that I second this resolution. It is now forty years, and 
more, Bince I came to Manchester. I came in a one-horse wagon to a 
one-horse town,— to a town, in fact, having no horses at all. As you 
know, sir, the canal was not then finished. It was a muddy trench. 
They were blasting stone and laying them in the walls and throwing out 

the dirt. There was not a mill then finished. The walls of 01 1 the 

stark Mills were up, tbe rooi was covered in ; but there were no window. 
in the mill, and, I think, no machinery. There was not a school-house . 
there was not a church ; then, was not ;. hotel : there was not a plaee to 
lay my head ; and I went away over into what was then (totlstown, now 

Amoskeag village, to find a place to hoard. There had I n a hue! sale 

the fall before, and the hill y ler was covered ovei with -t tkes, denot- 
ing the corner-lots and where the streets were to go There was not a 
street well made that I remember of seeing, and a butcher's carl coming 
along got stuck in the sand not far from whore Elm Street now is, soon 
alter I came here. 

"Soon after 1 came there appeared upon the scenes young man 
healthful, compactly built, about nineteen or twenty years of age, with 
a fresh, ruddy countenance, with an air of assurance, but without arro- 
gance, who manifested such industry and energy and pluck as gave 
pr se of his future brilliant success. I think, sir [addressing the pres- 
ident of the meeting], I think on a former occasion yon UBed the word 
•luck' instead of pluck. I think you must prefix a 'p' to the word and 
make it ' pluck.' 

" This gentleman, soon after coming to this eit\ , went into the Amos. 

keag Company's employ as assistant engi r I think his chiel was a 

gentleman distinguished for his eeientihY attainments. From that time 
forth that young man has heen in the emplo] oi this i 
his industry, skill, direction and perseverance, it h;i 
beginning that I have indicated to what it is now. I do not mean to say 
that he has done this entirely alone, for he has received the aid of others, 
and, fortunately, of yourself. Of that I have spoken on a former occa- 
sion ; but for forty \ i- he has 1 n steadily engaged in the service of 

this company. There is nothing here, sir, which does not bear the im- 
press of his hand. Certainly the river has arknow lodged his power, for 
he has twice dammed it and turned it out of Its course. There is not a 
railroad about us, sir, in which his skill and wise counsel have not been 
manifested; there is not here a highway or public buildinj in which 
his management has not been discernible. We have our gas-light com- 
pany, of which he has been president for many years. I speak of these 
as showing the honorable services of this man to the community as well 
as to this company. We have the New Hampshire lire Insurance Com- 
pany, the only stock insurance company in the State, of which he has 
been the president. We have built here tbe city water-works, bringing 
the. sweet waters of the Massabesic to our city, of which he was one of 
the chief movers. There is not a school-house here, filled with happy 
scholars, that he has not in some way assisted ; there is not a church here 
to whose support he has not given his aid. We have a library, a free 
library, to which every operative, man, woman or child, who can pro- 
em,, sotm e to -a\ that he or she is a tit person to he he iiitni-te.l will 

6 



its hooks, van go to receive its benefits. 1 may say hole dial Hole if no 
man in thiB city to whom the city owet io much for tin lib.-ary, I think 
1 may say it, sir, as to your late agent. 

" I once said, sir, I think, here, that ih.it lil.raiy .on«J to me like 
an aviary of sweet singing birds, ami al morn and noon and is e tin v 
Hit away to the homes of tired labor. They perch upon tie 
upon the table and the chair and the shelf and the ill,, and lie pil- 
low, ami sing then sweet songs in the ear ol tired lahor, and it is be- 
guiled ot it- | hi in and ..inks p. rest. In the morning laboi rises refreshed ; 
it takes Up its burden, and thus ever goes on the round; and at night. 

labor is again tired, ami as ii goes to itshome the sweet Binging birds are 

there Io well ie d and solace the hours ot weariness None ran say 

how much labor owes to Governoi Strata No one can know, except 

those here, bow mm h this company, how much this city, how mueh we 

"And now, Mr. President, I cannot forbear to say tor myself, that, 

through all these forty y - that I have been beside my friend yonder, 

he has never forfeited my esteem, m\ respeet, my all., tioii and my hoe, 
and I think I have always received his , and you may judge, Mr, Presi- 
dent, how sad it is to me to see him now, like some greal .tup that has 

feted the waves and sailed forth triumphantly, laid on the shore. I 

am glad to see that she lies so easih and so quietly, and may it be a 
great while before her timbers shall he broken up and she disappeai in 

lie -.111,1 

•Hut, Ml I'le.idelit, "i ■ner.itiolis pn-s nwav, and I now iiol lei, 

men in this city flint were here when 1 came. I stand almost alone. I 

stand with you, sir, and with u few others ; hut our friends and we shall 

"I d i know that I have anything further to add, but to repeat 

what my friend has said in the resolution. Long may it be before the 
sun shall finally go down on my friend. May his last days be his best 

days; and when his sun shall finally set, may the rays stream loll,,. 
zenith in one bright llame, a fitting emblem of a well-spent life." 

After a lung and weary sickness, Governor Straw 
died October 23, 1882, but his memory is still green 
in the Slate he served, in the city he helped tit build 
and among the friends he loved. 



. ,11 III! 



lis funeral business was 
iliniit tin' city, the Amos- 
d hundreds til' his fellow- 
tn Church, where the body 



On the afternot 
generally auspendei 
keag Mills were cli 
rii izens visited the 
lav in state. 

Mr. Straw was emphatically a great man, not only 
in his profession, in which lie towered far above 
nearly all others, hut in till the various positions to 
which lie was called. He was not known as a. brilliant 
or a sharp man. He had little need of the helps 
which other men gain by dazzling or outwitting 
friends or foes; for there was a massiveness about 
him, a solid strength, which enabled him to carrj out 
great plans by moving straight on over obstacles 
which other men would have been compelled to re- 
move or go around. His mind was broad, deep and 
comprehensive; he had rare good judgment, great self- 
reliance and a stability of purpose which seldom 
failed. He was peculiarly fitted for the management 
of vast enterprises. His plans were far-reaching and 
judicious, and his executive ability was equal to the 
successful carrying out of whatever his mind pro- 
jected and his judgment approved. 

For twenty-five years he carried business burdens 
which would have crushed almost any hall-dozen 
strong men. He was agent of the Amoskeag corpora- 
tion, having in his charge its millions of dollars, its 
thousands of operatives, its acres of streets and build- 
ings, its numerous water-powers and till its costly 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



extensions and improvements, besides the daily opera- 
tions at its factories. Jlc was < rovernor of the State, 
and answered for two years all the exactions made 
upon the occupant of that position. He was a rail- 
road president, president of an insurance company, 
president of the gas company and a director and lead- 
ing spirit in several other moneyed institutions. He 
was a public-spirited citizen, whoso time was always 
at theserviceoi the community in which he lived; 
but with all these duties, he neglected none, postponed 
none, failed in none. He had gnat opportunities 
and he left no one of them unimproved. In the 
management of the Amoskeag corporation he found 

i i for the display of magnificent abilities, and the 

uninterrupted success and growth of that corporation, 
not only in seasons of general prosperity, but at times 
when nearly till others failed, attest how grandly he 
planned and how well he executed. 

As Governor, he entirely justified the confidence 
that Secured his election, giving to the people the full 
benefit of his integrity, industry, sound sense and 
great business abilities, and leaving a record which 
will always be a credit to the State ; and in the dis- 
charge of the numerous other public trusts committed 
to him, he added constantly to his reputation as a man 
in whose hands any interest was both safe and for- 
tunate. He had great knowledge of men and read 
character at a glance, so that in selecting his hun- 
dreds of assistants he seldom made a mistake. He 
possessed vast stores of i ii formation upon a multitude 
of subjects, which he had acquired by extensive read- 
ing and observation, and was able to use it upon 
occasion with great effect. He had decided views 
upon all current events and till matters connected 
with his business, and could state his opinions most 
clearly, compactly and convincingly. He spoke 
easily, but without any attempt at rhetorical display, 
and wrote without apparent effort in plain, vigorous 
language, which contained no surplusage. He was a 
willing and liberal helper to any object which he ap- 
proved, and there was nothing narrow or bigoted 
about him to confine his benefactions to his own sect, 
party or nationality. He was a genial, entertaining 
and always instructive companion, a good neighbor 
and a true friend. Manchester was proud of E. A. 
Straw, and, whenever occasion ottered, delighted to 
honor him. He has been one of her citizens during 
most of her history as a city, and it is safe to say no 
other man contributed more to her rapid growth and 
progress in all profitable and pleasant directions than 
he. He always remembered, too, that he was a 
citizen of Manchester, and did not allow any antagon- 
ism between her interests and those of the corporation 
he represented, but worked constantly and zealously 
for the good of both. Her people were not slow to 
respond to this feeling, and there has existed from the 
start the utmost cordiality and unity of purpose, 
which have contributed in no small degree to the ad- 
vantage of both city and corporation. For his potent 



influence in this direction, Governor Straw will long 
be gratefully remembered. 

Stark Mills.— This corporation was chartered in 
1838, with a capital of five hundred thousand dollars, 
and commenced operations in the same year. In 1845 
the capital was increased to seven hundred and fifty 
thousand dollars, in 1846 to one million, in 1847 to 
one million two hundred and fifty thousand. They 
own fifteen acres of land, occupied for mills, boarding- 
house and overseers' blocks, etc. The goods manu- 
factured are cotton and linen, the latter product being 
in the form of crash and toweling, while the cotton 
goods are sheetings, drillings, duck and bags, the 
latter being known as the "seamless bag-," being 
woven in one piece. 

Phinehas Adams was agent from 1 S47 to 1881. He 
was succeeded by Mr. S. N. Bourne, the present 
agent. 

President. William Amory ; Clerk, C. A. Hovey ; 
Treasurer, Edmund Dwight; Directors, William 
Amory. .1. Ingersoll Bowditch, Lewis Downing, Jr., 
T. Jefferson Coolidge, John L. Bremer, J. Lewis Stack- 
pole, Roger Wolcott ; Agent, Stephen N. Bourne. 

Manchester Mills. — This corporation was organ- 
ized in 1839, with a capital of one million dollars, for 
the manufacture of dress goods. The Amoskeag Com- 
pany had previously made the fabric for delaines in 
their mill at Hooksett, but the printing was done else- 
where. In 1846 the first mill for the printing of de- 
laines was erected, which went into operation the next 
year. In 1847 the property was sold to a corporation 
which was chartered the previous year, with a capital 
of one and a half million dollars, under the name of 
the Merrimack Mills, which was afterwards changed 
to the Manchester Print-Works, and its capital in- 
creased to eighteen hundred thousand dollars. In 
1873 it was reincorporated, under the name of the 
Manchester Print-Works and Mills, with a capital of 
two million dollars, and in 1*74 the name was changed 
to the Manchester Mills. 

The corporation owns about forty-three acres of 
land in all, a part of which is on the west side of the 
river. It has six mills, containing two thousand seven 
hundred looms, and leases forty mill-powers of the 
Amoskeag Company. The goods manufactured are 
principally worsted dress goods and prints. 

President, Samuel R. Payson ; Clerk, Josiah 8. Shan- 
non ; Treasurer, John C. Palfrey; Directors, Samuel 
It. Payson, William 11. Hill, Moody Currier, Benjamin 
P. Cheney, William 0. Grover, Joseph H. White, 
Jacob Edwards; Agent, Charles D. McDuffie; Super- 
intendent of Printing Department, Benjamin C. Dean. 

Langdon Mills. — This corporation was chartered 
in 1857,and organized in 1860. Its capital stock was 
two hundred thousand dollars, which was subsequently 
increased to five hundred thousand. It has two mills, 
one of which was formerly used as a paper-mill, the 
other having been built in 1868 by the company. 
Eight hundred looms and thirty-seven thousand five 



MANCHESTER. 



83 



hundred spindles arc operated. They manufacture 
shirtings and sheetings. 

President, William Amory ; Clerk, William L. Kil- 
ley; Treasurer, Charles W. Amory; Directors, Wil- 
liam Amory, Henry B. Rodgers, John R. Brewer, 
John L. Bremer, William P. Mason, < '. W. Amory; 
Agent, William 1, Killey. 

The Amory Manufacturing Company was 
chartered July 1, 1879, with a capital of nine hundred 
thousand dollars. During that year building opera- 
tions wen- vigorously pushed, and the mill was finished 
and work commenced in the fall of 1880. The mill 
has fifty-six thousand spindles and fourteen hundred 
and twenty loom,, and employs eighl hundred oper- 
atives. The goods manufactured are tine and medium 
shirtings, sheetings and jeans. 

President, William Amory ; Clerk, ( tilbert P. Whit- 
man ; Treasurer, •'. W. Amory; Directors, William 
\moi\, Daniel Clark, T. Jefferson Coolidge, John L. 
Bremer, <i. A. Gardner, Channing Clapp, F. 1. 
Amory ; Agent, < r. 1'. Whitman. 

Namaske Mills.— This corporation was organized 
as the Amoskeag Duck and Bag-Mills in 1856, and ten 
years later the name was changed to Namaske Mills. 
In is;/, the property passed into the hands of the 
Amoskeag Company, by whom it is now managed. 
The goods manufactured are principal^ ginghams 
and shirting flannels. Mr. William li. Webster, the 
superintendent for many years, resigned in < (ctober, 
1883. He was succeeded by Mr. .1. Walter Wells. 

Derry Mills. — This corporation was organized in 
1865, with a capital of one hundred thousand dollars. 
Mr. S. 1!. Payson is now proprietor, and George F. 
Lincoln the agent. The property comprises three 
mills on the Cohas Brook, at Goffe's Falls. 

The P. C. Cheney Paper Company carries on an 
extensive business in the manufacture of manilla and 
card-hoard paper in its mills at Amoskeag. This com- 
pany also does a large business in waste of all kinds, 
and has a largetrade in paper manufactured elsewhere. 
It has pulp-mills ,n Goffstown and Peterborough. 

Person C. Cheney.' — The Cheney genealogy is 
traced from England to Roxbury (Boston Highlands), 
Mass., and from Roxbury to Newburyport, some of 
the family being thereas early as 1680. 

Deacon Elias Cheney, born in Old Newbury, Feb- 
ruary L'O, 1741, settled quite early in lite in Thornton, 
N. II., and died there in 1805, at the age of eighty-six. 
Deacon Elias Cheney.son of the above andfatherof 
Deacon Moses ( 'licney. also lived and died in Thorn- 
ton. The latter died in Ashland (formerly Holder- 
ness) in 1875. 

Person Colby Cheney was the son of Deacon Moses 
and Abigail (Morrison) Cheney, who were types of 
the God-fearing, < 1 oil -serving, clear headed and strong- 
bodied men and women of the earlier days. 
Their intelligence, industry and integrity won the 



respect of all with whom they ever had acquaintance. 
Thej taught their children (live SOUS and six daugh- 
ters), by precept and example, how to succeed in 

broader fields, and gave them as an inheritance, in the 
place of great wealth, good sense, trie hearts ami will- 
ing hands. 

Of the sons. Rev. Oren I!. Cheney (founder and 
president of Bates < lollege, Lewiston, Me. i is the oldest. 
The second son is Moses Cheney, a retired paper manu- 
facturer, now living in I lenniker. N. II. T he I hird is 
the late Charles i '■. Cheuey, a graduate of Dartmouth, 
class of '48, who read law with Nesmith & Pike, of 
Franklin, and settled in Peterborough, dying in 1862. 
The fifth i- Elias EL I heney, proprietor of the Lebanon 
Free Press, and at the present time a State Senator. 

The subject of this paper is the fourth son, He 
was horn in Holderness (now Ashland). February 25, 
1828. In L835 his father, one of the pioneers in the 
paper-making industry of New Hampshire, sold his 
mill in Holderness and moved to Peterborough, where 
he, in company with the late A. P. Morrison, hi^, 



l By Henry SI. I'utii.-... 



his oldest brother) he received the education and 
training which have enabled him to reach the promi- 
nent positions helms occupied in business, political 
and social life. 

Early learning paper-making in all its details, at the 
age of se\ eiitecn he was placed in charge of I lie estab- 
lishment by those who had purchased it of his father, 

who at this time returned to Holderness. In this posi- 
tion he succeeded so well that in eight years, in com 

pany with two other gentlemen, he built i ther mill, 

Of W hich, at a later daj . he became side proprietor. He 
continued to make paper at Peterborough, gradually 

enlarging his business ami engaging to s e extent in 

other enterprises, until 1866, when he formed a partner- 
ship with Thomas L.Thorpe, of Manchester, for the sale 
of paper slock and the manufacture of paper, I he mills 

of the company being located a1 A skeag, in Man 

Chester and at Goffstown. This partnership was suc- 
ceeded bj one of which Mr. Cheney, Dr. E. M. Tubbs 

and Hon. Ira ( iross were members, and upo ■ death 

of Dr. Tubbs, in 1878, by the P. C. Cheney Company ( 
which now owns and operates I he pulp- mi lis at Peter- 

I Igh and Goffstown, the pulp and paper mill at 

Amoskeag, and extensive timber tracts in the town of 
Washington. The mills of the company produce 
seven tons of paper dailj . and gh e emploj ment to one 
hundred and fifty operatives. 

Of this company Mr. ( 'henev. who was its creator and 
who owns most of its stock, is treasurer and manager. 

It is one of the largest, best-known, most reliable 
and popular business concerns of the Slate. It- 

name is everywhere synony s with honesty, honor 

and solvency. The qualities which have enabled Mr. 
Chenej to build up this great industry hold it steady 
in hand and keep it strong and growing in the worst 



84 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



of panics, .is well as in g 1 times, characterize him 

in all the relations of life, and make him a controlling 
power wherever good advice is wauled and hard work 
is in lie done. These same qualities made him a 
leader ill the Republican party in its early days, and 
thej have kept him among the few to whom it always 
looks for help when wise councils and judicious man 

ageilienl are required to insure sneeess. 

In 1853 he represented Peterborough in the Legis- 
lature. In 1861- ii- his time and his money were freelj 
ami zealously spenl to make for New Hampshire the 
record which is her greatest glory. In 1862 he nil', red 

s to the government, and was assigned to 

duty as quartermaster of tin- Thirteenth Reg ml 

Exposure and overwork in the Fredericksburg 
campaign brought mi a long and dangerous illness, 

IV which his friends did not expect him to rally. 

The nursing of a devoted wife, however, brought him 
back to Hii'. and after a long period id' suffering, in 
health and strength, but nut until the cause of the 
Onion was won and lie- war was uver. 

In 1864 he was elected a railroad commissioner and 
served three years. When he removed to Manchester, 
in 1867, the people of that city gave him a heart} 
weh, him. In 1873 the Republicans, being then out of 
power in city and State, insisted mi his accepting a 
mayoralty nomination, and, finally consenting, he was 
elected mayor by a large majority, his election paving 
the way I'm the redemption of the State the next spring. 
Mr. < Iheney declined a renomination tor mayor in 1872. 

In 1875 the Republican State < invention met under 
-i discouraging circumstances. Their opponents 

had carried the State the year before, and had in- 
trenched themselves in power by every device 
known to political cunning, audacitj and determi- 
nation. Man\ Republicans were of the opinion 
that it was useless to try lo eleei a State ticket, and 
all of them felt thai it was only with a leader of great 
resources and .launtli'ss courage that they had even a 
fighting chance. -Mr. Chenej being nominated as 
such a leader, with great reluctance accepted the 
nominal inn. How wisely the convention judged was 
shown 1>.\ the result, which was the defeat of the 
Democratic candidate for Governor and the election 
of a Republican Senate and House. There being no 
election of Governor b) the people, Mr. Gheney was 

chosen by t lit- Legislature. 

The in si year he was nominated and re-elected by 
a handsome majority of the popular vote. 

In the long line of executives, the Stale has had none 

who discharged the duties of the office more faith- 
fully, with better judgment or more to the satisfaction 

ol all classes, and he retired universally esteemed. 

He ha- since devoted himself to his private busi- 
ness, declining further political preferment. He is 
always ready and willing, however, to render any 
service which maj contribute to the success of the 
party in whose principles he thoroughly believes. 

Mr. Chenev is a Unitarian whose faith is reflected 



in his works. He is a Royal Arch .Mason and a mem- 
ber of the order of Odd-Fellows. 

lie married, in 1850, MissS. Anna M v, who died 

Januarj 8, 1858, having no children. 

In June, 1859, he married .Mrs. Sarah White Keith, 

to whose de\ n, grace and aci plishmentshe owes 

much of the success and happiness of his busy life. 

He has one child, Agnes Anna Cheney, horn Octo- 
ber 22, 1869, who is now at school in Washington. 

Ik- resides in an elegant home in Manchester, in 
which a hearty and refined hospitality greets everj 
visitor, and from which there goes out to everj good 
cause that his neighbors and fellow-townsmen are 
engaged in, generous and unostentatious help. 

The Amoskeag Paper-Mill is one of the best in the 
State, with the finest machinery and all modern im- 
provements. The proprietors are John Hoyt <& Co. 

Olzendam's Hosiery-Mill is located in Mechanics' 
Row. 

Manchester Locomotive-Works. -For an account 
of this establishment, see biographj of Aretas Blood. 

Manchester Gas-Light Company was chartered 
in 1850. Capital stock, one hundred thousand dollars. 
The works are situated in the southern part of the 
city, near the Manchester and Lawrence Railroad, on 
a lot of land lour hundred feet square. The companj 
has also, at the north end, near the Langdon corpora- 
tion, a gas-holder to regulate the supplj and pressure. 
The annual product of gas is about sixty-five million 
cubic feet, together with five thousand chaldrons of 
i oke and one thousand barrels of coal-tar. 

Miscellaneous Manufactures. Lowell's Iron 
Foundry, corner of Auburn and t anal Streets ; Corey 's 

Needle- Works, corner of « 'one. ml and Maple Streets; 

.lames Baldwin & Co., West Manchester, bobbins, 

spools, shuttles, etc.; Austin, Johnson A. Co d 

blind, sash and bracket-making; A. ( '. Wallace. 
West Manchester, boxes; Manchester Chair Com- 
pany, chairs and tables; Kimball & Gerrish, corner 
Elm ami Bridge Streets, roll-skin manufacturers; 
Hutchinson Brothers, iron and wood-working machin- 
ery rge A. Leighton, Forsaith's building, manu- 
facturer of knitting-machines ; Sanborn < larriaget ' - 

pany and J. B. McCrillis & Son, carriages ; Bisco & 
Denny, card-clothing manufacturers; Carney & 
Co., brewers, at Bakersville ; < '. I'.. Bradley, Me- 
i 1 1 i n ii 3' Row, and John T. Woodward, Franklin Street, 
roll-covering; S. A. Felton and the Manchester Brush 
Company, brooms and brushes; the Granite State 
Plating Company; Manchester Pottery- Works; J. A. 
Y. Smith, manufacturer of fliers ; Forsaith Machine 
( lompany, and others. 

Samuel Caldwell Forsaith. Robert I'm 
saith, the father of the subject of this sketch, 
was a farmer and lived in Goffstowu, N. II. He 
married Elizabeth Caldwell, who bore him seven 
children. Samuel C. was born in Goffstowu Septem 
her 29, 1827. His boyhood was passed on the faun, 
where he assisted in the work. His educational ad- 







c_yCo>W^ 



MANCHESTER. 



vantages were those afforded by the common schools 
of his native town. At an early age he became inter- 
ested in mechanical work, was quick to comprehend 
the intricacies of machinery, and at the age of fifteen 
had constructed and set up on the bank of the river 
near his home a miniature saw-mill, complete in all 
its parts and in running order, At the age of seven- 
teen he left home and went to Manchester, N. H., 
then ;< town of about five thousand inhabitants, and 
entered the machine-shop of the old Amoskeag Mill 
as an apprentice. His close attention to his duties 
here showed his fondness lor his chosen trade, and 

his subsequent success showed the wisdo I' his 

choice. His frugal habits enabled him to live on a 
salary that at the present time would not suffice for 
even the most unskilled labor. Thrown out of em- 
ployment by a destructive lire, he next worked in the 
Stark Mills until September 1. 1850, when he went to 
Milt'.. rd, X. II.. to take charge of the machine repair- 
shops connected with the cotton-mills of that place, 
remaining eight years, when he went to Biddeford, 
M... as foreman of the Saco Water-Power Machine- 
Shop, where he stayed for two years. In 1860 he 
determined to go into business on bis own account, 
and with this purpose in view, returned to Manchester 
and hired an upper room in the shop of the Manches- 
ter Scale- Works. In this room, without other capital 
than his determination to succeed, he started. His 
first job here was the manufacture ..I' hay-cutters, in 
which he was so successful that he resolved to make 
a push for business, and sent out a large number ..I' 
cards announcing that he was prepared to do all 
kinds of job-work. Gradually his business increased, 
and at the end of the year he was furnishing employ- 
ment for four journeymen. During the second year 
he secured a vacant shop adjoining the scab-works, 
win h he -..on found none to., large to accommodate 
him. Soon after moving into the new quarters he 
bought a patent machine for folding newspapers. 
Thi' original owners had been unable to make the 
machine work. Mr. Forsaithsaw that the design was 
practical, and set about perfecting ii. which he did 
successfully. In order to make the folder a financial 
success it must he put to practical test, and to this 
end Mr. Forsaith visited the chief newspaper offices 
in the leading cities, representing the merits of the 
machine, and succeeded in placing a sufficient num- 
ber to warrant a very general test. Perfect satisfaction 
was given, and the orders for these machines came in 
fast. Besides the manufacture of the folders, the 
building of circular saw-mills, shafting, mill-gearings, 
water-win els. etc., gave constant employment to the 
regular force of twelve workmen. That he might 
meet the requirements of his job-work, and also t.. 
keep pace with the demand for the folders, in 1863, 
Mr. Forsaith took a lease of the entire scale-works 



and enlarged his working force. In 1867, becoming 
crowded for room, a new shop was built, which is now 
the main building of the present set of buildings, 
which cover an acre and a half, tilled with busy 
mechanics and machinery for meeting the multiplying 
demands of what has come to be the largest business 
of its kind in the State. In 187^, Mr. William E. 
Drew (who had been an apprentice in this shop) was 
taken into partnership. The concern docs its own 
printing, and issues quarterly an edition of some 
twelve thousand catalogues, which are mailed to all 
parts of the world. The pay-roll of this establish- 
ment furnishes an average of four thousand live hun- 
dred dollars per month. In May, 1884, the business 
bad become so extensive and the care and responsi- 
bility so great that it was decided to organize this 
great industry intoa stock company under the general 
laws of New Hampshire, capitalizing with two hun- 
dred and seventy-five thousand dollars, ami the com- 
pany is now under the management of officers chosen 
by i he hoard of directors, and is in a flourishing con- 
dition. The history of this industry, from its small 
beginning to its present magnitude, is a fitting and 

well-deserved tribute to the energy, thrift and g 1 

judgment of Mr. Forsaith, and shows what a resolute 
purpose can accomplish. In politics Mr. Forsaith 
w;ts a Democrat, and took an active part in the coun- 
cils of this party. He was also a prominent member 
of the Masonic fraternity, an Odd-Fellow, an officer 
of the Amoskeag Veterans and a charitable and kind- 
hearted citizen, whose loss will be fell wherever he 
was known. 

Mr. Forsaith was twice married, — first, to Nancy 
W. Pierce, February 20, 1848, from which union 
there were three boys, — Frank I'., George B. and 
William, who are now living. Nancy W. died April 
21, 1871. Hi- second wife was ( 'lata J., daughter of 
Colonel J. C. and Clara J. Smith, to whom be was 
married December :!•'!, 1875. From this union there 
are also three boys, — Samuel ('., Jr., born December 
1(1, 187(1; Clarence S., born February 11), 1878; Dar- 
win .1., horn October 19,1880. In the winter of 1884, 
Mr. Forsaith took a trip to the Bermuda Islands, 
accompanied by his wife, seeking rest and recre- 
ation, and after a short visit returned to his home in 
Manchester, and after a short stop he started to visit 
the World's Fair at New Orleans, where he bad a 
large exhibit. On his journey home, while on the 
cats, he was stricken with apoplexy. On reaching 
the city of Philadelphia he was taken to the hospital 
of the Jefferson Medical (..liege, where he died 
March :!:!, 1885. His funeral, from his late residence, 
in Manchester, was attended by the various civil and 
military organizations of which he was a member 
and by many of the prominent citizens of Manches- 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



CHAPTER V I. 

.\IA\riLKSTEk-(fW,„„ t ,/». 



Kl'l I.PSIASTICAL HISTOID . 



Surly rliiuvh History Contention and ]i 
Periu. 1— First Congregational church — 
Baptist Church— M< n iniaek Street Dap! 
Will BapUst Church— Merrimack Streel 

Hist Methodist lip,-, ,|,al Cliurch-St 

! 






tGhurch— First 
il . Street Free- 

odist Episcopal 
< fourch— Grace 



licCh in h. -.. St. Inn's, St. Joseph 8, 
SI lugustine (French), St. Marie (French), Christian Church— St. 
James Methodisl Bpiscopa! Church— Second Idvent Society— City 
ttissionarj Societj I oion Congregational Church, West Manchester 
-Spiritualisl Soi letj Gt rman I hun b of the New Jet 
Swedish I.v.ii._.-ii ..I I. utl, ,-,.,„ cimivi,— Kirs! Presbyterian Church 

The early ecclesiastical history of this town is a his- 
tory of contention and litigation, and to such tin ex- 
tent was this continual strife carried that at one time 
its baneful influence seriously retarded the settlement 
of the place. 

The following is principally the record history of 
this season of unrest and discord. In 1752 a move- 
ment was made for the settlement of a minister, and 
in the warrant calling the annual town-meeting of 
that year was the following : 

"To see it the town will Joyn with the town of Bedford In Giving mr. 

mcDoel n Call lo the worke of the ministry Between t».. i„«ij an, I 

to Do and act in that attairtliat the town shall think proper.' 

.March 5th, it was 

" Voted, to giv.- i.u. i.,rl>.„icii a Cauell t.. the work of the ministry, 

Kather to doyen Moth Celt,,,,! ,„■ b, ,,n, s,-l,,. 

" lot.,/, .I...hu Ili.hll, Vh-xan.l.T niomurphoy, I S 

Prosequi th. given o( mr .... H..11I a Cau.-ll t., the work ef the niin.-steiv 
to Joyn woth the town of Bedford or seprat and Distink bi 



They complied with the wishes of the petitioners, 
and issued the following warrant to the constable of 
Derryfield: 



e, Constable of said 



April 20, 17.".::. it was 



Nothing further appears on the town records rela- 
tive to the call to Mr. McDowell. 

By the records of Bedford it appears that a call was 
given by Bedford to Mr. .McDowell. March 28, 17.".:;. 
it was unanimously 



But the records of the town show nothing further 
in relation to him. 

As early as 17">4 the town voted to build a meeting- 
house, and to locate the same on the land near John 
Hall's house. This location produced much ill-feel- 
ing, and on the 3d of February, 1755, thirty of the 
inhabitants petitioned the selectmen to call a meeting, 
on the 20th of the same month, to reconsider the vote 
locating the meeting-house and raising money to 1. nil. 1 
the same; but the majority of the selectmen refused 
to call the said meeting, thus denying the aforesaid 
inhabitants a plain and legal right. This refusal of 
the selectmen produced great excitement, and the in- 
habitants aggrieved petitioned Joseph Blanchard and 
Matthew Thornton, two justices of the peace for the 
province, to call a meeting of the inhabitants, as pro- 
vided by law. 



"TuBeuja. Iladley of D. i ry Ii. I.I in the sd Provin 

town, Greeting, 

" " ' '.- it has I, ,•,-.,, i,...,,, | i,, app.-el to US the Subscribers, t\v,, ,.f his 

Majestes justes of th.- I'. ,., , l -,| Province, ( I „.-.- thai Thirty of 

the freeholders and Inhabitants of the sd town of Derryfield, I | th. il 

K- .pi.-t signed l.y ye -I Inhabitants and freeholder- made telle- mai'i 

Partol the Selectmen of Derryfield aforesaid. When togetl 

thir.l Instant Deliver and present such application in writing for the- 
Calling a meeting of the Inhabitants of -1 town to be held on thi 20th 
e„r't for the following Am, lee 

"First to see if the town w.eil.l l;,., ..nsider ye Vote Relating i, r l.e 
choice of a meeting-house pi .- e and make the same null and void. 

" M '" '"-"" i' tie town wool. I He,-,„,si.ler that i,. to for Raising mony 
for Building a meeting-house and ordet that yi Constabl. Omit hisCol- 
1. . tin- the Same and .lis, Larue the Several! freeholders and Inhabitents 
ti""l -a. h pail ,.t lie- l'n.-« in ..- j,:., t I as shall then he thot 

Best and that the sd Selecfn did on the said 3d day oi Feby, Cui ill hi- 

reasonably refuse and ,1. .u the Calling a eting for the Propritora 

-.1 i. -daie] ye sd freeholders and Inhabitants have applyed onto us for 
warm, for the Calling ,..f the freeholders and Inhabitant's „f Derryfield 

aforesd for ye doing ol the Bu as aforesd to be held on ye first Day of 

march next,— at v.- h,,.,so ..I John Coir,-. K-.p. 

"'I !.,-.- are Therefor in his ma.iyt name to Re.piiro and Command veil 
th- -d . oiisial.l..- t,. Notiti.-aii.l wain the freehold,-,- and Inhabitants of 

sd town of Derryfield, that they assemble at the house ol 

I-:-.|i ill D.-rnli, 1,1 .doles', |, ,,„ s,n. ,,l„v the tir-t day of March ui.xt at 

ten o'clock foren i, then and there to act on tin- follow in- arti. !.-.. 

"First to see if the town will Reconsider the Vote Relating to the 

'-' ' ■' i ting-house place and mak.- ye same null and void. 

^'~ - '" -' " if the low ii will Reconsidei thai Vote for Raisaing ney 

for Buldinga meeting-liouse and order the Constable omit hi- , ,11,-, i,ng 
the sane- and discharge ye Severall freeholders and Inhabitants from 

such part .,f the taxes m Some proper thod as shall then be ft I > est 

li'ie of tail,- not and make due return. Given Under om |,., 
at .Mori una,- tin- six day ot 1'eh. IT.".... 

"Josi en iii is. ii -.,,,, , ,i„ 1 ,,. peace 



The meeting was duly held on the 1st day of 
March, 1755, and it was voted to reconsider the vote 
"making choice of a meeting-house place," and also 
to reconsider the vote raising money for building the 
meeting-house. 

The following protest was presented and em, red 
upon the record : 

" Id. mm in d, March ye 1st IT .5. 

"Wee, ye under Subscribers! holders I Inhabitants of ye town oi 

Derryfield, for Divers and weight] Reasons do Bntei oui D, 

and plea, e < lonvenient 

" RoBERt Id I, I :-, 

I: \\i, rii-.s 

" Alk.xe. M.'Ci.ixr... k. 

"WlLLM. I , 

"Willi. McCunto. r 

' JOHS , 

"WA1 I I'll II 1. II .nil IMC 
"8.1111. M 1. I 1 Mil IX. 



It seems that a majority at this meeting we 
posed to the erecting of a house of worship. I.ui op- 
posed the location. 

"DERRYFIELL, Aueiiest ye JT IT'S. 

1 ' ''■' - """■> "i the town ol Di run- Id. Gentlemi n. I' holders 

and Inhabitants of said town, w,- the under subs, rib.-,-.- I, kin- , . , ., , , . „,-. 

, a great Disadvantage l',,| want of a plea f Public Wor- 
ship, as we have rising fameleys which cannot at.-nd at otl 
as it would he eu, oragemenl f-.i ministers to i om and pi. -a. I, unto u- if we 
were toiw.,,,1 in iiMtin. a pk lorthe public worship* of Cod ourselves. 



MANCHESTER. 



• Capt. Alexr. McMl 
John Hall. 
Robert Anderson. 
James Riddoll. 
Samuel Boyd. 
John Dii k' I 
Binjimiu Stivins. 
John Eiddell. 
James Humphri y. 
Hugh Stirling. 



Slid..- II M.l.'lmloi I, 
Kobrt Dicky. 
John mirrall. 
James Piters. 
William I'll. 
William Nutt. 
Jamea in-ir^e. 
John Harvey. 
Win perham, Jr. 
Thorns Hall." 



On the 2d of September, L758, a warrant was issued 
for a town-meeting, at the barn of John Hall, on the 
21st of the same month : 



■T if tlu 



i r i . I inhabitant- .>! the 



mil. I said nicotine li..i:-.. 



--J, ,-,e what sp,.t of ground the tuwu would \ 

"To see how much money the town would \ 

the Mil. I I ting-house. 

"To see what dimensions they would vote to 

"To see if the town would vote to choose n . 

building of said tin- I -. 

"To see if the tow n would vote t.. raise any 



At the meeting Captain Alexander McMurphy was 
moderator, and it was 

« Yoted to build the meeting-house on John Mull, land joining the 

,■ i leading to 1 nomas Hall ■ Ferrj and the \ Bkeag I alls 

■• Voted i,, raise -iv hundred pounds in carry on tie- building the said 

"Poted! se the said meeting-house forty feet in length, and thirty- 

five feet in bn 

" 1 -..'..■■ Capt. Willi., in Perham ami Lt Hugh Sterling ami John Hall 
the oneuuit too to carry on the buihlirie. of the above said meeting-house '' 

A frame was put up, but nothing further was dene. 
People refused to pay their taxes, and the committee 
could make no progress. 

At a meeting. July 15, 1759, it was 



|.i i. I I Hi.. Selectmen in tile year 17o(>, shal 

to pay the money borrowed as the present Seleetiuei 
power in law to collect the Baid money from the fie. 
t.uiis ..I tie. town." 

At tin adjourned meeting it was 



" I'otVdto reeulisidel lie ' vote that the Selectmen borrow the i. y, 

and \uted thai I'apt.W illiam I'erlialn, Levt. HughStirlingand Levi John 
Hall are impowered by the freeholders and inhabitants of the town of 

I'. 1 1 , In I I ... I ..rr..\\ Ihc sum of four hundred and tvventv tlnec i Is. 

six shillings old tenor, and to paj intereBl such as they can hire the 
above money for, and all their tune and expenses paid by the said town 

as well as the above SU1 bundled and twenty-three pound- six 

shillings old tenor. 

'• X. It.— Till su. h tun ■ as n„. a bo?e sum i s paid to them by tin- afore- 
said freeholders and inhabitants of -aid town." 

The money was hired and the accounts paid off. 
"Agreabel to a vote ol the free boulden and [nhabitantes of Derry- 

I'teld at a meeteing held in the Ineeting-Holise of Sd town, N.ivm la, 

1759, Voted, one ye third artical ol the Warrent to Record the moneay 

that was Collected In the year 17.'>s and the following Sonnies as they 

in.. Corlei ted foi tin Buldi u tie' ting-1 s In Derryfield and eache 

.-..in.. ..I ii i what hie I'eayes to the a lol Sd llie, tlllg- 

le. u. s which Kache mans and Sonm is Wear Set Down In the follow e ,.i.i. i 



■ Tliis t 



■ tie a 



held 1 



li.-e.er pays Hue inoiiev t.. II". above said meeting-house 
in s and sums of money the) paj recorded in Den-y- 

of records " 



The building committee was accused of mismanage- 
ment, and at a meeting, November 15, 1759,— 

" Voted 3 men a committee to examine tie a. ml- ..1 tie' committi 6 

that was . lioseii to build ..or meeting-house in -aid town. 
" Voted Michael McClintock, John Harvey, and David Starrer!, the 

Clllinittee to exallline tl.e I 1 llfs of t lie , llei I 1 1 1 g-1 1 o I 

have pec led 111 I. ml. liiii of said house. 

" Vot> I to record the six hundred pounds old tenor that was collet ted 

in 1758, and the following sums as they me collected for building the 

i ing-house and each man's name and s what he pays to 

the aforesaid house. 

" Voted to allow all the committee'" account-, a- line brought them in 
before the town, in time and money spent by them in building ..ur meet- 
ing-house in said town, ... I.u a- ili.v leu. pi,. ,ed. d in said building. 

" I ,./..( nit to underpin our meeting-house al present but to make one 
door this year." 

At a town-meeting, December 3, 1759, it was 

" Pofed not t licet any more money from the town this year to- 
wards tie meeting-house. 

" Voted to borrow what remains due for the i tine house to clear off 

the committee's accounts, and pay the interest for the same. 

" IV'ted that the pi. -enl Sele.tineii f.r tile von IT'.'.i borrow money to 
pay off the committee for building the meeting I se -o tar a- they lia\e 



Tin- ,s 1... 



JOI f.'V I" 16 

.ll.lll.-ril.e- 7 17 

James Piters II', 111 

Joseph Gorge '' 

David Mcknight .... 7 HI 

William N'utte in II 

holm In. I.c 8 i 

John Cunagham .... n B 

Hoses 17 rd t' 8 

Widow Boyd :; is 

Samuel Boyd in la 

\i,i Mi ' In. tuck. ... I" 15 
William Perham . ... Ill :; 

John Secomb 7 s 

l.oit. John Hall ... in 2 

Thomas Hall nil 

L.\ t. John Goffe .... fl 13 
William Smith ... .00 
.lanes Moor- Ears [!>■ <Ys) ti 17 

Siz.i Grifen 8 3 

Ezekiel Stevens. 
James Willsoll . , 
Havel SI net . . . 



John Tagouli . 

Win. Will 

Stifen Gorge . 



HLST011Y OF HILL 



IBOKOUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Mi rhomas Parker of Litchfield . . 6 A , 

James Wills,,,, in L„. Derry, pd. if South' .' .'.'..'"'' ,„ „ , 

JuhnStuard in L„. I,,rn . I„,f a thousand of Boards. .. .' 

"Recorded per me, John Hah, 

"March ye -J, 1761." „ Tom ,,.„,,. 

Stil] (says Judge Potter, in his excellent "History 
oi Manchester") the house remained unfinished. 
Meanwhile, Mr. Hall was accused of retaining the 
money given by the non-resident land-holders, and at 
a special meeting, held the 15th of December, a com- 
mittee was chosen "to call J,,lm Hall to account for 
the money that he received from gentlemen that has 
Jan, I not settle,! in Derrylicld." 

As this committee made no report, and there was no 
further action up,,,, the subject, il is fair to presume 
that they found no such money in Mr. Hall's hands. 

Thus there was a continual quarrel kept up be- 
tween the parties, sometimes one controlling the 
affairs of the town, and sometimes the other, as the 
partisans happened to be present at the town-meet- 
ings, matters pertaining to the meeting-house and to 
preaching being the subjects of contention. And at 
mi adjourned meeting, held April 2, 1764, the opposi- 
tion on these subjects was carried so far as to vote 
not to raise any money for preaching for the year, and 
not content with this vote, at a special meeting on the 
29th of October following, they voted to apply the 
money already raised for preaching the preceding 
year, and in the hands of a committee, to pay the 

debts of the town. 

Their opposition to the location of the house not 
only prevented the finishing it, but they would not 
have preaching in it ! However, the other party mus- 
tered at the annual meeting, March 4, 1765, in full 
force, and carried things with a high hand, voting 
thai the selectmen furnish preaching for the current 
year at the cost of the inhabitants. Thus there was 
more preaching in the house for 1765 than ever before. 
Such continual strife had a most deleterious effect 
upon the prospects of the town. Emigrants of re- 
spectable Character were very careful to avoid a place 
of so much contention, and the inhabitants them- 
Belves bad less inducement and less time for indus- 
trious pursuits. What with the spring fisheries, 
neighborhood canvassing, personal altercations and 
town-meetings, there was little attention paid to agri- 
cultural pursuits. 

The I, ,11,, wing is the tax-list of this year (1765) the 
orded in the ancient town records: 



Parash Kiihordeson . 

Henry Blasdel .... 

Benjamin Steaviens . . 

Ezekile Stivens 

Sergt. Abraham Merrell 
Abrhan, Merrell, Junr 

Joseph? Gorge 

Job,, Grifeng . . 
Willi,,,,, X,,,,,. 
I apt. John Moor- . . 
Conl. J,, hi, Goffe . . 

San, net Moorrs 

'II utB Newman 

William Tagert 

James McN,gl,i 

David M. (fight .....' 



Elizer Kohens 

William Pirham . . . . . 

John Pirham 

Charless Emerson 

1 ,1 i ! " ey 

William Pirham .luiir . . . 
Michael McClintock .... 

Samuel Boyd 

Nathaniel Boyd 

w iddow Marget Boyd . 

Isabeld McFarlon 

Capt. Alixan.ler M. Murphy 



l,|,r] 



John Heron 

.'a s Perces 

David Stiratt 

S, ,^t. \\ ilium HcClmtocJ 
I'll), H, , llintock .... 

William McClintock J„„ 
John Dickey 



i, 



Davit Been, Junr .... (l 

James Ramiesy, Londonderry . . o 

En. William Bller ' . . ' ,, 

Willi;, ii, smith I, 

.loin, Eacken, I, londerry . ,, 

Robt. McCluer, Lond Jerry .... ,, 

Capt. John Goffe, Jun. Bedford ......' n 

Edward Harry 

Johnathan Mirall ' ' (l 

John Crown « 

■I,,l,n McCallon .... , . ...'"' ,, 

JosephM -rs '. . . . ' o 

Ebinczer Noyes 



•I, , soph Qnimby . 
Samuel Quimby . 
Joseph ,i,,ii, mis . . 



first one ; 
"The copay of th, 



"John Hall 

Widdow Sarah Vndrson 

'"■ns . . 

Joseph (fasten . . 
Li vt Daniel McNieal 

Sa I Stark 

Ensign Janus M, , allow 

Capt J, ,l,„ Stark 

l.'-w. Arrliahald Stark . \ 

John Kiddell 

James Kiddell 

Thomas lluss 

I,, I, nation, Rnss .... 



But a year of preaching did not produce any better 
state of feeling, and both parties prepared for a severe 
cutest at the annual meeting in March, 1766. 

'flic quarrel had now become almost entirely per- 
sonal, and the object of both parties was to elect cer- 
'iii, leading men to office. True, these men were in 
favor of or against certain measures, but the men of 
one party, at least, seem to have been more cared for 
than measures. On the 3d of March the annual meet- 
ing came off at the meeting-house, and the Hall party, 
taking time by the forelock, were present in force at 
the time appointed lor the meeting, and proceeded to 
organize and to choose oflicers. 

The following oflicers were chosen, viz. : John Hall 
moderator; John Hall, town clerk; Alexander 
McMurphy, Ebenezer Stevens, John Hall, selectmen 
James McNight, constable. 



MANCHESTER. 



Alter this successful manoeuvre in the choice of the 
principal town officers, the meeting was adjourned for 
a half-hour to John Hall's tavern. The object of the 
adjournment is not set forth, but as Mr. Hall kept a 
tavern, it may be that they adjourned to enjoj some 
element of rejoicing not found in the meeting-house. 

The adjournment over, the) proceeded to eled 

"Mickael McCIintock, Hendry Blaisd.l, Charleaa Enters Joseph 

Gorge, Surviers of Higways ; Joseph MarsteD, William Nutt, Taything- 
,„ .,, The Selectmen, Fence-viewers; Elizer Robbins, .lames Riddell, 
Deer-Keepers: Ebinezer Stevens, Survier of Lumber; Thomas Russ, 

Sielerof Leather: Mickael McCIintock, Elliezer Robns, C mittee to 

settle with Selectmen ol 1756; The Selectmen, Takers ol Invoice 

Joseph Gorge, John Perham, Si 1 Boyd, Hog Reeves; William Per- 

ham, Clerk "t lb.- Market." 

The meeting then adjourned to the 81st day of 
March. The business was all transacted before the 
arrival of the other party. When they arrived, there 
was no little excitement, ami tiny forthwith proceeded 
to organize the meeting, and to choose officers. After 
the choice of a complete set of town officers, this 
meeting was adjourned. Thus there were two sets of 
town officers. The last set of officers are now un- 
known, as their nanus were not recorded in the town 
records, they being in possession of the opposite party. 
Both sets of officers entered upon their duties and with 
a will. The utmost confusion was the consequence. 
To add to the excitement, a special town-meeting was 
held on the 27th day of June, at which it was voted to 
finish in part the meeting-house, and fence the "/rave- 
yard near it. 

At this time the better part of the community be- 
gan to look about them in all seriousness and examine 
the state of things ; and well they might. The quar- 
rel was fast driving people from the town. 

The following is a letter from Colonel John Goffe 
to ( inventor Wentworth relative to this election : 



" May it please your Excellency 

" I went at the Request of Masons Proprietors to tie' Society Land be- 
tween Pettersborah & Hillsi.,.rah t wh. ■■" tie T re-pa-,, i- leel hen ..t 

work a whose Lots they had Improved a\ ! found they had i li ared, 

rate deal of Timber down, had builta camp upon Solly 4 
Marchesi&on Meservey & Blanchards and your Excellencys Lots on 



the v 



side c 



•el of work 
;ive bnilt a 



The l.Ml.l 



fenced it all In with a Conmderab 

camp on it & aide, qo bod] ww Hen who we were then yet we are 

prity sure that Doc< Perry isthe man that has Trespassed upon your lot & 

petty it is that le should not be prosecuted as he Is the Ringleader of all 

the Rest, the[re], and as sou as they Git to work again I huve 2 i 

gaged to see them at work & acquaint me with the 

is Exceeding Good but I think your K.x.elloneys is superior to any at 

that part of the Society Land and that maid n fellows Oovel it it if 

certainly worth mony— I intended to have-wated upon your Excellency 
when the Info' Cort set. but I hurt my sell when up their with heat and 
laying out in the Wet so that I have not bi n wi II sence I came from 

their.— Your Excellency y Remeiubei that we In Derryfield peti- 

. niiCortfora ittocall a town-l ting foi thechoiceof 

town officers which when [card John Hall with Col" Barr who have 
strived all that is in theii powi i to Injure me of late 4; at the meeting 
Col ' Barr cam on porpos to affront me A Col« Barr Hiereds 
John hall with Large promia 9 i 



er a Trailer at Chester hall 



i Samuel Solley and Clement March. 

2 If Colonel Goffe stated the truth in the foregoing, the practii 

rine- voters is not -u mi.dern. 



Hiereil 1 lime hi g 1 1 nforinatioii to e ■ I" Thieaien his .letters in 

town, it they did not vote for Hall 1 uld not stay upon them &c, ao 

that upon the whole with their Influence hall obtai I eighteen voters 

he side him self and there was eighteen voters on tl pposite side of the 

most substantial men in town so that when they had don all they could 
that could not git hall any office without voting for himaolf not none 

that was chosen that day & several Rec d Deeds from Col" Barr & others 
that day to make them voters which I suppose held tliein no longer than 
that. Night fori am confident they would not Trust them A shilling 
ever expecting to Git it —And aa soon as the meeting wa ovei John Hall 

told Esq' Sheepard the i lcrator that he had Heat Goffe now & he 

would have a commission of the peace In spin- of any hody that should 
..].].. .-. it tn c,,| li.,,, a Maj Emerson and M' Webster with his friends 
at the Bank would procure it for him now maj h please Jour Excel- 
lency it sui h an Insulting fellow (for I have heard him Insult thewhol 
Gover') many times and a man that has Live 30 or h.rty years upon a 
placei could nevei liaise half his provision, to Git that post would 
strive for to make mony by if and put the people into confusion for 
work ho limit Incline to & is allway contriving unjust ways to maintain 
his Luxury & I am very sore yon Excellency never will Give a com- 
,,,..,. r i i . . .1 m hi that wants it for no other end than to Revenge and Git 

mony by it. Therefore I Beg y ' Excellencys favour that John Hall 

nor nun for him may prevail in that Respect. 

"I am your Excellencys most Humble 
A Devoted Servant 

" His Excellency, Govenor Wintworth." 

The following is the tax-list for 1766 : 

"The Copy of the List in lawful ley f.n yeyai 1701. of the polls 

:i in I Estates. 

"David McKnight 8 

.lames M. Knight 10 5 

.t.ilm Rami, Esq ... 054 

John Goffe, Esq 15 9 

Samuel Moors " ' 4 

Capt. John Moor, 11 8 

William Nutte 6 

John (Jrifen ll 5 4 

Benjamin Backer (I 4 :!'._. 

JosepheGorge " ' '•'-■ 

Sergt. Abraham Mirall 6 1 

Johnathan Mirall 5 7 

Ezekiel Stivens " '■' 'A 

Benjamen stivens 11 7 

Handrey Bllisdal 7 3 

Thomas Hall 6 

Thorn, is Russ 1) 4 

John Riddell 4 6 

Sergt. James Riilell 7 ' . 

Capl John Stark " 17 ' 2 

EnBign .lame- Mi ' 'awallow nolo 

Ensign Samuel stark 4 5 

John Hutchen .... 11 4 11 

l.oit. Daniel McNieall 11 11 4 

Sergt. Ebinezer Stivens 9 3 

Joseph Masten no. 

Levi. John Hall ' ' '■' 

Daniel Hall ■ - • ■ " ' <l I 

Samuel Hall o 11 f'.j 

Alix. .McCIintock 5 8 

ll.onor 4 % 

David Stirrate 8 5J4 

William McCIintock 11 1:: 11 

John McCIintock " ; «'i 

John Dickey 6 10 

William Gembeal 20 10 

('apt. Alexander McMiiiphy oil 7 

Samuel Boyd " ' " 

Sergt. Nathaniel Boyd 11 5 

w idow Boyd 1 I 

Mickel McCIintock 10 8 

.lames Pirceas 5 

William Hall 11 4 7 

Capt. William Pirtiain II K 4 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOKOUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



i 

* in :. - I merson 



V ilham Pirhazn, Jnnr 

James Ramsey, Londonderry 

i: i i lure, Londonderry 

John Eacken. Londonderry 

William Smith 

. BHer 

" Recorded Feb 7. L7C7, 

"per me John II w t , 



From a comparison of the town-lists, it will beseen 
that during the year preceding the making of the tax- 
list of 1766 there had been a decrease of twelve polls 
in the town. The list of 1765 contained sixty-three, 
while that of 1766 contained but fifty-one. Eighteen 
men had deceased ..r left town, and six had been 
added to thetown. But the rase was still worse than 
this. Two of the men added to the list of 1766, 
Daniel and Samuel Hall, were men of thetownjust 
come of age, or never before taxed, so that in reality 
there had Keen a decrease of fourteen polls, or more 
than one-fifth of the polls of the town. 

In this state of things a petition was forwarded to 
the Legislature for redress. The petition was as fol- 



"Tm Hi- L'x. rllmrv Panning \\ in t worth Es. ( r .V- (V 
' His 3I;iv«j.-tyr- > Pri-viii.-f ,,t \.v, llampshier, the Honorable his majes- 
-e's Conncell And House of Representative- In <■- m i.,l ^ssemblj ■ on- 



"The Pettetion of A number of the freeholders A In Habitants of the 
town of Derryfield Humbly Sheueth, that the first monday of March 
annually i- appoint-',! hy - dial r - ■ t to !...■ the !'.. 

the Currant year and the usual i \--iom of >-l town has i 1 1 

to warn the Town of ti and pla e and Desig □ of holdii 

with the Several articles to be acted upon on --1 Day, bi 
Coppj of Said warrant al three several places in said Town, (via | one at 
■ lis, one at John Hall, & one at I. v. RuBses at Nameskeeg, 
which was a vote of Said Town, but so it was that neithei of the places 
had any Notification Set up, and one of them Particularly Naim-ke. ■_ 
had no Coppy Set up in that part of the town, So that tli.-A knew not the 
time of Day the meeting was to be held; yet notwithstanding two of 
the Sel.vtne-n ;md town Clarke did contrary to former Costom, with 
about ten oi a Dozi n of the Inhabitants and boy.- and unqualified voter-. 
did Enter and in about five menuits time < Ihouse ;ill the principal ott.-eors 

lor the town. Notwithstanding one of the Selei I n ami the I'onstaMe 

& Several of the [nhabitants opposed them an- 1 tol.lth.-mii >■,.- ma hm 
to hold the meetin before the Inhabitants -am.', and that it was not the 
usual time of day that tin- meeting vse to begin A that the inhabitants 
that must pay th- (;ivat-st part of the 'faxes that Bhall com upon the 
town were not presant & that they would be here presantly, yet 
they proceeded as afore Said, and at five minutes after eleven o' the 
clock a considerable nuini- < .-■ an hour the Inhabitant^ 

« heitiy < lame & uppon he tring that the principal offerors were i Shosen by 
a Small Number of voters and many of them not Qualified, they Con- 
cluded as that w;.e- ilm ha \ ' ;■■.■. i, ,, [-■ ■• a - r L . . \ 1 - a m_ 

the Larger part oi the Qualified voters belonging to Said Town, maid 

pi-orlaination tlia! fbe\ were -oing to hold thetown meeting A* all were 
Desired to attend and they went to th. m. .th,; ]|. , u - and maid Choise of 
a mo,li'ra.tiir a Tow „ o| :il k a s. ■!-■<■( men a all town offecere, & they were 

sworn to the faithful di^hame of theii Duty a.- the Lav. i> 
their is two Sets of offecere in Said town which makes ('onfusition ; we most 
Humbly therefore Pray your Kxeelency A Hon'rs to take our Case undej 
wise Consideration and Grant that there may be a lobular town meeting 
in Said town A that we mav ha v.- town ,,!!e, ,.,, i'l K ,isen a- the law directs 

and that our Confusion may lie brought into order, 1 might be Inabled 

to Raise the provence taxes, mend high way- a do rhe n- ■.-■■ 



^t the town and that your Pettioners may bring in a bill for that End ■ 
£ your Pet ten' on* as in duty bound shall Ever Pray. 
« haie,i at Derryfield first of May, 1766. 

dames McCalley, 

Samuel Stark, 

Daniel McNeale, 



"John Goffe, 
\\ illiam McClintock, 
Davin Starrett, 
Samuel Boyd, 
Nathaniel Boyd, 
Cl i: i ■ Emerson, 
William Nutr, 

John Griffin, 

John Stark, 



. 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Band, 
John Hervey, 
Samuel Moor, 
John Moor." 



It will be seen that sonic of the men who had gen- 
erally acted with the Hall party signed this petition. 
They were doubtless dissatisfied with the unfair pro- 
ceedings of that party at the annual meeting. In fact, 
Captain W. McClintock was present at that meeting, 
and told them that they were proceeding in an unfair 
manner. He was one of the selectmen for 1765, 
eleeted by the Hall party, and had hitherto been with 
them. 

While the mailer of the petition was progressing, a 
meeting was called of the town June L'7, 1766, at 
which it was 

" ( .;..(to K- [nar th- 1 meetin L r - 1 buise in part thies year. 

t Lay a -ond rllur in tin- Meeting-House and make three Good 

1 1 them ..ue slid lLiise .nidshout une the ounder window* 

o ili-- Meeting-House with forms Suitable foi to >it -m. ' 

Meantime the petition came up for considerate n 
before the House of Representatives on the 3d of 
July, and the petitioners had leave to bring in a bill. 
On the 8th the bill passed the Eouse and was as 

follows: 

" An Art for Vacating the meetings of the Town of Derryfield for the 
\eai L766 held 'here bv the Inhabitant- for tin I I 
and fur Deriecting A: authorizing a meeting A the rlmi.-e ,.f town orle- ei- 

i, a Said - eai 

- indry oi the Inhabitants of Said Derryfield have Pititioned 
the General Usembly Respecting thai Some designing men of Said In- 
habitants Having Some purpose to effeel Relative to the affairs of Said 
town which they could not otherwise accomplish, hurie-l on the annual 
■ m the I 'ay then is usual £ before many of the principal 

I nhabitants were < : .me to the ( ,]a- ■>■ - d M meeting m ii.-i.-i , .. ■ • 

rtiowen Disagreabel to the principal [nhabitants that af- 
terwardswhen th) n llnl ibita tsi mi ti -, maid Choice of another 
Se1 oi town officers ' • - -■■,-■, , , bave proceeded to 

act in their respective offices whereby the greatest Confusion was like to 

1 ii.-ne in tin* town a therefore they prayed that both of Said meetings 
might he Vac ted and maid void and a new meeting.- Calte'l I ' ■ ■ 

of town officers for thisy.-ar which having been Examined ami both partys 

h--ar-l thereon and if appearing tliat the affairs of Sd town are by this 

means Involhed in < '--niu.-i- n a perplexity whii h would [sue in Disor- 
tion of all the Legal Rightsand Privileges of Sd town; 

'• For Pn mention Whereof; Ue it Ena< ted by tin- th-v. rner Coutiseil ,v 
Assembly that both the Said meetings A: all the Elerti-.nes their made and 
the wdnde proceedings of Kadi of them be ami le-arcM i- declairred null, 
void and of none Effect but are utterly Vacated and Destroyed and that 
the peisoii- eho-'U t-» any otlire at lathei and l-aich of Sd meeting- are 
Hereby Disqualified and Rendi red wholly uneable to act in them or any 

Of them and it is hereby further Enacted that a new meetin.-. i 

habitants shall 1- i a I !-■■ I I-t i lie I |. , i i, ,u , ,j' r- -wn - -Ih.-.-i •, f->r the i u riant 
year and all parsons ijnallityed a- the Law Idle, tes fa the Qualification 
of Such as are authorized to vote in the Choies of town oncers in the an- 
imal town meetings >liall be permitted Wednesday 1:: I>a> ot au-n-t at 
■J clock in the afternoon if they Shall Se raue« t-> V--te at Sd meeting but 
all others & all minor* in '■■ I ■■■ Excluded from Voting at Said meet, 
ings as they ought to be in all such Cases and John Sheepard .Tuner of 
amherst Esqr is Herebj appointed i- Call and Govern Sd meeting till the 

Who].- busness theie-.f Shall he Ended A that no Par-on i -.u. ei nr.j ma', 



MANCHESTER. 



Justly Cooniplaiuof want of notices the Sd John Sheepard is hereby De- 
rected to Give a Notification to the Lastyears Constable of Sd town seting 
fortbe the time and place Designs of holding of Sd meeting with the pur- 
pous thereof and that Sd meeting is Called by the authority of this act 
which shall he Delivered to Said Constable at least fifteen Days before the 
Day appointed for holding Sd meeting and Sd Constable shall Give per- 
sonal notice to all the (Rallied Voters of Sd Town as has Son* Custom- 
ary times ben the there or leave a Coppy of the Sd Notifiction at the last 
usual place of the abod of such of said persons as he Cannot meet with at 

least ten Days bei the o ting Indallthe Town officers which shall 

be Chosen pursuant Hereunto Shall have ih.. -..mo p.iw.t.v Ami... no us 
any other Town officers Uavi Seta Duty of their Respective off- 

cee And the Said ConBtabel is herebj subjected to a penalty of three 
pounds for Refuseing or Neglecting his Duty herein to he Recovered by 
the Selectmen that shall be Chosen bj Said town foi thi u 

"Province of 1 In the House of Representatives, July 



llaliil.sli. 



Mb, 



times Eead Voted that It pass t 
Lewis G. Goodwin, Speaker, 



i Council July Oth, 17GC, The foregoing bill Read a third tin 



'•B. Wentwoeth. 
"In accordance with this Act, Mr. Shepherd on the 15th of July is- 
sued the following Warrant: 

"Province of i To the Constable of Derryfield in Said 

New Hampshire. j Province for the year 17r..~>. 

" tn.rtas by a Special Act of the General Court for Sd province, passed 
,,t theii Session this pris Instant July I am authorized to Call and Govern 
the Inhabitantes of Derryfield in order to Reform Some dis- 
orders that they have lately thrown themselves into Relative to town 

" Wherefore you are hor.la lie 
warn the Inhabitant- ,t' >;u<l l',t v.-:: '/.., ' ;• Law to Vote in 

Chusingtown officers, to Com ene ,,t the meeting-House in Derryfield 
Qualified by Law to Vote, on Wednesday the Z3ddaj of August next at 
two of the clot k in the afternoon, to Chuse Common* ordinary town, .di- 
cers for the Currant year as the Law Directs, and you are to give ten 
days Notices at least to each person Qualified as aforesaid which notice 
must be personal or left at the persons Usual place of abode ; hereof you 
may not fail St mack Due return. N B bj the above \ ested V t youan 
Sul.j.-cte.lto the penalty of three pounds for your Refusal or Neglect. 



lie- lent lilt t 



■ ,1 UN S|, 



VCirranl the Constable made the following return : 
" Province of \ Pursent to the foregoing precept I have Warned 
s'ew Hampshire, i the Inhabitants of Sd Derryfield to Meet at time 
i place & for the purpose as mentioned in S.I pi 
'■Ciiaei.es Emf.hs.is, 

"Con-table tor Derryfield 1TC.".. 



■ John Ha li. Town Clark.' 



August 13th, the following officers were chosen : 



At a special meeting called for the 22d of December 
following, to vote on the following articles: 

" l-tlv I., .'lines a moderator to heglate Said meeting. 

" L'dh I.. See if the town will Kc.ise any money for pre. hilt then v. Iittt 
the s. I.-, I in.iii hies all Heady provided this year. 

"3dlj i .See how much monay the town will Reaes to Defraj tie- 
contingent Charg 1 tie town for the present year. 

"Ithly. to See if the town will Coinplay with the Law of the Gover- 
luent I,, ]u,.\ i,d wightes and iiiishures or if not to Defend the present 
Select men of any Cste or troble for not providing tlio id 
tm. I mishers as the Law hies provided in that K;.-s. . 

".".tlily. t,, heir the Reporte of the Ce.inniitey that wus i 
Bluing Sundry years a.v..nnpt.-s in behalfe -I the town, l I Wite, Conel 

John Coil,., ( 'apt. Alex McMurphy, a mr Neathainel Boyd Commitey 

The opposition rallied and voted the four business 
articles down. The record stands thus: 

" \;.i,-,l ..ne the 2 artical not to lletiies any monaj lot Prieching this 
year. 

" !'.,(.■,( note to Retiise any luoney for N.-crisey charges In llehail ot 
the town for theis year. 

" Voted one the fourth artical in the warrant not to Re.n-. any monay 
to provide wightes & miushers for the town. 

"One the fifth artical the iiccouniptefi was Read hut now 

" Vnt was paste one them and they remaien on Silled." 

The excitement was now greatly increased. 

March 2, 17(17, the Goffe party carried the daj and 
elected officers, as follows: 

" Hat id Manet. Moderator ; David Starret, Town Clerk : Elizcr Rob- 
ire, Uevundei McClintoek, Nathaniel lloy.I, Selectmen . John Harvey, 






Seb . tm n, 1 . ie ■ -t i- '. i , ■- i- "f I 'ami'-" in lie Cwn as the Law 

Tin,., i,, - | . ■ l; • -, l ■ . - l:; i .1, I ., , i I ■ ; , .- , Kbenezer Ste- 
,en», Si tl I i - lluss, Sieler of Leather ; Mickel Mc- 

Clintoek, Ellie/er Robens, , ominittee to settle with Selectmen of 1T0G ; 
The Selectmen, Take the Invoice of the polls ami Estates of the town 
of Derryfield for ye year 17111', ; Joseph Gorge, John I'erham, Samuel 
Boyd, James perces, Houg Reeafes ; William Perham, Clerk of the Mar- 



Recorded Febr 



,,.- M 



. Charles F.me 



Mei 1 



Hall His Demands Relating 
Law, it being thought an timet 



son, John 

Charles I tn< rson. Ll.etev : s-, ,,-, - .. * , - . :' Lumber ; John Moor, 
J., - M.coitey. Counters ol Votes; John lb. 11. 1'- take Invoice. Alex- 
ander Merrill, James Pierce, William Perham, Jr., Hog Constables ; 
Thomas Russ, Sieler Df I eath 

March ft, 17G9, the 

" Tow n voted not to pay Levt 
the Borrowed money without a 
onable demand." 

Mr. Hall then commenced a suit against the town 
for his claim. 

In the warrant for the annual town-meeting in 
1771 there were the following articles: 

"Fifthly, to Hear the accoinpts of Corll. John Goffe, and William 
McClintoek as Agents for the town to Defend the Town against He ac- 
tion Levt. John Hall commenced against the town of Derryfield and to 
approve or not approve. 

"Sixthly, to See If tile TOWll Will CIlUS. , I 

Levt. . I, dm Hall all the accompts Between Baid II, ,11 and 
Derryfield." 

At a meeting held March 4. 1771, the accounts of 
the committee which defended the suit brought by 
Lieutenant Hall were read, and are of an interesting 
character, showing the expense of litigation, etc.. at 
that early day. The following is a copy: 



party was triumphant. 



'Corll. John Goffei 






•the Town of Derryfield. In 



Iv aee-.tiut of Time and money I Expended in ctirryng 

,,11 Hie LaW Stlte |,,| Hie loWllof I)elT\tie|d ,, = a,ll-l 

Levt. John Hall. 
tt, Sept. to time five Day- at lb- Infereor Cort at 2s pel- 
Day 



To travluig 
TO Halfe a G 






]i,t||, e Jl.-l 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



24th Nov. to wating on the Rule of i 'ort at Samuel Thomp- 
sons, one day 2s my Hors Hier .Is and Esq. underwood 

for Summons for Evidences and his attendance 8s. . . 13 

To a Fee to mr autherton hnlfaGinne OH 

To Charge and Expance at Xompsons is 

1770, J7 Feb., to Moses Senters, whan the Knl for Derryfield 

Case was to Held their one Day my Serif and Hore . . o:i 
t" Cash paid Santer fur my own ami William inae Clin- 

tocks and witnes Expenses 12 

to Esqr. underwood for summons n nt 

I * a mat, ami Horstogoe lo Esqr. Lovewells 12 

toaDay in Giting paper and preparing for Tryal . . . 02 

to a Fee to one parson n riT 

17: '. 'Sept., to Bear, undo™ L for fouer witnesses ... 02 

to .. Notifyi ation q 01 

'" ' h.uge :,n,l Expetws while Swaring Evidence and 

the Esqre. Dinner at my House n 06 

to one Days attendance my Salf 02 

I"' 1 " v e[,f . at the Inferior Cort twelve Lays at 2s pel 1 >. i \- . n 114 

Traveling fees on Hundred mils at 2ppr mile .... 16 

Extra Charge n Q6 

to my Expance at Portsmouth » 04 

to mr pickren fee 2 llolrs inr Lowel for 2 I'olars ... 1 til 

1775, Feb. 7, at Supperior Cort to a I'uppyat ilifi'.n,. to mr 

Ring 4 in 

to mr Dowel 1 Dolerasa fee o 06 

tomrpickren 1 I K.lers as a fee 1 (4 

to twelve Days at 2s per Day 1 n4 

to our Eating and Lodging and Jlors Keeping as pr 
Marches Hill lor Captn John Stark and David star- 



; Tour. 



ion the Rule of Oort the Brat 

i In Londonderry 1 Pay of my 



noses Sentcrs in Lit. h ti.-l.l al th.- Second 
Knl..- ,,fC,.,rt. For 1 Day of my Salf at Is i;.l per Day and 

1 day "| i M \ horsat Is lid per Day 

ITTI - IV1, '. '" Exp ssea to Portsmouth to, nrj Salf and 

Captn John Stark and David Starrett, in the whole at 

sundry plasses 

' towel ass fee3 Dolers ili]is.,t Dwiers 2 mngs 

'" Cash p.nd to Corll Goffe In mr marches In ports- 
month 

at Chaster to a mala ofotes and a jil of Run, „ C ing 

to 12 Days of my Salf at 2s per Day 

to hors hire to Portsmouth 

to Capn John Stark and liavid Starrett accounts for Ex- 
panse a Coming horn from Portsmouth which Ex- 
pance Said mc Clintock paid at grenlan to 1 Bowl of 
Todoy and two moss oles 

at Exetor a- by folsomes liill for Eiting and Drinks anil 

ai KingBtown for Loging and hore Keeping 

at Chaster to Eating and Drinks and otes 



At this meeting it was voted that 



Extra Expenses 

!•• Traveling foes one Hundred inil.-s at 2p per mil,' . 
the above is the whole of the Conlls act onnl Exceptd £ 

i aptn John stark account as Evidence, attendance at 
Samuel Thompsons In Londonderry .", I',,- and 
Travling fees 24 miles at 2,1 per mile 

to a Day attendance and traveling fees al SEoses Stan- 
ters Jun., Litchfield 19 miles at 2d pr mile .... 

to your attendance at Portsmouth upon Semance at the 

Superior Coil,' ami traveling fees loll Hides ,i ;,] ,,, 
mile 

I" '< I 'ays :, il, -n, I, |„ , at Is lid pel day at Said ( ', ,i t . . 

the above is the total of Capn Stark account, F. Expected. 

Capt'n John moore attendance first Rule Corte Day Is 6d 
to thir Rule at Santera Is 6d 

attendance as a an Evedence 1st time Is 6d the second 
time for the Supperor Can 1- id travling fees 1< 
miles at 2d per mile 

the above is the total of Captn moot account E Expected. 

I'avid Starettsaco ,t against lb,- Town of Derryfield, 

Dr. for gov, ing t,, Cor'U Goffe's wife ui„,n sum s 

and Expance 

to Santers In Litchfieldl Day of my Salf and Hors. . 

to Coppeys at Sundrey times Pointing the Case 

to G Days attendance at the Supperer Cor( up,, 
ance at 2s per Day 

to Hors Hiere to Portsmouth 



0,; 






m; 








12 


o 





06 











£01 


in 


Oil 



'A committee ot five n !„■ chosen t,, settle all accounts Between 

Levt. John Hall and the town of Derryfield, and this Committee shall 
have full power ,,t .,,i,., ,, ,„„ „, ,„ i„i,aif ,,| said town, to make a Com- 
plete and final settlement with said Hall and make a report to the Town 



The settlement was, no doubt, soon alter effected. 
The expense of this suit to the town had amounted to 
£43 17*. 8d, more I htm the whole tax of the town. 

"21y, to see if the Inhabitants of Said town will Vote to Give the Revr. 
George Gilmore a Call to the Worke of the Menistry in said Derryfield to 

ho their M, -nester. 

• :lv. to S,, h,,u much yearly Salary they Will Vote the said llilmore 

l i i heir Call. 

"4ly, t,, s,-e h,,w much Setelment Money they Will Vote the said Gil- 
more if lie Except their Call. 

"51y, loSee if they Will Vote to Sand a man or men to treet. with the 
said Gilmore and agree about the mater as the town pleeses to order." 

September ij, 177::, it was 

" VoUdto Dismis the above Warrant but the town thought Best to 
sand for the Revr. George Gilmore, and it was put to vote and the Town 

voted to sand for the Revr. George Gilmore as sun as possible t m,l 

preach with us Eighth Hays up,,,, Carder Trill." 



I >ecember 23d, 



year it was 



The Town of Derryfield! 

I'r. n, two jounuies 

the Copey of the writ I, 03 

t ' I'-' V t"l the Cnppj ,,1 the write I I ( )4 

1769, Septmr. at the Infereor Cort to mr pickren as a fee . 12 
to Hors Jorney to Portsmouth, 6s and ottes for Said Hors 

2s, to hors keeping 2s 10 

to my own time four Days at 2s per Day 08 

lo Expanses while Cm- n, port-in, ,n!|, 06 



"Toted on the third Articul in the Warrant toGiv, Revt. George Gil- 
niorea Call to the Work ,,r the Ministry to be our settled Minister in 

Said Town. 

"Then Voted on the fourth Articul in the Warrant to Give the Revtl 

George 611m thirty Pounds Lawful! money in Cash, for his annual 

Settled yearly Salary S,, I g .,s i„. the Said Gilmore Contenes to be our 

f, ttled minister in said Town. 

" Toted mi the Said Articul to Give the Revt. George Gilmore for a 
Settlement thirty Pounds Lawful] money in Cash and Sixty Pounds Law- 
lull iiiem-v i,, i„. paid in Labour at tw,, shilling- Lawful] per Day for man 
and the Same for oxen, the Said Labor is to be paid in fol 
mencing from the time thai th,- Said Gilmore Exooptsand settle, with us 
in Said town fifteen Pounds per year and the Above Cash within one year 

C''"' "" the fifth articul in the Warrant to Cliuse a Committee l,, 
treet with the Revt. George Gilmore Relating the above Votes, then 
Voted David Starret, Samuel Boyd, John perham and Levtn. .lames mac 
Callev to l„, the c, itlee and 1; e report to the Town. 



MANCHESTER. 



"Then Voted I" adjourn this ting till tin.- tlnr.l i day in lebru- 

ary to the houBe of Levtn. John halta, at one of the Clock in the after- 
noon on the Said Day. 

"Deeevfield, February the 21th Day, 1771. 

"Then meet aeoMidinu' to adjournment the moderator and Clerk pres- 
ent and the meetin Caled, then Voted to Dismis the Sixth arti.nl in the 
Warrant by Beson that the above Committee had not Received anej an 
swer from the Revt. Gearge Gilniore." 

Nothing was done towards repairing the meeting- 
house during the Revolution, an.d it became much 
dilapidated. 

On the 22d day of May, 1780, au attempt was made 
to sell the "pew ground," for the purpose of raising 
money to repair the meeting-house, but the project 
was voted down. 

June 3, 1783, it was 

" Coted to Raisone hundred Dollars and to apply the Same toarda lie- 
pairing the meeting-house in Derryfield and that the same Be liaised this 
present year the one half in money and the other 
suitable meterials sutch as Shall Be Excepted 
be Hereafter Choosen for that purpose. 

" Voted that Major Webster, Levt. Dan'l hall and Samuel Stark Bo a 
Committy to provide meterials and Labourers to do the Work and to 
Repair the meeting-house So fer as tin' aforesaid Hundred Dollars will 
Do." 

But the repairs were not completed, and September 
24th, of the following year, it was voted to raise fifty 
dollars towards repairing the meeting-house. 

In 1790 an effort was made, and with success, to 
sell the "pew ground" and finish the house, and 
March 1st of that year it was " Voted to sell the Pew 
Ground, to finish the Meeting-house." 

Major John Webster, John Green and John Hall 
were chosen a committee to sell the pew ground. 

The committee sold the ground at public auction, 
on the 22d of June of that year, upon the following 
conditions: 

"The Conditions of Sail of the Pew grouud in Derryfield meeting- 
house agreable to an advertaement published hearing Date June^the 4th, 
1790, by the subscribers is as follows : 

" lstly. the ground for each pew to be built on, will he Struck off to 
the Highest Bidder, they giving good security to the. Committee for the 
Sum of money that sd grounds is sold n.r t le- t<> help to repair the meet- 
ing-house this year. 

" 2dly. He that Purcheseth any of the above pew ground shall have a 
bill of Sail from the Committee in their Capacity of the number .V, price 
that it Cost them, to be Recorded m D'-rrylield Town Book. 

"3dly. The Buyer must pay two-thirds of the purchise in Glass, Nailes, 
or marchantable Clahhoards or Putty at or before the first day of Sep- 
tember Next, & and the Remaindering third in Cash at or before the 
first Day of January Next. 

"given under our Hand, Dated at lienytield June J2d, 1790. 

"John Weiss-tee, John Hall, Committee Men." 

The sales were thus : 



Mai John Webster . 

. Daniel Davise .... 

. Daniel I [all 

. Capt. John Perham . 
. James Gorman . . . 

. John Green 

. Capt. John Perham . 

.John Hall 

. Levt. David Merrell . 
. John Stark, Jr . . . 
. Jonathan Cicely . . 



David Webster . . . 
Joseph llaseltine . 
, William Nutt . . . , 

Dot ii -inliii Duston 
Abraham Aiiimy . 
[sreal ^ oung . . . 

. John Dickey . . . . 

. Capt. Samuel Moor 



Tl, isGriSfen . . . 

John ladle 

. Maj. John Webstei . 



The purchasers built their pews immediately, and 
the lower part of the house was of respectable finish. 
March 5, 1792, it was 

"Voted to raise forty dollars to Repair the Meeting House. 
■'Voted that the Selectmen lay out the Money to Build the Gallery 
Stare- and Lay the Gallery tl.ires." 

The stairs were built and the floors laid, and on the 
30th day of October following "it was 

" Voted to sell the Pew Ground in the Gallery*, A the pews to be five 
feet in frount from the Wall." 
" Voted that the pew ground be sold at Vendue." 
" Voted that the Selectmen he a committee to sell the pewa." 



The sale took place on the loth day of November, 
1792, on the following conditions : 

"Debrvfii.i.11, No\. loth, 1793. 

"Articles of the Sale of the Pew ground in the Gallon's of the Derry- 
field Meeting-House. 

" Artical first, the highest bidder shall be the purchaser. 

" 2dly. No bid shall be excepted less then sixpence. 

"3dly. the purchesor shall gh e security to the K\coptance ..I the 

mittee to he paid by the last day of May Next. 

" -Hlily. tile purchesor shall have for his security the plan A ii,e \n ,,t 
the pew struck oft to him Recorded in the Town Book. 

"5thly. the committee shall have Equal Liberty to hid with the other 
inhabitants. 



Struck orl to William Perham 1 10 

" David Stevens 2 13 

" John Stark 3 10 

" Able Huso 1 7 

" " James Majorey 1 6 

" Samuel Smith 1 5 6 

" " Capt John Perham .... 2 13 

" " Capt Samuel Moor .... 1 12 

•' William Perham 1 ID 

" " Able Huse 1 5 

" " Green Simons 1 7 

" William Stevens 1 7 

" " Daniel Davie 1 6 

" John Hall Jr 1 8 fi 

£20 12 C 



94 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



The house, however, was never finished. Conten- 
tion and discord had borne their fruits. The majority 
of the people cared but little about the building, and 
at no time was it tit for public worship. 

The Rev. Mr. Pickels (says Judge Potter, in referring 
to this old house), an eccentric clergyman of that 
time, preaching in it as late as ahoul 1 " : tool 
his hearers to task for not finishing and repairing the 
house. 

After telling them of their duty in this matter in a 
very forcible .strain, as was his wont, he elosed by 
oaming t<> them the penalty for not doing their duty 
in this particular. "Why," continued he. "if you 
don't repair the house ofGod,thed — 1 will come in 

and cany you out at the crack-." 

It is said, that for fear of the penalty, the house 

was immediately repaired so as to prevent any such 
egress for his satanie majesty and the delinquent 
hearers. 

The Rev. William Pickels was a native of Wales, 
where he married Margaret Tregallis. After emigrat- 
ing to this country he preached for a time in Phila- 
delphia. He came into the neighboring town of Bed- 
ford - imewhere about 17*7. He preached in Bedford, 
some years, a portion of the time. At first he was 
very popular as a preacher, and it was proposed to 
settle him, but for some reasons, not readily accounted 
for. an opposition sprang up against him in Bedford, 
and became so violent as to forbid the idea of a settle- 
ment. His enemies charged him with dissolute 
habits in Philadelphia, but the charge was stoutly 
denied by his friends. At length the strife waxed so 
warm and became so pointed that Lieutenant John 
Orr ottered to lava wager of fifty dollars that the 
charge was true. The wager was taken by Mr. Pick- 
els' friends, and Mr. William Riddle was agreed upon 
as the agent of the parties to proceed to Philadelphia 
and investigate the charge. His report was to be 
final. Mr. Kiddle went to Philadelphia on horse- 
back, investigated the matter, found the charge untrue 
in every particular, returned and reported the result. 
There was great exultation on the part of the winners 
and they met at the store of Isaac Riddle, Esq., to re- 
joice over the victory. Mr. Riddle was designated as 
their agent to go to Mr. Oil's and get the wager. He 
accordingly waited upon Mr. Orr and made known 
the result of the investigation. Without making a 
remark, Lieutenant Orr went to his desk and paid 
over the money. Mr. Riddle took the money back to 
the winners, and it was spent at the counter in liquor 
for the multitude. But the result did not stay the 
opposition against Mr. Pickels, and he was forced to 
abandon the idea of a settlement. He. however, con- 
tinued to preach in Bedford a portion of the time for 
some sixteen years. His friends would pay their 
money for no other man as long as he was in the 
neighborhood; and as they constituted near one-half 
of the people in Bedford, ami among them some of the 
most influential, Mr. Pickels continued to "supply the 



pulpit " ahoiit one-half of the time. The 
part of the time be preached in the vicinity, mostly in 
Derryfield. At length an opposition sprang up 
against him here, probably having its origin in Bed- 
ford, and it was thought best to settle the question of 
his employment in town-meeting. Accordingly, in 
the warrant of October 19, 1796, was the following 
article: 

"4thly. TV see if tile town wilt vote to raise money for the purpose 
of hiring Mr. William 1'irUels to Preach lor them some part of the year 
Eosueing, if he can he obtai I." 

At the meeting November 7, 1796, it was 

1 p:u-t of the Year Ensue- 

From this time he continued to supply the pulpit in 
this town till 1804, sometimes hired for a specific num- 
ber of Sabbaths, and again to " preach out the money 
raised." About 1804 he removed to Maine, where he 
continued to reside until his death. 

Mr. Pickels was an eloquent preacher and a fine 
scholar, but very eccentric in his habits. He finally 
announced his belief in the doctrine of universal 
salvation. 

The First Congregational Church. — This church 
was formed by the union of a Presbyterian Church, 
which was organized at Manchester Center May 21, 
182$, and a Congregational Church, organized at 
Amoskeag December 2d of the same year. The 
Presbyterian Church never had a house of its own 
and a pastor was never settled over it. For a few 
months alter its formation its pulpit was supplied 
by the Rev. William K. Talbot. In 1833, Benjamin 
F. Foster was ordained as an evangelist, and he for 
some time furnished occasional preaching. Those of 
its members who united with the Amoskeag Church 
to form another at the new village in Manchester 
were Moses Noyes, Lucy Noyes, Robert P. Whitte- 
more, Hannah Jane Whittemore, Jennet Dickey, 
Elizabeth Hall, Sally Whittemore, Eliza A. Moor, 
Jerusha Griffin, Maria Noyes, Elizabeth Stark, Abby 
Stark, Mrs. F. G. Stark. ' 

Like the Presbyterian Church, the Congregational 
was without a house or a pastor of its own. Among 
those who occupied its pulpit were the Rev. B. F. 
Foster (who divided his time between this church 
and the one at the Centre), the Rev. Mr. Noble, the 
Rev. Mr. French, the Rev. Mr. Stone (afterwards a 
missionary in Siam), and Cyrus W. Wallace, who be- 
gan bis labors with it on the last Sunday in April, 
1S39, and wdio afterwards became its pastor. About 
that time the church began to hold meetings at the 
new village in Manchester with the approval of the 

I church at the Centre, sustaining thus the first regu- 
lar Sunday services in what is now the compact part 
of the city. At the time when it ceased to exist as 
a separate church its members were Daniel Farmer, 

i George Berry, Samuel Poor, Henry Peacock, Nahum 
Baldwin, Betsey Farmer. Mrs. Samuel Poor, Mrs. 

'Nahum Baldwin, Lettice McQuesten, Betsey Flan- 



MANCHESTER, 



ders, Mary Rodgers, Lydia Drew, Harriet Jones, 
Mary C. Perry, Catharine French, Mrs. Pollard. 

It had become by this time patent that a union of 
these two churches would be a gain toeach, and that 
the place for the new church was at the village 
which the manufacturers were building on the east 
bank of the Merrimack. The union was effected 
August 15, 1839, by a council which met first at the 
house of Phinehas French in Amoskeag village, and 
then adjourned to Franklin Hall, ami the church 
thus formed was called the First Congregational 
Church in Amoskeag, a house of worship being 
built for its use at the new village in 1839. The 
name was afterwards changed to that of the First 
Congregational Church in Manchester. Cyrus W. 
Wallace, then a licentiate of the Londonderry Pres- 
bytery, had already, as has been said, commenced 
his labors with the Amoskeag Church, but did not 
preach as a candidate for settlement. He supplied 
the pulpit till November of that year, and then re- 
ceived a call to become the pastor of the church 
and society. He accepted the invitation and was or- 
dained January 8, 1840, being the first minister ever 
ordained and installed in the town. 

At the time of the union of the two churches Moses 
Noyes was the deacon of the Presbyterian Church 
and Daniel Farmer of the Congregational Church, 
and by mutual agreement they became the deacons 
of the new church, continuing in office till death 
removed them, the one in October, 1860, and the 
other October 30, 1865. 

Dr. Wallace, who had been the pastor of the church 
since its formation, and whose uninterrupted service 
with one church far exceeded in length that of any 
other clergyman ever settled in Manchester, sent bis 
resignation to the church January 11, 1873, and it 
was accepted by the latter, to take effect the last of 
August. Edward G. Selden accepted a call to 
succeed Dr. Wallace, and was ordained Decem- 
ber 16, 1873, and dismissed in 1885. By a vote of the 
church, '"as an expression of their affectionate re- 
gard," Dr. Wallace was made " pastor emeritus " of the 
church on the 1st of January, 1874. The church has 
a membership of about six hundred. 

A meeting of persons interested in forming a Con- 
gregational society was held at Amoskeag April 1, 
1838. These were organized as the First Congrega- 
tional Society in Amoskeag Village, and at an ad- 
journed meeting on the 27th adopted a consti- 
tution and chose Daniel Farmer, president ; 
George W. Kimball, secretary ; Nahum Baldwin, 
Samuel Poor and George Perry, directors. 

Shortly after the formation of the society a vote 
was passed to form the Amoskeag Joint Stock Com- 
pany for the purpose of building a church in Amos- 
keag village. This vote was rescinded, other plans 
and places were discussed and in 1839 it was decided 
to build a house of worship on Hanover Street, near 
Elm. The Amoskeag Company gave the land and 



the Stark Mills gave live hundred dollars to help 
build the church. Other means were obtained by 
making shares of stock, which were soon taken up. 
The house was begun in the spring, finished in the 
autumn and dedicated in November of 1839. It then 
contained one hundred and twenty-two pews and 
would accommodate six hundred and fifty persons. 
During the process of building, the society, which 
hail already left Amoskeag, worshiped in Franklin 
Hall, on Amherst Street, nearly in the rear of the 
present church. In L852 tin- house was enlarged, the 
congregation worshiping meanwhile in the city hall. 
About 1842 a vestry or chapel was built just back of 
the church. 

About 1846 the society forsook its original name 
and took that of the First Congregational Society in 
.Manchester. January 9, 1865, it having been twenty- 
five years since the settlement of the Rev. Dr. Wal- 
lace, the event was celebrated by the society and 
other friends by a gathering at Smyth's Hall, Peter K. 
Chandler, then president of the society, in the chair. 
Dr. Wallace preached a commemorative sermon, and 
addresses were made by the Rev. Thomas Savage, of 
Bedford, a member of the council convened to settle 
Mr. Wallace; the Rev. Henry E. Parker, of Concord; 
the Rev. Nathaniel Bouton, D.D., of Concord ; the 
Rev. Henry M. Dexter, of Boston, and the Rev. 
William H. Fenn, of Manchester, former pastors of 
the Franklin Street Society; William G. Means, of 
Audover, Mass., secretary and treasurer of the first 
society from 1842 to 1854 ; and John B. Clarke, of 
Manchester. Dr. Wallace was made the recipient 
of several articles in testimony of the regard of his 
people. 

The present church edifice was completed in 1880, at 
a cost of about sixty-five thousand dollars. It is a 
substantial and commodious brick structure, beauti- 
fully located, and has a seating capacity of thirteen 
hundred and fifty. It was dedicated May 12, 1880. 

The Franklin Street Congregational Church 
was organized May 7, 1844, as the Second 
Congregational Society, with the following offi- 
cers: John Crosby, president; Abram Brigham, 
clerk and treasurer; William C. Clarke, Thomas 
Carleton, Walter T. Jaquith, directors. On the 27th 
of June, of the same year, a church was organized in 
connection with the society. The first pastor was 
Rev. Henry M. Dexter, who was ordained November 
6,1844. They worshiped in the town hall until its 
destruction by fire, then in a chapel on Concord 
Street and a hall in Patten's block, then in the new 
town hall until the completion of their present 
house of worship, on the corner of Market and Frank- 
lin Streets. April 25, I860, the name was changed 
bom Second Congregational to Franklin SI ml So- 
ciety. The church building was remodeled in 1878 
at an expense of about twenty-three thousand dollars, 
and the seating capacity increased to fourteen hun- 
dred. A tower was added, in which has been placed 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE 



:i chime of nine bells, weighing seven thousand five 
hundred pounds, the gift of ex-Governor Smyth. 

Mr. Dexter remained pastor of the church until 
March 14, 1849, when he was dismissed. His 
cessoi was Rev. Henry S. Clarke, who was installed 
September 26, 1849. The latter remained till July 1, 
1852, and November 3, 1852, Rev. Samuel C. Bart- 
lett was installed. He was dismissed February 18, 
1857, and his successor, Rev. Aaron C. Adams, was 
settled on the 22d of July, of the same year. 
He left September 22, 1858, and Rev. William 
H. Fenn became pastor February 10, 1859, remaining 
over seven years, being dismissed July 17. 1866. lie 
was followed by William J. Tucker, who was ordained 
January 24, 1867, and continued pastor of the church 
until April 21,1875. The next minister was Rev. 
Washington Choate. ilis installation occurred Sep- 
tember 29, 1875, and his dismissal December 26, L876. 
William V. W. Davis was ordained and installed 
September 12. 1877, and dismissed September 25, 
1882. Rev. George P.. Spalding, I >.!>., having re- 
ceived a call from this society, resigned his pastorate 
at Dover, and was installed pastor of this church 
February 14, 18X2, and is the present pastor. 

First Baptist Church. 1 — The first church in this 
town was of the Baptist denomination, and was or- 
ganized in 1812, under the pastoral care of Rev. David 
Abbott. It consisted of fourteen members. It flour- 
ished under Mr. Abbott's teaching until 1820. \t 
that time it numbered twenty-two, when dissensions 
among the brethren crept in, and the spirit of religion 
went out and the church was broken up. In 1829 a 
Methodist Episcopal Church was organized, and in 
the following year a house of worship was erected. 
This was the first meeting-house finished in Manches- 
ter. In 1831-32 the Rev. Matthew Newhall, from the 
New Hampshire Conference, was stationed here. 
With the above exception, the First I'.api ist Church of 
this city was the first church in town to call and set- 
tle a pastor. This church was gathered by Rev. John 
Peacock, who has left on record the initiatory steps 
of its organization, as follows : 

"Lotto's Day, July 26, 1835. 

"The Baptist Church in Gotlstown voted I hi- <htv to acknowledge us 

whose names are here enrolled— the Amoskeag Itiaiieh of 1 lie Getts 

town Church; authorizing us to engage our minister and reward him. 

! aud dismiss them, and to enjoy the 



" Kliler John Peacock, 
Mrs. Mary R. Peacoi k, 

Hope; Tewksbury, 

Betsey Tewksbury, 
Zilpab Gould, 



Daniel Gooden, 
John Stevens, 

Mrs. Susan M. Stevens, 
Elizabeth Melntire, 
Abigail Rider. 1 ' 



The Branch held its meetings for religious worship 
in a hall at Amoskeag village, and under the faithful 
services of its pastor accessions to its numbers were 
received from Sabbath to Sabbath. At length the 
time came when it was deemed that the interests of 
religion required a separate organization. 



December 1, 1836, at a meeting of the Plate h, it 
was voted substantially as follows : 

" 1st. That it is now expedient to form an independent church, and lor 
thai purpose 1.. ask dismission from ttie church at Goffstown. 

"2d. That we adopt as the articles of our faith and practice tie atti- 
cles prepared l.y the New Hampshire Baptist State Convention ' 

".Id. That our pastor h.- authorized t.> cell an ecclesiastical 1 foi 

advice, and to take such action as in their wisdom the hest interests >l 
the i hurt i> maj seem to require." 

January 4, 1837, in pursuance of the foregoing ac 
tion, a council consisting of the following brethren 
assembled in Roger Williams Hall, at Amoskeag vil- 
lage, to wit : 

Rev. George Evans, Horace Eaton and others, of 
the Goffstown Church; Rev. D. D. Pratt, of Nashua ; 
Rev. A. T. Foss, of New Boston ; Rev. Mark Carpen- 
ter, of Milford ; Rev. Bartlet Pease, of Hudson : Rev. 
Samuel Abbott, of Bedford; and Rev. S. C. Pratt, of 
New Hampton. 

After full deliberation, the council voted unani- 
mously to recognize John Peacock, Daniel Gooden, 
Andrew J. George, John Washer and their associates 
of the Amoskeag Branch as an independent church. 

The following are the forty-five original members 
who were thus publicly recognized : 

Rev. John Peacock, Deacon Daniel Gooden, John Stevens, Stephen 
Washer, John Washer, Andrew J. George, Hopie Tewksbury, Betsey 
Tewksbury, Elizabeth Melntire, Zilpah Gould, Abigail Rider, Eliza Mc- 
Ihifrie, Mrs. Mary It. Peacock, Mrs. Marinda Gooden, Mrs. Susan M. 
st. mi, Mj> Louisa A. Washer, Mrs. Polly Washer, Emily George, 
Lettice Caldwell, Abigail Caldwell, Dolly Leonard, Mary J. Tewksbury, 
Lucy Ann Chellis, Rebecca Dean. Mary Ann Smith, Lucy Reed, Mary 
Runtm, Kineline Towle, Mrs. Caroline II. Goodwin, Rachel Colby, Mary 
Muzzy, Jane McCoy, Maria Davis, Lavina Kimball, Lydia Caldwell, 
Sarah Whipple, Lois Smith, Nancy Tewksbury, Rhoda Ann McCoy, 
Hannah Lord, Salty Follcnsbee, Harriet X. Plumer, Judith H. Planter, 
Sarah Lord, Mary Ann Marsh. 

Rev. John Peacock continued the pastorate until 
the following October, when, at his own request, he 
received from the church a letter of dismission and 
recommendation to the church in Peterborough. 

1 Hiring these few months, nineteen had been added, 
— by baptism, six; and by letter, thirteen. Removals, 
ten, — by letter, seven ; exclusion, three. 

July 9, 1838, Rev. Ephraim K. Bailey entered upon 
the pastorate, and the church, having removed to the 
new village, assembled for religious worship in Wash- 
ington Hall, on Amherst Street. October 17, 1839, a 
contract was made between Daniel Gooden, John B. 
Goodwin, Dr. J. II. Morse and J. W. Watkins, on the 
part of the First Baptist Society, and E. Morri- 
rison and William McPherson, on the other part, for 
the erection of a church edifice on a lot of land situ- 
ated at the corner of Manchester and Chestnut Streets, 
given to the society by the Amoskeag Manufacturing 
Company. 

Agreeably to the contract, a brick building w:is 
erected, seventy-six feet long by fifty-eight feet wide 
and twenty-six feet from the principal Moor to the 
beams. 

The enterprise was completed at an expense of 



MANCHESTER. 



97 



about six thousand dollars, and in the autumn of 
1840 the church was dedicated to the service of 
God. 

"At a church-meeting, September 22, 1840, it was 
Voted, That this church shall hereafter be called and 
known by the name of ' The First Baptist Church in 
Manchester.' " 

The pastor, Rev. E. K. Bailey, having served faith- 
fully and successfully during the period of three years 
and five months, severed his official connection with 
the church and society December 19, 1841. 

The results of his pastorate in additions to the 
Church were one hundred and twelve, of whom thirty 
were by baptism, eighty by letter and two on expe- 



Bemovals, twenty-one, — by letter, sixteen ; by death. 
three; and by exclusion, two. 

Rev. James Uphain entered upon the pastorate 
January 16, 1842, and resigned January 16, 184;!. 
There were gathered into the church through the 
faithful services of this beloved pastor, one hundred 
and thirty, — by baptism, forty-nine ; by letter, seven- 
ty-six; experience, four; and by restoration, one. 

Removals, thirty-two, — by letter, twenty-nine; by 
death, one; and by exclusion, two. 

Rev. Benjamin Briefly served as pastor of the 
church from December 10, 1843, to May 24. L846, in- 
clusive, — a period of two years and six months. 

It was mainly through his influence that the Sec- 
ond Baptist Church in this city was constituted, about 
thirty members of the parent church having been 
dismissed on tin 1 27th of October, 1845, for that pur- 
pose. 

During the pastorate of Mr. Rrierly one hundred 
anil forty-one members were admitted to the church, 
— by baptism, thirty-seven; by letter, ninety-nine; 
and on experience, five. 

Removals, one hundred and four, — by letter, seventy- 
four ; by death, nine; and by excommunication, 
twenty-one. 

Rev. Thomas < ». Lincoln's pastorate commenced 
August 9, 1846, and terminated August 11, 1850. lie 
served four years, resulting in additions to the church 
of one hundred and thirty-nine, — by baptism, fifty : 
letter, eighty-four; on experience, two; and by 
restoration, three. 

Removals, one hundred and forty-five, — by letter, 
ninety ; by death, fourteen ; dropped, thirty-six ; and 
by exclusion, five. 

Rev. Isaac Sawyer's pastoral care of the church 
commenced November 3, 1850, and terminated by 
his resignation May 28, 1854. During this pastorate 
there were received into the church one hundred and 
sixty-one members, — by baptism, one hundred ; by 
letter, forty-nine; on experience, nine; and by resto- 
ration, three. 

Removals, one hundred and thirty-one, — by letter, 
seventy-one; by death, sixteen; dropped, forty; and 
by exclusion, four. 



Re 



Rev. B. F. Hedden served the church as pastor two 
years, from September 24, 1854, to September 29, 1856, 
inclusive. He received into the church forty-seven 
members, — by baptism, twenty-six; by letter, eigh- 
teen; on experience, one: and by restoration, 
two. 

During this pastorate there were seventy removals, 
— by letter, fifty-eight ; by death, eleven ; and by ex- 
clusion, one. 

Rev. George Pierce was the pastor of the church 
eight years and six months, from March 15, 1857, 
to October I, 1865. During this pastorate there were 
added to the church one hundred and ninety-one 
members, — by baptism, one hundred and ten ; by let- 
ter, sixty-seven : on experience, thirteen ; and by 
restoration, one. Removals, one hundred and sixty- 
three, as follows: By letter, eighty-two; by death, 
thirty-four; dropped from the rolls, forty; and by 
exclusion, seven. 

Rev. N. C. Mallory entered upon the pastorate 
December 10, 1865, and resigned July 1, 1870, having 
served the church in the pastoral office four years and 
seven months. The additions to the church received 
by Mr. Mallory were ninety-five, of whom forty-five 
were by baptism ; by letter, thirty-five ; on experience, 
fourteen ; and by resto 
hundred and six, — by 
fourteen; dropped from 
two; and by excommur 

July 8, 1870, the c 
ited by a most destructive fire, consuming a vast 
amount of valuable property, and the meeting-house 
in which the church had worshiped thirty years be- 
came a heap of smoldering ruins. 

The pastor had been dismissed but a few days, and 
thus the church was left houseless, homeless and with- 
out a spiritual guide. After the loss of their house, 
among the first things proposed by the church and 
society was the erection of a new one. 

A lot of land situate on the corner of Concord and 
Union Streets was procured and contracts made for 
the construction of a church edifice on a scale the 
proportions and expense of which far exceeded the 
old building. 

In the mean time the church and society extended 
a call to the Rev. Alfred C. Graves to become their 
pastor. The call was accepted, anil January 1, 1871, 
Mr. t rraves entered upon his work. The church and 
congregation held together with constantly in- 
creasing interest, working in harmony, shoulder to 
shoulder, apparently regarding their great misfortune 
a blessing in disguise. At first they worshiped in 
Music Hall, then in the old Unitarian house on Mer- 
rimack Street, and lastly in Smyth's Opera-House. 
The work upon the building went forward with en- 
ergy, and on the 14th day of July, 1*72, justone year 
from the laying of the comer-stone, the church and 
congregation held their first meeting for religious 
worship in their new vestry. Here they continued 



ds, one 
.t, fifty-nine; by death, 
oils of the church, thirty- 

on, one. 

of Manchester was vis- 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW 11 AMI'SIIIRE. 



iu worship until the house was fully prepared for 

occupancy. 

April 30, 1873, the house having been completed 
in all its parts, was dedicated to the service of 
Umighty God. This beautiful structure, occupy- 
ing a most eligible and central position, is an orna- 
ment to the city, a credit to the church and soci( tj bj 
whose energy, courage and sacrifice ii was erected, 
and to the denomination which they represent. 

Mr. Graves continued to labor with the church with 
marked ability and faithfulness until the 1st of Oc- 
tober, 1876, having served a period of live years and 
nine months, when, by his resignation, his official 
connection with the church and society was termi- 
nated. 

During the pastorate of Dr. Graves 171 members 
united with the church, — by baptism, 92; by letter, 
oil; on experience, 27 ; and by restoration, 2. Re- 
movals, 74,— by letter, 41 ; by death, 2li ; dropped from 
the rolls of the church, 2; and by excommunica- 
tion, 5. 

William Hayne Leavell was pastor of the church 
live years, from May 4, 1-S77, to May, 1882, resulting 
in admissions to the church of 142, — by baptism, 87; 
by letter, 42 ; on experience, 10 ; and by restoration, 3. 
Removals, 72,— by letter, 45; by death, 24; and 
dropped from the rolls, 3. 

Rev. Clarion H. Kimball, our present pastor, united 
with the church August 25, 1882. He entered at 
once upon the duties and responsibilities of the 
pastoral office. He has gone forward in the work of 
the ministry with energy and ability, and has been 
successful in building up the church. The additions 
received by Mr. Kimball are 08, as follows: By bap- 
tism, 47 ; by letter, 20; by restoration, 1. Removals, 
38, — by letter, 27; by death, 10; and by excommuni- 
cation, 1. 

It would lie an interesting chapter in our history 
could we state with accuracy the full contributions to 
the various charitable and benevolent objects of the 
day. Unfortunately, we have not always kept a 
record of our receipts and expenditures. It is 
believed, however, that, in this respect, we are not, in 
proportion to our means, behind our brethren in other 
sister churches. 

Many changes have occurred during the forty-eight 
years of our existence. Not one of the original mem- 
bers remains. Through sunshine and shadow a kind 
Providence has watched over u->; still, we have had 
our share of darkness and trial. Some have fallen by 
the way; many have passed over the river, and 
entered the promised land. With weariness and 
watching, others are ready and waiting to follow the 
loved ones who have gun.- before. 

All hope for a brighter day ; may the Lord pour out 
His Spirit upon us, " that we may be as a city set on 
a hill that cannot be hid ; that our light may so shine 
before men that they may see our good works and 
glorify our Father which is in heaven." 



SUMMAEY. 
January 4, 1S37, Original members 45 

By baptism 679 

By Utter 633 

on experience 88 

ition 16 

1416 

Total membership 1401 

REMOVALS 

By letter 

By death In;. 

Dropped from Mi-- rolls 153 

969 

January 4, tss.\ uli-,1,- iiutiiI-lt --n the rolls of the 

church 49J 

Merrimack Street Baptist Church was organized 
October 31, 1845. Rev. A. T. Foss was the first 
pastor. Meetings were held in Classic Hall and 
other places until the completion of the brick church, 
corner Elm and Pleasant Streets, which they occupied 
February 22, 1849. In 1853 they adopted the name 
of Elm Street Baptist Church. Some misunderstand- 
ing arose concerning the purchase of the house, and 
in 1857 they left, and worshiped in Smyth's Hall until 
the completion of their present church, October 27th of 
that year. Mr. Foss was dismissed July 11, 1847, 
and was succeeded, December 26th, by Rev. J. C. Mor- 
rill, who left July 15, 1849. The next minister was 
Rev. O. O. Steams, who remained not quite a year, 
and was followed, in January, 1851, by Rev. Isaac 
Woodbury. January, 1853, Rev. John Peacock, form- 
erly pastor of the old Amoskeag Baptist Church, 
supplied the pulpit till the middle of April. In July, 
1853, Rev. J. M. Coburn became pastor. His resig- 
nation was accepted ( letober 8, 1855, but seven weeks 
later he was invited to again become pastor, and 
accepted the invitation. He remained until Decem- 
ber 5, 1858, and Rev. King S. Hall was recognized as 
pastor March 30, 1859. He left September 4, 1862, 
and Rev. A. W. Chaffin succeeded him June 10, 
1863. He remained till February 2, 1868, when his 
resignation was accepted. Rev. Alden Sherwin was 
installed November S, 1868, and dismissed in April, 
1879. Rev. N.L. Colby has officiated since June, 1879. 

Pine Street Free-Will Baptist Church— The 
Free-Will Baptists held meetings in Manchester as 
early as the year 1838, and a society was formed in 
1839. They built a house of worship, in 1842, at the 
corner of Merrimack and Chestnut Streets, which 
they exchanged in the fall of 1859 for the church, on 
the corner of Merrimack and Pine Streets, previously 
occupied by the Unitarians. A separation took place 
in the society, and a large portion of the members 
left, and organized in I860 as Elm Street Free-Will 
Baptist Church. A council was called, and the re- 
maining members were reorganized as the Pine 
Street Free-Will Baptist Church. 

The first pastor was Rev. J. M. Bailey, who was 
installed December 21, 1S59. He closed his labors in 
November, 1861, and September 10, 1862, Rev. Reu- 



MANCHESTER 



ben V. Jenness was ordained. He resigned June 1, 
1863, and was succeeded by Rev. Nahum Brooks. 
TJie latter resigned May 12, 18G9, and was succeeded 
by Rev. N. L. Rowell, 1869-73; H. F. Wood, 1*74- 
70; J.J. Hall, 1876-79; N. L. Rowell, 1879-81; B. 
A. Sherwood, 1881; II. G. Corliss, 188:3-84. 

Merrimack Street Free-Will Baptist Church— 
The members of the First Free-Will Baptist Church 
who left and formed a new church commenced wor- 
ship in the old brick church on the corner of Elm 
anil Pleasant Streets. After some vicissitudes, they 
finally purchased the former house of worship, on the 
corner of Merrimack and Chestnut Streets, which 
they now occupy. 

The pulpit was first occupied by Rev. J. B. Davis, 
who preached for a few months only. In March, 
1861, Rev. J. A. Knowles was installed as pastor, 
continuing such till the 1st of March, 1871, from 
which date until July 2, 1873, when Rev. Samuel 
McKeown was installed, the church was without a 
pastor. Mr. McKeown resigned July 1, 1874, and 
Rev. George M. Park became pastor in November of 
that year. He resigned December 3, 1879. Rev. 
Lewis Malvern became pastor March 3, 1880, resign- 
ing his charge in December, 1882. Rev. A. M. 
Freeman has occupied the pulpit since March 4, 
1883. 

The First Methodist Episcopal Church. -As 
early as 1820 Methodist services were held in the 
town-house at the Centre by one Reuben Peaslee. 
Religious services were subsequently held by Rev. 
John Broadhead, Caleb Lamb and others, and on 
September 27, 1829, a church was organized in Man- 
chester with eighty persons, among whom were 
Daniel Webster, John G.Webster, Joseph P.. Hall 
and Isaac Merrill. The erection of a house of worship 
was commenced at the Centre in 1829, and completed 
the following year, at a cost of two thousand dollars. 

The first pastor was Rev. Matthew Newhall, in 
1830. The following is a list of pastors of this church 
from its organization to the present: 

JamesG. Smith, 1831 ; Leonard Bennett and Enoch H. Ladd, 1832 ; Silas 
Greene, 1833 ; Caleb Dustin, 1834 ; William S. Locke, 183:. ; Converse L. 
McCurdy, ls3t;-37 ; William .1. Kidder, 1838 ; Matthew Nuwhall, a second 
time in 1839; Joseph Hayes, 1840; John S. G. Gridley, 1841; William S. 
Locke, 1842-14 ; Charles H. Eastman, 1845-16 ; Ezekiel Adams, 1847 ; 
Horatio N. Taplin, 1848; Henry Nutter, 1549-50; Isaac W. Huntley, 
1851 to November 6, 1852 ; Elijah R. Wilkins, 1853 ; Robert S. Stul.l.s, 
1854; Harrison N. Hart, 18S5; Henrj Hntter, 1856 ; Loren H. Gordon, 
1857-58; Amos B. Russell, 1859-60; Joaiah P. Stinchfield, 1861. There 
was no pastor in 1862 ; i: l: Wilkitll pn . bed here a part of the year. 
Hezekiah A. Matteson, 1863-64; William Hughes for a part of the fol- 
lowing year; Nathaniel I.- ChaS'-, lM,r,-ii7 ; .lames I lean, 18G8; J. Mowry 
Bean, 1869-71; Thomas Tyrie, 1»7^, but left the church; joined the 
Free-Will Baptists ; Charles W. Taylor, 1873-74 ; Watson W. Smith, 1875- 

76; George C. N.iy.-i, ls77-78; William 11 ,K , ls79-si ; J,,,,.ph u 

Brown, 1882 ; Rev. James W. Presbry, 1883-85 ; J. W. Bean, 1885. 

St. Paul's Church. 1 — The First Methodist Epis- 
copal Church in Manchester was organized Septem- 



ber 21, lsjn, at the Centre, where it still continues. 
The Second Church was organized December Hi, 

1839, and is now known as St. Paul's Church. Its 
fust pastor, Rev. John Jones, was appointed in June, 

1840. During that Conference year a chapel was 
built on the corner of Hanover and Chestnut Streets, 
h was subsequently removed to the corner of Pine 
and Merrimack Streets, has recently been enlarged 
and improved, and is now owned and used by the 
Christian Church. Mr. Jones was followed by Rev. 
Silas Green, who took charge in 1X41, and remained 
our year. His successor, Rev. Elibu Scott, found the 
chapel too small, and a new building was erected in 
1842 on Elm Street, costing with the land and fur- 
uishings, sixteen thousand dollars. From that time 
until 1862 (lie church was known as the Elm Street 
Methodist Episcopal Church. 

In 1856 a third church was organized, called the 
North Elm Street Methodist Episcopal Church. Rev. 
E. Adams, who had been at Elm Street two years, 
was its first pastor. About the middle of the year he 
took the agency of the Conference Seminary at 
Tilton, N. H., and Rev. C. N. Smith filled out his 
year. He was followed by Rev. G. W. H. Clark in 
1856-57, and he by Rev. Charles Young in 1858-59. 
Rev. G. S. Dearborn was pastor in I860 and part of 
1861. Before the close of 1861 he was transferred to 
Lisbon, and his year was filled out by Rev. Mr. 
Owens. 

In the spring of 1S(12 the two Elm Street societies 
were united. Bishop Baker named the new organi- 
zation the St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal Church, 
and appointed Rev. James M. Buckley, now editor of 
the Christian Advocate, its first pastor. Rev. D. C. 
Babeoek was appointed in April, 1868, and continued 
with the church two years, during which time some 
three thousand live hundred dollars was expended in 
repairs. Under the labors of Rev. C. W. Norris, in 
1878-79, the last dollar of a long-standing and bur- 
densome church debt was paid. 

The society known as the Tabernacle Methodist 
Episcopal Church was organized in the spring of 
1.875. Its pastors were Rev. J. B. Hamilton, three 
years; the late Rev. L. E. Gordon, of precious 
memory, one year; and Rev. O. S. Baketel, who 
closed his labors with the society in 1^79, when, in 
view of a new church enterprise previously started, 
and designed to provide a more commodious house of 
worship, both churches deemed it wise to unite again 
their strength. 

For about forty years St. Paul's Church had wor- 
shiped on Elm Street. As the city grew in size and 
business houses multiplied, the noise of trade became 
so great that it often disturbed the services. The 
society also suffered from the want of a suitable place 
in which to hold its social meetings, for it owned but 
one story of the building, the first floor being occu- 
pied by stores that were not under the control of the 
church. 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



The building was out of repair, and between spend- 
ing three or four thousand dollars on it and putting 
ii]> :i new church there was some hesitancy. When 
Rev. A. E. Drew was appointed to the pastorate, in 
1880, lie at once began to learn the minds of the pen- 
pie, and found them quite generally in favor of anew 
church. The title by which the property on Elm 
Street was held permitted it to be used only for re- 
ligious services. This was a serious encumbrance 
upon its sale, and nothing could be done until it was 
removed. Mr. Drew spent the greater part of a year 
in securing its removal, and it was only through his 
determined perseverance that the work of disentan- 
glement was successfully completed. The old house 
was sold for twelve thousand dollars, and the parson- 
age which the society owned on Laurel Street for 
four thousand two hundred dollars, and over nineteen 
thousand dollars was raised by subscription. 

A building lot on the corner of Union and Amherst 
Streets was bought for five thousand seven hundred dol- 
lars; the corner-stone was laid June 3, 1882, and the 
completed structure was dedicated April 13,1883. The 
church is built of faced brick, with cut-stone window 
trimmings, the arches being adorned with hondstones 
and the buttresses being capped with stone. The 
audience-room is finished in ash, and with its stained 
windows and frescoed walls produces a very pleasing 
effect. It will seat eight hundred persons. The main 
vestry will seat six hundred, besides which there are 
class-rooms, parlors, kitchen and dining-room. The 
parsonage stands immediately north of the church, and 
is in the same style of architecture. It contains eleven 
rooms, is heated by furnace, lighted with gas, and has 
every arrangement for convenience and comfort, and 
is nicely furnished by the society. It is probably 
not equaled by any parsonage in the Conference. The 
entire eoBt of lot, church and parsonage, as com- 
pleted and furnished, was not far from thirty-six 
thousand dollars, and the society believe that a better 
church for the money does not stand in New Hamp- 
shire. There is no mortgage upon the property, and 
tin- society is free from debt. The plans of the church 
edifice were drawn by Win. M. Butterlield, a member 
of the church; the building committee consisted of 
David H. Young (chairman), Hilas Dickey, Wm. M. 
Butterfield, Charles Hutchinson and Clifford M. An- 
derson. These gentlemen, especially the first on the 
committee, gave a great deal of time and earnest 
effort to tin enterprise. Under their supervision the 
expenditures were made with unusual care, and 
great praise is given them tor the results, so highly 
satisfactory to all. But credit is especially due to 
Rev. Mr. Drew, who obtained and collected most of 
the subscriptions and had a general oversight of the 
whole work. He toiled early and late, amid mani- 
fold discouragements. He determined to conquer, 
and the church stands as a monument to his energy 
and persistency. He deserves all the good words that 
can be said of him in connection with this enterprise. 



A grateful society will ever hold him in remem- 
brance. 

The pastorate of Mr. Drew having expired, Bishop 
Simpson, in April, 1883, transferred Rev. J. M. 
Avann from the New England Conference (Eastern 
Massachusetts), and appointed him as the first pastor 
of the new church. 

St. Paul's Church has always been a revival church. 
Scarcely a year has passed without a goodly number 
of conversions. Up to December, 1884, twelve hun- 
dred and ten had united with the church on proba- 
tion, and doubtless five or six hundred other converts 
have gone from its altars to swell the membership of 
the other Protestant Churches in the city. The church 
has never had men of large means among its mem- 
bers, and it has suffered many disadvantages, so that 
social considerations have drawn many away from it 
to other churches in the city; besides this, the tran- 
sient character of a large part of the population has. 
scattered its former members far and wide over the 
country. The records show that three thousand seven 
hundred and fifty-one persons have been connected 
with this church from first to last in full membership. 
Xow that the church has better facilities for work, 
there is the prospect of increased usefulness, with the 
assurance that it will hold and assimilate those who are 
drawn to it. The first year in the new building has been 
oneof unusual success. One hundred and twenty-four 
have been added to the membership" — sixty-three by 
conversion and sixty-one by letter. The receipts from 
pew-rents and collections during the year have been 
four thousand six hundred and twenty-seven dollars,, 
one thousand and fifty-two dollars of which has been 
for benevolent objects and the remainder fi ir current ex- 
penses'. The present membership of the church is 
five hundred and seventy. The following is a list of 
former pastors, with the years of their service: 

John Jones, 1840 ; Silas Green, 1841 ; Klihu Scott, 1S4:> ; James w. 
Morey, 1843-44 : Osman C. linker, 1845 ; John Jones, 1840-17 ; Samuel 
Kelley, 1S4K ; Lorenzo D. Barrows, Is4'.< ; i liarl.s X. Smilh. 1850; Silas 
ouimiiy, 1851; John Spaulding, 1852; Elisha Adams, 1853-54; II II 

Ilartwell, 1M.V.7H ; Ilk-hard S. Host, 18.17 ; Henry Hill, 1- £ i9 } I I 

Currier, I860; ,la - M I'.u.-kl.-v, lsill-tl-.!: Jonathan Hall, 1863-64; 

William II. Thomas, 1866-66; Hiram L. Kelsey, 18G7 ; Daniel C. Bab- 
cock, 1868-69 ; E. A. Smith, 1870-72 ; James Pike, 187:1-74; C. B. Pit- 
blado 1875 77 ; George W. Xorris, 1S7S-70 ; A. E. Drew, 1880-82. 

The First Unitarian Society. 1 — The Unitarian 
Church in Manchester did not originate from a change 
of base on the part of an orthodox Congregational 
Church, as in so many cases in New England, nor yet 
in an open and formal secession from any existing 
ecclesiastical organization. It appears, rather, to have 

1 n an independent movement, prompted by a desire, 

on the part of a few persons, to sustain liberal senti- 
ments in religion, and to worship God in a freer and 
happier way than seemed possible to them in the 
orthodox connection. 

In January, 1841, Rev. S. Osgood, a minister then 

l By Rev. E. B. Payne. 



MANCHESTER 



I'M 



residing in Nashua, began, by invitation, to preach 
the Unitarian faith in Manchester. Sabbath services 
were held for four months, when it was thought best 
to suspend them until the town hall, then in process 
of erection, should be completed, affording a more 
suitable place in which to bold the meetings. 

In March of the following year, 1S42, the town hall 
-was secured and services were resumed, with a view 
to making them permanent. Rev. Charles Briggs, 
secretary of the American Unitarian Association, in 
Boston, preached on a Sabbath, and Rev. O. H. Wel- 
lington was then engaged for the month of April. I hi 
Sunday evening, April 24, 1X42, pursuant to a call for 
a me'eting of those interested in sustaining Unitarian 
preaching in Manchester, the following persons met 
for consultation at the house of William Shepherd: 
John 1>. Kimball, William Shepherd, E. A. Straw, 
James May, M. G. J. Tewksbury, James McKeen W'il- 
kins. H. F. Richardson, B. F. Osgood, Edwin Bodwell, 
Herman Foster and J. H. Kimball. 

Afterthorough deliberation the following resolution 
■was unanimously adopted : 

11 Resolved, That we will form ourselves into a society for the more 

effectual support of t'nitai ian proa, lung in tin' Town of _M :in. li.-r.-i , ami 

that we will proceed, as soon as may be, t -ganize regularly undei the 

laws of this State." 

Messrs. 1 laniel ( 'lark and E. A. Straw were appointed 
a committee to draft ami report a constitution for such 
a society, and an adjournment was then had until 
\\ ednesday evening of the same week. 

At the adjourned meeting (Wednesday evening, 
April 27th) the committee, above mentioned, reported 
a constitution for the government of a religious soci- 
ety, to lie distinguished as the First Unitarian Society 
in Manchester, N. H. The preamble, as indicating 
the spirit ami purpose of the organization, is hereby 
appended : 

" Preamble. 

"Tin' object . .1 this Association i' In support an.leiijoy the more effect- 
ually tin- institution of our lu.lv relig Out helief is in the reality of 

Divine Revelation, aiel in the liiblc -is tie' n< on] of that revelation. Wo 
desire to know its truths, ami, in all charity aiel love towards our fellow- 

ruen, to maintain them. Su< h In in- purpose, we unite our-elves in 

. n with the Love of Sod, ami of Ins son, Jesus Christ ; the 
lovo of the Divine truths as taught by Christ during his mission upon the 

earth , aiel the love of all his children, our fellow-men and brethren, 
strong in our hearts. Imping to establish and maintain an altar where 

the sons of man may worship their Creator as their const iences shall dic- 
tate, untrammeled by any of these fettering creeds, Hie offspring of hu- 
man ingenuity alone. To ill. tin* we pledge our zealous and humble 

efforts, and in promoting this object it shall I ur endeavor to merge 

all local and party feelings and all sectarian prejudices, l'raying for Di- 
vine assistance, and hoping for the riches of God's grace and rcy, 

conscious of purity of intention, ..f mal ali'eetion, of a love fur truth, 

: ern forour fellow-men, we unite ourselves, for the further- 
ance of our object, into a religious society." 

flic articles of the constitution arc omitted from this 
sketch, as being only the business basis of the organ- 
ization and of no public interest. The preamble and 
constitution were unanimously adopted, and the orig- 
inal signers were as follows: E. II. Straw, William 
Shepherd, J. D. Kimball, Job Chamberlin, John H. 
Kimball. James May, George W. Tilden. < leorgc Hall. 



M. G. J. Tewksbury. Daniel Clark, Francis L. Clark, 
Alfred W. Rhoads, Benjamin F. Osgood, B. F. Man- 
ning. Isaiah Winch, .1. li. Upham, A. G. Tucker, J. B. 
Moore, 0. P. Warener, H. S. Reed, Charles F. Warren. 

E. A. Straw was chosen clerk ami treasurer, and at 
a subsequent meeting, May 1, 1842, John D. Kim- 
ball was elected president, and Messrs. William Shep- 
herd and B. F. Manning directors. 

The movement being now well launched upon its 
career, the members set hopefully to work to realize 
their objects. Rev. 0. H. Wellington became the 
first pastor. lie was ordained July 10, 1842, Rev. 
C. Stetson, of Mcdford, preaching the ordination 
sermon. The attitude of the religious community to- 
ward Unitarianisni was shown in the fact that, whereas 
the pastors of till the churches in the town were invited 
to be present at the ordination and assist in the ser- 
vices, they all declined except (lie pastor of the Uni- 
versalist Church. 

In the afternoon of the same day Rev. William 
Channing, of Nashua, preached before an assembly 
called to organize a church in connection with the 
society. In view of the above-mentioned action on 
the part of local ministers, it is curiously suggestive 
that the text of Mr. Channing's sermon was the words 
attributed to Jesus in John xvii. 22, 23, — "That they 
may lie one, even as we are one: 1 in them and thou 
in me, that they may be made perfect in one." 

Thechurch was duly organized, the following per- 
sons.being the original members: BenjaminF. Osgood, 
S. Manning, Esther Parker, Melinda Osgood, Mehit- 
able Eastman, O. H. Wellington, C. A. K. Welling- 
ton, Susan Manning, John Cadwell, 11. M. A. Foster. 

The following statement was adopted as the basis 
of l heir union : 

"I. 'Ilns ~.. ieu in In v- ill it tie- liible is aii authoritative and stifn- 
i n i.l i nl n: '.nib and practice, and is the cried, and the . .Ill v creed, that 
should be imposed up.ui churches, and the only platform upon which all 

" II. A- God has made no two mindsalike, diversities el opinion, even 
among Christians, must be expected to occur,— diversities which no men, 

or body of men, have a right to suppress by any measures other than an 
a pp. al ' to I he law ami I he testimony,' by fair argument and persuasion, 
and not by expulsion from church membership or by the cry of heresy, 
and therefore this society recognizes, as itssecond leading principle, the 

light of private judgement 

" I I I A- I mo i 1 1 1 ; i \ l.i hove in correct doctrines ami yet ha ve corrupt hearts 
— may profess religion will t possessing il,— may comply without en- 
tering into their spirit ami ma\ ha \ e excellent feelings a ml enlot ions and 
yet not be Christian-, hot cannot live habitually tie- christian life and 
manifest the I Inistian tern tier ami spirit unless tlmy be cl.t ist a. m., tin- 
society therefore further declare that m lieu judgment tie. ' luiMian 

life and character are n ily tin., and reliable tests an •. ■ I I i -nans, 

and cheerfully agree to invite amlrec-ue to licet f.ll.w-liii all, both 
ministers and people, who niaiiil. -I thl- • baia. In and receive tin- Scrip- 
tures as their rule ol faith, however much any such may differ from the 
majority of the society in respect of opinions." 

It will lie seen from these declarations that the 
founders of the church made it their primary end 
to emphasize and espouse the practical and vital 
interests of religious life and work, and were com- 
paratively indifferent to theological and ecclesiastical 
concerns. 



lllj 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



For nearly a year more the public services of the 
new church and society were held in the town hall, 
but during the following year a lease was secured of 
a small chapel, built by the Methodists in 1841, and 
standing on the corner of Hanover and Chestnut 
Streets. The first services were held there on July 
2, 1843. Some time during the summer this building 
was purchased from the Methodists and removed to 
a lot, donated by the Amoskeag corporation, on the 
corner of Merrimack and Pine Streets. 

Mr. Wellington remained as pastor only two years, 
when his health necessitated his departure, lie was 
suci eeded by Rev. A. Dumont Jones, who was installed 
July 10, 1844. Mr. Jones remained only until the 
end of March, 1845. From that time until 1848 the 
church was without a settled pastor, the pulpit being 
supplied by different ministers, none of whom re- 
mained lor any great length of lime, except Rev. M. 
J. Motte, who preached regularly for one year during 
1S40 — 17. This was a period of great discouragement 
for the friends of the movement. Their numbers 
failed to increase, and debts were incurred, and the 
prospect generally seemed unpromising. Atone time 
a motion was made to dissolve the society. This, 
however, did not prevail, but seemed to inspire the 
faithful with a determination to persevere. Resolu- 
tion and zeal brought the enterprise through these 
disheartening days. 

A fortunate move was made in February, 1848, in 
extending a unanimous call to Rev. Arthur B. 
Fuller, a brother of the famous Margaret Fuller. The 
call was accepted and Mr. Fuller was installed March 
29, 1848. The new pastor proved to be a mau of 
unusual talents, and during the five years of his 
pastorate the society was greatly increased and 
strengthened. It was found necessary to enlarge the 
church, which was done, its seating capacity being 
increased to the extent of twenty-four pews. The 
life and work of the church promised large and liberal 
things, but in 1853, Mr. Fuller, whose abilities had 
become widely recognized, received a call to the New 
North Church in Boston, and resigned his pastoral 
office in 1855. 

The society was now established and strong, and 
since thai time has held its ground and steadilj 
grown until it is now one of the leading religious 
organizations of the city and State, 'file pastors who 
have served the church since 1853 have been as fol- 
lows: Rev. Francis Le Barren, from August, 1853, to 
October, 1855; Rev. W. L. Gage, from June, 1856, to 
April, 1S58 ; Rev. Sylvan S. Hunting, from Septem- 
ber, 1858, to November, 1861; Rev. A. W.Stevens 
from September. 1862, to < id,, her. 1865; Rev. Au- 
gustus M. Haskell, from September 6, 1866, to March, 
1869; Rev. C. B. Ferry, from December, 1869, to the 
summer of 1874; Rev. Harvey from November. 
1874, to the spring of 1883. The present pastor is 
Rev. E. B. Payne, who was installed in 1-eebruarv, 
1884. 



The church worshiped in the building on the cor- 
ner of .Merrimack and Pine Streets until 1859, when 
an exchange was made for a larger building, for- 
merly occupied by the Free- Will Baptist Society, and 
.standing on the corner of Merrimack and Chestnut 
Streets. This building, in turn, they sold in 1871, 
and erected their present house of worship on the 
corner id' Beech and Amherst Streets, dedicating the 
new church in 1S7H. 

It remains to lie said only that the years have wrought 
significant changes in the mental and spiritual attitude 
of the society. It has gradually departed farther and 
farther from the orthodoxy of forty years ago. It 
no longer stands, in all respects, indeed, upon the 
platform provided by its original founders. It still 
emphasizes, as much as the older generation did, the 
practical and vital side of religion, rather than the. 
dogmatic and ecclesiastical interests. It would re- 
affirm, upon occasion, the sincerity of its intentions, — 
the love of man, the purpose of affording opportu- 
nity to worship in the tree and untrammeled exercise 
of conscience and the desire to do good in the com- 
munity where it lives and labors. But it has dropped 
out ,d' its thought and sympathy. almost entirely the 
theological ideas held by tile early members, and 
expressed or implied in the preamble to the consti- 
tution and ill the statement of principles on which 
the church was founded. Indeed, the church, as a 
separate organization, has disappeared, interest in it 
and the conscious need of it having ceased. There 
remains only the society. The Christian ordinances 
,,f baptism and the Ford's Supper are no longer ob- 
served. The majority consider these as so much 
entangled with the orthodox and historical Christian 
faith that they ought to be passed by by those who 
seek the natural foundations, the real essentials and 
the sweet simplicities of religion. So, too, the ma- 
jority have ceased to trouble themselves with the 
vexing question whether or not we are, in the histor- 
ical and accepted sense, a Christian Church- They 
believe there is something which is indisputably 
nobler than to be Christians, — namely, to In- souls, 
genuine, generous, hale and happy souls, ready to 
accept every reality in itself and in its relations, and 
holding themselves as servants to the truth, when it 
is known. And even these ideas are not formulated 
into a church creed to compete polemically with the 
definite creeds id' other churches, and to constitute a 
dividing line between our little communion and an 
outside world regarded as hostile and alien. These 
sentiments indicate rather a drift of thought and 
feeling to which we gladly yield, asto a movement of 
the brooding spirit which appears to move on the 
waters. The society, in short, is a simple organiza- 
tion, uniting those who realize the moral quality, the 
spiritual significance and the impartial justice of 
the universe, and to accept it, before all Bibles, as- 
the revelation of the true, the beautiful and the 
good. 



MANCHESTER. 



103 



The Universalist Church, 1 — The germ of what 
is now the Universalist Society of Manchester was 
started in 1825 at Amoskeag village, by Dr. Oliver 
Dean, then agent of the manufacturing company out 
of which the Amoskeag Company grew. 

Dr Dean was a man <>l' energy and large business 
capacity, and the success of manufacturing in our 
city is largely due to his efforts. But he was not only 
a man of business capacity, but was a man of strong 
religious principles, and even before he settled per- 
manently in the community he invited ministers of 
his faith to the village and established Universalist 
preaching. Services were continued under his direc- 
tion until 1833, when we learn from the records these 
facts : On the 4th of September, 1833, the following 
persons associated themselves together as the First 
Universalist Church of Bedford and Goffstown, and 
partook of the Lord's Supper: 

Frederic A. Hadsdon, John Stark (3d), George 
Daniels, Hiram A. Daniels, John Mullett, Edwin 
Smith, David Fiske, Nehemiah Preston, Mary Parker, 
Mrs. Pattee, Nancy Poor, Moses Gage, John V. Wil- 
son and Caleb Johnson. There is now hut one of 
the original members living, the Rev. J. V. Wilson, 
who was ordained to the ministry in 1830. The first 
pastor of the church was Rev. Frederic A, Hadsdon. 
On the 20th of November, 1833, the church met at 
the school-house in Amoskeag, and chose Rev. Frede- 
ric A. Hadsdon moderator, and George Daniels 
clerk of the meeting. After adopting a declaration 
of faith and a constitution, ( iconic 1 >anicls was chosen 
clerk and treasurer, and Wilbur Gay a deacon. The 
meetings thereafter were held in Amoskeag Hall. The 
records were kept until November 21, 1833, at which 
time Archibald Dow was chosen moderator. The 
meeting dissolved and no further records of the 
church can be found. 

In the following year, 1839, the society removed to 
the village of Manchester, on the east side of the 
river, and erected the church now occupied by the 
society in the same year. The church was dedicated 
in 1840. The size of the house originally was fifty 
by eighty feet. The land on which the church stands 
was given to the society by the Amoskeag Company, 
and contains ten thousand square feet. 

It appears by the records that on the 12th day of 
April, 1842, several members of the society met at 
the residence of the pastor for the purpose of consult- 
ing on the subject of church organization. A com- 
mittee was appointed to report on the subject, and on 
the 10th of May following, a church was organized. 

Thus it appears that a second church was organ- 
ized, though there is no record that the first church 
was ever disbanded. Thus far we have only a record 
of churches. Whether during this period there had 
been a parish organization we know not, but there 
probably was. The oldest record is iii 1846. The 

•By Rev. L. F. McKinney. 



oldest record there is of a legal meeting is Decem- 
ber, 1850, at which time S. W. Parsons was elected 
president. 

The society has had in its history ten settled pas- 
tors, — Rev. Frederic A. Hadsdon, whose pastorate 
began with the history of the church and closed in 
1837. Neil her the records nor the history of Man 
chester show that there was any other settled pastor 
until 1840, but older members of the society say that 
Rev. Hiram Beckwith was settled for two years after 
the resignation of Rev. Mr. Hadsdon. Rev.N.Gunni- 
son, the next pastor, began his services in May, 1840; 
he resigned in October of the same year. Rev. 
George W. Gage was ordained as pastor in June, 
1841, and was dismissed at his own request in L843. 
In January . 1843, the Rev. B. M. Tillotson was settled 
as his successor, and continued in charge until October, 
1859. Ee was succeeded by Rev. B. F. Bowles in 
June, 1860 ; he resigned in 1866. The Rev. S. L. 
Rorifaugh was installed June 26, 1867, and resigned 
October, 1868. He was succeeded, January 1, 1869, bj 
Rev. Thomas Berden, who resigned in December, 
1871. The Rev. G. L. Demarest began his labors as 
pastor September 1, 1872, and closed his labors Feb- 
ruary 1, 1875. Rev. L. F. McKinney became pastor 
of the society on the 1st of May, 1875, and continues 
as pastor at the present time, or nearly ten years. 
After the building of the church the society prospered 
beyond expectation, and the house proved too .small 
for the congregation ; accordingly, in 1850 it was en- 
larged by an addition of twenty-five feet in width, or 
one-half its former size; it was rededicated the same 
year with appropriate services. In 1855 a vestibule 
was added to the front and the organ now in use pur- 
chased at an expense of three thousand dollars. In 
1878, the church being in need of repairs, it was deter- 
mined to raise funds for that purpose. Eight thou- 
sand dollars was the estimated cost, which was readily 
subscribed, and in June of that year the work was 

c imenced, and under judicious management was 

completed at a cost of seven thousand dollars. The 
church was rededicated with appropriate services in 
October of the same year, Rev. A. J. Patterson, D.D., 
preaching the sermon. The one thousand dollars re- 
maining was applied to the payment of a debt of 
fifteen hundred dollars that had long been owed by 
the society. The following year the balance of the 
debt was paid, and from that time till the present the 
entire expenses of the society have been paid from 
the (icw rentals of the church. The society cele- 
brated the fiftieth anniversary of its organization on 
the 2d of November, 1883, with appropriate exercises. 

Twice in the history of the society a new society 
has been organized from it, but neither were destined 
to live. Nearly every society in Manchester numbers 
among its members those who once worshiped with 
the Universalists. Almost the entire wealth of one 
of the large societies was in time past connected with 
this organization. Some of the most influential men 



104 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



in the city and State have been connected with this 
church, and few churches have done more to educate 
and liberalize the general public. The church build- 
ing is now the oldest in the city. The society is free 

from debt and prosperous. With a faithful member- 
ship in the future, as in the past, and the blessing; id' 
Gwl.it will still have a work to do that shall redound 
to the good of the community and the praise of Him 
who i-, the source of all truth. 

Grace Church.' — The first services of the Episcopal 
Church were held in the Bchool-house, on Lowell 
Street, on the second Sunday in July, 1840, by the 
Rev. I'. S. Ten Broeck, of Concord, and were followed 
by others, conducted by the Rev. T. Edson, of Lowell, 
and other clergymen. A ball in Onion Building was 
subsequently fitted for services, at which a meeting 

for lb -ganization of a church, to be known as St. 

Michael's, was held November 28, 1841, and on De- 
cember 17th the Rev. YV. 11. Moore was elected rector, 
and entered U] his duties on Christmas eve. 

A building, previously used by a Baptist Society.on 
Concord Street, was hired and occupied in June, 1842, 
and until December 28, 1.S4H, when the congregation 
removed to a new church, built of wood, on the north- 
east corner of Lowell and Pine Streets. 

< in the 5th of June, 1860, the corner-stone of a new 
church, to be built of stone, was laid on the same lot 

by Bishop Chase. The nan f the church was at 

this time changed to Grace < Ihurch. The church was 
built after designs by Richard Apjohn, and was con- 
secrated December 4, 1860. 

The church has grow n with the growth of the city, 
the present number of communicants being over two 
hundred. The following is a list of the rectors, with 
the duration of their rectorships: the Rev. W. H. 
Moore, from December 24, 1841, to April 2:i, 1848, six 
years and lour months; the Rev. John Kelly, from 
June IS, 1848, to April 1, 1852, three years and ten 
months; the Rev. I. G. Hubbard, from May Hi, 1852, 
to April 1, 1866, thirteen years and eleven months; 
the Rev. W. J. Harris, from June :;. 1866, to January 
1, 1809, two years and seven months; the Rev. L. 
Sears, from November 1, 1869, to the present time, 
fifteen years and six months. 

St. Ann's Church (Roman Catholic).— In 1S44, 
when the ( atholie population of the town numbered 
about six hundred. Rev. William McDonald was ap- 
pointed as their pastor. They commenced worship 

the next year in Granite Hall, and, four years later, 
commenced the erection of a brick church, on the 
southeast corner of Merrimack ami Union Streets, 
known as St. Ann's. After they had begun to hold 
sen ices in it, it was found to be unsafe, and they were 
compelled to take ii down and rebuild it. The prop- 
erty, including a parsonage, is now valued at about 
sixty thousand dollars. The venerable Rev. William 
McDonald Mill remains the pastor at St. Ann's, 



assisted by Rev. John T. Lyons and Rev. John 
Griffin. 

St. Joseph's Cathedral.— St. Joseph's Church was 
built in 1809, on the southeast corner of Lowell and 
Pine Streets, being dedicated April 18, 1869. Rev. 
John O'Brieu was pastor until 1877, being succeeded 
by Rev. Thomas D. Healy, who remained in charge 
until June, 1880, when Rev. Denis M. Bradley became 
pastor. Rev. James Doherty and Rev. F. N. Burke 
have been his assistants. This church, on the occa- 
sion of the consecration of its pastor, Rev. Denis M. 
Bradley, as lirst bishop id' Manchester, was raised by 
the Holy See to the dignity of a cathedral, and is now 
known as St. Joseph's Cathedral. The right reverend 
bishop is assisted in attending to the spiritual wants 
of the people by Rev. Thomas Reilley, Rev. Denis 
Hurley and Rev. John Temin. The church property, 
including the new episcopal residence, is valued at 
about one hundred and twenty-live thousand dollars. 

Right Rev. Denis M. Bradley, Bishop of Man- 
chester — Bishop Bradley was born in Castle Island, 
County Kerry, Ireland, February 25, 1846. His father 
died in 1S.">:;, leaving his widow to care for their family 
of six children. In 1854 she came with them to America 
and settled in Manchester, N. 11., where the boyhood 
of Bishop Bradley was passed. He attended the 
Catholic schools of Manchester, and for a more lib- 
eral education entered the College of the Holj < Iross, 
located at Worcester, Mass., where he was graduated 
in 1867. In September of that year he entered St. 
Joseph's Provincial Theological Seminary, located at 
Troy, N. Y., where, June 3, 1871, he was ordained 
priest. Shortly alter his ordination he was assigned 
to the cathedral at Portland, Me., by Right Rev. 
Bishop Bacon, where he remained nine years, 
during which time he filled the various positions ot 
rector of the cathedral, chancellor of the diocese and 
bishop's councilor under Bishop Bacon, and also 
under his successor, Bishop Healy. Close applica- 
tion and long-continued attention to his various 
duties at Portland impaired his health, and in 1879, 
with the view of regaining it, he went to Europe, 
where he remained six months, and returning but 
slightly improved by the change and rest, re-entered 
Upon his duties at the cathedral, which had become 
even more exacting than when he left. After a short 
time, finding that he was unable to discharge the very 
laborious duties of his position, he was, on this ac- 
count, chosen by Right Rev. Bishop Healy, in June, 
1880, pastor of St. Joseph's Church in Manchester, 
N. H., which position he held until consecrated to 
the high position id' bishop. It having been found 
that thediocese of Portland, embracing, as it did, the 
Stall's ..t' Maine and New Hampshire, was too large 
to be properly cared for by one bishop, the arch- 
bishop anil bishops of the province of Boston united 
in a petition to the Holy See to create New Hamp- 
shire anewdiocese, with Manchester as the Episcopal 
See. The Holy Father, in accordance with the prayer 




/^y^i^a ^ /b^ 



MANCHESTER. 



of the petition, created the See of Manchester, and 
appointed Rev. Father Bradley its first bishop. He 
was consecrated in his cathedral church, in Man- 
chester, June 11, 18S4, by the Most Rev. Archbishop 
ul Boston, at the age of thirty-eight years, four months 
and six days, thus being the youngest person in the 
history of the Roman Catholic Church in the United 
States to hold so exalted a position. There were 
present at the consecration ceremonies the arch- 
bishop, six bishops and one hundred ami eighty- 
five priests. Bishop Bradley has under his jurisdic- 
tion about eighty thousand Catholics, under the 
spiritual care of forty-live priests. There are in the 
new diocese forty churches, fifteen parochial schools, 
two academies for young ladies, two orphan asylums, 
one hospital and one home for aged women. 

Bishop Bradley is a gentleman of culture anil ba- 
the confidence and respect of a large number of the 
citizens of the State, irrespective of denominational 
boundaries. 

St. Augustine's Catholic Church (French).— To 
luv. .1. A. Chevalier's efforts is due the organization 
of the parish of St. Augustine. When he came here, 
in May, 1871, the French were worshiping at St. 
Joseph's and St. Ann's. He immediately took steps 

t -gani/.e a congregation of the French Canadians 

of the city, and soon held services in Smyth's Hall, 
which were well attended. Subsequently his followers 

worshiped eleven months in a ball at tin rner of 

Elm and Pleasant Streets, and then for two years in 
the church at the corner of Merrimack and Chestnut 
Streets. Meanwhile money for a church edifice had 
been raised, and one was in the process of erection at 
the corner of Beech and Spruce Streets, it- dedication 
occurring November 27, 1874, which, with the parson- 
tig ■, is valued tit sixty-five thousand dollars. Rev. 
Mr. Chevalier still remains the pastor, and is assisted 
by Rev. C. Leafertune. 

St. Marie Catholic Church (French).— So large has 
been the increase of Manchester's French population 
th it St. Augustine Church soon became inadequate to 
accommodate the worshipers, and in ls.stl— SI another 
church, St. Marie, was erected in West Manchester, 
on Beauport Street, nearly opposite the McGregor 
bridge, lis dedication occurred in the spring of the 
latter year. The first pastor was Rev. Joseph I). 
liable. He remained in charge of the parish until 
March, 1882, when Rev. Peter llevey, the present 
pastor, was appointed as his successor. The church 
property, which includes a parsonage, is valued at 
eight thousand dollars. 

Christian Church.— September 21, 1870, in Whit- 
ney's Hall, Ferren's building, occurred a meeting 
which brought into existence the Christian Church in 
this city. A society was organized October l9thofthal 
year, and the men and women interested in what is 
technically known as the Christian beliefheld meet- 
ings in Whitney's Hall for a year. January 15, 1871, 
the First Christian Church was organized. The first 



settled pastor was Rev. < >. J. Hancock, assuming 
charge of the church August fi, 1X71. The next month 
the place of worship was changed to the city hall. 
Mr. Hancock left the church August 28, 1X72, tin. I 
shortly after was appointed superintendent of the 
Young Men's Christian Association. January 5, L873, 
Blisha H. Wright became pastor, remaining until Sep- 
tember 9, 1X7(J. The other pastors have been E. C. 
Abbott, from September 15, 1876, to February 10, 
1879; D. B. Murray, from April 1, 1879, to April 1, 
1880. fbc present pastor, Rev. Gideon T. Etidlon, has 
bad charge of the church since December IX, 1881. The 
society owns no real estate, but leases Mirror Hall as 
a place of worship, which it lias occupied since 1876. 
The church membership is one hundred and forty- 
one. 

St. James' Methodist Episcopal Mission Church. 
— This church was organized June 2, 1881, under the 
name of the People's Methodist Fpiscopal Mission 
Church, with twenty-three names upon the member- 
ship list. Services were held in the city hall for 
eighteen months, the church then removing to the 
chapel that bad been erected on Pennacook Street, 
near Pine, and has since worshiped there, but for the 
last few months under a new name, — the St. James' 
Methodist Episcopal Mission Church. The society 
greatly prospered under the ministration of Rev. 
William A. Loyne, who acted as pastor from its in- 
ception until April, 1885, when he was succeeded 1>\ 
Rev. Otis S. Danforth. 

Second Advent Society.— Believers in tin- second 
advent doctrine held services in Manchester as early as 
1843, and have continued them most of the time since, 
worshiping in Granite Hall, Merrimack Hall, in halls 
in Museum Building, Merchants' Exchange and Mar- 
tin's Block. In 1881 a church was erected between 
Pearl and Arlington Streets, near the Ash Street 
School-house. Not till 1X70 did the Adventists have 
any organization, but on the 1st of August in that 
year they formed a society on the basis of a belief in 
the speedy coming of Christ, and the adoption of the 
New Testament as a rule, of life, making Christian 
character the only test of membership, 'fin- present 
chapel was dedicated January 2, 1881. The property 
owned by the Adventists, which includes a parsonage, 
is valued at five thousand dollars. Elder < lharles K. 
( Irossett, who had been pastor of the society since its 
reorganization, in May, 1880, having resigned, a call 
was extended to Elder B. McLellen, of Lowell, which 
was ao epted in October, 1883. The Second Advent 
Christian Association controls the property. 

City Missionary Society.— In the spring of 1847, 

J. L. Seymour was employed as a city missionary by 
individuals interested in the cause of religion, who 
paid bis salary and hired a hall, where be opened a 
Sunday-school and conducted religious services. In 
this way the idea of ;i free church was suggested, and 
the building on the northwest corner of Merrimack 
and Beech Streets was built in I850,and dedicated on 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



I b 23d of i (ctober of that year. The land on which 
it stands was given by the Amoskeag Company, and 
the money which built it was the contributions of in- 
dividuals in the city, and of the Congregational and 
Presbyterian Churches in the State. The property is 
held in trust, on condition thatthe seats in the church 
shall be free, and that public worship shall be main- 
tained by the Manchester City Missionary Society, 
which was legally organized April 24, 1850. Shortly 
alter the church was built it seemed desirable that a 
church should be regularly organized to worship there. 
and December 30, L852, it was formally organized un- 
der the name of the Christian Mission < 'hureh, which 
has been extinct for many years. 
West Manchester Union Congregational Church 

was organized September 10. 1S.SM, with fifty members. 
Ira Barr, George Murdough and Adam Dickey were 
elected deacons, and Ira Barr clerk. On Thursday 
evening, September 13th, Charles F. Carter, of Chico- 
pee. Mass., a graduate of Andover Theological Semi- 
nary, was ordained and installed as pastor of the 
church. 

The building in which the society worships, located 
on Main Street, was constructed in 1820 by the resi- 
dents of Piscataquog who were of the Presbyterian 
faith; but the occupants of the ten dwellings then 
constituting the village were not able to support a 
pastor, and services were not held regularly, and in 
lN42the proprietors disposed of it. The purchasers 
fitted the upper portion for educational purposes, and 
an academy was opened that year. The Wesleyan 
Methodists held services in the lower part in 1855, 
For ten years, from 1856, the Presbyterians occupied 
it, having organized a church in 1859. In 1870 the 
church building was given to Mrs. Mary I'. Harris, 
through whose liberality it was repaired. She placed 
it in the hands of the Young Men's Christian Associ- 
ation, which leases it to the Union Congregational 
Society. 

Spiritualist Society. — This society was organized 

German Church of the New Jerusalem.— This 
church was regularly organized September 4, 1881, by 
Rev.A.O. Brickman. 

Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Church.— This 



rh.trr 



in June, 1882. Services are 



held at the Mission Chapel. 

First Presbyterian Church ( German ). — The church 
organization was effected July 26, 1882, by the Pres- 
bytery of Boston. The pastor, Rev. Fred. Erhardt, 
was installed October 16, 1882. 

French Protestant Church.— The organization of 
this church was effected March 24, L881, when the first 
pastor, Rev. Gideon Aubin. was installed. 



CHAPTER VII. 
MANCHESTER^ Coiiliniied). 

Odd-Fellowship— ottwi I..™!-.- .ml s tn-s— 'Die Modget Canal- 
Driving Park— Court-House— Cemeteries— Water- Works— Fire De- 
partment — Tit.' Ainn-k,..,^ \, i.iany }Ii]it.c\ 
of Officers and Privates— Soldiers' Monument. 

Odd-Fellowship 1 as understood and practiced in 
this country, though, in a measure, the outcome of an 
English order, is emphatically an American institu- 
tion, and will ever be so regarded in history, It 
claims no great antiquity. Its origin is not clouded 
in the misty legends of ages long since written on the 
scroll of time. No mysteries surrounded its birth ; 
no Eleusiuian rites attended its baptism; no Druidic 
ceremonies were performed as it entered upon its ca- 
reer of usefulness through the instrumentality of men 
then only known in the humblest walks of life, seek- 
ing to lighten the burdens of a common humanity 
and to promote the interests of those banded together 
for a common purpose. The leader in this fraternal 
and benevolent enterprise, that has now culminated 
in one of the grandest charities of this or any other 
age, was Thomas Wildey, an Englishman by birth, 
an American by adoption. A mechanic by trade, of 
generous impulses, possessing a sympathetic heart 

and an open hand, s i after his arrival in Baltimore. 

and while struggling for a livelihood among those of 
his own class in a portion of the city visited by want 
and pestilence, he conceived a scheme of mutual 
assistance and self-help in time of sickness and gen- 
eral misfortune. To this, he thought, might be added 
the pleasures of a social hour when the toils and bur- 
dens oi the i lay were at an end. Full of this idea as he 
plodded at his trade or rested his weary body at night 
upon a scanty bed, with the encouragement of one 
sympathetic soul only. John Welch, he ventured tr> 
call a meeting at the Seven States Tavern, on Second 
Street, tor consultation. This meeting occurred on 
the 26th day of April, 1819, at which time five per- 
sons were present, whose names have become distin- 
guished, and one of which, at least, is immortal, lor 
the part taken in the organization of a world-wide 
charity. We give their names for historic referem e : 
John Welch, John Duncan, Richard Rushworth, 
John Cheathem and Thomas Wildey. These wi re 
the founders of Washington Lodge, No. 1. still ac- 
tive, whose humble commencement marks the origin 
of American Odd-Fellowship, now grown to be one 

of the largest. st successful and eminently popular 

fraternities in the world. Thomas Wildey. in a 
special sense, was the father and founderof American 
Odd-Fellowship, and his great name will ever be as- 
sociated witb this wonderful mission of humanity in 
the world. 

Owing to adverse circumstances and the unrelent- 

' Bj P G M Josi pfa Kidder. 



MANCIILSTK1I 



107 



ing prejudices that existed against all secret societies 
in our country, the growth of Odd-Fellowship was 
slow and feeble. At the end of two decades there 
were only one hundred and thirty lodges, with a 
membership of less than ten thousand. The total 
revenue fell below sixty thousand dollars, while the 
annual relief did not aggregate five thousand dollars. 
In 1840 the bulk of the lodges were located in Mary- 
land, New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia, while in 
thirteen other States and Territories the order had 
gained a foothold only. Aboutthis time peo] h >• gar 
to consider the excellency of its principles, and to ad- 
mire its unselfish charity and benevolent works. In 
three years it took a rapid stride and more than tri- 
pled its lodges, membership, revenues and relief. A 
widespread interest was awakened, and its growth 
became almost unparalleled in the history of the 
organization. Like a huge wave, started at the centre 
of the sleeping lake, it widened and broadened its 
circles until its influence touched nearly every State 
and Territory in the Union. It was during the latter 
part of the year 1843, September 11th, that it gained 
a foothold in New Hampshire in the organization of 
Granite Lodge, No. 1, at Nashua. At that time Man- 
chester, now the queen city of the State, was only a 
vigorous little town lying on the east bank of the 
Merrimack River. The population was small, but 
the people had great expectations. Among those 
drawn to the embryo city in the hope of acquiring 
wealth and achieving an honorable reputation among 
their fellows were men of liberal views, sagacious 
instincts and benevolent impulses. Anxious to pro- 
mote the material interests of the place and to better 
their own condition in legitimate ways, they were 
still not unmindful of the claims of society for a higher 
civilization and better systems of relief to those in 
sickness and in want. In various ways they learned 
of the new benevolent and fraternal order, just estab- 
lished in a neighboring town. They desired to test 
its practical value by personal knowledge. They 
would see and know if its pledges and promises were 
fulfilled through its daily works, and if the results 
would justify the necessary expenditure of time, 
money and effort to organize a lodge. Five of this 
class applied to Granite Lodge and were admitted to 
membership and took their degrees, as the preliminary 
steps for a branch of the order at Manchester. Armed 
with the necessary papers, they applied to the proper 
source for a charter, and on the 21st day of December, 
1853, Hillsborough Lodge, No. 2, was duly organized 
by grand officers from Massachusetts. The names 
of these pioneers, representing different trades and 
professions in life, were Dr. Charles Wells, Walter 
French, James M. Barnes, Isaiah Winch and Jacob 
G. Cilley. These brothers, one after the ' other 
having fulfilled their mission, dropped out from the 
earthly life and entered the lodge of the unknown. 
The last to part with his lodge was the venerable Dr. 
Wells, who died December 28, 18S4. Of those ad- 



mitted to the lodge on the night of its institution only 
one remains. John S. Kidder, a native of Manchester. 
The first Noble Grand of the lodge was Captain Walter 
French, a man of noble presence and generous im- 
pulses, who lost bis lite May (I, 1853, in a terrible rail- 
road accident at Norwalk, Conn., while returning from 
a business engagement in the South. 

Popular from its organization, Hillsborough Lodge, 
like the county from which it derived its name, has 
ever occupied a proud position among the social and 
fraternal societies of the State. In all, there have 
been received to membership during the forty-two 
years of its existence nearly one thousand brothers, 
embracing representative men from all the honorable 
walks of life. Deaths, withdrawals and other causes 
have reduced the number, so that now the list shows 
less than tour hundred in good standing, — the fourth 
lodge in membership in th.' jurisdiction. Its total re- 
ceipts aggregate sixty thousand dollars, while th.' dis- 
bursements in charity and relief alone have reached 
twenty thousand dollars. Its present assets, exclu- 
sive of furniture, fixtures and other property, are 
$11,046.45. Since its organization it has never 
omitted its regular weekly session for the transaction 
of business, and the continuous meetings, without in- 
terruption, in round numbers, are two thousand two 
hundred,— a record, perhaps, which no social, religious 
or benevolent society in the State can claim. The num- 
ber of Past Grands falls a little below one hundred. 
For thirty-two years in succession the lodge has cele- 
brated its anniversary with appropriate services in the 
presence of brothers and their families and invited 



guests. This lodge is as permanently established as 
any church in the city, and enjoys a high reputation 
for works of charity and love. 

Odd-Fellowship in Manchester grew up with the 
town and city. On the 21st day of November, 1845, 
ou the petitiou of Horace Gordon and six other 
brothers holding withdrawal cards from Hillsborough 
lodge, our late brother, Samuel H. Parker, then 
Grand Master, in accordance with the laws of the order, 
issued a dispensation for Mechanics' Lodge, No. 13, 
and after the institution installed the officers. 

It was an event of unusual interest. The new- 
lodge started with the approbation, prayers and best 
wishes of the mother-lodge. Its growth was phenom- 
enal. Under the wise administration of its charter 
members and others attracted to its membership, it. 
soon became a social ami fraternal power, and as- 
sumed high rank among its sister organizations. 
Three of its members, viz., John C. Lyford, Gei irge W. 
Weeks and Charles H. Brown, were elected Grand 
Masters of the State, and subsequently occupied the 
distinguished position of representatives in the Sover- 
eign Grand Lodge at Baltimore. Many of its brothers 
have filled important places in the city government, 
and exerted a large influence in the social and civil 
affairs of the State. To-day, numerically. Mechanics' 
Lodge is the largest in the State, and financially it is 



L08 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



on a solid basis, having a .surplus above its present 
needs of twenty thousand dollars or more. Its mem- 
bership per hist report was tour hundred and twenty- 
tour. Its prospects for the future are of the most 
cheering character. 

From the returns in the office of the Grand Secre- 
tary, it appears that in 1852 there were thirty-nine 
subordinate lodges in the jurisdiction, with a total 
membership of two thousand five hundred and seventy. 
Through various adverse circumstances during a 
period of eight years, Odd-Fellowship in New Hamp- 
shire experienced a retrograde movement. In 18(10 
then- wire only twenty-three lodges, sixteen having 
become dormant or extinct, reporting only sixteen 
hundred and forty-one members. The outlook was 
discouraging, and many brothers dropped out of the 
older, with the general impression that it would 
soon collapse, and its mission prove a disastrous 
failure. In this hour of darkness to the fraternity, 
a few noble brothers, with unflinching faith in their 
hearts, and willing to make personal sacrifices in 
behalf of "Friendship, Love and Truth." re- 
doubled their diligence, in the full assurance that 
their labors would not be in vain. Brother George 
W. Weeks was Grand Master; and, conscious of the 
responsibility placed upon him by the Grand Lodge, 
with the encouragement ami assistance of a few 
whose faith in the institution and its grand princi- 
ples never faltered, even ill the darkest hour, he gave 
hi- best efforts in behalf of the trust committed to his 
charge. The outflow from the order was stopped. 
The doubting were confirmed; the feeble made 
strong. The clouds lilted, and again the sun shone 
on the enterprise s,, dear to faithful hearts. The 
year closed with the loss of a single lodge, hut with 
an increase of seventeen members in the State. The 
year I860 was the pivot on which the order turned. 
It was under Brother Weeks' administration; and 
from that day forward, now a period of twenty-five 
years, there has been an annual increase in our num- 
bers, until to-day we report seventy lodges in good 
condition, with an honored membership of more than 
nine thousand in the Granite State alone. Fidelity 
to our principles and faithfulness to our brothers 
during the war with the South commanded universal 
respect, and brought hundreds knocking to the doors 
of the lodges, win. would scarcely have known id' the 
order hut for the protection, assistance and comfort 
it brought to the soldier on the tented field, in the 
camp, the hospital and the prison-pen. 

In 1866 several young men, members of Hillsbor- 
ough and .Mechanics' Lodges, petitioned Grand Mas- 
ter Doe lor a new lodge to he located at Manchester. 
The movement was approved by the old lodges and 
some of the influential brothers. On the 8th day of 
August, Wildey Lodge, No. 45, was instituted, with 
imposing ceremonies. Henry A. Farrington, since 
Grand Master and Grand Representative, for his zeal 
and activity in the movement, was elected the first 



Noble Grand; ami he performed the arduous duties 
with much credit. Like its predecessors, Wildey 
Lodge has made for itself a history of which the 
order may well lie proud. Probably no lodge in the 
State has upon its rolls so many professional men, 
including lawyers, doctors, ministers and teachers, as 
Wildey Lodge. In point of ability, character and 
efficiency, it is the peer of any in the State, and will 
ever do its part to hear aloft the banner on whose 
folds are inscribed the beautiful emblems of our 
order. Its present membership is nearly three hun- 
dred. Bearing the honored name of the father of 
American Odd-Fellowship, may the members ever 
emulate the zeal and persistency of the founder of 
the order, who gave his long and useful life to the 
dissemination of our principles. So shall Wildey 
Lodge be a pillar of cloud by day, and a pillar of 
lire by night, to lead many weary feet into the paths 
of virtue, plenty and peace. 

Beside the three subordinate lodges here mentioned, 
there are other branches of the order in Manchester 
of which we would speak. Wonolanset Encampment, 
No. 2, has a membership of two hundred and twenty- 
five; and Mount Washington, two hundred and eight. 
Ridgely Camp, No. 2, of Uniformed Patriarchs, num- 
bers about one hundred, composed mostly of young 
men who have a taste for military movements and 
military display. The rich uniforms and the fine 
martial hearing of the Patriarchs constitute a feature 
of much attraction when the members are on parade. 
Luring the summer they usually make an excursion 
or two out of the State for recreation and amuse 
ment. 

Social Rehekah Degree Lodge, No. 10, is said to he 

the largest and best organizati if the kind in the 

world. It numbers nearly five hundred members, 
about equally divided between the sexes. It has 
been organized more than ten years. With the ex- 
ception of Noble Grand, the officers are mostly ladies. 
Between the several bodies here named the most 
friendly relations have ever existed, and they work- 
in the utmost harmony to promote the best interests 
of the fraternity. They jointly occupy apartments in 
Odd-Fellows' Block, a building owned by the order, 
and worth fifty thousand dollars. Residing in the 
city are seven Past Grand Representatives to the 
Sovereign Lodge. The order in the city is a great 
power for g 1, and is so regarded by the people. 

In Hillsborough County there are twelve lodges, 
equal to one-sixth of the seventy in the State. They 
are located as follows, viz.; Granite, No. 1, and Pen- 
nichuck, No. 44, Nashua; Hillsborough, No. 2, Me- 
chanics'. No. 13, and Wildey. No. 45, Manchester; 
Peterborough, No. 15, Peterborough; Webster, No. 
24, Gdffstown; .Mount William, No. 37, North Wcare; 
Valley, No. IM, Hillsborough Bridge; Aurora, No. 49, 
Hollis; Waverly, No. 59, Antrim ; Custos Morum,No. 
4"-', Milford. These twelve lodges embrace a member- 
ship of two thousand two hundred, or very nearly 



MANCHESTER. 



109 



one-quarter part of all the Odd-Fellows in the Stair. 
From this meagre sketch something may he learned 
of the hold the order has on the people of the county, 
and the mighty, salutary influence it may exert on 
all the institutions within her borders. With seventy 
thousand dollars of surplus means, every dollar of 
which is sacredly pledged to the relief of its mem- 
bers, with the intellectual and moral force represented 
by the brotherhood, together with the friendship ami 
love begotten of the order, there is reason to believe 
the institution is permanently located in our midst, 
and will prosper for an indefinite period. 

Other Societies. — Among other societies, etc., are 
the following: 

Knights of Honor.— Alpha Lodge, No. 245, instituted 
March 11, 1876; Temple Lodge, No. 2065, instituted 
February 27, 1880; Golden Rule Lodge, No. 2445, in- 
stituted April 29, 1881 ; Alpine Lodge, No. 2886, or- 
ganized December 28, 1882. 

Knights ami Ladies of Honor. — Harmony Lodge, 
No. 423, instituted April 13, 1881 ; Unity Lodge, No. 
042, instituted March 30, 1883. 

Knights of Pythias. — Granite Lodge, No. 3, instituted 
April 8, 1*70; Merrimack Lodge, No. 4, instituted 
May 6, 1870; Endowment Rank, Section 20. instituted 
December 18,1877; Knights of Pythias Mutual Aid 
Association, instituted May 23, 1*72 ; Knights of Py- 
thias Uniformed Battalion, instituted May, 1882. 

United Order Golden Cross. — Grand Commandery, 
instituted May 1. 1879; Manchester Commandery, 
No. 89, instituted December 8, L879; Mi/.pah Com- 
mandery, No. 181, instituted February 1, 1882. 

Ancient Orderof United Workmen. — Pioneer Lodge, 
No. 1, instituted August 9, 1878 ; Security Lodge, No. 
8, instituted April 20, 1883. 

Royal Arcanum. — Delta Council, a mutual benefit 
association, instituted May 8, 1878. 

Ancient Ord( rof Foresters. — Court Granite State, No. 
6790, instituted April 4, 1881. 

United Order of Pilgrim Father*. — Webster Colony, 
instituted July 5, 1881. 

Improved Orderof Bed Men of New Hampshire. — 
Passaconnaway Tribe, No. 5, instituted April, 1881. 

Provident Mutual Relief Association. — Sub- Associa- 
tion No. 38, instituted May 1, 1879. 

Orderof the Iron Hall— Instituted July 20, 1883. 

American Legion of Honor. — Rock Rimmon Council, 
No. 40, instituted October 14, 1879. 

Patrons of Husbandry. — New Hampshire State 
Grange ; Amoskeag Grange, No. 3, instituted August 
26, 1873. 

Grand Army of the Republic. — Encampment Louis 
Bell Post, No. 3, organized 1868; Mutual Aid Associ- 
ation, instituted March 3, 1876. 

Manchester War Veterans. — Organized in 1866. 

Sons of Veterans. — Camp W. W. Brown, No. 1, or- 
ganized October, 1882. 

Sons of St. George.— Heart of Oak Lodge, No. 91. 

German Societies. — Turnverein, organized 1870; 



Order of the Harugari, Barbarossa Lodge, No. 329, in- 
stituted February 4, 1S74. 

Jlnat Clubs.- Cygnet, instituted June 21, 1882; 
Emerald, organized August 19, 1881; Emmet; Leo; 
Longwood; Northern Star, organized August 23, 
L879; Shamrock; Star; Trident. 

Military. — First Regiment New Hampshire Volun- 
teer Militia; Head Guards, organized July 24, 1865 : 
Manchester City Guards, organized March 17, 1873; 
Sheridan Guards, organized August 1865; First New 
Hampshire Battery, Platoon A, organized August 31, 
1808; Amoskeag Veterans, organized in 1804; Man- 
chester Cadets, organized in 1873; Amoskeag 
Zouaves, organized June 13, 1883. 

Independent Orderof Good Templars. — Grand Lodge 
of New Hampshire, organized October 11, 1865; 
LTnion Degree Temple, No. 20, instituted February 21, 
1876; Stark Lodge, No. 4, instituted May 31, 1805 ; 
Merrimack Lodge, No. 4, instituted December 0, 1866 ; 
Harris Lodge, No. 45, instituted May 22, 1878. 

Royal Templars of Temperance. — Granite State 
Council, No. 1, instituted November 28, 1878. 

Hanover SI reel Temperana Society. 

Sons of Temperance.— Instituted March 12, L883. 

Catholic Temperance Societies.— St. Paul's Total Ab- 
stinence Mutual Benefit Society ; St. John's Total 
Abstinence and Mutual Benefit Society, instituted 
February 18, 1875. 

Woman's Christian Temperance Union. — Instituted 
November, 1874. 

Reform Club— Instituted May, 1874. 

The old Ladies' Home, located on Hanover, corner 
of Pine Street. A benevolent enterprise, which owes 
its existence to the thoughtfulness of Lev. William 
McDonald, is this institution which adjoins the Or- 
phans' Asylum. It was established in 1880, anditsob- 
ject is to provide a home for aged and indigent women. 
The Home is in charge of several Sisters of Mercy. 

6'/. Patrick's Orphan Asylum. — It was instituted in 
1870, and was first located on Laurel Street, ami in 
the same year, upon the purchase by the Roman 
Catholics of the Harris estate, at the corner of Han- 
over and Pine Streets, for which fifty-five thousand 
dollars was paid, it was moved to that place. The 
asylum is designed to supply a home for orphans and 
sick and needy women, and is under the direction id' 
Sister Mary Ligouria, assisted by a number of Sisters 
of Mercy. Instruction is given in the elementary 
branches of education, and the children are also 
trained in housework. This worthy benevolent in- 
stitution was founded by Rev. William McDonald, and 
the funds for its maintenance are contributed by St. 
Ann's Church. 

Women's Aid and Relief Hospital. — This institution,. 
located in Bakersville, was established by the Man- 
chester Women's Aid and Relief Society in 1878, the 
free use of the building, owned by the Amoskeag 
corporation, having been tendered fortius purpose 
by the late ex-Governor E. A. Straw. The building 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOEOUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



has been put in thorough repair, enlarged by the ad- 
dition of another story and otherwise adapted to its 
purpose. It is supported and controlled by the 
Women's Aid and Relief Society, and its main pur- 
pose is i" provide a home and nursing for the indigent 
sick, but patients who are able to pay are received 
when desired, if there are beds unfilled. 

Miscellaneous. — New Hampshire Agricultural So- 
ciety ; New Hampshire Poultry Society, organized 
1867; New Hampshire Fish and Game League; New 
Hampshire Press Association, organized July 25, 1868; 
Manchester Women's Aid and Relief Association, in- 
stituted January 21, 1875; Manchester Board of 
Trade — President, Daniel Clark; Manchester < rrocers' 
Association, instituted May 16, 1862; Manchester 
Teachers' Association, organized February 1G, 1883; 
Manchester Scientific Association; Chautauqua Lit- 
erary and Scientific Circle, organized October 1, 1880; 
the Grattan Literary and Dramatic Association; 
Dartmouth Alumni Association ; High School Ly- 
ceum; trustees of the Elliot Hospital, incorporated 
in 1881; Electric. Light Company, chartered by the 
Legislature of 1881, and organized with a capital of 
twenty-five thousand dollars; New Hampshire Tele- 
gragh Company, chartered July 10,187(3; Northern 
Telegraph Company, organized in 1866; The Granite 
State Telephone Company (Bell patents); Opera- 
House Company; Uncanoonuck Road Company, 
chartered June 26, 1877; Amoskeag Honorary Asso- 
ciation, instituted December, 1881 ; Young People's 
Working Association, organized November, 1882; 
Philharmonic Society, organized October 16,1883; 
Ancient Order of Hibernians, No. 1; Ancient Order 
of Hibernians. No. 2, instituted November 20, 1880; 
Ancient Order of Hibernians, No. 3, instituted June, 
1882; St. Patrick's Mutual Benefit and Protective 
Society , organized -March , 1868; St. Augustine Society, 
organized June 16, 1878, incorporated .March 7, 1882; 
St. Jean Baptiste Society, instituted April. 1871; 
Ladies' National League, instituted December, 1880; 
Irish National League, organized April 13, 1883; 
Sodality of the Blessed Virgin Mary, organized April, 
1860; Young Republicans' League, organized October 
4,1882; Young Men's Democratic Club, organized 
December, 1882; Franco-Canadien Naturalization 
Club, instituted August 11, 1882; Derryfield Club, 
organized April 13, 1875; Jackson Literary Club, 
instituted December, 1880; Manchester Bicycle Club, 
organized March 22, 1882; Manchester Rifle Club, 
instituted May 7, 1883 ; Manchester Shooting Club, 
organized April 2, 1879; Society for Prevention of 
Cruelty to Animals, organized June, 1880; Manches- 
ter Horse Railroad, incorporated 1S7<>; Mendelssohn 
Choral Society, organized October 16, 1883; Thalia 
Club, organized August 1, 1883; Harmonic Society, 
instituted October 22, 1883; Gazaille Transmitter 
Company, chartered by the New Hampshire Legisla- 
ture in 1883. 

The Blodget Canal. — The first projector of inter- 



nal improvements in this section of the State was the 
lion. Samuel Blodget, who was born in Woburn, 
Mass., April 1,1724. He was an active and persever- 
ing man. He had been a sutler in the colonial wars 
and also in the War of the Revolution, a judge of the 
Court of Common Fleas, and a merchant with exten- 
sive business connections. He located at Amoskeag 
in 1793, and soon conceived the idea of building 
around the latter a canal, through which might be 
carried to market vast quantities of lumber from the 
forests which grew on the banks of the river. He be- 
gan work upon it May 2, 1794. He lost time and 
money in a vain attempt to make practicable a lock of 
his own invention, and it was not until May 1, 1807, 
having spent all his own fortune and what money he 
could raise by lotteries, that he saw his work done. 
He died on the 1st day of September of the same year, 
and his canal, passing into the bands of the proprietors 
of the Middlesex Canal, was of great benefit till the 
railroad destroyed its usefulness and it went to decay. 

Judge Blodget was a far-sighted man. He invited 
Boston capitalists to build in Derryfield the mills 
which others erected thirty years after, and, in antici- 
pation of their construction, he bought the clay lands 
where the well-known Hooksett brick are made to- 
day. It is well written on his monument in the Val- 
ley Cemetery that he was " the pioneer of internal 
improvements in New Hampshire." 

The following is a copy of Blodget's charter for the 
canal : 

" Tit the lumorahle tin Senitt? .{■ House nf liej.resrtttatives .</ the State of 
Vein Hampihire, the Petition of Samuel Blodget molt n ipeetfulli/ eheuetk- 

"Thaf a spirit of enterprise and exertion lias of late bean wonderfully 
anil successfully displayed by the citizens of a neighbouring State in the 
erection of bridges and forming of canals, even in place* which, not 
many years sin.,., were esteem. M impraetirald. — that a canal round 
I'atueket falls is nearly compleated— that another leading from said falls 

to Boston, l>v :i rout not i'\r In,:; twenty miles, will he commenced 

next spring— that a third carried round the falls at Amoskeag would, in 
conjunction with these, open a direct water communication with Boston 
.i New hnryport to the inhabitants of an extensive country on the banks 
of the Merrimac above said falls, the wood and timber of whose forests 
are now of inconsiderable value, occasioned principally by the loss of 
immense quantities of lumber of ttie most valuable kind in passing over 
the falls ; a melancholy proof of which they at all times exhibit— that 
your petitioner is fully convinced that the whole of this loss may be pre* 
vented by a canal— that under this conviction he has purchased the only 
piece of ground over which one is practicable— A has actually entered 
upon the enterprize, with an intention to risque his fortune in accom- 
plishing a work of so much public utility.— Your petitioner, therefore, 
relying on the public spirit of the honorable Court, requests that your 
honors will take the premises into consideration, and grant him a Char- 
ter, by which he may be secured in the peaceable enjoyment of the valu- 
able property, which he is about to invest in the proposed canal — & 
assign him a reasonable toll to compensate him fur his services ; & give 
linn leave to bring in a bill accordingly. 

"A id :i- in ilutv I. on ml shall ever pray 

"Sam" Bt.iit.het." 

Post-Offices. -— The first post-office in this town was 
established at the "Center" in 1831, with Samuel 
Jackson postmaster, appointed by President Andrew 
Jackson. Mr. Jackson held the office until it was dis- 
continued in 1840. 

The first post-office in what is now the city proper, 
then known as " Amoskeag New Village," was estab- 



MANCHESTER. 



lished in February, 1840, with Jesse Duncklee as post- 
master. The following- is a list of the postmasters 
from that time to the present : Jesse Duncklee, from 
February, 1840, to March, 1840 (deceased) ; PaulCra- 
gin, 1840-45; Warren L. Lane, 1845-19; James Her- 
sey, 1849-53; Colonel Thomas P. Pierce, 1853-61; 
David J. Clark, 1861-65 (deceased) ; Colonel Bradford 
B. Cilley, 1865-70 ; Joseph L. Stevens, 1870, present 
incumbent. 

The Amoskeag post-office was established in 1828, 
with Samuel Kimball as postmaster. 

The post-office at Goft'e's Falls was established in 
1872, with Isaac W. Darrah, postmaster. 

The Piscataquog post-office was established in 1816, 
with James Parker postmaster. He was followed by 
Jonas B. Bowman, James McKeen Wilkins, Colonel 
John S. Kidder and Leonard Bundlett. The office 
was discontinued about 1840. 

The Water-Works. 1 — So rapid was the early 
growth of Manchester that a pressing need for a 
public water supply came early in her municipal ex- 
istence, and earlier than public opinion was prepared 
to indorse the undertaking of an enterprise of such 
magnitude. Some bitter experience must needs first 
•come as an educator, and it did come from time to 
time, as in several fires among the mills, the burning 
of the town-house, the destruction of the public 
library and museum, of several newspaper offices, of 
tli!' State Reform School building, of important com- 
mercial buildings, and finally of an extended confla- 
gration, destroying a whole square in the heart of the 
city in 1870. 

The construction of a public water supply is, with 
rare exceptions, the most important matter which any 
municipal organization is forced to consider, inaugu- 
rate and push on to completion, or, on the other 
hand, to hinder and defer, while the necessity and 
devastation continue. After the burning of the 
town-house, in 1*44, a committee of citizens was 
chosen to consider the question of a water supply, 
but the citizens were not yet ready for united 
action. An aqueduct company was chartered by the 
Legislature in 1845, and the city, although invited, 
declined to take stock to aid the private enterprise. 
Other charters were obtained from the Legislature iu 
1852, 1857 aud 1865, but the city still declined to 
foster the enterprise or to agree to pay for public fire 
hydrants, but constructed some fire-cisterns in the 
streets. In the mean time there was a thirty thou- 
sand dollar fire in the Stark Mills, a sixty-five thou- 
sand dollar fire in the Priut- Works, and the library 
was destroyed. 

In 1860, Hon. James A. Weston, Jacob F. James 
and Rev. William Richardson made an extended re- 
connoisance, covering all the sources available to the 
city, and presented the information gathered to the 
City Councils. Mr. J. B. Sawyer prepared a report in 



1 By J. T- Fanning, C. i: 



1869. Early in 1881 the City Councils appointed 
a committee to consider anew the question of a 
public water supply. This committee employed Wil- 
liam J. McAlpine, an eminent engineer, to advise 
them, and embodied his report with their own for 
presentation to the City Councils. 

The report of this last committee, following as it 
did si alter a disastrous conflagration, led to a peti- 
tion to tie- Legislature for the passage of a water act. 

An "Act to enable the City of Manchester to 
establish Water-Works " was passed on the 30th of 
June, 1871, and "An Ordinance in relation to Water- 
Works" was passed bj the City Councils on the 1st 
day of August in the same year. 

This ordinance vested the management of the water- 
works in the mayor ex-offioio and six other persons, 
to be elected by the Board of Mayor and Aldermen, 
and styled the Board of Water Commissioners. 

Immediately after the passage of the ordinance, 
Messrs. E. A. Shaw, E. W. Harrington, William P. 
Newell, Aretas Blood, Alpheus Jay and A. C. Wallace 
were elected water commissioners, and Hon. James 
A. Weston, being mayor, became a member of the 
board ex-qfficio. 

On the following 7th of August this board per- 
fected its organization by the election of Hon. E. A. 
Straw as president of the board and lion. S. X. 
Bell as clerk. 

The ordinance provided that one of these original 
commissioners should go out of office each year, and 
that one member should be annually elected in the 
month of September, for a six-year term, by the Board 
of Mayor and Aldermen. 

There had been up to this time, and still continued 
to be, much diversity of opinion as to which was tin- 
best source of supply, and conflicting opinions as to the 
system of supply and the design of various details of 
the proposed work. The earnestness with which these 
matters were publicly discussed and different sources 
and plans advocated led to the passage of a resolution 
by the City Councils instructing the commissioners to 
examine different systems of water-works in different 
cities, in order that the best, most economical and 
advantageous mode of supplying the city with water 
might be adopted. 

A majority of the board, complying with the 
instructions of the Councils, visited several cities in 
New England, and also Montreal, and carefully noted 
the peculiarities and effectiveness of different systems 
of water supply. While at Norwich, Conn., they met 
Colonel J. T. Fanning, engineer of the water-works 
then recently completed in Norwich, and engineer 
also of water-works in several other cities, and invited 
him to make for them an examination of the sources 
of water supply available to the city of Manchester, 
and to report upon the sources and method of supply 
which he should deem most advisable for the com- 
missioners to adopt. 

In the mean time the commissioners obtained per- 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



use temporarily a supply of water from the 
Amoskeag Manufacturing Company's reservoir for 
fire purposes, and pipes of eight inches diameter were 
laid from the company's main, on Brook Street, along 
Chestnut, Pearl, and Pine Streets, to Merrimack 
Street. This line of pipe was commenced in the 
autumn of 1871, and completed in the following 
spring, and immediately filled with water for a fire 
protection. It included about one and three-eighths 
miles of pipe and seventeen fire hydrants, and cost 
$10,141.15. 

On completion of the preliminary surveys and re- 
port, in the autumn of 1871, Colonel Fanning was 
appointed chief engineer to the Board of Water Com- 
missioners. The additional surveys, plans and esti- 
mates necessary fur a detailed comparison of all the 
sources were completed in the spring of 1872, and tin- 
results embodied in a report to the commissioners 
under date of .March 1st, and the reporl contained a 
general map showing all the sources considered. 

The nearest and most ample volume of water being 
the Merrimack River, early consideration was given 
to this source. The Merrimack waters could be 
pumped to a reservoir that might be conveniently lo- 
cated on the hill east of the State Reform School 
building, but experiments with the water showed that 
it must necessarily be filtered when the river was 
above the ordinary spring level, and that proper fil- 
tration would require a heavy annual expense for 
operation, and a considerable expenditure for con- 
struction of filter-beck of sufficient capacity. The 
I 'iscataquog River was examined and carefully studied 
also. It having been urged by a few of the citizens 
that some of the small ponds northeasterly of t he city 
would furnish supplies of water. Dorr, Chase, Burn- 
ham and Stevens' Ponds were thoroughly investigated, 
and found, by proper computations, to yield entirely 
inadequate supplies for the immediate needs, irrespec- 
tive of the future needs of a growing city. At Ma- 
ple Falls, in the southeastern part of the town of 
Candia (distant about eight miles from the city hall) 
were found natural features admitting the construc- 
tion id'a tine storage reservoir of nearly four hundred 
acres area, and of considerable mean depth, ami hav- 
ing a water-sheil of about ten square miles. This 
storage reservoir would have been at an elevation of two 
hundred and twenty-three feet above Elm Street at 
the city hall, and is the only gravitation source near 
tin- city that was found to be worthy of adoption. 
Southeasterly of the city lies Lake Massahesic, having 
an area of nearly two thousand four hundred acres and 
water-shed of about forty-five square miles. The out- 
let of the lake is about four miles from the city hall. 
Analyses of the Massahesic water showed it to be 
of most excellent quality for domestic and industrial 
uses. The vegetable organic matter in the water was 
found to be 1. GO grains, and mineral matterl.l6grains, 
or a total of 2.82 grains per gallon, equivalent to 4.7 
parts in 100,000 parts. The stream flowing from this 



take is known as Cohas Brook, and enters the Merri- 
mack River at Goffe's Falls. 

On Cohas Brook, about one-quarter of amile below 
the outlet of the brook, near the old McMurphy mill- 
site, a dam was located and raised to the level of the 
( water in the lake. This, with the canal below the 
lake, gave a fall of forty-five feet available for power 
where the pumping-station was located, near the ter- 
mination of the canal. In the pumping-station were 
located two pairs of pumps, of the vertical bucket- 
plunger class, of combined capacity to pump a maxi- 
mum of five million gallons of water in twenty-four 
hours. Two Geyelin-Jouval turbines were placed in 
the building to drive the pumps, having a combined 
capacity of two hundred horse-power. A pumping- 
station was constructed of bricks, with slate roof, to 
contain this machinery, and attached to the station 
is a commodious tenement for the attendant in charge 
of the pumping-station. 

A reservoir of about thirteen million gallons ca- 
pacity was constructed near the church at Manches- 
ter Centre. The water of the lake is lifted by the 
pumps one hundred and thirteen feet from the lake to 
the reservoir, and as the reservoir is elevated one 
hundred and fifty-two feet above Elm Street at the 
city hall, the water flows from thence throughout the 
city by gravity. This reservoir was filled on its com- 
pletion, near the close of September, 1874, but the 
pumps had been started early in the previous July, 
pumping the water through the distribution pipes, 
with the surplus flowing into the Amoskeag I om- 
pany's reservoir. The force main from pumps to res- 
ervoir, eight thousand one hundred and seventy-one 
feet in length, and supply main, eight thousand four 
hundred and ten feet in length, from reservoir to Dim 
Street, are twenty inchesin diameter. The entire pipe 
system contained, at the completion of the original 
works, at the close of 1N74, one hundred and twenty- 
two thousand and seventy-one feet of pipes, one hun- 
dred and seventy-two stop valves and two hundred 
and fifteen public fire hydrants, and seventeen thou- 
sand six hundred and two feet of small service pipes, 
laid by the commissioners from the street mains to 
the property lines for the supply of water consumers. 
The cost of constructing the works, including cost 
of lands, water-rights and preliminary surveys, was 
$614,009.83. The cost of service pipes, meter- and 
operating expenses during construction of the works 
was $20,028.75. On the 24th of October, 1874, a 
public test was made of the water-works by the city 
Fire Department. Duringthe test sixteen hydrants 
were brought into simultaneous use, twelve of which 
were supplying leading hose-streams and four supply- 
ing steam fire-engines, and thus twenty powerful 
streams were arching over Elm Street and its loftiest 
buildings at the same time, presenting in the sunshiny 
October afternoon a most brilliant and beautiful scene, 
and strengthening the confidence of the citizens in 
the capacity and efficiency of their public watersupply. 



MANCHESTER. 



113 



On completion of the original works, Mr. Charles R. 
Walker became their superintendent, and has retained 
the office ten years. At the close of L884 the amount 
of pipes laid had increased to 22'.Odt', tret, about 4:!..> 
miles, the stop-valves to 316 and public lire hydrants 
to 371 in number, and the service pipes, to a total of 
65,766 feet, supply 2476 consumers of water. 

In the mean time the total cost of construction, in- 
cluding the extensions of the pipe system, had reached 
$824,989, and the annual income of the water-works 
for water sold had reached $75,580, or nearly ten per 
cent, on the cost. During the ten years the works 
have been in operation no conflagration has resulted 
from the many tires started, and every fire within 
reach of the works has been extinguished so promptly 
that there has been no material loss at any single fire. 
The original cost of the works has undoubtedly been 
saved to the citizens in prevention of losses by fires, 
while the city now finds that it has been a financial 
investment that will, by its income, soon reimburse it 
for the original outlay and further an investment that 
will return to its citizen proprietors an almost incal- 
culable annual interest of safety, comfort, convenience 
and health. 

The Manchester Driving Park Association was 
organized December 1, 1882, and its first officers were 
as follows : President, John B. Clarke ; Treasurer, 
James A. Weston ; Clerk, Samuel F. Curtis ; Direct- 
ors, John B. Clarke, A. C. Wallace, C. D. Welch, A. 
D. Gooden, Alpheus Bodwell, Samuel F. Curtis and 
( reorge W. Kiddle. Subsequently John B. Clarke re- 
signed the office of president, and George W. Riddle 
was elected in his place. 

The association, after a careful examination of va- 
rious sites for a suitable location for a park, decided 
to purchase forty-five acres situated in the southeast- 
ern section of the city, on the line of the Nutt road 
ami the Manchester and Lawrence Railroad, one mile 
and three-quarters from the post-office. The land was 
considered well adapted to the purpose, and though 
nothing better than a rough pasture with some wood- 
land, it was transformed in four months' time into an 
attractive park, and was visited the first week in Sep- 
tember by thirty thousand people. This exhibition 
of enterprise was hut one of the many which have 
been characteristic id' Manchester people whenever 
they have sought to add a new feature conducive to 
the interests and pleasures of the city. 

The park is furnished with all tin' conveniences of 
a first-class driving park and fair-grounds, including 
grand stand, press stand, restaurant, judges' -land. 
cattle-pens, stables, building for bench shows of dogs, 
poultry-house, etc. 

The Parker Murder. — The history of Manchester 
would be incomplete with no reference to the murder 
of Jonas L. Parker. The tacts were as follows: On 
Wednesday evening, March 26, 1845, a man called at 
the bowling saloon, on Manchester Street, belonging 
to Mr. Parker, stating that a Mrs. Bean, from Lowell, 



desired to see the proprietor on important business at 
Janesville. Mr. Parker passed out of his saloon to 
accompany the gentleman, first securing a lantern, as 
the night was s,, exceptionally black, that "as dark 
as the night of the Parker murder " has sim 
a household phrase. On tin- way to their destination 
the two men crossed Pine to Merrimack Street, and 
soon to.de a path that led through a heavy growth of 
pin., and from this forest, in the vicinity of what is 
now the corner of I'.eech and Manchester Streets, the 
cry of "murder!" was soon heard; but none dreamed 
that it heralded the monstrous crime. "Oh, don't, 
don't!" was supposed to be the outcry of some one 
being placed under police surveillance. The morning 
light disclosed the terrible ghastlincss of a murdered 
man upon a bed of snow. Mr. Parker lay with 
trachea doublj severed and deep gashes aboul the 
hips, and wounds on other parts of the bodj were 
discovered by Coroner Joseph M. Rowell. The 
appearance of the ground indicated a mighty struggle 
for life against a fiend armed with razor and butcher- 
knife, incited by the knowledge that thousands of 
dollars were upon the person of the victim. About 
sixteen hundred dollars escaped the rapacity id' the 
murderer. Mr. Parker held the office of tax collector 
the year previous, and the collector's book, then in his 
possession, bore the impress of blood-stained fingers. 

Several persons were suspected of the crime, arrested 
and tried, but no one was convicted, and the mystery 
of the Parker murder, after a lapse of forty years, is a 
mystery still. 

The County Court-House, located on the corner 
of Merrimack and Franklin Streets, was erected in 
1S68, at the cost of forty thousand dollars. It is a 
two-story brick building. 

Cemeteries. — The oldest burial-place under the 
control of the city is what is known as the Valley 
( lemetery, which was given to the town by the Amos- 
keag Company in 1840. It contains about twenty 
acres. Pine Grove Cemetery contains about fifty- 
four acres, and is located about two and a half miles 
from the city hall, between the Calef and River roads. 
Other cemeteries are the Amoskeag, St. Joseph, St. 
Augustine, Mount Calvary; also the old burying- 
grotind at the Centre; one at Cofl'e's Falls; one in 
West Manchester; one near the school-house at 
Harvey's Mills, called the Merrill Cemetery ; one in 
I he eastern part of the city, known as Stovvell's 
Ground; the Bay Cemetery, on the River road, near 
Amoskeag Falls; the Forest Cemetery, on the old 
Weston farm, in the southeastern part of the oil \ ; and 
a small yard in the north part of the city. 

Fire Department. — In 1WJ the town voted to buy 
a fire-engine and necessary apparatus. To this single 
engine others were added from time to time until eight 
or ten engine and hose companies were under the 
city's control, when the first steam fire-engine was 
bought in 1859. This was also the first one made by 
the Amoskeag Company, whose engines have since 



114 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



gained a world-wide celebrity. Thisinventionwroughl 
a revolution in the Fire Department, and, as more 
steamers were added, the hand-machines were with- 
drawn and the membership diminished until the de- 
partment acquired its present proportions. The fol- 
lowing is the organization of the department: 

Chief Engineer, Thomas W. Lane; Clerk, Fred- 
erick S. Bean; Assistant Engineers, Orrin E. Kim- 
ball, James F. Pherson, Frederick S. Bean, Horatio 
Fradd. 

The following is a list of the companies, giving the 
location and the names of members: 

Amoskeag Steam Fire-Engine Company, No. 
l._House, 30 Vine Street. Foreman, James R.Carr; 
Assistant Foreman, Charles F. McCoy; Clerk, Frank 
E. Stearns; Driver, George W. Butterfield. 

N.S. Bean Steam Fire-Engine Company, No. 
4.— House, 22 Vine Street. Foreman, Eugene S.Whit- 
ney; Assistant Foreman, Edgar G. Abbott; Clerk, 
John Martin; Driver, Jeremiah Lane. 

Pennacook Hose Company, No. 1.— House, 24 
Vine Street, Foreman, Albert Maxfield; Assistant 
Foreman, Clarence D. Palmer; Clerk, Joseph E. Mer- 
rill; Driver, Walter L. Blenus. 

Massabesic Hose Company, No. 2.— House, Ma- 
ple Street, corner East High. Foreman, John F. 
Seaward; Assistant Foreman, Revillo G. Houghton; 
Clerk, Parker W. Hannaford; Driver, Walter Sea- 
ward. 

E. W. Harrington Hose Company, No. 3.— 
Eouse, I liuton Street, Piscataquog. Foreman, John 
T. G.Dinsmore; Assistant Foreman, William Doran; 
Clerk, Joseph Schofield; Driver, John T. ( )'Dowd. 

Merrimack Hose Company, No. 4.— House, Park 
Street, corner Massabesic Street. Foreman, George 
B. Forsaith; Assistant Foreman. Lords N. Dufrain; 
Clerk, John S. Averj ; Driver, Charles 11. Rogers. 

Exi i lsiob Hook-and-Ladder Company, No. 1. 
—House, 16 Vine Street. Foreman, Milo B.Wilson; 
Assistant Foreman, Jerome J. Lovering; Clerk, ( (scar 
P. Stone; Driver, < lharles M. Denyou. 

Independent Hose Company, No. 5 (Volunteer 
Company).— House, -Main Street, corner Old Falls 
road (Amoskeag). Foreman, George LAyer; Assist- 
ant Foreman, Sherman L. Flanders; Clerk, George 
L. Stearns. 

Two steamers, FlRE KlNG, No. 2, and E. W. HAR- 
RINGTON, No. 3, also one hook-and-ladder truck, are 
"on reserve duty," to he called in case of need, and 
manned by members of the department. There is 
also a two-wheeled hose-carriage at Derry Mills, 
Goffe's Falls, for use bj men employed at mills. 
There are three hundred and seventy-one hydrants 
(not including those in mill-yards) scattered over the 
city, supplied from water-works. 

There is in the department nineteen thousand five 
hundred and fifty feet of fire-hose. 

Total value of apparatus is fifty-seven thousand 
four hundred and thirty-four dollars. 



Fire- Alarm Telegraph.— This valuable adjunct 
to the Fire Department was constructed in 1872, and 
comprises about twenty miles of wire, traversing the 
compact pari of the city, and reaching to Amoskeag 
and Wesi Manchester, Hallsville and Bakersville. 
There arc thirty-six alarm-boxes, whose keys are kept 
at adjacent houses or stores, and six strikers, situated 
on the city hall, the Lincoln Street, Webster Street 
and Ash Street School-houses, the engine-house in 
West Manchester and a tower at the north end of the 
city. There are also gongs at the engine-houses and 
the resiliences of the engineers and others. 

Firemen's Relief Association. — Organized Feb- 
ruary 14, 1873. Designed for the relief of any of its 
members who may be injured or disabled at a tire. 
The following is a list of its officers: 

President, Thomas W Lane; Vice-President, James 
F. Pherson; Secretary, Joseph E. Merrill; Treasurer, 
Horatio Fradd; Executive Committee, — Amoskeag, 
No. 1, George R. Simmons; X. S. Bean, No. 4, E. G. 
Abbott; Pennacook Hose, Xo. 1, W. L. Blenus; Mas- 
sabesic Hose, Xo. 2. R. G. Houghton; F. W. War- 
rington Hose, Xo. 3, John Patterson; Merrimack 
Hose, No. 4, George B. Forsaith; Hook-and-Ladder, 
No. l, Jerome J. Lovering. 

The Amoskeag Veterans.— This well-known or- 
ganization is next to the oldest veteran corps in New 
England, the exception being the Ancient and Hon- 
orable Artillery ( lompany of Boston. The Amoskeag 
Veterans is an independent company, and was organ- 
ized November 6, 1854, at a meeting of which Hon. 
Hiram Brown was chairman and Hon. C. E. Potter 
clerk. 

'I be firsl officers were as follows: 

William P Riddle, col I William Patten, Bret lieutenant; Samuel 

Andrews second liei anl Hiram Brown, first major; E. T. 

Mrvn-, - nl ni.-i-.i ; Samuel W. Parsons, first sergeant; Jacob G. 

(ill,.,. -,,..ii sergeant; S. M. Dow, third sergeant; Reuben I>. 

Vl,„„. r ., i ,,:'-■ :1 [.:■■-. Walla.,', IH-1 ..rn..i.il: lMiilalms 



The objects for which it was organized were desig- 
nated by the constitution to lie military parades, the 
protection of life and property, the preservation of 
the peace and social enjoj ments. Its first parade and 
ball occurred February 22. 1855. 

The following is a list of the commanders of the 
veterans from its organization to the present time: 
General William P. Riddle, 1SS4; Colonel Chandler E. Potter, 1855; 
Colonel Theodore T. Abhott, 1857 I ol I Tl las Rundlett, i860; 

; I ,,1. ii.l Chan, 11.1 !■:. l'..tt.M-, lsr.4; 

,: Natl II. ad 1868 . Colonel Martin 

V. 11. Edgerly, 1873; Colonel I ;e 1875; 31. V. II. 

.. \ c Walla. . . 1877 . I', s Simons, 1878 : ti.VT. 
Cmiw'r.' ls7'.i-sn limn •' Merrill, 1881; I rani \ Hi Sean 
1882-83; Geo. B. Chandler, 1884; Henrj H Huse, 1885. 

The Amoskeag Veterans include the nest promi- 
nent and influential citizens of Manchester and ad- 



MANCHESTER. 



joining towns, and is one of the celebrated military 
bodies of New England. 

Prior to the organization of this corps there had 
been several independent companies organized in Man- 
chester, viz. : Manchester Rifle Company, organized 
in 1825, under command of Captain James McQues- 
tion; the Stark Guards, organized August 16,1840, 
Captain Walter French; the Granite Fusileers, 
organized August 10, 1842, Captain Samuel W. Far- 
sons ; the National Guards, organized August 17, 
1863; and the Smyth Rifles, organized in 1865. 

Police-Station.— The present police-station was 
erected in 1885. It is located on the corner of Man- 
chester and Chestnut Streets. It is a mat and sub- 
stantial brick structure, with granite trimmings. 

War of 1861-65.— The following list of soldiers 
was furnished by Manchester during the late Rebel- 
lion : 

FIRST REGIMENT. 

la hard N. Batchelder, quartermaster; I ■ mi i- II Pike, afe-major. 
John 1. K. [Ij Martin 1 B Rii liardson, Charles 0. 
Jennison, Michael O'Flynn, WUliam Mayne Robert Loyd, Patrick Bo 

ban, obalk-e ,1. Andrews, ckarles H. \lbn. .1. - \\ Uherl '. Ujra- 

liam Brown. Frank Hiiit, Jerome Illnisdell. Willi. mi [I. 11 la.i. k, 
Henry Bourrell, Charles A. Cressey, Haskell P. I tiffin Frand Cal il 
Charles Conner, Thomas F. Cary, Francis II Conner, John V Clark, 
i. ge H. Champlin, Augustus B. Caswell, Charles II Demerrett, Ed- 
ward 0. Dodge, John M. Evans, Pagi Goi .. I lin Gardner, Jol n, 

I I i ilk-. M.,.-ball lint. I, in-, Flank Ik 11... k.-tl. William W. lla-.-l- 



.]!.. Ml, M, .l.'llll 



der, 



John Mil 



l lion 



Company /'.— .i.,lm Gartley, Jame 
Riley, Terreii.-.- ltil.->. II. -my -. h» .-nk. , l-:.i..aid smith, .i..|,n i ..-- 
telle. 

C,.ia/„i»i, /'.— .!..-<-[, I, I, e,tmi,.ii-, . I,, In, .larrh all, II, -HI. Benton, 1 1 «-lil y 

I:, .ml.. J. 3 Cunningham, John Donnolly, George McCormick, Charles 

Mason. 

Company G.— Andrew Quinn, William Brown, William S. Bennett, 

Andrew Christensen, Michael C ran, Charles Elliott, William 11. 

French, Custei Jackson, John Peters, William Steele, Charles Smith, 
John Travis. 

< •..i,i / >.i».7 //.—Thomas Beatry, Cii-nrj;,. 1'. William-, Frank \. Fa-tinan, 

Abial A. Hannaford, Lucius Fa r, Henry .1. Flandere, Natl 1 F. 

Swett, Joseph Tallen. 

Company /.— David M. IVrkin-, I!,,,ln.-\ A Mai, mm;, Thorndike P. 



i: r.ii.ki,,,,,-: i Perki I I ,- i, < harles Vicki 

Nil liolas SI. Biglin, .lam.-. R. Carr, John s. Call.- 
Jesse E. Dewey, George B. Damon, Lyman A. Di 
man, Orrin S Gardner, Joseph II. Gleason, Norn 
gene '■ Hazewell, Martin A. Haynes, Charles 
Hubbard, James M House, Moses A. Hunkins, 
i.,.,, -,- l Lav ,. a, .-. John E, I igden, Samuel II » 
rott, Henry M. Pillsbury, Solon I Porter, Albe 
II. Sleeper, Jr., J.-siah s. Swain, William V 

(;■„,),„„,, K.— Benjamin F. Ashton, Charles 



On 



I u D Eenael 

,,,i,, I,.,, I.- I'. Par- 

Wood, Charles B. 

G. Sargent, James 

ing, John Williams, 



ta) k, James li.niiii.ll v 

THIRD REGIMENT, 
libbj', adjutant ; Henry Hill, chaplain ; Harril 



thveti W. Mnllnditi.n, 

Woodbury, Thomas 
T Moore, '.. oi e l 
o w. Evans, John M. 



i pany A".— II. .Hi- o. Dudley. 

SECOND REGIMENT. 
Th as P. Pierce, colonel ; Samuel 0. Langley, adjuti 

Company A —Charles G. 
Patrick McGrath, Alexand, 
der, Thomas Adams, .1-1 1. man. 

- , y /;.— _■• Nelson, Thomas Kenney, Charles Donnolly, 

i. ge Coyle, Albert Kaismi, George Bitlleu, John Cainmel, Michael 

Colligan. 

* ,. .,„/! , . — Michael Milllills, ,I,,I,11 Slllith. Ilm. la . ...-. i, .l.i in, - II. 

Piatt, Richard A. Lawrence, Benjamin F. Chase, Alvin L. Wiggin. 
Frank Robinson Vied \\ Berham, Lemuel M. Cox, Abner H, 

v. , I I: Allen, John A. auk, ,. 

Charles W. Brown, William Calef, Henry F. Carey, John II. Cole, liar- 
., . \i , -,. v„i, i M i ,,,.] a ,. « Craig, Hazen Davis, Jr., 

i. ... I -,. . I ,. ... . H D rl ■ -. 'I . ., i ■ \. I i.i.i-.i., Henry H. 



Jam.-- i.l ill" ' 

J -s William Kelley, Thi 

ence, Daniel Mui ry, John 
Fistti i, Ch irli - i M, Laul 

Lord, John A. Mas El 

Perry, George Pickup, Tim 
R ' ge II Sarg 

Charles L. Tabor, Williai 

Tucker, Franklin 1 Wi 11 

Company I'.-Jmii- Dall 



, . i . - II, . iighhn, George F. 

-, i , ithan ■ Qnimby, John E, 

N. si....- a-, Laroy D. Sherburne, 
-. B Tuttle, Franklin K. 



0. i erson, 

Gay, M'» i 

Hatch, Job 

limn II. Hunt! 

Leaf, G ge fl 



Flanders, John II I. George T Fogg, Thomas F. 

,., Charles Gibson, Charles Gilbert, Walter A. 

inn. John W. Goodwin, Thomas Hanson, Henry T. 
William S. Ilo.l-iiian, Andrew .1. Holmes, Wil- 

-,ain M. Karney, George II La« Luke 

iiiu.lll. Little, Nathaniel Marshall, James Mc- 
Ai,-iiii E. Perry, James 



Ewen, David H. Newton, Stephen W. Niks, 
H Prou, ,ii, William II. RaniBey, John H. Sanders, Geerge H. Web- 
ster, Hiram C. Squires, Collins P. Tebbetts, Leander White, John R. 
Whitten, William II. Caiter, George s. Thomas, Edward Reynolds, 
Alpheus Chickering. 

Company ' '. — a ..l.ii k, mm, Michael J. Connelly, Ti .,- Casey, 

11, | |.. ■ . Matthew Byros, John Casey, John McCIemens, John 

, ,| iCadoral i .■ I ,-.,,, I'mi.tliv ll.-aky, lk.l.eil o'Cn- 

Hichael E. A Gall a, I nomas Mi Enry, Mil ha. IT D inohoe, 

l:. ben II \ik n, Waltei Cody, Joseph .1 D ihue, James Wilson, John 

Oman, llvn.ii Co-tell... I'atii.k l.a I ki il. .lolm M.Intir,-. Daniel Maho- 

ney David Moore, Peter Pelkey, James Quintan, James Smith, Lewis 

Hall, Stephen Welsh, I u tin Marshall, William Mien, 

Peter .Smith, Joseph Potter, F.lwui o I'.neii, Francis Sheridan, William 

Sj, i a - in-. kM i n ii nd Ha, k> II. i;.- \i'. n, W ill i.' in B.tkii. .'.-tin 1 -■' i r.-tt. 

John Booth, George H. Briggs, David Bryant, Bernard Farry, James 

1|, ,,,!,, ,,,, Rolielt I' ,hii i ,, ,.. ..i .. A Wo ,.,,11. mil, Samuel W'hlttaker, 



D. — \\i 



BISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY. NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Company H— Charles I I ] 



Robert Vincent, Walter . I lii. lumLs, I :i ■< t, !; vi.,,,,-. IcmI a l'a_:o, 
Julius Griggs, kau-oii Blake, Iiaiii.l X. Atu i - I ■--• M- 
1m.-i t II. Lockwood. .1 inn - I'N.'il \ll-rt !l - I 1 ' I - 

William Todd, Jamee Walsh, rge Baili 5 ' I - 1 

lev, William H. Knox, William II l-.' I 1 1 ■ I 1 Uexandet 

Le Sludge, Alden E. Met Dai - Hon 1 1 tries 11 rgan, 

.1. Richard, James C, Ri 
Joseph H. Wallace, A 
Welch 

O',,i/"i'o/ /— William J.-Iiii-mi, I Kivi.l Earl,-, \\ illiam '. Nielmis. 

Ijnnf-s H. A. \. Stead, John W hitney, 

Francis l:,,\ utoii, '111. -ma- Uohinson, Andrew .McNeil, Tli..ina- Tli-ma-on, 

Van 1 II. Hill, I a 1 ■ Pari 1 1 

mi k'l'H regiment. 

John L. lv.K'1 1_\ , quaitn mastei ; Benjamin F. Fogg, commissary 
Bergeant. 

BmuL— Walter Dignaiu, Francis II. Pike, Henry Murphy, Lemuel H. 
James, John O'Brien, Uonzo Buntin, Frederick T. Pa 
Porter, John Harrington, William Higiiam. Eugene K. Fo--. II Augus- 

tUB Sim, mils, Elilihak-t Ini-tm, John Coogili, unili N. 1: - I.- 11 • :,• 
Lewi-, .1.1111..- A Fanili. Urn !,..M T. Trumbluin. 

, tympany .1 — Pati ick McGei kugt tuc Steuger. 

Company B.— Martin J Staunton, Martin V. B Richardson. 

'' p.miy C.— Jackson Dustin, Joseph I. Miller, Perley B. Rand, 

Georgi I' Mil.-, 1 1- - fuck, William 0. w n, ridge, i ge \| 

Km . ., n I Pai i. I'.i . ii \ • Daniel W. Rollins, 

F.li.n H Nutting, Alanaon « Barney, William G. Burke, Daniel W. 
Kii,\, I. l,u I, \,n, r.\i.,n I ' nt mi in, William E. K,,l,iiison, Chauncey 
Smith. 

i ',,//i;,,n,;/ /'.— Charles o, .l.!,m-,,n. 

Company B.— Frank li. HutchinBon, Cyrus II. Hubbard, Charles H. 
l;,..,l, ,si,[,|i,.|i Kcudii, k, ■ hail.- Whiting, Edward d. Hill, Th,.ina- L. 
Newell, Francis AY, Parker, Andrew .1. Edgclly. ,l,.lni II. Maker, Alvanl 
E. Wilson, Charles M. Whiting, Robert Hume. Edwin Weathersfleld, 
Dyman Wyman, Charles Brackett, John Malum', John I. Mark, JameB 
M. Dickey, John Lynch, \u-.,nl Hall, Frank A Ulen, EdsonWyman, 

Horace G. Heath, W II ary Wyi n, JohnG Ik.' Iiinsoi Horatio N 

Hi. i,i ..i.i, i ., loi : I Dai '' ' - II W ims '" gi W.Williams, 
Frank Matthew.-, n-,.,i I', rk-n-, ' >i tin Corrigau William H Webster, 

' hail,- A N.-WI..11, 1 1'- 1 in. inn 
man, Michael Curdy, I'aikt.m 

i' H-; I. John P. Smith, Cha 

CharlesH. Allen, u ilk. I II 

William Bonner, Jam,- M. km, 
Charles \ Cressey, i iwe 

I I 'nt,.. II, .1 M I 

All' Flag, w,u, .,m Gunn 



ii, Larkin Sarg.-uk lili, 

lg. 

mil F.— William Haskell, Charles L. Brow 



„-,,-. Emory Wy- 
k Cobb, Henry 

G. Hutchins 

■ii, Rufus Bailey, 
, Isaac k i lolby, 
y, AmosCressey, 
ry, John Fallon, 
■in'... II. Hani-, 



Ben- 



I . Fogg, Edward Field, .lam— Ferry, Thomas Follen, Hiram li. Frost, 

I. "ins .1 Cilh.-, James C.i ii, 1 1,-u iiia ll,,y m-, .I,,li ii Howard, Cornelius 

Kennedy, Dennis Keefe, Ja s Larkin, John 0. Mason, Charles C. 

M.,i-'i, I'.iiii. 1, Mil' 1.1, .lam.- M.-lasky, Charles Manlen, Frank 

i.iuiiiii, John Quinn. James Quinn, Patrick Quinn, William H. Rey- 
ii-'l.k, Michael Ileanion, Tiinolliv K, anion, Martin . I. Staunton, Ashel 
Stoddard, Abraham S. Sanborn, John Shea, Dennis Tehan, Francis B. 
Willey, Dennis Walch, Clark E, Wilson, John Walch, John Murphy, 

-William I'. icr, i 'rr,-ii Bush, Iiani.-l II. Mac. i hark-s 

Ik r.. iii.tr, Samuel n Mar.kr.-y, Bartholomew Maloney, Curtis R. 

Ilartly. 
Company T.— rge w Stevens, Ephraim F. Brigham, Jonathan 



Taylor, Alfred 



1 i: ■■ ■ - I fM. Weed, ( harlea k, Batchelder, 

I barles 11 I ui rgi « Hackett, Israel \ Gale, Samuel B Mace, 

James Wyman, Albert '.. Ormsby, Clinton Farley, John I Davis, George 
E. Fitch, John Barry, Benjamin Welch, Robert Clayton, George W. 
Minns, Mums c. Win-in, Samu.'l \k Ii,,l,-, William II. Sanborn, Mon- 
roe Stevens, Joseph Wallace, Fernando C. Spaulding, Benjamin Harts- 
hi.ni, William s. Barker, Joseph W. Bailey, Albert ('ass, Edward Dolton, 
.laims Fern, Frank A. Garland, Charles A. Hackett, Frederick w. Lou- 
gei', Patrick O'Cmiiell. Ndsou ,1. Fierce, William II. Perkins, Horace .1. 
Parker, William Shever, Horatio H. Stevens, Henry D. Tompkins, 
,.. ■. rg, V\ i man Joshua B, Webster 

Company Vnhtoum.— James H. German, William Hall, William A. 
Viltman. 

FIFTH REGIMENT. 

Milium] i. kangl.-y, lieilt.-liaut-cokmel. 

Company A.— Thomas Brown, John Emu 

Company B.— George Stanton, Frank Howard, Thomas Knight, James 
n'i' 11, Alexander le.ss, William Hickman. John Myers. 

Company E. — Walter St lerfield, George II. Houghton, Oscar E. Car- 
ter, ' niticliu- U. Stone. 
Company F. — George B. Jeiiiiess. 



Warren Clark, Samuel T. Smith. Jam.-, sietson, George 
Bradley, Abram Cameron, Edward Choppenger. 
Company f.— George Nicliol- 

Company E/nfcnown.— Waltei Bam,-. Ilila Davis, Thomas Bums, 
I'h, .in.,- 1;, Langley. 

SIXTH REGIMENT. 
i -Charles White, Charles B. Seavey. 
Company B — Charles J Gardner, Edward Ik Barnett, Charles L. 
Davenport, Allison Towns. 
v Ii.— John Fitch. 
Company K. — Ti TiBon, Owen Kelley, 

Cbiry y I >,l. on —Lafayette Pettingill. 

SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
Joseph C. Abbott, lieutenant-colonel . William W. Brown, surgeon; 

Ik in v I'-i.i iitnii. a— 1-1:, ill -nt- 

C'oiiiji.oi;/ .1.— Nicholas Gill. Grutmlle 1' Mason. Edward May, Virgil 
II Cate, William C. Know Hon. Jam,.- William-. Miner P. Hanscom, 
James Appleton, Benjamin F Clark, John S. Merrill, Granville E. Ful- 
ler, Henry Burke, John Hohin, Charles II. Hall. William li. Thompson, 

li- in i S Benton. 

Company B. — Charles H. Dwinnels, Alfred B. Shemenway, Henry G. 
Lowell. 

Company ft— Robert Rochester, Charles I-' G irnes, Patrick Craaln 



M„. Patrick Conwaj \ w 

Zebina Innis, John Smith. M.p 
Geary, Patrick Iiowd, ki, lend Si 
Jei'iliii' Blai-,1,11, Fiain I- 1 itlnl! 
Michael Brnsiiahan, W ill: m II 
Wood, Jeremiah Sp. ' 

John Pi. ki ii. n, hi. 

Owen Tully, Lawrenc, 11. rn, U 

Siuilk. .1- dill I't.inU I'. 1. I U ,1 : 

i:,,.,i,,„i. ',!,,„.-■ uehing Patrii 



Smith, Iiiclii.nl 
ompson. Patrick 
lovan, Benj u 



i . ■,., /' li. nrj I \\ Iiit:. , Georgi I Bobii M 
Charles G. Pyet Henry I Dickej Joseph Blanchett, Lewis Ash, George 

w Putnam, Louis Sej Brian"! VUUngham, Charles H. Abbott. 

I -k, 'i-M Kennison, Tl tas Gilm John Harking. 

my G Waltet McDonald, Patrick ,0. Day, James Doherty. 
I ,i, I James McCarty, Joseph Freschl, William Smith, Charles 

i ,, , John 0. Silver, Ann Bixby, John G Markham, Wesley Glidden, 

l , ,,, B Hodgeman, Silas L. Darrah, Charles A. Rowe II, John Hatch, 
i :il\ in I'.i.wii, Adam Going, William A t'liftord, Frederick G. Menill, 

I'laiii Sturtevant, John Hennessey, Newell R, Bixby, Benjamin F. 
Clark. 

I'.-.e/iaeiy /,". — Henry lisli'irn. James A. Ili',1-. lleniy'l'. Ik, I, I, ins. 

Company Cnhioirn.— W.,i , ., I I l. .... I. - Si,inuiugt,,ii, William 

Hall. 



MANCHESTER. 



EIGH1 II REGIM1 S I 

II ,-,■„■ - l g, .li , colonel . Charles A. Putney, quartermaster 

; - Robert .1 , James Murry, .1. -s S Monroe. 

,■„,„, „ B.— Robert Keefe, Thomas Harrison, 1 rederick Luut, Joseph 

S Abbott, Charles Milli lames Wilson, John Lawton, llonzo V Flan- 



.1 u .... . I'M ■ 
Olson, Tliuiuas l 
William Jones, 1. 

O'Brien, Th as 

Harrington, Dan 
Fitzgerald, J.-lin 

J..I111 Mullm, Jai 



NINTH REGIMENT 
. Webster, Burgeon. 

I, , - ibl ■11. Jan ■ - Murry, Lewis Mi yens, Joseph T. 
„ r Jefts, William \ McGarnet, Lewis T. Mitchell, Na- 

iter, l'i.» A Sanborn, rge W Rai la.ll 

Warren :i I i« mds, J> seph II Wallac. . Joseph E, 

..,.,„,., 1, ,-;„, 1 1: ■ . : II ■. . \ Howe, Arthur 

, ■.. : ,:,■ • f 1 . • .■ • 11.1 iv s Willey, 



Mill. I. IMNI.-I 



. 1, 



Nathan 11. 1'ivl'.-... S>l».->l..| 1 1---I n. .'.I." l'i.l.-> ■ 1. Hi- K-1.M1 

' ■ . 3. Mi Intire I li imaa \ P 1 J 1 H Rol inaon. 

Company F- Augustus I Innia, Cyrus 5. Bur] I lea E. B 

GeorgeF Dunbar, John F P. Robie, rge \A Vllen, George G Blak. 

Jerry \V 111)., Elisba 1 i.i.iiinl.y. Charles P. Stevens, Edwin R. Stevens, 
Ralph Stone, Daniel Kirby, John Fogg, Enos f-hehan, James Linery, 

John Smith, Augustus C A s, Henrj 11 Dunbar, John I r Raley, 

Jan titer, John It - 

. ,. , Cook, Joseph Ci-awfuid, Charles Davis, Edward 

11 l..-.|,.i|.l..l..iii. Milan. I'll a- <■ In. j.ial.l. lb niv II |. -.11. I. In. 1 

Thompson, Marcus M C ei, Marcus M. Tuttle, Roberl N Colley, 

11 I. i"onng 

orgi Dunham, Charles Myi 1-. I II I ■■ r, li - 

Sullivan, James Hazzard, Dennis Lane, John Winahan, Patrick Man 



II - Maul. \. .I..I.H Wh 



. Armstrong 

1: Norris, Vsa Brown, Amos 
oit, F. B. Ha. kett, Josi pli 



( ompany /' Chai li - 



Welsh, James Robston, James M Lathe, 

William A. Canfield, Hiram S. Lathe, olivi r Bud ster, ' barles A. 

Cummings, Charles A Carltou, I- man 1. Lathe, Sylvestei J Hill, 

\\ illiam'P. Mason, Augustine M Westcutt. 
Company >. -John Antics, Henry Edwards, John Smith 

// Mans 1. Chase 
Company I. — Jacob Kl usa 

< :>i,lj> ■n>rl l\ —.l.illl'- ' ."l.l.'ll 

Company Unknown. — Alonzo L. Day 

TENTH REGIMENT 

Michael T I hoe, colonel; John Coughlin, lieutenant il 1. 

.1. ■-. 1 Vngell, major. 

,.„„, , A.— Ichabod S. Bartlctt, Andrev, « Doe, John B Sargent, 

lliiam s 1; s, Alfred G. S 1-. William H. Allen, "inn A. Clough, 



I.. ■ 



II. I liapmaii, l-aai- 
Mil.- Aldrich, .l.i-.'l 
Bailey, Henri A '■ " 



Dan 





\ M San- 


,.„,, \, .i,.„ .1 Wentworth, Ulred Wl ler, John 1 WorMi 




W.l.i., ll. 1.1.1 1 Kn, . wli. . 1. . 1 11-11. 1111 Till. \. !;.■>. 




tliail.-U Minlli. Ml- Lie 1 ll'.|il...|IV. U llllalu l\ M.\.l.-. 


1! rum P. 


1 oibj 1 harli • 1 1'... ■'. 1 harles B 1. W il- 1. V Bar! " 


Mlllmall 


.... . , i.. 1 1. i.iiali Cunnur, 


Israel W. 


Chase, Joseph Demarse, Jeremiah C Allen, Frank llutchinso 


, "I'll, anas 


' ' "•.'.'.',!".!!!."-," '•'--Mi.-l'.-.'-l'' ' I •• ■■ -■ ■•■ .l"hn W 1... ■ 1 


: Strain, 


w illto.ni 11. a. .11, ' '11111 1" E1111 ■ 1. Hi Li r S x i P 




;, \\ Grav, 3, William W II ■ ■ Il m, H lliam « Hi 1 ■• 


, William 


1 1 Mini, Samuel 1.. Mm lull. William " Hi .11.. David Kisbj 


'■ 


Lewis, Charles II Mayhew, .1. - ph 0. >! 1) ■ H 


11 Joseph 


P. rkius, David A ".uimby, David 1. 1: Hi - 




Shegree, 1 harles E. Sargent, Owet Sullivan, Mart 1 




Intret, William W. White, Henrj \\ alley, Henry 11 Merril 


Mi., ilb 


Sel Hanson Tippett, William F Urdway, John Murphi 


Marshall 


lln i.l. in-. Mill. ...in 11 Hazelton, loscph It. Uazi-lton, Charl. 


Johnson, 



Holland, Patrii 
11. v, Timothy 
..... Husted 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Company F.— John Ban, Eldad HuiIit.h1h.-i r.ui ,,-. .lames Il.yl., 
Patrick Curniu. Ui^.in i .-mi. >lly, Jeremiah Cochran, Joseph Clayton, 

Michael Cochran, Edmund I 'uiiirali. Mi. liael 1 van. .lames N [Tew, 

Michael Early, Michnel P. Flynn, James Fiemniiiigs, i i. 

Patrick Curry, .TuLn Hurn^an, Mieha.1 Hamlley, Timothy He.lily. .las. 

B .'''"l-in-. Lawi I . nl. in. i - indere, Hugh Ui U i 

Murphj Michael Mara, Patrick Naviii John O'Flynn, David O'Brien, 
John O'Brien. \\ ■■;. w l'....' .. .: :, r.ik.r. ,l..|iu i.iuiini, John 
Bye : I' n, .' ,. Sullivan, Charles H i ..; - .,, Rum II Town, Bernard 



-William Higgin 



Charles W. Willey, Argus McGinnisfl, 



Km, lull], John 



van, John Doherty, 1'. 

Timothy Harrington. 
Michael Jlahony, Johi 
11. Pen i.i.i i harlea 



, CbarlesWard. 

ihn Bryson, 1 r. I I owaj 

tn. k I'- Mi..-. William De- 
... . li.i . John Garvey, 
. - II.,;. v Henry Hayes, 
-I,. I'.itri, k Paine, William 
Sheehan, Thomas Solun 
, Timothy Tehan, James 
Uiani llast,„ a -. Jeremiah 



Madden, .r, .lii, |iri-j;s, John Keller, Patrick l>..yli\ .lames Madden. 

''""•i V I nknown —William F. McPherson, Sullivan B. Abbott, David 

Reed, John t',,nn,,r, .lames Burns. 

ELEVENTH REGIMENT. 

Jeremiah D Lyford, IndreW J. Frye, John F.Clarke, 
Edward C. Emerson, Charles I . I., In, -cm. Ezra B. (.lines. Enoch T. 

Farnham, Albert F Sargent, geE Dudlei Loammi Searles, Li n 

S. Buckland, Charles W Baker, William W I >h, Tl I Id 

Lyman W. Griffin, Humphrey M. Glines, Alexandei II.: Israel 



Henn 



J.,lin 



■- W K, 
F. Pheli 



SI. Smith, Luthe 
Adam-, Joseph 



\ Smith, G 
ilkins, Frank 
lark, II.. His 



dson, Benjamin 

man M Smith, 

Page, lit E 

Dudley, Oliver 



lllirles II I , 



-John White John Smith. 

-Caleb J. Kimball, w illiam Stevi ns, Dai 

t«, Joseph Cross, Willi Imkennan, \ ■ 

tiioirii.— I'liail— [..■(. i. hijjit, William l!ait..n 
old, John Willi,., ,lo-,p|, Kerr, Mirl, a,l i.iu 



TWELFTH REGIMENT. 

I— Maitin liavis, Joseph shaip, Charles Bowers, 

M, ' -I k, John SI, Graw, Uexandei i onchard. 

.. B.— Henry .1. Lindner, J In S dtl Henry Thomas, 
Mumford, 

... ' '—James H. Gordon, > 
Raphe] Reimaun. 

' William W, Id.,,, It., I,, it Hill, ( harl.s Mardinan. Hen- 

■"I'!' I" I '. in «, lla 'I.iyh.i, , I, all.- A Heath, John McCon- 

nell, George Alland, Hans Anderson, Solomon s w , .,.,,,., 

1 - 1 : • • i •• - 1 1 l;,,r, laid. John Howard, liihl.aid Nolan, Lorenzo 



FOURTEENTH REGIMENT. 



< ,,,„/„o,,; /..—John N I:, 

I ./.„..,, ,, — Pati ick C in 
op, Michael ii ih i, ,,. ,i ,hn Bhibbii 



R. Wallace. Stephen M \\ ilson 
, Alexander, Danvers, I . iv, [e N ,r- 
Williain Warren, James A Bum- 



II "I' -. Philip I.e, 



FIFTEENTH REGIMENT. 
Company K— Henry S. Perry, Mi, had Al,l,..tt.,n, th-,, 
Joseph K. Hazelton, Charles H. Martin, Ervin D Tobie. 

SIXTEENTH REGIMENT. 

' 'ompany G. s, r. McQuestion. 

EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT. 
P.— Solo n Towns, Gustavue B. Wells, 



I 'I I , I — ■>■ ('. Biekford. John J. Ryan, Adlloi 

Edwin Mulligan, Michael P. Mulligan, Peter Locke. 

Compm r.— Thomas II. McGuire, David Magoon, Edward 1 
Vathaniel A. Tuttle, Albert T. Bowers, Charles W. Bills, Au 

'orey, Benjan Cook, George B .la. ksou I', .mat - 

iohert J. McFarlaml, Charles II. I,,,. Owen 1.,,],-, Harm 
"■"-" H Howe, John SI, Fee, Patri. k M,„ k, James Smith, w 

'lumi .John F. Rounds, X.ichal'iah I: s,,. u;llI _ Amas., ,1 

•atrick Sullivan, I hail- w ilson, Ge. rge T « bite. 

' ",.;, A -ll.a.e .■ 1'ickald, Mile. .1 i..ll,y. Peter [I, .1,11, 

V. Lindsay. Walter A. Green, Patrick Prescott, Edward N. T 

card K. White. John Copp, Jeremiah Sheehan, George C. Mo, 



NEW ENGLAND CAVALRY. 



ram, adjutant ; Arnold Wyn 
.lon.s, Henry G Wer, n. 



- II Phillip-, M ]y i.iniml.v. Hiral 

II w, - i, PaiidF Wilson 

'-' ' ■ Bom , John Fran, ,- I oil > 

Nathan P. Kidder, Cyrus Litchfield 
I;,,--, II Ubert P. T.,-k.r. Ebeueze 



William .1 Walla,,'. 



n Watson 

. '• Philip Warren, Audi 
Th,.i,,as hair, ii. Edward Brown. 

I '■ ■ Henry Killatl, 1 n V 

Martin, Martin Oswald, Patrick SlcCarty, Tl as Hornsby, Charles 

Williams. 

Company K —Henry C'arr. 

Company Vu i .■ . ,,„■, William Sutton, G, 

Julius Lyford, James C. Dempey, rg. Parker, Jam, 

Haumaii, Hiram f. Hohler. 



Villlam C. Powi , 
Wilson. 

FIRST NEW HAMPSHIRE CAVALRY. 

3 i David A. Con ■. 

r r B.— Benjamin F. Philbrl k. 

I p C.—Jo In, F.„,, II. 

7,-,,,,,, B.— Andrew .1. Roberts. 

Troop F — William 11. Griffin, James II. Robinson, John C. i olburn, 

i Elliott. 
Tronp (5.— Edward I . Brov. „. John Balrd Emerson A Dunham, Henry 
II Aldri, h. Jan 

I ■ II -William A. Piper, William A K. II. -y. Edwin K. p.„ k.u.l. 
Jewett W. Perry. 

/ —William II Palmer. 
I i' lames D. Gage, Jol I',,., Charles L. Prescott, Hugh 

Mill , i. , ;,■- \| I .. .-,. .lames II. French, .l-niatlian ]!. Chapman, War- 
ren Forsaith, William II Hart, Jason \ i bilds, M '. Q 

Wilson. 

Troop M.— Henrj B Hubbard, Enoch Lovell, Chai 
John F, Colby, .lame- 11. Parks, Gustavus II. Best, William C. Pow- 

\ ndren Hill, Phi mas Dal, y, Danii 1 I annigan, 
John O'Hara, Joseph Ilan.l.lph. ,,.oi-, i: spauldim:. Tliem.,- \ < '. 

line, Hugh H Ri, on \ I i v Bom | H ■ i i 

N Clough, Henrj J. w.-i.-t. i Daniel Doyle, Joseph Jackson, Richard 

r..l.ii„.. I s Hi, a, ,,,,, i. , -,. Atkins. 



IEAVY ARTILLERY. 

i ',, ,. Porquet, 



MANCHESTER 



Company Ii - 

i Company ' ' ■ 

Willard Buckn 



> p.n ...?.-. K'ImiIi miIIh.iii. . I. .Iin - All. i.. f.lii >■! _■ l: 
Baker, Andrew M Hacker, James O'Brien, Charles D Buntin, '■• ■' . 
B. Boutelle, William 1 l rati Fl Bi Harston L Browi 

Willard S. Baker, Charles Bean, Gi l W Bi ■■ ■ G - ' m 

Charles H. Cole, Stanford H Chase, Jo i Crockett, David B D ki 

.1 - M Dickey, Warren II Day, J. on II Day, Reuben Dodge, Wi 

llam E Denney, John G Durant, Charles F Dockum, II nrj i I - 

WUUamR.Forsi , Warren Green, John S I lie, I 

M . ..- -i i.. in. F.lwn. i. II. .M-, Sullivan I>. Hill, rge Howar 

William Hurlin, Michael Harris, Charles 11. Hodgeman, Lowell 
II.,, 1. 1, rn, Newton 1 1. .lli~. K/.Ui.l Hall. Wesley K. Holt, Joshua I 
Hastings, Manley U JenkiDs, Joseph Kelly, George W. Knight, 



i 



Grei ii. "i iin N B, N-i.. -. 
Alexander, Andrew Armsti 
...» Ballon, James I 
Bowker, George Boutelle, 

Currier, Stanford II Ch 

nun Keally, John i amey, 
W Dakin, Frank I.. Edw 
i leoi -•■ A Gordon, Daniel ' 
Newton Hollis, Bhodea II. i 



il.l. Charles Geoi 



Christopher Barker, Orrin F Pillsbury, Henrj M. Piltobury, Chestei I 
Page, Frederick Payne, Moses Pearson, Albert B. Robinson, Horace 
I. Richardson, Edwin J. Ross, Dennis W. Reardeau, Noah W. Randall, 
Evi i. ii Sti vens, \ l ilium W. Sweatt, David A. Wilson, Georgi W Saw 
yer, Robert Stewart, Andrew W Stoton, George W Taylor, Edward W 
Tillotson, Joseph E. Walker, James M. Wallace, Sullivan 11. Walla.... 
Naliun, A. Webster, Charles F. Whittemore, Nathan B. White, Daniel 
I. Wells, John W. Willey, William Q. Young, Francis York, JamesO. 
Chandler, James li. Can, James C. Hum-. 

Company F — .h s P. Gallison. 

Company K -David P. Stevens, '' Houghton, Alfred Howard, 

George H. Ames, Franklin A Brackett, Herbert W. Churchill, William 

Fisk, Albert K. G II. m-. Frank 1. Gilman, Charles E Green, John 

Grammo, Leandei I. II .11 Charles \ Hall, ci.ail.-.- H I1...1.I... k, i.e..i ;.■ 
A. Palmer, Lewi- .1 -v. nth. G.-..i_'. I. Swain. S\lv.-t.i > Wal-h. 
ci,.. . I.. I, lia.l.v, k.|wmi.| .1 \\ in;. John E. Johnson. 

Company Z..— Walter Smith, Sedlej A. 1 1, Petei Burns, Pierre 

Mi. I...... Olivei Jepson, James M ilonoy, Henry W. Twombly, Horace G. 

Kimball 

Company M Fohn W. Dickey, Georgi K Dakin, Ezra D. Cilley, 

Klijiih E. French, John I: Bean Ephi i Fisk, John 1. Sargent, 

Charles W. Boyd, Georgi i B ■ I Hopkins, Alfred R Crosby, 

William G I utli . - '■• i 111 ■ >• I II .. ■ li i. Jai W 

Learned, Geor;. \ - '■ Nathan B Tilton, Ira P 

Twitchell, Thomas Welch, Charles I H W Clark, Horace 

H. Bundy, Charles Clark Charl M D « ngton I. Gray, 

Henry R. Noyes, Orrin 8 Silloway, ■■ I. raylor, \-.. P. Wright, 

Henry Bennett, Frank I. K-l ds, Edward M Dakin, G go Apple- 

1 , .his.-iih c i.. .1. \;ii. .i i ..mi it John McCauley, Orlando Proctor, 

Ezra N Norris, James Richards, John Kating, Daniel Davis, Henrj 
Blair, Ge.-r;. \ Martin, Benjamin I". Bunkei 

VETERAN RESERVE ' ORPS 
Albert Bl.-.'.l, James Bvles, Jeremiah C'.nin.r, .lames N. Cummings, 

Patrick Dowell, Jer C. Davis, I E Demerit,, Henrj B. Eastman, 

Davis Emery, Harvej Hill, William II. Knowlton, Andrew Currier, 
Michael Powers, John L. Collins, J.-lm Rr.wt.. Willi.... w l -■■..,. 
Stephen 0. < ....... i . Thomas G Gould, Patrick II.. ..II. I. ..n. .1 ph R. 



ail. I., Wll 



Mel. I 



Smith, Jnlui Smith, Fnueh E. Stevens, CI .all.-.- Stewart. ;■■ W. Wil- 
li.!.... J. A Sargent, Franklin R. Tucker, Patrick Welsh, CytUB S, Bur- 
pee, Hiram G Gove. 

MARTIN GUARDS. 

E.lwanl Will;. E'lwar.i I', kill. hall. .1. .1.1. I '. IVh ..... I, . ,-\ .1 u. '. I -..i,- 

l.ui.i. Wiggin I Ibbott, Howard P, Smith, Joseph P. Frye, 1 barlet P 
Gilbert, Lewis .1. Smith, Geoi-e,. \V. lla\ is, Charles II. Bra.ltonl, Ilelinis 
A. Burbank, Frank \. Brackett, Charles W. Dimick, Henry Eaton, 
William Fisher, Austin G. French, George W. Farnham, Alfred I. 

1; .hue, Charles .1 Goodwin, Frank L. Gilman, Horace IV Page, 

Charles W. Gardm r,Cl es I. Green, Alfred Howard, Charles Hadlock, 

Charles Hall, L. A. Hyatt, Leandei Hill. Martin i. Hoff, Clinton Jones, 
Frank C. Jewett, Marshall Keith, John Leighton, I I...1I. - 11. Moulton, 
Matthew- Morrow, Charles 1 M rae tl 8 Osgi l,J b.n H. Prescott, 

i; geA. Palmer, David P Stevens, Myri k I Smith, George E. Swain, 

Benjamin T. Sherbnrn, Sylvestei S. Walsh, Charles Weeman, Elbridge 
Wasson 

NATIONAL 1. CARDS. 

Edward A. Ila.-iiiau, John C. Hardy, George E. Kennison, William 0. 



FIRST LIGHT BATTERY. 

t...:_. \ li.-iri-h, John Wa.Mei^h, Henry E. C lict, Lyman W, 

1:..,:, Robert Burns, David Morgan, Joseph T Durgin, Ira P. Fellows, 
UowardM F»rrar, John L Fish, fictsu F. Fairbanks J-rr.v I i.l.el- 



Hastings, James A Johnston, William 11 Kenney, Dai I 1 ■ I 

Dudley P. Ladd, Le Roy McQuesten, Tl as « Mot L H i 

Marshall, Charles W. • mutt. Christopher C P I 1 

Charles Peoples, George W Parrott, William D. Perl Henry I Pat 

rick, Daniel M. Peavey, Th a- Randlett, ll.i.n - I, 1 ■ 

Reeves, Charles H. Shephard, Alexander Simpson, Henrj \ Sloan, Gut 
tavus S..I.I.-. .Ill- ■ ■ \ 1 . -:. ..:,.. Leandei G Sylvi -1. . 
Franks Edwin B Shu Nathan B. Tilton, Frank W Taber, Wi 

I!. .hells. Alotl/i. M 1 ..-w.-ll. Villi... 1 V I'll- 



T Bean, Edwin 
Henrj I B01 I, 

Can. William 1 
Calitiel.l. Tl.oll.a 

•l.k I C ■ 

Dickey, John In 
Luthel I. Walla 



I'KS mim:p>iihii-|i:i> 



N. V.. 



FIRST REGIMENT I M 

' -..'/ '/ /.'. -Levi H. Leet. 

- M. REGIM1 NT I Mil. C STATES SHARPSHOOTERS 

M 1 I' . .no Henry \ Colby, Final, Hanson, Jot 

than S. .I..I.1.S..II, I h.ilh - W Stevens. 

NAVY. 

.lain-- Have-, !■_'.• F. A-hl-Ui. .l.-hl. M CtlBtalOW, I'. I'l DoV 

w altet I., e, James Smith. 

M \KIXES. 
Michael Kane. 



BATTERY 

Charles .1. Anderson. 



THIRTEENTH 



Hen 



mi.vr 



FIRST REG 
Joseph II. Km. .wll..... 

REGIMENT UNKNOWN. 
Albeit Miller, John Reilley, Daniel Thornton, Alexandei Frazier, 

.!..!, r 1 .1.11 .I.,-e],h Hart. John Riley, John Thompson lmet R. 

Witham, Emile Keller, James Brown, Timothj Hallisey, .lain.-- Vnder- 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



sun, Albert lluin,, Willi. nn >;. (']. ■ in '. !■■■ < . i nt.-r, William H. 

Goodwin, John M.-1'ln-isoii, Th. is Smith, Th-Miia- \\ ImKt.Mi, Altix-.l 

Mumii. Charles Brockway, Jesse 1 Williams, .1 » , Henrj 

Wood, William lioinor, Willinin II- Jackson, Jamee 1 

IVtl.l.T, Sl.lllll.-l Sill;-!, .1.1 -. Slllll.llll, .linn.-- Slnllll, 

.liniivs s. Willi.ii,,-. John Murphy, James McCanney, William E. Stearns, 

.lam.-s A. H. Oiant, .Iannis M M.-vli. \. , .1. .1 1 11 kn m. l.-lin Smith. John 
Milan-. John Richards, Jerome Sfates, Solomon Leaks, Joseph Bess 
George B lu Ison. einni.-s ii.m-s.-v, .l..lm 11 

Samuel 1 rbint, T a, M-a.l... William II. Uaggs, Pruy Gilveatt, Frank 

'I'l 1- -ii. .1. 1 i aslej .1. - -.-Hi.. in Vi Brown, .1.. s 

Boyles, Georg. r-i ..n-..n, I 1 ..-. I canai.l, John Brown, DavidDudley, 

James Gordon, Frank L Gilman, Charles C Webster, Charles I.. Daven- 
port 

FIELD, STAFF AND LINK ' IS 

■Generals.— Joseph 1'. Abbott, Hi- nai 1 I Donol 

nas 1' I'l- r. I -Iv.arcl L. llail.-y, Janus W. Can, 
Hawkes 1- . Ji Johi ighlin. 

/i-.ta-niM L'lvnfl.-. — Sam .1.-1 C. I.aligl.-.v, Francis W . I'.iil,- 

noil 1 J 31 1 \ 1 . .j . ■ ] l . I'm .-I B. Nelson. 

.l.i>.r.nif.N.— Ahull II. l.il.l.v, .1. -s.-pl. .1. IV.liohlK-. 

- Hear) Hill, Silas F. Dean. 
Surgeons.— William W. Brown, Syli is Bunton, William A. Web- 
ster, John Ferguson. 

AstUtmd Sib-i G n H Hauter, William G. Stark, Jamee P. 

Walker. 
QuurUrmasteii. — Richard N. Batchelder, John R. Hyn.s. Charles A. 
i Kimball. 
in. 1. Kelly, Hollis O. Dudley, Varnum II Hill, Rufus 

Kutbven W. 1 li.u-lit. mi, John Kirwin, Robert II. Allen, 

Bogei W Woodbury, William II Maxwell, Charles A. White, Robert 

C Dow, James \ Hubbard, James H Piatt, I rg. W.Huckins.j' ip- 

s-.ii s. N.-u.-ll, William w. Mayne, Granville lv Mason, William C. 
Knowlton, George ] McCabe Charles Cain, Frank Robi. JoBepb 
FreschI, Warren E F.Brown, William .1 Gunnon, Cornelius Healey, 



josepn c. i laiu, Amos I. sainiii k, nil <■ iiiimii-, a. .nil ,\. i.rn.-.-, 

w ill. ..in i: -;. .. ii , i.. --I .:. 'i i i. .in, ......i-j. \. .:.-. i i 

llakin, Ji - I' I'haii.ll.-t. 0.-..1-. ' J |, , M _ i, t, ,,, .1. ,1. ti K. Johnson, 



- — Martin \ I". Ilii In. iiUnli. hii-tin M.usliitll. Mi. Ini.l 

■i Colby, William E. llaniii.it. Wall. i . i Richards, 
I rank C. Wasley, David M Perkins, I liarlei \ Mi - 
S Wiggin, Oscar A Moar, Patrick K. Dowd Charles 

iii-w .1 I ij-ii. i;. -.iiiiiii I, I.---. I'ltin.-i i.ii.-, 
ii - ... , \ i, j || II .'..' ■ . |. in. at F. S. A 

ili. :, Hubbard, H. nrj .. I ashing, James Miles, Robert 

Michaet O'Grady, Willard M Haradon, \n-li-u w. Doe, Mich- 



Sec I / - ' — ti I 'ii... les \ ickery, Chat les 1. Bn p 

Soavey, Frank B Hutchinson, Wi I W.Fletcher, 

Cyrus S. Burpee, Charles E Rowe ll.-nn Sargent, Cornelius Dono- 

hue, Aloii/.. 1. Day.IchabodS Ba tt, Thorndike P. Heath, Edward 

K White, John K. Piper, Orrin Taber, John E Bean, M ■- Pear- 

.i I. . ; h-i-lc..', II \ l.av, t.-ii- •-, K.lwanl J. Willi;, I'll. .in. . .1 



Soldiers' Monument. — The soldiers' monument, 
which stands mi Merrimacls Square, was erected at a 
cost of about twenty-two thousand dollars, and was 
dedicated Scpti-mln-i- 11, 1879. Tin- corner-stone was 
laid May 30, L878, under the auspices of Louis Bell 
I'.ist.i;. a. K. 

The style lit' the monument is modern Gothic, and 
the materials of whicli it is composed an- New Hamp- 
shire granite and bronze. The design embodies the 
three-fold idea of a historical ami a military monu- 



ment and a fountain ; ami, in its cruciform base, 
includes a basin thirty feet in width, inclosed in a 
parapet of ornamental character. In the centre ot 
each of the four projecting anus of the basin is a 
pedestal, on a line with the parapet, supporting each 
a bronze statue of heroic size, representing the prin- 
cipal divisions of service in the army and navy, name- 
ly, the infantry soldier, the cavalryman, artillery- 
man and sailor. Alternating in pairs between these 
figures are eight bronze posts for gas-lights, sur- 
ah id by our national emblem. 

The column, fifty feel in height, rising from the 
center of the basin, i- supported on a circular pedes- 
tal four feet in diameter, and is crowned with a capi- 
tal richly carved with appropriate Gothic ornament; 
u]. o ii this is placed a colossal statue, in granite, eight 
feet in height, representing Victory with her mural 
crown, a shield lying at her feet, and holding a wreath 
and recumbent sword, — emblematic of triumph and 
peace. This figure, irrespective of the sentiment 
which it admirably conveys, is a fine wink of art in 
iis all ilinle, features and drapery. At the base of the 
column is placed a shield with the arms of the city; 
while above are displayed flags and weapons, the 
trophies of war. 

Surrounding the circular pedestal is a bronze lias- 
relief, four feet in height, representing such inci- 
dents of recruiting, arming, parting from friends and 
marching, as tell, in a simple and effective manner, 
the meaning of the memorial. 

The base of the pedestal is octagonal in form, and 
on its west or front side, bears a bronze tablet, on 
which these words are inscribed, — 



This inscription was prepared by Mr. II. W. Mer- 
rick, and was selected from the large number 
contributed by a committee of literary gentlemen 
appointed for that purpose. 

Above the bas-relief arc twelve gargoyles attached 
to the cornice of the circular pedestal, and issuing 
from them are jets of water faling into the basin be- 
low. 

The four principal figures in bronze are works of 
artistic merit, and were modeled and cast expressly li.r 
this structure. 




A/titr, 



MANCHESTER. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



HON. JAMES A. WESTON. ' 

Tiie Weston family came from Buckinghamshire, 
England, and settled in Massachusetts. John Weston 
came in 1622, tml returned in a few years. His 
brothers and kinspeople si alter his return emi- 
grated to this country, and in 1644 his son, John 
Weston, .Tr., rami- and settled in Reading. 

From him the subject of this sketch is descended in 
direct line, and represents the seventh generation. 

Hi- grandfather, Amos Weston, moved from Bead- 
ing to Derryfield, N. II., in 1803, and settled in the 
southeast part of the town, known in later times as 
the Weston farm. He was a man of character and 
ability, and enjoyed the confidence and respect of his 
fellow-citizens. 

His son, Amos Weston, Jr., was born in Reading 
in 1791, and came to Derryfield with his parents, llis 
early life was passed in school and with his father 
upon the home farm, but at the proper age he began 
for himself, and by industry and perseverance gained 
a competency in early life. He was highly esteemed 

byhisp pie and was frequently called toad forthem 

in local matters. He was also prominently identified 
with the business interests and public affairs of 
tiie town, and may justly lie regarded as one of 
the founders of its growth and prosperity. He mar- 
ried Betsy Wilson, of Londonderry, X. II., in 1814. 
She was the daughter of Colonel Robert Wilson ami 
granddaughter of . lames Wilson, one of those sturdy 
and substantial men of Scotch -Irish descent so well 
known in the history of the early settlements of this 
Stale. 

Janus Adams Weston was liorn August _!7, I Sl'7. 
He was the youngest of live children, and is the only 
surviving member of the family of Amos and Betsy 
(Wilson) Weston. His early life was passed with his 
p ireiits, and in the usual pursuits of boys similarly 
situated, — attending school and laboring upon the firm 
at such seasons as circumstances required. Mi-. Weston 
was not a graduate of college, and his education did 
not partake of the character sometimes termed "lib- 
el a! education," but he was pre-eminently a well- 
educated man. His constitution of mind led him in 
thi' direction of practical and useful pursuits from 
the first. He was inclined to scientific and mathe- 
matical studies, and distinguished in his early school- 
day- tor habits of industry and perseverance in the 
faithful and patient investigation of every subject 
within liis reach. 

After the disti iet school he attended the Manches- 
ter and Piscataquog Academies, where he pursued his 
studies with earnestness ami application. Subse- 



quenl l\ lie studied those branches which were deemed 
the most important to lit him for civil engineering, 
to which he bad decided to devote himself as an avo- 
cation tor life. 

He taught school in Londonderry in 1845, and in 
Manchester in 1846, with the best of success, ami 
during the remainder of the time devoted himself to 
the study of his chosen profession. 

In this labor he proceeded with a well-considered 
system, and qualified himself thoroughly lor a high 
position among the civil en-inecrs of his time. 

In 1846 he was appointed assistant engineer of the 
Concord Railroad, and entered upon the work of lay- 
ing the second track of that corporation. 

In 1849 he was appointed to the position of chief 
engineer of the corporation, which he held for many 
j ears. 

While chief engineer of the Concord Railroad he 
was master of transportation and road-master of lie 
Manchester and Law renee Railroad about seven years. 
In 1861-62 he superintended the construction of the 
Manchester and Candia Railroad and the Hooksett 
Branch Railroad. In 1869 he superintended the build- 
ing of the Suncook Valley Railroad, and, later, made 
the surveys of the Manchester and Keene Railroad. 
In all these and other business enterprises Mr. Weston 
has been the careful and far-seeing manager as well 
as the technical engineer, and has done the work with 
that well-known characteristic, "without mistake." 

During the time he was employed on these public 
works he was frequently engaged in private matters 
of importance, both as a practical and advisory en- 
gineer, and in cases where controversy had arisen. 
Soon alter being appointed chief engineer of the 

Concord Railroad he moved to Concord to live, on 
account of his principal business, but in L856 he 
returned to Manchester, where he now resides. 

Notwithstanding Governor Weston's life has been 
full of business interests and duties of an important 
character, growing out of hi- professional employment, 
he has been drawn into political and public positions 
to a considerable extent. 

He has never been a partisan or a politician in tin 
common acceptation, but he has always been allied 
to the Democratic party and firmly devoted to tic 
principles of their political creed. He is of conserva- 
tive and still decided views, reaching his conclusions 
in the same logical manner as in the discharge of any 
importanl trust. He believes the simple duties of 
citizenship are full of responsibilities, and that their 
proper observance requires the same careful study 
and faithful action as the highest official position. 

In 1862 he was placed in nomination lor the office 
of mayor of Manchester by the Democratic party. 
Although very largely in the minority, ami at a time 
when party strife was very great in this State. SO 
universally acknowledged was Mr. Weston's fitness 
for the position, and so generally had he enjoyed the 
respect ami esteem of his fellow-citizens, that he broke 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



down the party lines, run far ahead of his ticket and 
was defeated by only a small Dumber of votes. 

In 1863 he was again induced to accept the nomi- 
nation for the same office, and while the same in- 
tensely partisan campaign was made by his opponents 
and party spirit ran higher than before, he gained on 
Ids adversary and lost the election by less than a 
sei. re of \ Otes. 

In 1807 he was again brought forward by his party, 
and, although their relative strength was about the 
same and a determined effort was made by the Re- 
publican party to defeat him, he was elected mayor 
by a handsome majority, and entered upon his official 
duties in January. 1868. In 1869 he was the candidate 
of the Democrats for the same position, and, although 
not successful, it took a carefully revised official count 
to determine the result. In 1870 he was re-elected 
mayor, and again in 1871. 

In 1874 he was a third time chosen mayor by an 
overwhelming majority, which office he held when 
elected Governor. It must be borne in mind that 
Manchester has been a strongly Republican city, the 
majority of that party often running from six to seven 
hundred. Nor have the opponents of Mayor Weston 
been unpopular or unfit candidates. On the contrary, 
they have been uniformly selected for their great 
popular strength and fitness for the position. The 
Republican leaders have not been novices, and it has 
not been their intention to suffer defeat ; but whenever 
victory has been wrung from their unwilling grasp, 

it has been done against great odds, and b( ise the 

Democrats had unusual strength, one of its most 
important elements having been the superior qualifi- 
cations and fitness for the (dace which Mr. Weston 
was acknowledged on all sides to have possessed. 

During the period of his mayoralty a great advance- 
ment of the material interests of the city took place, 
and marked improvements were inaugurated and suc- 
cessfully carried on. An improved system of sewerage 

was established and, so far as practicable, completed, 
which proved of incalculable benefit. A general 
plan lor establishing the grade of streets and side- 
walks was arranged, and steps taken to obviate many 
difficulties which had arisen in connection with this 
important part of municipal government. Improve- 
ment in the public commons was commenced ami 
carried on as far as economy and fair expenditures of 
each yea] seemed to warrant, and the foundation was 
laid in public policy, adopted under his managemi nt, 
for permanent ami systematic ornamentation of the 
parks and public grounds. The matter of concrete 
walks received its first encouragement from Mayor 
Weston. It was a subject about which much differ- 
ence of opinion existed, and when the mayor author- 
ized the covering one of the walks across one of the 
Commons at the public expense it received much 
severe criticism, lint the popular view soon changed, 
.m.l the experience of the city since that time shows 
the wisdom of the first step in that direction. 



In the matter of a water supply has Mr. Weston 
been of inestimable service to his fellow-citizens. 
In this important enterprise he took a leading part. 
No one realized more fully the great benefit which 
an adequate water supply would be. and few compre- 
hended as well the embarrassments connected with 
the undertaking. The question had been agitated 
considerably ami various surveys hail been made, and 
the people were divided upon different plans and 
theories. Popular notions fell far short of the full 
comprehension of the subject, and while he was sup- 
ported by many of the leading and most influential citi- 
zens it was a very difficult matter to accomplish. Mr. 
Weston had made his own surveys and was thoroughly 
informed upon the whole subject, and engaged in 
the work with zeal and determination. The neces- 
sary legislation having been obtained, he prepared 
and carried through the city government the appro- 
priate ordinances by which the enterprise took sha| e 
and the plan for placing the whole matter in the 
hands of a board of commissioners. 

To his foresight and intelligent view of this subject, 
ami earnest devotion to carrying out and completing 
the scheme, tin- people of Manchester owe their most 
excellent water supply more than to any other influ- 
ence, and it is a monument to his good name, more 
and more honorable as time proves the inestimable 
value of a pure ami adequate supply of water to the 
people of our city. 

Mayor Weston was the first officer of the city to 
recommend the erecting of a soldiers' monument, 
and, by his earnest advocacy, and finely-educated 
taste, was largely instrumental in deciding what style 
should be adopted, and bringing that worthy and 
patriotic enterprise to a successful completion. The 
nol.le shaft which now and ever will, we trust, com- 
memorate the glorious deeds and tin- fearful sacrifices 
of the soldiers from Manchester in the War of the 
Rebellion, speaks a word as well for those who at- 
tempted, in a small measure, to show the high 
appreciation in which their gallant services are held. 

Frequent mention of Mr. Weston as a candidate 
for Governor had been made, ami in 1871 he became 
the nominee of the Democratic party for that office. 
In the gubernatorial contest he was met by the de- 
termined effort of his opponents to defeat his election. 

He would have undoubtedly been elected by the i - 

pie but for the strategical movement of his adversary 
to have a third candidate in the fight. This si heme 
was partly successful, preventing an election by the 
people by only one hundred and thirteen votes, 
although Mr. Weston had a large plurality. He was 
elected Governor by the Legislature, and inaugurated 
on the 14th day of June, 1871. 

The Governor's administration was characterized by 
economy and the most conscientious observance of 
official honor and integrity. Even the most zealous 
partizan never questioned his faithful discharge of 
duty, and his official term closed with the highest 



MANCHESTER. 



1 L':-i 



respect of the whole people. In 1872 the Republican 
party put in nomination their "great man," the Hon. 
E. A. Straw, agent of the Amoskeag Manufacturing 
Company, and placed their campaign upon the sup- 
posed issue between manufacturing interests and 
other branches of business in the country. Mr. 
Straw was elected, and again in 1873, but in 1874, Mr. 
Weston was the standard-bearer of the Democratic 
party and defeated the Republicans. Although he 
failed of election by the people, he received a large 
plurality, and was elected by the Legislature in June 
following. 

In every instance where Mr. Weston has been the 
candidate of his party for public office it has been 
when his opponent started in the race with a major- 
ity and with numerous party advantages. Mr. Wes- 
ton has fought his campaigns against numbers and 
against prestige. He has contested the -round with 
opponents who were no mean adversaries, and his 
successes have been alike honorable to him and the 
party to which he belongs. 

During the years of his public life and since, Gover- 
nor Weston has kepi apace with the times in the many 
enterprises and business projects of his vicinity and 
State, and has held many places of trust and impor- 
tance. In 1871 he was appointed a member of the 
New Hampshire Centennial Commission, of which 
body he was chairman, and as such worked with great 
zeal and efficiency to promote the success of New 
Hampshire's exhil.it. He was also made a member 
of the Centennial Board of Finance by Congress. 
He has been chairman of the Board of Water Com- 
missioners from its beginning. For several years he 
has been a member of the State Board of Health ; 
also treasurer of the Elliot Hospital corporation, 
chairman of the "Trustees of the Cemetery Fund,'' 
treasurer of the Suncook Valley Railroad, treasurer 
of the Franklin Street Church Society, one of the 
directors and clerk of the Manchester Horse Railroad 
corporation, president of the Locke Cattle Company; 
but his main business is the management of the Mer- 
chants' National Bank, of which he has been the 
president since its organization, and the Guaranty 
Savings-Bank, of which he has been the treasurer 
since its incorporation. These two banks, although 
not so old as their neighbors, are, nevertheless, equally 
am ■ ■ — t'u I . and stand second to none in sound finan- 
cial reputation. Governor Weston is the president, 
and has actively been concerned in the management, 
of the New Hampshire Fire Insurance Company. 
devoting a large portion of his time to it- affairs. 

Governor Weston has been a member of the -Ma- 
sonic- fraternity since 1861, and has taken a deep 
interest in its prosperity. He has received all the 

grades, including the orders of knighth 1, and has 

held many places of trust and responsibility, notably 
among them that of treasurer of Trinity < lommandery 
for twenty-two years, — a fact which shows tie- confi- 
dence and esteem which his brethren have tor him. 



In 1854 he married Miss Anna S. Gilmore, daughter 
of Mitchel S. Gilmore, Esq., of Concord. They have 
five surviving children, — the eldest born, Herman, 
having deceased at the age of four and a half years; 
Grace Helen, born July 1, 1866; James Henry, Jul} 
17, 1868; Edwin Bell, March 15, 1871; Annie Mabel, 
September 26, 1876 ; and Charles Albert. November 
1, 1878. 

We find him surrounded by his family, living in his 
elegant and tastily-arranged home, blessed with all 
that life can afford. Solar hisjournej has been suc- 
cessful and happy. Few shallows have crossed the 
way, and his course has been one of honor and dis- 
tinction. 

In the estimate of character the world is often led 
astray by looking at result- and not observing the 
conditions under which they are gained. Accident 
often determines a w hole life, — some unlooked-for and 
unmerited fortune builds castles for men, and. in 
spite of themselves, make- them noted. Not so with 
the subject of this sketch. His good fortune is the 
well-deserved result of sound business principles and 
their careful and systematic application to every 
undertaking. 

Governor Weston is not a man of impulse and sud- 
den conclusions. He is rather of the deliberate and 
cautious habits of thought and action, and inclined 
to the analysis and investigation of all matter- in 
which he may be interested to an unusual degree. 
The natural counterpart of such characteristics — an 
abiding confidence and disposition to adhere tena- 
ciously to well-matured plans — is the leading feature 
of hi- mind. His achievement- have been true suc- 
cesses, and he has never had occasion to take the 
"step backward " so common to men in public life. 
Better for the world and better for himself is he who 
builds -lowly, but safely ! 

PHINEHAS ADAMS. 

The first of the name of Adam- to C i to 

this country was Henry, wdio left Devonshire, 
England, about 1630, and settled in Braintree, 
Mass. He brought with him his eight -on-, one 
of whom, Joseph, was the ancestor of that branch of 
this illustrious family, which has been so promi- 
nently connected with the civil and political history 
of this country. The line of descent of the subject of 
this sketch was through Edward 2 , John 3 , Eleazer 4 , 
John'. Phinehas 6 , Phinehas 7 to Phinehas 8 , who was 
born in Medway, Mass., dun.' 20, 1814. Hi- grand- 
father and great-grandfather participated in the 
battle of Bunker Hill, and served through the Revo- 
lutionary War. He had three brothers and seven 
sisters. Three sisters only are now living, — Sarah 
Ann (born in 1816, the yvil'e of E. B. Hammond, 
M.D., of Nashua), Fliza P. (born in 1820, widow of 
the late Ira Stone) and Mary Jane (born in 1822, 
widow of the late James Buncher), — the others having 
died prior to 1831. Phinehas 7 married Sarah W. 



124 



HISTORY OF llM.LSliORon.II COUNTY. NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Barber, ofHolliston, Mass., in 1811. Her father was 
an Englishman, and came to America during the 
Revolutionary War, and married a lady who came 
from Edinburgh. Phinehas' was a farmer and a 
mechanic, and became an extensive manufacturer. 
At an early date he manufactured feared-looms, and at 
Waltham, Mass.. in 1814, started up successfully the 

-] i in this county. In 1827 he be< ame 

agent of the Neponset Manufacturing Company, at 
Walpole, in which he was also one of the principal 
ow in rs. 

Phinehas 8 passed his boyhood in Medway and Wal- 
pole and attended the common schools, but showed 
little fondness for books. At the earnest request of 
his father, however, he applied himself more closelj 
to his studies, and, attending the academy at Wren- 
tham, Mass., for a year and a half, made rapid and 
successful progress in his studies. At this time, ow- 
ing tn the failure of the company of which his father 
was agent, be was obliged to leave the academy, re- 
linquishing the hope of a thorough education, and 
commence work. Circumstances -ernied to direct 
him to the manufacturing lnisines-.. and. with the de- 
termination to master the business in all its details, 
lie. at the age of fifteen years, entered the large mills 
of the Merrimack Company, at Lowell, Mass., as 
. Mr. Adams was early possessed of an 
ambition to become an overseer, and to this end 
labored hard and faithfully, never thinking, however, 
that he would become agent of a large mill. By his 
intelligent performance of the duties of his humble 
position he drew the attention of his employers, and 
was promoted in a short time tn the J ■■ >-i I i. in nt' -eemi'l 

overseer in the weaving department, a position he 
Idled until 1831, when he went tn till a similar posi- 
tion ai the Methuen Company's mill, of which his 
uncle was agent. Here lie remained two years, when 
he was called to take the position of overseer in the 
mills of the Hunksett Manufacturing Company, of 
which his father was then the agent. From 1 i ■ n >k - 

-ill he went to Pittsfield as over r in the mills of 

the Pittsfield Manufacturing Company, where he re- 
mained until March 7. 183o, when he returned to 
Lowell as overseer in the mills where he 
career a- manufacturer, and there remained until 
1846, when he came to Manchester. 

In 1841, John rlark. the agent of the Merrimack 
Mills, in Lowell, proposed tn Mr. Adams that he 
should enter the office as a clerk, in older to acquaint 
himself with the book-keeping and general business 
of the mill- preparatory to tilling a higher position, 
which Mr. Clark then predicted he would -nine day 
he called upon to till. After some hesitation he did 
so. and tin- a period of rive years tilled this responsi- 
ble position, which in those days was equivalent to 
the J ti --■■II i position of paymaster. 

Upon his arrival in Manchester he was given the 
position ot' agent of the Old Amoskeag Mills, then 
Incited on the present site of the P. C. Cheney Paper 



Company. The building of the Amoskeag Mills 
was the beginning of Manchester's wonderful career 
of prosperity. Mr. Adams remained with the Amos- 
keag corporation until November 17, 1847, when he 
In came tin- agent of the Stark Mills. Of the great 
manufactories of Manchester, that of the Stark Mills 
Company ranks third in magnitude and second in 
age, having been organized September 26, 1838. 

Under the management of Mr. Adams, large suc- 
cess has been achieved by tin- stark Mills, which suc- 
cess has been largely due to hi- sagacity and business 
integrity, am! while, requiring faithful performance 
of duty on the part of each employe, he also had the 

■ fidence and esteem of each of them in an unusual 

degree. Mr. Adams traveled extensively through 
England, Scotland, Ireland and France, securing for 
the benefit of the Stark Mills information relating to 
the manufacture of limn goods and the securing ot 
machinery necessary for that manufacture. 

In politics Mr. Adam- was a Republican, but was 
not an active participant in political contests, nor was 
he from choice a candidate lor political office, having 
oiih served a- ward clerk, when a young man, in 
Lowell, and later as a Presidential elector tor General 
i. rant, and was also chief-of-staff for Governor E. A. 
Straw. He was four years a director in the Concord 
Railroad, was chosen one of the assistant engineers 
of the Mam luster Fire Department, in which capac- 
ity he served with peculiar fidelity for twelve years, 
invariably acting for the best interests of the city. 
Mr. Adams was for many years closely identified with 
the financial institutions of Manchester, having 
served as a director in the Merrimack River Bank 
from 1857 to I860, and in the Manchester National 
Bank from L865 to 1883, and was also one of the 
board of truster- of the Manchester Savings-Bank, 
and one of its committee on loans. He was one of 
the directors of (he Gas-Light Company, a trustee of 
the Public Library, and in 1865 was elected .me of 
the original directors of the New England Cotton 
Manufacturers' Association. In numismatics Mr. 
i dams was quite an authority, and made a tine and 
very complete collection of coin- and medals, some of 
which are of great value, being very rare. During 
the administration of Colonel Adams, which covered 
a long series of years, many changes took place. In 
what may be called, more particularly, the manufac- 
turing world, was this true. Hand-power and crude 
methods of business gave place to water and steam- 
power and progressive, wide-reaching business con- 
nections. Colonel Adams was the oldest agent, and 
held that position to] m longer period than did any 
man in the Merrimack Valley, and of those holding 
similar positions thirty-five years ago marly all have 
passed away. 

September 24, 1839, Colonel Adams married Eliza- 
beth, daughter of the late Deacon Samuel Simpson, 
of Deerfield, a veteran in the War of 1812. From 

this union there were two children, — Elizabeth 9 , born 




'/ 



Yctt 



[AXCHESTEK. 



June 15, 1842, and Phinehas 9 , born December 26, 
1844, both in Lowell. Mass. 

September LO, 1868, Elizabeth 9 was married to Col- 
onel Daniel C. Gould, of Manchester, N. H. Octo- 
ber 8, 1873, Phinehas 9 married Anna P. Morrison, of 
Belfast, Me., and resides in Manchester, X. II. 

In religion Colonel A. lams was a Congregationalist, 
and a member of the First Congregational Church 
in Lowell, Mass., as was also his wile. ( )n removing to 
Manchester, they transferred their church relations to 
the Franklin Street Church of that city. Colonel 
Adams received many evidences of affectionate regard 
at the hands of the citizens of the [daces where he 
had lived, and enjoyed the confidence and esteem of 
his business associates to an extent rarely attained. 
On the thirty-second anniversary of* his connection 
with the Stark Mills as agent he was presented by 
the directors of this corporation with an elegant gold 
watch, appropriately engraved, and a chain and seal. 
as an expression of great respect for his character 
and a high appreciation of the service rendered the 
corporation during a third of a century. Colonel 
Adams was a total abstinence man; he could truth- 
fully say that never in all his life had he made use 
of liquor or tobacco. Of a commanding presence and 
dignified bearing, he was at all times a gentleman. 
His life was a successful one and his example a good 
one. He died at his home in Manchester, July '2;"), 

1883, beloved and respected. His wife died June 23, 

1884. They had lived together nearly forty-five years. 

.KiSl A 11 (HUSKY, M.D. 

In April, 1753, from Tewksbury, Mass., there 
came with Colonel Fitch a millwright who had 
purchased seventy-seven acres of land upon the 
Souhegan River, in Monson (as then called), and 
afterwards Amherst, now Milford, N. H., the grand- 
father of Josiah Crosby. These young people took 
possession of the lot "to subdue the forest, build a 
house and rear a family." They found their way to 
their wilderness lot on horseback, guided by "spotted 
trees," and there built a rude habitation. At. this 
place was horn, in 1765, Asa Crosby, who for about 
fifty years practiced medicine in this State, and to 
whom, in Sandwich, where he then resided, was horn, 
in February, 1704, Josiah Crosby, the subject of this 
sketch, also Judge Nathan Crosby, of Lowell, and 
Dixie, Thomas and Alpheus Crosby, professors at 
Dartmouth College. Josiah was handsome, genial 
and gentlemanly, quick to learn and early graceful in 
manners. He was started early for preparation for 
liis father's profession. From the town school he 
was placed under the private instruction of Rev. Mr. 
Hidden, of Tamworth, ami afterwards sent to Am- 
herst Academy, lie took lessons in Gifford's system 
in penmanship and became an elegant penman, kept 
school and taught private classes in penmanship. 
studiedhis j ro e-^h n with his father, attended lec- 
tures three terms at Dartmouth College and spent a 



year's term of pupilage and riding with the distin- 
guished Dr. and Proi'essor Nathan Smith, to learn 
his practice. He took his medical degree in 1816 
and immediately commenced practice in Sandwii h, 
but the next year he moved to Meredith Bridge, and 
although he made very pleasant acquaintances and 
had some practice, he- moved to Deerfield, and in 
December, 181'J, he again changed his field to Epsom, 
where he remained till 182"), when he established 
himself in Concord. After three years of success- 
ful practice there, he was induced, upon solicita- 
tion of Mr. Batchelder, agent of mills in Lowell, 
to remove then-. 

Here, in 1829, he brought as his bride, Olive Light 
Avery, daughter of Daniel Avery, Esc]., of Meredith 
Bridge mow Laconia, N. H.), who was a wealthy 
merchant and manufacturer, a prominent and had- 
ing citizen, unostentatious, but energetic and decisive 
in personal character and business habits. 

By this marriage were born three sons and two 
daughters, the only one now living being Dr. George 
A. Crosby, of Manchester. His letters make quite a 
history of the trials and disappointments of the 
young physician id' those days, who was obliged to 
present youth and inexperience upon ground pre- 
occupied and tenaciously held by those who could 
claim possession, if not much else, in the way of title; 
hut increasing years and experience, accompanied 
with efforts and study, carried the young man to a 
leading member of the profession in Lowell, in fifteen 
years from his starting-point in Sandwich. He was 
honored with public oflices in Lowell, and assisted in 
devising and organizing the various institutions of 
the town for its moral and intellectual prosperity. 

After about five years' successful practice, in Lowell, 
having passed through the land speculations and 
becoming somewhat enamored with manufacturing, 
he left Lowell to take charge of the' Avery cotton- 
niill,:it Meredith Bridge, Mr. Avery having deceased 
and the property of the family seeming to require his 
personal supervision. He enlarged the power of the 
works, and was just ready to reap his anticipated 
reward, when the mercantile and manufacturing dis- 
asters of 1836 and 1837 broke down his business and 
turned him hack to his profession. In 1838 his 
brother Dixie, who had been in practice at Meredith 
Bridge several years, was appointed a professor in the 
medical college at Hanover and removed there, leav- 
ing his practice to Josiah, who now devoted himself 
to the profession again with his early love, zeal and 
labor. In March, 1*44, he removed to Manchester, 
which had then become an interesting manufacturing 
town. 

His professional life-work now assumed great use- 
reat skill and inventive progress. Here for 
thirty years he was the unrivaled head of the profes- 
sion. Here he originated and introduced the method 
of making extensions of fractured limbs by the use of 
adhesive strips, which gave him a high reputation 



L26 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



with surgeons in Europe as well as at home, and later 
lie invented t In- "invalid bed," which li;i- so teuderly 
held the patient without a strain or jar while the bed- 
clothes could be changed or wounds eared for, or, by 
dropping a belt or two, prevent painfullocal pressure 
and irritation. Che skillful physician, the Christian 
gentleman and sympathizing friend were combina- 
tions of character in him rarely excelled. "His 
life," said Professor [taker, of Indover, 
"was simple, real, true; with him there w i 
tons,-; he bad no beliefs exeepl those which were 
thorough; no little questions vexed him; he loved 
God, trusted his Saviour and worked for the welfare 
of his fellow-men. Such was his record from first 
to last. He looked with a calm, clear eyi 
future, and,so far as we know, was troubled with no 
doubts." 

He was one of the founders of the A.pph Strei 
Church in Lowell in IS80, and ol the Franklin Street 
Church in Manchester in IS44. He held < ity offices, 
! times in the Legislature and was a member 
of the convention for revision of the constitution. 

In earh manhood, from cough and feebleness, he 
had not much promise of long life, but aftei a severe 
typhoid fever during his residence in Concord, he had 
great general good health to the last two years of his 

life, when paralytic tendencies appeared, i 
day, the 2d day of January, 1875, after setting a 
broken arm in the morning, and- after sitting in his 
own parlor for the finishing touches of the portrait- 
painter in his usual cheerfulness of spirits, in fifteen 
minutes after the artist had left him, at thi 
p.m., he was stricken with paralysis, from which he 
did not rally, but passed away ou the 7th. at four 
o'eloek in the morning, almost eighty-one years of 
age. 



BVCK, M. 



William 1>. Buck was born in Williamstown, Vt.. 
March 25, 1812, where his early boyhood 
In 1818 his parents moved to Lebanon, N. 11.. and he 
here enjoyed the advantages of the common schools 
of the time, and by the exercise of will-power ami 
aided by his vigorous intellect he made rapid pro- 
\ : being aide to take a col- 
legiate course, he. at an early period, went to Concord 
iged in the occupation of carriage-painter 
with Downing A > - 

While at work here he became interested in the 
science o( music, and was for many succeeding years 
instructor, conductor and organist in the South 
■nal Church, at Concord, and afterwards at 
i or Street Church, at Manches 
familiarized himself with standard writers and re- 
tained through life his love for Handel. Beethoven 
His attention becoming drawn to the 
medical profession, he determined to tit himself for its 
practice, and by teaching music was enabled to de- 
fray the greater part of the expense ot' the stud) of 



medicine. He went into it with great enthusiasm, 
and his subsequent career showed his natural fitness 
f. r this prof ssion. 

lie commenced tin- stud) of medicine with Timothy 
Haines, M.D., •>! Concord; attended a course of 
lectures a1 Woodstock, Vt.. and also took the course 
at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, in New 
York, where he graduated in 1842. He commenced 

the practice of his profession with the late Dr. Chad- 

bourne. in Concord, in 1842, and there remained for 
tour years, when, desiring greater advantages of per- 
fecting his medical knowledge, lie v isited London and 
Paris, where he became acquainted with many dis- 
tinguished men ill the profession and spent much 
time in the hospitals ot those cities. He a 
Rome and Italy, gaining much information and 
making a favorable impression upon those with whom 
be came in contact. Alter an absence ol one year he 
returned and made Manchester. N. II. . his home, and 
here, with the exception of one year spent in Cali- 
fornia, he lived until his death. 

Dr. Buck sustained an enviable reputation as a 

■ id surgeon, and possessed the confidence 

of the community in which be lived, and was early 
regarded as one of the leading medical men of the 
State. He reached this high position in his profes- 
sion without the aid of wealth or social position. His 
success was due to hard study and close applica- 
tion to his business, accompanied by a zeal and devo- 
tion rarely surpassed, lie was unmindful of riches. 
public honor or anything which he thought might 
interfere with the one great pursuit of his lite, l'r. 

ssed an active mind ami the rare gift of a 
retentive memory, and was a thorough scholar. He 
seemed to know his own powers, and this gave him 
great influence over students in medicine. In his in- 
tercourse with bis professional brethren Dr. Huek was 

trteous and obliging, religiously regarding 
the rules of medical etiquette, and ill his consultations 
he always gave the patient the benefit of his best skill 
and extensive practice. He made it a point of honor 
to be prompt to his engagements, and never was tor 
on,' minute behind the appointed time. In his ex- 
ample and practice he honored the profession to which 
he had devoted the best years of his life, and did much 

to dignify and elevate the standard of medical edu- 
cation. 

Dr. Buck was a prominent member of the New 
Hampshire Medical Society, and was elected its pres- 
ident in IS66. His papers read before this society 
wore always listened to with marked attention. 

For twenty years he had a large experience in 
teaching medicine, proving himself devoted and faith- 
ful as an instructor. His office or the dissecting- 
incoiiifortahle places for lazy students, and 
he had little patience with a young man who would 
not work his brains. During the winter months his 
daily recitations were at eight o'clock a.m.. and woe 
to the young man who was not on time. 




2-^ cA^ 




S .. t& <?tsD 



MANCHESTER. 



127 



Dr. Buck was frequently called as a medical expert 
in many of the must important civil and criminal 
cases in the State. A. distinguished advocate at the 
bar in New Hampshire said of Dr. Buck; "By his 
clearness of description of all important facts to which 
he was called in legal investigations, he had the con- 
fidence of courts, the jury and the legal profession to an 
extent equal to, if not above, that of any physician and 
surge i New England. He made no display of learn- 
ing, but used plain English, so that a jury might com- 
prehend." 

Bleeding, calomel and antimony, the three most po- 
tent remedies of the fathers, he rarely used. An experi- 
ence of thirty years only strengthened his convii tions 
against their use, and he had independence of mind 
enough to resist a mode of treatment which the med- 
ical world had made fashionable, if not imperative. 
In the surgical department of his profession Dr. 
Buck excelled in his treatment of fractures, and in it 
hi- mechanical ingenuity was of great service. He 
took pride in putting up a fractured limb. The glue 
bandage, which he described in an address before the 
society in 1866, was original with him, and a favorite 
remark of his was that "a man should carry his 
splints in his head rather than under his arm." 

In his success in medicine anil surgery very much 
was undoubtedly due to his conservative treatment. 
He was never rash or inconsiderate in his practice, 
and the community where his busy life was passed 
owe him a debt of gratitude, not only for his skill, but 
for his careful use of drugs, and his influence in this 
particular over his professional brethren will not he 
forgotten. He was positive and linn in his judgment, 
and was not readily swayed by those holding different 
opinions. Yet he was genial, companionable and 
very fond of society. To those most intimate with 
him Dr. Buck had endeared himself by strong ties of 
friendship. In politics he was a Republican. 

Dr. Buck lived a consistent Christian life, and had 
that hope of a happy immortality and that trust in 
lii- Saviour which served as an anchor to the soul 
sure and steadfast, lie died January 9, 1872, sud- 
denly, ami in the midst of an active practice. 

Dr. Buck was twice married, — first, to Grace Low, of 
Concord, who died in 1856. In 1860 he married, sec- 
ond, Mary W. Nichols, of Manchester, who is now 
living. He left no children. 



The subject of this sketch was horn at West- 
minster, Vt., on the 22d day of June, 1817. His 
father, Horace Wells, a prosperous, intelligent and 
highly respected farmer, was horn in Windsor, 
Conn., June 22, 1776. After his marriage to Miss 
Betsv Heath, of Warehouse Point, Conn., he removed 



i Bj II -n Ob u-les I 



to Vermont, and died at Bellows Falls, in (hat State. 
April 5, 1829. His mother afterwards remarried, and 
died at Westmoreland, N. H., February 21, 1879. 

His grandfather, Captain Hezekiah Wells, was born 
in Windsor, Conn., June 25, 1736. I le served with 
distinction in the Revolutionary War and was a man 
of much influence and widely esteemed. He died 
March 8, 1817. The homestead, which he erected 
nearly a century and a half ago, is still in the posses- 
sion id' his descendants. 

His grandmother's maiden-name was Sarah Trum- 
bull. His more remote ancestors were Lamson Wells. 
born November 7, 1706; Joshua Wells, born April Hi. 
1672; ami Joshua, Sr., horn in 1647. They ware 
all natives 'd' Windsor, and no temptation could ever 
lure them from their ancestral home. It will thus be 
seen that Dr. Wells traced his lineage through the best 
of Xew England ancestry, and no purer hlood has 
descended from the Pilgrim Fathers to ennoble a 
people than that which flowed in his veins. 

Different branches of the Wells family, in this 
country and in Europe, have varied the orthography 
of the name to suit their individual tastes or circum- 
stances, and i'uw of the old colonial family names 
show such varied orthography, hut tin' consanguinity 
is easily traced, and few men could claim kinship 
with a brighter galaxy of names, distinguished in law, 
in politics, in science, in theology and in all the fields 
of literature and art, than he. I>r. Wells had but one 
brother, the late Dr. Horace Wells, of Hartford, Conn., 
widely and justly celebrated as the author of modem 
anaesthesia, to whose memory a beautiful statue has 
been en cted in the public park of that city. Hedied 
in the citj of New York, on the 24th day of January, 
1848, at the early age of thirty-three, while pros- 
ecuting the introduction of his discovery into 
general use in surgery, as well as in dentistry. 
in which he made its first application. His early 
and untimely death, while his wonderful discov- 
ery was yet a matter of uncertain and undeter- 
mined importance, deprived him and his family of 
the fruits which might otherwise have (lowed from 
what is now universally conceded to he the greatest 
boon conferred upon suffering humanity in all the 
course of time. 

His only sister, Mary E. W. Cole, widow of the 
late Captain John Cole, a native of Westmoreland, 
N. H., but many years a resident of Medway, Mass.. 
now resides in Chicago, 111., with her only son, Arthur 
\\". Cole, a promising young architect of that city. 

Dr. Wells receive. 1, in his early youth, all the edu- 
cational advantages atlorded by the public schools at 

Hollows Falls, Vt., to which place his fathi 
during his infancy, and here he died April 5, 1829. 
After his lather's death he received not only the ten- 
der and watchful care of one of the lust of mothers, 
hut also the liberal and intelligent training of a 
woman as remarkable for her intelligence and Iarge- 
mindednessas for her domestic and maternal qualities. 



128 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW II AMPSHIKL. 



He further prosecuted his studies under tin- private 
tuition of a most excellent teacher, Mr. Ballard, of 
Hopkinton, X. 11., and at the academies in Walpole, 

N. H., and Amherst, Mass. 

After the completion of his academic course he en- 
tered with enthusiasm upon the study of medicine, a 
profession for which by nature he was most admirably 
fitted. 

He commenced his professional studies with Dr. 
Josiah Graves, of Nashua, N. H., January 22, 1837,and 
graduated at the Jefferson Medieal College, in Phila- 
delphia, March 6, 1840, a1 the early age of twenty-one. 
He immediately commenced his professional career 
at Chili, N. Y.. in copartnership with Dr. Lucius 
Clark; but the field of practice proving unsatisfactory 
to him, he removed to Manchester. N. H., in 1842, 
where he continued his residence till his death. 

His professional career was highly honorable and 
eminently successful. Never a bold and 
practitioner, but always content with the share of 
patronage that fell to his lot, he enjoyed, in a high 
degree, the confidence and respect of his professional 
brethren, and never hail reason to complain of any 
want of recognition of his merits by the people among 
whom he lived, and who early honored him with their 
confidence and their patronage. Such was his pro- 
fessional success, and such his rare financial skill 
and judgment, that while in the prime and vigor of 
his manhood he found himself so fortunately circum- 
stanced, financially, as to be relieved of the burden of 
further professional labor, and several years prior to 
hi- decease he quietly withdrew from active practice, 
and devoted the last years of his life to the manage- 
ment of his estate, and to those social enjoyments and 
domestic duties and responsibilities which to him 
were ever the source of his highest enjoyment and 
his greatest happiness. 

Dr. Wells was married to Miss Mary M. Smith, 
December 21, 1847, — a union which proved remarkably 
felicitous to both parties. The widow survives her 
lamented husband, who made most generous pro- 
vision for her future wants. Xo children blessed 
their union. 

For more than forty years Dr. Wells was an earnest 
and enthusiastic member id' the Hillsborough Lodge 
of Odd-Fellows, being one of the charter members 
of the lodge and the last survivor of that little band 
who introduced the order in this State. He received 
all the honors the order could bestow upon him, 
and ever gave a willing hand and agenerous and sym- 
pathetic heart to its benevolent and charitable work. 
Utterly devoid of all political ambition, he took 
but little part in public affairs, never seeking, hut 
always declining, official preferment. His only service 
in this direction was as a member of the Common 
Council in 1847— IS, and as an alderman in 1848-49. 
He assisted in making the first city report, and the 
iti d and matured by him has been in use 
ever since. He was a member of Grace Church 



(Episcopal), and many years a vestryman and trea- 
surer. 

Dr. Wells was not an ambitious man. He neither 
sought nor desired public applause. Self-glorification 
and aggrandizement were utterly abhorrent to every 
element of bis nature. The ostentatious show of 
wealth not only bad no attractions for him, but for 
it he had the most supreme contempt, and the seeker 
after transient notoriety and ephemeral applause 
found no favor in his sight. Solid merit and worth 
alone weighed with him, and no man was quicker to 
discover the true and the genuine or more prompt 
and earnest in bis denunciation of the false, the sham 
and the counterfeit. As a citizen, no man was esteemed 
above him. As a neighbor and friend, be filled the 
measure of every expectation, and it is no extrava- 
gance to say that no citizen of Manchester ever de- 
parted this life more universally esteemed or more 
widely and deeply lamented. A man of tine physique, 
of strikingly prepossessing personal appearance and 
bearing, gentle, courtly, dignified, but affable in his 
demeanor and intercourse with all with whom he 
came in contact, he gave offense to none, but won 
the affectionate regard, respect and confidence of all. 

I >r. Wells died at bis family residence in Manchester, 
December 28, 1*84. very suddenly, of heart-disease. 
The first intimation received by his friends and the 
public that he was not in bis usual apparent health 
was the startling announcement of his sudden demise. 

JOHN FEKGU80N, M.D. 

The ancestors of Dr. F'erguson were Scotch, who 
settled in the North of Ireland, and were gener- 
ally en-aged in the celebrated linen manufacture 
ofthat part of the country. His grandfather, David, 
settled in the South of Ireland, and was a merchant 
in the town ofRathkeale. County of Limerick, which 
is watered by the "Lordly Shannon." one of the 
noblest rivers of the United Kingdom. Here he 
was married, and here reared his family of five 
sons and two daughters, giving them good educa- 
tions. The professions of the law, divinity and medi- 
cine claimed one each ofthe boys, only one of whom 
is at this date living, and he is the judge of the Cir- 
cuit Court tor the Southern District in Ireland. The 
remaining son. named for his father, chose also bis 
father's business, which he carried on in his native 
town successfully, and married a daughter of Councilor 
Fitz-Gerald, of the city of Limerick, known in history 

as the city of the "broken treaty." 

From this union there were eight children, the eldest 
of whom was John (the subject of this sketch |, w ho was 
born October 28, 1829, in Rathkeale. He was early 
placed under the care and instruction of a private tutor. 
where he remained tor several years, and completed 
his collegiate course with the Jesuits. Immediately 
after be was placed under the instructions of his uncle, 
Philip O'Hanlon, M.D., of Rathkeale, who had a large 
city and country practice. In due time Dr. Ferguson 





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MANCHESTER. 



129 



graduated at the Hall of Apothecaries, in Dublin, 
and still associated with Dr. O'Hanlon, acquired a 
practical knowledge of medicine, surgery, pharmacy 
and dispensatorj practice. 

His uncle emigrated to America, and soon after- 
wards became justly celebrated in its metropolis. 
Dr. Ferguson followed him to America in 1851, 
and that he might practice bis profession here he 
offered himself for examination to the faculty of the 
•i llegeof Castleton, Vt., and received from 

them their diploma. The following spring he passed 
the examination of the College ofPhysicians andSur- 
geons ofNew York City, and received their diploma. 
At this time he accepted the position of surgeon on a 
line of mail steamships plying between New York, 
Liverpool, Bremen and Havre, where for a period of 
three .< ars he associated with manj literary people 
among the traveling public and made manj valuable 
friends. Leaving the service of the steamship com- 
pany, Dr. Ferguson was appointed one of the post- 
mortem examining surgeonsfor the coroner- of New 
York City, also assistant anatomical demonstrator and 
assistant clinical examiner at the Medical University, 
in Fourteenth Street, a college chiefly patronized by 
the sons of Southern planters, who were a liberal and 
chivalrous class of gentlemen. 

After practicing some years in New York City, here- 
moved to Manchester, X. 1L, in 1861, being the firs! 
Irish physician to settle here. Dr. Ferguson, shortlj 
after, was appointed by Governor Berry Burgeon of the 
Tentli Regimenl of New Hampshire Volunteers, and 
left for the front, with his regiment, in the fall of 
1862. I>r. Ferguson, during his residence in New 
York, was surgeon on the staff of Colonel Corcoran, 
of the famous Sixty-Ninth New York State Militia, 
and saw service in the quarantine riots on Staten 
Island. This service fitted him all thebetterto till 
the position of brigade surgeon durin.tr the Civil War, 
near the close of which he returned to Manchester, 
where he has since been successfully engaged in his 
private practice, which has become large and lucra- 
tive. Prior to removal to Manchester, Dr. Ferguson 
married Eleanor, only surviving daughter of Michael 
ami Elenor Hughes, who were of an old and wealthy 
family of New York City, where she was born June 
L'4, 1838. From this union there have been four 
children, — Eleanora, MaryC, John D. and AlfredW. 
Among his professional brethren I>r. Ferguson is 
known to be a skillful and thoroughly educated prac- 
titioner, and in social life is an affable and courteous 
gentleman. 

NATHANIEL WENTWORTB CUMNER. 1 

The ancestors of the Cumner family were of Eng- 
lish origin. The name is firsl discovered in the period 
following the supremacy of the Norman rule, — the 
return from the dynasty of the Conqueror to the as- 

i By J. W. Fellows. 



ceudencj of the English-Saxon line. It was first 
spelled Comnor, and later Cumnor, meaning "hospi- 
tality to strangers," or a " place of hospitality," and 
comes through the Saxon branch. To this period may 
be referred the formation of many English family 
names,— often derive. 1 from some unimportant cir- 
cumstance, 01' suggested by personal characteristics. 
[These became marks of distinction, new.titles to man- 
hood, and were proudly bequeathed by father to sou. 
—"inherited surnami -. 

During the century following theloss of Normandy, 
the A.nglo-Saxon, as a written language, ha-\ ing been 
banished from courts and superseded in all legal 
papers by the Latin, became dearer to the common 
peopleas a spoken language, preserving their cher- 
i hed objects and transmitting hauling sentiments. It 
increased its power and volumeby building new terms 
and means of expression, and particularly by multi- 
plying its patronymics. In a comparatively short space 
Of time the language hail become vernacular, and 
fairly entitled to be styled English, rich in the idioms 
and proper names of its own creation and outgrowth. 
"The history of words," says Trench, "is the his- 
tory of ideas," and he might have said of people and 
nations. They are not only the " vehicle of thought," 
but they tell anew the story of their times and enrich 
the great body of history with countless incidents of 
value and importance. In studying their genealogy, 
the English-speaking people find the starting-point of 
many an illustrious name in the peculiar circum- 
stances of those mediaeval times,— the natural product 
of the mingling of different tongues, and the constant 
struggle between feudalism and servitude. 

The famous old manor-house, I lumnor < lastle, so 
celebrated in romance, once enjoyed the rent-fee and 
service of a huge body of retainers, and carried for 
many a year, by reason of its feudal allotments, a 
numerous vassalage. Its walls have long since fallen 
into shapeless ruins, but the lands of its tenantry now 
embrace the beautiful village of Cumner. The 
families bearing this name have not been numerous 
in England, but have maintained their lineage with 
remarkable directness The earliest trace of these 
people shows that they belonged to the industrial 

the seventeenth century, had attained suchprominence 

as to nearly control the business interests of the great 
metropolis, and to whom the Lord Mayor of London 
was pleased to say, on a memorable occasion, " While 
our gracious nobility an' the leaf and flower of the 
kingdom, ye are the sturdy trunk and branches." 

The subject of this sketch belongs to the third gene- 
rations America. His grandfather, Robert Francis 
Cumner, came to this country when about fifteen 
years of age, under circumstances of a very interesting 
character. In June, 1774, while walking in thestreets 
,,l London, he was - ized bj a "gang of pressmen" 
from the ship "Somerset," sent out to recruit his 
Majesty's marine. He was carried directly on board, 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



forced to become one of the crew, and do the duty of 
a common sailor, lie was not allowed the privilege 

of communicating- with his friends, and n<> tidings 
from him or knowledge of his situation were received 
during the long cruise of the '■ Somerset " in distant 
waters, until she appeared in Host on Harbor and took 
part iu the battle of Bunker Hill. Her position and 
she rendered the British troops on that 
memorable day are well-known in history. From her 
decks came the first fatal shot, ami under the fire of her 
guns the broken and retreating ranks of Royalists 
found protection. 

The scenes of that bloody struggle made a deep 
impression upon the mind of young Cuniner, and 
lixed his determination to take no part in the work of 
subjugation. Circumstances fortunately soon favored 
his settled purpose. The" Somerset " not long after the 
battle "gol aground." probably somewhere in the 
lower part of Massachusetts Bay. During their efforts 
to get afloat, seme of the crew went ashore, among 
them the < lumner boy. w ho immediately availed him- 
self of the opportunity to escape from his unwilling 
service. While following the highway into which he 
first came, near the shore where lay the stranded 
"Somerset," he was overtaken by a Quaker on horse- 
back, who, learning his situation and purpose to obtain 
his freedom from the " British yoke,'' invited our young 
;e1 up behind," and, throwing his gray cloak 
over the lad, soon carried him beyond the King'spower. 

He settled in Wareham, .Mass., learned the tailor's 
trade and began the permanent business of bis life. 
October 20, 1785, he married Miss Sylvia Sturtevant, 
whose family connections \\ ere very worthy and highly 
respected. Her father was a soldier ill the War of the 
Revolution, and fell on the battle-field fighting for 
independence. The Sturtevant people have received 
honorable mention in the annals of history, and their 
name is written among those who deserve well of their 
country. Not long after his marriage he moved to 
Sandwich. Mass., from that place to Wayne, in the 
State of Maine, where he resided during the remainder 
of his life. He was successful in business and became 
a prominent and highly respected citizen. He was a 
man of modest and retiring habits and exemplary 
character, but of indomitable will and inflexible ad- 
herence to what he believed to be right. If his wife 
were the subject of our sketch, we could fill it with 
incidents showing his remarkable tenacity of purpose. 
Robert Francis ami Sylvia Cumner had two children, 
— John, born January 19, 1788, and Polly, a lew years 
younger. He died February 5, 1825, ami bis wile, 
March 26, 1826, and their remains were interred in the 
Evergreen Cemetery, in Wayne. 

John Cumner was but a few months old when (he 
family moved from Sandwich, -Mass.. to Wayne. He 
was of a sanguine, active nature and early evinced 
the character of a sincere and zealous worker in reli- 
gious matter.-. Hi- obtained a fair education, and 
although to a certain extent compelled to work on the 



farm and devote himself to that kind of employment, 

his thoughts ran upon matters more congenial to his 
nature. When about eighteen years of age he was 
employed by General Landsell to take charge of his 
farm in I iridge water. Mass., where be remained several 
summer reasons. During this time he became ac- 
quainted with Miss Hannah Thomas Bartlett, of 
Bridgewater, whom he married July 11,1813. He 
settled in Wayne, upon the farm which became the 
homestead, and was so occupied by the family dur- 
ing his many years of labor and life in the ministry. 

Hi' was associated with the society of the Metho- 
dist Episcopal Church, and interested in theaffairsof 
thai denomination at the early age id' nineteen years, 

and a alter appointed a class leader and licensed 

to preach. His labors were attended with marked 
3ucci 3s, and at I he annual meeting of the General < lon- 
ference foi Maine, in 1833, he was admitted to mem- 
bership and received his first appointment. He con- 
tinued in the active ministry until lx.~>2. when failing 
health obliged him t" cease labor; but his love tor 
the church and his zeal in the cause of its established 
crei d- continued unabatedduring his remaining years. 
He died February 5, L861, closing a life of industry 
and devotion, ill which he had accomplished more 
good than usually tails to the lot of man. His wife 
died December 5, 1852. She was very beautiful when 
young, and was much beloved and admired by her 
wide circle of friends. Possessed of an earnest and 
devotional nature, she entered with ardent sympathy 
into the plans and labors of her husband, faithfully 
bearing her share of life's varied duties, — firmly in the 
hour of trial, and with amiable companionship when 
prosperity tilled the measureof their ambition. They 
had eleven children, two of whom died in infancy. 
Ihiie others have deceased, -Maryetta in 1871, and 
Francis and James in 1881. The remaining members 
of the family are Cathamandcr. William B., John T., 
Nathaniel W., Charles W. and Benjamin G. Cumner. 

Nathaniel Wentworth, the youngest but two of the 
children of John ami Hannah T. Cumner, was born 
at Wayne, November 28, 1829. lli> early life was 
devoted to obtaining an education in the vicinity ot 
his home, passing from the district to the private 
school in tin"' town of Wayne, and toother schools 
and seminaries in the circuit where his father's ap- 
pointments were made. During some portion of the 
season, for a few years, he assisted the older brothers 
iii cultivating the homestead farm, but at the age of 
sixteen he went to Wilton. M e., and engaged in learn- 
ing the tailor's trade If- remained thereabout three 
years; then went to Waltham, Mass., staying there 
about one year and a half: then to Lowell, Ma — ., 

where he remained until 1851, when he came t" Man- 
chester, N. II., and entered the emploj of B. F. Man- 
ning, then doing business ill the store occupied in 
later years bv the firm of Cumner & ( !o. 

[n January, 1854, Mr. Cumner became a partner 
in the business of merchant tailors and clothiers, the 



MANCHESTER. 



131 



firm-name being Manning &Cumner. This arrange- 
ment continued until August, 1857. Mr. Cumner 
then withdrew and went to Washington, D. C, as a 
member of the linn of F. Tenney .V. Co., proprietors 
of the National Hotel, [n August, 1859, he returned 
to Manchester and purchased the stock and "good 
will " ol the Manning store, ami entered at once into 
business, in which he continued as the sole pro- 
prietor until 1865, when his brother, Benjamin G. 
Cumner, became associated with him, forming the 
copartnership of Cumner & Co. Ai tin- time Mr 
Cumner became also a member of the well-known 

wholesale house of Sibley, < lumner & ( !o., in Bost 

having purchased an interest in the old house of 
Fosti i .'. Sibley, and devoted his attention largely to 
the wholesale trade. In lxcx, Lyman E. Sibley re- 
tired, and Mr. ( lumner became the senior member, the 
name of the firm remaining the same. 

In the great fire of November 9, 1872, their estab- 
lishment was among the first to be burned, and the 
firm suffered a total loss of their immense stock ; but 
their credit was so strong, and their energy and ability 
so widely recognized, that their business received no 
cheek, and the transactions < f the house proceeded 
even upon a more extensive scale than before. In 
1879 the firm became Cumner, Jones .V' Co., which is 
the present style of the business. In 1881 he sold 
his interest in the business of ( Sumner & < !o. in Man- 
chester, which had enjoyed unvarying success and 
great prosperity from the beginning, and from that 
time devoted himself entirely to the Boston house. 
The business had so largely increased that it became 
necessary to give it his constant personal attention. 
The reputation of Cumner, Jones & Co. in commer- 
cial circles has become widely known, and its 
remarkable success an acknowledged fact. He was 
one of the founders of the Boston Merchants' Asso- 
ciation in 1X80, and has for some time been one of its 
hoard of directors. The importance of this organi- 
zation to the great commercial interests of l!ostoii i> 
widely known. 

Mj. Cumner has been eminentl j successful as a busi- 
ness man. Possessing in a large decree self-reliance 
and confidence in his own judgment, he selected an 
honorable calling and devoted himself to its duties 
and demands. He believed that industry and perse- 
verance, with well-matured plans, were certain to 
produce the mosl desirable results. lie knew the 
energj and fidelity of his own character and trusted 
to the safely of sound principle, and he has proved 
that his plans were wisely laid and his ways will 
chosen. At a comparatively early age he has acquired 
a competence, and in his position of senior memberof 
one of tin- soundest and most prosperous, and at the 
same lime conservative, wholesale bouses in New 
England, his influence is always in favor of that 
healthy and reliable condition of trade which estab- 
lishes public confidence and guarantees general pros- 
perity. 



Ami not only in connection with his partnership 
associations is Mr. Cumner known as a business man. 
In the circles where the leading merchants and im- 
porters of our New England metropolis arc accus- 

I id to i i and discuss the laws of trade and can 

vass the prospects of the future his judgment is greatly 

res] I. and the intelligence and foresight with 

which he is able to advise are highly regarded. He 
bear- an unblemished reputation as a man of honor 
and fairness, in all ways commanding universal re- 
spect and esteem,- -a gentleman in the true signifi- 
cance of the term. In the wide range of personal dis- 
tinction, among all the marks of honor and renown 
which the world affords, the title of a true gentleman 
stands first, and he who bears it worthily need envy 
neither prince nor potentate. 

As a citizen, Mr. Cumner has taken an earnest and 
unvarying interest in public affairs. Politically, his 
associations have been with the Democratic party; 
but his views have been conservative, looking to the 
real purposes id' the government rather than the aims 
and desires of party politicians. While residing in 
Manchester he held important offices in the municipal 
government, was a faithful public servant, working 
zealously to promote the general interests and the 
common good of his consl intents, of whom he deserved 
well. 

Mr. Cumner became a member of the celebrated 
military organization, the Amoskeag Veterans, in the 
days of its origin, and has continued to do active 
duty through the entire term of its existence. He 
held the office of captain in 1870, and commander of 
the battalion, with the rank of major, in I .s 7 '. I and 
1880. During bis membership he has served in 
counties- capacities incident to the general manage- 
ment id' the organization, and while commander did 
very effective service in promoting harmony and 
unity of purpose and increased in a great degree the 
interest ami efficiency of the corps. 

.Mr. ( 'uiuner's connection with the Masonic frater- 
nity has been a very prominent feature of his life. 

He became a Mason in Lafayette Lodge, Manchester, 
May, L856, and was one of the petitioners and charter 
members of Washington Lodge in 1857. He held 
many subordinate offices, and was the Worshipful 

Mister in 1862 i 1863, and has been treasurer 

nearly all the time since. His keen scrutiny of its 
business affairs and careful management of its 
accounts have done much to keep his lodge in sound 
financial condition, hi 1856 he received the capitu- 
lar degrees in Mt. Horeb Eoyal Arch Chapter, and 
after serving at almost every post in that body, be- 
b Priest from 1862 to 1864. He took the 
cryptic degrees in Adoniram Council, in May, 1857, 
and soon after the orders of knighthood were con- 
ferred upon him in Trinity Commander)-, Knights 
Templar. In all these subordinate bodies he sus- 
tained an ardent and zealous membership, contribut- 
ing freely to their support and aiding materially in 



132 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



their prosperity. In 1862 In- was admitted to the 
degree of High Priesthood, and in 1863 received the 
degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Bite to the 
thirty-second, inclusive, in Boston, and in September, 
1881, was elected to the thirty- third and last grade 
in Masonry. In the Grand Masonic bodies of New 
Hampshire he has been equally prominent, and his 
earnest labors and sincere devotion to their inter- 
ests have been reeognized and appreciated. After 
holding several offices in the M. E.Grand Royal Arch 
Chapter of New Hampshire, he was elected Grand 
High Priest in 1867 and 1868, and gave eminent 
satisfaction by his management of att'airs. In the 
Grand Lodge of New Hampshire lie held nearly all 
the subordinate positions, and was elected Most 
Worshipful Grand Master in 1872, 1873 and 1874. 
As the presiding officer in these grand bodies, whose 
duties are mostly legislative, he commanded the 
respect of the fraternity for fairness and impartiality, 
and was highly esteemed for his graceful and courte- 
ous bearing. His addresses and official papers were 
regarded as sound and creditable documents by the 
fraternity in other jurisdictions. 

If Mr. ('iimner has been prosperous and successful 
in other departments of life, he has been remarkably 
happy and fortunate in his family and social relation.... 
He married Miss Harriet Elizabeth Wadley, daughter 
of Moses D. Wadley, of Bradford, N. II., January 24, 
1856. They have two sons,— llanv Wadley Cumner, 
born July is, lsiii'i, and Arthur Bartlett Cumner, born 
July 30, 1871. Hairy Wadley graduated from the 
Manchester High School in 1879, with high standing 
in his class and the reputation of a faithful and efficient 
student. He entered the Massachusetts Institute of 
Technology, in Boston, in 1879, as a special student, 
remaining two years. In lSsl |,,. eicia^od in mercan- 
tile life, and having integrity and the capacity to 
make the best use of his prh ileges and attainments, 
he has certainly the earnest of a prosperous and hon- 
orable life. In October, 1884, he married Miss Nellie 
B. Pope, daughter of Edwin Pope, Esq., of Boston, 

where he has permanently located in business. 
Arthur Bartlett, a bright and beautiful boy of uncom- 
mon intelligence, has yet to climb the pathway of 
youth; but if aught can be predicted from such tender 
years, lie is not likely to disappoint the fond hopes of 
parents and friends. 

In the common judgment of mankind, woman re- 
ceives very little credit for the sui cess oi man in the 
struggles and achievements of this life. The intuitive 
judgment and unfaltering support with which the 
faithful and devoted wife aids her husband are unseen 
influences, the force and importance of which never 

have been and probably never will be under-t 1 or 

appreciated; ami although the remarkable success 
which the subject of this sketch has gained may be 
attributed to his ability and integrity, still the high 
social position to which the family have attained and 
the important and very creditable purposes which they 



have accomplished are equally t]ur to the clear and 
well-trained judgment, the watchful care and over- 
sight of dome-tie affairs, and the amiable companion- 
ship of his estimable and accomplished wife. While 
in their relative spheres, either in the busy marts of 

tradeorthe domestic departments of life, "on 'change" 

or in the drawing-r n, each, to a certain extent, 

must be judged independently, in all the economy of 
life her individuality and influence will be seen to 
have done their lull share in moulding the fortunes 
of the family. 

The future may not be forecast, but in. the early 
achievements of men may be discovered the earnest 
of still greater success. 

In the character and attainments of the subject of 
this sketch may be seen the promise of the full 
measure of life's joys and the realization of a noble 
and worthy ambition. 



ALLEN X. CLAPP. 
Allen N. Clapp, one of the leading business men 
of Manchester, traces his ancestry on the paternal 
side to Thomas Clapp, who was born in England 
in 1597, and came to this country in 1633-. The 
line is as follows: Thomas, Thomas, Joshua. Joshua. 
Joshua, ,\>a, Allen, Allen X. His father, Allen 

Clapp, was born in Walpole, N. H., April 28, 1794, 
and died in Marlborough, N. H., February 9, 1838. 
He married. February 10, 1819, Hannah Newcomb, 
and their family consisted ,,f se\en children. All. a S. 
youngest. 

He traces his ancestry on the maternal side to 
Francis Newcomb, who was born in England about 
Kjn.'i, and came to America in April, 1635, and settled 
in Boston. The line is as follows: Francis, Peter, 
Jonathan, Benjamin, John, Hannah, born February 
25, 1793, died February 9, 1838. 

Allen N. Clapp was born in Marlborough, V II., 
Januarj 2, 1837. His father having died soon after, 
his mother removed to Nashua, and here young Clapp 
received the rudiments of his education. He also 
attended the High School, and subsequently passed one 
year at the Met law Institute, in Merrimack. When 
about nineteen years of age he came to Manchester 
as clerk in the employ of Ira Barr, with whom he re- 
mained in that position until 1860. He then formed 
a copartnership with Air. Barr, under the firm-name 
of Barr & Clapp, in the mercantile business. This 
business was continued under the same firm-name 
until 1881, when Mr. Clapp purchased Mr. Barr's in- 
terest, ;md has since conducted the business as sole pro- 
prietor. The large and elegant brick block now owned 
and occupied by Mr. Clapp, located at the comer of 
Granite and Alain Streets, was completed in January, 
1871. It is the largest block in West Manchester. 
In addition to dealing in groceries, Hour, grain, etc., 
Mr. Clapp is the New J lampshire agent for tin Stand- 
ard i bi c pany, of Cleveland, Ohio, and his sales 

are extensive. Mr. Clapp was elected alderman in 




R 




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MANCHESTER. 



[33 



1861 and 1862, and represented Ward Seven in the 
Legislature in L874 and L875. \t his first election an 
effort was made to unseal him, but without success. 
Politically, he is a Republican, and attends Hanover 
Street ( 'ongregatinna.1 Church. Mr. Clapp is one of 
Manchester's most active and influential business 
men, and has 'lone mueh to advance the interests of 
this section (West Manchester) of the city. 

May 25, L863, Mr. Clapp united in marriage with 
Josie M. Mason, a native of Sullivan, N. II.. and their 
family has consisted of two children, Annie M. and 
Freddie. The latter died in infancy. 

JOHN C. FRENCH. 

John C. French, one of the leading business men 
of Manchester, was born in Pittsfield, N. EL, March 
I, L832. lie i ame of sturdy New England stock, his 
grandfather being Abram French, a carpenter and 
builder, who completed the interior of the first 
meeting-house in Pittsfield, and also the parsonage 
building for Rev. Christopher Paige, stepfather of the 
"beautiful Grace Fletcher," the first wife of Daniel 
Webster. Ahram French bought the farm ol Rev. 
Christopher Paige, known as the I'm ach homestead. 

Enoch, the eldest son of Ahram French, who mar- 
ried, in 1823, Eliza Cate, of Epsom, a most estimable 
woman, was the father of five children, the subject ol 

this sketch being the only survivor. His boyh I 

was passed upon one of the rocky farms of Pittsfield, 
where his opportunities for obtaining an education 
were very limited. He attended the common schools 
of his native town, and by teaching winters and 
working on a farm summers he secured means which 
enabled him to attend several terms at the academies 
at Pittsfield, Gilmanton and Pembroke. Here he 
succeeded in acquiring an education which well 
qualified him for his subsequent successful business 



At the age of twenty-one 1 ntered the employ of 

J. H. f'olton & Co., the well-known publishers, as 
salesman for their mounted maps. He soon developed 
a remarkable ability as a solicitor, and his i secutivi 
ability, combined with his rare tact in dealing with 
such a variety of persons, attracted the attention of 
his em]. lovers, who rewarded him by giving him, a 
year later, the Boston agency for "Colton's Atlas of 
the World." Tin- success which he attained with the 
maps followed him in this also, selling, as he did, 
more than twelve hundred copies of this expensive 
work. In 1855 he was appointed by this house their 
general agent for New England, and subsequently 
gave considerable attention to the introduction of 
( ohou's scric- .if "oiL'i aphies into the public schools. 
He was also subsequently associated with Brown, 
Taggarf & Co. and Charles Scribner & Co. in bring- 
ing out their school publications. 

In May. L865, he was appointed State agenl for the 
Connecticut Mutual Life [nsurance Company. He 
then located in Manchester, where he lias since 



resided, although he still retains possession of the 
delightful old homestead in Pittsfield, where he first 
saw the light of day. 

Three years later, having become inter, •sted in the 
insurance interests of the Slate, he conceit ed I he idea 
of establishing a stock lire insurance company, and 
by untiring persistency and a zeal characteristic ol Un- 
man, he succeeded in overcoming the almost uni- 
versal prejudice existing against such an organization, 

enlisted in its support some of Manchester's most 
prominent citizens, secured a charter and 
stock and began the business, which under his ener- 
getic and prudent management has since grown to 
great proportions, its capital having been im reased 
from one hundred thousand dollars to live hundred 
thousand dollars, and its cash assets to ovei one 
million dollars, while it enjoys a national reputation 
for excellent management and financial success. 

Notwithstanding be has been engrossed in the 
management of a large business in Manchester, he 
has ever manifested a lively interest in his native 
town, and when the project for building a railroad 
which would promote its growth and prosperity took 



shape, he gave himself heartily to the support of the 
enterprise, and it was largely through his efforts that 
the three hundred and fifty thousand dollar- acces- 
sary to build the Suncook Valley road was secured 
by subscriptions to the capital stock and gratuities 

from the towns along the line. As = method of 

helping this work to a successful completion, he estab- 
lished the Suncook Valley Times at Pittsfield, and for 
two years contributed regularly to its columns a series 
,,f historical and biographical articles which attracted 
much attention in the locality .and were widely copied 
and read elsewhere. He also at one time published 
and edited at Manchester a journal devoted to insur- 
ance interests, and 1ms established a reputation as a 
vigorous, versatile and popular writer. He is deeply 
interested in the literature of his native State, and 
probably no man has so thorough a knowledge of its 
industries and local history. He is a mem- 
ber of Trinity Commandery, Knights Templar, and 
a director in the Merchants' National Bank. He 
attends the Franklin Street Church. In L858 he 
united in marriage with Annie M., daughter of I.. B. 
Philbrick, Esq., of Deerfield, and their family consists 
of three children,— Lizzie A., Susie P. and George 
A brum. 

Mr. French is a genial companion, a stanch friend 
andamanwho wins and holds the good opinion of 
his fellow-citizens. 

. ]| \ l: I l> E. I: VI. MI. 

There is no prouder or more enduring personal 

record than the story of a self-reliant, manly and 

successful career. It declares that the individual not 

only undersl 1 In- duty and mission, but fulfilled 

them. The following memoir is bighl) suggestive of 
these facts : 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Charles E. Balch was born in I'Yancestown, \. 11., 
March 17, 1834, and here his boyhood days were 
spent. Hewasason of well-to-do parents, and was 
educated at Francestown Academy, and a1 the age of 
eighteen ; ears began his active business ran . 
keeper in the mercantile establishment of I'laitun .<i 
Co., in this city. Here he remained about two years, 
and thru accepted a clerkship in the Manchester 
Savings-Bank. He brought to thr discharge of his new 
duties a peculiar fitness, which soon attracted the atten- 
tion of the officers of the Manchester Bank, and upon 
the reorganization of this institution as a national hank, 
in 1855, Mr. Balch was chosen its cashier, a position 
which he held until January, L884. He was also 
trustee of (he Manchester Savings-Bank, the largest 
in the Slate; from L862 was a member of its invest- 
ment committee, and treasurer till within a few 

nths before his death. He was treasurer of the 

Manchester ( las-Light ( 'oinpany, a director and mem- 
ber of the finance committee of the New- Hampshire 
Fire Insurance Company, and a trustee of many large 
estates. Ami in all the various positions of responsibil- 
ity and trust which Colonel Balch was called upon to 
fill, he discharged his duties with eminent ability, and 
proved himself a most sagacious, careful and sale 
financier. He was interested in a number of vessels, 
on,- of which, a four-masted schooner, the " < '. E. 
Balch," of eighl hundred and forty-three tons, was 
launched at Bath, .Me., .Inly L5, 1882. Colonel Balch 
was thoroughly alive to all interests looking to the 

welfare of his adopted city, and rejoiced to see it pros- 
per, always responding to personal calls looking to 
this end. 

lie did not seek political preferment, but was a 
stanch supporter of Republican principles. In na- 
tional. State and municipal affairs he was deeply in- 
terested and had firm convictions in regard to them. 
The purity and uprightness of his life were con- 
spicuous. Not a breath of evil was ever raised againsl 
him. His personal bearing to everybody was most 
cordial. For each of the vast number of persons who 
were brought into business and social relation with Inn 
he bad always a pleasant greeting, impressing all w iih 
his affability and marked courtesy. The unflagging 
work which he put into bis life's calling enabled him 
to become one of Manchester's most successful men, 
acquiring a handsome property. Colonel Balch was a 
gentleman of refined taste, high ideas of morality, and 
devoted to his home-life. During 1883 he c pleted 

one of the most elegant residences in the city, in a de- 
lightful location, and having reached that point in 
his career where he could sensibly lessen his business 
cares, he was in a position to enjoy the fruits of an 
honorable and successful life. Although his death 
had been in a measure expected, if brought a shock to 
his host of friends in the city and State, who mourned 
Death's selection of one of the mosl prosperous, re- 
spected and best-known individuals in the prime of 
manhood. With only one secret organization was he 



connect ed. i he Washington Lodge of Masons. Colonel 
Balch received bis military title by serving two years 
on the stall' of Governor Head. He was an accom- 
plished equestrian. He was a member of tin- Frank- 
lin Street Society ami contributed liberally to its 
advancement. 

Mr. Balch's architectural taste, which was some- 
thing unusual in a person not a professional, is shown 
in his fitting up of the interior of the Manchester 
banking-rooms ; his plan for his own residence, which 
is of classical style of architecture, and during the 
last year of his life, the building of Cilley Block, one 
of the finest business blocks mi Elm Street, in Man- 
chester. He was one of the building committee of 

the Maui bister ( )pcra-l louse. 

in July, 1867, he united in marriage with Miss 
Emeline I!., daughter of Rev. Nahum Brooks, who 
survives him. He died October is, 1884. 

At a meeting of the officers of Manchester Bank, 
October 20, 1884, the following resolutions were pre- 
sented !'\ I Ion. I >aniel ( 'lark, and adopted : 
"Beaohed, Tbal by the death of Col I Charles E Batch wehave 



■ ■lln ie Hi. i i'. 



una healthful influem i , respe b 

" Resoloed, That while wede] 

li 1, when, rich in experience 

tneu It. it I. i :i 1 1 \ . . ;iiiil \\r 

n-sts upon tin- no, r.l i,i' hjs lite, unit that 

shines up from the ' vallej "i bis peacefu 

" Resolved, 'I'll. 'i ii enpj "I these resolnti 

isan ■ > •■ ion ol apprei iation >>l her 

hearUi-lt sympathy in h.T Innavr nt, an 

I. ■. ..ON ..1 1 1 o- "M.cnli. -t,-i Sioiii-- Haul., i 



toral worth ana Christian virtue, 
I uent, gentle and unassuming in 
tations of lit.' ; a . ilizeu uf large 

s death in 'hi- primeof bis man- 

i becoming evei re useful, yei 

w e thankful that no »hado« 

hat the brightness of his example 



s be presented to Mrs. Balch 
^band's character ami of our 
hat they hi' entered upon the 



The funeral services were conducted by Re\ . ( reorge 
B.Spalding, D.D., who spoke with gnat tenderness 
and line appreciation, as follows ; 



and noise ..i .-, : - .,. 


1 '* iiiiiiti.s .I.Mtli tails h- make 


lion l>>\ l-> •!■> one 


l.ill- .mi ..t llur ikiiUs, and in the 




* i tn 1. t.. be forgotten The 




roki :i onl) !-■! the moment. The 




-. -.1 !!■■[. ■ .in).. MM .li and arfivi- 


turban - ■- 


-■!.. .||-.l|-t "■.![' l"-tl< it It till' \\,l\ IS 




li-l luitlli-.l all I 111. ] r.-Sflhlr- is tills 


n. I, -in.. - ..- nevi t be. 


in in •■in i in.- And yet, now and 




in, oi bears away if such pecu- 


..: -n 1, ni.ii ki-.l i.l. hi 


is tu tin-. .-..iiiuiumly, (hut all hearts 


„l the sense of toss se< 


ins deep and universal. It Is so to- 


mcemenl uf the death 


if Charles E. Balch brought a pro- 


this i ommunity. Hii 


9 hasl -mi watched with an 


■]■],■ Hopes .Hi'] fean 


'"i.i I it i- 1 the varying phaseBof 




/ i b Bhoi k to very many hearts. 


in i. I.. i..\ .t -,. ... ..' 


.i number and of such varied rcpre- 


■ 11 . lasses manifests El 


e depth and tenderness of the sor 


- death in- caui d l 


ere musl have been something in 



t.u' this pintuinul twlut-, wliiri], to such aii on usual degre< ha ■ ■ 
in this city. Doubtless there is thai in the outwa.nl history i»f tliis man 

which has stnui^h vnl us. Here wa~nnr win,, as a young man c( 

eighteen years of age, came into this place, putting his best life into the 

i "li li 1 ..', vi.^iin ni> i ii\ -i..\Mii: n|. M gh its successive stages oi growth, 

sharing al last, as the fruits of his keen foresighl and splendid industry, 
initsgreal prosperity,— and yet in the fulness of his matured strength, 




'irf^L %yH. 



^L^^^/^htfb 



MANCIIKSTKU. 



135 



He 



|llrnll\ 



of 



„iv,i h\ .[.■, dli ti-.'iii ii .ill. Only :i Christian faith, niih tin- tlnm-li 
i (he r;ttlt«-r's liuiisu, ran turn mir fueling 



' Hut >m. Ml. 'thill- Tlli'IV (hall \'\l\ tul " .-lir -Mi'Ml I ll 1 1S SI |, 1, |. ■ [1 1 y a \va \ 

ii his hravi- a. hvili, - .ii.-l lorn < n|,,yiii<-nN in tin- v.-ry prime Ol llis 
: f-.| thi- wnl.- ami l.-lJ-N-l int. i.-t \v\\ l< h Ills death htlfi 
lali-ii, a -sti .-Ii ■: all.-, u..h >ur_'in- 

loble qualities in Mr. Batch could 
through more than thirtj years, 



auaki-ti.-l. 1 !.•■[.- i- a reS] ■ ■ t. in- 


Ill -■ii; beai :-. vvhii h mhj rl ii 


call "'it from us Bi wai 


i -;■!< iiwii- in IK- 1-ii-iu. 


iiitu all the main a< in ill- ■- « hi> Ii 


1, |,. |...U. 1-. Mil. 1. rt.'l. tllf* - xtl'll 


ou-i, |>ati'iil, l"r--. ■ in: «iv mi ji 


uppluati.'ii, tailhtul i. . . ■ ■ 


tu tl ■ -|il' li'lnih ■,!';, \ : ■*■ 


acientioue n gard fi i ■* 


lit- wuii | i -: ii ■ 


p,-l-l-l' lit ■ ..Iit-I tiialh ■ !■■ ll, — - v. 


perience of the past and the Bad 



1..- ..1..1,.— -U1I.1 ill pMiniplr nii.l truly '-imIiii ii 

and will continue t.. be, a fine example, ti> the young mi i 

Of ;<li I ttblf, Mi.r.^fiil man. \liil in -ill the prosi 

l.ii-iii." . nt.-rpie. -. -in.! hi -ill rfi.- |..-il- mi in. . ..1 In- |.n 
li.- trusts, he has alwaj 



evcrj respeel 
other's, which, • 
character of thif 
life. Bui thecii 
energies, 'liil not 
" Mr. Balch « 

all tli.it perta 

[oiced in its grot 
sagacity to aild 
from every debi 
every low, mea 



hold, where all t 
in the splendid 



himself t<. 1..- houest and truthful i 
■ reached my ear, and I doubl il ar 






JOHN II. M \YN 1NH. 

John II. Maynard, sun of Asa and Mary (Linfield) 
Maynard, was born in Concord, Mass., January 23, 
1805. His father moved to Loudon, N. II., when he 
was but five years of age, and remained here a few 
years and moved to l.i-i i '■ .,,■■< ■,■■ I . 

The subject of this sketch attended the district 
school in winter and worked a1 carpentering in sum- 
mer; commenced to learn his trade, when eleven 
years old, with Moses Kimball, ol Kast < 'uncord, with 
whom he remained live years, or until the death of 
Mr. Kimball. 



in the empio) 

Putney, and, still later, of John Leach, of C tord. 

He remained with Mr. Leach aboul four years, then 
started out on his own account, and bis career bus 
been a successful one. He built Nathaniel I pham's 
house, now standing north of the State-House, and 
afterwards built the Baptist meeting-house in New 
Boston. He returned to < toncord and built Call's I '.look, 
rear of the State-House. Was in Amoskeag about 
the year 1832, and buill the old tavern which is now 
tl tenement block. lie built the 1'nitarian meeiing- 
house in Concord, and then returned to Amoskeag 
and erected the first tenement-house at Amoskeag 
Falls, on the east side of the river. This was built 
for the workmen who w ere to build the guard-gate for 
the Amoskeag Company. From this time Mr. May- 
nan 1 worked continuously fur the Amoskeag ( 'urn pain- 
ter thirty years, during which time he did the car- 
penter-work on No. 3, 4, 5 and 6 Mills and most of 
the large tenement blocks. Mr. Maynard married, for 
his first wile, Jane Kimball, of Eas1 Concord, N. H., 
March. 23 1832; they had no children. He lived 
with her about thirty years. He married for his 
second wife Apha Kimball, of Hopkinton, X. II., 
about the year L871. Mr. Maynard was chief of the 



old Fire Departn 



and 



Ir. Maj 

nicy, 

ronf of wher 

treet. He 
ml has been 
Republican 
Mr. Mayna 

eti\ e biisinc 



, and was connected with it for 
has been alderman and a mem- 
1, and has also been a represi ata- 
three terms in the Legislature, 
isor in the city of Manchester. 
ileil in Manchester since its in- 
t lie planted beans and corn in 
ark lilock now stands, on Elm 
'ctor in the Manchester Bank, 
j -ti\ e years, He is in politics 

uiblcr and contractor, and is an 
of to-day, although eighty-one 
her was in the Revolutionary 



HON. 



11, 



UN HOSLEY. 

ii May ll', 1826, at the old 
Uosley boniest cail, in Hancock, X. II., and is the sun 
of Samuel and Sophia (Wilson) Uosley. being one of 
a family of nine, of whom also survive Martha E., 
wife uf ( teorge ( 1. Wadsworth, of < Ihelsea, Mass., and 
Lucretia J., wife of • diver 1 learborn, of 1 lent er, < !ol. 
Mr. Hosley comes from a hardy, thrifty, intelligent 
ancestry, which traces its lineage back through the 
centuries to Merric England, where the family bad its 
origin. His ancestors were numbered among the 
indomitable Puritans who sought an asylum from 
persecution in America, and were of such a heroic 
mould that their descendants were found battling for 
freedom in the War of the Revolution. 

In tracing the genealogy of the family we find that 
there was tt James Uosley born May 1, 1649, married 
.Martha Parker, and died duly 9, 1677. He was sur- 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



vived by a son, James, born September 4, 1675, and 
died February 18, 1728, leaving a son also bearing 
the name of James, who was born Maj 19, 1702, and 
married Ennie Jervett. A son was born to them at 
Townsend, Mass., Jan uan 19, 1734, who \\ ;is called 
James, after his father. This son was the greai-graiul- 
father of the subject of this sketch, and was a man of 
conspicuous ability. From the published history of 
Townsend, Mass., il i- learned that lie was honored 
li\ being elected to all the offices within the gift of 
his fellow-citizens, including an election to the 
General Court, but declined the latter distinction. 
He was neither an office-seeker nor a demagogue, bul 
a man whose worth everywhere commanded respect. 
In 177."> he was moderator at the annual town-meet- 
ing, town clerk, chairman of the Board of Select- 
men, ami captain of the alarm list, or .Minute-Men, 
who, fifty-three strong, marched to the defense of 
Cambridge. In 1777 the General Court passed a res- 
olution calling for volunteers to go to the assistance 
of t leneral < rates, who was confronting Burgoj ne, at 
Saratoga. The call met with an enthusiastic response. 
and .lames Hosley was unanimously elected captain 

of a company of seventy men, which included within 
its ranks such military men of ability and notoriety 
as Colonel William Prescott (the hero of Bunker 
Hill), Major Henry Wood. Major Samuel Stone and 
others nearly as well-known. These men would 
never have been subordinate to any man unless he 
honored the office to which he had been elevated. 

After the (dose of the Revolutionary War he ved 

to Hancock, N. 11.. where be purchased a farm and 
donated a portion of it to the town for public use. 
He left a son. Samuel, who was born duly 8, 1767, 
and died December 20, 1826. A merchant and farmer 
by occupation, be was noted for his piety and benevo- 
lence, leaving a character worthy of lasting and affec- 
tionate remembrance. He married Polly Dodge, and 
the fruit of their union was a son, Samuel, who was 
born on the old homestead in Hancock, Septembei 
28, 1802, and this son was the father of the Hon. 

John Hosley, whose name appears at the bead ot 
this sketch. He obtained an education in the com- 
mon schools and the academy at Hancock, was a 
farmer by occupation, and died January Id, 1871, his 
estimable wile surviving him but six days, lie was 
an honorable man and an exemplary Christian. 

This brings us down to Mi-. Hosley < f to-day, who 
was brought up on his father's farm, and gained 
what education the common schools of Hancock 
afforded until be was twentj years of age. In 1846 
he removed to Manchester, which at that time gave 
little indication of its coming importance. Mi. 
llo-lc\ engage-din manufacturing, and wa.- an over- 
Beer in the weaving department of the Amoskeag 
Manufacturing Company. He also engaged in the 

grocery ami real estate business, and in farming, and 

was successful in all. He seems to have- inherited 

the e\ en judgment and pronounced ability of bis an- 



'-c -tors, and has been called to many important posi- 
tions of trust and honor by his fellow-citizens, never 
failing to receive more than his party's strength at 
the polls whenever a candidate. He represented In- 
ward in the Legislature, Common Council two years, 
Board of Aldermen five years, and on the Board of 
Education for two years. He was city tax collector 
for two years and has been twice elected mayor, be- 
sides holding various minor citj cilices. He was a 
member of the National Union Convention, which 
met at Philadelphia in 1865, is a prominent Free- 
mason, and has lu-ld the highest office in Hillsborough 
Lodge of Odd-Fellows. In religion Mr. Hosley is a 
Unitarian. He married, in 1854, Miss Dorotha II. 

Jones, of Weare, N. II., by whom he has had one 

child, who is married to William M. Parsons, M.D. 
They have one- child, Martha S.. born April 30, L884. 
It is readily -ecu that Mr. Hosley is a man of no 
common abilities, and his performance id' the duties 
of the various offices which he has been called upon 
to till has ever been eminently satisfactory. He has 
grown up with Manchester, as town and city, and has 
don.- his full share in moulding its policy in govern- 
mental affairs. 

COLONEL CHANDLEK EASTMAN POTTER. 1 

Colonel Chandler Eastman Potter was a native 
of East Concord. \ '. H.. bom March 7, L807, son of 
Joseph and Anna (Drake) Potter. He graduated at 
Dartmouth College in 1831, taught high schools in 
Concord and Portsmouth several years, read law, 
and was admitted to the bar and practiced in Con- 
cord. In 1844 he moved to Manchester, where he 
owned ami edited the Munrln -strr /h'niocntt until the 
fall of 1848, when he sold the paper. From 1852 to 
1856 he was editor of the Monthly Visitor and Gran- 
ite Farmer. In June, 1S4S, he was appointed justice 
of the Manchester Police Court, succeeding Hon. 
Samuel D. Bell, which office be filled seven years, 
with honor and credit to himself, lie was an able 
and efficient member of the Historical Society in 

New Hampshire and other societies, and author of 

a very elaborate- and correct history of Manchester. 
Hi- ennobling view- of man and nature, and of 
sound, true principles, were always heard with pro- 
found attention and delight. He had copiousness of 
ideas, and his writings were always filled with the 
thoughts of a comprehensive mind, instructing all 
who read what he wrote- with a ready pen. He was 
interested in the study of the Indian language, and 
has written many sketches of Indian character, and 
was a contributor to Schoolcraft's Indian work. 
"Colonel Potter was probably the best informed man 
and antiquarian in the State cm all topics that re- 
lated to the early settlement of New Hampshire-." 
He was genial and social, with a keen relish for 
humor and anecdote, friendly with all classes. The 

New Hampshire Men." 



* m^ 





. / r . y,,, _//■/// 



MANCHESTER. 



i:;7 



rich and the poor found in him a true friend in time 
of need. He was a devoted friend of the militia 
organizations of the State, and second commander of 
the Amoskeag Veterans, a company that adopted the 
uniform of the Continentals. They visited Washing- 
ton during the administration of President Pierce, 
commanded by Colonel Potter, who entertained the 
veterans at his home, the McNeil (N. H.) mansion 
and birth-place of Franklin Pierce, in 1865. A grand 
entertainment was given them in a large tent upon 
the grounds. 

Colonel Potter's last able work, "The Military 
History of New Hampshire," published in 186(3, con- 
sists of two volumes, from the settlement in 1623 
to the close of the War of 1812, with valuable bio- 
graphical sketches. 

Judge Potter married, November 1, 1832, Clara 
A., daughter of John Underwood, of Portsmouth, by 
whom he had four children. She died March 19, 
1854, and November 11, 1856, he married Frances 
Maria, daughter of General John McNeil, of Hills- 
borough. After this marriage he resided at the 
Governor Pierce homestead in Hillsborough during 
the remainder of his life. 

Colonel Potter loved the society of intelligent and 
worthy people, and welcomed all without distinction. 
His domestic relations gave a great charm to his ex- 
istence. He died at Flint, Mich., whither he had 
gone with his wife on business, August 3, 1868. 



WILLIAM MOODY PARSONS, M.D. 

An early ancestor of Dr. Parsons was Joseph, 
who was born in England, married Mary Bliss 
and came to this country in July, 1626, settling 
in Northampton, Mass., and died March 26, 1684. 
Their children were Joseph, Jr., John, Samuel, 
Ebenezer, Jonathan, David, Mary, Hannah, Abigail 
and Hester. 

Joseph Jr., was born in 1647, married Elizabeth 
Strong, and died in 1 729. Their children were 
Joseph, John, Ebenezer, Elizabeth, David, Josiah, 
Daniel, Moses, Abigail and Noah. 

Joseph was born in 1671, graduated at Harvard 
College in 1697, entered the ministry, settled in Leb- 
anon, Conn., and moved to Salisbury, Mass. He 
married Elizabeth Thompson, and died in 1739. 
Their children were Joseph, Samuel, William, Eliza- 
beth and John, the three elder of whom became 
clergymen, John died while a sophomore in Har- 
vard College. 

Rev. William was born April 21, 1716, married 
Sarah Burnham, and moved to Gilmanton, N. H., in 
1763, and died January 31, 1796. His wife died Febru- 
ary 28, 1797. Their children were Sarah, William, 
Elizabeth, John, Joseph and Ebenezer. 

William was born April 1, 1745, married Hannah 
Meserve, and had William, John, Joseph and Sarah. 

John was born November 10, 1751, married Lydie 



Folsom, October 16, 17S3, and died May 31, 1838. 
His wife died March 17, 1828. Their children were 
William, Judith, John, Sarah, Hannah, Lydie, Eliza 
and Joseph. 

Joseph Parsons, Esq., was burn August 29, 1753, 
married Ruth Pearson, and died August 10, 1806. 
Their children were Ruth, Joseph, Sarah, Hannah, 
Thomas and Mary. 

Ebenezer Parsons was burn January 21, L756, and 
married Eunice Potter, November IS, 1784, and had 
Ebenezer, Eunice, William, Samuel, Sally and Lucy. 

Abraham Parsons, son of Abraham, of New Mar- 
ket, and grandson of Josiah, of Cape Ann, was born 
November 2, 1754, married Abigail Burleigh, May 30, 
1780, and had four children, — Josiah, Sarah, Abra- 
ham and James. 

Josiah Parsons, Esq., was born September 26, 1781 ; 
married Judith Badger, daughter of Joseph and 
Sarah (Weeks) Badger. He died December 9, 1842. 
Their children were Joseph B., Emily P., Sarah P., 
Mary E., Lewis N., Dr. Joseph Badger, Daniel Jacobs, 
Esq., Sarah Jane Rogers, William Moody and Han- 
nah Cogswell. 

Among the ancestors of Dr. Parsons were those 
who were very prominent in the religious, educational, 
military and civil history of the town wherein they 
lived ; notably is this true of Rev. William Parsons, 
son of Rev. Joseph Parsons, both of whom were 
graduates of Harvard College. 

Rev. William became one of the proprietors «i' 
Gilmanton, and was employed by the corporation to 
preach to the settlers, which he did for ten years. He 
was also the first schoolmaster in the town, and con- 
tinued his teaching even after he had closed his 
ministry. He was a very useful citizen, an exem- 
plary minister of the gospel and did much to give 
a right direction to the early movements in regard to 
religious institutions in the town. 

The mother of Dr. William M. Parsons was Judith 
Badger, a superior woman, and a descendant of that 
family so illustrious in the early history of New 
Hampshire, of whom were General Joseph Badger, 
of Revolutionary fame; his son, Hon. Joseph Badger; 
and his grandson, Hon. William Badger, ex-Governor 
of New Hampshire. Of the brothers of Dr. Parsons, 
Dr. Joseph Badger became a successful physician and 
Daniel J., who read law in the office of Hon. Ira A. 
Eastman, is a successful practitioner. Each of the 
children of this family, except the youngest, Hannah 
C, were noted teachers in their time, and two of the 
daughters became the wives of clergymen. 

Dr. William Moody Parsons was bom in Gilman- 
ton December 30, 1826; his boyhood was passed with 
his brothers and sisters at the old home. His educa 
tional advantages were those of the district schools of 
the time, supplemented by a classical course at the 
celebrated Gilmanton Academy. At the close of the 
academic course, having a taste for the study of 
medicine, he commenced under the tuition of Dr. 



i:;s 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY. NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Nal Wight, a celebrated practitioner of Gilman- 

ton, where he re ined three years, during which 

time l>r. Parsons attended a course of lectures al 

the Dar itb Medical College, and then went into 

the office with his brother, Dr. Joseph B., al Ben 
nington, .\ . II-. where he commenced I he pi act ici oi 
his profession, remaining about one year; he then at- 
tended his final course of lectures al the Vermonl 
Medical College, where he graduated in June, 1851, 
and retui ned to Bi nnington, pracl icing in company 
with brother until 1855, when bia brother Bold his 

interest to Dr. William M.. and v. I to Havt rhill, 

Mass. 

Dr, Parsons, with a large practice, ■ li -si ii n < ■ a 

favorable location, moved to Antrim, V II, and 
there, foi a period of fifteen years, attended faithfully 
to the increasing demands made upon him until L870, 
when he returned to Bennington. The practice of 
Dr. Parsons had become so extensive and the rides so 
long and laborious thai he found it necessary in the 
interesl of his health to make some change, thai his 
duties mighl not be so exacting, and to this end, in 
April, 1878, he moved to Manchester, N. H., where 
heal once established himself in his profession, and 
where he has since resided. 

During his long practice in the country Dr. Par- 
sons bad many calls for consultation with his brother 
physicians in the adjoining towns, which, together 
with his own practice, made the change to an easier 
field imperative. Is a surgeon, Dr, Parsons early 
took prominent place, and he has performed in these 
years many capital operations with notable success. 

In L861, Dr. Parsons was appointed by the Gov- 
ernor as chairman of a commission for tl ictirpa- 

tion of pleuro-pneumonia among cuttle, which was 
prevalent al thai time, which disease was thoroughly 



of some neighboring States in which this disease 
prevailed. 

In 1888, l>r. Parsons was c missioned assistant 

surgeon First Regiment New Hampshire .V nal 

Guard, and in 1884 was prom I to the office of 

surge i the Bame regiment, with rank of major. 

I >r. Parsons is a membei of the Masonic fraternity, 
an Odd-Fellow and Knight of Honor. In religion 
Dr. Parsons is a Quaker. In politics he is a Demo- 
crat, and in 1871 72 represented the town ot Ber 
nington in the • leneral < lourt. 

Dr. Parsons has, by his lively interest in public 
schools and educational matters in general, main- 
tained the family trait, which, from his first ancestor, 
has stood out prominently in each of the generations, 
having Keen superintending bc! I committee sev- 
eral 3 ears. 

In November, L882, Dr. Parsons married Marion J., 
only daughter of Hon. John and Dorothy (Jones) 
Hosley, of Manchester. From this union there was 
born Martha S., April30, 1884. 

For a period of about thirty-five years Dr. Parsons 
has been in active practice, ever ready to respond to 

the calls of suffering hi mity, to afford relief; 

prompt in his appointments for consultations, cour- 
teous and liberal while maintaining professional 
etiquette, he has attained a prominent position in the 
community where he lives. 

Dr. Parsons lias taken a warm interest in the wel- 
fare and progress of young men who had entered 

upon the stink of ineilicine, ami his office has ever 

been a place where all such could find counsel and 
advice, and manj have begun their study under his 
direction. A good citizen, a genial friend, a kind 1ms 
bandand lather, a faithful and trusted family physi- 
cian, Dr. Parsons enjoys the confidence and respect oi 



HISTORT OF NASHUA. 



IsY John II. GOODALE 



('II A PTEK I. 

TOPOGRAPH'S ■'■ \ I i r. • i. i i 

I: -li. Iri . ttlvei Broo uid Pi n I tnb i i ill i PI ■ 

i '.'. id Li .1" ii rology. 

I i! . of Nashua lies in the Bouth i n pai I of 

Hillsborough < lounty, on the boundary I la 

chusetts li is bounded on the north by the town of 
Merrimack, on i be easl bj i be Mi i rimack Ri ei whii h 

n in, in llml on and Litchfield, on the 
south by Tyngsborough and Dunstable, ' 
on the wesi by Sollis. Its length is about six and 
one-half miles from north to south, and its width a 
little more than four and a half miles from easl to 
west. Its an a is aboul eighti en I bousand i ighl bun 

iiin.i', eight acres, oi nearly thirty square 

in II, I be in face in i be eastern tei i ;ei 

I, ". . I I," ni |'i.i in :i n'l imi.i v ale ; in i he western 

■ : while in the southei n si cl i< al 

ridges of moderate beight. The bighesl summit in 
Nashua is Long Bill, neat I hi Via aehu i tl line, 
which is four hundred and thirty-nine fei I abovi the 

The city is well watered. The Merrimack River 
How- along its eastern boundary. The Nashua River, 
from which the cil taki it nami , comi from the 
southwest, furnishin iov er for the cotton- 

mills and other manufactories of the ci1 whili 
Salmon Bi oi '" I be -hoi b,and I hi Penni- 

chuck, on the north, are attractive and beautiful 
• i i . .in, 

i bree small natural ponds in i hi 
Lovewi Round, in the northwest; 

and Sandy, in thi o in if the city proper. 

he Sandy is the more noticeable, li lies 
in ii circular basin of sis ai ble inlel or 

outlet and is fed by subterranean >pring [I ui 
I':.. i- bi ighl ..i ii - abo il threi feet, usually the high 
esl in \ |n ii and th ■ ober. The water is 

clear, and f urn is] 
in the city. 

In agricultural resourci a Nashua i- below the aver- 
age ui i he adjoining towns. Th ei 

Merrimack and Nashua Rivers, limited h 
in 



easily cultivated, and excellent for the growth of corn 

and v< ;. tabli -. I hi highei land ol tl th. rn 

pari have fine liu\ fields :md orchards, bul the plain 
and the most of the rolling lands which covei the 
larger portion of Nashua are comparativelj unpro 
ductive. The soil i a depo il of the Glacial Drift 
period, a sandydepo il worn from the northern hills 
during thai geological epoch, when glaciers or ice- 
New England. More i ban 
two eeiiiin n igo ' hi earl i plorei named these 
plain ' in " pine barrens." 

'I In bowlders of granite so abundant in the north- 
el n and we tern tow ns of Hillsborough ( !oi 
much f 'i and mailer in Nashua. Ledges crop out 
aboul .Mine Falls, and one ledge a mile west of the 
in j propej In i n i In a la rgi amounl of rough mate 
rial for cellai wall and othi i torn worl aboul the 

A Imosl i ■ ommon in Soul hern New 

Hampshire was originally found in this township. 
The lofty while pi m grew on the rich alluvial soil of 
the two rivers, often ha\ ing a hi ighl ol one hundred 

ii i i Mud m d ei en iii oi' i lii i ' id i . There was also, on 
some portions of i hi intei \ ale, and upon I hi highi i 
■_■ i o 1 1 1 , , I - o 1 1 1 1 1 e 1 1 1 , 1 1 1 1 iide ol the N a h ua Ri ei a 
urdy hard pine, which wa ) used by 
bhi '.ui ettlet foi I hi manufactun of tui pent ine 
'I'll, thin -oil of the plains was covi red 

been upersed h and oal Thi 

.ui time are t hi 
and birch, with a sprinl ling of maple, ash, elm, bass- 
wood, spruce and walnut. I 
red and the birch of the while .|. 
trees which had reached the average growth 

Hand 

of late in Nashua, and i hi 
tage of land covered by a natun 

ild 
animals hen- than in mosl other localities. The con- 

d the absence ol heltei 

bi this. While ii ne ol 
139 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



the earliest settlements the pioneers found wild 
. records of "< lid 

Dunstable" makes little mention of any aid from 
this source. The bear and deer, never numerous in 
this vicinity, soon disappeared. The moose, panther 
and wolf seldom came below Lake Winnipesaukee. 

r, a former occupant of Salmon B t, 

d) disappeared. The raccoon, fox, rabbit, 
woodchuck and squirrel were still numerous and 
anno) ing. 

But the scarcity of wild animal.-, as a 
food was compensated by the abundance of fish. 
Especially was this true in the spring. The Merri- 
mack and its branches were the favorite resort of the 
salmon, -had and alewife. Migratory in their habits, 
they arrived early in May, and not only the larger 
streams but the tributary brooks were full of them. 

id of ever) cascade the | Is were crowded 

with the agile salmon. The pioneers had tin need to 

resort to the Merrimack, since it was fai 

catch them in t lie smaller streams. Sahn 

was so named from the multitude of salmon taken 

every Ma\ between the .Main Street bridge and its 

entrance into the Merrimack. 

The Pennichuck was equally famous for the facility 
with which this delicious fish could be taken from its 
waters. They varied in Weight from three to sixteen 
pounds. The early settlers in the adjacent towns re- 
lied upon "Pennichuck beef" as the; greatest delicacy 
of the year. For half a century shad and alewives 
were used as dressing for the corn-fields, and were 
rarely cooked till salmon became scarce. Alter the 
building of the Pawtucket (Lowell 
and shad disappeared from the waters of the Merri- 
mack and its branches. 

From a topographical examination, it is very 

evident that Nashua owes its origin and growth as a 

city from the river from which it derives its name. 

It is a small river, but the water-power it furnishes 

tfficient to found a city of fifteen thousand 

inhabitants. Its sources are in the northern part of 

County. The small streams flowing from 

; Mount Wachusett unite in the Lancaster 

meadows, forming the Nashua River. Thi nee it 

flows in a northern and northeasterly din 

thirty miles, entering New Hampshire about seven 

miles from its uth. Its fall of water between Mine 

Falls and its mouth is about fifty fot 

The climate of Nashua is health). It is exempt 
from malaria and fogs, and in the warm season is free 
from annoying insects. The average temperature is 
degrees above zero. Its highest tempera- 
ture within the past thirty years was ninety-nine de- 

e, and its lowest thirty-two deg I 
zero. The degree of temperature varies with differ- 
ent localities in and about the city. In ordinary 
weather the difference is small, but at dawn on 
severely cold winter mornings the mercury is usually 
six, and sometimes ten, degrees lower at the* oncord 



Railroad Station than at Mount Pleasant and the 
South Common. There is less tall of snow here than 
in an) other town ot New Hampshire not bordering 
on the Atlantic Coast. Exceptional wini 
but ordinarily the number of weeks of good sleighing 
in this city is few, often not exceeding four. The 
a\erago rainfall is thirty-nine inches. 

Nashua is the third city in the State in population, 
the third in valuation and the second in the value of 
its manufactures. It is thirty-five miles from ('on- 
cord. forty miles from Boston, two hundred and sixty- 
two from New York and four hundred and ninety-two 
from Washington. No extensive view of - 
visibll from any part of the city ; but from the lowers 

of the High School and the Mount Pleasant School 
buildings there is not only an attractive view of 
Nashua itself, but on a lair day there can be clearly 
seen the twin summits of Uncanoonuc, in Goffstown, 
the precipitous side of Joe English, in New Boston, 
the i 'tot, died Mountain, in Francestown, the Grand 
Monadnoc, in Jaffrey, the Pack Monadnoc, in Peter- 
borough, and Mount Wachusett, in Central Massa- 
chusetts. 



(HA PTER I I. 
NASHUA— (Continued.) 

THE ABORIGINAL INHABITANTS. 

Indian Tribes— The "Nusli.-iwa.vs "— Corn-Baising — Stoni 
—Hunting— Modes of Cooking— Salmon and Shad— Wigwams— 

Treat i Squaws— Wars— The Birch Can.,. — Clothing— Stons 

Relics. 

Nashi k. was the first settled of the inland towns 
of New Hampshire. It is not certainly known in 

what year the lirst white inhabitant built his cabin 
within its limits, but it could hardly have been earlier 
than 1665 or later than L670. Fifty years before the 
Scotch settlers came to Londonderry, and sevent) 
years before an) other town of Hillsborough County, 
i >ld Dunstable," bad a white i, sident, 
there were log cabins on the banks of Salmon Brook, 
a little above its junction with the Merrimack. 
Longer than any other towns in the State, except 
Dover and Portsmouth, this settlement occupied a 
frontier position, exposed to all the perils and terrible 
disasters of savage hostility, and none did more heroic 
service in rescuing the colonies front the barbarities 
of Indian warfari . 

h is now more than two-thirds of a century since 
the last Indian remaining in the State died in a re- 
mote cabin in Coos County. The prophecy of Passa- 
conaway has been fulfilled. The race of New- 
Hampshire Indians is extinct. To the generation of 
to-day the Indian is a myth. To our forefathers 
the) wcrea terrible reality , — an until 

merciless foe. 

The history of Nashua would be incomplete without 
a descripti f its original inhabitants, (if the 



1 II 



twenty thousand Indians in New England on the 
landing of the Pilgrims, two thousand were in New 
Hampshire. More than three-fourths of these lived 
in the Merrimack Valley. The rapid growth of the 
Massachusetts Bay colony led the more adventurous 
emigrants to seek for advantageous and fertile lands 
on which to find a borne. From the natives they 
learned of the attractive valley of the Merrimack 
River, and were awaiting a favorable opportunity to 
explore it. 

In tlie summer of 1652 the colonial government of 
Massachusetts, desirous of ascertaining the northern 
extent of their territory, appointed an exploring 
commission, consisting of Captain Edward Johnson 
and Captain Simon Willard, accompanied by Jona- 
than luce and John Shearman as surveyors. They 
were instructed to follow up the Merrimack River to 
its head and then- establish a " bound." At Pawtucket 
Falls they secured Indian guides, and, proceeding up 
the west bank of the river, were the first white men 
known to have crossed Salmon Crook and Nashua 

River, and explored the intervale lands of the vicinity. 
Having been told by their Indian guides that the 
head of the Merrimack River was at the outlet 
of the lake, they proceeded to that point, and upon 
a rock having a surface just above the water, at the 
outlet of the Winnipesaukee, they cut the following 



,iu. 



.which, modernized, and substituting the full names 
for the initials, reads, — 

"Edward Johnson. Simon Willard. 

Worshipful John 



The commissioners made a report to the Massachu- 
setts government, on their return, ami stated that they 
were treated kindly, not only by the tribes on the 
Nashua and Souhegan Rivers, but by those of the 
upper country. From their description it is probable 
that about forty Indian families were living near the 
mouths of Salmon Brook and the Nashua River, and 
as many more at the mouth of the Souhegan and on 
the Litchfield intervale, opposite. 

The Indians of the Merrimack Valley were divided 
into small tribes, and were designated by the name of 
tin- locality they occupied. 'The Pawtuckets bad 
their headquarters at Pawtucket Falls, jusi above the 
present city of Lowell; the Nashaways lived in the 
Nashua River valley and about its mouth ; tin Souhi - 
gaus, on the stream of the same name ; the Penacooks 
occupied Penacook, (now Concord,) and a part of Bos- 
cawen. The last-named tribe was far the most numer- 
ous, warlike and powerful, and its sachem, Passacon- 
away, was the actual .ruler of all the tribes of the 
Merrimack Valley. He was the most sagacious and 
discreet chieftain of his time. 



These tribes, while relying largely on fishing and 
hunting for their livelihood, depended to no trifling 
extent upon the tillage of the soil to secure them from 
starvation during the long winter. In common with 
all the North American tribes, these Indian warrior-, 
when not idle, devoted themselves to war, fishing and 
hunting, ami imposed upon the women the labor of 
tilling the ground, securing the crops, gathering the 
firewood, and all the drudgery of the wigwam. 

Many of the meadows, or the " intervales," as they 
are often called, on the Merrimack and Nashua River- 
are basin.- having a surface of alluvial and \ce/etable 
deposits. No doubt they were once covered with 
water, which, by the deepening of the channel, has 
gradually passed away. In proof of this, we know 
that logs, leaves, nuts and other vegetation are often 
found buried under the surface at various depths. 
sometimes as low as twenty feet. Mr. Fox, in his 
" lli-tory of Dunstable," relates that when tic exca- 
vation lor the foundation id' the lock- near the junc- 
tion of the Nashua and Merrimack River- was made, 
in L 825, at a spot about one hundred feet from the 
Nashua River, and at a depth of many feet below the 
surface, the workmen found logs anil a quantity of 
charred coals, evidently the remains of a fire. Such 
discoveries are not infrequent in all alluvial lands. 
The time of deposit, geologically considered, was re- 
cent ; chronologically estimated it was exc linuU 

remote. The soil thus funned is tree from stone, 
easy of cultivation and for a time very productive. 

Alter girdling the trees and piling the brushwood, 
the ground was carefully burned over in autumn. 
With the coining of spring each squaw began to pre- 
pare h.r patch for planting. The Indian apostle. 
John Elliot, writing from observation, describes these 
patches as usually containing about half an acre 
each, though occasionally be saw one of a whole acre. 
Often a dozen or more of them were contiguous, thus 
insuring a better protection from the coons, crows and 
squirrels. 

The implements of the Indian- were rudi and sim- 
ple. The student of to-day will bear in mind that 
the aboriginal race in North America three centuries 
ago were living in primitive barbarism, entirely igno- 
rant of the use of the metals, or of any of the arts 
and discoveries of civilization. They were "the un- 
tutored children of nature." The bow and arrow, 
spear and club were their warlike weapons; the birch 
canoe was their highest idea id navigation : the -tone 
hammer, wed-.- and gouge, and bom- needle made up 
their mechanical outfit ; the -tone pestle, earthen pot, 
flint knife, the ladle and spoon of horn constituted 
their cooking utensils ; while the stone axe and hoe 
were the implements of tillage. 

The impression that the Indian axe was ever used 
as a cutting instrument is an error. It was an imple- 
ment for pounding rather than for cutting. No vari- 
ety of stone, whether granite, greenstone, trap or 
jasper can furnish an edge of sufficient firmness and 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



tenacity to successfully penetrate wood. The red man 
rarely felled a tree, and when he did, it was by the aid of 

pitch and tire. He uscil the axe for splitting wood, peel- 
ing bark and pounding the ash for basket materials. 
To the squaw it was of service in digging up bushes 
ami mots, and mellowing the soil; but alter the 
ground was prepared for planting, the hoe was the 
main implement used by the women, on whom de- 
volved the toil of cultivating the land. It was made 
of granite, or oftener of hard slate, having the shape 
of the carpenter's adze, and with a deep groove 
cut around the head to secure it to the handle. The 
handle was a withe. SO pliant as to lie twisted tightly 
in the groove around the head of the hoe; it was then 
fastened with a strip of raw-hide. Both the withe 
and the raw -hide wire made firm by drying before the 
handle would lie serviceable. Such an implement 
would be of little use in hard, stony ground, hut in 
the nit How loam of the intervale it sufficed to form 
the hills and remove the intruding weeds. The corn 
was of several colors, smaller of kernel and quicker 
in maturing than we are now accustomed to plant. 
The tribes of the Merrimack Valley began to plant 

"when the leaves of the white oak were as large as 
the ear of the mouse." From this habit was derived 
the adage of the first white settlers, — 



The s.piaws attended diligently to the plowing 
corn, planting it in rows and hilling in much the 
.same way we do. Some of the abandoned corn-fields 
on the intervales of Hudson retained for years the 
shape of the hills of corn as they were left by the 
natives. After several seasons, when the grounds be- 
came exhausted, they dressed the soil with shad and 
alewives. These fish luckily arrived in immense num- 
bers just before planting-time, and were easily caught 
in everj brook or rivulet tributary to the river. Tut- 
ting a single fish in each hill was enough to -<•• me a 
good yield. 

To the red men corn, the especial product of the 
western continent, was a rich gift. It springs luxuri- 
antly from a rich, fresh soil, and in the warm loam, 
with little aid from cultivation, soon outstrips the 
weeds. It hears not ten, nor twenty, hut three hun- 
dred-fold. If once dry, it is hurt neither by heat nor 
cold, may he preserved in a pit or cave tin- years and 
even centuries, is gathered from the field by hand 
without knife or pruning-hook, and becomes nutri- 
tious food by a simple roasting or parching before a 
fire. 

Besides corn, beans, squashes, pumpkins, melons 
and gourds, all of them indigenous, were more or less 
grown. Before ripening, the corn was often roasted 
for immediate use. When boiled in kernels it was 
called samp. When pounded in a mortar and boiled 
it was called hominy. When boiled with an equal 
quantity of beans it was called succotash. The squash 



and pumpkin were cooked by boiling or steam- 
ing, and used with other food. In summer the rasp- 
berry and blackberry were freely eaten, and in 
autumn the squaws, aided by the children, searched 
the forests for nuts, gathering chestnuts, beech-nuts, 
walnuts and acorus for food in winter. The acorns 
were parched and ground and mixed with eorn-nical. 

The hunting of wild animals was something more 
than an occupation to the red man. It was an amuse- 
ment, and sometimes an inspiration. The forests 
thickly covering the numerous hills of this county 
abounded with foxes, raccoons, rabbits, woodchucks 
and squirrels. In the fall the bear was sometimes 
caught, and in the early winter venison often hung 
from the rafters of the wigwam. These animals were 
timidand wary, and could he approached only by 
stealth. To get within how-shot required much skill, 
as well as patience, and was often unsuccessful at 
last. Hence other contrivances were resorted to. 
flaps and snares of various kinds, adapted to the size 
and habits of '.he animal sought after, we're extensively 
used. For deer a driving-yard was built, forming a 
figure like the letter V, at some place known to be a 
resort of this animal. Placing the best marksmen at 
the a]. ex, the rest of the party, forming a line, beat 
the outlying woods so as to drive the deer within the 
inclosure, from which they could escape only through 
(he opening at the apex. Here they were usually 
snared or shot. 

The wild pigeon is said to have been surprisingly 
numerous before, and for a t ime after, the advent of 
the wdiite population. Thousands, in August and 
September, would at twilight alight upon two or three 
adjacent forest-trees, many bushels of them to be 
taken before dawn by the natives. The Indians 
rarely eat raw meat. Usually it was roasted upon 
split sticks or wooden forks, or broiled upon live 
coals. When meat was boiled, it was with corn or 
beans, and if the earthen pot was wanting, a wooden 

trOUgh WaS Used to conk tile fond h\ throwing heated 

stones into the water. In eating, they used neither 
knife nor fork, and drank from a gourd or birch-bark 
cup. 

The tribes of the Merrimack Valley were attracted 
by the great Dumber and superior quality of the fish 
which annually ascended the river in the early [.art 
of May. The announcement of their arrival was re- 
ceived with shouts, yells and every evidence of -alis- 
faction. It was the jubilant event of the year. All 

the tribes gathered at the fishing haunts. Cat s, 

seines, ton lies and spears were in demand. There 
was usually such an abundance of the'fish that salmon 
only were selected as palatable. .Many wen taken 
with the stone-pointed spear. More were caught 
with the seines made of wild hemp and the inner 
bark of the elm and spruce. But in the height of the 
''run," in the small streams the club was often the 
more effective, and heaps of salmon were thrown upou 
the banks, where the squaws with their flint knives 



NASHUA. 



143 



stood ready to dress them, splitting them and laying 
them upon the turf to dry. At aight they were taken 
to the wigwam and hung around the centre-pole to be 
cured by the smoke. Each night was passed in danc- 
ing and feasting, — a kind of jubilee for the success of 
the day. 

The wigwams were built by the squaws. They 
were rude structures made of eight or ten poles set 
round in the form of a cone, having a stout centre- 
pole, to which all the others were bent and fastened 
with a strong rope of hark. This rude frame was cov- 
ered with hark or mats, leaving an opening at the top 
for the smoke to escape. There was rather a low 
opening in the side of the wigwam left for the purpose 
of a doorway, over which a hear or a deerskin was 
suspended to answer the purpose of a door. This was 
pushed aside when any one wished to enter or go out. 
A huge pin was driven into the centre-pole upon 
which to hang the kettle. At the base of this pole, 
under the pin, was placed edgewise a large Hat stone, 
against which the fire was made, ami which protected 
the pole from hurning. Rude mats were placed on the 
ground, on which they sat, took their meals and slept. 

The condition of the wigwam was habitually untidy. 
Often in the summer season the contents and sur- 
roundings became so offensive as to compel a removal 
to a new location. This required hut a few hours' 
labor, and was wholly done by the women. Ft is a 
trait of savage character to degrade womanhood. 
With the red man this was universal. The females 
bore the burden of unconditional and unremitting 
servitude. Under the most cruel treatment they had 
no redress. Their utmost efforts ami severest toil had 
no other reward than neglect, it' not indignity. Jt is 
nut strange that mothers of female infants were some- 
times driven to infanticide. 

J'li.' tribes of the Merrimack Valley, though less 
ferocious than the Mohawks of New York and the 
Tarentines of Maine, were addicted to strife and 
bloodshed. Wars were as incessanl and relentless 
before the advent of Europeans as afterwards. Ex- 
tinction had been the lot of many a tribe in the long 
period which preceded the discovery of the continent. 
It required no tedious effort for a chief to fire tie 
heart of every warrior in his clan, and once enlisted, 
there was no risk of desertion. The red men were not 
wanting in courage and persistance. Their wars were 
terrible, not from their numbers, for on an\ one ex- 
pedition they rarely exceeded a hundred men ; it was 
the parties of -i-.. or seven which were most to be 
dreaded, especially in a war of retaliation. Skill con- 
sisted in surprising the enemy unaware-. They fol- 
lowed his trail to kill him when he slept, or they laid 
in ambush near his wigwam, and watched for an op- 



portunity of suddenly attacking ami destroying him, 
ami usually his squaw and children after him, ami 
taking their scalps, hastened back in triumph to their 
tribe with their trophies dangling from their belts. 
It was the danger of just such strategy and barbarity 
that for two-thirds of a century made every white 
family in Dunstable feel insecure. 

The earliest explorers spoke of the birch canoe as 
the possession of every Indian family. Its construc- 
tion required skill rather than strength. A light 
frame-work of ash or white-oak was first made, and 
this was tightly covered with white birch-bark, care- 
fullj -eh, led, with tin' several pieces neatly sewed 

together with the sinews of s e animal or the twine 

of wild hemp. The seams were made tight with 
pitch. These canoes were from twelve to fifteen feet 
in length, were propelled by paddles not unlike thote 
now in use, and would carry from three to five persons, 
who sat on the bottom oft he canoe. It floated gracefully, 
and both sexes acquired great facility in using it. 
The occasions for using the canoe on the Merrimack 
were frequent, inasmuch as the land on both sides of 
the river was more or less occupied. " At almost any 

hour," wrote Captain Willard. " one could see at the. 
mouths of the Nashua and Souhegan the natives 
going to and fro in their canoe-.'' 

The clothing of the natives in summer was an apron 
made of skin, fastened around (he waist ; in winter a 
bear-skin, or a jacket made of smaller skins. They 
wore skin moccasins on their feet, and to these, when 
traveling upon the deep and soft snow, the oval- 
shaped show-shoes were hound, on which, though 
cumbersome to the novice, the Indian hunter could 
well-nigh outstrip the wind. 

Tin' natives of the eastern continent have enduring 
monuments of their ancestors. The savage red men 
who for ages occupied the Merrimack Valley left no 
obelisk or pyramid, no ruin of walled cown or temple. 
The stone implements buried in the soil they occupied 
are the only visible evidence of their having existed. 
These are most abundant around the water-falls at 
Ainoskeag, the Weirs, Suncook and l'awtucket, but 
they have also been found on almost every acre of 
intervale between Lake Winnipesaukee and New- 

buryport. Around the A skeag Falls antiquarians 

have picked up thousands of the stone arrow and 
spear-heads with which they pointed their weapons. 
In excavations at Sanbornton Bay have been found 

stone axes, steatite pipes, coarse fragments of pottery 
and rude ornaments. On the alluvial plough-lands 
of Nashua have been dug up stone pestles, hatchets, 
gouges, knives, sinkers and arrow-points, — the sole 
relics of a niee who were unable to survive the ap- 
proach of civilization. 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



NASHUA— {Continued.) 
I ROM ■nil I [RST SETTLEMENT TO 1702. 

M.,k n: _ I I.Ui.l I.: Hit- — Ol.lT't.T llranted to I'm. -I, 

i,i.i.,t . - Boui laries of the Township— Withdrawal oi the Indians— 

M ..-. -Lot- Ineeitain I'll.' ■ >l Settlement— King Philip's 

•\ i .ni, - Wiir— 1 i.-ittli ,,f Hi.- Ila—ll Family— Garrisun 
ll..nse-— r..\.rt\ iniil Hardships. 

"I.'.-II.- HI, ill--,' Lit. -Hi IHI.l L r 1 

Who here in pel il stood. 

Ami raised their II v mu. 
Pea. - to thi i evi - 

! i thai on their head 
Two hundred years I 

Shall ne'er grow .111. i. ■■-./.,/,,. l'tn-povt. 

Ai ri.i; tlic earliest settlements in New Hampshire, at 
Dover ami Portsmouth, in 1623, the growth of popu- 
lation was, for some years, -low. The first settlers of 
these two towns were speculators, rather than farmers, 
and this circumstance < 1 i< 1 not strongly attract new- 
comers. 

.Meanwhile, the settlements of the Massachusetts 

colony grew rapidly. From 1650 t.. L665 was a 
period of unwonted activity ami prosperity. In 16iw 
tin- settlements had extended northward to Chelms- 
ford ami Groton. The Massachusetts colonii 
incut, disregarding the Masonian claim, and consider- 
ing all that part of New Hampshire south of Lake 
Winnipesaukee within her own limits, began to dis- 
tribute grants of land in the Merrimack Valley as 
far north as the present towns of Merrimack and 
Litchfield. Four hundred acres of land were granted 

to John Whiting, lying on the south side ol Sail i 

Brook and extending up the brook one mile. In 1673 
a grant of one thousand acres, on the north side of 
Nashua River, was mad.- to the Ancient and Honor- 
able Artillery Company of Boston. It was hounded 
on tin east by the Merrimack River and on the 
south by the Nashua. It included that part of the 
present city north of the river, and was called the 
"Artillery Farm." From thi- circumstance the little 
pond, which a few years ag :upied the cen- 
tral part of North Common, was called Artillery 
Pond. After owning this tract for seventj years the 
company sold it to Colonel Joseph Blauchard, a man 
of note in the early history of Dunstable. 

Numerous other grants were made on both sides of 
tin- river until llieii aggregate was fourteen thousand 
acres It became desirable, therefore, to consolidate 

these grants into an incorporation, SO as to 3i to 

the inhabitants all the privileges of an organized 
township. Accordingly, in 1673, the proprietors of 
the farms already laid out, and others who were dis- 
posed to settle here, presented a petition n. ill.- gov- 
ernment of Massachusetts, of which the following is 
a verbatim copy : 

" ('.- the /foil.,,-../ (.'.il-. -n,,,.-. /',, .1.(11 !,.... i-ii. .,-, i. ith (/.. .U. 

s.-iii/./.-,/ ,., tin- .'.-.. .-.../ .-,.„.' ,,/ /.'.'..'. „. s.7.1. ,.,/,.> I'-, it-: ; 

"'I'll.- I', -tin. .11 of 11.,- Proprietor- ol th,- farms linn in. ],,,,] ,iii up. .il 

11,.- Mel rim in- k I In,- 1 .ni'l pi - i, I ,,,-,, I Mill --I I,' 1 „ I," -I, ,,, 1 - , - 1 

wilh th, 111 in tin- settlement of .. plantation tli.-r.- : 



the 



VII . 



.-opt th- pun.- i t.. make a 

plantation there ; ami there 1,-m: a .-..n-id. i..l.].- niiiiiI,, i ..I p- t- -n- w ho 
are of sober and ..i.I.-rly . oiiv.r-ation. wh, 1. stand .1. need of great ac- 

.■oiiiinodatioii... who at.- willing: I.. make iiiipi..\. ni.-nt ..t (he -aid \a. an I 
lands: And the proprietor, ot the -aid fauns ale v. illine to aid those 
that shall improve the -aid land- th-- t.u-m- .-f those thai are within 
the tract ot land before -I— ■ ribed, being about I 1,000 acresat the least — 
" Your Potitioni - , tl refon numbly request the favor of the Honor- 
able Court that 1 1. ,\ Mill - lalit tin- -aid tia, t ,,1 land t,, \ 01 II I '<-t it ioti.rs 
and to s.i.h a- v ill |oin w ith th.-in ill th. settlement of the lands I, ef,.re 

mentioned, so those who have improved their farms and thoe who i] 

tend to ,1,, so, ma \ he in a H,i. t,, -11 pj, ,,it tie ordinances ot In..], without 
which they will he mostly deprived, the farms lyino so remote from any 
(own-; And farther, that the Honorahle I olirt will ph-a-e -taut the like 
immunities to this plantation as they have formerly L'rant.-.l t, ,-tl,-i 

plantation- So shall your Petitioners ver engaged to praj - 

"1. Thomas Brattle, 14. Thomas I'd-,.,, Is, 

■_-, Jonathan Tyng, 15 Thomas Wheelei 

3, Joseph Wheeler, 16. l'eter HlllUleV, 

Parkeson, it, Joseph Parker, 

;,. Robert CM.. 1- Join, Mi i-,' 

6. John Turner, 19. S uel ' ombB, 

7. Sampson Sheafe, 20. James Parker, Jr., 

8. Samuel Scarlet, -1 John Parker, 
-a. Will, mi i I ... I . ..I .' ' Josiah Parker, 
p, v., mam Pin I,, i ■-.:■■ Nathaniel Blood, 

11. .lames Knapp, -I Robert rams, 

12. Robert I'm, tor. 2 >. John Jolifle, 

13. Simon Willard, Jr., 26. Zachariah Long." 

On the 26th of October this petition was granted, 
and the township of Dunstable chartered. It was 
granted with the condition universally required, viz., 
that "at least twenty actual settlers shall be in the 
township within three years, that a meeting-house 
shall he built and an aide and orthodox minister shall 
l.e obtained." These requirements were complied 
with by the specified time. 

The township of Dunstable, thus organized, was a 

tract of about two hundred square miles, or one hun- 
dred and twenty-eight thousand acres. It had long 
been the favorite home of the savages, though their 
number, some years previous, had been greatly 
diminished by a raid of their hereditary enemy, the 
bloodthirsty Mohawks. It included the present city 
of Nashua, the towns of Hudson, Hollis, Dunstable 
and Tyngshorough. besides portions of the town- of 
Amherst. Milford, Merrimack, Litchfield, London- 
derry, Pelham, Draeut. Brookline, Groton and Pep- 
perell. It extended ten to twelve mile- wot ot the 
Merrimack, and three to live milts east of it, and its 
ngth, from north to south, was from twelve 
to fourteen miles. The present city of Nashua is 
very nearly the centre of the original township ot' 
1 (unstable, — the name that Nashua continued t.. bi ai 
till within the recollection of many citizens now liv- 
ing. The name Dunstable issaid to have been given 
in compliment to Mrs. Mary, wife of Edward Tyng 

and i her of Jonathan Tyng, one of the grantees 

and one of thi most prominent of the first settlers. 



145 



She was a native of a town of that name in the south 
of England. 

By the granting of this charter the twenty-six pe- 
titioners became the owners of all the nngranted 
lands within the boundaries of Dunstable, which, if 
equally shared, would have given to each of them not 
less than four thousand acres. What recompense 
the Indians received for their lauds is not known. 
Some ten years alter the granting of the charter it is 
said that seventy dollars in silver was paid to the 
Wamesits, of Chelmsford, and the same sum to the 
sachem at Souhcgan, for their claims ; but there is no 
evidence that the Nashaways received any considera- 
tion. As the most of the tribe and the chief sachem 
lived at Lancaster, Mass., it is probable the few 
families remaining here went northward with the 
majority of their tribe, and received little or no 
recompense. 

The little Indian settlement at the mouths of 
Nashua River and Salmon Brook, when visited by 
Captain Simon Willard in 1652, bail only forty war- 
riors. It is known that, in 1669, they joined the 
Penacooks in an expedition against the Mohawks, in 
which the most of them perished. The remnant, 
dispirited and powerless, are said to have united with 
the Wamesits, and soon after migrated with them 
northward. Afterwards nothing was distinctively 
known of them. 

The twenty-six grantees, and the settlers uniting 
with them, before taking possession of their ample 
domain, made a compact for the equitable division 
and disposal of their lands, h was evident that, for 
their mutual protection, the occupied lands must he 
contiguous. The most desirable locality for safety, 
convenience ami favorable soil appeared to be the 
land bordering on the Merrimack River, below Salmon 
Brook. It was agreed that each actual settler, as a 
personal right, should have a "house-lott" of eligible 
land, not to exceed thirty acres. Jonathan Danforth, 
an experienced surveyor, was employed to establish 
boundaries. These house-lots were laid out with a 
base on the Merrimack River, and reaching, side by 
side, southward as tar as the present State line. These 
lots, having a narrow base, extended westward toward 
Salmon Brook. 

It is evident that settlements had been commenced 
on some of these lots several years before 1673, as we 
find on the town records that at a meeting of the 
proprietors and the settlers in the fall of that year it 
was voted that "the first meeting-bouse should be 
built between Salmon Brook and the house "1 Lieut. 
Wheeler, as convenient as may lie. for the accom- 
modation of the settlers." In 1675 orchards are in- 
cidentally spoken of as already having some growth. 
Therefore, while the exact date of the first settlement 
within the present limits of Nashua cannot be defi- 
nitely established, it is certain that the fust pioneers 
built their cabins neat Salmon I'.vook between 1665 
and 1670. It was. in truth, a frontier hamlet, having 



no white settlement on the north nearer than t'anada, 
on the east nearer than Exeter, on tin' west nearer 
than Albany. 

Two j ears later, in the summer of 1675, the bloodj 
war begun by the crafty and cruel King Philip, 
chief oi the Wampanoags, hurst upon the New Eng- 
land colonies. It meant the extermination of the 
wdiites. 

The nvw towns of Lancaster and Groton were 
burned, the inhabitants killed, carried away captives 
or driven from their homes. Chelmsford was at- 
tacked, and but for the intervention of Wanolancet, 
chief of the Penacooks, Dunstable would have been 
overwhelmed. So alarming was their situation that, 
at the approach of winter, the settlers of Dunstable, 
with theexi eption of Jonathan Tyng, lied to the older 
settlements. Tyng bad a strongly fortified house, two 
miles below the present State line, in what is now 
Tyngsborough, Mass., and he resolved to defend it to 
the last. A. small guard was sent to him from Boston, 
and with this little hand he held the fort till the end 
of the war. 

Peace eame again in the spring of 1678. Tin- 
fugitive settlers at Salmon Brook returned, and it is 
said that the first meeting-house was built during 
the same year. It was made of logs, with rude ap- 
pointments, but well represented the ability of the 
congregation. The ensuing year, 1117V, the planta- 
tion, as it was called, secured and settled Rev. Thomas 
Weld, as the first " learned and orthodox minister," 
among them. He settled in the south part of the 
town, on html now included in the " Highland Farm," 
and then known as the " ministerial lot." < )ther events 
worthy of note occurred the same year. Among them 
was the building of the first saw-mill in Southern New 
Hampshire, located on Salmon Brook, at A lid's bridge, 
southeast of the Harbor. There was an old beaver- 
dam at that place, and it required little labor to pre- 
pare the site for the mill. The first bridge over 
Salmon Brook was built this year by John Sollendine, 
a carpenter, whose marriage, the next year ( L680), was 
the first which took place in the town. 

In 1679, by the royal decrei of Charles II., the 
"merry monarch" of England, New Hampshire was 
erected into a "royal province," independent of Mas- 
sachusetts, of which she bad been an appendage since 
1641. Dunstable, however, still remained under the 
jurisdiction of Massachusetts, and continued to be 
governed by Massachusetts laws till the settlement of 
the boundary line, sixty-two years later, in 1741. It 
\\:is better for the early settlers of Dunstable that the 
authority of the Massachusetts colony should con- 
tinue i" exist. All of them bad been re 
that colony. All of their business interests and social 
relations were centred there. An untraversed forest 
<if forty miles separated them from the nearest New 
Hampshire settlement, at Exeter, and in the terrible 
ol Dunstable to savage attacks hei reliance 
foraid was entirely upon Massachusetts. In addition 



146 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY. NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



i" inaccessibility, the population of New Hampshire 
in 1678 did not exceed four thousand. 

King William's Ten Years' War.— War. in its 
best aspects, is a terrible calamity. When a people 
few in number, ami almost defenseless, are assailed 
by a merciless foe, it becomes the most terrible scourge 
that can befall a people. After an unquiet peace of 
nine years, in 1688 the war known in history as King 
William's, one of the fierce conflicts between the 
English and French nations, was, in its beginning, 
signalized in the New England colonies by the mas- 
sacre of Major Waldron and twentj others at Dover, 
by the Penacook and Eastern Indians, and the carry- 
ing off of a larger number as captives to Canada. 

The power of the native warriors left to themselves 
would have been suppressed after a few skirmishes. 
But the French possessions stretching all along the 
northern frontier were strongly garrisoned by French 
soldiers, and as a tierce war was raging between Eng- 
land and France, the Canadian forces of the latter 
were commanded to use all direct and indirect means 
to assail and weaken the English colonics. 

The French government saw the advantage of se- 
curing the Indians as allies. All of the New England 
as well as the ( lanadian tribes had been conciliated by 
being treated as allies, and not subjected dependants, 
by the French officials. They were taught the use of 
the musket, and were supplied with an abundance of 
firearms, blankets and provisions for border warfare. 
They had already been taught by the Jesuit mission- 
aries that they were a wronged race, and that English 
supremacy meant the extinction of the red man. The 

Penacooks, who had now largely removed to Ci la, 

had felt the truth of this. The desire for vengeance 
was intensely stimulated, and they hastened to attack 
the frontier New England settlements. 

The same party of Indians which had desolated 
Dover had planned an attack on Dunstable, but its 
execution was prevented by a timely discovery of the 
plot. The government sent a mounted patrol to pro- 
tect the settlement. For a time it did good service, 
but on the evening of September 2, 1691, the savages 
suddenly attacked the house of Joseph llassell, Sr., 
which stood on the north sideofSalmon Brook, on a 

knoll just in the rear of the brick cottag the 

Allds road, a few rods north of the bridge. The as- 
sault was unexpected, llassell and his wife. Anna, their 
son, Benjamin, and Mary .Marks, a kinswoman, were 
killed. They were all buried on the knoll, near the 
bouse, and for many years a rough stone marked the 
spot. The only record of the massacre is the follow- 
ing brief note, probably written by Lev. Mr. Weld at 
the time : 



i i in ti'i'.n. 



tain b3 our Indian 
enemies on Sept. 2d, in 
, J tbe evening. 

Harks, was slain by the 



Jos.-pli Hassel, Senior, 
Anna Kassell, his wife, 
Benj. llassell, their son, 
the daughtt 
dians, ale i Sept 2d, in the evening." 

On the morning of September 28th a party of In- 
dians attacked and killed, on the south bank of the 
Nashua River, Obadiah Perry and Christopher Temple, 
two active and useful citizens who were among tbe 
original settlers of the tofl n. 

The protracted anil incessant peril of the settlers at 
Salmon Brook was so great that no new-comers ar- 
rived, and in 1696 half of the families had left for the 
lower towns. There is no authentic record of any 
further attack upon Dunstable after the slaughter of 
Perry ami Temple, but the growth of the town was 
paralyzed, and the seventeenth century closed with a 
gloomy prospect for the settlers of Dunstable. 

There were at this time at Salmon Brook four gar- 
rison-houses, as they were called, and the Massachu- 
setts colonial government stationed about twenty sol- 
diers at these outposts, as a protection against any 
savage or French raids. These fortified houses con- 
sisted of a strongly-built log house, about twenty-four 
led square, surrounded by a wooden stockade, built 
of timbers standing upright, twelve feet high, with 
the gates as well as tic house-doors secured by iron 
bolts and bars. King William's War lasted ten years. 
Cotton Mather wrote of it as "the decade of sorrows." 
The number of families in Upper Dunstable (now 
Nashua) was reduced to twenty. The foil. .wing is 
i he list of the heads of families in 1(199. The number 
of inhabitants did not probably exceed one hundred 
and twenty. 



Mr. Thomas Weld 
Mr. Samuel Searle. 

Nathaniel 1:1 n,. I, ml 
Joseph P.laiuhanl. 

Thomas Blanchard 

TIlellKoCtnilllllll^S. 

Rob. ii I '. 1 1 i 
Samuel French. 
Thomas Lunn (Lund) 
Isaac Whiting. 



John s,,!!,.,,,!],,,, 

Mr, Samuel Whiting. 

\1 lahatn ' 'UUIIllilie.S. 

I;..!.. ,i l .1,. 
John I'uuiniings. 
John Lovewell. 

Joseph llassell. 
William Ilarwood. 
Nathaniel Cunnniiigs. 
Daniel Galusba. 



In 17D1 the selectmen of the town petitioned the 
Genera] Court for aid in the support of the ministry, 
and tit some length set forth their condition and suf- 
ferings. It appeared that one-half of the residents, 
being new settlers, had not raised enough corn and 
grain for their own families, and none of the citizens 
ware much, if tiny, above need. This petition was 
signed by .Joseph Farwell, Robert Barris and William 
Tyng, as selectmen. In answer to this petition the 
sum of twelve pounds was allowed the town from tbe 
treasury. 



NASHUA. 



C H A P T E I! I V . 

NASHUA— ( Continued.) 

INDIAN WARS FROM 1 7' (J TO 17M. 

Watanuck Fort— m Anne's War— Slaughter of the Parris Family— 

Weld's Fort— Careless Scouts— Fate "I the Ualu-lia Family— Joe Eng- 
lish—Sad Condition of Dnnstahle— Indian Tactics and .in.-llv— \ 
Brief Peaee — Capture of Cross and Illanehurd— Fate of Lieutenant 
French and Party — Escape of F:u well— Indian Head. 

Late in the autumn of 1702 the General Court of 
Massachusetts authorized the building of a fort, not 
to exceed forty feet square, at " Watanuck," the Indian 
name forSalmon Brook. It was fortified with a stock- 
ade of hewn timber, and stood about sixty rods north 
of Salmon Brook, and about the same distance east of 
Main Street, on the premises now owned by Elbridge 
G. Reed. The cellar, which was deep, has been 
filled, and a thrifty walnut-tree planted by Mr. 
Reed now marks the spot. This fort was occupied by 
a small garrison, consisting of eleven men, namely: 
William Tyng, lieutenant; John Bowers, sergeant; 
Joseph Butterlield, drummer; John Spalding, John 
Cummings, Joseph Hassell, Ebenezer Cummings, 
Daniel Galusha, Paul Fletcher, Samuel French and 
Thomas Lund, privates. Most of these men were 
residents, and in the day-time the presence of onl) 
four soldiers was required at the fort. 

In 1703 war was renewed between England and 
France. It lasted ten years, and is known in history 
as Queen Ann's War. The Indians, instigated by 
Jesuit priests, and equipped by the French Governor, 
made a general attack on all the frontier settle- 
ments. Within six weeks two hundred whites along 
the northern frontier were killed or carried into cap- 
tivity. The Massachusetts colonial government, 
alarmed by these massacres, offered a bounty of forty 
pounds lone hundred and forty dollars) for every 
Indian scalp. 

It was ii after the beginning of this war that the 

garrison of Robert Parris was surprised, and himself 
and family massacred. He lived in the south part of 
the town, on the main road to Chelmsford, just south 
of the site now occupied by the " Highland Farm " 
buildings, lie was a large land proprietor, and had 
been selectman and representative of the town. Just 
at the close of twilight the savages attacked the 
house. Unfortunately, the door was unfastened, and, 
having gained an entrance, they killed Mr. Parris. 
his wile and oldest daughter. Two small girls, who 
composed the rest of the family, ran down into the 
cellar, and crept under an empty hogshead. The 
savages plundered the house, struck with their toma- 
hawks upon the hogshead, but in the dark failed to 
examine closely. They left, leaving the house un- 
burned, probably tearing the flames would alarm the 
neighbors. The orphan girls were sent to their rela- 
tives in Charlestown, Mass., where they were raised 
and educated. 

In the summer of 1706 a party of Mohawks, two 
10 



hundred and seventy in number, came East to attack 
the New Hampshire settlements. For centuries they 
had been accustomed to make mid-summer raids to the 
Merrimack Valley, and sometimes to the sea-coast be- 
yond for plunder. Vermont and Western New Hamp- 
shire had been depopulated by them, for they spared 
none. The red men having departed, they now fell 
upon the white settlers. Their first descent was upon 
Dunstable, on July 3d, where they entered the" Weld 
fort," a garrison-house so named for the Rev. Mr. Weld, 
who died in 1702. Strangely, there were twenty 
troopers in it. These men, who were mounted scouts, 
had been ranging the wood, and toward night reached 
the garrison. Apprehending no danger, they turned 
thcirhorsesloo.se upon the intervale, and without a 
sentry began a night carousal. A detachment of Mo- 
hawks, lurking in the vicinity, had intended to attack 
both WiM's and Galusha's garrisons on the same 
night. Spies had been set to watch these garrisons to 
see that no assistance arrived, ami no alarm w^as 
given. A short time before the approach of the cav- 
alry the spy stationed at Weld's, seeing no move- 
ment, retired to his party, and reported that all was 

s.lle. 

Just after sunset Mr. John Cummings and his wife 
went out to milk the cows, and left the gale ..pen. 
The Indians, who had advanced undiscovered, rushing 
forward, shot Mrs. Cummings dead upon the spot 

and \M.undcl Mr. Cummings. They then rushed 
through the open gate into the house with the horri- 
ble yells ..I' conquering savages, but halted with 
amazement mi finding the room filled with soldiers 
merrily feasting. Both parties were astonished, and 
neither showed much self-possession. The soldiers, 
suddenly interrupted in their jovial entertainment, 
found themselves compelled to tight for life, without 
arms, and incapable of obtaining them. Most of them 
wen- panic-struck, and unable to tight or fly. For- 
tunately, six or seven courageous souls, with chairs, 
benches or whatever else they could seize, furiously 
attacked the advancing foe. The savages, surprised 
and disconcerted, rushed from the house without any 
loss, save a few sore heads. 

There are conflicting accounts as to the loss of the 
troopers. Penhallow, who wrote a history of the 
Indian wars, and was a contemporary author, says 
that about one-halt' of the troopers were killed by the 
Indians, who had loaded guns on entering the fort; 
while another and probably less reliable account 
says that no one save the trumpeter, who was blow- 
ing his horn in the attic when he saw the Indians en- 
tering, was shot fatallj at the bead of the stairway. 
fin carelessness of the soldiers was very deservedly 
censured. Cummings, who was wounded outside, 
fled with a broken arm to the woods while the sav- 
ages were engaged in the house. That night he lay 
in a swamp a few rods south of the State line, and the 
next morning reached the garrison just above the 
present Tyngsborough village. 



Us 



HISTOKY OF HILLS BOUOUGH COUNTY. NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



The same nigh I the [ndians attacked the fortified 

1 se of Daniel Galusha, two miles westward, and 

near the preseul residence of Willard Ouramings. 
The inmates were three men, one woman and one boy. 
They fought bravely, but finding that the [ndians 

were kindling a ii utside, endeavored to escape. 

One ai counl says thai one man and the boy escaped, 
but Penhallow writes that only the- woman escaped. 
When the assault grew dangerous she sought con- 
cealment in the cellar. Hastily plundering the 
house, and thinking they had killed all the inmates, 
the savages set fire to the house and immediately 
left. The woman, finding the house in flames, tried 
to escape by the cellar window, but found it too 
small. By effort she removed a stone, forced a pass- 
age, and crawling over burning cinders, reached the 
nearest bushes, from whence in the morning she fled 
to a neighboring garrison. 

On the same night of the attack on the Weld and 
Galusha garrisons, the Indians, at a later hour, prob- 
ably past midnight, assaulted the house of Nathaniel 
Blanchard, three miles below Salneni Brook, and near 
the old cemetery in the south part of the town. It 
appears from the ancient town records that Nathaniel 
Blanchard, his wile. Susannah, his daughter, Susannah, 
and his brother's wile, Hannah, all four " died " by the 
hands of the savages on the night of the 3d of July, 
1706. Captain Samuel Whiting was taken prisoner 
on Long Hill, and carried to Canada. He returned 
after several years of captivity, but for many years 

after was an invalid on a. nut of his wounds and 

sufferings. 

Three weeks later, on the 27th of July, Captain 
Butterfield and wife, mounted on the same horse, 
started to ride from Dunstable to ( Ihelmsford. They 
were accompanied by the well-known friendly Indian. 
Joe English, and another soldier as a guard, English 
going before and the soldier in the rear of the mounted 
eonple. They had just crossed the present State line, 
and reached 1 1 old en's Brook, when a party of Indians 
in ambush tired and killed the horse. Captain But- 
terfield and the soldier escaped, but his wife was taken 
prisoner. Joe English, however, was the chief object 
of pursuit, and they at once ran toward him. With 
his loaded musket he made all possible haste to reach 
the nearest thicket, when a hall struck the arm hold- 
ing the gun, which compelled himtodrop it. .Inst as 
he reached the thicket another hall broke his thigh. 
Undaunted by tortures, he hravelv met his death. 

Joe English was an Agawam Indian, horn in Ips- 
wich. Mass., the son of a noted sachem, lie possessed 
unusual sagacity and on several occasions had noti- 
fied the white settlers of the terrific attack- about to 
he made on them, for this (he northern savages had 
sworn a terrible revenge. Many traditional stories 
ha\ e been told of his ingenuity and prowess. ( If his 
fidelity, courage, adventures and hairbreadth escai.es 
there is no doubt. His death was lamented as a pub- 
lic loss. The (on, i-il .Weinhh of Massachusetts 



made a grant to his widow and two children " because 
he died in the service of tin' country." His memory 
was long cherished as one who fell by the hands of 

his own rac I account of his friendship for the 

whites. A noted bill in New Boston, easy of ascent 
on the north and terminating in a precipice on the 
south side, perpetuates his name. 

Queen Anne's War bore heavily on all the New 
Hampshire settlements, then numbering only five, — 
Portsmouth, Dover, Exeter, Hampton and Dunstable. 
The scholarly Penhallow, who was an actor in this 
war and wrote a history of it, inscribed the title-page 
of his 1 k with these sail words, — 

■' Nrs.'in t.l .il.ll.ll- ... I.r. In], to 111. .1- u< ..!.' 

II quod -i cis, aci ibere i potui. 

(Vj eh what eyes, reader, you will read this tale 1 know not— 

Tlii.- I .!>> know, mil." w.-re nut .In wli.-ii writing in." 

Feeble and suffering had been the condition of the 
settlers of Dunstable from its earliest years. Fearand 

desolation reigned everywhere. Compelled to dwell 
in garrisons, to labor at the constant peril of life, how 
could the settlers thrive'.' Dunstahle was scarcely 
more advanced in 1714 than in KiNO. so disastrous had 
been the effect of the long and bloody wars. Many of 
the most useful inhabitants had been slain or taken 

captive, especially heads of families. Some had re- 
moved to places mon secure from Indian depredation. 

Yerv t'vw would einigrateto what might he well termed 
"the dark and bloody ground." It was no time for 
marriage feasts when the bridal procession might at 
even step I. cioinc a funeral one, and the merry laugh 
be dr.. wiicd by the crack of the rifle and the savage 
war-vv hoop. 

The historian Bancroft says: 'The war on the part 
of the Indians was one of ambushes and surprises." 
They were secret as beasts of prey, skillful marksmen, 
swift i.l I....I. patient of fatigue, familiar with every 
path and nook of the forest, and frantic with the pas- 
sion tor vengeance and destruction. The laborer in 
the Held and the woodman felling trees were shot 
down by skulking foes who were invisible. The 
mother left alone in the house was in constant fear of 
the tomahawk for herself and her children. Tin-re was 
no hour of freedom from peril. The dusky red men 
hung upon the >Lirts of the colonial villages " like the 
lightning on the edge of the cloud." 

In 171:; the " peace of Utrecht " closed the war be- 
tween England and France. The Indians, getting no 
supplies from their Canadian allies, were quiet. 
There was an increase of emigration from England, 
and permanent homes now for the first time began 
io extend be) I the long-exposed frontier settle- 
ment below the junction of the Nashua with the Mer- 
rimack River. As early as 171H settlements were 
made in Hudson; Londonderry was settled in 1719; 
Litchfield and Chester in 1720 ; Merrimack and Pel- 
ham in 172:1. In 1722the Maine [ndians, instigated, 
it was said, by the Jesuit missionary, Father Rasle, 
began depredations at Portsmouth, Dover and the 



U!» 



farming settlements in the vicinity, the Pequawkets, 
under the lead of Paugus, joining them in plundering 
corn-fields and destroying tattle. 

Early in thespring of 1724, Lieutenant Jabez Fair- 
banks, ofGroton, took i imand of a scouting-partj 

organized to protect the frontier settlers. Sixofthe 
scouts — Joseph Blanchard, Thomas Lund, Isaac Far- 
well, Ebenezer Cumniiiigs, John Usher and Jonathan 
Combs— belonged to Dunstable. They reported that 
no trace of a lurking foe could be discovered in the 
forests north and west of Dunstable. This aews was 
encouraging, and several men at the Harbor went to 
work during the <la\ on the north side of the Nashua 
River, planting corn and collecting turpentine. Dur- 
ing the summer they were not disturbed. This tran- 
quillity, however, was brief. On the morning of Sep- 
tember 4, 1724, Nathan ( Iross and Thomas Blanchard 
started from the Harbor and crossed the Nashua River 
to do a day's work in the pine forest growing on the 
northern hank, on land not far from the present 
Nashua Cemetery. The day was wet and drizzly. 
Reaching their destination, they placed their arms 

and ammunition, as well as their lunch and aci i- 

panying jug, in a hollow log to keep them dry. Dur- 
ing the day they were surrounded by a party of In- 
dians from Canada, who hurried them into captivity. 

Their protracted absence aroused the anxiety of 
their friends and neighbors, and a relief party of ten 
was organized the next morning to make a search for 
the absentees. Lieutenant Ebenezer French was 
chosen leader. When the party arrived at the spot 

where these men had been laboring they i; 1 the 

hoops of the barrels cut and the turpentine spread 
upon the ground. from certain marks upon the 
trees they inferred that the two men were captured 
and carried off alive. 

While examining the premises, Josiah Farwell, 
who was an experienced ranger, noticed that the 
turpentine had not ceased spreading, and called the 
attention of the party to the circumstance. They 
decided that the Indians had been gone hut a short 
time and must he near by. So they determined on 
immediate pursuit. Farwell advised the party to 
take a circuitous route to avoid an ambush; but, 
unfortunately, he ami the commander were person- 
ally at variance. Lieutenant French imputed this 
ad\iee tn cowardice, anil called out, "I am going to 
take the direct path; if any of you are not afraid, let 
him follow me." French led the way ami the whole 
party followed, Farwell taking his position in the 
rear. 

Their route was up the Merrimack, and at the 
brook just above Thornton's berry they were waylaid. 
The Indians tired and killed the larger part instantly. 
The rest fled, but were overtaken. Lieutenant French 
was killed under an oak a mill' from the ambush. 
Farwell in the rear sprang behind a tree, fired and 
fled. The Indians pursued him. The chase was 
close ami doubtful till Farwell reached a thicket, 



where, changing his course, he eluded his foes. He 

was the ,,nh one of the party who escaped. It is 

probable that Lieutenant French and his linn wen 
in it aware oi I he strength of the enemy, hut sup pus. 4 
it to he :m ordinary foraging-party of eight or ten 
warriors, when in reality the Indians numbered 
seventy well-armed men. The next day a large! 

company was mustered, and proceeding to the fatal 
spot, found the dead bodies. Coffins were prepared 

for them, and eight were interred in one capacious 
grave at the ancient burial-ground near the present 
State line. The following epitaph, "spelt by the 
unlettered muse," tell- the 14 I\ tale. The inscrip- 
tion reads thus: 



Some of the fallen were leading and active eiti/eii-, 
whose loss was deeply felt. Among them were Oliver 
Farwell, Thomas Liiml. Ebenezer French, Ebenezer 
Cummings and Benjamin Carter. The two captives, 
Cross and Blanchard, were taken to Canada. Altera 
; eat - captivity they obtained a ransom and returned 
to Dunstable. The gun, jug and lunch-basket were 
found in the hollow log where they had been con- 
cealed the year before. The gun has been carefully 
preserved by the descendants of Mr. Cross; and 
recently one of them, Mr. Levi S. Cross, of this city. 
has presented it to the Nashua Natural History 
Society to he kept among their antiquarian relics. 

it is related by I'enhallow that another light at this 
time toolc place sum. -what above the mouth of the 
Nashua River, and that one white man was killed 
and four wounded. Tradition reports that it was the 
same Indians who captured Cross and Blanchard, 
and who had just vanquished Lieutenant French's 
party. They occupied the north and the whites the 
south bank of the river, 'flic savages grew weary 
and retired. When the white soldiers went over the 
next day to the north side, they found conspicuously 
carved on the trunk of a pine-tree an Indian head, 
from which was derived the mime afterwards given to 
that locality. 



CHA PTER V. 

NASHUA— ( Continued.) 

CAPTAIN JOHN LOVEWELL'S CAMPAIGNS. 

The tin f Pequawkets- Early Training Petiti ted Trip to th( 

:.o- ipei - Reach " LoreweH'e 

c i Fall into an Ambush— A HI ly Fight— Deaths ol Lovewell 

mdP rerribli Suffering -Deaths ol Farwell and Frye— Noah 

.Ji -lins. -ti — l;e*n!t« -if tin' i :ini|iiiiji] 

Lingering among us are a lew aged persons who 

well remember that in their earlv childhood, whin 



150 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



the family were gathered for a winter night around 
the ample hearths of that period, some old man told 
the story of the brave < laptain Lovewell and his com- 
pany, their successes and their misfortunes, till an 
intense interest was awakened in the breast of every 
youthful listener. With the exception of General 
John Stark, no other name in the colonial annals of 
New England is so well known as that of Captain 
John Lovewell. Born and raised within the limits..!' 
Nashua, whatever relates to his history and achieve- 
ments deserves the especial attention of the people of 
this city. 

Captain John Lovewell was born in that pari of old 
Dunstable which afterward fell within the limits of 
Nashua, in a cabin, near Salmon Brook. He was the 
oldest son of John Lovewell, who came over from 
England about 1670. His grandfather served in the 
army of < diver Cromwell. His father appears to have 
fought under the famous ( laptain < Ihurch during King 
Philip's War. lie was a man of unusual courage and 
physical vigor. At the time of his death, in 1752, he 
was probably a centenarian, but not, as erroneously 
reported, one hundred and twenty years old. 

Captain John Lovewell, Jr., was, like his father, a 
man of great courage and ready to engage in daring 
enterprises. 1 luring his boyhood Dunstable was con- 
stantly assailed by merciless savages, and at a very 
early age he began to engage in scouts, which required 
the exercise of the utmost caution, promptitude and 
bravery. At eighteen years of age he was actively 
engaged in exploring the wilderness, to find the lurk- 
ing-places of the Indians. Having the qualities of 
leadership, his ability was early recognized, and at 
the age of twenty-five he ranked as the best-equipped, 
most daring and versatile scut in the frontier settle- 
ments. This was no trivial compliment, for no town- 
ship in New England had, in the first half of the 
eighteenth century, a more experienced, adroit and 
courageous corps of Indian lighters than Dunstable. 

The fate of Lieutenant French and his party, in 
September, 1724, had a dispiriting effect on the in- 
habitants of Dunstable. But Captain John Lovewell. 
Jr., then thirty years old, was determined to carry the 
war to the strongholds of the savages and destroy 
them, as Captain Church had destroyed the followers 
of King Philip. "These barbarous outrages must be 
stopped, and 1 am ready to lead the men who will do 

it," was his declaration to his comrades. Joi 1 by 

Josiah Farwell and Jonathan Bobbins, a petition was 
sent to the General Court of Massachusetts for leave 
to raise a company to scout against the Indians. The 
original petition, signed by them, is on tile in the office 
of the Secretary of State in Boston, and is as follows: 

" The humble memorial of .I..1.11 l.ovow .-II, .h.siah Farwell, .ti.nutllilll 
II.. belts, all ■>! Il.lIISlable, slleWeth 

•' That your petitioners, with near forty ur fifty others, are inclinable 
to range and to keep out in the woods for several months together, in 

order to kill and destroy their enemy Indians, provided thej ..... meet 

v ill. Incoiirae;einciit suitable. An-lv..... P. 1 .... Impl..yed and 

desired by many others Humbly to propose and submit to yonr Honors' 
...n-ideration, that if stioh soldiers may I..- allowed five shillings per day, 



in ease they kill any enemy Indian, and possess 1..^ scalp, they will Im- 
j.l.o . Iienisclv. s in Indian hunt i ne one whole year ; and if within that 
tent to be allowed nothing for 

"JOSl M. 1' v.:\\ ... 

"J..N era \n Robbin8. 
"Dunstable, Nov., 1724." 

This petition was granted, with the change of the 
compensation to a bounty of one hundred pounds per 

scalp. Volunteers came forward with alacrity, the 
company was organized and the commission of cap- 
tain given to Lovewell. 

With this picked company Captain Lovewell started 
on an excursion northward to Lake Winnipesaukee. 
(in the loth of December, 1724, the [.arty came upon 
a wigwam, in which were two Indians, — a man and a 
boy. They killed and scalped the man and brought 
the boy alive to Boston, where they received the prom- 
ised bounty and two shillings and sixpence per day. 

This success was small, but it gave courage and 
the company grew from thirty to eighty-seven. They 
started the second time. .11 January 27, 1 72--. Cross- 
ing the Merrimack at Nashua, they followed the 
river route on the east side to the southeast corner of 
Lake Winnipesaukee, where they arrived on the 
9th of February. Provisions falling short, thirty of 
tin-in were dismissed by lot, and returned home. The 
company went on to Bear Camp River, iu Tarn- 
worth, where, discovering Indian tracks, tiny changed 
their course and followed them in a southeast .In. . 
tion till, just before sunset on the 20th, they saw 
smoke, by which they judged the enemy were en- 
camped for the night. Keeping concealed till after 
midnight, they then silently advanced, and discovered 
ten Indians asleep round a tire by theside of a frozen 
pond. Lovewell now resolved to make sure work, 
and placing his men conveniently, ordered them to 
fire, five at once, as quickly after each other as pos- 
sible, and another part to reserve their fire. He 
gave the signal by tiring his own gun, which killed 
two of them; the men. firing as directed, killed five 
more on the spot; the other three, starting up from 
their sleep, two were shot dead on the spot by the 
reserve. The other, wounded, attempted to escape 
across the pond, was seized by a dog and held fast 
till they killed him. In a few minutes the whole 
party was killed, and a raid on some settlement pre- 
vented. These Indians were coming from Canada 
with new guns and plenty of ammunition. They 
had also some spare blankets, moccasins and snow- 
shoes lor the use ..f the prisoners they expected to 
take. The pond where this success was achieved is 
ill the town of Wakefield, and has ever since borne 
the name of Lovewell's Pond. The company then 
wi lit t.> Boston through Dover, where they displayed 
the scalps and guns taken from the savages. In 
Boston they received the bounty of one thousand 
pounds from the public treasury. 

Captain Lovewell now planned the bold design of 
attacking the Pequawkets in their chief village, on 



151 



the Saco River, in Fryeburg, Maine. This tribe was 
powerful and ferocious. Its chief was Paugus, a 
noted warrior, whose name inspired terror wherever 

he was known. To reach Pequawket was a task in- 
volving hardships and danger. There is no doubt 
that Captain Lovewell underestimated t lie perils of 
the march and the risk from ambuscades. One hun- 
dred and thirty miles in early spring, through a 
wilderness not marked by a trail, to a locality never 
visited by the invaders, but every rod familiar to the 
wily foe, were serious disadvantages. Besides this, 
the company at the start only consisted of forty-six 
men. They left Salmon Brook on the 16th of April, 
172o. They had traveled but a few miles when 
Toby, an Indian, falling sick, was obliged to return, 
which he did with great reluctance. 

At Contoocook (now Boscawen), William Cum- 
mings, of Dunstable, became so disabled 1>\ a wound 
received from the enemy years before that the cap- 
tain sent him back with a kinsman to aceompanj 
him. They proceeded on to the west shore of < Issipee 
Lake, where Benjamin Kidder, of Nutfield (now Lon- 
donderry), falling sick, the captain halted and built 
a rude fort, having the lake shore to the east and 
Ossipee River on the north side. This was intended 
as a refuge in case of disaster. Here Captain Love- 
well left with Kidder the surgeon, a sergeanl and 
seven other men as a guard. lie also left a quantity 
of provisions to lighten tin- loads of the men. and 
which would be a needed supply on their return. 

With only thirty-four men, Captain Lovewell, not 
disheartened, proceeded on his march from Ossipee 
Lake to Pequawket village, a distance of nearly forty 
miles through a rough forest. None of the party 
were acquainted with the mute. Of the thirty-four 
in the company, only eight were from that portion of 
Dunstable now included in Nashua, The others were 
from neighboring towns, largely from Groton, I'.il- 
lerica and Woburn. Dunstable furnished the cap- 
tain, lieutenants and nearly all the minor officers of 
the expedition. The eight men from Dunstable were 
Captain John Lovewell, Lieutenant Josiah Farwell, 
Lieutenant Jonathan Robbins, Ensign John Har- 
wood, Sergeant Noah Johnson, Corporal Benjamin 
Hassell, Robert Usher and Samuel Whiting, privates. 

On Thursday, two days before the fight, the C - 

pany were apprehensive that they were discovered 
and watched bj th. enemy, and on Friday night the 
watch heard the Indians rustling in the underbrush, 
and alarmed the company, hut the darkness was such 
they made no discovery. Verj earlj in the morning 
of Saturday, May 8th, while they were at prayers, 
they heard the report of a gun. Soon after they 
discovered an Indian on a point running out into 
Saco Pond. The company decided that the purpose 
of the Indian was to draw them into an ambush con- 
cealed between himself and the soldiers. The infer- 
ence was a mistake, and a fatal one to a majority oi 
the party. Expecting an immediate attack, a con- 



sultation was held to determine whether it was better 
to venture an engagement with the enemy, or to make 
a speedj retreat. The men boldly answered : "We 
have prayed all along that we might find the foe: 
and we had rather trust Providence with our lives, 
yea. die for our country, than try to return without 

seeing them, and he called cowards for our con- 
duct." 

Captain Lovewell readily complied, and led them 
on, though not without manifesting some appre- 
hensions. Supposing the enemy to he in front, 
he ordered the men to lay down their packs, and 
march with the greatest cant ion. and in the utmost 
readiness. In this way they advanced a mile and a 
half, when Ensign Wyman spied an Indian approach- 
ing among the trees. Giving a signal, all the men 
concealed themselves, and as the Indian came nearer 
several guns woe tiled at him. lie at once fired at 
Captain Lovewell with heaver shot, wounding him 
severely, though he made little complaint, and was 
still able to travel. Ensign Wyman then tired and 
killed the Indian, and Chaplain Frye scalped him. 
They then returned toward their packs, which had al- 
ready been found and seized by the savages, who, in 
reality, were lurking in their rear, and who were elated 
by discovering from the number of the packs that their 
own force was more than double that of the whites. 
It was now ten oclock, and just before reaching the 
place, on a plain of scattered pines about thirty rods 
from the pond, the Indians rose up in front ami rear 
in two parties, and ran toward the whites with their 
guns presented. The whites instantly presented their 
guns, and rushed to meet them. 

When both parties came within twenty yards of 
each other they fired. The Indians suffered far the 
more heavily, and hastily retreated a lew rods into a 
low pine thicket, where it was hardly possible to see 
one of them. Three or four rounds followed from 
each side. The savages had more than twice the 
number of our men and greatly the advantage in their 
com ealed position, and their shots began to tell fear- 
fully. Already nine of the whites ware killed and 
three were fatally wounded. This was more than one- 
third of their number. Among the dead were Cap- 
tain Lovewell and Ensign Harwood, and both Lieu- 
tenant Farwell and Lieutenant Robbins were injured 
beyond recovery. Ensign Wyman ordered a retreat 
to the pond, and probably saved the company from 
entire destruction, as the pond protected their rear. 

The light continued obstinately till sunset, the 
savages howling, yelling and barking and making all 
sorts of hideous noises, the whites frequently shout- 
ing and huzzaing. Some of the Indians, holding up 
ropes, asked the English if they would take quarter, 
hut were promptly told that they would have no 
quarter save at the muzzles of their guns. 

About the middle of the aftern i (he chaplain, 

Jonathan Frye, of Andover, who graduated at Har- 
vard in 1723, and who had fought bravely, fell terri- 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



My wounded. When he could fighl uo longei he 
prayed audibly for the preservation of the rest of 
the company. 
The tight had lasted nearly eight hours, and al 

intervals was furious. The reader will understand 
that it was very unlike a battle between two parties 
of civilized infantry. In fighting these savages, who 
concealed themselves behind trees, logs, bushes and 
rocks, the whites were compelled to adopt similar 
ladies. In such a fight, while obeying general 
orders, each soldier fires at the foe when he can dis- 
cern an exposed head or body. This Pequawkel con- 
test lasted from ten in the morning till night, but it 
was not continuous. There were intervals of nearly 
or quite hall' an hour, which were hardly disturbed by 
the crack of a single musket. But in these intervals 
the savages were skulking and creeping to get a near 
view and sure aim at some white soldier, while our 
men were desperately on the alert to detect their 
approach and slay them. Noticing a lull among the 
warriors, Ensign Wyman crept up behind a bush and 
discovered a group apparently in council, and bv a 
careful shut brought down their leader. 

it was in the latter part of the light that Paugm, 
the Indian chief, met his late. He was well-known 
by most of Lovewell's men, and several times he 
called aloud to John Chamberlain, a stalwart soldier 
from Groton, Meanwhile the guns of both these 
combatants became too foul for use. and both went 
down to the pond to clean them. Standing but a 
lew yards apart, with a small brook between them. 
both began to load together, and with mutual threats 
thrust powderand ball into their weapons. Chamber- 
lain primed his gun by striking the breach heavily 
on the ground. This enabled him to fire a second 
before his foe, whose erring aim failed to hit Cham- 
berlain. 

At twilight the savages withdrew, disheartened by 
the loss of their chief. From information afterwards 
obtained, it is believed that not more than twenty of 
the Indians escaped unhurt, and, thus weakened, they 
did not hazard a renewal of the struggle. Hut our 
men, not knowing their condition, expected a speedy 
return. About midnight, the moon having arisen, 
they collected together, hungry and very faint, all 
their food having been snatched by the Indians witli 
their packs. On examining the situation, they found 
Jacob I'anar just expiring, and Lieutenant llobbin-. 
and Robert Usher unable to rise; four others — viz.: 
Lieutenant Farwell, Five, Junes and Davis— very 
dangerously wounded, seven badly wounded and 
nine unhurt. 

A speedy return to the fort at Ossipee was the only 
course left them. Lieutenant Robbins told his com- 
panions to load his gun and leave it with him, saying: 
"As the Indians will come in the morning to scalp 
me. I will kill one more if 1 can." His bono' was on 
Long Hill, in the south part of Nashua, and he was 
a favorite with his comrades. One man, Soloman 



Keyes. of Billerica, was missing. When he had 
fought till he had received three wounds, and had 
lie, (mi, so weak that he could not stand, he crawled 
up to Ensign Wyman and said: " I am a dead man, 
but if possible 1 will get out of the way so that the 
Indian- .-hall not have my scalp." He then crept 
away to some rushes on the beach, where discovering 
a canoe, he rolled over into it. There was a gentle 
north wind, ami drifting southward three miles, he 
was landed on the shore nearest the fort. Gaining 
strength, he was able to reach the fort and join Ins 
comrades. 

Leaving the dead unburied, ami faint from hunger 
and fatigue, the survivors started before dawn for 
Ossipee. A sad prospect was before them. The 
Indians, knowing their destitution, were expected at 
every moment to fall upon them. Their homes were 
a hundred and thirty miles distant, ten of their num- 
ber had fallen and eight were groaning with the 
agony of terrible wounds. After walking a mile 
and a half, four of the wounded men — Lieutenant 
Fanvcll, Captain Frye and Privates Davis and 
Jones — were unable to go farther, and urged the 
Others to hasten to the tort and send a fresh re- 
cruit to their rescue. The party hurried on as fast 
as Strength would permit to the Ossipee fort. To 
their dismay they found it deserted. One of their 
number, in the first hour of the battle, terrified by the 
death of the commander and others, siieakingly had 
tied to the fort and gave the men posted there so 
frightful an account that they all fled hastily toward 
Dunstable. Fortunately, some of the coarse provi- 
sions were left, but not a tithe of what were needed 
Resting briefly, they continued their travels in de- 
tached parties to Dunstable, the majority reaching 
there on the night of the loth of May. and the others 
two days later. They suffered severely from want of 
food. From Saturday morning till Wednesday — 
four days — they were entirely without any kiud of 
food, when they caught some squirrels ami partridges, 
which were roasted whole and greatly improved their 
strength. 

Eleazer Davis and Josiah Jones, two of the wound- 
ed, w ho were left near the battle-ground, survh ed, and 
after great suffering reached Berwick, Me. Finding, 
after several days, no aid from the fort, they all went 
several miles together. Chaplain Five laid down 
and probably survived only a few hours. Lieutenant 
Farwell reached within a few miles of the fort, and 
was not heard of afterwards. He was deservedly 
lamented as a man in whom was combined unusual 
bravery with timeh discretion. There is little doubt 
but he and several others of the wounded would have. 
recovered if they could have had food and medical 
care. Their sufferings must have been terrible. 

The news of this disaster caused deep grief and 
consternation at Dunstable. A company, under 
Colonel Tyng, went to the place of action and buried 
the bodies of Captain Lovewell and ten of his men at 



the foot of a tall pine-tree. A monument now marks 
the spot. The General Court of Massachusetts gave 
fifteen hundred pounds to the widows and orphans 

and a handsome bounty of lands to the survivors. 

lit' the men from Dunstable who participated in 
; ; . <-i-.it Fight," all were killed or wounded. Only 
one, Noah Johnson, survived and returned home. 
His farm was on the south side of the Nashua River, 
at its mouth, ami extended southward a little beyond 
the present road leading over the iron bridge to 
Hudson. He received a pen-ion and a grant of laud 
in Pembroke, to which he removed and passed his 
later years. He was the last survivor of the Pequaw- 
ket fight, and died at Pembroke in 1798, in his one 
hundredth year. Quite a number of his descendants 
reside in this part of the State. 

In the fight which resulted so fatally to Captain 
Lovewell and a majority of his command the numbers 
engaged were inconsiderable. But while temporarily 
disastrous, the results proved of incalculable advan- 
tage ti) the border settlements. From that day the 
courage and the power of the red men were destroyed. 
They soon withdrew from their ancient haunt- and 
hunting-grounds in New Hampshire to the French 
settlements iu Canada. No subsequent attacks by an 
organized force of Indians were made upon Dunstable, 
and their raids made subsequently at Concord, Hills- 
borough and Charlestown were merely spasmodic 
etl'orts instigated, and in -one- instances led, by French 
officers. Yet such had been the experience of tin 
past that for years the pioneer settlers listened in the 
still watches of the uighl for the loot-tall of the 
stealthy savage, the musket was the companion of his 
pillow and in his sleep he dreamed of the bene yells 
of the merciless foe. 

'fin- expedition of Captain Lovewell was no doubt 
hazardous in view of the difficulties of the march and 
the small number of his men. One-fifth of Ins force 
beside the surgeon, was left at the fort at Ossipee. 
Captain Lovewell intended to surprise Paugus \>\ 
attacking him in his camp. Unfortunately, the reverse 
happened. Paugus ami his eighty warriors were re- 
turning from a journey down the Saeo, when they 
discovered the track of the invaders. For forty hours 
they stealthily followed and saw the soldiers dispose 
of their packs, so that all the provisions and blankets 
fell into their own hands, with the knowledge of their 
small force. Thus prepared, they expected from their 
chosen ambush to annihilate or to capture the entire 
party. 

Thus ended the memorable campaign against the 
Pcuuawkets. Deep and universal was the gratitude 
of the people of Dunstable at the prospect of peace. 
For fifty years bad the war been raging with little 
cessation and with a series of surprises, devastations 
and massacres that seemed to threaten annihilation. 
The scene of this desperate ami bloody action at Frye- 
burg is often visited, ami in song and eulogj are 
commemorated the heroes of Lovewell's fight. 



(II A PTEE V I. 



I'KOXTIKi; llAUOSIl ll's ANli 'TI: Is 

Dunstable in 1730 Poverty ol the Settlere Beare I Raccoons — New 

Towne Organized — Settlement of Boundary Lim — Dunstable under 

Sew Hannshii..- [...us- l,-, 1i--i,,m„ ln-Mii-iniis -A Tramp through 
ih- v. ildemess— Lost in the \\ Is- Night on Lovewell's Mountain— 

THE close Of. the Indian war ill 1725 found the 
people id' Dunstable lew iu number and extremely 

poor. War taxes were heavy, rans s had been 

paid for captive relations from dire necessity ; the de- 
struction of houses, catth and crops, and the destruc- 
tion of all regular employment had been ruinous. 
rhegeneral poverty bad been such that from 1693 to 
1733 the voters declined to send a representative to 
the Massachusetts Assembly. When necessity re- 
quired, a special messenger was employed. 

Money was so scarce that the Assembly issued lulls 

of credit to the amount of fifty thousand pounds, to 
be di-tributed among the several towns. Lieutenant 
Henry Farwell and Joseph Blanchard wen- trustees 
to distribute among the residents of I Hinstable, in 
such sums that " no man should have more than live 
or less than three pounds, paying live percent, yearly 
lor interest." Dad the issue been limited to this 
amount, it might have been of service; but larger 
issues followed, with subsequent depreciation and much 
loss and distress. 

Voting by ballot became an established rule iu all 
important matters, and in 1723 jurymen were fust 
chosen in this manner. Bridges began to be built, 
roads extended and better houses built. It was a 
favorable event that a saw-mill was built soon after 
the fust settlement on Salmon Brook, at the little 
bridgeon the road running east from the Harbor, and 
which lor many years was owned by John Lovewell, 
the father of the her., of Pequawket. The first cabins 
had the ground lor a floor and logs chinked with 
clay for walls. Flank and boards now came inf.. use. 
and framed houses began to be built by the older set- 
tlers. The select men were allowed live shillings per 
day for .services. There were no lawyers, and the eases 
of litigation that occurred were settled by a justice, 
who was not governed by rule or precedents, but by a 
common-sense view of what was right. If important, 
an appeal could be made to the General Assembly. 

I'le amount of taxes from 17lV. to 1733 varied from 
two hundred and fifty dollars to four hundred dollars, 
including the support ofthe minister. In March, 1727, 
tie- town raised twenty dollars to build a ferry-boat 
to cross the Merrimack at Blanchard's farm (uear the 
old Little stand), as Hudson was then included in 
1 (unstable, and settlers W ere locating on that side of 
the river. In the fall of that year Joseph Blanchard, 
Sr., the only and earliest inn-keeper in the town, 
died, and Henry Farwell, Jr., petitioned for and ob- 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY. NEW HAMl'SHIRE. 



taineda lic.ii-c for the same business. During Octo- 
ber, 1727, several severe shocks of an earthquake 
occurred, overturning chimneys and attended b\ 
unusual noise-. At tins time corn was the most im- 
portant field product of the fanner. It was the staple 

article foi I I for man, it' not tor beast. In early 

autumn it was exposed to depredations from rac ns 

and bears. 

The farmers, aided by their dogs, were aide at night 
to follow the coon-, many of whom were " treed " and 
killed, adding largely to the contents of the family 
larder. The hears were more wary, and sometimes 
were destructive. It is said that a settler by the name 
of Whiting, who lived at the base of LongHill, began 
to find his sheep an unprofitable investment, for the 
reason that so many of them wen' killed by some 
black-coated visitor. They had to be yarded every 
night, and were not entirely sate during the daj . < hie 
afternoon he found a half-eaten sheep on the hill- 
side, and, determined on revenge, he placed the re- 
mains at the end of a hollow pine log near by. In- 
side the log he placed his gun in such a position that 
when the bear should disturb the mutton he would 
discharge the gun and receive the contents in his own 
head. He heard the report of his old Queen's arm in 
the night, ami rising early the next morning, went to 
learn the result. He found a verj large bear lying 
dead a short distance from a heap of half-roasted 
mutton, while the log was a heap of burning coals. 
Among these was the gun, minus the entire wooden 
fixtures, with the barrel, lock and ramrod essentially 
ruined. Tins was a great loss to him, but he was 
often wont to relate with glee the way in which he 
swapped his gnu lor a bear. 

According to tradition, which may not very safely 
be relied on in matters of importance, though it may 
assist in delineating the usages of daily life, it was 
about 172ii that potatoes were first introduced into 
I 'unstable. A Mr. (/uinmiugs obtained two or three, 
which he planted. When he dug the crop, some of 
them were roasted and eaten merely from curiosity, 
and the rest were put into a gourd-shell and hung up 
in the cellar. The next year he planted all the seed, 
and had enough to till a two-bushel basket. Think- 
ing he had no use for so many, be gave some of them 
to his neighbors. Soon after, one of them said to him, 
"1 have found that potatoes are good for something. 
1 have boiled some of them, and eat them with meat, 
and they relished well." It was some veal- later, 
however, before potatoes came into general use. At 
this time tea was rarely used, and tea-k. 
unknown. The water was boiled in a skillet. When 
n went to an afternoon visiting [party each 
one carried her tea-cup, saucer and spoon, flic tea- 
cups were of the best china and very small, containing 
about as much as a common wine-glass. Coffee was 
unknown till more than half a century later. 

Under the colonial laws of Massachusetts the public- 
school system was first established with the provision 



that "every child should be taught to read and 
write." Every town having fifty householders was to 
employ a teacher for twenty weeks of the year. But 

deeply as the | pie of Dunstable felt the importance 

of education, it was not safe nor practicable in a 
frontier town where a fierce Indian war was raging, 
when tie- inhabitants dwelt in garrisons, and were 
every day liable to an attack, to establish a common 
school. The dense adjacent forest, from whence the 
quiel of the school-room might be broken at any hour 
by the yell of the savage, was no fitting [dace for 
children. Still, home education was not neglected, as 
the ancient records of the town clearly show. There 
was no school in the town till 1730. That year, by 
reckoning in the settler- within the present limits of 
Hudson, Hollis and Tyngsborough, the required "fifty 
householders" were obtained, and tin pounds were 
granted for the support of a teacher. Hut the school 
was not successful, and after a brief existence was 
neglected for some years. 

There is no data for ascertaining the number of in- 
habitants in "Old Dunstable," or in that part now 
included in Nashua, in 1730. In the latter territory 
there may have been forty families and two hundred 
persons. They were scattered over a wide area, ami 
the new-comers were largel) settling in Hollis, Hud- 
son and other outlying localities. Already they were 
demanding that, for schools, tor convenience to public 
worship and local improvements, they should be set 
apart from Dunstable, and erected into separate town- 
ships. The General Court of Massachusetts was dis- 
posed to grant their petitions. 

Accordingly, in L732, the inhabitant- on the east 
side of the Merrimack River were authorized to es- 
tablish a new tow nship, with the name of Nottingham. 
When the settlement of the border-line brought it 
within New Hampshire, the name was changed to 
Nottingham West, as there was already a Notting- 
ham in the eastern part of the State. In 1830, the 
town assumed the more appropriate name of Hudson. 

In 1733 the inhabitants on the north side of the 
Nashua liner and west of Merrimack River peti- 
tioned tor an act of incorporation ; but as nearly all 
the petitioners lived on the Souhegan and the inter- 
vale at its mouth, the ( leneral < lourt made the Penni- 
chuck Brook the southern boundary to the new town- 
ship, with the name of Rumford. It was called 
Rumford only a short time, lor the settlers, annoyed 
i>> the insinuation that the first syllable of the name 
indicated the favorite beverage of the inhabitants, 
hastened to change it to the name of the beautiful 
river that flows along it- eastern bonier— .1/ 

In 17:14 the settlement across the river from Merri- 
mack, then known as "Brenton's Farm." was incor- 
porated, because, a.- the petitioners claimed, they 
"had supported a minister for some time." It was 
called Lilr.'ifi- Id. 

In 1736 the fertile lands in the west part of Dun- 
stable were being rapidly occupied by an enterprising 



people, and were incorporated under the name of 
West Dunstable. The Indian name .was Nissitissit. 
After the establishment of the boundary line the 

Legislature, by request, gave to the town the name of 
Holies. For fifty years the name of the town was 
spelled Holies; but after the colonies became the Amer- 
ican Eepublic the orthography was changed to Hollis. 

In the mean time settlements were extending tap- 
idly all around, and the forest was bowing before the 
onward march of civilization. Township after town- 
ship was parceled out from the original body of 
"Old Dunstable," until, in 1T40, the broad and 
goodly plantation was reduced to that portion which 
is now embraced within the limits of Nashua, Tyngs- 
borough and Dunstable. 

Settlement of Boundary Line.— For many years 
prior to 1740 the boundary line between the provinces 
of New Hampshire and Massachusetts had been a 
subject of hitter controversy. More than 
years ago Governor Endicott, of Massachusetts, said 
he had caused a monument to he fixed three miles 
northward of the junction of the two rivers forming 
the Merrimack, in the town of Sanbornton, ami 
Massachusetts claimed all the territory in the present 
State of New Hampshire south of an east and west 
line passing through that point, and lying west of the 
Merrimack River. 

On the other hand. New Hampshire claimed all 
the territory lying north of a line running due east 
and west through a point three miles north of the 
Merrimack River, measured from the north hank of 
that river just above its mouth. At length a royal 
commission was appointed to settle the controversy. 
It met at Hampton Falls, in this State, in 1737, the 
General Court of each province attending the sittings 
of the commission. 

The commission at Hampton Falls did not agree, 
and the question was reserved tor the King in Coun- 
cil. The decision was finally made in 1740, living 
the province line where the State line HOW is. This 
decision took from Massachusetts her claim, and gave 
to New Hampshire not only all that New Hampshire 
claimed, but also a tract of territory south » > t" that in 
controversy, fourteen miles in width and extending 
from the Merrimack to the Connecticut River, to 
which New Hampshire had made no pretensions. It 
included all that part of " Old Dunstable " north of 
the present State line. 

This new line, which proved to be the permanent 
boundary between the two States, was run in 1741, 
leaving in Massachusetts that part id' the old town- 
ship now in Tyngsborough ami in Dunstable, in that 
State, and adding to New Hampshire the present 
territory of Nashua, Hudson, Hollis and all the other 
portions of "Old Dunstable" north of the designated 
line. The name Dunstable, however, was still re- 
tained by the territory which now constitutes the city 
of Nashua till the New Hampshire Legislature of 
1836 changed the name to Nashua. 
11 



This decision came upon the settlers in Dunstable 

north of the new line with mingled surprise and con- 
sternation. Dunstable was eminently anil wholh a 
.Massachusetts settlement. The settlers were nearly 
all In mi the neighboring towns in that province, with 
whose people tiny were connected in sympathy, in 
business and by the tics of marriage and blood. 
Their tofl n and parish charters and the titles to their 
lands and improvements were all Massachusetts' 
grants, and their civil and ecclesiastical organizations 
were under Massachusetts' laws. This decision oi 
the King in Council left them wholly out of the juris- 
diction in that province, and in legal effect made all 
their charters, the titles to their lands and improve- 
ments, and all statute laws regulating their civil and 
church polity wholly void. The decision of the King 
was final, and there was no appeal. Though dis- 
appointed, embarrassed and indignant, there was no 
alternative but submission. 

Hitherto the history of Nashua has been associated 
with that of the extended territory of "Old Dun- 
stable," an appendage of Massachusetts. Henceforth 
it is to be a distinct, independent town in New 
Hampshire, comprised within the same limits as the 
Nashua of to-day. 

Dunstable under New Hampshire Laws.— For- 
tunately for the people of Dunstable, the colonial 
government of New Hampshire was not in condition 
to extend its authority immediately, and the I •un- 
stable people remained substantially under the 
Massachusetts charter till April, 1746, when the town 
was incorporated by the General Court of New 
Hampshire. In the mean time a compromise was 
made with the adverse claimants of their lands and 
improvements, and their titles to their possessions 
being secured, they gradually became reconciled to 
their new political status. 

In 174G the main road through Dunstable was 
greatly improved. From the surveyor's record there 
would seem to have been only a few houses on the 
road at that time. The following are all that are 
mentioned: < 'aptain Joseph French's house was eight 
rods north of the State line; Colonel Joseph lilanch- 
ard's house, three hundred rods north of the State 
line and twenty-nine rods south of Cummings' Brook; 
Cyrus Baldwin's, near Colonel Blanchard's; John 
Searles' house, sixty-six rods north of Cummings' 
Brook; Henry Adams', eighty rods north of Searles' 
house (the old ditch which led to the fort was ninety 
rods north of Adams' house); Thomas Harwood's 
house was ninety rods north of the old ditch; no 
other house mentioned between Harwood's and 
Nashua River excepting Jonathan Lovewell's, which 
was two hundred and eighty-three rods south of the 
river, oi a1 the Harbor, south of Salmon Brook. Per- 
haps the above schedule included only the larger 
land-holders and tax-payers. 

At this time there were neither scho.il> nor 3chool- 
houses in town. On September 2!t, 174b, it was voted 



156 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



that "Jonathan Lovewell be desired to hire a school- 
master until next March for this town, upon the rust 
and charge of the town." Two dwelling-houses, one 
in the northern undone in the southern part of the 
town, were designated in whirl] the school should be 

kept,' if they could be obtained. Only one teacher 
was employed, and he was to keep school half of the 
time at each place. The number of inhabitants was 
probably about three hundred. 

During this year (1746) the Indians from Canada 
came in small parties to the new settlements in the 
western and northern parts of Hillsborough County. 
Their defenseless eondition compelled the few families 
in Peterborough, Lyndeborough, Hillsborough and 
New Boston to retire to the older towns, chiefly to 
Northern Massachusetts. In their haste ih.\ buried 
their cooking utensils and fanning tools, taking their 

cattle and lighter g Is with them. The only persons 

taken from Dunstable were Jonathan Farwell and a 
Mr. Taylor, who were taken by surprise while hunt- 
ing. They were taken to Canada, sold to the French 
and remained in captivity three years, but finally 
succeeded in obtaining a release and returned to their 
friends. Many of the descendants of Mr. Farwell, 
under several surnames, reside in this vicinity. 

For fifty years the meeting-house of Dunstable had 
been located near the State line. But in Dunstable 
reconstructed it was desirable that the house for wor- 
ship should be centrally located. There w as a divided 
opinion as to the new site and a worse dissension as 
to the minister. Rev.Samuel Bird, who was installed 
August 31, 1747, was an Arminian, and accused of 
being a follower of Whitefield. His friends, at tie- 
head of whom was .Jonathan Lovewell, stood by him 
and built a meeting-house, in the autumn of that year, 
on a spot of rising ground about six rods west of the 
main road, or just south of the old cemetery, opposite 
the residence of .1. L. II. Marshall. It was about 
twenty-eight feet by forty, had a small gallery and, 
like most church edifices of the time, was divided into 
the "men's side" and the "women's side." Mean- 
while Colonel Joseph Blanchard, the leader of the 
opposing faction, continued to hold services in the old 
house, near the Tyngsborough line. 

Twenty-two years had now [passed since the loss by 
Dunstable of some of her prominent citizens in Love- 
well's fight, at Fn cburg, Me. Since then the popula- 
tion had doubled and a new generation were coming 
into active service. Among the leading familieswere 
the Lovewells, Blanchards, Farwells, Cummingses, 
Frenches and Lunds. The number of young persons 
between the ages of eighteen and twenty-five hail 
largely increased, and the young men, after the gath- 
ering of the fall crops, made frequent explorations 
and hunting-trips. These excursions were still haz- 
ardous, for the unbroken forests on the west and north 
were occasional I \ traversed by savages, usually in small 
parties of from six to eight, who were stimulated by 
the rewards paid in Canada by the French govern- 



ment for the delivery of prisoners. Usually their ob- 
jective point was to surprise and make prisoners of 
the solitary fur-hunters who, late in autumn, found it 
profitable to set traps for the beaver, mink, musk-rat 
and otter, to lie found on the banks of the Souhegan, 
Piscataquog, Contoocook or in the more northern 
waters of the lakes in Grafton and Belknap Counties. 
An illustration of the habits and daring enterprise of 
the young men of that time will lie seen in the fol- 
lowing sketch of 

A Tramp through the Wilderness.— In the fall 

of 1747 two explorers from Dunstable, Nehemiah 
Lovewell and John Gilson, started from the present 
site of Nashua for the purpose of examining the slope 
of the Merrimack Valley and of crossing the height 
of hind to Number Four (now Oharlestown), which 
was then known as the most northern settlement in 
the Connecticut Valley. Knowing the difficulties in 
traversing hills and valleys covered with underbrush 
and rough with fallen timber and huge bowlders, they 
carried as light an outfit as possible, — a musket and 
camp-blanket each, with live days' provisions. Fol- 
lowing the Souhegan through Milford to Wilton, they 
then turned northward, and, crossing the height of 
land in the Hunts of the present town of Stoddard, 

had. on the aftern i of the third day, their first view 

of the broad valley westward, with a dim outline of 
the mountains beyond. I he weather was clear and 
plea-ant. the journey laborious, but invigorating. On 
their fourth afternoon they reached and camped for 
the night on the banks of the Connecticut, some ten 

miles below Charlestown. At i l of the next day 

they wire welcomed at the rude fort, which had 
already won renown by the heroic valor of its little 
garrison. At this time the fort was commanded by 
Captain l'hincas Stevens, a man of great energy and 
bravery. Lovewell and Gilson were the first visitors 
from the valley of the Merrimack, and their arrival 
was a novelty. That night — as in later years they 
used to relate — they sat up till midnight, listening to 
a recital of the fierce struggles which the inmates of 
this rude fortress, far up in the woods, had encoun- 
tered within the previous eight months. 

Tarrying several days at the fort, during which the 
weather continued clear and mild, the two explorers 
were ready to return homeward. In a direct line 
Dunstable was about ninety miles distant. With the 
needed supply of salt pork and corn bread, Lovewell 
and Gilson left Number Four at sunrise on the loth of 
November. The fallen leaves were crisp with frost as 
they entered the deep maple forests which skirt the 
hills lying east of the Connecticut intervales. The 
days being short, it was necessary to lose no time be- 
tween sunrise and sunset. The air was cool and 
stimulated them to vigorously hurry forward. Coming 
to a clear spring soon alter midday, Gilson struck a 
tire, and resting for half an hour, they sat down to a 
marvelously good feast of boiled stilt pork and brown 
bread. One who has never eaten a dinner under like 



L57 



conditions can have no idea of its keen relish and 
appreciation. 

It was now evident that a change of the weather 
was at hand. The air was growing colder and the sky 
was overcast with a thick haze. In returning.it had 
been their purpose to cross the water-shed between 
the two valleys at a more northern point, so as to 
reach the Merrimack near the month of the Piseata- 
quog. Their course was to be only a few degrees south 
of east. Before night the sleet began to fall, which 
was soon changed to a cold, cheerless rain. Darkness 
came on early, and the two men hurried to secure the 
best shelter possible. With an axe this might have 
been made comfortable; at least fuel could have been 
procured for a comfortable fire. As it was, no retreat 
could be found from the chilling rain, which now be- 
gan to fall in torrents. It was with difficulty that a 
smouldering tire, more prolific of smoke than heat, 
Could be kindled. India-rubber blankets, such as now 
keep the scout and the sentry dry in the fiercest 
storm, would have been a rich luxury to these solitary 
pioneers. The owls, attracted by the dim light, 
perched themselves overhead ami hooted incessantly. 
I;, •lore midnight the fire was extinguished, ami the 
two men could only keep from a thorough drenching 
by sitting upright with their backs against a large 
tree, and with their half-saturated blankets drawn 
closely around them. 

Daylight brought no relief, as the rain and cold 
rather increased, and the sleet and ice began to en- 
crust the ground. After ineffectual attempts to build 
a tire they ate a cold lunch of bread. A dark mist 
succeeded the heavy rain ami continued through the 
day. Both felt uncertain of the direction they were 
traveling, and every hour tin- uncertainty became 
more perplexing. All day long they hurried forward 
through the dripping underbrush, which was wetting 
fchem to the skin. Night again set in, ami although 
the rain and wind hail somewhat abated, still it was 
impossible to build ami keep a fire sufficient to dry 
their clothing, which was now saturated with water. 
The third morning came witli a dense fog still 
shrouding the hillsides and settling into the valley. 
.Stiff with the effects of cold and fatigue, Lovewell and 
his com]. anion felt that with their scanty supply of 

1 1. now mainly salt pork, they dared not await a 

change of weather. Yet there was a vague feeling 
that their journeying might be worse than useless. 
Deciding on what they believed a course due east, 
they again hurried forward over a broken region, — an 
alternation of sharp hills, ledges, low valleys and 
sometimes swamps, — until a little past midday, when, 
descending a hill, they came upon the very brook 
where they had camped forty hours before! One fact 
was now established,— they had been traversing in a 
cirele. Thinking it useless to go further till the sun 
and sky should appear, they set to work to build a fire 
sufficient to dry their clothing and to cook their raw- 
pork. By dark they had thrown up a light frame-work. 



and by a diligent use of their knives had procured a 
covering of birch bark. Piling the huge broken 
limbs in front, they lay down and fell asleep. 

Scouts in the olden time were proverbial for 
awakening on the slightest provocation. Lovewell 
was aroused by what bethought the rustling of a bear. 
Reaching for his gun, he saw the outline of an animal 
climbing an oak just across the brook. The first shot 
was followed by a tumble from the tree. It proved a 
veritable raccoon, which, fattened on beech-nuts, was 
" as heavy as a small sheep." 

The fourth morning was not unlike that of the day 
previous. The fog was still dense, but it soon became 
evident that the storm was past and that the sun 
would soon disperse the mists. Dressing the raccoon 
whose meat was security against famine, they anx- 
iously watched the clearing up of the atmosphere. 
Suddenly the mists dissolved and the sunlight 
touched the tops of the trees. The pioneers hastened 
up a Ion- slope eastward, and toward noon gained the 
crest of a high ridge. The sky was now clear, and, 
climbing to the top of a tree, Gilson announced that 
he could see, some miles to the east, a high and naked 
summit which must mark the height of land they 
were so anxiously seeking. 

With this solution of their difficulties came the 
sense ol hunger. Notwithstanding the hardships of 
the three past days they had eaten sparingly. The 
remnant of their bread had been accidently lost the 
day previous, but this was far more than compensated 
by the rich, tender meat of the raccoon. Luckily, a 
supply of fat spruce knots was near at hand, (rilson 
set himself to the work of furnishing fuel and water, 
while Lovewell attended to tin- culinary duties. The 
utensils of the modern hunter— frying-]. an, coffee- 
pot, plate, spoon and fork — were wanting. The only 
implement in their outfit which could be of use was 
the jack-knife. The meat was cut into pieces two- 
thirds of an inch thick, and half the size of one's 
hand. Cutting several sticks, two feet long, and 
sharpening them at each end, a piece of the salt pork 
and then a piece of the coon's meat were thrust upon 
the stick alternately in successive layers, so that in 
roasting, the fat of the latter, as it dropped down. 
bastedand furnished an excellent gravy to the for- 
mer. One end of each stick was thrust into the 
ground so as to lean over the glowing coals. With 
occasional turning, the dinner was in half an hour 
ready to be served. Seating themselves on the bowlder 
by the side of which they had built the fire, they fell 

to with sharp appetites. Hardy was a feast i e 

heartily enjoyed. 

Night on Lovewell's Mountain.— It was past 
middaj when the dinner was finished. Walking with 
renewed strength, they reached the base of the moun- 
tain. The ground was wet and slippery and the 
climbing at times difficult, but while the sun was yet 
an hour above the horizon the two men .merged 
from the low thicket which lies above the heavy 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



growth, and stood upon the bald summit. Like all 
New Hampshire peaks whose altitude approaches 
three I housand feet, I he crest of the mountain was of 
solid granite. The air had now grown quiet, and the 
clear sunlight illuminated the landscape. The two 
explorers had never looked upon so wide and magnifi- 
cent a panorama. Westward was the far-distant out- 
line of a range now known as the Green Mountains. 
To the northwest were the bald crests of Ascutney 
and Cardigan. On (lie north, Kearsarge was seen 
struggling to raise its head above the shoulders of an 
intervening range, and through the frosty atmosphere 
were revealed the sharp, snow-white peaks of I'ran- 
conia. Eastward, the highlands of Chester and Nott- 
ingham bounded the vision, while nearer by reposed 
in quiet beauty the Uncanoonucks, at that time a well- 
known landmark to every explorer. 

Warned by the frosty atmosphere, they hastened 
down to a dense spruce growth on the northeast side 
of the mountain, and built their camp for the night. 
For some cause, perhaps because it was a sheltered 
nook, the tenants of the forest gathered around. The 
a i os e si emed alive with the squirrel, rabbit and part- 
ridge. But the hunters were weary, and as their sacks 
were still laden with coon's meat, these new visitors 
were left unharmed. The curiosity with which these 
wild tenants of the mountain lingered around led the 
two men to believe that they had never before ap- 
proached a camp-tire or seen a human form. 

.lust before daybreak Lovewell awoke, and, telling 
his companion to prepare for breakfast, returned to 
the summit of the mountain. It was important to 
reach the Merrimack by the nearest route, and he 
could better judge by reviewing the landscape at 
early dawn. In after-years he was wont to say that 
the stars never seemed so near as when he had gained 
the summit. The loneliness of the hour suggi Sted to 
him what was probably the truth, that he and bis 
companion were the first white men who had set foot 
on this mountain peak. It is situated in the eastern 
part of the present town of Washington, and its sym- 
metrical, cone-like form is familiar to the eye of 
many a resident of this city. With the exception of 
Monadnock and Kearsarge. it is the highest summit 
in Southern New Hampshire, and to-day it bears the 
well-known name of Lovewell's Mountain. 

Before Lovewell left the summit the adjacent 

W Hands became visible, and, looking eastward 

down into the valley, he saw, only a few miles away, a 
smoke curling up from the depths of the forest. It 
revealed the proximit) either of a party of savages or 
a stray hunter. Returning to cam]., breakfast was 
taken hurriedly, and, descending into the valley, they 
proceeded with the utmost caution. Reaching the 
vicinity of the smoke, they heard voices and soon 
after the rustling of footsteps. Both dropped upon 
the ground, ami fortunately were screened by a thick 
underbrush. .V party of six Indians passed within a 
hundred yards. They were armed, and evidently on 



their way to the Connecticut Valley. As soon as they 
were beyond bearing the two men proceeded cau- 
tiously to the spot where tin- savages passed the 
night. They had breakfasted on parched acorns and 
the meat of some small animal, probably the rabbit. 

Congratulating themselves on their lucky escape 
from a winter's captivity in Canada, Lovewell and 
his companion continued their route over the rolling 
lands now comprised in the towns of Hillsborough, 
I leering. Weare and Goffstown to the Merrimack. 
From thence they readily reached their home in 
Dunstable. It may be well to add that Lovewell was 
a son of the famous Captain John Lovewell, whose 
history we have narrated in the preceding chapter. 



ill A PTEB VII. 

NASHUA— ( Continued). 

COLONIAL HOMES AND HABITS. 

Earliest Si hoolfl in Dunstable — New Meeting-HouBe — Horseba I, Riding 

— 1 >eej, SlinWS alhl Sllu\V-Sll "i 'S— LullgV \ i I y— l.Jl.st FlVII' I I [nil Hi 

War, 17-~'5— Paper Curn'ii.'.v — EtVerts of Kinu-lM inking— Era i.f lVace 
and Prosperity— Improved Dwellings— Bannocks and Bi 

Il:ii.l l.uUir— I'Mnlin- ^treiiiiis — Koa.ts ami I'.ri.l-eK — On.wtLi uf Farms 

iv nt r.,.,,1,-, New-pap, 'is an,] I.iimh ,, . 

In 1700, the middle of the eighteenth century, the 
English colonies of North America, unknown to 
themselves, were preparing to enter upon a careei of 
political, intellectual and social development of which 
the indications were not as yet apparent. The two 
hist, .ric events, the discover) of the western conti- 
nent and the invention of movable types, which Mr. 
Carlyle said would reconstruct human society, had 
for two and a half centuries been quietly doing their 
work, but had not yet acquired the momentum of 
later years. The colonies were still few in numbers, 
feeble in resources and mere appendages of the 
mother-country. Instead of the fifty-live millions of 
to-day, the colonial population at that time was one 
million eight hundred thousand. Printing had 
achieved much, for almost every man and woman 
could read the printed page, but there Were few pages 
to be lead. 

Dunstable, where, in ourtime, more than two thou- 
sand daih newspapers are every day circulated, had 
at that time only a weekly circulation of three news- 
paper-. But colonial thought was always in advance 
of the printed page. In the fall of 1 74'J the town 
voted to begin the coming year with a school for eight 
months ; one teacher only was to be employed, and 
the school was to be kept in different parts of (he town 
alternately. The only studies taught were the three 
" lis" and spelling. There was very little classifica- 
tion. Almost all the instruction was given to each 
scholar individually. No arithmetic was used, but 
the master wrote all the '' sums " on the slate. The 
reading-books were the Psalms and the New Testa- 



NASHUA. 



mint, and nil Saturday morning the Westminster 

Catechism. No spelling-1 k was used except the 

reading-books. The slates were rough, and when 
wanting, as they sometimes wen-, birch bark was used 
as a substitute. The remoteness of a part of the 
scholars occasioned irregularity of attendance. With 
no aids, not even a map or black-board, the improve- 
ment was slow and unsatisfactory. Schools existed, 
however, till the beginning of the French War, in 
1755, when they were discontinued till 1761. 

The strife between the old and new schools of reli- 
gious thinkers still continued. Rev. Samuel Bird 
continue. 1 to oppose the doctrine of " foreordination" 
ami the harsh declarations of the Westminster Cate- 
chism. Having a call from Connecticut, he left in 
1751 ; but the dissensions in the church continued. 
li i- creditable to the town that at that early period 
there were those anions its citizens who boldly avowed 
their disbelief of the absurdities of a traditional creed. 
Subsequently milder counsels prevailed, and the bel- 
ligerents agreed to disagree. The Bird meeting- 
house was taken down and its materials made into a 
dwelling-house, long known as the "Bowers place," 
at the Harbor. On December 21, 1753, the town voted 
to build a new meeting-house "at the crotch of the 
roads, as near a- can lie with convenience to the 
house of Jonathan Lovewell." -Mr. LovewelPs house 
Still exists, and is now the resilience of Mrs. Alfred 
Godfrey, two miles south of the city hall. The 
meeting-house was built on the little triangular 
"green" which is nearly in front of Mrs. Godfrey's 
house. It was an improvement upon the previous struc- 
tures, having square pews, a spacious sounding-board, 
scats for deacons and tythingmen, two painted doors 
in front, with a suitable number of horse blocks at 
convenient distances for the accommodation of those 
women and children of the congregation who rode to 
meeting upon a side-saddle or a pillion. This meet- 
ing-house had a long occupation, not having been 
abandoned till 1812. Several of the older citizens of 
Nashua remember to have attended services within 
its walls. 

for a century after the first settlement of 1 (unstable 

no carriages were used, and journeys were per- 
formed on horseback. The only wheeled vehicles 
used were the cumbersome lumber-wagon and the 
two-wheeled cart. The good man and his wile were 
accustomed to ride to church on the same horse, she 
sitting on a pillion behind him. and not unfrequently 
carrying a child in her arms, while another and older 
child was mounted on the pommel of the saddle lie- 
fore him. No person thought of buying or exchang- 
ing a horse without ascertaining whether the animal 
would "carry double," as some otherwise valuable 
horses were in the habit of elevating their heels when 
"doubly loaded." Iu winter, when the snow was 
deep, a pairoloxen were attached to a sled, and the 
whole family rode to meeting on an ox-sled. Some- 
times an entire household, seated upon an ox-sled. 



would start in the morning to spend the day with a 
friend five or six miles distant. In the eighteenth 
century greater quantites of snow fell in winter in 
Southern New Hampshire than now, ami snow- 
shoes were in general use. The invention originated 
with the Indians. The snow-shoe was elliptical in 
shape, with its rim made of ash, and the space within 
the rim interwoven with strips of raw-hide, so that the 
large breadth of surface resting upon the snow would 
sink but slightly below the surface. The feet were 
attached to the snow-shoes by fastening a common 
shoe at the toe, leaving the heel loose, to the central 
part of the snow-shoe. The Indian- and eail\ sell has 
made constant use <>t them during tin 1 deep snows of 
(he long winters. The snowfall usually reached the 
depth of five feet and continued from ten to twelve 
weeks. 

In 17"»_' the elder John Lovewell, lather of the 

he f Pequawket, died at an advanced age. The 

current rumor of his extreme longevity (one hundred 
and twenty years) is a mistake. Thccrror arose from 
confounding the events of his life with those of his 
lather, who was a soldier under Cromwell, and whose 
bravery the son inherited. Born in England, and 
lighting under Church, in King Philip's War, he was 
among the earliest settlers of Dunstable. During the 
Indian attacks, about 1700, he was, on one occasion, 
spared by them mi account of his kindness iii time of 
peace. In his later years he lived on the north side 
ol Salmon Brook, just below the Main Street bridge. 
He lived to hi- a centenarian, and was so vigorous at 
that age as to he a terror to the hoys who attempted 
to steal his apples. The family name has now disap- 
peared from Nashua. 

The longevity of many of the early settlers is worthy 
of notice. In Judge Worcester's " History of Hollis," 
Widow l.vdia Ulrieh'is authentically recorded as 
having died in that town in her one hundred and tilth, 
and Lieutenant Caleb Farley in Ills one hundred and 
third year. This great longevity and good health of 
the early settlers was no doubt due to the regularity 
of their habits and the simplicity of their diet. 

The Last French War, 1755.— Near the close of 
I7(s a treaty of peace had been made between Eng- 
land and France. By this treaty, no question in 
dispute was settled. England yielded up Louisburg, 
whose conquest had shed such glory on the colonial 
arms, and received in return -Madras. The English 
government had shown neither skill nor energy in the 
management of the war, but had left the colonies to 
protect themselves. King George the Third and his 
ministry had allowed a dangerous enemj to harass 
the colonies, that they might feel more keenly their 
dependence on the mother-country. They were already 
enforcing that restrictive policy in trade which subse- 
quently led to the Revolution. The fruit of this war 
to the colonies was only debt and disgrace. They felt 
that it was an inglorious surrender of their interests. 

The peace was only nominal. In the spring id' 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY. NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



1755 it was manifest that the French were aiming at 
the control of the Lakes and the Mississippi Valley, and, 
if successful in these designs, ofthe subjugation of the 
Colonies. War was openly declared, ami New Hamp- 
shire raised a regiment of five hundred men to join 
an expedition, under Sir William Johnson, for the 
capture of Crown Point. The command wasgiven to 
Colonel Joseph Blanchard, of Dunstable. One ofthe 
companies of this regiment was the famous " Rangers," 
of which Robert Rogers, of Dunbarton, was captain 
and John Stark lieutenant. Several members of the 
company were from thistown. 

This regiment was disbanded at the end of the 
year. After the failure ofthe campaign of 1755, and 
the death of General Braddoek, Lord Loudon was ap- 
pointed to the chief command. Another New Hamp- 
shire regiment was called for anil raised. But the 
campaigns of 1756, 177>7 and 1758 were disastrous 
from the incapacity oftheBritish commanders. No- 
thing saved Lord Loudon from an utter defeat bill the 
brilliant and persistent efforts of the Rangers, under 
Rogers and Stark. 

The war still continuing, New Hampshire was or- 
dered to furnish another regiment of a thousand 
soldiers, which, on the death of Colonel Blanchard, 
was commanded by Colonel Zaccheus Lovewell, 
brother of the famous John Lovewell. It did good 
service at the capture of Ticonderagaand Crow u l'oint. 
The next year (1760) a regiment of eight hundred 
was raised by this State, under the command of Col- 
onel John Gotl'e, of Bedford. Dunstable furnished her 
full quota of soldiers, who were at the surrender of 
Montreal and Quebec, which wrested all Canada from 
France and closed the war. 

This result, due to the statesmanship of the new 
British premier, William Pitt, decided whether Cath- 
olicism or Protestantism should prevail in North 
America. A different result would have (hanged the 
whole current of civilization on the western continent. 
It was a conflict of ideas, and not the mere encounter 
of brute forces. The New England colonies rang 
with exultation ; the hills V vere lighted with bonfires : 
Legislatures, the pulpit and the people echoed the 
general joy. They felt it to be the triumph of truth 
over error. In this la-t of the French and Indian 
colonial wars, the men of Dunstable bore well their 
part in held and forest engagements. Besides the two 

colonels, Blanchardand l,o\ ewell, and the commissary, 

Jonathan Lovewell, it is known that tie- sons of Noah 
Johnson, the last survivor of LoVeWell's fight, were 
in the war. both of whom were killed. In all. about 
thirty Dunstable men served in the war. and the sur- 
vivors returned at its close to their farms. 

War is attended with evils which are often felt long 
after its close. The colonies had very little of gold or 
silver coin, and issued paper currency to meet the ex- 
penses of the protracted struggle. Its deterioration 
caused much embarrassment and loss. During 
the active operations of the war the harvests were 



bountiful, and there was little suffering for food at home 
or in the army. But during the years 1701 and 1762 
a 9i N i re drought cut off the crop-, so that corn was im- 
ported from Virginia, ami the Dunstable farmers cut 
the wild, coarse grass which grew in the swamps to 
save their live-stock from starvation. The scarcity id' 
feed compelled the slaughter of many sheep and 
cattle. 

Another harmful effect to the colonies was the in- 
creasing use of intoxicating chinks. The soldiers, 
accustomed to camp-life ami the daily use of liipiors, 
carried their loose habits into rural life, ami added to 
tie mi-,, wing tendency to drunkenness. Public senti- 
ment was not at that time awake to the terrible effects 
of the use of intoxicating drinks. Not only did the 
town officers of Dunstable, in their charge for servii i 8, 
make a separate hill for "newrhum" for daily use, 
but on all public occasions — all meetings, whether of 
joy or sorrow — it was customary for all to drink freely. 
No wedding could he appropriately celebrated with- 
out a liberal distribution of stimulating drinks. Even 
at funeral- it was thought necessary "to keep the 
spirits up by pouring spirits down." The evils of 
poverty, then severely felt, were greatly increased by 
the debased appetite for intoxicating liquors. 

Two years before the close of the war, on April 7, 
1758, Colonel Joseph Blanchard died at the age of 
fifty-three. Hi- grandfather. Deacon John Blanchard, 
was one of the first settlers of the town. Hi- father 
was an active, useful citizen, holding positions of tru-t 
and living in 1727. On the death of his father, though 
young, Joseph Blanchard succeeded to his father's 
business. He became widely known as a surveyor of 

land, and in that capacity traversed the almost un- 
broken forests which now constitute the western and 
northern towns of Hillsborough County. He sketched 
the first published map- of New Hampshire, a work 
of great labor and much value to new emigrants. He 
was in command of the first regiment raised lor the 
campaign of 17-V> at the time of his death. His 
moss-stained monument in the old cemetery in the 
south part ofthe town read- thus, — 

■•Tlit Hon. .I..-,],!, HI:,,,, ],;,r,]. Ks.j., 
I. ' 

The capture of Quebec and the surrender of Canada 
to the British, in 1760, was followed by a longer inter- 
val of peace than Dunstable had ever enjoyed, — fifteen 
years. It was a period of needed tranquillity, for on 
them, more than elsewhere, hail the Indian wars told 
fearfully. For sixty year- there had been no season 
when danger might riot be imminent. There was no 
safet\ for the ordinary dwelling. Every occupied 
bouse w a- of necessity a garrison. Xo held labor 
could be performed with safety. Harvests were de- 
stroyed, dwelling- burned, cattle killed and men. 
women and children brutally massacred or dragged 
through the wilderness to Canada. No man walked 
abroad unarmed, and on Sunday even the minister 
preached with his musket at hi- side. 



NASHUA. 



161 



But the entire overthrow of the French dominion 

brought safety as 'well as peace. When, in 1774, the 
tyranny of the British government began to pro- 
voke ^colonial resistance, Dunstable, with its seven 
hundred inhabitants, had become an established, self- 
reliant community. It is a fitting opportunity, there- 
fore, to briefly glance at the condition, habits, customs 
and peculiarities of our forefathers while yet the sub- 
jects of a European monarch. 

The settlers of Dunstable were of Puritan origin. 
The earliest comers were, as a class, distinctly marked 
characters, men of intelligence, energy and some prop- 
erty. They had two objects in view: to obtain per- 
manent homes for themselves and their posterity, and 
to acquire wealth by the rise of their lands. They 
brought with them domestic animals — cattle, swine 
andsheep, — and had they been spared the savage out- 
rages, which destroyed their property, and oftentimes 
their lives, in a few years they would have had large 
and profitable farms and convenient houses. The 
constant danger of Indian attacks compelled tin- 
building of timbered dwellings— logs hewn on opposite 
side- so that no musket bullet could penetrate, save at 
some crevice. There were no windows, except nar- 
row openings to admit light and air; while the doors 
were built with the most careful regard to resistance 
against outward attacks. They were made of white 
oak or ash plank, with iron hinges, and with a wooden 
latch on the inside, Inning a raw-hide string to lift 
the latch from the outside. When the string was 
pulled in and the heavy crossbars put up, it was no 
easy matter to force an entrance. Many of the houses 
from the first settlement till 17">o had a rude and 
strong stockade built around them, consisting of tim- 
bers ten inches thick set upright in the ground to the 
height often to twelve feet. Such a building, if pro- 
tected by several good marksmen, had all the securitj 
of a fort, and was never attacked by the savages unless 
they discovered the entrance open and unguarded. 
The house itself consisted of a single room, from 
sixteen to eighteen feet square, with seats, table and 
bedsteads, hewn by the broad axe. constituting the 
furniture. 

But with the peace which followed the capture of 
Quebec came an era of growth and prosperity. The 
primitive dark and dingj log house gave way to the 

In I house, usually of one story, anil consisting of 

a sizeable room, which answered the three-fold pur- 
pose of kitchen, living-room and parlor, with a small 
sleeping-room and pantry. A few of the more wealth} 
built a "double house." furnishing more abundant ac- 
commodations. All of them had in view shelter and 
comfort rather than elegance. The windows were 
small, without blinds or shutters. The lire-place was 
spacious enough to receive " back-logs " of two feet in 
diameter and five feel in length, in front of which was 
placed the smaller wood, resting on andirons. The 
stone hearth hail the most liberal dimensions and the 
flue of the chimney a diameter of three feet. It was 



hardly an exaggeration to say that one could sit in 
the chimney corner and study astronomy. All the 
cooking was done by this fire, the kettles being sus- 
pended from an iron crane over it, while the bannocks 
were baked and the meat roasted in front of it. Around 
it gathered the family at night, often numbering from 
six to twelve children, and the cricket on the hearth 
kept company with their prattle. Thus with the 
hardships came the comforts of pioneer life. Dunsta- 
ble had now a local cabinet-maker, whose busy lathe 
greatly improved the style of heusehold furniture. 
Everything was made of native forest wood — pine, 
cherry, birch and birds-eye maple. Now and then a 
bureau or a desk was seen which was made in Boston; 
and more rarely an article brought across the water 
from England. Vessel* of iron, copper and tin were 
used in cooking. The dressers, extending from floor 
to ceiling in the kitchen, contained the mugs, basins 
and various-sized plates of pewter, which shone upon 
the tanner's board at time of meals. Farmers hired 
their help for seven dollars a month. Carpenters had 
seventy-live cents a day, or twelve dollars per month. 
Apprentices served five years, and for the first two 
years were only fed and clothed. 

The food in those days was simple and healthy. 
There were no dyspeptic-. Breakfast generally con- 
sisted of potatoes, roasted in the ashes, with a little 
cold meat and a hot "bannock," made of meal and 
water, and baked on a " maple chip " before the Are. 
In summer salt pork and greens, with an occasional 
strawberry or blackberry pudding, formed the staple 
for dinner; in autumn the raccoon, partridge and gray 
squirrel furnished wild meat for the siiue meal, while 
late in spring and early summer salmon and shad af- 
forded material for a princely repast. During the 
long winters farm-boys, apprentices and children lived 
chiefly mi bean porridge. At dinner brown bread was 
added, or snapped corn was silted into the boiling 
porridge, making the dish called " pop robbin." There 
was no tea or coffee, but all drank from a common 
mug, which at dinner contained eider. David Allds, 
who lived just north of Salmon Brook, near the bridge 
which still retains his name, used to say that during 
the winter months bis family "used up" two hogs- 
head- of bean porridge each month. 

There were no periods of leisure to the early set- 
tlers of any part of New England; least of all was 
there to the people of Dunstable. During the win- 
ter, when the fanner of to-day does little beside tak- 
ing care of his stock, the new-comer to Dunstable, 
finding bis narrow clearing insufficient to support his 
family, set himself to felling tree- for a new field. All 
through the early winter he was in the wood- from 
early dawn till the stars appeared in the sky, and 
sometimes by moonlight or firelight in the evening. 
But he had a strong frame, and labor was not irk- 
some; every blow -truck was for himself, his children 
and his homestead. Stripping oil' his coat, with arms 
bare to the elbow, and the perspiration standing in 



162 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



drops on his forehead, the blows fell fast and heavy 
till the huge trunk, tottering lor a moment, fell to the 
ground, flinging the broken branches high in the air, 
ami with a noise like distant thunder. When the 
deep snows came he hired himself till spring to an 
older and wealthier settler, to earn the corn and meat 
to feed his family. The labors of the housewife were 
no less arduous. A.shle from the care of her children, 
she had sole charge of the dairy and kitchen, besides 
spinning and weaving, sewing and knitting, washing 
and mending for the " men folks," and in case of sick- 
ness, taking care of the suffering. The people were 
generally healthy. Consumption, neuralgia and dis- 
eases of the heart were rarely known. 

Dunstable had less of harmony in church affairs 
than most of the early settled towns of New England. 
Yet, the people, with rare unanimity, gathered on 
Sunday at the "Old South Meeting-House." Sunday 
developed the social as well as the religious feelings. 
During the hour of intermission the men gathered 
around some trader, or person who had just returned 
from Boston, whose means of information exceeded 
their own. to learn the important news of the week. 
Newspapers and letters were seldom seen at any coun- 
try fireside. News from England did not reach the 
inland towns till four months after the events oc- 
curred. Intelligence from New York was traveling 
ten to twelve day; before it reached New Hampshire. 
In the means of general information it is difficult to 
comprehend the great change which has occurred in 
the civilized world between 1750 and the present 
time. 

Between 17<i0 and the beginning of the Revolution, 
in 1775, the "up-country," above Dunstable, — what 
now comprises the northern and western towns of 
Hillsborough County,— was rapidly settled. Dunstable 
bad ceased to be a frontier town, and in spring and 
autumn the river road from Chelmsford to Nashua 
River, and thence to Amherst, became a thoroughfare 
for ox-teams, horse-teams and " foot people." Dr. 
Whiton, the early historian of Antrim, said that not a 
small portion of the immigrants possessed little heside 
the axe on their shoulders and the needy children by 
their side. The taverns of a few years later were infre- 
quent, and the farmers of this town displayed a ready 
and 'o in runs hospitality in assisting the wayfarers on 
their journey. 

Idle building of bridges over large streams taxes 
he pioneers of a new region. The bridge 
over the Nashua River was for many years a source of 
much expense and trouble to the people of Dunsta- 
ble. The first serviceable bridge was built in 1742,not 
far from the present one on Main Street, and more 
than twenty feet lower. This was carried away by a 
freshet in 1753, and rebuilt the same year at an ex- 
pense of one hundred and fifty pounds. Before 1759 
it was in a ruinous condition, and the town petitioned 
ral Court for liberty to establish a lottery to 
build a new one. The lottery was not granted, but a 



new bridge was built a tew years later, partl\ by sub- 
scription and partly by the town. It stood a little be- 
low the present one. In the spring of 177-"' it was 
again, and for the last time, carried away by a freshet, 
and the new one, built the same year, spanned the 
current at a greater elevation. 

But the bridge across the Nashua River on the 
south road to Hollis was for a time a cause of still 
greater trouble. In the first Settlement ol Hollis. before 
the era of bridges. Mrs. Anna, wife of Captain Peter 
Powers, on a summer day went on horseback to visit 
a friend on this side of the river. The Nashua, 
at what is now called Runnell's bridge, was easily 
forded in the morning, but a sudden shower in the 
afternoon had caused it to Overflow its banks. Mrs. 
Rowers must return to her home that night. The 
Inn-'- . mi ring the stream and losing his foothold, 
began to swim. The current was rapid, and the 
water flowed above the back of the horse. He was 
swept down the river, but still struck out for the op- 
posite bank. At one instant his feet rested on a rock 
in the stream, and he was lifted above the tide. 
Again he plunged forward, and threw his rider from 
her seat ; she caught his flowing inane and holding 
on for life, was borne by the strong animal safely to 
the opposite shore. Similar incidents were not in- 
frequent in the early occupation of the country. 

Rut the first bridge at Runnell's Mills was built too 
low, ami was badly injured by the annual spring 
freshets. It was very necessary to the people of Hol- 
li-. being on (heir main road to market, but of little 
u-r to Dunstable. The old bridge had been built by 
both towns, but in 1772 a new bridge was needed, 
and Dunstable was unwilling to pay half of the ex- 
pense. There were two tanners. Ebenezer Jaijuith 
mid Ensign Daniel Merrill, who owned the land in 
tin- bend of the river opposite the bridge, who wished 
to be annexed to Hollis, and wdio would pay hand- 
somely towards the new bridge if their wishes were 
granted. Dunstable was unwilling, but rather than 
incur the expense id' a quarrel, united with Hollis in 
a petition for the proposed annexation. It was 
granted by the General Court in May, 1773. So the 
bridge was henceforth wholly in Hollis. Judge Wor- 
cester, in his " History of Hollis." says; '• It is true that 
Dunstable lost five hundred acres of territory by the 
settlement, but was relieved from the burden of half 
maintaining the bridge for all future time, — a charge 
that has already cost Hollis more than the value of 
the land annexed." 

The population of Dunstable previous to tin- Revo- 
lution was very largely south of the Nashua River. 
Farms, however, weie being cleared at various points 
along the river westward to the Hollis line; several 
farmers had located on the Merrimack intervale lie 
tween the Laton farm and the mouth of the Pen ni- 
chuck : and on the Amherst road, three and four 
mile- above the Nashua River, Samuel Roby, Benja- 
min .Tewett, John Butterfield and several others had 



NASHUA. 



started a thrifty settlement. In the south pari of the 
town, as early as 1755, Abbott Roby had settled on 
the farm now occupied by Willard Cummings; James 
ami Benjamin Searles ami Philip Fletcher had taken 

up farms in the valley near the State line: Sylvanus 
Whitney had cleared off the forest ami was living on 
the farm now owned by John Dane; the Fisk family 
lived where Stillman Swallow now resides; and on 
the road now leading to Peppcicll were Jacob Gilson 
ami Luther Robbins. Some of the older residents 
had acquired large and productive farms, and gave 
employment to some of their less-favored neighbors, 
[laying them largely in the products of the farm, — 
food and clothing. Socially there was little or no 
distinction between the employer ami the employed, 
ami in business matter- their relations were amiable. 
All the inhabitants of the town, except the parson, 
carpenter, blacksmith and trader, obtained their liveli- 
hood solely from the lands they cultivated ; ami in 
truth, all of these were more or less cultivators of the 
soil. Trade was mostly carried on in winter, each 
farmer carrying, sometimes with horse-, but oftener 
with an ox-team, his surplus of pork, wool 
and grain to the Newburyport, Salem or Boston 
market, and bringing back iron, salt, molasses, nun, 
powder ami shot. 

The first stock of goods brought to Dunstable was 
drawn on a hand-sled by two men from Salem. It 
consisted of a few axes, knives, needles, fish-hooks, a 
small keg of nails, another of rum, a lot of salt-fish, 
forty pounds of shot ami twenty pounds of powder. 
For many years there was only one store in town, 
and this did a limited business, as much of the retail 
trade went to Chelmsford. There was no library, no 
lectures, no lyceum, no amusements. There were 
no recreations I'm- old or young except huskings, 
raisings and neighborhood gatherings in the long 
evenings of winter. Friendship was a much stronger 
tie than in modern times, and neighbors took a 
deeper and more genuine interest in each other's 
welfare. 

The early settlers of any region are compelled to 
suffer hardships and privation-. It was the lot of 

our forefathers that great perils also < stantlj 

confronted them ami their families. Yet even with 
them, there was sonic compensation in the newness of 
life around them ; in the buoyancy of pure air, clear 
streams, and fresh woodlands; in an exemption from 
the annoyances of older communities. That period 
has become history, and will not return. Nature 
bring- not back the mastodon, nor will there I"' a 
recurrence of the colonial epoch. The charm about 
it is this, — that it was the earliest period of our 
American history, a period that will always be inter- 
esting, and the records of which will continue to at- 
tract the reader in the far-distant centuries of the 



CHAPTER VIII. 
NASHUA— {Continued). 

DUNSTABLE I.N THE REVOLUTION. 

Aihanr.-.l 1,1. :, s uf tvinalirv— Kviiy I'unstai.l.' Man a Si. Mi. a — I'irsf 
Action of the Town-The Minute-Men— At Bunker Hill— Enthusiasm 
ami Anxiety— Evrnts uf ITTii — I'.alll.' nl ISriminuten llai il,.|n|... ami 
Privations Dunstable Opposed to Centralized Power— The War Ended 
—State Constitution Adopted.— List "t Dunstable Revolutionary Sol- 

Tin: French and Indian wars terminating with the 
conquest of Canada gave the colonies of New Eng- 
land a severe but useful experience. The) bad been 
taught the cost, hardships and dangers of war, and 
knew ho» to meet them. In these campaigns thej 
had discovered that they were more than the peers 
of the European soldiery. They had no hatred of the 
British gOA ernment in its constitutional exercise, had 
fond memories of their old homes, and bad no expec- 
tation of a speedy separation from the mother-coun- 
try, nor diil they at that time desire it. 

Put they began to foresee that a great ami inde- 
pendent nation was destined to arise into existence in 
America. When the leading men of Dunstable met 
in town-meetings, the current sentiment of the day 
was that though none then living would see the event, 
yet in future ages this country would become a (pow- 
erful and independent republic. That a separation 
from England would be so soon accomplished they 
did not even dream; ami as to the rapid advance of 
the country in population, wealth and political im- 
portance, their most adventurous imaginations lagged 
far behind what time has since unfolded as realities. 

The era of the Revolution found every citizen of 
Southern New Hampshire a soldier. Scarcely a man 
of middle age could be met who had not faced an 
armed foe and was not familiar with the dangers of 
an armed conflict. Colonel Blanchard is reputed to 
have saiil that ''the boys of this town are better ac- 
quainted with tin' gun than the spelling-book," — 
were rather marksmen than scholars. In addition to 
their military experience, the division of New Eng- 
land into townships, — those ''little democracies." as 
they were aptly called, — each self-governed, where 
every citizen feels that he is a part of the common- 
wealth, has civil rights and duties, and learns to think 
and act for himself, was an excellent school for train- 
ing our forefathers ami teaching them the principles 
of self-government upon a more extended scale. 

During the long succession of encroachments which 
preceded and caused the Revolution the inhabitants 
of Dunstable were not indifferent. They had watched 
the storm as it gathered, and knew its consequences 
must be momentous. In September, 1774, Jonathan 
Lovewell was sent a delegate to the convention at 
Exeter, called to choose delegates to the First Conti- 
nental Congress. The same town-meeting voted a 
sum of money "to buy a supply of ammunition,' 1 and 
voted to pay their share of the expenses to be incurred 



HJ4 



HISTORY OF HILLS UOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



in forming a colonial organization. In January, 
177-"'. Joseph Eayers and Noah Lovewell represented 
the town in the next Exeter convention to send dele- 
gates to Philadelphia. At this meeting, with an ac- 
tivity characteristic of the times, they chose Samuel 
Roby, Jonathan Lovewell, Joseph Eayers, Benjamin 
Smith, John Wright, Benjamin French, James 
Blanchard and John Searlesa " Committee of Inspec- 
tion" to see that all persons in this town carry into 
practice the recommendations and instructions of the 
( lontinental * longress. 

From the first the people of New Hampshire were 
ready for a collision. An old law required every male 
citizen from sixteen to sixty years of age to own a 
musket, bayonet, knapsack, cartridge-box, one pound 
of powder, twenty bullets and twelve tliuts. Every 
town was required to keep in readiness for use one 
barrel of powder, two hundred pounds of lead and 
three hundred flints, besides span' arms and ammuni- 
tion for those too poor to own them. The first news 
of bloodshed at Lexington was borne on the wings of 
the wind to every hamlet. Beacons were lighted, 
guns tired, drums beaten and bells rung to warn the 
1 pie of their danger. 

In these movements the men of Dunstable were 
among the most zealous, and the military spirit de- 
rived from their fathers, and the military experience 
of many in the French wars, were at once aroused into 
activity by the summons to the conflict. Instantly 
they hurried to Concord to avenge the death of their 
fellow-citizens. Who and how many were these 
"Minute-Men" is not recorded; but the town paid 
one hundred and ten dollars for their expenses. 
Within less than a week a company of sixty-six men 
was organized at Cambridge under Captain William 
Walker, of this town, forty of whom, including the 
officers, were also from Dunstable. The following is 
the company roll, omitting the nam & of those from 
adjacent towns: 

William \\.,IUir, ..,,,i;hii; ,l:n Urowi), first lieutenant; William 

K'.l'v -. i,, I I tenant ; hahi.-l Wai tirr. st-i ^i-ant ; .l..lm Lund, ser- 
geant; Phineao Whitney, corporal : M..I.H 1 '..ml.-. Ala.ial. I: I. .1..I111 

Lnveuvii. w iiiiatu Ham-. Can. Woods, .'■■■■ Stewart, Si 1 Butter- 
field, Pet. ill Philip Roby, Jonathan Harris, Wil- 
liam Harris, Jr., Archibald Gibson, Benjamin w hitney, Jonathan Dan- 

forth, David Adams, Benjamin Bagli Eli] 1 t Bagley, David Adi 

Jr., Nehemiah Lovewell, Henrj I 1 1 Man hard, Richard 

Adams. El., n, /. 1 l,.-.ii.i,, w illian Gibson, John 



Jacob Blodgett, 



Moses I'liaiulli r, Jason Russell. 



After reaching the vicinity of Boston, the New 
Hampshire troops were stationed at Medford, and 
formed the left wing of the American army. They 
comprised two regiments, and were commanded by 
Colonel Stark and Colonel Reed. General Washing- 
ton had not yet arrived. The Massachusetts historian 
of that campaign described the soldiers from this 
Slate to be "hardy, fearless ami indefatigable. Al- 
most every one of them was a trained marksman. 
There bail been, with many of them, an experience 



in savage warfare; and forest hunting was familiar to 
all. They could aim their weapons at a human op- 
pressor as readily as at a bear." 

The regiment of Colonel Prescott and other Massa- 
chusetts forces wire stationed at Cambridge. By 
oriler of the < lommittee of Safety, at nine o'clock on 
the night of June 16th, Colonel Prescott, with his 
own regiment and a detachment from several others, 
including a company of one hundred men from Hol- 
lis, this State, marched to Charlestown, and took 
possession of the heights upon which, the next day, 
was fought the battle of Bunker Hill. The men 
were ordered to take one day's rations and a spade 
or pick-axe. It was midnight before the ground 
was reached, and a line marked out for digging 
a breast-work. Working the rest of the night, and 

the next foren i in the intense heat of a June 

sun. without sleep, ami some of them without food 
and drink, word was sent to Colonel Prescott, if, in 
view of the impending light, fresh troops had not 
better take the place of the weary ones, Colonel 
Prescott replied: "The men who have thrown up 
these works know best how to defend them." 

At eleven o'clock on the day of the battle the New 
Hampshire troops were ordered to march to the rear 

of Colonel Prescott's ( tmand, as a reinforcement. 

Fifteen charges of powder and ball were distributed 
to each man, with directions to make them into cart- 
ridges immediately. Few had cartridge-boxes, but 
used powder-horns; ami as the guns wire of different 
calibre, there was much difficulty in adjusting the balls. 
Some of Shirk's men reached the rail fence near the 
redoubt, while the rest were stationed in the rear to 
protect the peninsula. In marching over Charles- 
town Neck, the New Hampshire soldiers wen , a|.h -d 
to a constant fire from the P.ritish men-of-war; but 
Colonel Stark kept the men on a steady move, say- 
ing: " Before this fight is over, one fresh man will be 
worth ten tired ones." 

The British forces marched up the hill at two 
o'clock. The heaviest tire was on Prescott's men at 
the breast-works. A regiment of Welsh fusileers was 
opposed to Shirk's command. They marched up the 
hill with seven hundred men. The next day only 
eighty-three appeared on parade, and every commis- 
sioned officer was missing. When the redoubt was 
abandoned by Colonel Prescott, because his men had 
neither ammunition nor bayonets to defend it. Col- 
onel Stark's force held the enemy in check till the 
gallant band were safely across the i>thmu>. 

Of the Americans in that memorable battle, one 
hundred and forty-five were killed and missing, and 
thnc hundred ami five wounded, — in all four hun- 
dred ami fifty. General Gage reported the killed 
and wounded of the British army at one thousand and 
fifty-four, including eighty-nine officers. The New 
Hampshire regiments lost nineteen men killed and 
seventy-four wounded. The Dunstable company, 
under Captain Walker, was in Stark's regiment. 



NASHUA. 



165 



Only one Dunstable soldier, William Lund, was 
killed, and two, Joseph Greeley and Paul Ologstone, 
were wounded. The latter died soon after. The 
Hollis company, which on that day was included 
among: the .Massachusetts troops under Colonel Pres- 
cott, lost heavily, eighl men being left dead at the 
redoubt. The unusual heat of the day compelled the 
soldiers to lay aside their coats and knapsacks, many 
of which were lost in the excitement and hurry of 
the retreat. 

The battle fought on the 17th of June, 177-">, in 
sight of the metropolis of New England, destroyed 
less of human life than many of the sanguinary con- 
flicts of the American Revolution. But no one had a 
more derisive influence in determining the future of 
the Anglo-Saxon race on the western continent. 
It taught the British to respect American character 
and to fear American valor. 

Events of 1776 and 1777.— The people of Dunsta- 
ble were anxiously awaiting the Declaration of Inde- 
pendence, and in 177b the town officers made procla- 
mation for the annua] meeting, not as heretofore, "in His 
Majesty's name," but in the name oflhepeople of New 
Hampshire. At this meeting the "spirit of 76" was 
strongly manifested. Samuel Roby, Noah Lovewell, 
William Walker, Joseph Eayrs, Joseph French, Jr., 
Captain Benjamin French and Thomas Butterfield, 
were chosen delegates to the ( lounty < longress. 

Jonathan Lovewell, Robert Fletcher, Joseph Eayrs, 
Noah Lovewell Silas Adams, Samuel Koby, Joseph 
Whiting ami Thomas Butterfield were chosen a < lom- 
mittee of Safetj . 

Samuel Roby, Benjamin Smith, Thomas Butterfield, 
John Searles, David Allds, James Blanchard, Wil- 
liam Walker, John Wright and Henry Adam- were 
chosen a Committee of Inspection, to see that no 
British goods were sold in town. Early in 1 T 7" « '■ New 
Hampshire raised three regiments of two thousand 
men, which were placed under the command of ( lolo- 
uels Stark, Ibcd and Hale. They marched to Ticon- 
deroga, and up the Lakes to Canada, but were com- 
pelled to retreat. The soldiers from Dunstable suf- 
fered severely, and lost one-third of their number by 
sickness and exposure. 

In 1777 threw regiments of two thousand men were 
again raised by New Hampshire, for the Continental 
army. The same quota of troops was furnished by 
the State during the war. besides voluntary enlist- 
ments. In every lew of two thousand men the propor- 
tion to be furnished by I (unstable was sixteen. More 
than twice this number, however, must have been 
constantly in the army. It was in the summer of this 
year that General Burgoyne, marching with a large 
army from Canada, captured Ticonderoga, a strong 
fortress at the head of Lake ( reorge. The loss caused 
great dismay in the Eastern States. One of the New 
Hampshire regiments, commanded by Colonel Hale, 
was pursued and overtaken on July 7th, at Hubbard- 
ton, Yt., seventeen miles southeast from Ticonderoga. 



A severe skirmish followed, in which several officers 
and one hundred of our men were taken prisoners. 
Of the Dunstable soldiers, John Butler and James 
Harwood were killed, and John Manning taken pris- 
oner. 

There was great excitement in Vermont and New 
Hampshire at the success and intentions of General 
Burgoyne and his forces. The Legislature of New 
Hampshire met at Exeter, and ordered a regiment to 
enlist immediately, under the command of John 
Stark, " in order to stop the progress of the enemy on 
our western frontiers.'' The State could vote to raise 
troops, but could not pay them. The treasury was 
empty. In this emergency, John Langdon, Speaker 
of the House, and a merchant of Portsmouth, offered 
to loan three thousand dollars in coin and the avails 

of his plate and stock of g Is, remarking that if our 

cause triumphed, he would be repaid; but if not, the 
property would be of no use to him. He also enlisted 
as a [private. 

The appointment of John Stark was received with 
enthusiasm throughout the State. The people had 
confidence in him. They predicted his success, for 
they knew his dauntless courage, keen sagacity and 
untiring vigilance. Volunteers in large numbers 
Hocked to his standard. All classes were eager "to 
take the woods for a Hessian hunt." Stark made his 
headquarters at Bennington, where the Vermont 
forces, under Colonel Warner, joined him. He was 
ordered by Genera] Gates to take bis militia to the 
west side of the Hudson. He declined to obey, as he ■ 
was in the service id' New Hampshire, and her interests 
required his presence at Bennington. Congress 

thereupon passed a vote of .ensure upon Stark, which 
in a lew days they changed to a vote of thanks. He 
best understood what was his duty. Carrying' out his 
own plan, he found that Genera] Burgoyne had sent 
from Fort Edward fifteen hundred (banians, Tories 
and Indians to rob and plunder the people of Ver- 
mont, and thus secure horses and provisions for the 
British arm;,, and Colonel Baum, at the head of 
these troops, was close at hand. A brisk skirmish 
took place on the 14th of August, in which thirty 
of tin: enemy were killed. The next day a heavy 
storm delayed the contest, and gave the liritish time to 
build abreast-work of logs and timbers. Thej were 
also defended by heavy artillery. 

On the morning of the 16th, General Stark laid 
his plans for a decisive light, and was strengthened by 
a detachment from Western Massachusetts. The bat- 
tle began at three in the afteru After a two-hours' 

struggle the fortifications were carried, and two can- 
non and many prisoners captured. The rest of the 
British and Hessians tied. An hour later the enemy 
were reinforced by Colonel Breyman, and the light 
was renewed. They fought till the sun went down, 
and Stark was master of the held. Only a small frac- 
tion of the foe escaped. The fruits of the victory 
obtained by these raw militia over European veteran-, 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



toriea and savages were four pieces of brass artillery, 
eighty loads of baggage, < > > i l- thousand stands of anus 
and seven hundred and fifty prisoners. Two hundred 
and seventh fell on the battle-field. The American 
loss was thirty-four killed and forty wounded. But the 
important result of this victory was the restoration of 
confidence to the desponding American army. " One 
more such blow," said Washington, "and we shall 
have no more anxiety as to the designs of Britain." 

Congress having adopted a temporary Conn of 

gover ent, both for the State and the Union, the 

voters of Dunstable, on February 9, 1778, in town- 
meeting, adopted unanimously i } i < ■ < 'ongrossional Artic- 
les of Confederation. On April 17, 1778, Captain Ben- 
jamin French and Deacon William Hunt were chosen 
delegates to the Stale < invention, to be held in June, 
to form a State constitution. A committee of eleven 
was also appointed, namely, Cyrus Baldwin, Joseph 
Whiting, Robert Fletcher, Jonathan Lovewell, Captain 
Daniel Warner, Joseph Eayrs, Captain Benjamin 
Smith, Lieutenant David Allds, Colonel Noah Love- 
well, Lieutenant Joseph French and Lieutenant Jacob 
Taylor, "to assist said members during the conven- 
tion's session." A bill of rights and a constitution 
were drafted, ami an able address to the people issued, 
signed by John Langdon, p resident of the convention. 
But the people would not sanction either. Their ex- 
perience id' royal usurpation, and the tear of giving 

t< inch power to the rulers prevailed, ami 1i.mIi were 

negatived by a large majority. Dunstable voted unan- 
imously to reject them. 

In August, 177S, fourteen men went as volunteers 
from Dunstable, under Colonel Noah Lovewell, to 
Rhode Island. Theseatof war having changed from 
New England to the Middle ami Southern State-, in 
1779, 1780 and 1781 a large number of Dunstable 
men « cut into acti\ c service as soldiers in New ^ ..i I, 
and Virginia. 

How many soldiers were furnished to the army fr 

Dunstable during the seven years of the War of the 
Revolution it is not possible to ascertain with entire 
accuracy, but the number was maintained till the 
close of the contest, in October, 1781 . No town in this 
State bad greater unanimity in favor of national in- 
dependence and the most vigorous prosecution of the 
war. There were no Tories in Dunstable, and no resi- 
dents id' the town went into exile for supporting the 
usurpations id' the British King. 

In preparing the only history of Nashua hitherto 
published, its author, Charles J. Fox, Esq., made an 
examination of the town and State records, ami 
availed himself of other sources of information to 

obtain the names of those who participated in that 
long and bloody struggle. Mr. Fox had the habits of 
investigation which admirably lilted him for the work, 
and it was his intention, had his health and life been 
prolonged, to have given the subject further attention. 
His summary of the services of the soldiers id' this 
town, we give in his own words, — 



■' fin- wli..le male pupulation of I'uiist.a.l,- ii, May, 177.-., hetwec n the 

agi - "l Bixteen and fiftj yean, was onrj hundred and twenty-eight, 

and nearly ever} man, eith i at i - lui i or as a draft, was at some 

j.< ii' "1 in ttif -.■Mir.- I'll. \ u.r. in ,| st every ti^lit, In. in I'.nnker 

11,11 tc S irkt iwn, and theii bones aw i Idering upon many a battle- 

Beld, from Haasai >...-. tt- I Virginia. They were at Bunker Hill in the 

l»>sl "1 .lainj i .iii-l h..lea ; lii.v weiv .it "I i. ..ri-t. i . .-... \v }i.-ri-, 1» .mo 

down by pestilei ■ ind want, they were compelled to retreat, fighting 
step by step, in the face of a victorious foe; they were at Bennington 
with Stark, where the tii-i gleam of li^-hl broke in u] tor prospects ; 

Washington, they surprised a 

hi tlie .lishrult.-lie.l not i. .0 ; a 

army i apll ilia!. .1, ami lliue|.einleiii e was wl.ii." 

The following is the list of soldiers from Dunstable 
who served in the army at some time between April, 
1775, and October, 1781. Some of them were in ser- 
vice only a few months, or for a single expedition. 
The names thus collected number one hundred and 
fifty-nine, or thirty-one above the number of males 
in the tow 1 April 1, 177~>. between the ages of six- 
teen and fifty. Rut it is to be borne in mind that 
quite a number went into service for a single expedi- 
tion, like that to Bennington, who were over fifty years 
of age. Of this class there were said to have been 
over forty. The list was made chiefly by Mr. Fox in 
1S44, at which time there were four Revolutionary 
soldiers living in the town, namely, Eleazer Fisk 

Ji - Jewell, Isaac Foot and Ebenezer Harris, from 

whose recollection several of these names were ob- 
tained. The thirty-nine marked with a star were at 
the battle of Bunker Hill; the forty-four marked 
with a dagger are taken from the town records; 
those without mark are from verbal and other sources : 

David VI. mi-. David Vl.ine, .Ii, Hi. It. ml Vlnte. Il.lil\ Vi.ini- 

Silas vf I Isaac vl.nn-. 7 .1. i, M Ulds, David Allds, Jacob Adams,-} 

• '■""• - lil.ni. Ii.ii-i ' '—Hi. Butterfield, Ibe] Butterfleld, Si mi Butter- 

11. mat I'. in. mi- 11. Charles Butterfleld, Benjamin Bayley,» 

zei Blanchard, Olivet Blodgett, Daniel Blood, 1 I Brown,* 

u. I Butterfield.1 .rim Butlei ' killed at Hubberton, Ver nt. 

I.Ephraim la l.fHeul '-I l.tSimeon HI l.fJohn Blanch- 

f Nathaniel Blanchard, i oat nan Butterfleld, f Timothy lil I.t 

l,.,|.i Bayley,* William Butterfleld Paul Clogst » (died at Cam- 

:■ . :77 '■ . .r.liii Cockle,1 Stephen Conery,t John Conery.i Medad 
... He ..mo . \\ lii.cn Cox, Tl tas ' lark, 



ell. 1 



Harwood, 
James Ji * 



11. \ t (.tie. I in .11 no , l-i. e I h ...a!-. 
■ M.-II. Nathaniel l\. In |. 1 11 .I. 



Stephen I.uVeWell lei. luie.lt, '1'lintlias l.ile->. l.e\i I.uti'l, William 

Mann f 'kille.l ill the am. v.. .I..I111 MainnniM ital.en j.ris 1 at 

Tirntiilen.ea, ami atteiu.ints retakeiii, Kti|.tialet Main. mi:, t .l.'llathali 



167 



Powers, Thomas 
Pike, William Qu 
army), Samuel Ro 
BdDJamiD Robbine 
S b, John Sno« 

5eal,1 Sil -- Swa 
pie, Levi Pempl 

Woods died at ( 



i Roby,< 

I SI,. -.1.1,1 



CHAPTER IX. 



NASHUA— {Cuntiuiietl). 



DUNSTAl'.I.K 



; ins i i n i M ins. 

b— "The ru..- Barrens "—So 
srneld — Rev. Joseph Kidder- 

1 Si I I- -'".I Text-Booka- 

g— The Lovewells and Blanch 



The close of the War of tin- Revolution found 
the people of New England sadly embarrassed in 
their resources. We can form but a faint idea of the 
sacrifices made by the colonists ha- independence. 
Beside periling life in Wattle and submitting to priva- 
tions of every description, so large a proportion of 
the able-bodied of the population were in the army 
that fields were often left unfilled. " Our efforts are 
great," said John Adams, in 1780, "and we give in 
this campaign one-half of our property to defend 
the other half. He who stays at home cannot 
earn enough to pay him who takes the field." Great 
as was the depression elsewhere, it fell with unusual 
severity upon Dunstable. In the Indian wars no 
town in theState had lost so large a proportion of the 
heads of families, or so largely reduced its industrial 
capacity. Hence the sum annually expended by tin- 
town during the war. amounting to three thousand 
dollars each year, became a heavy burden upon a 
population uumbering, in 1775, only seven hundred 
and five. Yet this small number had diminished in 
17s:; to five hundred and seventy-eight, showing a 
decrease of one hundred and twenty-seven, or eighteen 
per cent.,— a fact which proves better than pages of 
description the weight of the exertions which were put 
forth and the sacrifices which were made, and the con- 
sequent paralysis of the energies and prosperity of 
the community. 

Added to the poverty of the people was the diversity 
of opinion in regard to the powers and limitations of 
theState and national governments. In December, 
1782, Dunstable chose Jonathan Blanchard represen- 
tative to the State Convention at Exeter, bul no 
decisive action was taken by that body. In 17*4, 
Captain Benjamin French, in 1786 and 17*7. Colonel 
Noah Lovewell were representives, hut no important 
measures were settled. In January, 1788, Deacon 



William Hunt was chosen a delegate to the conven- 
tion which met at Exeter the following month lo 
adopt the Constitution of the United States, which 
hail recently been sent out In Congress for acceptance 
by theseveral States. Throughout the country, as well 
as in the several State Conventions, there was great 
diversitj ol opinion in regard to it, and much opposi- 
tion. Some believed thai the Constitution vested too 
much power in the general government, and would 
gradually annihilate the existence of tin States. 
Others feared that it had not enough authority to 
protect itself from the encroachments of the States, 
and would soon he powerless, 'there was danger on 
both sides. On the one side was anarchy, on the 
other usurpation. It was an untried experiment, and 
every little community was divided. It was debated 
in town-meeting, and Dunstable voted "not to ac- 
cept the Constitution," and chose a committee of nine 
to draft a list of objections to he forwarded to the 
State Convention at Exeter. They attended to their 
duty. Fortunately, however, the State Convention 
adopted the Constitution. It was a compromise 
between the doubts of conflicting parties, and the 
fears of both have happily failed to be verified. The 
action of New J lampshire had a controlling influence 
upon the New York and other conventions then in 
session. TheState < lonstitution, in the mean time, had 
been submitted to the popular vote in .March, 17N4, 
anil approved by a large majority. It went into 
operation in June, 17S4, and Mesheck Weare became 
chief magistrate under the title of " President," which 
title was changed by the State Convention of 1792 
to "Governor," to distinguish the office from that of 
the chief magistrate of the nation. 

Few of our people of the present generation are 
aware of the comparatively low rank of this town in 
population, trade and wealth at the close of the last 
century. We give a table ol' its population at four 
different periods, as compared with several towns in 
the vicinitv: 




1800. 


1880. 


Valuation, 1883. 


802 
1557 
1-207 

926 
2561 


I 1 397 


J12,105,266 
924,675 

830^755 
1,040,783 



It will he seen 1>\ the above table that Nashua 
(then Dunstable) had in 1790 and in 1800 less inhab- 
itants than the neighboring towns. This inferiority 
in numbers and wealth continued till the introduction 
of cotton manufacture, in 1826. Her trade formally 
years after the Revolutionary War was exceedingly 
small. There was no post-office in the town, and no 
village. The nearest semblance to one was the little 
hamlet ol' live or six dwellings near the meeting- 
house located two miles below the city hall, and near 
the present farm-house of Mrs. Alfred Godfrey. It 
consisted of a store, the only one in town, kept by a 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Mr. Chamberlin ; a tavern, kept by Cummings Pol- 
lard; a blacksmith-shop, a batter's .-hup and the 
residence of " Parson Kidder." It was designated l>\ 
the people of the town as the "Centre." Farmers 
of that period had to follow the advice of Dr. Frank- 
lin, " to light the lamps of industry." Women had 
much of out-door life, and were capable of great en- 
durance. There was much of neighborhood good- 
feeling and generosity. It was needed. Among the 
early settlers was a class who. coming on foot, carried 
all their property on their shoulders. Such persons, 
though often valuable as hired laborers, needed ad- 
viser- and overseers; and unless men of more enter- 
prise and foresight had aided them to shelter, food and 
work, they and their families must have suffered 
severely. Rude but pleasant homes were increasing. 
The hum of the wheel and the stroke of the loom 
told of domestic industry. In the spring, the plow 
and the hoe were never allowed to rust ; in summer, 
the scythe and the sickle were in constant use; in 
early tall, there was gladness in gathering the abund- 
ant harvest ; farther on, the October fires roared and 
rushed through the fallen woodlands, and gleamed at 
night on the hill-sides. Nor was the winter a holiday 
to tin- tanner and hi- family ; hut the long nights af- 
forded the opportunity for social gatherings of kins- 
folks and neighbors. 

It would he difficult to conceive of a more inde- 
pendent, -elf-reliant, hearty and healthy class than 
our farming people at the close of the eighteenth 
century. The farmer lived on the products of bis 
own soil, was wanned 1>\ fuel from his own woods, 
clothed from the fleeces of his own Bock, or the flax 
of his own field. No flour, beef, ham-, lard or burn- 
ing fluid were then imported. Splinters of pitch-pine 
and resinous pine-knots were used for lights. Many 
a hoy and girl of Dunstable studied their lessons bj 
this light, and gained that practical knowledge which 
enabled them to become useful and successful in after- 
life. Trade was chiefly carried on h\ barter. Little 
money was in circulation, and it was not needed. 
Tile oxen and swine, which yielded the fresh meat in 
winter ami the salt meat in summer, were fed and 
fattened mi the farm. The surplus products of the 
field or the slaughtered swine not needed by the family 
were carried to market in the tanner's " double 
sleigh," and exchanged for salt, iron, molasses, and. if 
the truth must he told, a keg of New England rum. 
So the year went round, and to a majority oi the resi- 
dents was marked by contentedness and a slow hut 
well-founded prosperity. 

In the early history of this and all the town- of 
New England, mutual necessities and hardships 
awakened mutual interest and hospitalities Each 
gave a helping hand to rear a house for the new- 
comer, to SOW and harvest the fields of a sick neigh- 
bor. The manner of borrowing and lending among 
our ancestors was truly patriarchal. When a neigh- 
bor killed a calf, no part of it was sold, but it was 



distributed among relatives and friends, the poor 
widow always having a piece and the minister not be- 
ing forgotten. When a neighbor wished for help to 
break up hi- ground, ami a number of yoke- of oxen 
were necessary, he had only to let it he known, and 
not only the oxen and plow could he had. hut a man 
to drive them. Townsmen generally were well ac- 
quainted with each other, their circumstances and 
wants. The destitute found a helper, ami the aid 
was generously rendered. 

Ninety years ago there was very little of mechanism 
or manufacturing, except by rude hand-work, in this 
country. Yet mechanism was then, a- now, essential, 
and the mechanic was the peer and helper of the 
farmer. Every tiller of the -oil needed a house and 
barn, tools and furniture, clothes and shoes. The 
skill and craft which produced these necessaries often 
came to the house of the employer. The shoemaker 
and tailor were intinerant, working where they were 
needed, and often receiving for their labor the pro- 
ducts of the farm or loom, or stores from the larder or 
cellar. Carpenters, blacksmiths, masons, tailors ami 
shoemakers were found in every growing town. 

The most prominent carpenter of Dunstable at that 
time was John Whittle. He built the fust house on 
Concord Street, just north of the 'Indian Head 
House," in 1782. Afterwards he removed to the 
vicinity of the old meeting-house at the "Centre," 
and a few years later built the house now occupied by 
his grandson, p.. G. Tyler, at the corner of Main and 
Tyler Streets. Of his nine children, two sons and 
seven daughters, only the youngest survives, — Mrs. 
Elizabeth Butterfield, who was born May 12, 1795, 
and now resides in Tyngsborough village, in the 
ninety-first year of lor age. 

In 1754 the town built a meeting-house on tin- 
triangular piece of land in front of what was long 
known a- the Jesse Estey tavern, now the farm-house 
of Mrs. Alfred Godfrey. For nearly sixty years it 
was the only place of religious worship in town. It 
was without lull or steeple, and externally had a 
rather ham-like appearance. The centre portion of 
the house had square pews with seats on all sides. 
The pulpit wa- reached by a long flight of stair-, and 
a dome-shaped -ounding-hoard was suspended over it. 
.Mrs. Elizabeth Butterfield, of whom we have just 
made mention, distinctly remembers attending Sun- 
day services in this house. The seats id' the pews 
had hinges, and when the congregation ro-e at prayer 
the seats were lifted to increase the -tamling-roorn. 
The recollections most vivid to her arc the extreme 
length of the prayers and the momentary "clatter" 
made by dropping the lids at its close. Rev. Joseph 
Kidder began preaching here in 17i!7, and continued 
to occupy the pulpit for fifty years. He lived and 
died in the house opposite the residence of .Mrs. God- 
frey, and of late known as the Scott place. Mr, 
Kidder was a minister of the old school, and the man 
and the parish are best described in the words of 



NASHUA. 



Professor E. 1». Sanborn, as used in delineating the 
state of society in most of our New Hampshire towns 
at the close of the Revolutionary War: "There were 

no libraries, and the very few t ks which did exist, 

being chiefly sermons or expositions of portions of 
the Bible, were not extensively read. Religious 
papers were unknown, and biographies of children of 

precocious piety and sainted Christians too g I for 

earth had not then been written. A lame proportion 
of the entire population attended church. No blinds 
excluded the blazing suns of summer; no fires soft- 
ened the int. use cold of winter. The hearers listened 
devoutly to long, doctrinal sermons, even when the 
breath of the preacher was frozen as it escaped his 
lips. 'The minister of the standing order,' possibly 
the only thoroughly educated man in the town, 
•mighty in the Scriptures' and austere in morals, was 
regarded by the children of his flock with awe, by the 
parents with reverence." 

Ir the close of the Revolutionary War to the 

close of tin'' century (1800) the farmers of this town 
increased, not only in numbers, but in the conveni- 
ences and enjoyments of home-life. Food and cloth- 
ing became abundant. In winter the outside, home 
made woolen frock of striped blue and white, put on 
over the head, buttoning at the neck and reaching to 
the knees, was universally worn by the farmers ami 
their boys. For a time they were worn at public 
gatherings, and when Parson Kidder was once called 
upon to open a town-meeting with prayer. In 1 said 
that half an acre of striped frocking rose up before 
him. Schools in winter began to he fully attended 
by hoys and girls, many of whom were of adult size 
and years. Chirography and orthography recohcl 
increased attention. The town records of Dunstable 
show a neatness and facility in penmanship which 
do not stiller in comparison with that of to-day. 
There were few text-hooks in use. The reading-hooks 
then used wen- the New England Primer, with its 
rude cuts of Adam and Eve, Jonah and the Whale, 
and rustic rhymes, such as 

" In Adam's fall 
We sinned all," 

the Psalms and the New Testament. Dilworth's 
spelling-book was used by the more advanced pupils. 
In arithmetic, instruction did not extend beyond the 

four "fundamental rules," reduction ami simple in- 
terest. No text-hook was used, hut the schoolmaster 
wrote the "sums" on each individual slate. Unfor- 
tunately, the lilack-board was unknown. Accuracy in 
the use of language was sometimes taught verbally, 
but neither grammar nor geography were recognized 
studios. 

Hunting during the fall months afforded some sup- 
ple- to the farmers. Raccoons and gray squirrels 
had not only a fine relish for the breakfast table, but 
their depredations in the corn-fields made it necessary 
to entrap them. Partridges and pigeons were also 
numerous. In November and December the fur- 



hearing animals were sought after, and chiefly by 
traps. "The first dollar 1 could call my own," said 
Jonathan Whiting, "was obtained by the sale of two 
mink skins, caught in Hasscdl's Brook." 

The catching of fish was for many years after the 
Revolution a great source- of supply tor food to the 
inhabitants. In the Merrimack River the fishing 
season began with the first appearance of the apple 
blossoms. With the Indians Amoskeag Kails was the 
most noted place for catching shad and salmon, and 
next in importance were the small streams, like 
( i has, Pennichuck and Salmon Brooks. Hut the 
use of large seines, stretching across the entire river, 
enabled the whites to scoop in these migratory fish at 
almost any point along the river where there was a 
smooth bottom. It seems almost incredible what 
quantities of fish came up the Merrimack in the 
month of May. In Dunstable the leading resort was 
in i Ic smooth water about half a mile this side of the 
State line. Nearly as many were taken just below 
the mouth of the Pennichuck. It was a common 
saying with those families whose meat barrels were 
apt to be scanty, " We hope meat will last till fish 
comes, and fish last till meat comes." The alewives 
were taken with a scoop-net ; the eels by an eel-pot 
of wicker-work set in the falls of smaller streams. 
Salmon and shad were taken by both, the net being 
used at tails anil in swift water, and the seine in the 
river. In the smaller streams the fish continued to 
be caught until the middle of June. 

Uegular fishing companies were organized at various 
points ,,n the river, and the expense of twine, ropes, 
cord, lead, with boats and oars, was about one hun- 
dred ami twenty dollars for a first-class -cine. When 
these large seines wen- first used, in L762, over one 
thousand shad were taken at a single haul. Twelve 
men were required to use one of them, and when 
tilled with a ton of live fish it required their utmost 
exertion. Hundreds of people from adjacent towns 

would come t,, buy for their families, and g 1-sized 

shad could someti - be bought for two dollars per 

hundred. There was a marked diminution of fish in 
and in 1793 the Legislature of this State 
enacted laws regulating the taking of fish by provi- 
ding that during a certain part of every twenty-four 
hours the Merrimack waters should he undisturbed. 
'1'he number, however, continued to diminish, so that 
in 1812 not more than fifty salmon were often taken 
in the most lucky haul. More or less, however, were 
taken till the obstruction of mill-dams at Lowell, 
about 1X24, prevented their annual migration. The 
last shad taken in Dunstable were from the bend in 
the Nashua River, just above the iron bridge on 
Canal Street, in 1839. 

Several of the winters between 1790 and 1800 
abounded with deep -n,,ws. In 1792 the snow re- 
mained till the middle of May, but. melting suddenly, 
was followed by a warm and productive summer. 
The spring of 17h4 opened unusually early; but on 



170 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOKOl'CJH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



the 17th of May there came the most destructive frost 
recorded in the history of this State- The young 
apples and other fruit were formed, the rye beaded, 
and other crops so far advanced as to be exposed. 
The frost was verj severe, and entirely destroyed the 
fruit anil the English main erojis ..I' that year. The 
corn and hay crops, however, were abundant. 

Meanwhile, some of the men who had taken the 
lead in the military and civil affairs of the town and 
State were passing away. On the 16th of July, L788, 
Hon. Jonathan Blanchard died at the age of fifty. 
He was descended from a long line of honorable an- 
cestry. His lather and grandfather had heen men of 
note and influence in colonial history. His father 
died when he was in his twentieth year, and he at 
once took his place as surveyor and proprietor's clerk. 
When tin contest arose between the British govern- 
ment and the colonies Mr. Blanchard became an 
active and earnest advocate of the American cause. 
He was a member of the ( lontinental Congress at the 
time of his death. His residence was at the old family 
mansion, one hundred yards southwest of the brick 
school-house on the Lowell road and near the cemetery 
where he was buried. His widow survived till 1811. 

In 17!i2, Jonathan Lovewell. Esq., brother of Cap- 
tain John Lovewell, the Indian tighter, died at the 
age of seventy-nine. Early in life he took a prom- 
inent part in public affairs. He served in the last of 
the French and Indian Wars and afterwards took an 
active part inthe War of the Revolution. Attheclose 
of the war lie was a member of the convention which 
framed the State Constitution, and after its adoption 
was for several years a judge of the Court of Common 
Pleas. He was never married. In his religious views 
he was an Arininian, a follower of ( reorge Whitelicld. 

During the first century of the history of Dun- 
stable the two most prominent families were the 
Lovewells and the Blanchards. Both of them have 
disappeared from Nashua, so far as regards the 
actual name. In local affairs they were at times 
antagonistic, hid on State and national interests they 
were too patriotic and liberty-loving to he otherwise 
than harmonious. The Lovewell family first at- 
tained celebrity by the Pequawket tight. The Blanch- 
ards became widely known as surveyors of wild 
lands, and traversed most of the western and north- 
ern towns of this county before they were settled l>\ 
the white people. 



CHAPTER X. 
NASHUA— ( Com I . 

[STAB] M 1800 To 1 



Olden-TimeVehii lea and I oola -Wi n's Labors 

i- I i- - ITearii Ma -Dea i Hunt's lm 

kr,-|„-r — ■ I ;i| .,-, I l; --II i; l'.:il I i I I 

.1...." — ISirlli A ■• N..-lcin \ ilki-r - — linnlM.il On.ull ■ 

of 1816— ^Meeting-House Raising Che Old Cidi i ttilla— Huskings. 

After the close of tin' Revolutionary War the 
American people found themselves essentially an 



agricultural community, with scarcely any commerce 
or manufactories. Steam as a motive-power was un- 
known. Water-power was only used for sawing 
lumber and grinding grain. Farming implements, 
furniture, carriages, clothing, in brief, everything, 
was made by hand labor. Tools of all kinds were 
crude and unwieldy. Tin- plow was a rude imple- 
ment, furnished at a greater cost and worked by 
double the strength required at this time. The 
strength of woman's foot turned the wheel, the skill 
of her lingers spun the thread, ami the power of her 
arm dmve the shuttle: the hand-saw, the " pod " 
auger, the gouge and chisel were the perfection of 
mechanical tools; and the two-wheeled cart the best 
vehicle for transportation. Experimental improve- 
ments didnot succeed at once. When the first four- 
wheeled wagon came to this town the driver found no 
space large enough to enable him to turn around till 
he reached the "triangle" opposite Mr-. Godfrey's 
residence. 

The year 1800 found the Dunstable people with very 
few of modern conveniences. There was no post-otlice, 
no mails, no library, a weekly tw..-horse Btage-coach 
anil less than a score of weekly newspapers. Whether 
for the better or worse, there were no lawyer, no 
doctor and only one clergyman. Nor was it increas- 
ing in population as rapidly as the towns more recently 
settled to the north and west. Amherst had three 
times the population of this town, and Peterborough, 
Hillsborough, Antrim, Milford, Weare and New Bos- 
ton had surpassed it in numbers and were rapidly 
acquiring the thrift which peace, industry and frugal- 
ity are sure to bring. The seaboard towns of Eastern 
Massachusetts had little of the commerce and none of 
the manufactories of later times, and their surplus 

population were seeking 1 tes among the rounded 

hills of Central New Hampshire. 

The reader of to-day may not fully understand why, 
eighty and ninety years ago, the upper towns were 
-low mil' more rapidly than Dunstable. The Letter 
soil of this town was already occupied. The ex- 
tended plain embracing all the central portion of the 
township, and on the eastern part of which the 
■ n\ of Nashua now stands, was covered with a native 
growth of scrub pine, and the sandy soil on which it 
rested was really of little value. " Dunstable Plains " 
were often the subject of much merriment to peo- 
ple of other sections, as it seemed to them the em- 
bodiment of the idea of poverty of soil. Mr. Fox. in 
his history, relates that some wicked wag in our Leg- 
islature once undertook to disparage our soil, declar- 
ing that " it would not support a chipping squirrel to 
tin- acre." and capped the climax of his oratory hy 
relating the story "that a grasshopper was once 
seen perched upon the top of a dry niulhiu-stalk, 
with the tears rolling down his cheeks, looking in 

vail liscover one blade of green grass to allay his 

hunger." 

Meanwhile, with little addition from abroad, there 



NASHUA. 



171 



was a desirable increase from the growth of resident 
families. A majority of the households could boast 
of eighl to ten children, and the seven school districts 
into which the town was divided had, in L800, an 
average of forty scholars. New- dwellings and larger 
barns were built, and on the river road one-hali of 
the residences were the large, square, two-story farm- 
houses, of which quite a number still exist. The far- 
mers in winter carried the products of the farm — 
pork, poultry, butter, cheese, wool and grain — to the 

seal rd markets with their own teams. Boston was 

not then the solo commercial port of Massachusetts, 
but Salem and Newburyporl voir successfully com- 
peting with her for the West and East Indian trade. 
A large majority of the products of Hillsborough 
County eighty years ago were carried to Salem and 
Newburyport. 

The annual winter excursion of the farmer to the 
seaboard market was quite an event to him and bis 
family. The well-fed ox-team and well-loaded sled 
left before dawn. It was a two-days' drive to reach 
either of the seaboard towns. The third day was 
busily occupied in making a sale and loading up sup- 
plies lor tie' coming year. It consisted of a few 
I > i j hels of salt, a low farming tools, sonic needed 
crockery, tin and iron-wares, a few pounds of tea, a 
feu yards of cotton cloth, a supply of pins, needles 
and buttons, a bundle of dry cod-fish, a dozen pounds 
of brown sugar, a keg of West India molasses and a 
keg of Medford rum. 

If the means of the farmer were not exhausted, he 
bought for himself a wool hat and red bandanna 
handkerchief, and for his wife or eldest daughter a 
string of thirty-six gold beads, sonic school-books for 
the older and a few simple toys for the younger chil- 
dren. If the weather was fair he reached home on the 
tilth day, soon after darkness set in. His arrival was 
anxiously awaited. While taking care id' his tired 
oxen the less weighty articles were carried into the 
kitchen, and the farmer sat down to a steaming hot 
Bupper, during which the leading incidents of the trip 
were related to intent listeners. Afterwards the 
heavier purchases were brought in, and the evening 
hours glided away in narrating the particulars of a 
trip as eventful as an overland excursion of to-da\ to 
San Francisco. 

The valley of the Merrimack then, as now, afforded 
a natural thoroughfare for a large part of New Hamp- 
shire lo the markets on the sea-coast. Though there 
was a limited supply of money in circulation, the 
amount of barter trade began lo he of some import- 
ance before the Revolution, and rapidly increased 
after its close. During the first ten years of the 
present century the European wars gave an impetus 
to New England commerce, and the products of the 
farm were in fair demand. The farmers who bad 
taken up and were clearing new lands among the hill- 
ranges which lie between the Merrimack and the 
Connecticut Valleys were in extreme need of axes, 



plows, chains and numerous other articles of oul do, r 
and in-door use. Those who bad already soi ured im- 
proved farms had ample wants to be supplied, and 
(bus each succeeding year witnessed an additional 
amount of travel through Dunstable from the up- 
country. This gradually led to a system of hostelry 
on the river road, so extensive as to be not only a 
source of profit, hut a social influence. The old- 
fashioned tavern is known lo the young people id' to- 
day onlj in .1 legendary sense, but from 1775 to 1825 
it was practically an institution of marked promi- 
nence in this town. 

The first tavern in Dunstable for the accommoda- 
tion of the up-country people and their teams was 
opened by Deacon William Hunt in 1759. It was a 
large, square, two-story house, and stood on the east 
side of the Lowell road, two ami a half miles below 
the city hall, on the site of the present "Elm House." 
The two barns, forming a right-angle, were on the 
opposite side of the road. Deacon Hunt was a man 
of worth and ability, lie was for many years a town 
official and a member of I he Slate < 'on von lion which, 
in 1788, ratified the national constitution, denial, but 
not loquacious, be was a popular inn-keeper, and in the 
winter often twenty or more wayfarers sou 
for themselves and their teams at his hostelry. We 
must not omit io mention that the' deacon, though a 
church official, kept a liar, which was well supplied 
with Medford rum. The temperance -ciitiiuent had 
not then been developed in Now England. "Flip" 
wai lie high-toned beverage of those days; but 
"black-strap," a compound of rum and brown sugar, 
sold at threi was the usual be 

the farmer and teamster. The flimsy subterfuges of 
modern times were not needed, and the deaeon's 

decanter- st 1 boldly on the shelf inviting patron- 
age. 

There would have been more drinking had money 
been plenty and the times less serious. But the pub- 
lie mind was excited, and often when night set in the 
Blanchards, Lovewells, Lunds and manj ol 
zens gathered at Deacon Hunt's spacious bar-room 
to discuss I lie state of the country and the events of 
the day. There was no division of opinion. The 
lyrauii} ol King George, the Stamp Act and the Tea 
Tax were vigorously denounced. 

When the Revolutionary War was ended the rapid 
increase of Havel led to an increase of tavci 
tain Benjamin French opened apublic-house nearthe 
Tyngsborough line, where Alfred P. Kendall now 
lives. Il was a good 1 ication. Timothy Taylor kept 
the first tavern on the north side of the Nashua River, 
and the building isthe ell of the present Indian Head 
House ; while Cummings L'ollard, at the "Centre," 
Offered shelter for man and beast on lie; premi • QOVi 

occupied by .Mrs. Godfrey. 

In 1801 the travel on this line of road received a 
new impulse from the completion of the second New 
Hampshire turnpike, which extended from Clare- 



172 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



liiont to Amherst. Teams from a portion of Central 
Vermont began to ]>ass over this route, and instead 
of the two-horse coach of Joseph Wheat, which made 
a weekly trip from Amherst to Boston and back with- 
out a change of horses, a line of four-horse coaches be- 
gan to run triweekly from Windsor, Yt., to Boston, 
returning on alternate days. Large droves of cattle 
and sheep went to market over the road, and the 
amount of freight in both directions soon became so 
large that six-horse teams were employed at all sea- 
sons of the year. Ox-teams grew out of use, and 
when the tanner, ignoring' tin- professional teamster, 
still continued in winter to take his own produce to 
market, lie used the double "pung" with steel 
shoes an inch thick. 

The winter was still the harvest-time of the Dun- 
stable tavern-keepers. It was essentia] to give a com- 
fortable, home-like aspect to the premises. The first 
requisite was a bar-r i of ample size, and a fire- 
place in winter equally ample, from which in cold 
weather the oak-wood lire should send forth its glow- 
ing warmth. The floor was well swept, and the old 

clock ticked slowly in the ner. and a1 one end of 

the room was the alluring liar, with its row of decanters 
on the shelf behind, while the tin drainer on the 
counter had a display of tumblers, mugs and toddy- 
sticks. In the fire-place the loggerhead was kept at 
white heat to do speedy service when needed. There 
were days in December and January when an un- 
broken procession, a mile in length of two, lour and 
six-horse teams left the Dunstable taverns for the 
lower markets, and a like procession started for the 
up-country. There were in L808 nine taverns between 
lie' Indian Head House and the Massachusetts line, 
and their reputation for good cheer was such that 
the Vermont teamsters usually contrived to be over- 
taken by night in their vicinity. 

No doubt there were jovial nights at these old-time 
hostelries when, after a hard day's drive, the teamsters, 
having sheltered and fed their tired horses, sat down 
in front of a blazing lire !•■ recounl (be incidents of 
the day, the probabilities .if the Weather and the 
ii esof the market. After supper, the drought 
id' the summer, the superiority of Vermont farms and 
horses, and the probabilities ofawarwith England 
ited till the ten strokes of the old clock 
announced the hour for sleep. 

But there wen' other gatherings al these old-time 
taverns than those of the traveling public. The far- 
mers ..f that day bad few sources of general informa- 
tion. During the heavy snows of the winter they 
would gather in the afternoon at some central bar- 

r n and talk id' local news. — the marriages, births, 

deaths, sickness and accidents of the vicinity, and of 
those among their down- country friends, the land from 
whence they cam.', ami to which they made occasional 
pilgrimages. These were not mere gatherings of bar- 
room loafers, hut of industrious and honest fanners, 
dressed in sheeps' gray frocks, reaching just below the 



knees, the enterprising and shrewd business men of 
the town ; and the ambitious young politicians came 
together to discuss questions of town management, to 
spout, talk and wrangle about the laying out id' roads, 
the building of bridges, the locating of school-houses 
ami the building of a new meeting-house. It was here 
that many a young man took his initiation in public 
speaking, and felt his first aspiration for public office 
and honors. 

But with all the advantages of the old-time taverna 
in entertaining the traveling public, the liar was then, 
as now, the cause of suffering to many families, and 
of ruin to many a man of feeble will ami strong 
appetite. Such was the custom of those days, every- 
body drank a glass of flip, egg-nog or Mime cheaper 
mixture of Medford rum before leaving the tavern for 
home. Men id' strong will and thoughtful self-respect 
went no farther than the conventional glass. Rut 
with many the habit grew into an over-masi, ring ap- 
petite-. There were not a few men in Dunstable who 
became drunkards, bringing upon themselves financial 
and physical ruin under the influence of a custom 
which at that lime was sanctioned by the church and 
ministry. 

The toper of eighty years ago had the peculiarities 
of the inebriate of to-day, and resorted to tin same 
pretexts. " Uncle Joe," as be was familiarly called, had 
been reduced to penury by his bibatory habits. The 
landlord at the "Centre" village could get his pay 
for drink only by chores. Uncle Joe on his way to 
dinner parsed by the tavern daily, ami the habit of 
taking an appetizing drain had become irresistible. 
But the landlord grew tired and refused to supply him 
unless he could give a satisfactory reason why he 
should I"' gratified. Uncle Joe's ingenuity was now- 
taxed to the utmost, but a bad cold, rheumatism, no 
appetite, a weak stomach ami a long catalogue of 
excuses for a time answered. At length he was driven 
to a repetition of his list of maladies. The landlord 
saw his opportunity, and indignantly ordered Uncle 
Joe not to call tor another drink till he could name a 
sufficient cause for so doing. For two days he passed 
the tavern without calling, but on the third he 
walked up the bar with a sad countenance. " Land- 
lord," said Uncle due. " I must have a drink to-day, 
for my wife is going t" line saH fish lor dinner 1 " 

The year 1803 was the beginning of a new era in 
the history of Dunstable. Hitherto the only sem- 
blance l" a village in the town was at the " Centre," 
as the cluster ofhouses at the old meeting-house was 
called. It was really up to this time the business 
centre for the townspeople, having a tavern, store, 
three or four shops am! several dwellings. The new 
post-otlice, just established, was also located there. 
But during the previous year Robert Fletcher had 
started a store at Indian Head, Timothy Taylor had 
already opened a tavern, John Lund had a dwelling- 
house where G. \Y. Perham now resides, and several 
new buildings were this season in progress. Added 



to this, Mr. Fletcher completed in June a canal-boat, 
of singular structure, for the transportation of goods 
on the Merrimack River. The enterprise was favor- 
ably regarded. It was launched on the 4th of July, 
and the event was celebrated by a public meeting 
with an oration by Daniel Abbott, a young lawyer, 
who had just opened an office at the Centre. 

A landing was fitted up for the boat near the junc- 
tion of the Nashua River with the Merrimack. With 
due ceremony it was named the "Nashua," and the 
new village, a mile up the river westward, which had 
hitherto been known as •■Indian Head," received for 
the first time the name of Nashua village. 

The village thus incorporated had its earliest build- 
ings around Abbott Square. But the tendency 
of business was toward the river. In September of 
1803 the long, low building afterwards known as the 
"Old Tontine" was built, and soon after occupied by 
Daniel Abbott, who removed his office from the Cen- 
tre ; by Dr. Elias Maynard, physician ; Deacon James 
Patterson, bookbinder; and Joseph clement-, saddler. 
This building stood near the head of what is now 
railed Main Street, and from it two roads led north- 
ward,— one directly north toward Concord, the other 
northwest toward Amherst. These tine, were the 
only highways then existing, except a rough road 
down the north bank of Nashua River to the boat- 
house and ferries. 

At the Harbor in 1803 there were only three dwell- 
ing-houses. On the south side of the Salmon Brook 
there were two small cottages; while on the north 
side, more than forty years before, General Noah Love- 
well had built the two-story house he st ill occupied. 
Afterwards it was for many year- the residence of 
Hon. Jesse Bowers. It is on the east side of Main 
Street, close to the brook, and is the oldest two-story 
dwelling-house in tin' city, having been built in ITo'J. 
The entire frame and much of the other materials of 
this house were taken from what was known as the 
" Bird meeting-house," which was built by Jonathan 
Lovewell and others in 1747. The front-door is to-day 
bhesame as when ii was taken from the meeting-house, 
retaining its unusual width and antiquated panels. 

In L803 there was an unbroken forest of dwarf 
jiines from Genera] Lovewell's house to the north side 
of Nashua River. Mrs. Elizabeth Butterfield, now in 
her ninety-first year, was at that time eight years of 
age, ami lived with her parents on the south side of 
SalmonBrook. She very distinctl) remembers that in 
going alone over the lonely road between tin- Harbor 
and the Nashua bridge, a half-mile with a dense 
thicket on both sides, she naturally moved with timid 
and nimble feet. Three years later her father, Mr. 
John Whittle, bought eight tores on the east side of 
Main Street, and built the house at. the corner of 
Main and Tyler Streets, now owned by his grandson, 
Edward G. Tyler. The next year a small house was 
built and occupied by Dr. Peter Howe, on the lot now- 
occupied by the Noyes block. 



The ne\l year, 1804, a further impulse was given to 
tin growth of the new village by the completion and 
opening of the Middlesex Canal, extending from the 
basin at Charlestown to the bead of Pawtucket balls, 
at Chelmsford. This opened a direct communication 



bj water with Boston, and heavy freight could reach 
that market at less cost than Salem and Newburyport. 
The same year Samuel Foster opened a store on the 
lot north of the Indian Head tavern, and several 
buildings were erected near the Nashua bridge. At 
the Harbor, Isaac Marsh built and occupied as a tavern 
the house now owned by Mrs. Morrill, just south of 
the bridge. Soon after. Israel Hunt, Sr., came from 
Dracut, and built the first house beyond the bridge 
on (In- west side. 

The promise of growth in Nashua village began to 
attract the attention of active and enterprising young 

men. In 1808, Joseph Greeley, and s t after, his two 

brothers, Ezekiel and Alfred, came from Hudson and 

r!u:-agrd in transport imj- g Is by boating from the 

head of Middlesex Canal to the Nashua River. A few 
years later they opened a store opposite the Indian 
Head tavern, in the building now used as a carriage 
store-house. The Nashua bridge was rebuilt and 
raised considerably above its former level, reducing 
the steepness of the road from the river to Abbott 
Square. 

Between 1800 and 1810 the population of Dunstable 
increased from eight hundred and sixty-two to one 
thousand and forty-nine, — again of one hundred and 
eighty-Seven. This was not a rapid growth loi a Now 

Hampshire town at that period, and nine-tenths of this 
gain was in the new village and on the river road. In 
population this town was still lagging behind her 
ueighbors, the census of L810 showing Hudson to 
have thirteen hundred and seventy-six, and Hollis 
fifteen hundred and twenty-nine inhabitants. The 
condition of the people of the town, however, had 
been greal \\ impro: ed. 
Events between 1810 and 1820.— In the decade 

between 1810 and 1820 lie- growth of Dunstable was 
disturbed by event- some of a national, and others of 
a local character. The war with Great Britain, of 
course disturbed the whole nation; the cold seasons 
of 1815 and 1816 were not harmful beyond New Eng- 
land, and were most severely li-b in Maine and New 
Hampshire. 

The second war with Great Britain began in 1812, 
and continued three years. It originated in a series 
of aggressions upon American commerce by British 
ships of war. Some of our merchant vessels were 
fired into and many of our seamen were forcibly car- 
ried into captivity. Dunstable furnished some soldiers 
for our army on the Canadian frontier, ami in the 
autumn of 1814 sent a dozen men to Portsmouth 
which was thought to be in peril from an attack by 
the British fleet. The attack was not made, and the 
men after sixty days returned home. Six weeks later 
the war was terminated by the brilliant victory of 



174 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



General Jackson at New Orleans, on the 8th of Jan- 
uary, 1815. Though Dunstable suffered very little 
from the loss of men, yet the depression of business 
from the loss of foreign trade was such that the town 
made little progress during its continuance. Th re- 
turn of peace was hailed with great joy. Mr. Jeffer- 
son, then living, said, " The first war with England 
gave us existence; it required the Becond to give us 
independence." 

The cold period included the two years 1815 and 
1816. In 1815 winter lingered in the lap of spring, 
and the summer was so damp and cold that tin- corn 
and fruit crops were very scanty. But 1816 was far 
more dis. "iiniu ing to the farmer. < >n the 6th day 
of June, when the Legislature met at Concord, there 
was a brisk tall of snow, followed by two frosty 
mornings. As the record may be of interesl to the 
reader, we give the following schedule of tie 1 cold 
weather for tin' three summer months of 1816, as re- 
corded by John Farmer, of Concord, — 

"June <'■. — SiH'W squalls. 

"June 1" -- Frosl lafll night, 

".tune 11.— 1 1 '11 ■■' n. 

" July 10.— Frosl on Low ground. 

'■ August 22.— "\ ery li.nw frost." 

Thus passed thesummer. Early and severe Septem- 
ber frosts so far destroyed the corn crop that hardly 
a bushel of sound kernels could have been found in 
the State had there not been plained a very few acres 
of that very early variety, called "Canada" corn. 
There would have been a famine in New Hampshire 
that winter had it not been for the moderate crop of 
hay and an unusually good crop of rye, the former 
feeding the live-stock and the latter supplying the 
people with bread. 

The effect of these two cold summers in 
was to lead many a farmer to the conclusion licit it 
was vain to think of raising: their bread in New Hamp- 
shire, and hence they had better remove to the West, 
where a more generous climate gave assui u 
unfailing- plenty. The "Ohio fever" began to show 
itself in every town in theState. Not less than fifteen 
hundred families removed westward in the two years 
following the "colli summer" of 1816. A dozen 
families left Dunstable for the "Far West," as Ohio 
was then called. Another did season would have led 
to a still greater emigration. 

But in 1817 there came warm winds from tin- South 
in March, and the snow disappeared early. The sum- 
mer month- hail no frosts, no chilling gales, no drought. 
Corn and other crops were abundant. The tanners 
took courage, and at the close of this dee; 
Dunstable had a hopeful outlook for the future. The 
gain for the past ten years had been small. In 1810 
the population was one thousand and forty-nine; in 
1820 it was eleven hundred and forty-two, a gain ol 
ninety-three only. The adjacent towns had done no 

heller. 

There were few local events between 1810 and 1820 



of marked importance. In is 1 1 the post-office, estab- 
lished eight years previous, was removed from Pol- 
to the Harbor, and located 
in the house of Israel Hunt, Sr. General Noah 
Lovewell continued to lie postmaster till his death in 
1820, when John M. Hunt succeeded him. 

In 1812 the old meeting-house which for sixty years 
had stood in the triangle opposite < himmings Pollard's 
tavern had become dilapidated. It had no In Ifry 
or hell.no plastering, and the bats at night flitted 
beams and ratter- So the town voted to 
build a new and first-class edifice for public worship. 
It was located nearly half a mile nearer to Nashua 
village, and on the lot jti-t below the cemetery. The 
raising of the frame took [dace on the Fourth of July. 
It was a notable occasion, and nearly every man and 
hoy in town, and half of the women and children wire 
present. The women had provided a bountiful col- 
lation. John Whittle was the master-carpenter, and 
greatly to his annoyance, Parson Kidder made a 
prayer of an hour's length. 

But at ten o'clock the huge broadsides lay in readi- 
ness to he raised. The stout yeomanry of Dunstable 
ranged themselves sidi bj side. The master-builder 
gave the word. "All ready," and, aided by his en- 
couraging -bouts, the heavy broadside -low 1\ rises till 
nearly erect; then it moves slowly, and a liu-li comes 
over the anxious crowd, till the huge posts settle 
firmly into their resting-places. The spectators now 
breathe freely, and the workmen, now coni 
not laggard. Before on.- o'clock the frame of the 
main structure is in position. The lunch follow- and 
is found to he ample; and long before tin- rays of the 
setting sun have departed, the roof, with it- crofl ning 
frame-work of a steeple towering above, is firmly in 
its place. 

'flu- edifice, years after known as the did South 
meeting-house, was spacious and well finished, ha\ ing 
three doors in front, a tall spire and a clear-toned 
hell. For twenty year- it was well tilled on Sundays; 
hut the rapid growth of Nashua village, and the con- 
centration of the population around the mills and 
work-shops, led to the building of new- churches in 
-'. the city proper. The old meeting-house 
nl soon after wa- -old and 
removed. 

In 1820 the orchard- of Dunstable yielded three 
time- the crop of apples that are now raised in town. 
Every well-to-do farmer had a large and thrifty 
orchard. There was no grafted fruit and no market 
for the abundant 'top other than the cider-mill. 
What leaps of red and yellow apples Were pill d up 

at every farm-house! What crowded bins shone with 
the golden fruit around every cider-mill! With what 
avidity the hoys on an October afternoon 
around Deacon Leach's, Isaac Powers' and Clifton 
Lund's cider-mills! How the cog-wheels did their 
crushing work, while the old horse dragged round 
and round the creaking sweep! How the wooden 



175 



levers compressed the cheese, neatly inclosed in 
fresh straw, until the gushing juice flowed in streams 
fromitssides! Then everyurchin with oaten straws 
surrounded the tub, and showed a capacity for suc- 
tion only surpassed by the modern -team fire-engine! 
Corn-huskings, however, were the grandest amuse- 
ment of the harvest season. Usually, they were on 
the pleasant evenings of October. Often fifty or sixty 
attended, representing every neighborhood of the town. 
hi rings were largely made up of grown boys 
and girls, young men and their wives, and enough of 
the old folks to give dignity to the occasion. The 
corn was piled up in the centre of the capacious barn- 
floor, and around the heap were seated the jovial 
huskers. The barn was spectrally lighted by sus- 
pended lanterns. Great ardor was exhibited in pur- 
suit of the red ear. Usually LI was found by some 
swain whose excessive bashfulness caused the utmost 
merriment. An hour before midnight the pile was 
finished, and the golden ears stowed in the garret. 
Then came the supper. There were great dishes of 
beans, and Indian puddings, pumpkin pies, pewter 
platters full of doughnuts, sweet cakes, fruit and 
cheese, rider, and, thanks to the sensible farmers, 
generally nothing stronger. After supper came the 
fun and frolic. Some engaged in dancing, and others 
in a variety of rustic games. So merrily passed the 
time that the small hours were more than reached 
before the party disbanded. Who can blame them? 
It was the fitting time to be jubilant, for peai e, pi titj 
and health abounded. 



CHAPTER XI. 

NASHUA— [Continued). 
GROWTH OF MANUFACTTTRES AND TRADE. 
Nashua Village in 1820 — Ferry-Boats — The Water-Power and Canal— 
[teligi isSocietiw S be Uauufacturii i mpanj I 

1:H|I; . , . , r r.i.' i ' -i i-Miie -Visl i'l l.uuvll Rail- 
road— Rapid Growth in Population .''"i Trad) — List ol Merchants in 

; i ■ , . . i , — i . - r i - 1 : \|.ij— I ./_..! ' h ,,,-, ,.i N.ituL- !<-> Nii-liua. 

Very few of the citizens of Nashua who were ac- 
tively in business here sixty-five years ago are now 
living. Thomas Chase, Esq., now in his eighty-eighth 
year, and with memory unimpaired, is an exception, 
Mr. i lhase came to Nashua from Dunbarton in 1819, 
and has resided here ever since, and until within ten 
years has been constantly in business. We are in- 
debted to him for much reliable information in regard 
to Nashua village at the period when the water-power 
began to be used for manufacturing purposes. 

In 1820, when the United States census was taken, 
there were returned from Dunstable one meeting- 
house, nine school districts and houses, six taverns, 
five store.-, three saw-mills, three grist-mills, one tan- 
nery and one carding and fulling-mill. At that time 
Nashua village was small in size and limited in busi- 
ness. It contained ,-ix two-story houses, three of 



which were dwelling-house-, ami ale still standing 
on the north side of Abbott Square. One was oc- 
cupied by Colonel Joseph Greeley, and is now the 
residence of John 11. Barr; one was the residence 

of 1 >aniel Abbott. Esq., and is now owned and occu- 
pied by (i. \V. Perham; the third was owned ami oc- 
cupied by Sally Lund, ami is now the residence of B. 
F. Kendrick. The landlord of the Indian Bead 
tavern was Aaron Man-ur. who was soon after suc- 
ceeded by Moses Tyler, On the east si. 1 Main 

Street, just north of the present Lowell depot, was a 
large house built by Robert Fletcher. It had been 

, verted into a tavern, and was kept by Joseph 

Higgins. Some years later it was moved to the north 
side of what is now Railroad Square, and will be re- 
membered by the older resident,- a- the Central 
I [ouse. 

Of the live stoic- in 1820, one was kept by Samuel 

Foster in the building now occupied by G. II. Brig- 
ham, on the south side of Abbott Square; was 

kept by Mose- Foster, jusl north of the Indian Head 
tavern'; the third was kept by .I.E. A A.Greeley, 
opposite the above-named tavern ; the fourth was at 
the Harbor, and kept by Israel A- John M. Hunt, 
where the post-office was then located ; the fifth was 
that ol William F. Boynton, at the - Centre," on the 

site now occupied by the 'nam of Mrs. Godfrey. Mi'. 
Boynton kept a large me-, ellaueous stock, and had a 

larger business than any other trader until the build- 
ing of the mills. 

'the Harbor, by using the water-power of Salmon 
Brook Falls, hail at that time an equal advantage with 
Nashua, village for manufactures. Israel Hunt, Sr., 
had a saw and grist-mill, Isaac Marsh manufactured 
scythes, E F. [ngallsmade hoes in the shop after- 
wards occupied by A. H. Sander-, Jacob Hall was a 
wheelwright, Stephen Bates a baker, and Enoch Dick- 
erman carded wool and lulled cloth near the Allds 
bridge. At the Nashua village, just above the bridge, 
.bones Patterson put lip a grist-mill on the north, and 
Willard -Mar-hall a saw-mill on the south side of the 

The annual town-meetings continued formanyyears 
to be held at the eld South meeting-house, a mile 
nnd a half below tiie city hall. The line of stages 
between Boston and Windsor, Vt., continued to run 
tri-weckly, passing through Francestown, Hillsbor- 
ough and < Uaremont ; but there was no stage-line nor 
any kind of public conveyance between Dunstable and 
Concord. Hopkinton was the half-shire town of 

Hillsborough County, and Lawyer Abbott, Sheriff 
Bowers and all the Dunstable men who wen o un- 
fortunate as to have '•cases" in court rode to Hop- 
kinton on horseback. 

For a time, water for the lower part of the vil- 
lage was obtained in aw ien pipe from Artillery 

Pond; but the supply proving irregular and insuffi- 
cient, the villagers formed a company and procured 
water by a lead pipe from Danforth's spring, a mile 



176 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



north of the bridge on Wot ('munril road, [tgavea 
fair supply for the small number then living in the 
village. There was no fire-engine in town, and fires 

at the village were 1 fought liy lines of men and women 
passing buckets from hand to hand. The village had 
no hand of music, and none was needed during spring 
and early summer, lor the inhabitants of Artillery Pond 
gave a free, open-air concert every evening. The large 
area south of the Nashua River, now included in Wards 
Five, Six and Seven, was still a forest of dwarf pines, 
with only the houses of John Whittle, Dr, Howe and 
William Hastings, on Main Street, between Nashua 
River and the Harbor, in L821 the citizens joined in 
setting out shade-trees at the Harbor, on Abbott 
Square and on both sides of Main Street. The trees 
transplanted were mostly elms. Among the young 
men who took part were Thomas Chase, S. B. Tyler, 
Israel Hunt, Jr., B. F. French and Alfred Greeley. 
Few of these trees are now standing; but notably 
surviving is the large elm at the Acton railroad cross- 
ing, and several sycamores at Abbott Square. 

At that time there was no bridge aero-,, the Merri- 
mack between Pawtucket Falls, at Lowell, and Amos- 
keag Falls, at Derryfield. The ferry between Dun- 
stable and Hudson, known as Hamblett's ferry, was 
just above the present Rochester railroad bridge. The 
road leading to the ferry from Main Street is the 
present Hollis Street. As the merchants in summer 
obtained their goods by the canal-boats, a store-house 
was built at the terry for their safe keeping. In the 
spring, when the ice was breaking, it was dangerous, 
and for a few days impossible, to cross over the river 
to Hudson at Hamblett's ferry, and in L824 the ferry- 
man, Noah Lund, was drowned while crossing with a 
small drove of cattle. 

For a century and a half there had been only one 
religious denomination in Dunstable, — the Congrega- 
tionalists. There had been considerable disagreement 
in the church for many years, the " Pdanehard party " 
adhering rigidly to the doctrines of Calvinism, and 
the "Lovewell party" adopting the views of White- 
held, or Arminianisin. Much of the time the town 
had been without a settled minister. Meanwhile, the 
people for the past fifty years had listened to the 
preaching of the venerable Joseph Kidder. Soon 
after his death, in 1822, the first Baptist Society was 
organized. For ten years it was few in numbers and 
without a church edifice. 

In 1*24 the Unitarian Society was formed and had 
regular religious services. The church they now oc- 
cupy was built in L827, Rev. Nathaniel Gage being 

ordained as the first pastor. 

Introduction of Manufactures.— While they ex- 
isted as colonies, the people of this country were not 
permitted by the British government to introduce 
manufactures. After independence was gained the 
want of capital prevented their rapid introduction. 
Machinery for spinning cotton was hist used in Rhode 
Island in 1790, but the state of the country was not 



favorable to its growth. Yet.iu 1803 a cotton-factory 
was built at New Ipswich, and a few years later at 
Peterborough. Hillsborough, Pembroke and Jaffrey. 
These investments were only moderately successful. 
During the War of 1812, however, the need of home 
manufacturing was practically realized, and more care- 
ful and judicious efforts after its close led to the build- 
ing of mills with improved machinery at Waltham and 
Lowell. 

The success of the investment at Lowell attracted 
the attention of the more enterprising of the business 
men of Nashua village, and led them to inquire if the 
water-power of the Nashua River could not be utilized 
to advantage. The fall of water at Mine Falls was so 
great as to establish the certainty of a large manufac- 
turing capacity. The idea at first suggested was to 
build the mills at Mine Falls, three miles west of the 
village. Rut that locality was removed from the line 
of travel and business, and the adjacent grounds were 
less favorable for the site of a village. This led to the 
plan of bringing the water, by digging a canal from 
the falls, directly to the village. A survey was made 
and its practicability ascertained. 

Meanwhile, the few individuals wdio had investi- 
gated the plan formed an association, and in 1822 and 
1823 purchased the greater portion of the lands lying 
on the river above Main Street as far as the falls. In 
June, 1823, a charter was granted to Daniel Abbott, 
Joseph Greeley, Moses Tyler and others by the name 
of the Nashua Manufacturing Company, with the 
right to increase their capital to one million dollars. 
The capital stock was at first fixed by them at three 
hundred thousand dollars, and was divided into three 
hundred shaies of one thousand dollars each. Of 
these. Daniel Abbott subscribed for thirty shares ; R. 
F. French, thirty shares; J. E. and A. Greeley, 
thirty shares; Foster & Kendrick, thirty shares; 
Moses Tyler, thirty shares; Augustus Peabody, of 
Salem, seventy-five shares; John Kendrick, of Bos- 
ton, fifteen shares; Daniel Webster, also of Boston, 
sixty shares. 

The stock, however, was not all taken till the next 
year, 1824, when capitalists in Boston and Salem took 
the remainder. Mr. Webster visited Nashua village, 
rode to Mine Falls, expressed great confidence in the 
enterprise, hut the sixty shares for which he sub- 
scribed were taken by a wealthy citizen of Boston, 
whose family still retains the stock. The dam at 
Mine Falls was built, and the excavation of the canal 
pushed forward to completion. It is about three miles 
in length, forty feetwide and ten feet deep, and affords 
a fall of thirty-six feet. In December. 1824, the ma- 
chine-shop was completed and went into operation. 
Ira i.t;iv, Esip, was appointed superintendent of the 
machine-shop, and Colonel William Boardman wheel- 
wright and engineer. The first factory (Mill No. 1,) 
of the Nashua corporation was built in 1825 and went 
into partial operation in the spring of 1826. 

In the mean time the trade from the up-country 



and from the adjacent towns began to centre in the 
village; in the fall of 1824 and the spring of 1825 
fifty new dwelling-houses and tenements were erected. 
A new bridge over the Nashua River, on MainStreet. 
was built on account of the raisingof the water by the 
new dam. The canal, with the needed dam and locks 
of solid granite, twenty-lour feet high, were built in 
1825, so that freight could reach the village and the 
mills by water transportation. 

In May, 1825, the lower water privilege, now occu- 
pied liy the Jackson Cotton Manufacturing Company, 
was bought by Charles C. Haven and others, under the 
name of the Indian Head Company, for the pur- 
pose of erecting woolen-factories. Mills were built in 
1826 and were operated under the agency of Mr. 
Haven. But the company became embarrassed and 
the works stopped, and in 1828 the entire properly 
was sold to a new company, which was incorporated 
under the name of the Jackson Manufacturing Com- 
pany. The establishment was converted into a cot- 
ton manufactory, with four hundred and eighty thou- 
sand dollars capital stock. 

In 1S27 the Nashua Company built Mill No. 2, and 
put it in full operation in 1828. Both of the mills of 
this company were one hundred and fifty-five feel 
long and forty-five feet wid< — the first five, and the 
second six stories high. They ran eighteen thousand 
five hundred spindles and live hundred and forty 
looms. 

The first newspaper printed in this town was the 
Nashua Constellation, which was issued by Andrew E. 
Thayer in February, 1827. Mr. Thayer was a man 
of liter: ry taste and discipline, and had previously 
teen a teacher and bookseller in the village. He soon 
after sold the paper to Israel Hunt, Jr., who 
(hanged its name to the Nashua Gazette. It was at 
that time the first and only Democratic paper in the 

Up to the year 1825 the business, as well as the 
growth, of Nashua village had been entirely on tin' 
north side of the river. lint the building of the first 
cotton-mill and the erection of boarding-houses on 
the south side of the river had necessarily led to the 
laving out and the occupancy of several new streets 
on the same side Noticeably among them were Fac- 
tory. Water, Walnut and Chestnul Streets. With 
the exception of Factory, however, they were as yet 
little else than open lanes. < >n Factory Street several 
"ten-footers" were built in 1827, to catch the retail 
trade of the mill operators. It soon became a street 
of considerable importance. 

In 182(3 the Taylor's Falls bridge across the Mer- 
rimack to Hudson was built and opened for travel. 
Up to this time the people crossed by a ferry, there 
being no bridge between Lowell and Amoskeag. It 
was thirty-three rods in length, and cost twelve thou- 
sand dollars. It occupied the site of the present iron 
bridge, and it proved to be a great benefit to the pub- 
lic. The post-office was this year removed from the 



Harbor to the village, and for some years was kept at 
the corner of Main and Factory Streets. In 1830 
the population of Dunstable had increased from 
eleven hundred and forty-two to two thousand 
four hundred and seventeen, having more than 
doubled its population .luring the decade. Nearly 
two-thirds of the people resided in the village Dun- 
stable now took its position as the most populous 
town in Hillsborough County. 

We have given in brief an outline of the condition 
of Dunstable from 1820 to 1830. Hitherto farming 
bad been the leading interest and almost sole occupa- 
tion of the inhabitants of the town. But this decade 
witnessed the introduction of the manufacturing en- 
terprises which have since made it a thrifty city of 
fifteen thousand people. 

Events from 1830 to 1840-Between 1830 ami 
1840 the growth of Nashua village was far more 
rapid than at any previous period of her history. It 
was a decade of marked progress in all the elements 
of prosperity. The increase in population was an in- 
dex of her growth in manufactures and trade. In 
1830 her population was 2417. In 1836 it was 5065. 
In 1838 it was 5691. By the United States census of 
1840 it was 6054, — an increase of 150 per cent, in ten 
years. Of those employed in the cotton-mills, only a 
small per cent, were males, and the census divided 
the Bexes thus : Males, 2:122 ; females, 3732. 

The Nashua corporation, in 1836, built a third mill 
of a size corresponding with the two already in oper- 
ation. The company had now an aggregate of thirty- 
two thousand spindles and seven hundred and ten 
looms, and made nine million three hundred thousand 
yards ol cotton cloth annually. The number of 
female operatives was seven hundred ami eighty-four, 
all of American birth, ami one hundred and forty- 
nine males, seven of whom were foreigners. The 
first agent of the company was Asher Benjamin, who 
was succeeded by Ira (lay. Mr. Gay resigned and 
became superintendent of the machine and repair- 
shop al the head of Water Street. In 1835, Thomas 

W. (iillis became age f the Nashua Company, and 

held the position for eighteen years. He had risen 
from a picker-boj through the several grades of pro- 
motion, and had the advantage of a large practical 
experience. A decided improvement in the pros- 
perity of the company followed. 

The Jackson Manufacturing Company had two cot- 
ton-mills, each one hundred and fifty-five feet long. 
forty-seven feet wide and tour stories high. These 
mills had eleven thousand five hundred spindles, 
three hundred and eighty-eight looms and made five 
million six hundred thousand yards of cotton (loth 
annually. The head and fall of wafer was nineteen 
feet. The number of females employed w.as four 
hundred and seventeen, and of males, eighty-three. 
The first agent was Benjamin F. French. Mr. 
French was a lawyer by profession, having been in 
practice in Nashua village ten years, and had repre- 



178 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



sented the town in the Legislature three years. Of 
course, lie was not a practical manufacturer, and the 
success of his management was due to his general ex- 
ecutive ability and his correct estimate of the ca- 
pacity of other men. Under him the fabrics of the 
Jackson Company gained a high reputation. The 
practical manager under Mr. French, and who con- 
tributed largelj to the success of the company, was 
David Gillis, afterwards for many years agenl oi the 
Amoskeag Mills, at Manchester. In 1832, Mr. French 
became agenl of the Boot! Mills, at Lowell, and was 
succeeded by Edmund Parker, of Amherst. Judge 
Parker was a sound lawyer and widely known as 
Probate for this county. He was popular 
in his general management, but had no special quali- 
fications as a manufacturer. 

The Nashua and Lowell Railroad Company was 
incorporated in 1836, and the work upon it com- 
menced in is::;. It was opened for the use of pas- 
sengers October 8, 1838. Its length is fourteen miles 
n hundred and twenty-nine feet, of which 
me-quarter miles are in this State. It was 
railroad-track laid in New Hampshire, and 
its completion added largely to the business ,,f Nashua. 
There were three passenger-trains to Boston. For 
sonic years it had a single track, and its original cost 
wasabout four hundred thousand dollars. Theoriginal 
hoard of directors were Dani.l Abbott and Jesse Bow- 
ers, Nashua; Charles H. Atherton, Amherst; Henry 
Upton and Henry Simmins, Boston. Daniel Abbott 
was president; Charles J. Fox, treasurer; and ( Inslow 
iperintendent. 
tord Railroad \\ as completed lour years 
later (September 1. 1842), having a length of thirty- 
four miles ami three thousand and forty-eight feet. 
Its capital stock was originally eight hundred thousand 
dollars, hut has been increased to one million live 
hundred thousand dollars. It has always paid ten 
per cut. per annum. Its first officers were Addison 
Gilmore, pn tsurer; and 

N. G. Upham, superintendent. 

The Nashua Bank (the first banking institution 
organized in the town) unit into operation in 1835, 
with Daniel Abbott president and John M. Hunt 
cashier. Its directors were Jesse Bowers, Jesse Estey, 
Zebadiah Shattuck, James Pierce and Isaac Spalding. 
lis capital was one hundred thousand dollars. John 
M. Hunt was cashier during its entire exi 
about thirty years. It was a profitable institution, 
am] closed its business on the introduction of the 
pi esenl national hanking system. 

'flic second newspaper in Nashua, the Nashua 
Telegraph, was established in 1832 by Alfred Beard. 
After his death, which soon occurred, it was owned 
and edited by his twin brother, Albin Heard, till his 
death, in 1862. It advocated the views of the Whig 
party, and was, politically, the opponent of the Nashua 
Gazette, then owned and edited by Charles P. Danforth. 
In the summer of 1833, General Jackson, having 



been re-elected to the Presidency, visited New ling- 
land lor the first time. Reaching Boston the middle 
of June, he accepted the invitation to visit the capital 
of New Hampshire, the Legislature being at that time 
in session. He was met by « tovernor DinsmooPs staff 
at the State line, four miles below this village. Having 
hit Lowell at an early hour, he reached Nashua at 
eight, and breakfasted at the Washington Hon e then 
kepi by Thomas Chase. He was the first President 
who \ isited Nashua. 

The rapid growth of the manufacturing industries 
of the village, the facilities for obtaining goods from 
Boston by water transportation and the prospective 
completion of a railway from that city began to attract 
the attention of enterprising business men in the ad- 
jacent towns. Isaac Spalding, who had been a suc- 
cessful trader at Amherst, had already remove! here 
and engaged in general merchandise till he went into 
tield of railroad enterprise, in 1838. In 
1833, J. CD idge, oi the well-known firm of Clark & 
Dodge, Francestown, removed here, and, forming a 
partnership with Albert McKean, then a yon 
of twenty-three years, commenced a win.: 
retail trade in the large wooden building then occu- 
- te south of the present Lowell depot. W. 
D. Beasom and Elbridge G. Peed opened a dry-goods 
store on Factory Street in 1836. Several men of note 
in mechanism and in the professions also came here 
at this time. 

'fbe amount of trade had increased so largely that 
in 1840 there were fifty stores and shops for trading 
purposes in the village. From the "Directory," pub- 
lished at that time, we collect the names of a majority 
of the merchants who were then in active business, 
whom are still residents of the city. 

" H". -i India ■■ fl \ a \ it. Kean, Reed i Spald- 

ing, Kendrick A Tuttle, Hush .Janiwoii, FIiikc A Abbott, Kimball & 
a Hubbard, N Kendall A I o., G W. Perham, Welton A 
Phillips, Robinson a Pati b, I G Ga ran a Reed, 

Merrill & Kimball, E. P. Hoa r, W. I: Graves, H, !■' Com l Phil- 

brii k a Marshall, Gage & I '1-..-.., Rool a I ! t. 1< ugs .am/ 1/ dicines, 

w 
. : i. 1'. UiMiham. ■-•'.<•.< ,..„.' Tinware, Re u1.hu 

Irii li. Jann a Hartshorn. Tailoring and If, 

.1 Chapman, C. H. Nutt, J. W. Windus Booi-Sfores, C. T. Gill, A. E. 
in Hosmer. l„.,.ts „„■! M,..,s, siim.11.1- a Goodwin, W 
1 A.i Taylor, E. B. Hines. Hard and Glauuarce, 
V. a C Win. 1 ' . 

After the lapse of forty-five years it is not surpris- 
ing that only three of the above business men are still 
; i:e same occupation, namely, Henry J. 
Chapman, Charles T. Ridgway and John Coggin. 
Mr. C. H. Nutt is still in active business, but of a 
different kind. 

In 1840 there had also been a large increase in the 
number of professional men in the village. There 
were recorded the names of eight physicians, — Kben- 
ezer 1 >earborn, Elijah Colburn, Micab Eldridge, Josiah 
ti. Graves, Edward Spalding, Josiah Kittredge, Evan 
B. 1 bo 1, Stephen Spear. 



NASHUA. 



There were also eight lawyers, — Daniel Abbott, 
Charles F.Gove, A.aron F. Sawyer, < lharles G. Ather- 
ton, George Y. Sawyer, Peter Clark, Jr., Charles J 
Fox, Benjamin F. Emerson. 

There wereseven clergymen at thattime, — Jonathan 
MiC.r. Austin Richards. < 'ongregationalists ; Imra 

I). Pratt, Baptist ; Samuel < tsg 1, Unitarian ; Samuel 

Kelly, Methodist ; Lewis < '. Browne, Universalist ; 
Thomas M. Preble, Free-Will Baptist. 

All of the lawyers and clergymen in the above list, 
except Rev. L. C. Browne are dead ; but of the doctors, 
three are still active citizens ami residents of theeity, 
through retired from practice, namely, Edward 
Spalding, Evan B. Hammond and .Tosiah G. < rraves. 

Several of the attorneys in the above list were men 
ofnoti andability. Charles F. Gove wasanativeof 
Goflstown. In 1840 he was Attorney-General ofthe 
State, and soon after became a judge of the Superior 
Court. The last position he resigned to become 
superintendent of the Nashua and Lowell Railroad, 
which he held till near his death, in 1856. He was a 
man of marked traits, stein, resolute, exacting, yet 
discriminating, impartial and honorable. As a judi- 
cial officer lie rendered the State excellent service by 
his firm execution ofthe laws. 

Charles G. Atherton belonged to a wealthy and ar- 
family, and had the advantage of an early 
and thorough training. He began practice here, and 
soon after represented the town in the Legislature. 
Hi' entered Congress in his thirty-fourth year, was 
six years a member of the House, and died during his 
second term in the United States Senate, in No- 
v. ml iir, 1853, and in the forty-ninth year of his 
age. His political reputation is clouded by his sub- 
serviency to the slave power. 

Charles James Fox was born in Antrim in 1811, 
graduated in 1881, commenced practice in Nashua 
in 1834, entered the Legislature in 1837, and was 
associated with Judges Joel Parker and S. D- 
Bell in revising the laws of this State. He had 
great industry and had prepared notes for the " His- 
tory of the Old Township of Dunstable," bul his 
tailing health and death, in February, 1846, prevented 
the completion of the work, as he intended. It was 
published after his decease, but failed to do justice to 
his ability. 

George Y. Sawyer was born in Wakefield in 1805, 
commenced the practice of law at Laconia, and re- 
moved to Nashua in 1834. He soon attained a high 
professional standing and extensive practice, and as 
a member of the Legislature hail great influence in 
giving direction to its action. In 1855 he was ap- 
pointed a judge of the Court of Common Pleas and 
afterwards of the Supreme Judicial Court. He died 
in 1882. 

In closing this review of Nashua in 1840, we must 
not omit to call attention to what half of the people 
now resident here are not aware of, — that fifty years 
ago the present name of our city had no legal exist- 



ence wlia(e\ er. More than two centuries ago, when 

that "merry King of England,'' Charles the See I, 

ruled over our forefathers, emigrants from Massachu- 
setts settled on the intervales above and below the 
mouth of Salmon Brook. A town charter with the 
name Dunstable was given to these funis. After- 
wards, in 174ii, the colonial government of New 
Hampshire renewed the charter and indorsed the 
name Dunstable. When New Hampshire h 
independent State the town of Dunstable chose a 
delegate to the convention to frame the- constitution 
under which we live. But in 1836 this same town, 
through her representatives in the Legislature, peti- 
tioned for a change of name. The petition was 
certainly reasonable, for the village on the Nashua 
River, which had grown up within a generation, now 
included five-sixths of the population, and was uni- 
versally known and recognized as the village of 
"Nashua," while practically the name of Dunstable 
was becoming unused and unknown. The petition, 
therefore, was granted by tin-passage ofthe following 



"Si ' o 'i Be 
in Genera] Court i 
of Hillsborough, - 



1 known in law by tin- na uf Nashua. 

' Approved Dec. 8, 1836. 



Thus on New Year's Day, 1837, this city, then a 
town, legally received, and for many a century, we 
trust, will retain its present name. — NASHUA. 



CHAPTER XII, 



NASHUA I-'IIUM ism To [sill 
Tlio Tulilir Sri Is — A -Inn;. liis.iL-i'. ■.■in.-nt-Thi- N. •»■ Town of Nash- 
ville Nashua Town Hall— New Railroads— Increase of Business — 
NashTilli Be a City— New Enterprises— Bobbin and 

Slinltli -Works— Iron- Works -Irish Emi -ration— Aili.'iia'inn. 

The growth of Nashua village between 1840 and 
1850, though less rapid than for the ten years previous, 
was very satisfactory. The educational interests of the 
town i e 'ei ved ii lore at ten! ion, better school buildings 
were provided and the selection of teachers made with 
more care. In 1840 the superintending school com- 
mittee were Rev. Samuel Osgood, Dr. Edward Spal- 
ding and Rev. L. ( '. Browne. For several years 
pic\ ious and afterwards the two first-named members 
continued their supervision, and aided largely in 
establishing a systematic method of school manage- 
ment. In 1840 the amount expended in the public 
schools was three thousand four hundred and eleven 
dollars. There were seventeen schools and twenty-six 
teachers. The number of children of school age was 



ISO 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



fourteen hundred and fifty-two, but the a 
tendance was only seven hundred and eighty-eight. 
The greater per cent, of negligence was among the 
families who had recently become residents. 

In the spring of 1840, David Crosby established a 
private school under the title of the Nashua Literary 
Institution. In any other occupation Mr. Crosby 

would have beei iderately successful, but he had 

rare qualities as an instructor. He loved the duties 
of the schoolroom, and for more than forty years 
devoted himself exclusively to the instruction of the 
young, and with a fidelity and success rarely equaled. 

At the annual town-meeting in March, 1842, held, 
as heretofore, at the Old South meeting-house, it was 
the popular expression that a growing village ha\ ing 
already more than six thousand inhabitants ought to 
have within its limits a public building, suitable for 
holding its annual ami other meetings, and avoiding 
the inconvenience of a mile's travel outside the vil- 
lage. It was therefore unanimously voted to build a 
town-house. A building committee w as elected, con- 
sisting of Leonard W. Noyes, Thomas Chase, Israel 
Hunt, Jr., Franklin Fletcher and Samuel Shepherd. 

It was soon evident that the location of the build- 
ing would be a source of contention, — the voters 0D 
both sides of the Nashua River claiming it without 
reservation. An adjourned meeting was, therefore, 
held, at which every voter expressed his preference 
by a monosyllabic ballot. Those in favor of locating 
the hall on the north side of the river voted "North,'' 
anil those in favor of a location on the south side 
voted "South." The result was: Ballots for the north 
side, three hundred ami ninety-six; ballots for the 
south side, live hundred and eighty-two. So the 
popular vote showed a majority of one hundred 
and eighty-six tin- locating the town hall on the 
south side of the river. This settled the location of 
the Nashua town hall; but it did not settle the 
dissension it had called forth. The patricians on the 
north sideofthe river, in truth everybody on that 
side of the Nashua, was thoroughly indignant. It 
was not enough that they had secured the railroad 
station, they must have the town hall or they would 
not consent to remain as fellow-townsmen with the 
victorious anil probably rather boastful majority. So 
they at once announced that at the coming session of 
the Legislature they should petition to he set apart 
as a distinct and separate town, under the name of 
Nashville. As no opposition was made, the Legisla- 
ture granted the petition by the passage of an act on 
the 23d of June, 1842, making that part of Nashua 
north of Nashua River "a separate and corporate 
town to he known by the name of Nashville." 

Tin.' two towns now went quietly forward with their 
distinct organizations. No disturbance ever after 
occurred between them during the eleven years of 
separation which followed. When the temporary 
excitement had passed, doubtless a majority of the 
intelligent cilizens realized that the two towns, s,, 



closely identified in all their interests, should never 
have been separated. 

The building committee of Nashua completed the 
tow Q-house, the location of which had been the cause 
of so much contention, in the spring' of 184.'!, at a cost 
of twenty-two thousand six hundred dollars. It is 
the edifice now so well known as the city hall. It 
stands to-dav just as it was finished forty-two years ago. 
That it has stood the test of constant use for so long 
a time without the reconstruction of a single partition 
or staircase is a compliment to the committee. The 
building is sixty-six by ninety feet. The basement is 
for the use of the police department. The first-story 
contains, in front, the offices of the city clerk and city 
marshal. Next are the roomsofthe mayor and alder- 
men and the common council. In the rear is the 
County Court-room. The second story is the public hall, 
seventy feet long, sixty-three feet wide and twenty- 
four feet high. It will scat twelve hundred people. 
The attic is used by the assessors and for storage. 
'flic heighl of the 1 mil ding to the top of the cupola is 

one hundred feet. 

The Nashua Oasis, a weekly literary and miscel- 
laneous newspaper, was issued by Murray & Sawtelle 
in January, 1843, by Murray & Kimball to 1849, by 
Dodge & Noyes till 1855, and by S. II. Noyes till 
1858. It was conducted with considerable ability 
and literary taste, and during its eighteen years' pub- 
lication secured a fair circulation. 

In 1844 the Nashua Manufacturing Company built 
Mill No. 4. It was one hundred and ninety-eight 
feet long, fifty feet wide and live stories high. After 
the completion of this mill this corporation em- 
ployed one thousand hands — eight hundred and fifty 
females and one hundred and fifty males. It used 
ten thousand bales of cotton and manufactured thir- 
teen million yards of cloth annually. The company 
bad built forty tenements for the overseers and board- 
ing-houses. 

The Worcester and Nashua Railroad Company was 
incorporated in 1845. The road was opened December 
8, 1848, having a length of forty-five miles, and a cap- 
ital of one million five hundred thousand dollars. 
The Wilton Railroad was commenced in 1847 and 
completed to Wilton in 1851, having a length of 
sixteen miles. 

Between 1840 and 1850 a large number of dwelling- 
houses and stores were built in the village, but very 
few of them were of an expensive class. The school 
buildings and the railroad stations were mostly 
wooden, and none of the large brick blocks now 
erected on Main Streel bad been built. In I860, of 
the nine churches, all of them Protestant, only two 
were built of brick — the First Baptist and the Pearl 
Street Congregational Churches. At that time the 
Catholics, now the most numerous religious sect in 
the city, were practically unknown. In 1840 there 
were not a dozen in Nashua. In ls.Mi there were less 
than one hundred. 



181 



In 1845 the population of the town of Nashua was 
4429; the population of Nashville was 2432,— total, 
6861. By the census of 1850 their united population 
was 8942,— a gain of 2888 since 1840. 

Nashua in 1850 to I860— The growth of Nashua 
between 1850 and 1860 was not so great as during the 
previous decade. In common with the other man- 
ufacturing towns of New England, the revulsion in 
business in 1857 and the two succeeding years par- 
alyzed to some extent all the manufacturing interests 
of the country during that period. 

During these ten years, however, some progressive 
Steps were taken by the Nashua people, and which have 
had a permanent effect upon its welfare. One of the 
most important of these was the reunion of the two 
towns of Nashua and Nashville, which had been 
separated by a legislative act in 1842. Though not 
realized at the time, it soon became evident that the 
separation would result disadvantageously. The ed- 
ucational system could Dot be as comprehensive and 
efficient. The Fire Department was weakened; the 
Police Department was more expensive and less ser- 
viceable, and the minor details of town affairs were 
less satisfactory to the public. The proposed sup- 
plying of the village with water and gas would also be 
more difficult under a twofold management. 

Added to this, Manchester, in 1846, and Concord, 
in 1849, had adopted city charters, and with manifest 
advantage to their local interests. Nashua and Nash- 
ville had now an aggregate population equal to that 
Of cither of these cities at the time of their incor- 
poration. In view of these circumstances, the more 
enterprising citizens of both towns applied to the 
Legislature of 1853 for a city charter. This was 
grant,. I on the 27th of June, with the proviso that 
it must first lie accepted by a majority of the legal 
voters of each town at a meeting called for that 
purpose. In September the acceptance of the char- 
ter was submitted to the popular vote, anil with the 
following results: 



So the city charter, having been sanctioned by both 
towns, Nashua and Nashville were again united, and 
will, it is fervently hoped, be known for many a cen- 
tury in the future as the 

City of Nashua.— The election of city officers took 
place immediately after the acceptance of the charter 
by the two towns. By the original charter, a majority 
was required to elect the mayor. The first trial re- 
sulted in no choice, there being three candidates, — 
Josephus Baldwin (Whig), Bernard 1'.. Whittemore 
(Democrat) and Winslow Ames (Free-Soil). On the 
second trial Mr. Baldwin was elected. 

Josephus Baldwin, the first mayor of the city, was 
born in the south part of Nashua in 1803. His father 



lived on the Highland Farm, and possessed unusual 
mechanical and inventive ability. The son gave his 
attention to the improvement of cotton machinery. 
His first experiment was at New Ipswich in making 
shuttles and spools to supply the tew cotton-mills 
then running in New Hampshire. After the building 
of the mills at Nashua lie returned and began I lu- 
making of bobbins and shuttles at tin' Highland 
Farm. In 1836 his works, including a large Stock 
just finished for the market, were burned. Without 
means, lie began work in a room of the machine-shop 

of the Nashua Manufacturing Company. Here his 

works were burned out a second time, Bui in 1843 
the demand for that kind of furnishings which Mr. 

Baldwin, of all others, was best able to supply, bei I ' 

so great that, starting his business on Water Street, 
he soon built up an extensive manufactory, employing 
one hundred and ninety hands. For fifteen years Mr. 
Baldwin was the largest manufacturer of bobbins and 
shuttles in this country. Like many enterprising and 
ingenious men, he gave no attention to financial 
details, and allowed the free use of his name to 
friends, SO that he became embarrassed in L858, and 
the business, built up by him, passed into the hands 
of Dr. F. B. Aver and Isaac Eaton, by whom it has 
been continued until recently. Mr. Baldwin died 
in 1872. 

In 1851 the Harbor Cotton Manufacturing Com- 
pany (Vale Mills) was organized with a capital of one 
hundred thousand dollars, employing seventy hands 
and producing one million yards of sheetings and 
drillings annually. 

lie Nashua Edge-Tool Company was organized in 
1852, locating their works at the mouth of Salmon 
Brook, on the Nashua ami Lowell Railroad, one mile 
from the city. John H. Gage was president, G. W. 
Underbill superintendent, and C. B. Hill treasurer. 
Tiny made axes of every pattern, hatchets, chisels, 
adzes ami most kinds of edge-tools. The company 
employed fifty men and had a capital of sixty thou- 
sand dollars. 

The Nashua Lock Company went into operation 

the sa year. It was chiefly owned by L. W. Noyes 

and J. D. Otterson, and made locks, door-knobs and 
door-bells of every pattern, and employed sixty men. 
At first it was located on Water Street, but was soon 
removed to its present location, on the corner of 
Spring and East Hollis Streets. 

The Nashua card and glazed paper business origin- 
ated with C. T. (Jill and < >. D. Murray, in 1849, who 
put up a small building on Water Street. J. II. and 
C. P. Gage became partners. Mr. Gill died soon 
after. The business grew and was removed to East 
Hollis Street. The original firm was Gage, Murray & 
Co., who, with a dozen hands and limited capita I. began 
an enterprise which has since grown to be a large and 
successful business. 

The Nashua Foundry Company, one of the earliest 
of our industries, was at this time doing a good busi- 



is. 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY. NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



□ess on Temple Strei t. with Seth Williams as leading 
proprietor, at the same location now occupied by 
Charles Williams & Son. \i a latei dati .1. D. Otter- 
son established a foundry on Foundry Street, which 
he operated till his death, in 1880. It is now the 
property of the < !o-operative < loinpany. 

The Nashua Gas-Light Company was incorporated 
in Is.".:;, with a capital of seventy-five thousand dol- 
lars. Its works were located in the northeastern part 
of the city, near the Junction depot. Its first presi- 
dent was T. W. Gillis. 

The Pennichuck Water-Works were also incorpo- 
rated in 1853, with I.. W. N03 es president, and E. P. 
Emerson treasurer. The water supply was obtained 
from the Pennichuck Brook, three miles north of the 
city, by forcing the water into a large reservoir on 
Winter Hill. 

The increased number of manufactories in the city 
required increased banking facilities, and in 1851 the 
Indian Head Hank was incorporated, with Joseph 
Greeley president, and Albert McKean cashier, with 
.i capita] of one hundred and titty thousand dollars. 
In 1855 the Pennichuck liank was incorporated with 
one hundred thousand dollar- capital, and A. W. 
Sawyer president, and Harrison Hobson cashier. 

The Irish immigration was hardly noticeable in 
this city till 1850. They increased rapidly for the 
ensuing ten years, and were largely employed in the 
mills and iron-works. With rare exceptions, they 
were Roman Catholics. In October, 1855, the Catho- 
lic Church was first organized in this city under the 
care of Rev. John < >'Donnell, who held services every 
other Sunday in Franklin Hall. The Catholic popu- 
lation at that time numbered about six hundred. 
The church on Tempi,' Street was built in 1857. 
Father ( >'Donnell continued in charge of this church 
and people for twenty-four years. He died on the 
22d day of January 1882, at the age of sixty-one. 
Aside from his own people, Father < I'Donnell had the 
confidence ami respect of all classes. Decided in liis 
opinions and devoted to the welfare of his parish, he 
diil not forget that lie was an American citizen. He 
iva- a believer in our free institutions ami a firm 
o Mud of our public schools. 

St. Luke's Episcopal Church was organized in 1857. 
Its Sunday services were held in Odd- Fellows' Hall. 
Its first rector was Rev. E. 1'. Wright. Its numbers 
for some years were small, and its services at times 
suspended. 

The Athenaeum, a voluntary library association, 
was instituted in 1851. Though a private organiza- 
tion, its purpose was to supply a public want. There 
was a large class of young people of both sexes, 
largely employes in the mills, who needed, and would 

be benefited, by suitable 1 ks lor reading, and tor 

whom there was no existing provision. This associa- 
tion had corporate powers, and by sale of shares at five 
dollars each, by subscriptions and assessments, 
secured a library of thirteen hundred volumes, which 



were loaned to individuals for a small fee per week. 
The Athenseum kept its library at Gill's and after- 
wards at Greene's book-store, was useful in its time, 
and prepared the way for its successor, — the Nashua 
Public Library. 



CHAPTER Kill. 



NASHUA— (Con 



NASIIl A M KINO IIIK l: 1. 1 1 1' I.I.MS. 



During the decade beginning with the close of 
1860 and ending with the close of 1870 the War of 
the Rebellion was the great overshadowing event. 
Our purpose is to confine this sketch to the part taken 
by Nashua and its people in maintaining the Union 
and in the overthrow of the pro-slavery rebellion. 

The firing upon Fort Sumter was the first overt 

tii. -ecos-ioiiists. It began on Friday, April 

12, 1861, at four o'clock in the morning. Had it oc- 
curred twenty years earlier 1 1S41 ) four days would 
have elapsed before the news would have reached this 
city. But the announcement <d' the startling event 
reached Nashua before noon and spread rapidly. 
Many could hardly credit the report, but the succes- 
sion of dispatches left no room for doubt. The as- 
sault was continued till late in the afternoon of Sat- 
urday, when the for; was compelled to surrender, and 
the telegram announcing the fact was received here 
at a late hour of the night. But on the clear, bright 
Sundaj morn which followed — how many can vividly 
recall tie- day! — men gathered in groups on the side- 
walks with inquiring and anxious countenances, and 
1'i-w pulpits there were which did not respond to the 
almost unanimous cry,— "The Rebellion must be 
crushed!'' 

Two days later came President Lincoln's call for 
seventy-five thousand men for ninety days. On the 
Monday night following, the city hall was densely 
crowded in answer to a call for a citizens' meeting. 
The mayor, George Bowers, presided, and the people 
were addressed by leading citizens of both political 
parties. There was manifestly no lack of enthusiasm 
and determination on the part of the Nashua people 
to sustain the government and maintain the Union. 
Captain R. O. Greenleaf was appointed by the Gov- 
ernor recruiting officer at Nashua. The number re- 
quired was speedily raised, although no bounty or 
special inducement was offered. Many of our young 
men and some of the older citizens, untrained except 
for peace, took their places in the ranks for the de- 
fence of the national capital. The prevailing feeling 
was that the three months' men would see the end of 
the war. Before their return it was evident that tin- 
free States had a long struggle before them. The 
darkest hours had not yet come. 



NASHUA. 



183 



The regiment of three months' men from this State 
went into camp at Concord, were equipped and left 
for the seat of war on the 25th of -May. The field 
officers were M. W. Tappan; colonel; T. J.Whipple, 
lieutenant-colonel; ami Aaron P. Stevens, major. The 
Nashua men belonged to Companies E and F. ( >f 
Company E, Richard 0. Greenleaf was captain and 
William F. Greeley and John W. Thompson lieuten- 
ants; of Company F. Augustus S. F.duvrh was rap- 
tain and G. W. Handley and G. W. Whipple wen- 
lieutenants, — all of them hailing from thiscity. The 
regiment proceeded to Washington, and went up the 
Potomac Valley to Harper's Ferry. It was not the 
fault of the men, but in reality they were not under 
fire during the three months' service. They were 
mustered out and returned tome the last of August. 
A large per centof the Nashua men enlisted later 
in the regiments and did honor to themselves and the 
State by their bravery. 

The signal defeat of the Union forces at Hull Run, 
on Sunday, the 21st of July, caused more surprise and 
alarm in this city than any event during the four 
years' struggle. The Boston dailies of Monday morn- 
ing, basing their reports upon the first skirmishes be- 
tween the two armies, announced a glorious victory 
for the Union forces. On the arrival of the afternoon 
train, at four o'clock, they announced the crushing 
defeat, hurried flight and utter disorganization of our 
army. Such a result was entirely unexpected. There 
were many wakeful eyes that night in Nashua. Look- 
in- .ii the event after the lapse of nearly a fourth of 
a century, it is a question whether that early and signal 
defeat of the Union cause was not a blessing in dis- 
guise. It put an end to all compromise, and made, 
what until that time was in doubt, the emancipation 
of the slaves as certain as the triumph of the Union 
armies. 

When the regiment of three months' men had left 
for Washington in May, enough volunteers were found 
to speedily form a second regiment, which, under 
Colonel Marston, left on June 20th for active service. 
Other regiments rapidly followed until, on the u: ;. I of 
December, 1861, the Fighth Regiment of New Hamp- 
shire had left for the seat of war. In May, 1862, the 
Ninth Regiment entered the service, and others fol- 
lowed until the Sixteenth, organized in November, 
completed the number required by the national gov- 
ernment. In all these regiments Nashua was repre- 
sented, but far more largely in the Third, Fourth, 
Seventh, Eighth, Tenth and Thirteenth. 

The Second Regiment was in both of the battles at 
Bull Run. In the second battle Lieutenant Sylvester 
Rogers, of this city, was fatally wounded, and died 
while being carried from the field. 

The Third Regiment had a long and severe service 
in South Carolina and Virginia, in which quite a 
number of Nashua soldiers shared. The first battle 
was at Secessionville, where, of five hundred and 
ninety-seven men, one hundred and four were 



killed and wounded. Only one from this city, Lieu- 
tenant Marsh, was slightly wounded. In the battle 
of Drury's Bluff, May 13, 1864, while making an ad- 
vance on Richmond, this regiment bore the " brunt " 
of the contest. Major James F. Randlett, now cap- 
tain of a cavalry com]. any in the regular army, was 
wounded. Adjutant Elbridge J. Copp, who. entering 
the service as a private at seventeen, had won promo- 
tion, was also wounded. Three days later Lieutenant 
Eugene J. Button was killed at the bead of his com- 
pany. On the 16th of August a fierce engagement 
took place at Deep Bottom, at which Adjutant E. J. 
Copp was se\ orely wounded, which compelled him. in 
the October following, to return to Nashua. Among 
other Nashua men in the Third Regiment were Cap- 
tains David Wadsworth, Joseph Ackerinan, Charles 
S. Burnham, Adjutant S. N. Jackson, Quartermaster 
G. B. Bingham, Quartermaster Sergeant W. A. 
Swallow, Lieutenants D. J. Flanders, II. A. Marsh, 
I ge Sti at as and .1. C. l'usbee. 

The Fourth Regiment had Chaplain M. W. Willis, 
Surgeon George P. Greeley, Captains R. 0. Greenleaf, 
E. L. Sarsons, and Lieutenants L. A. Gay, t '. 11. 
.Moore and J. F. Gilpatrick in its service. Although 
in several severe battles, the men from this city 
appear to have been fortunate. 

The Sixth Regiment had very few soldiers from 
Nashua. Dr. William A. Tracy and James II. 
Noycs were surgeons ; the former returning home in 
feeble health, died soon after. 

The Seventh Regimeni was with the Third in the 
attack on Fort Wagner, in July, 1863, where Lieu- 
tenants Alfred N. Bennett and Ezra Davis, of this city, 
lost their lives. Captain Charles A. Lawrence and 
Lieutenant James A. Cobb were in this regiment. 

The Eighth regiment was mustered into service 
December 2:'., lsbl. Probably no other regiment con- 
tained so large a number of Nashua men. It was 
ordered to the mouth of the Mississippi and landed 
west of that locality in March, when- it remained 
during the summer. In October it was ordered in- 
land, on the 8th of that month, aud Captain J. Q. A. 
Warren, of Nashua, was the first man to fall in action 
at Georgia Landing. In the spring following, it was 
ordered to join General Banks to capture Port Hud- 
son. The march of two hundred and thirty miles in 
the heat was tedious. I In the 27th of May the Eighth 
Regiment took the lead in the assault on the enemy's 
fortifications. Early in the light Lieutenant-Colonel 
Lull, who was in command, fell fatally wounded. 
Quartermaster Shattuck, of this city, carried him 
upon his shoulders away from the works. He lived 
until midnight. John H. Towle, W. H. Tucker and 
several other Nashua soldiers fell on the same day. 
Two days later Lieutenant George W. Thompson, of 
this city, while near the rifle-pits of the rebels, was 
instantly killed. On the 14th of June another unsuc- 
cessful assault was made on the rebel fort. The 
Eighth suffered most severely. Lieutenant Luther P. 



184 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Hosley, Sergeant Elisha Xottage, Jesse C. Danforth, 
Frank F. Andrews, and Michael T. Sullivan were 
left dead in a trench under the enemy's works. No 
flag of truce was allowed by the rebels for three days, 
and the wounded perished from thirst and exposure. 
The bodies, when recovered, could hardly be recog- 
nized. 

After the surrender of Port Hudson, General Banks 
ordered an expedition to Sabine Pass, which was un- 
successful. Early in the spring of 1864 the Red 
River campaign was undertaken. During the previous 
winter the regiment, now lessened in numbers, were 
provided with horses and became cavalry. On the 
8th of April they came unexpectedly upon the rebel 
forces at the Sabine ( Iross-Roads. In this engagement 
the rebels had the advantage of knowing the sur- 
roundings. The cavalry tared badly. Forty-seven 
men, including Captain Dana W. King, whose horse 
was killed and he wounded, were taken prisoners and 
(ariied to the prison at Tyler, Texas, where they 
suffered the usual lol of Union prisoners for over six 
months. The regiment was mustered out the 29th of 

October, and on the nth of November reached C ord 

under the command of Captain Dana W. King. Only 
one hundred and seventy-seven enlisted men returned, 
and Captain King was the only original officer of 
stall' or line who remained. The (governor gave to 
Captain King the brevet commission of lieutenant- 
colonel, of captain to .lames H. Marshall, and of first 
lieutenant to Nelson 11. Peterson, all of this city. 
Among the men from Nashua whose names have not 
been mentioned were ( lonunissary Tyler M. Sh at tuck, 
Captains George S. Fayrs, Irving G. Wilkins, Daniel 
M. Fisk, Lieutenants Nestor Haines and William 
H. Barnes. 

The Ninth Regiment left Concord in August and 
went into immediate service. Companj C was com- 
manded by Captain Augustus S. Edgerly, of Nashua. 
He was wounded at Fredericksburg, and killed at the 
battle of the Wilderness, May 6, 1864. Lieutenant 
Charles D. Copp, of this city, was appointed captain 
after his death. At Fredericks). urg. when the colors 
of the regiment had fallen, Lieutenanl Copp seized 
and raise. 1 the Hag amid a shower of bullets, and 
shouting to the men. enabled them to form in line. 

The Tenth Regiment was commanded by Colonel 
Donohue. Company B was raised by Captain Timo- 
thy B. Crowley, and nearly all its members were resi- 
dents of this city. The regiment was in the sangui- 
nary battle at Cold Harbor on June :;, lsr, I. Lieuten- 
ant Daniel W. Russell, of Nashua, a brave man and 

g 1 officer, wasinstantly killed by a shot through the 

head. On October 27, 1864, this regiment at Fair 
Oaks was ordered to charge the enemy's works. It 
reached a position where to advance or retreat were 
alike impossible. No aid arriving, the men were com- 
pelled to lie down under the rebel batteries and wait 
for night to cover their escape. Among the severely 
wounded was Captain Crowley, who was struck by a 



ball in the thigh. Knowing that capture in his con- 
dition was death, he crept in the darkness away from 
the rebels toward the Union lines until he tainted. 

Bee ling conscious, he called lor help and wa- rescued 

by two of our soldiers. He was soon after commis- 
sioned as major of the regiment. The regiment en- 
countered much hard service. 

The Thirteenth Regi nt was commanded by Col- 
onel Aaron F. Stevens, with George Bowers lieuten- 
ant-colonel, and George H. Taggard adjutant. Its 
heavy work was during 18(14. It was at Drury's 
Bluff in May. and at Cold Harbor, in June, fought 
bravely and lost heavily, Lieutenant Taggard being 
among the wounded. It was on duty in front of 
Petersburg during thesummer, and was prominent at 
the capture of Fort Harrison, on the 29th of Septem- 
ber. In the assault Colonel Steveus fell severely 
wounded within a few yards of the fort, and did not 
resume command of the regiment afterwards. The 
Thirteenth was garrisoned at Fort Harrison during 
the winter and joined in the final movement on 

Ricl d, April ::, 1865. Dr. R. B. Prescott, of this 

city, then in command of Company C, according to 
th. Richmond papers, led the first squad of men of 
the Union army which entered the city. They did 
a good work in suppressing pillaging ami subduing 
the flames. 

The New Hampshire Battalion of Cavalry, which 
went into service early in 1862, consisted of four com- 
panies, one of which had William P. Ainsworth for 
captain and Joseph F. Andrews first lieutenant, with 
a number of others from this city. On May 30th a 
charge was made upon a rebel force near Front Royal, 
Va. The enemy retreated, but soon made a stand at 
a pass near a bridge. Captain Ainsworth crossed the 
bridge, and falling in range of the rebel rifles, fell 
with seven others of the com]. any. His death was 
-in. ere] - lamented by our citizens. 

The citj government of Nashua during the four 
years' war made prompt and liberal provisions for the 
families of the soldiers, and paid large sums for 
bounties. The women of this city also did a noble 
wank in supplying the wants of the sick and furnish- 
ing necessary comforts to the soldiers on duty. There 

was not a neighborhood in the city which had not its 
representative in the army, and not only mothers and 
wives, but kind friends generally, did all in their 
power to strengthen the arm of the soldier. One or- 
ganization of fifty young ladies made a systematic 
work of sending clothing to the ranks and dainties 
and cordials to the hospitals. Many a Union sentinel 
upon his lonely post in the chill winter's wind was 
made comfortable by these warm flannels from home; 
many a look of gratitude came over the face of the 
Northern boy as, fever-stricken in the hospital, he 
rested his aching head upon the pillow made by lov- 
ing hands at home. 

List of Union Soldiers from Nashua.— The fol- 
lowing list of soldiers from Nashua who served in 



NASHUA. 



the War of the Rebellion was prepared and published SJJJSJl, 

by Dr. L. F. Locke before the close of the war. Connei 

Possibly there are a few omissions, and there may coiiiw 

be a very few names of men who enlisted here, cJJSJTj 

but whose home was elsewhere. The list is the mosl j «"»tb 

accurate to be obtained at this time, and must be very Cor 

nearly correct: i ,.1,1,,' . 



Ailisw 



lllit. W. 



Andrews, .1 I. 

Allen, George F 
Andrews, J. F . . . 
Allen, Frank . . . 

AM.. II, i'Ii. ill-, II . 

Atwood, Daniel W 



Aiken, James . 
Ackerman, Joseph, 
Anderson, John . . 

Baldwin, George 11 
Barrett, Towns . . 
Barnes, Eldrus 11 . 

Button, Eug .1 

Burrell, Frederick 
Bailey, John 1! . . 



nil, ll.iii. 1 
ml, Band 

Bloilgett, H.-nry .... l-l a '.Ml, 

111 1, George 

Brigha 



arlea 1. 

Burke, G. W . 1st & '■ 

Michael . . 

Bailey, Rol ert . . 

Hurt, J I • ■ 1 1 ry 

Burnhaiu, ' 'hailea S . 
Brooks, G. W . 1st 
Beaman, Alfred II . . 

lit... k, i nard II 

li. ,i, l,. Ider, Stephen 
Barney, Hiram F . . 
,. W. !'■ . 

ancie A . . 

illiam II . . 
Burke, Wil 



. . loth 
. . 10th 
. . 10th 






Cahill, Timothy 



Cronan, John . 
Cravau, Thi ,ma 

I I . I'.'IM 



It, J. I 



\\ 111,., 



lid 



I'lliin, James . Quar. Bias's Dep. 

I ulev, John 33d .Ms. 

Flanders, -Joint A Navy 

Foley, John . 10th 

Fox, Henry .1 . . . . Reg. Army 



Lt 
Blaj. el'' 



• ,1 


Fai r, Joseph K . . . 




1 landers, Benjamin 1' . 


N 8 


Prench, Henry C . . . 


Fiske, Daniel 31., 1'al'l.ii 




Follows, II H" K . . . 




1 ecto, Joseph .... 


. , r 'lh 


1 airlei , John 






1 ihel.l. U illiam . . 






. . 3d 


Fr.-nel,, Elisha Y . . . . 



Bennett, Alfred N 7th 

Bioktord, John W 

Banflcld, William K . . . . Navy 
Bell, B. II . . Isi and 2(1 Ms. Cav. 

Blam-hard, Jam--, M . 1-1 nn.l -il, 

harles Sth 

Banne'd, Haskell W Id 

Bingham, Arthur 3d 

Bingham, ii -K'' H :: 'l 

Brown, Mien s . . . 1,1 ami loth 

Bllel, Kl, l, el 11 Sth 

llllel, II. ,r til 

llreiiiian, Patrick . . . 1'Jtl, low,. 

ISeattv. Thomas -M 

Berrj John 8th 

B-rrv. I.arky ........ sth 

Blown. \\ Illiam F ... '■•! 
Hills, Fl'el.'Vl '1 7th 

Bartlett, Edwin F — 

Butler, Edwin S loth 

Brown, Robert A lav. 

Bagh J i II Cav. 

Bush. Henry 10th 

B.i j I. \. John — 

Buswell, Barclay C 'Mil 

Brvant, Felix Navy 

Buswell, John B 4th 

Buswell, John Ith 

Hriud.am. Edward I'av 

Bulge, Havi.l II 1th 



Claflin, Calvin 
Colbm il Joel . 



iv, Mou/.o F . . 1st 
aves, W II . I ..! 
illni, Thomas . . . 901 
illin, John .... 1411 
la.-as.ui, Abel 



i.;im v, John Huh 

ding, John F 8th 

' .' . I rank 8th 

lone, F 1th 

IJlooley, F. S., r.iphiin , lull, c't 

|. .ml.. ii, Daniel 3d 

Grav, John Ill, 

Goodwill, Weiitworth . . . 4th 

.1 >." W .Hi 

Huge, Hale 7th 

Gi in, I,. David W 7th 

Griffin, John F 7th 

ill, in, mi, Thomas Navy 

Humes, Frank 3d 

Gay, George II 3d 

ley, James B . Sul Cai 

Greeley, W. I ■'. CI 11th I - [. 
i iley, '.. "!■■_.■ IV, Surg , . . ith 

(OtV, El, ell, l;i|,|,OII |U.!L\ Keg. 



.sth 



HISTORY OF EILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Green, Albert 



Miliar,!, r'harl. : 



Pillsbury, Samuel II . 



V\ . I i at. 5th 



ward 3d 

ink .1 3d 

Gordon, Hendrii I. . . . 

I brail] sth 

Gilsoii. Aiiilreu .1 .... 2(1 lullll. 

lleiiutte, .lulin Slii 

Wi . H 

'--'.I. m. \riliiii i i:;tli 

rlesF 10th 

Gray, Irving loth 

i i 

; i. , i'.-,|,i l-i .in.! Hli 
Gould. I.ntln r ...... 7th 






K'lllM'ii.l . 



iiv, I'll. uli s A . . . . Till 

II. W . . . . 1 
i, .1. 11 . . 

ice, ii . Cant . . lstand 7th 



Hopkins, Newl 

I 1 , :. . 

Hallissy, .1 l.n 

111 Ml 

II..: i! It.. Ill HI A . . 1-1 .lll'l Ml 

1 1 1 1 ■ l ■ . e I . . 

Harvey, George 1) ..... :ii 

Hunt, I. '1' . '-M :iml Hli h -liv 

Ilav.l.-ii, Alli.-ii I' II. 

Hail. '1 humus Ml 

Hal!. I,«i W Kill 

Holt, Georgi li Navj 

phen II '.'tl 






ll.iiii.-.. N.-tiii . . , In nun m li 

Hopkins, Mil! 'ti I - 

II. u i is, i li.n ,-.- \ . . 1st ami llli 
' ..li. r T . . . lstamlislli 

Hardy, W ill. .mi I ;,I 

.... ::.! 
ll.mt, .I.iiins II 7th 

II, .ilt, I.. I> . . . . Sharn-huotui 
ll.ntshuiii. Kll.ii.l-.- I' . . . Ml, 

Hani., Wesley 'I' :;,l 

Ilui'l, ];ia,ii,.i,l A lilt 

Harris. William II 4th 

B 7tli 

... s 7lh 

Ilni,-, William II 711, 

Unhurt. John 7ti, 

1 1 ; G .... 1st 

llii lniisnii. A . . . 20th (Mill 

Hall, .limit's II ;,1 

lliilli--., .Mi, 1. i. 1 .... lmli 

]lainil|,,|,l, William II 

in . .14th 

Ingrahaln, Ilunry II :;,l 

Jackmaii, Lemuel N .... :'.,! 
.IniKiiiaii. -I"! '1th 



I II,. I 

Lowney, Jeremiah . 



I.'a]',hanu James'. '. '. '. '. '. '. "Ill 

Lyons, .l,,lni lnth 

I. inal. II, mi \ I ' 4th 

LaClair, Enierv 3d 

Lounoy, I'liiii, ! 16th Mas 



l.ai.-v, Hosea 1'. It ] ■ 

la-IH, -, 1','t"! Mh 

W llll II . . . I'.IV. 

I I,, ..I Nil... 



M ,-. Isaac . . 

Marden, Geoi ge 
MeL'Mooro. Wil 



Morrill, i ,-,■ II . . . 

M, ,,,!,-, II, .ratio U . . . 

Mel ... -i. s 

McCoy, \ lolphus . . . 

M-> , l.-i , Frank 

Mills, ,■..■ W 

. Lev is A . . 

Mus,'-s'. '.i,'.ii',,'"h! .' ; : 

M, sin,-, .I.,,.. : ■ 

Mi.i lni, , -.,.11,1.-1 . . . 

Horse, Thomas W . . . 

Morse, Sai I 

Mi l aid, Daniel . . . 

i ■ - ■ 

. , 

Malsli, . I, ihi, I , 1.,. , .,1 
Morrill, William M . . 
M- 'iii-. .li. i ha- I; , A'li 



ii.il loth 

Moore, Jam. - II 9th 

Mosul, -v. Frank 4th 

Morel. nul. 11,-uaiali '.'til 

Morgan, Charl, - w :;,i 

M re, Orville '.'th 

Mil,-, 11. II ... , in .,ii,l lull. 
I in- l.l I, 

. i u' W 1st 

I'll !' :'.,! 

Unas, .li' Mil 

Nottage, l lishs C. . l-i and 3th 

Xeal, Michael Mil 

Nolan. .I"lni -I Mb 

Nutt, Uirliaiil .... 14th Mass. 



John 



Nolan, 4 ,.,s Hli 

Ni,-ii,.i-. i .a- i:. .1st ami Huh 
Norwood, w ,u . . 17th Bat. Beg 

Nichols, John I . . . lsl and 1th 

Nichols, Willi. mi II .... 4th 

N,-, .li ill. I 1 11 . . l>t ami Ml. 

Null, William li Mil 

.a Navy 

Nichols. I'r,-,|, i id, A ... ::il 

Nichols, VII, u.l I! , . ,7th 

Nun ell. Charles . 7th 

Nile-, Jerome S . ... 1st 

Osg ■<, i II- ill" ii I . . 4th 

' 'iters -ii. i -.. W hih 

O'Neill, Michael Mh 

u I'.riuii, W ill, ..ii, ... . — M: 

O'Neill, I iiiioiliv .-th 

O'Neill, .Mom Mh 

Mi I' nick 4th 

ory S 4th 

Parker, E , '-<1 Lieut . . . 13th 
Parker, h. C loth 

Preset!, lo.val I' .... 14th 
I'rail.i 'ii.,,1,. W . Null 



Pat i.. -i ---j i. I 

Parkhurst, w illian 

' 
i'.-inii, Phineas .1 . 

Quinn, William . . 



Roone, . i. .lni 
Russell, ir w. 



Re, i vVilliamH 1st 

l.'.u, ■!■-, Silvester, Lieu!. . . . 2'1 

Ii 1. Will,.,,,, 15th Ms. 

'. Justus B . . . . Sth 

Killer. Hai i.I Bat. 

Itanillett, .1,1 - V , ' 

ho,,, .;.,,,,.- , . . 

in ..' l.-.il, - II -ah 

Rideout, David .1 . . Sth 

llol.l.iiis, ii,-,, II . l-i ami Heo A, 



1. th 

lnth 

. . '-'1st X. Y. 



Shipley, Albert 1' . 
Sullivan, Dennis . 

Sullivan, Patrick . 

-I.- ... Pi I. . . 

Snovi i I.-..I.L-" W . 
Sullivan, Peter . . 

Shea, John . . . . 

Sullivan, Patrick . 



.... lnth 
13th Ms. 

. null Ma- 



.Johnson, I 'Inn i 
Jones, .la s W. I. 

.lelllllllL- 

Jordon, J: - W 

. I. .I..,-.. i. . 

KiMuIY, John II . . 

in, M, -r, I hail- S 
linlo , Ahl-aiu . . 

hiri.v, inn 

Kimball, l.'lii- . 
Kimball, . I. .lni II . 
Killala, Patrick . . 



'.'th ami It 



lib nil, I nil 



Miles,'. lames 
Miller, David 



Kelson C . 

I'roiiiliiian, Ilenrv . . 
I '".' I ". 1 1 , Wan, ,i A . 
Park-, Hal el A , . . 

Peabody, I - B 
1',.,- Jerrj It . . , 

7th 1 Shepard, Aaron 

Pillsbury, Edvi'd W . 1-t ami 8th - Steele, Robert . 



Sv, i 



Sherra, Frederic! 
Stevens, Francis I 
Shea. John . . . 
Staples, Alvah H 
Staples, Hiram . 



Sulil 



John 



vail, Timothy . . I < ■ 1 1 1 Mo- 

Sulln.ii!, Michael T Ml 

Shea, Cotinell, Jr ■ '■' 

Sellingham, Frank \v . . :i< 
Slattcry, .li-31'pli . 
Smith, George II 



Sarsoii, Eleazu 



, l.t .ui.l I 



Si, lie 



John P . 



Siiuiningttm, Tho 
Stevens, Daniel . . . . 
Sill, iway, John . . . . 
Sillovvay, Benjamin W 
Svvit/.er, George . . . . 
Stevens, George F . . . 
Steven., Jacob F . . . 
Simon, Is, Fred . . . . 1 
Stevens, Aaron F. Maj. 

Sullivan, .Tallies (_,!i 
Shaw, Major A., 1st la. 
Savvv, r, olivei M., '-'el I. 
Small. Clrrin A . . . . 
Senionds, Lewis . . . . 
Shanley, James II . . . 



Taggard, George 11 loll 

Tinel I, George V lav 

Tinker, Alvah G all 

Towns, An hi. . . .1st Mass I'av 



Tlioni[,siin, G. W , Jr., I. lent. Mli 
Thornton, J. S., LI. . cmg Navy 

TllOUipSOU, J. W., Lieut 1st an, 1 

Thouipion, Win. II., Jr. . . I'av. 
Taylor, James II ... ' :,l M.i 

Thrasher, Floritnan hth 

Teimv, Hiram A 4th 

Tuppi-r, diaries 4th Vt. 

Tasker, Joseph r th 

Trow, Harlan S 4th 

Towle, John S Mh 

Tracy, W. A.. Surgeon . . . r.th 
Tun ill, James, Jr . . . —Mass. 

Tan.-, John 7th 

Towns, n liver, Jr Nth 

Thurston, J.. se,, I, T sth 

Tucker, William II Sth 

Tavlni, George W 7th 

Tinker, Mollis W 4th 

Thompson, J.-seph I' . . . . i'av 
Tvvnml.lv, Samuel K . . . . I'av. 

Upton, Gcrge II 4th 

Vi.kcrv.JohnH lnth 

Yin -nt, Clifford 8th 

Veasy, Joe! 3d 



li . J] , 2i 
Winn, Maui !■<■... 
Willai.l. John 11 . . 
White. Ivlvviu H . . 

Wright, G -e \V . 

\\ all ,. .■ Joseph W . 
Wright, Jonathan . . 



, Hugh 
in, Willi 



W II, urv, G.-orge U . 

Whipple.' 1,11,1 lilll I' . 

Wilkius, Irving G . 
Welch, John ... 
Wel.l,, John . . . . 
\\ Is I i.o.l.ln. I, 
Wlntniai-ii. 

W Is, Alfreil II . . 

Waters, .la s H . . 



Wei,!,, John lst.V sth 

Waters, K.livar.l loth 

Waters. John 3d 

Waters, Patrick Navy- 
Watson. Charles S l"th 

Whipple. John F . . . loth 



li',ll 



Whit I.. », 



Ulh Mass 



, Step! 



i Jonathan F . . . 9th 

Wil in, M.okG Ml, 

Webster, Edwin II Sth 

Worthlev, John 4th 

WellS, Walter 9th 

White, Charles II /..I 

Whittelnole, Gcoig. G . . . . Sth 
W itlL', liellhell 1st 



W I-, M n 4th 

Willis, M. W , Chaplain . . .4th 
Yolk, William F 4th 



Valciueth, Wilham . . . 

The number of names in the above list is nine hun- 
dred and twenty-four. They are taken from the 
original city hall record. 

Grand Army of the Republic— The John G. 
Foster Post, No. 7, of the Grand Army of the Re- 
public, is located in this city, having its headquarters 
in Luton's building. It members are residents of the 
city and adjoining towns. The number of active 
members is one hundred and eighty-six. The officers 
for the current year are: Commander, Patrick Loner- 
gan; Senior Yiee-< lommander, K. .1. < 'nil ins; Junior 
Vice-Commander, E.S. Perkins; Chaplain, Benjamin 
8. Woods; Quartermaster, Levi Barker; Officer of 
the Day, Uriah Boyl ; Officer of the Guard, Dennis 
Leazotte; Adjutant, Ross C. Unity. 



CH A PT ER XIV. 

NASHUA— (Continued). 
NASHUA FROM 1870 TO 1883. 

can, i, Inn Humiliation— Improvement in Building! 

Public Sol Is— The Public Library— Nashua I-'ir,> Department - 

Railroad Facilities— Banking Institutions— Newspapers— Benevolent 

I l.ilcraio I U cou/aliMio - I'le Agassi/, Club — Mas HIS ami l',|,l Id- 
Til F, past fifteen years have been a period of com- 
parative <piiet in Nashua. There have been no 
questions before the community of apolitical, religious, 
social or business tendency which have occasioned 
anyunusual excitement. Our people have been oc- 
cupied with the ordinary duties of life, content, so far 
as modern civilized society can be; realizing that 
they are living under the best government and with 
the must favorable conditions of any people on the 
earth. 

Forty years ago the people of Nashua were very 
nearly all descendents of the early English andScotch 
emigrants. In 1845 the female operatives in the 
cotton-mills were young women from the rural dis- 
tricts of New Hampshire and Vermont. There was 
not a town of Hillsborough County which did not 
have its industrial representatives in our manufacto- 
ries. The Protestant Churches had nearly, if not 
quite, as large Sunday audiences as they have to-day. 
Nashua at that time was a Yankee manufacturing 
village. Between 1850 and 1860 a large number of 
Irish families came to this city, and of necessity, both 
in the mills and elsewhere, performed the less desira- 
ble kinds of labor. Willi many, it was for a time a 
daily struggle for food and clothing. As a class, they 
were industrious, but unfortunately many of the men 
fell into intemperate habits, and brought suffering to 
their families and disgrace to themselves. Since then, 
aided by the influence of Father O'Donnell, there 
has heen a manif.'-l improvement among this class of 
citizens. A majority are to-day temperate. The 
result is that of the five hundred Irish familiesin the 
city, one-half own the houses in which they live. 
The Co-operative Foundry is an evidence of their 
growing capacity for business. Since 1870 there has 
I u ■en mi i iic ica -c of the Irish population by immigra- 
tion. The number of that nationality, including 
under the name the descendants to the second gener- 
ation, is two thousand three hundred in the city. 

In 1864 the French Canadians began to come here 
and engage in the rougher kinds of labor. Gradually 
they made their way into the mills and work-shops. 
They have increased rapidly in the city, and number 
at this time three thousand seven hundred. A ma- 
jority are as yet new-comers, and few of them are 
owners of real estate. It is not creditable to some of 
them that, imitating a certain class of ourown people, 
they have fallen into intemperate habits. 

The population of Nashua at this time (.Tunc 1885) 
is fifteen thousand, uf these, nine thousand are of 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Anglo-Saxon origin, and six thousand areof French 
Canadian and Irish descent. In wealth and intelli- 
gence, the former have tin How long 
they will retain it is a problem of the future. 

Since L870 there has been a decided improvement 
in all classes of buildings in this city. The Nashua 
and Jackson corporations have been continually en- 
larging their mills ami beautifying their grounds. On 
Main Street the change has been equally positive. 
Noyes Block, built in 1852, and Nun's Block, in L860, 
have been supplemented by Dunlap's Block, in 1868, 
Goodrich Block, in 1869, Telegraph Block, in 1871, 
Merchants' Block, in 1872, Spalding's Block, in L880, 
and McQuesten's Block, in 1881. The merchants are 
provided with convenient stores and the best of facil- 
ities for the disposal of goods. No city in the State 
furnishes every kind of merchandise on more favor- 
able terms. 

Private residences of attractive exterior and spacious 
and comfortable interior have been erected in every 
part of the city. Dilate, the more rapid growth of 
dwellings has been in the southwestern and the south- 
eastern sections of the city, but there has been an in- 
crease in every locality. Some credit is due to the 
past as well as the present generation for the shade- 
trees that adorn the most of our streets; and that our 
dwellings are not left to stand, like the Pyramids, on a 
leafless plain under " a hot and copper sky," but that 
theyare mostly surrounded and sheltered bj trees. 

Public Schools of the City.— The schools and the 

school-houses of this city arc justly its pride and honor. 
Our school system has been the growth of a century. 
No one man or body of men has made it what it is. It 
is the result of thesiiccessive efforts of our forefathers 
and the men of our own time; and it represents t In ■ con- 
trolling sentiment of the community on the subject of 
popular education. It has been fortunate for the 
public schools that from the beginning they have had 
the constant and active co-operation of the mass of 
our citizens, — men who recognize in an intelligent 
people he true prosperity of the city and the safety 
of the State. 

The High School building is the best constructed 
school edifice in the State. In it are located the 
High School, with live teachers, and the 1:. 
i,,:n school, with seven teachers. The building has 
ten spacious rooms for study and recitations, two lec- 
ture-rooms, a library -room, a lal orator} 
lor the superintendent and principal, with a capacious 
hall in the third story. This building was completed 
in 1874andcosl one hundred ami five thousand dol- 
lars. The Mount Pleasant Grammar School is a line 
1, uilding on thebesl location in the city. The gram- 
,,,,; chool is in the second, middle ami primary 
schools in the first, ami a line hall in the third story. 
The building was creeled in 1870 and cost fifty thou- 
sand dollars. The Main Street School-house is a sub- 
stantial brick edifice, with suitable appointments. 

I i,,. excellence of the public -< hools of late years has 



been such that no private schools could exist, until 
the French Catholic Parochial School was established, 
two years ago. 

The number of public school buildings in the city 

is is, having a valuation id' $232,395. The school 
year is:iii weeks. The number of teachers i- 54, of 
whom 3 are males and 51 females. The avi 
tendance is L642 scholars. The cost of the schools 
lor 1884 was $36,254, of which sum $24,726 was for 
the salaries of teachers. Included in this school ex- 
penditure is the cost of the evening schools for ihu-e 
boys and girls who cannot attend the day sessions. 
They average 300 scholars and employ 17 teachers. 
lies. e\ ening scholars are mostly of foreign families, 
and, added to the daily attendance, make the average 
attendance of 1942 scholars. 

The Public Library.— The initiative step for es- 
tablishing a free public library in this city was taken 
by the Young Ladies' Soldiers' Aid Society, an asso- 
ciation of patriotic ladies who had organized at the 
beginning of the Rebellion for the purpose the name 
indicates. The subject of a public library had become 
a topic of newspaper discussion, and, at a reunion of 
the society in March, 1867, it was decided to hold a 
" levee and fair" to raise funds to aid in establishing a 
public library. The managers were Lucy F. Thayer, 
M. E. Shepherd, Mary P. Fiske, Hattie Richardson, 
Sarah W. Kendall, Mary E. Law and Mary E. Hunt. 
The levee was a success, realizing one thousand and 
eighty-nine dollars above expenses. The Athemeum, 
a private association, had already decided to donate 
their library to encourage the enterprise. Other 
gifts of books were added, and in July of that year 
the Citj Council accepted the gift on the conditions 
proposed, the most important of which was to pay 
one thousand dollars annually for the support and in- 
crease of the proposed library. A board of seven 
trustees were elected and rooms secured in the 
county building for the convenience of the public. 
The Public Library at this time contains eight 
thousand two hundred and seven volumes, ami in- 
cludes the best works in history, biography, travels, 
agricultural ami scientific works, poetry, romance, sta- 
tistics and the best monthly publications. A majority of 
the families in the city avail themselves of its advan- 
tages. It furnishes the means of information and 
in-, i mi ion which could in no other way be supplied. 
Maria A. Laton is librarian. Of the seven trustees, 
one is chosen annually by the City Council to serve 
As lew constituted, theyare George 
V. Ramsdell, term expires L886; Bernard L. Whitte- 
more, term expires 1887; William W. Bailey, term 
expires 1888; Edward Spalding, term expiree L889; 
John H. Goodale, term expires 1890; Virgil C. Gil- 
man, term expires 1891 ; Charles Holman, term ex- 
pires 1892. 

Nashua Fire Department.— The Fire Department 
of this city is very efficient in management and com- 
plete in its appointments. It consists of three steamer 



NASHUA. 



companies, two nose companies and carriages, a 
hook-and-ladder company, besides sixty-one hydrants 
properly located throughout the city. The fine en- 
gine-house on Olive Street is built of brick, with 
heavy granite trimmings, and is thoroughly finished 
and furnished. It was built in 1870 and cost thirty 
thousand dollars. It is centrally located. The 
board of engineers for 1885 are Charles II. Whitney, 
chief engineer, and Edward H. Parmenter, George 
( ). i Isborne, EverettS. Putnam and Enos F. Hadlock, 
assistants. The estimated value of the property of 
the department on the 1st of January, 1885, was 
twenty-nine thousand five hundred and twenty-four 
dollars. This estimate is exclusive of the engine- 
house. The expense of the Fire Department for the 
year 1884 was $8261.69. 

Fires in Nashua.— This city has never had any 
wide-spread conflagration, though it has suffered from 
quite a number of fires. One of the most destructive 
fires in the city was on the 12th of October, 1848. 
It took in the basement of the first building on the 
north side of the Main Street bridge, on the west >ide 
of the street, in what was then known as the " Cen- 
tral Building." The adjoining Baptist Church and 
several smaller buildings were burned on the west 
side, when, crossing the street to the east side, the 
Boat-house Store, Nashua and Lowell Railroad depot 
and Shattuck's Block were burned. 

In 1856, Mill No. 1 of the Nashua Company was 
destroyed. The fire broke out at noon, in the absence 
of the operatives. As the mill had been in operation 
thirty years, the flooring was combustible, and the 
mill was soon in ruins. 

Some of the more recent fires in the city were the 
old engine-house, in 1870; W. J. Cooper's and Saw- 
yer's buildings, in May, 1882; Old Washington House, 
in November, 1883; Spalding's Block, 1883 ; Rollins' 
Steam- Engine Works, March, 1884; Crawford's 
Steel-Plate and Press-Works, January 1, 1885; and 
Nashua Iron and Steel-Plate Mill, February, L885. 

Railroad Facilities. — Whoever has studied the 
railroad map of New England knows that Nashua is 
the centre of an extensive system of railroads. In 
truth, its railroad facilities are unsurpassed by any 
inland city in New England. Six lines radiate from 
Nashua, and five of them are entitled to be called 
trunk lines. Their connections are direct with Wor- 
cester, New York and the West on one side; with 
Rochester, Portland, Bangor and the East, on the 
other side; with Manchester, Concord, the White 
Mountains, Vermont and Canada, on the north ; with 
Lowell, Boston and Providence on the south. These 
six lines are the Nashua, Lowell and Boston, forty 
miles ; the Nashua, Greenfield and Keene, fifty-six 
miles; the Nashua and Worcester, forty-six miles ; the 
Nashua and Rochester, forty-eight miles; the Nashua 
and Concord, thirty-five miles ; the Nashua, Acton 
and Boston, forty-one miles. Fifty-six passenger 
and freight trains enter and depart from Nashua daily. 



Banking 1 Institutions. — Nashua has three 1 ka 

of discount and four savings-banks. The former are 
the First National Bank, G. A. Ramsdell, president, 
John A. Spalding, cashier ; Indian Head Bank, Ed- 
ward Spalding, president, Frank A. McKean, cash- 
ier; Second National Bank, J. W. White, president, 
F. A. Eaton, cashier. The latter are the Nashua 
Savings-Bank, William W . Bailey, president, Virgil 
0. Oilman, treasurer ; City Savings-Panic, Luther A. 
Roby, president, Elbridge P. Bown, treasurer; Me- 
chanics' Savings-Bank, John C. Lund, president,.!. 
W. White, treasurer; New Hampshire Banking 
Company, Hiram T. Morrill, president, John O. 
Kimball, treasurer. The deposits in the savings-banks 
exceed three million dollars. 

Nashua Newspapers. — For more than twenty 
years there have been no experiments in the pub- 
lishing of newspapers in this city. This is compli- 
mentary to the two existing papers which, for more 
than half a century, have represented the two politi- 
cal parties of the State and country. The Nashua 
editors have never been belligerent or acrimonious 
toward each other, or indulged in the offensive per- 
sonalities which have frequently disgraced the press 
of this State. Both are decided in their political 
views, and each is a fair representative of the party 
whose principles and policy it supports. 

the X'lxlitht <;</:, ftr has Keen published by B. B. 
& F. P. Whittemore since November 25, 1846. The 
senior partner, B. B. Whittemore, has occupied the 
editorial chair longer than any other one in the State, 
li has been the organ of the Democratic party of 
Nashua since its first publication, in February, 1832. 

The Nashua Telegraph was started a few months 
later than the Gazette, in November, 1832. For 
twenty-seven years Albiu Beard was editor and pub- 
lisher. The present editor and proprietor, Orren C. 
Moore, has been the editor foreighteen years. As a Re- 
publican newspaper it has a distinct personality, is 

independent in its action and represents tin' -^ of 

the party rather than the politicians. 

Both of the Nashua newspapers have a daily even- 
ing and weekly issue, and have a fair circulation. 

The Telegraph and Telephone.— Nashua has the 

telegraphic facilities common to the cities of New 
England. The telephone has its headquarters at the 
Telegi aph building, and has one hundred and eighty- 
li\ e communications. Miss Anna A.Shedd is manager. 
Benevolent and Literary Organizations.— The 
Protestant Home i"ch: Aged Women is under the 
supervision of an association of benevolent women of 
this city. The plan was devised in 1877. On May 
29, 1878, the home was opened on Walnut Street, the 
premises being the gift of Belinda Blod 
former occupant, who died the year previous. Two 
years later the home was removed to a more spacious 
and convenient residence, at the corner of Kinsley 
and Walnut .Streets. There are nine beneficiaries at 
the present time, and the institution is under the ex- 



190 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



cellent management of Mrs. Sarah G. Cummings. 
The officers for the current year are Mrs. Jane N. 
Beasom, president; Mrs. Anne M. Ayer, secretary; and 
.Miss Sarah W. Kendall, treasurer. 

The Chautauqua Literary and Scientific 
Circle, of this city, is a branch of the national 
organization of the same name. It was established 
in October, 1882. It lias weekly meetings for read- 
ings, essays and discussions upon historical, 
scientific and social topics. The members are among 
the most intelligent women in the city. The officers 
for the current year are Miss Anna E. Bussell, 
president; Mrs. E. 0. Blunt, vice-president ; and Miss 
Ida F. Wallace, secretary. 

The Agassi/ Association, of this city, is made up 
of young persons, mostly members of the High School, 
and at this time a large majority boys. It was formed 
in November, 1SSI), and has meetings once a week, 
eight months of the year. It is a live organization. 
It- original purpose was the study of natural objects, 
minerals, plant-, birds, and insects. For this end a 
museum of specimens lias been collected by the asso- 
ciation. ( )f late a wider scope has been given to the 
objects of the society, — the cultivation of habits of 
industry, honesty, promptitude and courtesy. The 
present officers arc Alfred A. Wheat, president; 
Frederick E. Twitchell, secretary ; William T. Bailey, 
treasurer; Frederick W. Hatch, corresponding secre- 
tary. Connected with the Agassiz Association, and 
composed of nearly the same persons, is the AfALA- 
CHIAN Club, who make an annual midsummer ex- 
cursion to the lakes and mountains for health, recre- 
ation and improvement, most of the time camping 
out and cooking their own food. The present officers 
of this club are Irving F. Graves, president; 
J. W. Thurber, captain ; Elwyn G. Preston, quarter- 
master. 

The Nashua Farmers' Grange was organized 
in 1876. It has semi-monthly meetings for the in- 
vestigation of agricultural and horticultural topics, 
with a good attendance of the members. The present 
officers are Elijah Robbins, master; Marcus ( >. 
I. mill, secretary; Charle- Lund, treasurer. 

The Nashua Historical Society has its r as in 

Telegraph Block. It has a collection of minerals and 
ancient relics. The officers are O. (J.Moore, pres- 
ident ; J. H. I roodale. \ ice-president ; II. 11. Atherton, 
secretary; Frederick Eclscv, treasurer ; Charles Hol- 
man, George A. Rams.lell, William W. Bailey and 
V. C. Oilman, directors. 

Freemasons lnd Odd-Fellows.— The Masonic 
order had an early introduction into this city, num- 
bering many prominent citizens among its members. 
The several organizations have commodious lodge- 
rooms. Of the York Rite, there are the Rising Sun 
Lodge, Ancient York Lodge, Meridian Sun Chapter, 
Israel Hunt Council and St. George- Commandery. 
Of the Scottish Rite, are Aaron P. Hughes Lodge of 
St. i leoi -e ( 'haptcr of Rose Croix. 



Oriental Council of Princes of Jerusalem and Edward 
A. Raymond Consistory. 
The Odd-Fellows havea numerous membership in 

this city, with ample halls and the following organ- 
izations: Indian Head Encampment, Nashua Encamp- 
ment, Granite Lodge, Pennichuck Lodge and Baker 
Degree Camp. There is also a Lodge of Knights of 
Pythias, and of the American Legion of Honor, the 
St. John the Baptist Society, and two societies of the 
Ancient » >rder of Hibernians. 

There are several temperance societies in Nashua, 
each of which, in its own way, whether as uncon- 
ditional prohibitionists or non-partisan workers, 
has labored diligently for the suppression of intem- 
perance. 



CHAPTER XV. 
NASHUA -(Continued}. 

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY OF NASHUA. 
Puritan Ideas— Thomas Weld— Ministerial Support— Primitive Meet- 

ing-llunsos— Church 1'is.seiisinns— Wliil. -field's Followers— First Con- 
gregational Church— Pilgrim Church— Baptist Church— Uuiversaliet 
Church— Methodist Church— Unitarian Church— Episcopal Church — 
Catholic Chun hes. 

The first settlers of New England came to this, 
country impelled by religious motives. They were 
denied religious freedom in the Old, and resolved to 
obtain it in the New World. They attested their 
sincerity by the great sacrifice of comfort and re- 
sources which they made in securing this end. Yet 
they were not wholly emancipated from the tradi- 
tional errors of the past, and were not prepared to 
grant that liberty of conscience and right of individ- 
ual opinion and of action in religious affairs which is 
now universally conceded in this country. The 
Massachusetts colonial government framed its laws 
on the basis that church and state were inseparable. 
They did not recognize any precedent to the contrary. 
Hence, invariably, as in the charter of Dunstable, in 
October, 1673, it was required that "the town should 
build a meeting-house and procure an able and ortho- 
dox minister within three years." Two hundred 
- (here was great unanimity of religious 
opinion in the scattered colonies of the New England 
coast. They were essentially Puritan. There is no 
doubt that tin- provision in the charter for minis- 
terial support was in accordance with the views of 
nearly, [fnof all. of the early settlers of Dunstable. 

At a public meeting in li'>7-i it was voted that " the 
meeting-house that is to he erected shall stand be- 
tween Salmon Brook and the house of Lieutenant 
Wheeler, as near as may he for the convenience of the 
farmers." In the following October the house, built 
of logs, was commenced, hut the breaking out of 
King Philip's War the next year deferred its com- 
pletion till 1678. 



During King Philip's War the settlers within the 
present limits of Nashua retired for safety to the lower 
towns. The town-meeting for 1677 was held in W<>- 
burn, when Thomas Brattle, James Parker, Jonathan 
Tyng and Abraham Parker were chosen seleetmen 
for the ensuing year, and it was then voted, 

"That as Boon as ni:iy be, a minister be settled in tlie town of Dun- 
stable, tin time and man being bit to the selectmen, his pay to be in 
money, or if in other pay, to add a tliir.t part more, i be 
fifty pounds each year." 

Rev. Thomas Weld, a native of Roxbury, Mass., 
ami a graduate of Harvard, was the man selected, and 
consequently he was the first minister of Dunstable. 
When he began to preach is nut recorded, but mi 
April 7, 1680, tit a town-meeting, ii was voted, "That 
he be invited to a continuance and settlement n tl h us 
— that the charges for maintenance of the minister 
shall be borne by the proprietors according to their 
respective shares in the township." Further action 
imposed by the charter was also taken to give Wi. 
Weld a convenient farm to be settled upon him and 
his heirs for his encouragement in the ministry. 
This (arm consisted of a thirty-acre lot, which is now 
included in what is known a< the "Highland Farm," 
in the south part of the town, with a general claim to 
a share in all the ungranted lands of the township, 
amounting to about five hundred acres of wild land. 

At a meeting held September 9, lbs:;, it appears 
from the records " that there was due Mr. Weld for 
the settling of his tour years' salary, ending last May, 
twenty-three pounds," and the names of those who 
were in arrears to the minister were publicly called, 
and they wererequired to pay within a limited time, 
under penalty of having their hinds seized and sold. 

It is well known that in those early times, and for a 

century after, the raising of m y for the building of 

houses of worship and the support of preaching was 
compulsory,:! tax for this purpose being laid upon till 
property-holders. It was easy to do this when the 
great body of the people wore of the same way of 
thinking upon religious subjects. But when thesects 
began to multiply, and men began to appreciate their 
individual rights, it became necessary to provide for 
g] eater liberty of conscience. While it is not strange 
th.it such a law should exist in 1683, it is surprising 
that it was not repealed for more than a third of a 
century after New Hampshire became an indepen- 
dent State. 

In 1684 the log meeting-house, which probably 
stood upon the present city farm, was abandoned. It 
had been occupied only six years, and would not 
have boon abandoned so soon had not the Tyng 
family and others living farther down the river pro- 
posed to contribute freely to build a better structure, 
provided it should be located nearer to what is now 
the town of Tyngsborough. The poverty of the 
Salmon Brook people led to the acceptance of the 
offer, and a new and better meeting-bouse was built 
near the present State line. On its completion Mr. 



Weld was settled. The date was December 16, 1685. 
He had already preached to this people seven years. 
The number of actual members was small, only seven 
names, till males, appearing on the books. For seven- 
teen years after ordination Mr. Weld continued to 
preach to this small settlement, exposed to Indian 

massacres and suffering "Teat privations. He died 

June 9, 1702, Inf. ire he had reached the age of fifty. 
For one hundred and seventy years his grave tit 
the Old South burial-ground was marked by a dark 
slab; but within a few years a handsome and ap- 
propriate granite monument has taken its place. So 
far as is known, he left a good record. 

After the death of Mr. Weld there were temporary 
supplies for many years, till the settlement of Eev. 
Nathaniel Prentice, in 1720. He was pastor for 
seventeen years, and died February 15, 17:17, at the 
age of forty. He was said to have been "a good 
sermonizor," and an inscription-stone mirks his 
grave at the Old South burial-ground. About two 
years later Rev. Josiah Swan was settled. He was 
said to have been a better farmer than pastor, and on 
one Sunday morning, unconscious that it wtis the 
Lord's day, ordered his hired men to go into the field 
to work. The arrival of a leading parishioner con- 
vinced him of his error. In 1741 the State line was 
established, and was a source of controversy by 
making a majority of the congregation citizens of 
another province. A still greater dissension was 
caused by the preaching of George Whitefield, 
who came over to the New England colonies and 
aroused the pie, pie by presenting, with rare eloquence, 
more practical and less doctrinal views of religion. 
Rev. Frederick Alvord, in his historical discourse a 
few year- since, says: "The church in Dunstable 
was more or less affected by this great Whitcfieldian 
revival. It came none too soon. Many churches 
had become cold and formal, and vital godliness was 
sadly declining." Mr. Swan resigned in 174G, became 
a farmer in Walpole, and died at an advanced age. 

Eev. Samuel Bird was settled in 1717 as the fourth 
pastor. He was an ardent follower of Whitefield, and 
hence was called one of the " New Lights." There 
was strong opposition to his settlement by the " Blan- 
chard party " and strong approval by the " Lovewell 
party." The former had more wealth, the latter 
more numerical strength. The result of this con- 
troversy wtis two churches and two meeting-houses, 
the Bird party worshiping in the new meeting-house, 
built opposite the residence of J. L. II. .Marshall, and 
the other in the old house, near the State line. 

The contest in regard to Mr. Bird was ended 
by his removal to Connecticut, but the church 
troubles in Dunstable continued. Sixteen years of dis- 
sension followed, but at length both parties, weary of 
strife, made a compromise. Both of the old meeting- 
houses were taken down, and a new one — the fourth — 
was built on the "triangle" at the Centre. Kev. 
Joseph Kidder, a native of Billeriea and just grad- 



192 



HISTOKY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



uated from Yale, was ordained pastor, March 18, 
1767, and was the town minister for nineteen years. 
In 1796 his connection with the town ceased, but his 
relation to the church continued till his death, in 
1818, though he ceased to preach in 1814. When the 
fifth church was built, in 1812, known as the"01d 
South," he had the satisfaction of being the first 
occupant of the desk. On November 3, 1813, Rev. 
E. P. Sperry was installed as his colleague, and 
succeeded him in bis labors. Mr. Sperry was dismissed 
April 4, 1819. This was the year of the passage of the 
"toleration act" by the Legislature, and church and 
slate ceased to have any connection in New Hamp- 
shire. The result was due to the progress of civ- 
ilization and enlightened public sentiment, 

In the mean time Nashua village grew rapidly in 
numbers, and in 1825 the Nashua corporation erected 
a meeting-house on the site of the present Pilgrim 
Church. It was bought by the t 'one regal ional society 
in 1826, and on the 8th of November, Rev. Handel 
G. Nott was installed as pastor. He was highly suc- 
cessful. Daring his eight years of labor three hun- 
dred and fifty-five were added to the church, — an 
increase of sevenfold to the number when he took 
charge. In 1834, to the surprise of most of his con- 
gregation, he announced that, believing that infants 
were not suitable subjects for baptism, he could no 
longer administer the ordinance to them. To-day the 
announcement would hardly cause a ripple of excite- 
ment, but at that time it led to a division of the 
church. The dissenting party held their first meeting 
in Greeley's building, and having a small majority of 
the members, formed an organization under the title 
of the 

First Congregational Church of Dunstable.— On 
January 1, 1835, Rev. J. McGee was installed as 
pastor; a meeting-house, located on Main Street, was 
built the same year. It was a wooden structure, and 
was burned in 1870. A new brick church was com- 
pleted, at a cost of forty-five thousand dollars, the 
same year. The membership of the church is between 
four hundred and four hundred and fifty. 

The following is the list of pastors and their time 
of ministerial service in this church since its reor- 
ganization, in 1835 : 

Jonathan McGee, installed January 1. 1835 ; .ii-tois^.,i June 8, lM'J. 

Matthew Hale Smith, installed OeM.ei III, 1 s I J ; di-„nssed \u-iisl J", 

1845. 

Samuel I.allisim, installed April s, 1 s-ltl ; . 1 i sn 1 i s.se-1 April 7, ISIS. 

Daniel Maivh, in-railed Jjhinhi :,. IM'.i, . 1 1 -. 1 1 . i 1 . 1. urn. ,i i ■ ■ I- . , 

<; -e II. .lewrtt, install. ,1 .May 24, IS,.,. ; dismissed s, | ,i ,■!, ib, r 1, 

1856. 

Charles .1. Hill, installed .laiiuarv 27, ls:,7 ; di-nn— .. \ 

l'i, < II. i,,Uer, installed Septemlier la, lsi;:. ; dismissed August 13, 






ISM!. 



Olive Street Congregational Church.— After the 
withdrawal of a part of the members of the church 
under the charge of Mr. Nott, the others continued 
religious services under their pastor on Olive Street. 



\i the close of the year Mr. Nott removed, and after- 
wards became a Baptist minister. The church then 
gave a call to Rev. Austin Richards, and was organ- 
ized under the name of the Olive Street Congrega- 
tional Church. It continued a distinct and indepen- 
dent organization for forty-four years, until its union 
with the Pearl Street Church, in 1879. The following 
is the list of its pastors during its distinct organiza- 
tion : 



Richards, installe 



Ai I, 1836; 



September 22, 



Hiram Mead, installed Dei ember 17, IS 
1869. 
James S. Black, installed March 31, 1870 ; dismissed June 29, L874 

S. S. Martin, installed Ileeeinber 17, ls74 : dismissed January 1. 1876. 
J. K. Aldiieh, employed \.i\eiiiliei I, Is7i, ; dismissed May 27, 1879. 

Pearl Street Congregational Church.— In 1M6 
some of the members of the Olive Street Church 
thought the increasing population of Nashua would 
justify the formation of a third orthodox church. 
The plan was carried into effect, and the new church 
organized the following Septemlier. A new brick 
edifice was erected at the corner of Main and Pearl 
Streets, which was dedicated November 21, 1847. It 
is now the property of the Universalis! society. The 
Pearl Street Congregationalist Society continued an 
active organization till it united with the Olive Street 
to form the present Pilgrim Society. During its 
thirty years' existence it had the following list of 
pastors : 



Leonard Swain, installed .lime, 1S47 ; dismissed 1V< ember, 1852. 
I'. a., l \d.mi i, installed August, 1853; dismissed December, 1857. 
Edward II. Greeley, installed February, 1858 ; dismissed May, 1860. 
lSeiijauiin F. 1'arsiius, installed Ne\ einlier, 1 ST 1 : dismissed June, 

u i, Gaylord, installed December, lsu7 dismissed October, 1870. 

Charles Wetherliy, installed LVeembei, 1S71 : dismissed March, 1879. 

Second Congregational (Pilgrim) Church.— In 
the spring of 1879 there were vacant pastorships in 
both the < dive Street and the Pearl Street Congrega- 
tional Societies. Both had congregations of respect- 
able size, but financial and prudential considera- 
tions suggested the union of the two, and it was 
consummated on June 2d of that year. On the 
hist day of the year Rev. George W. Grover was in- 
stalled pastor, and the church is known as the Pilgrim 
Church. Mr. Grover is still the pastor in charge. The 
Pearl Street edifice was sold, and the wooden struc- 
ture on Olive Street taken down, and on its site was 
built a brick church with modern appointments, at a 
cost of thirty-five thousand dollars. It was dedicated 
on the hist day of March, 1882. The church mem- 
bership is five hundred and twenty, and average 
attendance lour hundred. 

First Baptist Church. — As early as 1818 a small 
Baptist society was formed in Nashua, but for some 
years it had only occasional meetings. In 1832 it 
was fully organized, with Rev. Dura D. Pratt as pas- 
tor. A large and commodious meeting-house was 
built at the corner of Main and Franklin Streets, 
which was dedicated in January, 1833, and burned in 



NASHUA. 



i:i:; 



the great fire of October 12, 1848. The next year a 
new brick edifice was erected on the same site, at a 
cost of twenty thousand dollars. The present mem- 
bership of the church is about five hundred and 
twenty. The attendance averages about three hun- 
dred and fifty. The following is the list of the pas- 
ters of this church, and their length of pastorate: 

Dura li. Pratt, installed January 23 1833 ; died in charge November, 
1855. 

Willi. uii II Eat. .11, nelallr.l .Inn.- Jli, 1S.-.U , .lislili.-se.l January, ISTll. 
II. ii. h ,,.1 tiled Juh 1 :, 1870 dismissed . I. .unary, 1st:'.. 



Universalist Society and Church.— The Univer- 
salists as a religious denomination were unknown in 
Nashua until 1835. At that time a society was or- 
ganized under the pastoral charge of Rev. Woodbury 
M. Fernald. In 1839 a meeting-house was built on 
the west side of .Main Street, which was occupied by 
thesociety till March, 1882, when the church edifice 
at the corner of Main and Pearl Streets was bought, 
and is now their place of worship. Two associations 
wereorganized in 1849, — onebenevolent and sustained 
by the ladies, and the other social and literary (the 
Ballou)and sustained by the young people, — which 
have been productive of much good. The following 
is the list of the pastors of the society: 



Protestant Episcopal Church..— The origin of the 
Episcopal Church in Nashua is somewhat recent. In 

lx."> 7 a missionary parish was organized, with Ilev. 
E. P. Wright as rector. He was succeeded by Rev. 
W. S. Perry and others, and a small wooden church 
was built at the junction of Pearl and Temple Streets. 
This was removed a few years later, and no services 
were held in the city. 

In 1871, Rev. James B. Goodrich renewed the church 
services in Beasom's Block and continued as mission- 
ary rector till 1875. At that time he was succeeded 
by Rev. Jacob Leroy. The church and congregation 
gradually gained in numbers. In 1879 a church edi- 
fice, built entirely of granite, was erected on South 
Main Street, at a cost of twenty thousand dollars. It 
is a neat and enduring structure. It was consecrated 
in November, 1879, and the entire building was the 
gift of Mrs. Lucia A. Rand, a native of this State, 1ml 
now a rcsi.lent of Middletown, Conn. In 1882 the 
church .eased to he a missionary parish, and is recog- 
nized as the Church of the Good Shepherd. Rev. 
William H. Moreland is the present rector. 

Unitarian Church.— The Unitarian Society of 



Nashua, like most of the early societies of the de- 
nomination, was largely made up of secedcrs from 
the Congregationalists. As a religious orgai 
it occupies the more advanced liberal grounds. The 
society in Nashua, in the published statement of their 
views, believe in the right of private judgment in re- 
ligion as in all other matters; in a progressive revela- 
tion; that no book or creed contains the whole of re 
ligion, hut that Cod is speaking to-day more clearly 
than in any past age, unfolding his truth to every man 
i,,, matter to what race lie belongs or what part of tin. 
globe he inhabits; that every word of truth is the word 
of God, whether found in the Bible or out of the Bible 
or contradicting the Bible; that there is one God, the 
Creator and Father, and no more, and none other is 
to be worshiped. 

The church edifice now occupied by the society was 
I, mil in 1X^7. The following is the list of pastors: 

Xatliaiii.l li.i-.', iiistaltol 1SJ7 , .ii-ines..! is::l 
Henry Eml s, installed 1^ 15 . dismiss) d 1- 18. 

Saliiii.'! O.-- I. install.'. 1 lv'e .lei,..- :,-'.' 



'tin. line I, Gorman, installed IsT.i; dismissed 1878. 

II. -my e IV install,'.! IS7S ; now in dun-,-. 

Connected with the society is the < 'banning Literary 
Association, composed of young persons of both sexes, 
who hold their meetings in Channing Hall. Their 
object is moral, mental andsocial improvement. There 
is also an association of ladies for affording aid to the 
needy and the sick, wdio hold semi-monthly meetings. 

Methodist Episcopal Church.— The Methodist 
Church, founded by John Wesley in the last century, 
was hardly known in this State in 1820. When 
Nashua became a manufacturing village it was visited 
by several itinerant preachers, ami in 1833, Rev. James 
C. Smith was stationed here for the year. During the 
year tin' church on Lowell Strict was built. It. was 
dedicated November 12, 1.833. This building was 
occupied till 1868, when the society removed to their 
new brick edifice, on Main Street. Owing to the 
itinerant system the number of ministers who occu- 
pied the Lowell Street, pulpit is large. The list and 
time of service are as follows: 

Ja b G Smith, 1833; A P. Brigham, 1834; W. D.Cass, 1835; W. 

II. llai, I,, I83(i 37 : Jared Perkins, 1838- 19; Samuel Kelly, 1840; J W, 
Mowry, Ml 12; I.. D. Barrows, 1843-44; James Pike, 1845-46 ; Hf-nry 
Drew, 1847 18 l> 31 Rogers, 1849 ; Elijah Mason, 1850-51 ; Franklin 
Furber, 1852- 53 : Elihu Scott, 1854 ; D. 1'. Deavitt, 1855-56; Henry Hill, 
1857.; i'. K. Harding, 1858-59; LewiE Howard, 1860; Charles Foung, 
I861-G2 . o. W. II. Clark, 1863-64 : K. A. Smith, 1865-67 

After the division ol the town into Nashua and 
Nashville, a .Methodist Society was organized on the 
south side of Nashua River, and a church on < Ihestnut 
Street was bought of the Baptists in 1844. which con- 
tinued to be occupied by them till 1880, when the 
church united with the First Methodist Church, on 
Main Street. The following is the list of pastors ami 



EISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



time of service at the < Ihestnul Street Church during 

its existence: 

Rev. C, C Burr, 1844; 3m ob Boyce, 1845 10 T II Pond, ls47 ; (an 
interim of three years) ; J. Mi Laughlin. txon •">] ; Lewis Howard, 18. r >2- 
53; Jared Perkins, 1854; 0. S Dearborn, 1855-56; II. 11. Hartwell, 
185] -- - II im • . 1859-00; L J. Hall, 1861 
64; B s -;,,i. I, ,1865 nii . E It « 'II.'" . 1807 60 : D ('. Babcock, 1870; 

I , .„,,.,, [871 F2 ; H. L. Kelse] I ; L. P. Cu bman, 1875-77 ; O. 
H. Jasper, 1878-80. 

The church on Main Street was dedicated in 1868. 

I I [a -i large and handsome edifice and est sixty thou- 
sand dollars. The list of ministers in charge since 
then is as follows: Rev. George Bowler, 1868 ; Angelo 
Carroll, 1869-70; V. A. Cooper, 1871-73; Charles 
Shelling, 1874-75; Charles E. Hall, 1876-78; James 
R. Day. 1879-80; B. P. Raymond, 1881-82; P. M. 
Frost, 1883-84; J. II. Haines, 1885, who is now in 
charge. 

The Roman Catholic Church.— < >t' the Catholic 
Church organized in this city by Rev. John O'Donnell 
in 1855 and the building of the church in 1857 we 
have already written. Father O'Donnell died in 
January, 1882, and was succeeded by Rev. Patrick 
Houlihan and by Rev. William F. Higgins, as assist- 
ant. The Irish population of the city is two thousand 
three hundred. The .Sunday attendance at the < Jhurch 
of the Immaculate Conception is fifteen hundred. 
There are three distinct sessions, — two for adults and 
one for children. The church has purchased the real 
estate known hitherto as the " Indian Head House," 
and has reconstructed it for a school building. It is 
proposed to establish a parochial school, to be taught 
by the Sisters of Mercy. The house will accommodate 
five hundred pupils. The cemetery of this church is 
in Hudson, two miles from the city. 

The French Catholic Church is of more recent 
origin. Worshiping at first with the Irish, their num- 
ber increased so that, in June, 1871, Rev. Louis I rirard 
was appointed to organize a church. He resigned in 
1871, and Rev. J. B. H. V. Milette was appointed to 
succeed him. The building of the church on Hollis 
Street was commenced in 1872, and dedicated, on the 
8th of June, 1873. It is a line edifice, having cost 
forty thousand dollars. The average attendance on 
Sunday services is two thousand, three sessions being 
held. The French Canadian Cemetery is on Hollis 
Street, two miles from the city. In 1883 a three-story 
brick building was erected for a parochial school, 
■which has at this time live hundred and eleven schol- 
ars, and is taught by nine Sisters of the Holy ( !ross. 
The French Canadian population of this city is three 
thousand seven hundred. It is proposed to build 
another French Catholic Church next year on the 
north side of Nashua River. 

The I atholics are now (lXSo) far the most numerous 
religious sect in the city, numbering six thousand, 
equal to two-fifths of the entire population. 



CHAPTER XVI. 

NASHUA— (Continued). 

MANUFACTUBING INDUSTRIES OF NASHUA. 

Cotton M;inufai:turin<r C p'lnirs Iruu In.ln-1 1 ir*— Foundries and 

Machine-Shops w 1 Manufacturing industries — Card, Boot and 

Sboe, Box ami I'lv/.n- Cunii.aiiii-s— Mi.s...l].iiR'oiis [n.lu.sti i.->— Fann- 
ing Statistics— Lawyers and Doctors— Municipal Office] Pu tii 
3i I I Tea< tn i - I oni lusion. 

If Nashua had remained what it was in 1820, an 
agricultural town, its present population would not 
exceed eight hundred. It was early predicted that 
the Merrimack River would furnish an extensive 
power for manufacturing purposes, but the Nashua 
River was unthought of until some of the residents of 
the village discovered and appreciated its importance, 
and chiefly contributed the first capital used to de- 
velop it. We have already recorded the early his- 
tory of the two largest manufacturing companies in 
the city. Since that early period they have largely 
increased their capacity. A concise and accurate 
statement of their present extent and condition will 
be of value for future reference. 

The Cotton Manufacturing Industry— Nashua 
Cotton Manufactuking Company. — This corpora- 
tion, chartered in LS23, began the manufacture of 
cotton cloth in 1826. The first agents were Asher 
Benjamin and Ira Gay, who were soon succeeded by 
Thomas \V. Gillis, who filled the position eighteen 
years, until 1853. He was followed by Daniel Hussey, 
who introduced the turbine instead of the breast 
wheel, adding greatly to the water-power. He re- 
mained till 1869, and was followed by I). D. Crombie, 
who left at the end of two years. Oliver P. Hussey 
became agent in 1871 and remained till his death, in 
1875. The present agent, Rufus A. Maxtield, en- 
tered upon his duties ten years ago. Since then the 
capacity of the company has increased twenty per 
cent. The plant in ls-14 consisted of four separate 
mills. All these mills have, from time to time, been 
greatly improved by additions and alterations, so that 
the company now has in a single continuous tier of 
buildings a floorage of more than twelve acres. In 
addition to the mill buildings proper, the company 
has a range of buildings on Basin Street, which is 
utilized as cloth-room and machine-shop, six large 
store-houses, a 8tore-house for the raw cotton, an im- 
mense boiler-house, with minor buildings, together 
with a spacious counting-room, built in 1879, and 
eighty-two tenement houses, the last-named mostly 
in blocks. 

The total capacity of the water-power of these 
mills is eighteen hundred and twelve horse-power. 
The company has sixteen steam-boilers of seventy- 
five horse-power each — steam being required for heat 
as well as power— and a total engine-power of sixteen 
hundred horse-power, which, added to the fourteen 
hundred water-power, gives a total of three thousand 
horse-power. This power is now so reserved and 



195 



economically employed that in the future these mills 
cannot be short of power. The use of steam-power 
becomes a necessity in recent times on account of the 
evaporation during the severe droughts which of late 
years are apt to occur in summer. The mills of the 
Nashua Company have a capacity of eighty-five thou- 
sand spindles, and make twenty-lour million yards 
of tine sheeting, shirting and cotton flannels yearly, 
the market being mostly in the United States. The 
annual consumption is twenty-four thousand bales. 
Thi company employsover fifteen hundred operatives, 
of whom twelve hundred are females and three hun- 
dred men and boys. .More than three-fourths of the 
help are either foreigners or the children oi foreigners. 
They are about equally divided between the Canadian 
French and the Irish. Wages are now (June, 1885) 
fully as high as in 1879. The pay-roll is about 
twenty-two thousand dollars monthly. Webster 
P. Hussey is paymaster, succeeding John A. I'.aldwin, 
who filled the position forty years. The location and 
surroundings of the mills of thi- company are un- 
usually favorable. The inclosed grounds are spacious 
and finely shaded, and the arrangement of the 
buildings such as to favor health and comfort. Fred- 
erick Amory, of Boston, is the treasurer. 

The Jackson Manufacturing Company.— The 
grounds of this company are pleasantly located on 
the Nashua River, in the eastern part of the city. In 
a previous chapter we have given its early history. 

The following is a list of the agents of the i ipauy 

and the time they held the position: 11. F. French, 
seven years; Edmund Parker, eleven years ; M. A, 
Herrick, four years; 11. T. Kohl. ins, ten months; 
Walter Wright, one year; P. Lawton, two years ; B. 
Saunders, eleven years; 0. P. Hussey, four years ; 
William D.Caldwell, the present agent, since January, 
1871. fourteen and a half years. The plant consists 
of three large mills which have been enlarged within 
a few years, and have twelve hundred and twelve 
looms and thirty-live thousand seven hundred and 
twenty spindles. The water-power is eighteen feet 
fall, equal to oue thousand horse-power, which is 
strengthened by eight hundred horse-power of steam. 
The productive capacity has increased one hundred 
per cent, under the present agent. The mills have a 
floorage of four acres, with large store-houses and a 
large block which is used for counting-room, cloth- 
room and machine-shop. There are forty-two tene- 
ments, mostly in handsome brick blocks. The capital 
of the company is six hundred thousand dollars. The 
number of operatives is eight hundred, nearly three- 
fourths of whom are foreigners or the children of 
foreigners. They are equally divided between the 
Irish and Canadian French. The former are regarded 
as the more reliable and permanent. The pay is six 
per cent, higher than in 1879, and believed to be the 
highest paid by any cotton manufactory in the 
country. The products are fine sheetings and shill- 
ings, which find a market in China, South America 



ami Mexico. The annual consumption of cotton is 
fifteen thousand bales, and the production seventeen 
million yards of cloth. The monthly pay-roll is 
fifteen thousand dollars. E. M. Temple is pa 
In these mills the system of keeping accounts is such 
that the raw cotton is traced by the pound from the 
picker till it is ready for the market, every process 
showing so much addition in actual cost. Frederick 
Amory, of Boston, is treasurer of the company. 

Tin: Vale Mills Manufacturing Company. 
erected a cotton-mill on Salmon Brook, at the Barbor, 
in 1S45. This was followed, in 1853, by the building 
,,f a second mill, having alto-ether a capacit) Ol 
twenty thousand spindles and weaving one million 
two hundred thousand yards per annum of forty- 
inch fine sheetings for home consumption. The com- 
pany has a capital of eighty thousand dollars, and 
gives employment to eighty operatives. All the 

1 us are new and improved and the machinery has 

been renewed within fifteen years. The mills, aside 
from other buildings, have a floorage of nine thou- 
sand six hundred square feet. The fall at the dam is 
twenty-six feet, and one hundred and fifty horse- 
power. In addition to this, the company has one 
hundred horse-power of steam. These- mills are do- 
ing a prosperous business, and contemplate an in- 
crease of production in the future. Benjamin Saun- 
ders is the agent and treasurer. 

Iron Manufacturing Industries.— The iron manu- 
factories of Nashua, arc second only to the cotton 
industry in extent and importance. 

The Nashua Iron and Steel Company, in- 
corporated in LS47 with a capital of thirty thousand 
dollars, had a rapid and unusual growth. From three 
small hammers and one small simp the company 
developed to ten large hammers and seven large 
shops, requiring a capital of lour hundred thousand 
dollars. The plant covers twelve acres. It manufac- 
tures steel and iron forgings of any size, steel loc I- 

tive tires and general railroad work. The steel-plate 
made at these works has an unequaled reputation, 
and is recognized as the best made in the country. 
Unfortunately, the plate and bar-mill was burned in 
February last, so that its condition at thistime is not 
such as to indicate its capacity or product. It gives, 
when in full operation, employment to two hundred 
and eighty men, many of whom are skillful and ex- 
perienced workmen. John A. Burnham is president ; 
Aretas Blood, treasurer and superintendent. 

'I'm: Nashua Lock Company has for many 
years donea large business. We have already given 
its earlj history. It makes locks, door-knobs and 
bells, hinges, bolts and builders' hardware of every 
style and pattern. The works cover a plant of 
four hundred by three hundred feet, in an inci- 
sure of two and a quarter acres, and consist of 
seven -hops. Its capital stock is one hundred and 
twenty thousand dollars. It give employment to one 
hundred and eighty men, and makes two hundred and 



190 



HISTORY OF IIlI,l,SlI()lI()l(iH COUNTY. NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



1 1 it \ thousand dollars' worth of goods annually. A. 
C. Barstow is president; II. G. Bixby, treasurer; 
Emery Parker, superintendent. 

Tin: Underhill Edge-Tool Company, located 
at the mouth of Salmon Brook, has a capital stock of 
one hundred and twelve thousand dollars, and em- 
ploys one hundred nun. It manufactures axes, hatch- 
ets, adzes and edge-tools of every pattern, and sends 
products to every part of the western continent. Its 
animal sales are oni hundred thousand dollars. It 
has a seventy-five horse water-power and a Corliss 
steam-engine of one hundred and fifty horse-power. 
John G. Kimball is president ; C. V. Dearborn, treas- 
urer; Nestor Haines, superintendent. 

The Nashua Ikon Foundry, Charles Williams, 
proprietor, lias for many years been in operation. It 
manufactures heav\ ca-iin".- I'm- cotton-mills and ma- 
chinists' tools. The plant covers several acres. It 
has five large buildings, fifty horse steam-power, and 
gives employment to an average of one hundred and 
twenty men. The business averages more than one 
hundred and fifty thousand dollars annually. ( 'barbs 
A. Williams is agent. 

The Nashua Co-operative Iron Foundry is 
the successor of the Otterson Iron Foundry. The 
present company began business in 1881. As a co- 
operative enterprise it was an experiment. It has 
proved eminently successful. Its capital is twenty 
thousand dollars. Fifty-five men are employed. 
Small castings are its specialty, in which it ex- 
cels, and New England is its chief market. Its busi- 
ness averages more than sixty thousand dollars an- 
nually. Patrick Harry is president; T. W. Keely, 
foreman: T. I'.. Crowley, manager and treasurer. 

Flathei: >x CO., manufacturers of machinists' 
tools, engine and hand-lathes and special machinery, 
are located at the Concord Railroad .function. They 
employ thirty-six men, and the value of their annual 
production is fifty thousand dollars. This firm com- 
menced business in lSl'ili, and have won the reputa- 
tion of making perfect machines, which they are now- 
sending to every part of the country. 

The Nashua Press i nd Boiler-Works, owned 
by J. J. Crawford, are located at the Concord Kail- 
road Junction, employ eighteen to twenty men, and 
manufacture steam-boilers, steaming cylinders, water 
and oil-tanks and plate-iron work of every kind. The 
specialty of these works is the hydraulic power-press, 
with the hollow steam-plates and connections, which 
is used by woolen manufacturers in pressing woolen 

cloths anil knit-g Is. The value of the annual sales 

is forty-five thousand dollars. These works were 
burned last January, but are being rebuilt on the 
same site. 

George A. Rollins & Co., on Mason Street, 
manufacture steam-engines of the most improved 
action and power, and employ fourteen bands. The 
shop and tools are new. 

The Warner & Whitney Machine-Shop is un- 



der the management of George H. Whitney. It 
employs forty men, and makes Swaine's turbine 
water-wheels and machinists' lathes. The value of 
its production is fifty thousand dollars annually. 

The American Sheaker Manufacturing Com- 
pany makes horse and barber clippers and sheep- 
shearing machines. They employ twenty-four men. 
Its market is the world. J. K. Priest is manager and 
treasurer. 

GEORGE W. Davis & Co. make stationary and 
portable steam-engines, boring-machines, and do tin- 
general repairing of machinery. They are located 
near the comer of Foundry and Mason Streets. 

Wood Manufacturing Industries.— The Nashua 

Bobbin ami Si i. Company is a long- established 

industry. Of its origin and progress in earlier times 
we have already written. It lias supplied mills in 
every part of the country. Within a few months it 
has been reorganized, with Frank H. Ayer, president 
and treasurer ; ( i. H. Hatch, clerk ; and Ira Cross, 
superintendent. It makes bobbins, spools and 
shuttles lor all kinds of textile fabrics, — cotton, woolen, 
silk, linen, hemp and jute; also rollers for skates 
and other kinds of wood-work. The works are located 
on Water Street. The floorage of the shops is nearly 
three acres, and its business this year one hundred 
and fifty thousand dollars, and in good times twice 
thai amount. White birch and maple are material 
for spools and bobbins. Formerly apple-tree wood was 
used for shuttles, but of late dog-wood and persimmon 
are shipped from North Carolina. 

Gregg iV Son, located at the Concord Railroad 
Junction, manufacture doors, window-sash, blinds, 
mouldings and machine findings for builders. This 
industry was established in 1870, and occupies two 
large four-story buildings. They procure their lum- 
ber from the West and Canada, use one hundred 
horse-power of steam and employ one hundred and 
thirty men. New England is their largest customer, 
but orders are filled from California, Australia and 
the West Indies. 

BOWARD & Co., furniture manufacturers, make ash 
and black walnut chamber sets a specialty. They 
occupy three buildings on Merrimack Street for ma- 
chine-work, with thirty-live horse-power of steam, 
and have a large three-story building for finishing 
and storage, on Amherst Street, besides a large retail 
store on Main Street. Their entire floorage is two 
acres. They employ ninety men, and do a business 
annually of more than one hundred and fifty thou- 
sand dollars. 

CROSS ix TOLLES, manufacturers of window and 
door-frames, boxes and builders' findings, have three 
large buildings on Quincj Street. They employ forty 
hands, and do a large business in custom planing, 
matching, turning, scroll and gig-sawing and pattern- 
work. Their lumber and manufactured sales are 
one bundled thousand dollars annually. 

Proctor Brothers, manufacturers of fish, syrup 



and provision casks, kits and kegs, began business in 
Hollis in 1870, and removed to Nashua iu 1881. 
They employ seventy-five men. They have a large 
mill, store-house, simp and two dry-houses. Their 
motive-power i- a one hundred and twenty-five torsi ■ 
power steam-engine. Market in the large cities. 
They use white-pine lumber for the most part, and at 
the present time obtain it in Hudson, Litchfield and 
other neighboring towns. They make three hundred 
thousand casks and kits yearly. 

The Fletcher & Webster Fi i;m n ki:< Iompany 

make wood and marble-top centre tables, hat-trees. 
whatnots, cribs, cradles and other varieties of useful 

and ornamental w 1-work. They occupy three large 

buildings, employ forty hands, and make sales amount- 
ing to fifty thousand dollars annually. J. 31. Fletcher 
is president and manager. 

The Nasiuw Novelty Works make fancy bird- 
cages, children's rocking-horses, wagons, doll-car- 
riages and toys of all kinds. It has two spacious 
shops, and employs fifteen hands. Its sales are about 
fifteen thousand dollars yearly. J. 31. Fletcher is 
proprietor. 

G. O. Sanders' saw and box-mill, near the Hudson 
bridge, was started in L882. He uses a sixty horse- 
power engine, employs thirty men, ami does a business 
of over fifty thousand dollars annually. 

Holt Brothers, on the line of the Acton Railroad, 
have a mill, forty by eighty feet, and four stories, 
with an annex of thirty by thirty-eight feet. The 
mill was built in 1884, and has new and improved 
machinery. They have a forty horse-power engine, 
and, including their building contracts, employ one 
hundred men. 

The Invalid Bed Manufactory is a new enter- 
prise, located in the three-story brick building on 
Lowell Street. The invalid bed made by this com- 
pany is unequaled for its merits, and will have an 
extensive use. Evan B. Hammond is president ; F. A. 
McLean, treasurer; J.Q. A. Sargent, superintendent. 

Luther A. Roby >V- Son are the largest manu- 
facturers and dealers in ship timber in New Hamp- 
shire. Their market is chiefly at Boston and Charles- 
town. Their yard is south of Temple Street and west 
of the Concord station. The timber is largely oak, 
and is mostly obtained from the Upper Merrimack 
Valley. 

The Isaac Eaton Company, for the manufacture 
of bobbins and shuttles, has new buildings on ( barb s 
Street. The main buildingis one hundred and twenty- 
six by forty feet. The head of the company has had 
a long and successful experience. The works are new 
and the machinery of the most improved kind. Isaac 
Eaton is president; Elmer W. Eaton, treasurer ; G. 
E. Holt, superintendent. 

Roger W. Porter, Hollis Street, is manufacturer 
of shuttles, bobbins and spools for cotton-mills. His 
factory is sixty-five by twenty-five feet, with engine 
of twenty horse-power. He employs twenty hands. 



General Manufacturing Industries.— bin; Na- 
shi a Card a.nd Glazed Paper Company is a large- 
nil industry. We have already given its 
early history. In bsi'cj. Horace W. Gilman became a 
member of the linn, then consisting of C. 1'. Gage, t >. 
D. Murray and V. C. Gilman. In 1864 the Gilman 
Brothers bought the interest of the two other partners, 
and in 1866 obtained from the Legislature the present 
charter of the company, but did not organize under it 
till 1869, when the firms of Gilman Brothers and Mur- 
ray, Pierce >V Co. were consolidated and organized 
under the charter as the NashuaCard and Glazed Paper 
Company, with a capital of one hundred thousand dol- 
lars. The first board of directors were V. C. Gilman, 
H. W. Gilman, T. F. Pierce, I >. D. .Murray and G. D. 
Murray. 0. D. Murray was elected president and II. 
W. Gilman treasurer. In January, 1873, Virgil C. 
( rilman sold his interest to the remaining members of 
the company. The capital was increased to one hun- 
dred and fifty thousand dollars, and the plant removed 
from the old Washington House to its present loca- 
tion. In January, 1883, 0. D. Murray sold his inter- 
est, and the new directors elected were H. W. Gilman, 
T. P. Pierce, Franklin Fierce, W. V. Gilman, E. T. 
Pierce, C. H. Hill, J. W. White. T. F. Fierce was 
chosen president, and II. W. Gilman treasurer, which 
officers are still in service. 

This has been one ofthemoM successful enterprises 
in Nashua, its business steadily increasing until its 
manufactures are sent to uearly every city in the 
Union, and are to be found in the remote mining 
towns of Colorado. They have been sent to Italy, 
Mexico and South America. Its consumption is from 
three to lour tons of paper per day ; its shipments in 
1884 amounted to fifteen hundred and seventy-eight 

tons, or over five tons per day. An average of 

hundred hands are employed, and the annual produc- 
tion is three hundred thousand dollars. To maintain 
so large a business against large competition, and 
through periods of business depression, has required 
careful management, and success is due to the fact 
that every department has been under the direct su- 
pervision of someone of the leading owners, wdio have 
applied to the work their practical experience. 

Moody, Estabrook & Anderson, manufac- 
turers of boots and shoes, Hollis Street, established 
their business in 1879. Their building is one hundred 
and eighty by thirty-five feet and four stories high. 
Power is obtained from the powerful engine in Chand- 
ler's grain elevator. This firm gives employment to 
two hundred and titty hands, and manufactures five 

hundred thousand 1 tsand shoes for the Western and 

Southwestern States. Its sales amount in the aggre- 
gate to nearly six hundred thousand dollars annually. 
By judicious management this firm has secured a good 
reputation, and its business has added to the prosper- 
ity of the city. 

The White Mountain Freezer Company was 

started in Laconia in 1-S72, burned out and re-estab- 



198 



HISTOKY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, .NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



lished in Nashua in 1881. The main building is two 
hundred by forty feet, store-house two hundred by 
thirty feet, foundry one hundred and sixty by forty 
feet, and several small More-houses upon its tour acres. 
It manufactures ice cream freezers, using a million 
feet of lumber ami a large amount of tin ami iron an- 
nually. Every piece of goods manufactured by the 
company is from the raw material. Its product finds 
a market in every part of the world. Engine, one 
hundred horse-power; men employed, one hundred 
ami twenty ; pay roll, three thousand five hundred dol- 
larsmonthly ; business, one hundredand fifty thousand 
dollars annually. This enterprise is growing rapidly. 
Thomas Sands is superintendent and proprietor. 

Charles H. Burke's Bakery is located at 13 
and 15 Mulberry Street. It is the best-equipped 
bakery in the State. In addition to the making id' 
wheat and corn bread of every variety, it makes crack- 
ers a leading specialty, furnishing every style from 
the small oyster to the huge pilot cracker. It also 
makes wedding goods, pics and every style of cakes. 
It employs sixteen hands, and all the appointments 
are kept in a neat and suitable condition. 

I in So LFSTONE- WORKS of < lharles Williams, at the 
Concord Railroad Junction, employ thirty men, and 
manufacture stoves, sinks, wash-trays, register-frames 
and soapstone work of every kind. The quarry is in 
Francestown, N. II., and furnishes the best soap- 
stone in the United States. New York, Boston and 
Philadelphia are the leading markets for these goods. 

CHARLES HolmAN, wholesale manufacturer of con- 
fectionery, is located in Spalding ec Holman's Block, 
South Main Street. He employs twenty-four men 
ami sends iomhIs to every part of the State. 

A. H. DUNLAF & Son, seedsmen, in Dunlap's 
Block, put up twelve thousand boxes of garden and 
flower-seeds annually, and are the largest seed dealers 
in the State. 

S. S. Davis, paper box manufacturer, on Railroad 
Square, began business in 1867. It is now an estab- 
lished industry, uses steam-power and the most im- 
proved machinery. Mr. Davis uses about one hun- 
dred tons of straw board annually, which is obtained 
from the nulls at the West. Twenty-four hands, 
mostly females, are employed, and the annual produc- 
tion of goods is twenty thousand dollars. 

S. D. Chasm. Kit, at Worcester depot, manufactures 
flour from Western wheat, and at Concord depot makes 
the hydraulic cement sewer-pipe. 

0. W. REED, Mason Street, makes at his brass 
foundry all kinds of brass, copper and composition 
castings anil Babbit metal. 

L.E. Burbank manufactures standard overalls of 
various patterns on Railroad Square. 

Mrs. M. E. Kimball, North Middle Street, and Miss 
Barber, Belvidere, manufacture knit goods, such as 
mittens, gloves and shirts, and employ from thirty to 
seventy hands each. There are other individual en- 
terprises employing more or less people, but the list 



above shows the extent and variety of the industries of 
Nashua. 

The agricultural territory of Nashua, limited in ex- 
tent, is yet of considerable importance. Among the 
owners of good farms within the city limits are 
Luthet A. Roby, Otis Searles, John 1'. Cummings, 
Ufred I'- Kendall, Mrs. Horace Tolles, Mrs. Alfred 
Godfrey, John C. Lund. J. L. H. Marshall, Charles 
F. Tolles, Elliot Whitford, Stilman Swallow, Charles 
Lund, David Roby, Jam,- Roby, Alfred Chase, B. F. 
Cotton, Frank II. Aver, V. ('. Gilman and heirs of T. 
J. baton. There are some hue apple orchards in the 
south part ofihe town, and in no part of the State are 
better pears raised than within two miles of the city 
hall. 

Municipal Statistics. — Since the incorporation of 
Nashua as a city the mayors have been: 



Josephus 


aldwin, 1853-5 


; t 




oar, s. i 


i i-56; Thomas 


w. Gillis, 1> 


: , Ml, in Beard 


18 






V. Saw 


i, I860 . rgi 


Bowers, 1861 


; Hiram T. M 






I 


dward 


Spalding, 1864 


Virgil C. on 


nan, 1865 ; oil 






ii, , I- 


16-67 ; 


Oeorge Bowers, 


1808 . Jothai 


on, rson, 1- 








„t, 18" 


l . Seth 0. Chan 




i.uik A. McK 


,ni. 


1ST 


,'t |" 


rge H 


Whitney, 1875 


Charles Will 


mis, 1STC.-77 ; 


\ ill 




It Cook, 


1878 ; 


Charles Holman 


1879^8 l : Bi 


,. i 1 leti hei 


1881 


-82 


Sorton, 1883-84; Johl 


V. Spalding, 


1885. 













The following is the list of attorneys-at-Iaw in prac- 
tice at this time (June, 1885) : 

Aaron I' Stevens, William w. Bailey, Charles H. Burns, Henry B. 
Atherton, Edward S Cutter, James 1: Fassett, rge B. Trench, Ed- 
ward E. Parker, Koyal D. Barnes, Charles W, Hoitt, E. B. Gould, H. 
E. Cutter, J, B. Parker, I., I' Burbank, .tuiaes A. Leach, Jeremiah 
,l. Doyle. 



practicing 



The following is the list of ph; 
in this city at this time : 

S. G Dearborn, H..G Dearborn, E. ' . Colburn, E. F. McQuesten, G. 

i Wilbi i, ,i ve 2d), .1 C Garland, w. s. Coll 

l; l: l'i ott, C B. Ha loud, G A. Underbill, J \ V. Iward, R. J. 

ii, ill. en, i s. Rounsevel, o. E. Ellis, John Nottage, Frank A. 
In nil,,, in, I' B. Dansereau, \ . w Pettit, Eugeni Wason, A. M. Spald- 
ing. 



CITY OFFICERS, 



The following is a list of the members of the school 

iniitiee lor term ending 1885: Jacob Lcroy, J. B. 

Fassett. J. L. H. Marshall, < '. W. Hoitt. For term 
ending 1886: Gilman C. Shattuck, (i. W. Currier, 0. 
\V. Stephens, Jason E. Tolles. For term ending 1S87: 
.1. W. Howard, W. P. Hussey.C. V. Dearborn, Elbert 
Wheeler. Superintendent of Schools, Frederic 

KelseV. 

SCHOOL-TEACHERS. 

High Sd I - Spring Street, Edwin .1. Goodwin (principal), Clara .1. 

McKean, Delia 1. Hayv, 1, Emma r Johnson, II, ra V Urn Is 

Gran it s, hot h, — vii Pleasant, Edward C Burbeck (principal), 

Clara I Thompson, Annie VI Putnam, I II i C. McLaren , Spring Street, 
tivini i I. Dodge, Celia T. Garland, 1 Us A. Kimball, H. Adella. 
McKean, Adelaide M. Klttridge. Kiln F. Wheeler, Lulu L. 




'fuzcc6c*t* 







/) 



%»>U%J 



NASHUA. 



Middle Schools.— Main Street, Letitia G. Campbell, Josie B. Hale, 
Eninm G. Osborn, Delia P.Fiske; Mt. Pleasant, Margarel A Neil, 
Ida M. Hoyt; Hal-bur, Fannie D. Parker, Etta C. Marble; Belvidere, 
Clara E. Upton; O'Donnell, Sarah C. Whittle, 

Primary School*.— Main Street, Ellen M. Sullivan, [da F. Wallace, 
Fannie A. Morrison, ll.iiti>- E. Farley; Mt Pleasant, Cora B. Cook, 
Sural. A. Collins, Anna E. Bussell ; Palm Street, ttarj I. Hammond, 



Ellen 



Pea 



Lizzie M. Hamn 

Case; Harbor, Alar S. Hams, Fannie E. Clark; O'Donnell, Mary A. 
Dean, Estello ('. Shallnrk ; Urlvnlrir, Fllen I, lieilly; l-algeville, Lizzie 
Morgan. 
Sa&uroioi Schools.— District No. 1, Helen M White; District No 2, 

Euminie I. Flair!"!-: I 'i-Ti i.t V> :'., Matlle .1 Mai shall ; I'istl ht Xm I, 

Hannah M. Swallow; District No. 5, Annie s Tolles ; District No. 6, 
Nellie G. McClure ; Distort No. 7. Bertha I,, llolden, 

There were thirty-one graduates from the High 

School in 1885, the term rinsing on the 29th of June. 
The summer vacation of late years is twelve weeks, 
the fall session beginning the middle of September. 

In closing this history of Nashua, we will only say 
that we hope the reader, whether a citizen or a 
stranger, a resident or one of the many who have 
found homes elsewhere, will find in the pages 
which describe the olden times and the more 
recent events of our city something to awaken a 
deeper interest in her present welfare and her future 
prosperity. The next historian of Nashua will, no 
doubt, write, more worthily of her, but will not close 
his work with better feelings toward her people. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKEK Ml I'.s. 



HOX. ISAAC SPALDING. 

Hon. Isaac Spalding, of Nashua, was the son of 
Captain Isaac Spalding, and was born in New Ips- 
wich, N. H., February 1, 1796. The family moved to 
Wilton, N. H., in 1800. His father was a man of 
good education for those times, but his means were 
moderate. His son, therefore, bad a limited educa- 
tion, and was very early thrown upon bis own re- 
sources. 

In 1809, at the age of thirteen, he went to Amherst, 
N. H., as the clerk of Robert Reed, Esq., a leading 
merchant of that place, with whom he continued in 
that capacity seven years. In 1816 be became a 
partner of Mr. Reed, and remained in that situation 
ten years, being lor the most of the time the post- 
master. 

In 1826, Mr. Spalding moved to Nashua, where be 

s i became the leading dry-goods merchant of the 

then new and thriving village. After twelve years in 
business be retired from it to engage in railroad 
enterprises, chiefly in the Concord Railroad, with 
which he was connected for twenty-five years. He- 
was among the first who saw the importance of a 
railroad connection between the lakes and tide-water, 
and gave his aid to those enterprises. 



There was no more systematic and ellicient business 
man in Hillsborough County than Mr. Spalding, and 
such was the confidence in his impartiality that in the 
most heated political contests he was often chosen 
moderator by unanimous consent. He was several 
years a representative in the Legislature, and, under 
the city charter, was a member of the Hoard of Alder- 
men, lie was a member of the State i institutional 
( lonvention in 1850, and of the < b.\ ernor's ( Jouncil in 
L866-67 and in 1867-68. 

Mr. Spalding was elected one of the trustees of tin- 
State Asylum for the Insane in 1863, and was chosen 
president of the board in 1869. He was one of the 
earliest advocates of 1 1 it- Concord Railroad and its 
first treasurer, and, from its incorporation in 1835 to 
1866, he served either as treasurer, director or presi- 
dent. He was for more than twenty-live years presi- 
dent of the Nashua Hank, a State institution, which 
closed its business in 1869, having never made a bad 
debt or lost a dollar. In the War of the Rebellion he 
was a financial agent of the government, and assist. -d 
in providing the means of our country's success. 

Mr. Spalding, at the time of his death, in May, 
1X70, was one of the richest men in New Hampshire, 
having acquired his property by industry and 
economy, united with a wise forecast and untiring 
energy. He left no surviving children. In May, 
1828, lie married Lucy, daughter of Nathan Kendall, 
of Amherst, who was born December 13, 1706. Two 
sons were born to them, — Edward Francis, in 1831, 
ami Isaac Henry, in 1840. Both of them died in 
childhood. Mrs. Spalding is still living, and resides 
in the family mansion on Main Street, in Nashua. 

JOSIAH G. GRAVES, M.i>. 

Among the most honored names of medical men in 
Hillsborough County during the last half-century is 
that of Josiah G. Craves. No history of Nashua would 
be complete that would not give a sketch of one for 
so long a period identified as one of its representative 
physicians, and. win., to-day, retired from practice, 
retains the vigor of middle life, the power ol accurate 
thoughl and just and quick conclusion, the firmness 
of an honest and truthful nature and the suavity and 
courtesy of the gentlemen of the " old school." 

Josiah ( Iriswold Graves, M.D., was born July 13, 
1811, in Walpole, N. II., one of the loveliest villages 
of the beautiful Connecticut Valley. His father was 
a well-to-do farmer, and his mother a woman of su- 
perior mind and excellent judgment, who looked 
well to the ways of her household, as did the notable 
women of that period. Ralph Waldo Emerson af- 
firmed that man is what the mother makes him. 
Much of truth as there undoubtedly is in that asser- 
tion, it does not tell the whole truth. Past genera- 
tions, as well as the beloved mother, have contributed 
to the building of the man. Physical peculiarities, 
physical aptitudes and mental tendencies have been 
transmitted by the ancestors, and in the case of this 



L'OO 



HISTORY OF HILLSL'.OltorCH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



mother and son, who shall say that the mother's 
nature, intensified by the inheritance of powers from 

progenitors strong physically and mentally, did not 
so influence the son as to make his successful career 
certain from the start, forcing him from the uncon- 
genial vocation of a tiller of the soil into a mission 
of healing during a long range of years? 

From an able article in "Successful New Hamp- 
shire Men " we extract as follows: "Not having a 
fancy for farming, and thus acting contrary to the 
wishes of his father, he left home at the age of eigh- 
teen, with his mother's blessing and one dollar in 
money, determined upon securing an education and 
fitting himself for the medical profession. He de- 
frayed the expenses of his education by his own 
individual efforts and native will and industry, by 
teaching both day and evening, and was remark- 
ably successful in his labors. Being a natural 
penman, he also gave instruction in the art of pen- 
manship." 

He commenced the study of his profession in 1829. 
He was a student in medicine in the office of Drs. 
Adams and Twitched, of Keene, and subsequently 
attended medical lectures at Pittsfield, Mass., and 
graduated at the Medical Department of Williams 
College in 1834. Afterwards he spent six months in 
the office of Drs. Huntington and Graves iu Lowell. 

Dr. Graves commenced the practice of medicine in 
Nashua, N. 11.. September 15, 1834. At this time 
Nashua was a comparatively young town. It was but 
a brief period, however, before the energy, determi- 
nation and superior medical and surgical skill of the 
young physician carved out for him an extensive 
practice. For forty years be followed his profession 
in Nashua and the adjoining region with untiring 
assiduity and with a success that has but few par- 
allels. Fie loved bis profession and gave to it his 
best powers. He was gifted in a remarkable degree 
with a keen insight into the nature of disease, and, of 
course, bis success was in proportion to his fitness for 
his calling. Fie did not need to he told symptoms; 
be knew by intuition where the break in the consti- 
tution was and how to rebuild and give new life. He 
was made for his profession, and not bis profession 

for him, which is t ften the case. After several 

years' practice, desirous of further improvement, he 
look a degree at Jeiier>on College, Philadelphia. At 
tbetime of the Rebellion the Governor and Council 
of New Hampshire appointed him a member of the 
Medical Board of Examiners. 

Dr. Craves retired from active practice in 1871. 
He has been for many years a valued member of the 
New Hampshire Slate Medical Association. In 1852 
he delivered an address before that body on a subject 
which was of the greatest moment, and at that time 
occupied the attention of the leading members oi 
the medical profession in all manufacturing centres. 
This address was on -The Factory System and its 
Influence on the Health of the Operatives." It was 



bold, incisive and fearless, and won high praise for 
the careful investigation which it showed, its ex- 
haustive treatment and its convincing logic. He 

Iv the ground (in opposition to Dr. Bartlett, who 

stated that the death-rate of Lowell was less than the 
surrounding towns) that the young people went to 
the mills, and the old people stayed on the farms, 
and after a few years, when mill-life bad broken their 
constitutions, the operatives returned to their birth- 
places and did not die in Lowell. Much care was 
taken in the preparation of the address. Factory 
after factory was visited, and hundreds of operatives 
consulted. The conclusions reached by Dr. Graves 
wei e accepted as correct. 

He ha- had a most remarkable practice in obstet- 
rics, and has a complete.' record of five thousand 
cases. We give as an illustration of Dr. Graves' won- 
derful accuracy and system one fact well worthy tin' 
attention of all physicians. From his first day's prac- 
tice he, every night, posted his books for that day's 
business and now has the entire set bound in fine 
morocco, with all entries in his own clear writing 
and without a blot to mar the symmetry of the page. 
Every business transaction has been inserted in his 
" diary," which is equal in accuracy to that famous 
one of John Quincy Adams, and many an old soldier 
has hail occasion to thank Dr. Craves for the facts 
derived from these books, by which he has secured 
his bounty, back pay or pension. 

Dr. Graves has been much interested in railroads, 
east and west ; has been a director in the Nashua and 
Lowell Railroad and other roads. He is a director 
in the Faneuil Hall Insurance Company and in the 
Metropolitan Steamship Line, ami is also connected 
with many other financial interests of a comprehen- 
sive character. He has a business office in Boston, 
and manages his large estate with as much foresight 
ity as many younger men. He has always 
manifested a deep interest in the application of 
science <<> business purposes, believed firmly in the 
financial success of the electric light where many 
shrewd men considered ii an impracticable scheme, 
and was one of the earlier investors in its stock. 
His faith has been munificently repaid, and he is now 
a large holder of the most valuable stock in this field. 

From the first, Dr. Graves has been in warm sym- 
pathy with the principles of tin' Democratic party as 
enunciated by Thomas Jefferson, Andrew Jackson 
and other leaders, and has fearlessly, at all times 
and under all circumstances, championed what be 
believed to be for the " greatest good to the greatest 
number," conceding with a broad liberality the same 
rights to every other citizen which he exercises him- 
self. He has received the thirty-second degree of 
Masonry, ami is a Unitarian in religion. He believes 
"in a < ihristian observance of the Sabbath ; that Sab- 
bath-schools should be supported, for on them rests 
the moral safety of the country ; that the ' Golden 
Rule ' should be the guide for all our actions.' " 




S*-i/£-t 



NASHUA. 



The family relations of Dr. Graves have been 
most felicitous. He marriedMary Webster, daughter 
of Colonel William Boardman, of Nashua, in 1846. 
She was descended from two of the ablest New Eng- 
land families, — Webster ami Boardman, — and was a 
most estimable ami Christian lady. For many years 
she was a devoted member of the Unitarian Church 
and an earnest worker in all good causes. Kind and 
sympathetic, courteous to all, with a quiet dignitj 
and purity of demeanor, she was a cherished mem- 
ber of society and an exemplar of the highest type 
of Christian womanhood. She died December 26, 
L883. 

•'As a man. Dr. Graves is distinguished for his 
firmness. J I is opinions he maintains with resolute- 
ness until good reasons induce him to change them. 
He means yes when he says 'yes,' and do when 
he says 'no.' He is a man of positive character. 
It is needless to say that, while such a man always 
has enemies (as what man of ability and energetic 
character has not'.'), be has firm and lasting friends, — 
friends from the fact that they always know where 
to find him. Among the many self-made men whom 
New Hampshire has produced, he takes rank among 
the first, and by bis indomitable energy, industry and 
enterprise lias not only made bis mark in the world, 
but has achieved a reputation in bis profession and 
business on which himself and friends may reflect 
with just pride." 

SAMUEL G, DEARBORN, M.I>.' 

Among the first settlers of Exeter, N. H., nearly two 
and a half centuries ago, was a family by the name of 
Dearborn. The descendants of this family are now to 
be found in every county of New Hampshire, and are 
numerous in several of them. Beginning at an early 
date, it is worthy of note that with the Dearborn 
family in this State the practice of medicine lias 
been a favorite occupation. In the hist century 
Portsmouth, North Hampton, Seabrook and Notting- 
ham had each a physician of marked reputation 
bearing the name, and to-day several among the abler 
physicians of the State are of the same des :ent. 

Samuel Gerrish Dearborn, son of Edmund and 
Sarah Dearborn, was born in Northfield, this State, 
August 10, 1827. I lis father was an honest, industrious 
farmer, and his mother attended well to the duties 
of the household. He was educated at the district 
school, the Sanbornton Academyand the New Hamp- 
shire Conference Seminary. 

He began the study of medicine with Dr. Wood- 
bury, at Sanbornton Bridge, in 1847, and graduated 
from the Medical Department of Dartmouth College 
in November, 1849. After a few months' prai tice al 
East Tilton, in February, 1850, he opened an office 
at Mont Vernon, where he began to acquire a repu- 
tation as a skillful, safe and sagacious physician. 



l By .Mm II. i. unit,],-. 



In June, ls,~>;;. Dr. Dearborn removed to Milford, 
where he had alreadj gained some practice. The 
people of Milford are widely known as an intelligent, 
discriminating and progressive community. It is no 
place for a moral or medical quack. For twi 
Dr. Dearborn had an increasing practice, not only in 
Milford and the adjoining towns, but patients fre- 
quently came from a distance. 

Nashua being a railroad centre. Dr. Dearborn came 
to this city in May, 1873. J I is practice for the past 
eight years has been more extensive than that of any 
other physician in the State. A large proportion of 
bis patients are from a distance. Grafton, Belknap 
and Coos Counties each furnish a large number 
annually, and this has been the result of no adver- 
tising other than thai ol' Ins successful treatment. 

Of late he has found it advisable to travel for 
health and relaxation. In 1884 he made, with his 
family, an extensive trip on the Pacific coast and 
through the Territories of the Northwest. Early in 
1885 he visited Mexico, and made excursions to 
various [mints of interest which are now attracting 
the attention of our people. 

During the Rebellion, Dr. Dearborn, in 186 1 . served 
one year as surgeon of the Eighth Regiment of New 
Hampshire Volunteers in Louisiana, and in the 
summer of 1 ,si.;:.i he served in the same position for 
three m b> in the Army of the Potomac. 

On the 5th of December, 1853, he married Miss 
Henrietta M. Starrete, of Mont Vernon, an educated 
and accomplished woman. They have, two sons. 
The elder, Frank A., was born September 21, 1857, 
studied medicine at the College of Physicians and 
Surgeons in New York City, and graduated in 1883. 
lie is associated with his father in practice at Nashua. 
The younger son, Samuel G., is a wide-awake, healthy 
school-boy of thirteen years. 

In politics Dr. Dearborn is a Republican, and 
represented Milford two years in the State Legislature. 
Denominationally, he is associated with the Unitarian 
Society of Nashua. 

HOST. CHARLES HOLMAN. 
Hon. Charles Holman, son of Porter and Persia 
(Reed) Holman, was bom in Sterling, Mass., No- 
vember 7, 1833. lli> parents being in humble circum- 
stances, I lharles early left home to begin the battle of 
life, and fighl his wa\ step by step through the world 
from poverty to wealth and an honorable position, un- 
aided by any resource save bis own will and hands. 
When he was eleven years old he went to work on a 
farm, where he remained until he was sixteen; he 
then went to West F.o\lston, Mass., where he was en- 
gaged in making boots andshoes for four years. From 
his savings be pur based bis tiim of his lather, and 
attended school at Fort Edward, N. Y., for a year. 
The sedentary life and cramped position of his em- 
ployment had seriously impaired his health, and, in 
hopes of improving it, be became a book canvasser, 



202 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



and in 1856 came for the first time into New Hamp- 
shire, to sell "The Life of General John C. Fremont," 
the first Republican candidate for President. He was 
accompanied by a fellow-workman, William W. Col- 
burn, afterwards a prominent Methodist clergyman, 
and at one time chaplain of Charlestown (Mass.) 
State Prison. (These young men had aided each other 
in obtaining what education they had acquired, and 
Mr. Hohnan subsequently had the pleasure of ena- 
bling Mr. ( Jolburn to pursue his studies in his chosen 
. i They traveled through New Hampshire 
for several months, but the pecuniary results of the 
trip were not encouraging, and Mr. Colburn returned 
to West Boylston and his trade, while Mr. Holman 
continued the canvass, determined not to return to 
the bench. Although it did no1 prove lucrative as a 
ill the canvass was valuable to the young 
man, giving him a knowledge of human nature and 
fixing upon his mind so strongly the principles of 
Republicanism that he has never deviated one iota 
from the principles and platform of which John C. 
Fremont was the representative. While canvassing 
he obtained a chance to travel for E. K. Smith, con- 
fectioner, of Hanover, and he entered his employ for 
a year. In the fall of 1857, Mr, Holman, then twenty- 
four rears of age. came to Nashua, and tor three years 
was a traveling salesman for Colonel J. ( '. Kempton, 
confectioner. For a year afterwards he was employed 
in the same capacity by Chapman iSc (.'ram. Much of 
this time his health was so delicate that it was only 
by the strongest exertion of his will that he kept at 
his lahor, and, at the close of his engagement with the 
last-named firm he had a severe hemorrh: 
lungs, which lor six months entirely incapacitated him 
for business. About lSi'.l he engaged as a manufacturer 
of confectionery in Nashua, and has ever since been 
identified with the growth and enterprise of the city. 
His business of five thousand dollars per annum has 
enlarged to two hundred thousand dollars a year, with 
forty employes instead of the two who were with him 
at his commencement. One Friday night,, about 
twelve o'clock, in 1874 or is;."., Mr. Holman's manu- 
fai ii.p. was totall; destroyed bj tire. IF' immedi- 
ately purchased Colonel Kempton's manufactory and 
two houses on West Pearl Street, had, bi 
o'clock the nest in irning after the tire, ordi 
material, ami the last of the succi i 
off to his customers new • 1- which he had manu- 
factured. This prompt action is characterisl ic of the 
man and his manner of conducting business. He 
remained on Pearl Street until June. 1882, when, sell- 
ing this property, he leased a building on Main Street 
of Hon. J. A. Spaulding, where he continued manu- 
facturing until January, 1883, when he was again 
burned out. lie then erected the brick block on 
Main Street which hears his name, where he now 
carries on business. 

Mr. Holman has held numerous positions of public 
trust, the duties of which have been conscientiously 



discharged with credit to himself and honor to his 
constituents, lie was alderman of Nashua two years, 
member of the School Hoard two years, was a mem- 
ber of the Lower House of State Legislature 1869 70, 

a State Senator 1875-76, and president of the Senate 
the hitter year, mayor of Nashua 1878-79. lb- is a 
director of the First National Rank of Nashua, and 
one of the directors of the Worcester. Nashua and 

Rochester Railroad. He was a delegate from New 
Hampshire to that notable Republican National I lon- 
vention at Chicago, in 1880, which nominated James 
A. Garfield for President. He is a Congregationalist 

in religious belief', and president of the Pilgrim 
Church Society of Nashua. He has been largely 
identified with temperance work, especially in con- 
nection with the Nashua Temperance Reform Club. 
He has taken the thirty-second degree of Masonry, 
and belongs to the Encampment of Odd-Fellows. 

Mr. Holman married, November 1. L 863, Mary S., 
daughter of George W. and Susan (Marston) Osgood, 
of Amesbury, Mass. Their only surviving child, 
i ten li - Francis, \\a> born September 29, 1866. 

In all his business relations .Mr. Holman is known 
as thoroughly prompt and upright, and no man in the 
city has a more honored reputation. In all his rela- 
tions, whether business, social or political, he has en- 
joyed the full confidence of those with whom he has 
come in contact. Of unusual public spirit, he has 
always welcomed and given generously to every good 
cause, and no deserving person ever went away from 
him empty-handed. His own lite having been an 
unaided struggle against poverty and adverse circum- 
stances, his sympathies have ever been responsive to 
the call- of those who, like himself, are bravely fight- 
ing the battle of life. Mr. Holman posse the 

power to keenly analyze any subject coming before 
him, and to detect any flaws of logic or fact. 1 le can 
gracefully, as well as forcibly, express himself in 
writing and Bpeaking, and, with a large fund of 
humor, is a public speaker of entertaining and con- 
vincing power. A skillful business man. versed in 
public affairs, ripe in experience, an ardent Repub- 
lican, a true friend, and in full sympathy with every 

nei\ m to i vate and advance the best interests 

of the community, he is one whom the citizens of 
Nashua are pleased to number among her honored 



NORMAN JOHN MACLEOD MOORE, M.I' 

Nonnan John Macleod Moore, M.D., was a de- 
scendant of an ancient and honorable family, which 
for generations has been renowned in the military 
profession. The family were originally from Dorset. 
shire. England. They received from Cromwell, for 
military services, the estate and lands of Saleston, 
near Carton. Ireland, which remained in the family 
until a late date. His maternal ancestors were of 
Scotch origin, his great-grandmother being the only 
daughter of Norman John Macleod, the celebrated 





NORMAN J. M. MOORE. 





0.J&. 




NAS1II V. 



chief of the historical Macleod clan of Dunvegan 
Castle, Isle oi Skye. This castle is probably the 
oldest inhabited castle in Scotland, and famous in 
Scotch history. l>r. .Moure was born in A.berdeen ; 
Scotland. His preparatory education was acquired 
there, and at a very early age he was graduated with 
high honors at the celebrated Oxford College. He 
then studied medicine and surgery at the University 
of Dublin, Ireland, and of Edinburgh, Scotland, 
receiving diplomas from the same, and after seven 
years of study and practice in the hospitals, he was 
graduated at the Royal College of Surgery, in London, 
in January, 1842. His superior medical education 
and especial adaptability for his chosen profession led 
him to desire a broader field of practice, and he came 
to this country, and after practicing three years in the 
Marine Hospital at Chelsea, Mass., [resettled in Deny, 
N. H., where he remained about live years. lint his 
reputation and practice soon extended, and for conve- 
nience and other considerations he removed to Nashua 
and for nearly thirty years was a resident of this city. 

Unquestionably, Dr. Moore stood af the head of the 
medical profession in New Hampshire. For more 
than a quarter of a century he was called in the most 
difficult and delicate cases of surgery, and he was em- 
inently successful in restoring to health innumerable 
patients whose cases were considered incurable, and 
number- still bless him for his wonderful (aires and 
remarkable power in diagnosis. His extended educa- 
tion and admitted skill made him a valuable expert 
witness, and although his modesty made him shrink 
from the notoriety, yet he was often called to testify in 
the more important Slate eases, and many times in 
other and remote States. 

Dr. Moore was a man of winning manner.-, attrac- 
tive social qualities, and as such was a most excellent 

family physician, and the | r always received equal 

care with those able to reward him munificently. His 
nature was large, generous and sympathetic, but, with 
the inherited trails ot' his Scotch ancestry, he ne\er 
forgot a favor or an injury. With his enthusiastic 
love for his chosen field of labor, he wasa kind friend 
and adviser to younger members of the profession, to 
whom he always gave the assisting hand. Of a most 
genial and sunny temperament, courtly in his bearing, 
and yet at all times easily approached and unpreten- 
tious, even a timid child felt at ease in his company, 
and soon became his acquaintance and friend. He 
was amiable and considerate in his home, popular 
among his acquaintances, a valuable member of hi- 1 
profession and a good citizen, always ready to respond 
to the demands made upon him. He was a member 
of the Church of the Good Shepherd. Although a 
great sufferer for many years from asthma, he never 
complained or murmured, and attended to his business 
until too feeble to enter his carriage. He died in 
Nashua, December 31, 1882, in the last hour of the 
last day of the closing year, in the sixty-fifth year of 
his age. 
14 



We lit tin;. 
theresoluti. 



.villi a copy of 
i- .,1 Nashua. 
ih. i Diverse to re- 
, which in- hind u illi 
I. in.d l.rnlhri , ll i. mi 

(Mil Ml the Rightfu 

a. a. lire ii' plai 

i|ii:ililic'(Uiuiin of the 

■ ■ ifess , .',"i lii 



1 ■ c hi ll" 'I' n'li '■! I'l M -I. ((■■ .ii, -.1, i |h -,ii ill, , 

,.l Ih,,-,- . id ii-:--, I : .\u.- -I. j -:i.l.-l ii [ ei .i- ,,, I - I u [-,!-, , 

It,.' Iiiilill- ,,t Ih- ,.(-.- .mil tic- -I III, I I- .ni,l >killlul ;([,[,lic:(ti,ili ,,: 

"Resolved, That we tender to the f.imily ;m.l 1 1 i.-o.l. ..I ll,, ,1,,,;, , 
the expreaj C our sincere and hearl felt Bympathy in this sad affliction. 

" liV.-fi'„/, Tli:it 111,- nielnlircs ul tin- pn-lessi-ili ilUrll.l tile fimenil in a 

body, and that a copy oi these resolutions be transmitted to the t. iv 

ol the deceased and also !-- the local papers for publication." 



OR] \\l ANA MURRAY. 

Orlando Dana Murray, son of David and Margaret 
(Forsyth) Murray, was born in Hartland, \'t., March 
12, 1818. The first American ancestor of this branch 
of the Murray family was Isaac Murray, wdio came 
from Scotland to Londonderry (now Derry), N. H. 
lie was married, in 177 I, I o Elizabeth, daughter of 
John Durham and granddaughter of Mary (Tol- 
f'ord) Durham, sister of Deacon William Tolford. 
Isaac Murray and wife went to Belfast, Me., where 
they passed their lives. They had four children, 
of whom the oldest, David and Jonathan (twins), 
were born October 30, 177- r >. David, when a. young 
man, moved to Chester, N. 11., where he worked 
at his trade, that of carpenter and builder, for 
some years. He belonged to a cavalry troop in 
the War of 1812, and for his services received a grant 
of land from the government, and his widow a pen- 
sion. From Chester he removed to Hartland, Vi. 
returned to Chester in 1822, and in 1825 settled in 
Nashua, where he resided for twenty-five years, dying 
at the age of seventy-five, lie was a Wesleyah Meth- 
odist, and was married three times. He married, 
December, 1807, his second wife, Margaret Forsyth, 
of Chester, N. IT, daughter of Lieutenant Robert and 
granddaughter of Deacon Matthew Forsyth. (Ivaeon 
Forsyth was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, graduated 
at the University of Edinburgh, went to Ireland and 
then emigrated to America, and settled, in 17H0, in 
Chester, N. II. II.- married Esther, daughter of 
Robert Graham, and was an enterprising business 
man, prominent in town and church affairs.) The 
children of David and Margaret Murray were Emeline 
Johnson, born at Belfast, Me., October 26, 1808 (mar- 
ried Deacon William Tenney) ; Laurana Tolford, born 
af Belfast, Me., December31, 1810; Leonidas, born in 
Chester, N. II., died in Hartland, Vt, June 3, 1816; 
Marietta, born in Hartland, Vt., January 3, 1816 
(married Charles C. Flagg, of Mobile, Ala., and died 
September 11, 1853); and Orlando I>. 

Orlando Dana was the youngest child. He ac- 



2(14 



HISTORY OF HILLS ISOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



quired an excellent academii education at the cel- 
brated Pinkerton Academy at Derry, and afterward 
prepared for college with Colonel Isaac Kinsman, 
principal of Pembroke Academy, a noted military 
school of that day. His advantages were diligently 
improved, and in 1834, al sixteen 3 ears of age, instead 
of going to college, he entered what Horace Greeley 

called"the besl training-scl 1 in the world," the 

printing-office, becoming an apprentice in the office 
..I' the Xis/,11,1 (,<: iit,\ thru edited by General Israel 
Hunt, Jr. His earnest application was not confined 
to the printer's trade, for, during the threeyears of bis 
apprenticeship and the subsequent four yi 
as a journeyman, he was also a clerk in the post-office, 
then under the administration of John M. Hunt. 
After his day's work at the ease he was occupied in 
the post-office until nine o'clock, besides assisting in 
the distribution of the mails during the day. The 
nature of the young man was not one to rest content 
in the condition of employe. He was keen, shrewd, 
energetic and desirous of making an indi pendent 
career in life, so in 1X41 he purchased a half-interest 
in the Miinrli,at,r M, iimriul, a weekly newspaper, and 
became editor, and also the publisher of a monthly 
periodical, the Iris. This connection continued only 
one year, when, in the fall of 1842, he sold his in- 
terest in Manchester, and, with A. I. Sawtell, estab- 
lished the Oasis, a weekly independent journal, in 
Nashua, and became its editor. The first number was 
issued January 1, 1843. The position was by no 
means a sinecure. Mr. Murray worked daily at the 
case, and his editorials were placed in type by himself 
without being written. The strong, earnest efforts of 
the young firm were rewarded by substantial results. 
The Oasis soon attained the largest circulation in this 
.section, and was highly prized. But Mr. Murray had 
other and valuable ideas. He hail no intention of 
spending his days in a country printing-office when 
he believed a more lucrative field was before him. 
He was a natural inventor and machinist ; he in- 
vented some printing-presses and deemed his services 
could command a higher price. In his brain originated 
and to him is due the establishment of one of Nashua's 
most successful manufactures. He sold li- 
the iWi'.N in • 1 toJ.E. 1 > idge, 
a member of the firm of Gill & Co., which immediately 
began the manufacture of card-board and glazed paper. 
This new enterprise not only a Horded tin,, scope for Mr. 
Murray's mechanical skill, but, like all such ventures, 
called also forthe other necessary elements to success, — 
patience, pluck and persistency. Mr. Murray and his 
partners, fortunately, were endowed with a more than 
ordinary share of these qualities, and finally the busi- 
ness swung clear of the rocks and breakers and reached 
the open sea of prosperity. The firm became Gage, 
Murray & Co. after a time, with Mr. Murray as manager 
ol the manufacturing department. In 1866, Messrs. 
Gage & Murray sol 1 their interests toGilman Brothers. 
After two years, in February, 1868, Mr. .Murray pur- 



chased the interest of John F. Marsh in a recently 
established manufactory, the Nashua Glazed Paper 
1 !o. I he new firm took the title of Murray, Pierce 
&Co. This firm did business until the fall of 1869, 
when it was consolidated with that of Gillman Bros. 
in the stock company organized as the Nashua Card 
and< i lazed Pa per Co. Mr. Murray was elected president 
of the company on its organization and re-elected 
annual!) until 1883, when he retired from business. 
To Mr. Murray must be given a great share of the 
credit due for the development and permanency of 
this business, now one of the institutions of Nashua. 
Jle familiarized himself with the chemical qualities 
ot the colors, mixed them with bis own hands for 
years, until he had thoroughly instructed his son, 
George D., to take his [dace, lie invented the rotary 
card-cutter, and, by various devices, much improved 
the modus operandi of the manufacture. 

.Air. Murray was one of the original stockholders 
of the Na-hua Watch < !o., and a director of the same 
until the business was purchased by the Waltham 
Watch Co. and removed from Nashua. (This company 
took the greatest pains to produce, and undoubtedly 
did make, the finest watches ever manufactured, and 
its business was conducted as a separate department 
at Waltham, "the Nashua department" until No- 
vember, 1884.) During the larger part of the decade 
(1870-80) Mr. Murray was one-fourth owner of the Con- 
toocook Valley PaperCo., a very successful corporation 
located at West Ileimiker, N. II. He was a director and 
president of the board until the company was united 
with the Nashua Card and Glazed PaperCo., when 
the stock of the hitter was increased to two hundred 
thousand dollars. He was one of the original incor- 
porators and a director of the American Fan Com- 
pany during its existence. He has given his financial 
aid and counsel to many other undertakings, both 
railroad and manufacturing, and was one of the 
prime movers of the Pennichuck Water-Works. 

Mr. Murray was by education a Democrat, but soon 
after became a Whig, and since the Republican party 
organized has been connected with it. He waseleeted 
town clerk in 1849-^50-51, and was on theSchool Hoard 
for many years. After the city charter of Nashua 
was granted, in 1858-59, he was an alderman of Ward 
Seven. Erecting his present residence in 1861-62, he 
became, on occupying it, a resident of Ward Six, which 
he also represented as alderman in 1865. He was a 
member of the city Board of Education during the 
\car the schools were graded, and did efficient ser- 
vice. He was elected representative to the State 
Legislature of 1855, re-elected in 1856 and is the 
member for 1885-56. He has held the commission of 
justice of the peace for many years. His official 
positions have come to him without seeking, and 
have I. een held as public trusts to be conscientiously 
discharged. 

In 1843 Odd-Fellowship was first introduced into 
New Hampshire, at Nashua, by the formation of 



% *** 








NASHUA. 



Granite Lodge, No. 1. Mr. Murray was made a 
member at the first meeting, ami iias since held every 
office in the lodge. At the organization of the first 
encampment in tin' St ale (Nashoonon), also at Nashua, 
Mr. Murray drew lot No. 1, and was made the first 
member. He has been a delegate to both the < rrand 
Lodge and Grand Encampment several times. He is 
a member of the following Masonic bodies: Rising 
Sun Lodge, Nashua, since January 6, 1867, Meridian 
Sun Royal Arch Chapter, St. George Commandery, 
Council of Select Masters and the Consistory of the 
Thirty-second Degree. He is a member of the New 
Hampshire Club. 

Mr. Murray married, July 7, 1842, Mary J., daugh- 
ter of Solomon and Sarah (Wetherbee) Wetherbee. 
She was born at « loncord, N. II., April 2, 1821. Their 
children were George Dana (deceased; he was in the 
commissary department of the Army of the Potomac, 
and was with the advanced troops which entered 
Richmond at its surrender), Sarah L. (married Wil- 
liam A. Crombie, of Burlington, Vt., one of the 
resident managers of the Shepard & Morse Lumber 
Co.; they have three children, — William Murray, 
Arthur Choate and Maud Elizabeth), Levi Edwin 
(married Jane Russell Hopkins ; their children were 
Marie Louise, Charles Russell and Lizzie Crombie. 
He was in the lumber business in Springfield, Mass.. 
and Ogdensburgh, N. Y. He died February 18, 1880). 
Albert C. (deceased). Clarence A. and Charles 0. 
(married Lulu Bemis, and has two children, I reorge 
Bemis and Lilian Cushman. He graduated from 
Tuft's College in 1S77, succeeded bis brother in the 
lumber business and is a member of the J. A. Hoitt 
Company, manufacturing chemists of Nashua). 

Since the marriage of his daughter, Mr. Murray 
has become interested in several financial and busi- 
ness institutions of Burlington, and is now a director 
in the Burlington Shade Roller Co. 

Mr. Murray has always been noticeable for extreme 
urbanity and courteousness of manner, in a com- 
bination, at least unusual, with great force of character 
and unyielding determination in the i'aee of difficulties, 
and as evidence of the regard in which he is held by 
his townsmen, we submit the following extract from 
the Nashua Telegraph, March 13, 1884: 

"A Pleasant Social Gathebins of N ishua's Representative Citi- 
zens.— Spalding's llllll W.IS last ry.-llill- till' Si el.e ill' II very social gath- 
ering and successful surprise, some of tlie i y friends of Mr. 0. D. 

Murray, the former j.i .- i.l.n i ..f tin- Curd ..ml dazed paper Co., seizing 
the occasion of the gentleman's birth-day to preseni Mm with an unex- 
pected testi ial of their regard and esteem, Mr, Murray was d lyed 

to the spot on the pretense that it was desired hi the pr,,priet..r .if the 
hall to dedicate 1 1.. kill ,. ;l i,, i, v a s..]eet party nt "entli-men, and at tin- 
proper time Hon. Is Katun, in l.el.alt'nf (lie -ent lenien, presented .11 r 

Murray with an eh gant and costly gold-headed ebony cane, gracefully 
expressing the sentiments of respect felt for the recipient by the Bixty-six 
11 «ti Murraj i gh completely surprised, responded most fit- 
tingly, and 'brought down the house 1 by his references to the 'first 
families' of the time of Cam and Abel. 

'■The company was then invited to partake ..t" an exe.-ll.-nl hnmpn t 

"It is rarely that a gathering in Nashua has contained so many of its 
most prominent citizens ami old residents." 



JEREMIAH W. WHITE. 

On the head-waters of Suncook River, in the cen- 
tral region of New Hampshire, is the town of Pitts- 
field. It is limited in extent, undulating in surface. 
rich in the quality of its soil. Its earliest settlers were 
sturdi farmers, men and women, who, from infancy, 
had been accustomed to the hardships and privations 
of pioneer life. 

Among these settlers was Josiah White, who, with 
his wile of Scottish origin, in the spring of 177-"), made 
his home on the outskirts of an unbroken forest. His 
son, Jeremiah, succeeded to the homestead. He was 
born March 4, 1775; died December 5, 1848. He is 
still remembered by the older residents of Pittsfield as 
acitizen who was useful, influential and respected. Of 



a >ale and sagacious adviser, his departure left a place 
difficult to fill in the business affairs of the vicinity. 

Jeremiah Wilson White, son of Jeremiah, was 
born in Pittsfield, September 16, 1821. The active 
habits and pure atmosphere of his early life laid the 
foundation of a sound physical constitution. His 
educational advantages during childhood were lim- 
ited to a few months at a distant district school. At 
the age of fifteen he entered Pittsfield Academy, 
under the instruction of James F. Joy (a graduate of 
Dartmouth, and, in later years, well-known as presi- 
dent of the Michigan Central Railroad), 
at the academy two and a half years, M 



Remaining 
White de- 
icrcantile and active 
lose went to Boston 
■ship in a drug-store. 
inticeship was not a 
"t a\ ei -e to toil, and 
tention to his duties 



ci.ieo to prepare niinsen tor 
business life, and for this pu 
and entered upon an apprcnth 
Forty years ago such an appi 
sinecure. But Mr. White was 
by assiduous and systematic ; 
was preparing the way for future success. He also 
commenced the study of medicine, and continued it 
for several years, until he was qualified for profes- 
sional service. 

After the completion of his apprenticeship at Bos- 
ton he engaged as clerk to Luther Angier, postmaster 
and druggist, at Medford, Mass., with the agreement 
that, with proper notice, he could leave to engage in 
business for himself. 

In the summer of 1845, Mr. White, having heard of 
Nashua as a. growing manufacturing town, came 
here, and, after a few hours' inspection of the place, 
hired the stoic which he afterwards occupied for 
nearly thirty years. 

Mr. White, in engaging in trade for himself in 
Nashua, was aware thai a young man and a stranger 
must encounter severe difficulties in entering upon 
mercantile life .Many before him had succumbed to 
the obstacles which he was now to encounter. He 
did not hesitate. Laying out his plan of business, he 
examine. I int.. the most minute details of its manage- 
ment. No man was more thorough and painstaking 
in the discharge of obligations to his customers. His 



206 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



labors often extended far into the night. With these 
habits, added to sound business judgment and fore- 
sight and a rare knowledge of men, the record of the 
business life of Mr. White has been an uninterrupted 

-lire,— ; and it is in this department of consistent and 
persistent eifort that his example is worthy of imita- 
tion. 

In many of the business enterprises of Nashua Mr. 
White has taken an active and, in aome of them, a 
prominent part. 

Engaging in the transportation and sale of coal on 
his arrival, he has always been the leading dealer in 
the trade. 

Alter the close of the war he originated the project 

tve his attention to the construction of the 

,i of Stores on Main Street known as the 

"Merchants' Exchange," retaining tor himself and 

sou the corner store, which he still occupies. 

Early in 1875 he conceived the idea of establishing 
a new national bank, and in tin' April following ob- 
tained a charter. The people of Nashua and vicinity, 
believing in his financial ability, immediately sub- 
scribed for the stock, and elected him president, a 
position he continues to hold to the satisfaction id' the 
stockholders and the advantage of the institution. 

In addition to the presidency of the Second Na- 
tional Hank, Mr. White is now recognized as a saga- 
cious and influential railroad manager. 

Since L876 he has been prominently connected with 
the affairs of the Nashua and Lowell Railroad as a 
director and large stockholder. 

For many years this road had been connected with 
and used by the Boston and Lowell Railroad corpo- 
ration, and, as Mr. White clearly saw, on terms gn ttb 
disadvantageous to the stockholders of the Nashua 
and Lowell Company. The stock had gradually de- 
clined below par. To resist so great ami powerful a 
corporation required pluck and energy. To he suc- 
cessful against such odds demanded a leader daring, 
prompt and aggressive. Mr. White was the man for 
the emergency. How well his measures succeeded is 
realized not only by every stockholder, but in all 
railroad circles throughout New England. 

lie is also a large owner and director in the Nashua 
Card and Glazed Paper Company, and a leading 
stockholder in the White Mountain Freezer Com- 
pany, of this city. 

In the transaction of business Mr. White is not 
only methodical, but positive. He reaches his con- 
clusions quickly, and acts upon them with the utmost 
directness. Having decided upon a measure, he en- 
gages in it with all his might, bending all his efforts 
to make sure of the desired end. Selecting ! 
hi' accomplishes the whole work while many would 
he halting to determine whether the project was feasi- 
ble. A man of so pronounced opinions and prompt 
action naturally makes some enemies; hut he has no 
opponents who do not accord to him the credit of an 
open and honorable warfare. In a word, he is essen- 



tially a liusincss man in the full sense of that term, 
not only in occupation, hut in taste and aptitude; he 
is a representative of that class of American citizens 
who have won a world-wide reputation for practical 
sagacity, enterprise and thrift. 

Mr. White is in no sense of the word a party poli- 
tician. Of Whig antecedents, his first vote was cast 
tor Henry Clay, in 1844, for President. 

Before leaving his native town his liberal tenden- 
cies had been quickened by witnessing the unwar- 
ranted arrest, in the pulpit, of Rev. George Storrs, who 

was about to deliver the first anti-slavery lecture in 
Pittsfield. The event justly occasioned an unusual 
excitement, and was the beginning of that agitation 
which reached every town and hamlet in the Union. 

Since the organization of the Republican party, 
Mr. White ha- supported it in all national issues ; but 
is one of the independent thinkers who does not hesi- 
tate to exercise "the divine right of bolting " when 
unfit men are put in nomination. 

In the wintei of 1861, Mr. White and his family 
left on a southern trip, and reached Charleston, S. ('., 
the last of February, not long after the United States 
troops, under Major Anderson, were shut up in Fort 
Sumter by the rebel forces. 

Mr. White had letters of introduction to several 
citizens of the city high in authority, who received 
him kindly, and, learning that he was a business 
man and not a politician, were anxious to learn from 
him the state of feeling among the business men and 
middle class of citizens at the North. While the 
statements of Mr. White were far from gratifying, 
they continued their friendly relations. Previous!} 
he had written to his friend, Captain John G. Foster, 

second in t iiuand at Fort Sumter, of his intended 

tarry at Charleston. 

Desirous of an interview with him, he applied to 
lie i 'oni, derate authorities at Fort Sumter for a pass; 
it was granted him, — a privilege not allowed to any 
other civilian during the siege. On the following 
day, March 5th, he went on the steamer "Clinch " to 
Fort Johnson, to which point Major Anderson was 
allowed to send hi- boat under a flag of truce, for the 
daily mail. Here a new obstacle was encountered, 
for the boat was forbidden by Major Anderson to 
bring any person to the fort; hut, with the restriction 
that he should remain outside with the boat till Cap- 
tain Foster could be notified, he was permitted to go. 
The interview was a great surprise as well as gratifi- 
cation. 

Leaching Washington before the bombardment of 
Fort Sumter and the beginning of hostilities, Mr. 
White was taken to the War Department and inter- 
viewed by General Scott as to the determination and 
strength of the Confederate force at Charleston. Mr. 
White thought it would require a force of ten thousand 
men to relieve Fort Sumter, and said so. General 
s^cott laughed heartily, and told him that two thou- 
sand men would be amide for the purpose. 




^ /c^9^>^^ 



NASHUA. 



In common with most of the leading men at the 
capitol, General Scott underestimated the pluck and 
strength of the rebels. 

Soon alter, when Jay Cooke was appointed govern- 
ment agent to negotiate the war loans, Mr. White re- 
ceived the appointment of agent for Nashua and vi- 
cinity. 

In 1846, the year after coming to Nashua, Mr. 
White married ( Jaroline ( r., daughter of » laleb Merrill, 
Esq., of Pittstield. The marriage was a happy and 
fortunate one. The young wife was endowed with 
scholarly and refined attainments, qualifying her for 
the enjoyment of social and domestic life. Added to 
this, she possessed a sound and discriminating judg- 
ment, on which her husband could safely rely. No 
transaction of any magnitude was entered upon with- 
out securing her approval. Many of his best and st 

sagacious moves in business were made at her sug- 
gestion. 

Of their two children, the eldest, Caroline Wilson, 
died in infancy. The son, James Wilson White, horn 
June 10, 1849. fell a victim to the prevailing disease 
of this climate, and died in Florida, January 27, 1876. 
Mrs. White, having survived her children, died, sud- 
denly, of apoplexy, in 1880. Her memory is cherished 
by many who knew her worth. 

In April, 1881, Mr. White was married, the second 
time, to Mrs. Ann M. Priti hard, of Bradford, Vt., an 
educated ami accomplished lady and the sister of bis 
first wife. His residence, at the corner of Pearl ami 
Cottage Streets, combines the elements of modesty, 
taste and comfort. 

CORNELIUS VAN NESS DEARBOKN. 1 
As early as 1639, and only nineteen years after the 
landing of the Pilgrims, John Wheelwright, a dissent- 
ing minister from England, was banished from Massa- 
chusetts Bay colony. It is an evidence of the stern 
intolerance id' that day that the only error with which 
he was charged was "inveighing against all that 
walked in a covenant of works, and maintained sanc- 
tification as an evidence of justification," — a charge 
not readily comprehended at the present day. There 
was a minority, including Governor Winthrop, who 
piuie-ied against the sentence, but without avail. Mr. 
Wheelwright, therefore, gathering a company of 
friends, removed from Massachusetts to Exeter, in the 
province of New Hampshire. Among the thirty-live 
persons who signed the compact to form a stable and 
orderly colony is found the name of Godfrey Dear- 
born, the patriarch of the entire Dearborn family in 
this country. 

Forty years before, he was horn in Exeter, England, 
and in 1637 landed at Massachusetts Pay. He lived 
at Exeter ten years, and in 1649 moved to Hampton, 
built a framed house, which is still standing, became 
a large land-holder and town official and died Febru- 



ary 4, 168G. Few men of the early settlers have left 
a family name so widely represented as Godfrey Dear- 
born. His descendants are numerous in every county 
of New Hampshire, and are to be found in everj pan 
of New England. 

It is worthy of note that among the descendants ol 
Godfrej Dearborn tin 1 practice of medicine has been 
a favorite occupation. Benjamin Dearborn, of the 
fifth generation, graduated at Harvard in 1746, and 
entering upon a successful practice at Portsmouth, 
died in his thirtieth year. Levi Dearborn had for 
forfrj years an extensive practice at North Hamilton, 
and died in 1792. Edward Dearborn, horn in 1776, 
was for half a century the medical adviser of the peo- 
ple of Seabrook, and acquired a handsome estate. 
General Henry Dearborn, who gained a national rep- 
utation by his brilliant services in the Revolutionary 
War and as the senior major-general of the United 
States army in the War of 1812, was practicing phy- 
sician in Nottingham when summoned to join the first 
New Hampshire regiment raised in 1775. To-day sev- 
eral of the ablest physicians of the State bear the 
name. 

Toward the middle of the last century the Dearborn 
family had been quite generally distributed through 
Rockingham County. Peter Dearborn, the great- 
grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was born in 
Chester in 1710. Of his children, Josiah, born in 
1751, married Susannah Emerson, the daughter of 
Samuel Emerson, Esq., a substantial Chester tanner, 
wdio was a man of such judgment and integrity that 
he was chosen to till the various town offices of Ches- 
ter and to decide nearly all local controversies beyond 
review or appeal. Young Dearborn learned the trade 
ofa shoemaker, but, on the breaking out of the Revo- 
lutionary War, entered the army as a private, and was 



Joseph Cilley. 

irst as a private 
New York, and 
edition to New- 



stationed at Portsmouth underCol 
Afterward he did honorable servil 
and then as a lieutenant, in North' 
finally closed his enlistment by an 
port, R. I., in 1778, 

Returning from the war, he and his family found a 
new home thirty miles westward, in Weare. It was 
not an unfitting location. With its sixty square miles 
Mill mostly covered with a dense forest of oak, maple, 
and beech, with its uneven surface nowhere rising 
into high hills, it had a strong soil, which, when cul- 
tivated, yielded large crops of hay and grain. It was 
already a growing township, and thirty years later be- 
came one of the four leading fanning towns of the 
State. Here Josiah Dearborn passed his life, raising 
a family of twelve children, ten of whom were sons. 
Samuel, the filth son and father of the subject of this 
sketch, was born in 1702. The district-school system 
was not organized in New Hampshire until 1806, and 
the children of that time had scanty opportunities for 
instruction. Samuel Dearborn and his brothers were 

leaching manh 1, when fanning in the Eastern States 

was depressed by the recent war with England and 



HISTORY OF HILLS BOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



the occurrence of several cold summers. Migration 
westward had commenced, and the Dearborns for a 
time debated the expediency of a removal to the 
Western Reserve. They al length decided to locate 
in Vermont, and, from 181 1 to 1820, five of the broth- 
ers and a sister removed to Corinth, a town in the 
eastern part of Orange County. Here Samuel Dear- 
born settled upon a farm, soon alter married Mis* 
Fanny Brown, of Vershire, whose parents were mi- 
ni, oi I luster. N. II., and here he passed a longand 
useful life. He died December 12, 1871, in theeight- 
ieth year of his age. His wife had died in 1836. Of 
scholarly tastes, he was for many years a teacher of 
winter schools. An active member of .the Free-Will 
Baptist denomination, his religion was a life rather 

than a creed. 

Cornelius Van Ness Dearborn, the son of Samuel 
and Fanny Dearborn, was born in Corinth, Yt., May 
14, 1832. His name was in compliment to the then 
aldest statesman of the State, who had filled the offices 
of Governor and minister to Spain. Cornelius was the 
youngesl but one of seven children. Hi- childhood 
was passed iii a -trictly agricultural community. Cor- 
inth, lying among the foot-hills of the Green Moun- 
tains, is one of the host farming' towns in Eastern Ver- 
mont. Without railway facilities, with scanty water- 
power, its inhaliitantsdepend for a livelih 1 upon the 

products of the soil, from which by industry theygajn 
a substantia] income. Few in Corinth have ever ac- 
cumulated more than what is now regarded as a fair 
competency, and very lew have encountered extreme 
poverty. A more industrious, law-abiding, practically 
sensible people would he difficult to find. 

When four years old young Dearborn met with the 
saddest loss of childhood, — a mother, whose intelli- 
gence, forethought and womanly virtues Qa d been 
the lite and light of the household. He early joined 
his older brothers in the labors of the farm, attending 
the district school lor a lew weeks in summer and ten 
or twelve weeks each winter. 'When fifteen years old 
he attended the spring term of the Corinth Academy, 
and continued at intervals for several terms later. In 
the winter of 1848-49, his seventeenth year not yet 
completed, he taught the school of a neighboring dis- 
trict. Ili> success warranted his continua 
teachei in the vicinitj lor the live following winters. 
Continuing his farm labors in summer, he, in the mean 
time, developed a mechanical capacity in the making 
of farm implements and the erection of buildings, -a 
natural aptitude which has been of great service in 
maturer years. 

Soon after attaining the age of eighteen Mr. Dear- 
born determined to enter upon a course of stud} pre- 
paratory to a professional life. Before leaving Corinth 
he commenced the studj of law with Rodnej Lund, a 
young man who had commenced practice in the vicin- 
ity, [n March, 1854, at the suggestion of his mater- 
nal uncle, Dr. W. W. Brown, he came to Manchester. 
and renewed his law studies in the office of Hon. Isaac 



W. Smith, w ith whom he remained till his admission 
to the bar, in the fall of 1855. 

In December, 1855, he opened an office at Frances- 
town. The town afforded a safe opening for a young 
practitioner, but not one for large profits. There was 
a time, after the close of the War of 1812, when the 

trade of Francestown village exceeded that of any 
other locality in Hillsborough County. But the open- 
ing of the railroad to Nashua, ami soon after to Man- 
chester, entirely changed the centres of trade and bus- 
iness, and left Francestown to become a respectable 
and very quiet village. 

Hitherto Mr. Dearborn, while entertaining positive 
views, had not actively participated in political dis- 
cussion. But the year 1856 witnessed the consolida- 
tion of the anti-slavery sentiment id' the country. It 
had already so far concentrated its strength in New 
Hampshire as to have secured the State government 
and a unanimous reprt seiitat ion in I 'o tigress. The 
nomination of John C. Fremont for President, in the 
summer of that year, ha-tcned the organization of the 
anti-slavery elements of the entire North under the 
name of the Republican party. In common with a 
majority of the intelligent young men of the State, 
Mr. Dearborn entered into this contest with all the 
zeal, vigor and enthusiasm of one w hose action is un- 
trammeled by personal and [.artisan ends. The cam- 
paign which followed was the most brilliant and far- 
reaching in its results of any in the political history 
of the nation. No idea ever agitated the American 
mind to which calculating selfishness was more for- 
eign. Even the great uprising which brought about 
the War of Independence was less free from selfish 
motives. And, though the general result in the Pres- 
idential election of that year was adverse, yet in New 
Hampshire, as in every State north of Pennsylvania, 
the returns clearly showed that the cause of freedom 
had acquired an overruling strength. 

In June, 1857, Mr. Dearborn was united in mar- 
riage with Miss Louie Frances Eaton, daughter of 
Moses W. and Louisa S. Eaton, of Francestown. and 
granddaughter of Dr. Thomas Eaton, a physician of 
long and extensive practice, am! one of the most ex- 
tensive farmers of his time. In 1857 he was elected 
county treasurer, and re-elected in 1858. It was t lie- 
first public position he had held, and its duties were 
satisfactorily discharged. 

In 1858 he removed to Peterborough, occupying the 
office of E. S. Cutter. Esq., who bad recently been ap- 
pointed clerk of the courts for Hillsborough County. 
He resided in Peterborough til! 1865. During this 
time he was in partnership with Charles G. Cheney, 
and afterward with Albert S. Scott, both of whom 
have since died. He represented the town in the 
Legislature in the years 1861 and 1862, being a mem- 
ber of the judiciary committee. 

In the summer of 1865 he removed to Nashua for 
the purpose of continuing the practice of his profes- 
sion. An accidental purchase led to a change of oc- 




^Yzrya,^. M^ <J^A 



CLt, 



^^; 



cupation. The Nashua Telegraph had for many years 
been edited by Albin Beard, a genial, witty and, 
withal, accomplished writer. Under him the Tele- 
graph had acquired a marked local popularity. He 
died in September, 1862. Its present publishers were 
inexperienced writers, and illy qualified to satisfy the 
admirers of its former editor. The Telegraph was 
raj.idly deteriorating in value and influence. The 
senior proprietor inquired of Mr. Dearborn what he 
would give for his half id' the establishment. A some- 
what nominal price was offered, and, much to the sur- 
prise of Mr. Dearborn, was accepted. Ee at once en- 
tered u | ".i i the duties of editor and financial manager. 
Under his direction the Telegraph was rapidly recov- 
ering its patronage and influence, lint at the end of 
two years his health failed, and a change of occupa- 
tion became a necessity. He disposed of his interest 
to the present editor, Hon. < >. C. .Moore, and resumed 
the practice of law. 

[Since his residence at Nashua, Mr. Dearborn has 
cor tributed largely to the improvement of real estate, 
to the erection of improved school buildings and to 
the reconstruction and greater efficiency of the public 
schools. He was appointed register of Probate for 
Hillsborough County in 1868, and held the office till 
1874. 

For several years he was treasurer of the Nashua and 

Lowell Railroad, and is still f the directors. Ill 

his official action he aided largely in sustaining the 
measures which have placed that corporation in the 
front raids of profitable railways. He is also the treas- 
urer of the Underhill Edge-Tool Company, and is at 
this time president of the Board of Education. 

In 1863, while a resident of Peterborough, be was 
appointed by the < rovernor one of the bank commis- 
sioners of New Hampshire. In that capacity he be- 
came acquainted with the extent and peculiarities of 
the financial institutions of the State. In 1864 and 
1865 he actively superintended, in his official capac- 
ity, the converting of the State banks of discount into 
tie national banks of the present system. In March, 
1866, he was appointed examiner of the national 
banks for the State .if New Hampshire, a position 
which he still holds. He is the only person who has 
filled this position since the organization of the na- 
tional banking system. 

In the discharge of the duties of bank examiner, 
official fidelity requires that the investigation shall be 
thorough and exhaustive. That during the past 
eighteen years but a single instance of defalcation has 
occurred resulting in loss among the forty-nine na- 
tional hanks in the State is pretty conclusive evidence 
of a diligent and careful supervision. From the 
length of time be has held the position, be has become 
familiar with the indications of laxity, lenity, negli- 
gence, not to mention recklessness, which mark the 
first steps of danger to a banking institution ; and his 
suggestions and warnings to bank officials have not 
infrequently been of advantage to the public gener- 



ally, as well as to stockholders, where no publicity lias 
been gained through the press or otherwise. 

Personally, Mr. Dearborn is not an ostentatious, ob- 
trusive, aggressive man. He has no fondness for 
newspaper notoriety, no solicitude lest he should bi 
overlooked by the public, and has a special dislike for 
unmeaning titles. I n polities and religion he is lib- 
eral and tolerant, eon ceding to others t hi' utmost free- 
dom of opinion. Attending to his own duties, it is 
not his habit to interfere with tic personal affairs of 
Others. But when attacked without reason or provo- 
cation, no matter what bis pretensions, bis assailant 
will speedily find that he has need of a prudent hus- 
bandry of bis resources. 

Mr. Dearborn is a member of the Congregational 
( Inn eb. His two children are sons. The older, John 
Eaton, born November, 1862, is acquiring a business 
education, and is at this time clerk for his father in 
the office of the Flge-Tool Works. The younger 
George Van Ness, born in August, lMI'.i, is attending 
the public schools. His house is pleasantly situated 
on Main Street, and is one of the desirable resiliences 
in the city. Still in the prime of lite, his many friends 
have no reason to doubt that in the future, as in the 
past, he will be adequate to any responsibility which 
may devolve upon him. 

HORACE W. (1ILMAN. 1 

Horace Way Oilman was born in Unity, N. H., on 
December 6, 1833. He is the younger brother of 
Virgil C. Gilman, a sketch of whose life is given in 
the preceding pages, and hence it is not necessary to 
write of his ancestry and parentage. Removing, 
with his parents, to Lowell, in 1837, he also came with 
them to Nashua in 1844, in the eleventh year of his age. 

For several years his boyhood alternated between 
the cotton-mill and the public school, both of which, 
no doubt, taught him some useful lessons in practical 
life. When fifteen years old be went to West Spring- 
field, Mass., working in the cotton-mill one year, and 
returning to Nashua in 1850. 

In the winter of 1S."»2— ">:>, Mr. < Salman taught a dis- 
trict school in Nashua, in 1853-54 in Hudson and in 
the two winters following in the grammar school at 
Belvidere and at the Harbor, in this city. 

In the mean time, having gained some knowledge 
of the card and paper manufacturing business as a 
workman in the employ of Gage, Murray & Co., in 
1856 he went, with Mr. John Holder, to Albany, 
V 'i .. wh.re the firm of Holder & Gilman started a 
card and paper manufactory, which has since become 
a large ami profitable business in that city. In the 
spring of 1861, Mr. Gilman disposed of his interest, 
and returned to Nashua. In January, 1862, he 
bought a one-fourth interest in the firm of Cage, 
Murray & Co., and was assigned the charge of the 
financial department. 

I By John II. <l L.I. . 



210 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



In 1869, when the Nashua Card and Glazed Paper 
« 'oiii|iaiiy -\v.-i-i organized under a legislative eliarter. 
Mr. Oilman became its treasurer, a position which he 
has held ever since. His attention is still chiefly 
given to the interests of this company. 

In 1872 he became half-owner and treasurer of the 
:, Vallej Paper-Mill, at West Henniker, 
and retained the ml .In 1883 and 1884 

he was director and president of the Underhill Edge- 
Tool Company, is at this time a director and vice- 
president of the Davidson Loan Com]. any, at Wichita, 
Kan., and is also a director of the Second National 
Bank in this city. In a business point of view, it is 
no exaggeration to say that no man in this city has 
shown a larger ability and more uniform success than 
the subject of this sketch. 

Of late years Mr. Oilman has given some time to 
travel, having visited the most of the States and, with 
his family, made the tour of the Southwestern Terri- 
tories and the States of the Pacific coast. 

In his political views Mr. Gilman is a decided 
Republican, but is a business man and not a politi- 
cian. Least of all is he an office-seeker. With an 
ability above that of a majority of the men who have 
been the chief magistrates of this State during the 
past thirty years. Mr. Gilman has never had the 
gubernatorial nor any other political bee in his hat, 
and never will have. He has not. however, shunned 
responsibility in public matters, having served as 
assessor and member of the Board of Education in 
city affairs, and was a member of the last State I !on- 
stitutional Convention. 

In denominational association Mr. Oilman is a 
Methodist; was a delegate in 1866 to the Centennial 
Convention to celebrate the preaching of the first 
Methodist sermon in New England, by Jesse Lee ; in 
1X72 was a delegate to the General Conference at 
Brooklyn, N. Y.; and in 1884 to the centennial of the 
American Methodist Church, held at Baltimore, lit- 
is one of the vice-presidents of the New England 
Educational Society of the denomination, and a vice- 
president of New England Methodist Historical 
Society. Iii the building of the Main Street Church 
and in supporting the interests of the society he has 
been a generous contributor. 

In his domestic relations Mr. Gilman has had his 
usual good fortune. In December, 1854, he married 
Miss AdalineW. Marsh, daughter of Fitch P. Marsh, 
of Hudson. They have two sons. The eldest, Wil- 
liam V., was born November 25, 1856, and is a resi- 
dent of Nashua. He is a director and the paymaster 
of the Nashua Card and Glazed Taper Company. 
The younger, Edward M, was born September 26, 
loti:!, and is associated with his lather as II. W. Gil- 
man & Son, of the eastern agency of the Davidson 
Loan Company, of Kansas. 

A spacious and well-arranged resilience on Prospect 

Street is the home of .Air. Oilman and his family for 

of the year; but for fifteen years they have 



passed the summer at their seaside home, at Cottage 
City, Martha's Vineyard, a well-known resort during 
the warm season. 

VIRGIL C. GILMAN. 

Virgil Chase Oilman was born in Unity, Sullivan 
County, N. 11., May 5, 1827, and was the third of a 
family of eight children born to Emerson and Delia 
(Way) Oilman. 

Emerson Gilman was the oldest son and the first of 
twelve children born to Stephen and Dorothy (( 'lough) 
Oilman, who were married September 5, 1793. This 

1 marriage, he having married Anna 

Hunt i, by whom he had nine children, some of 

whom died in infancy. Stephen Oilman was a native 
of Kingston, and served as a cavalry officer in the War 
of the Revolution. He was a descendant of Moses 
Oilman, who was one of three brothers — Edward, John 

and Mosi who emigrated from Hingham, England, 

early in the sixteenth century. 

In 1.827 it was said: " Edward Oilman's descendants 
are as numerous as the sands on the sea-shore. There 
is hardly a State in the Union where they may not be 
found. The family have been in civil office from the 
time our colony became a royal province to 1 1 
time. John Gilman was one of the first counselors 
named in President Cutts' commission, and died in 
1708. Colonel Peter Gilman was one of the royal 
counselors in 1772. Hon. Nicholas Gilman was coun- 
selor in 1777 and 1778, Hon. John Gilman in 1787, 
while the present venerable John Taylor Gilman 
was fourteen years, eleven in succession, our highly 
re.-peiteil chief magistrate. His brother, Nicholas 
Gilman, was a member of the House of Representa- 
tives in Congress eight years and in the national 
Senate nine years. Our ecclesiastical annals have, 
also, Rev. Nicholas Gilman, Harvard College. 1724, 
and Rev. Tristram Gilman, Harvard College, 1757, 
both respected clergymen and useful men.'' 

These words are quoted in substance from Mr. Lin- 
coln's work. "If he had written forty years later,' 
says the author of "The Gilman Family in England 
and America," "he would have found the family still 
more numerous, and many additions would have been 
made to his list of prominent men bearing the Oilman 
name. The family of Gilmans is not one furnishing 
a few brilliant exceptions in a long list of common- 
plaee names. Its members appear generally to have 
1.. en remarkable for the quiet home virtues, and 

rather to have desired to be g 1 citizens than men 

of great name. To an eminent degree they appear to 
have obtained the esteem and respect of those nearest 
to them for sound judgment and sterling traits of 
character." 

Emerson Gilman followed the trade of clothier until 
the introduction of machinery supplanted the hand 
process, when he, after pursuing the business of farmer 
for a few years, removed to Lowell, Mass., in 1837, 
relying upon his strong and willing hands to find 




1 



£,. ir/, 



//f r/ / / 




AXhi^vWy 



211 



support for his largo family and give his children the 
advantages of education which that city signally 
afforded. 

The subject of this sketch was then ten years old, 
and made fair progress through the several grades to 
the High School, with which his school-days ended. 
He removed to Nashua in 1843, but it was not until 
1851 that he ente,-,, 1 business on his own behalf, at 
which time he became associated with Messrs. Gage 
& .Murray for the manufacture of printers' cards of 
all the various kinds, also fancy-colored, embossed 
and marble papers, a new business in this country at 
that time, which business he followed successfully for 
twenty-one years, and until his close and unremitting 
application made it necessary for him to relinquish it 
for a more active out-door employment. Following 
a natural love for rural affairs, he was not long in 
possessing himself of a hundred-acre farm, in the 
south part of the city, upon the Lowell road, which 
he greatly improved, and indulged to some extent in 
the usually expensive luxury of breeding Jersey cat- 
tle, trotting-horses and Plymouth Rock fowls. He 
claims to have bred the finest and fastest- gaited horse 
ever raised in New Hampshire. Meantime, having 
realized the object sought, greatly improved health, 
and the office of treasurer of the Nashua Savings- Hank 
becoming vacant by the resignation of Dr. E. Spald- 
ing, in 187(i, he was elected to till the vacancy, and 
still continues in this responsible position, with nearly 
two and a half millions of deposits committed to his 
watchful care and secure investment. 

Never coveting office, still he has rarely refused to 
perform his full share of duty in the various depart- 
ments of labor and responsibility incident to city 
affairs, from ward clerk to the mayor's (hair, serving 
also as assessor, member of the Hoard of Education, 
and is now trustee of the Public Library, also its sec- 
retary and treasurer. To him Dartmouth College is 
indebted for the Oilman scholarship, and the board 
of trustees of the Orphans' Home at Franklin finds 
in him an interested member. He is identified with 
the mechanical industries of the city, having a large 
interest in the Nashua Iron and Steel Company, and 
being its local director; also an owner and director in 
the Underhill Edge-Tool Company and Amoskeag 
Axe Company; also a director in the Indian Head 
National Bank. 

In military affairs actively he is unknown, his ser- 
vice having commenced and ended with the Gover- 
nor's Horse-Guards, enlisting as private in Company 
B and ending as major of (he battalion. His interest, 
however, is kept alive by honorary membership of 
City Guards and Foster Rifles of his adopted city. 

His strong love for agricultural affairs led him to 
take an interest in our New Hampshire Agricultural 
Society, of whose board of trustees he was formerly a 
member, also one of the trustees of the New England 
Agricultural Society. 

He was a member of the Legislature of 1S79, serv- 



ing as chairman of committee on banks and taking a 
deep interest in the work of that session, and espe- 
cially zealous in opposition to the taxation of church 
property. In 1883 he was the Republican Senator 
from the Nashua district, and was honored by the 
chairmanship of the leading committee of tin ■ Senate, 
the judiciary, no member of the legal profession hold- 
ing a seal in that body at that time. How well he 

discharged the duties of this res] sible position those 

can testify who had business with the committee, or 
those who witnessed his unremitting application and 
conscientious decisions. 

Denominationally, he is a Congregationalism and a 
communicant with the First Church, that was organ- 
ized in 1685. An interest in its prosperity has in- 
duced him to serve as director of the society connected 
therewith many years, and of which he is now presi- 
dent, and treasurer of the Sabbath-school connected. 
It will thus be seen that the subject of this sketch 
fills many positions of responsibility and usefulness, 
which bring no pecuniary reward, without ostenta- 
tion, and no foul breath tarnishes his fair record. 

Our State has among its many honored sons few 
whose energy, integrity and discretion have won suc- 
cess in so many directions, and none who command 
more universal respect among all classes. In business, 
politics and social and religious circles he has been 
and is a leader, whose triumphs shed their blessings 
far and wide. Few have done so much for Nashua. 
No one deserves better of the State. 

In 1850 he married Sarah Louisa, daughter of Gid- 
eon Newcomb, Esq., of Roxbury, by whom he had 
two children.— Harriet Louise, who married Charles 
W. Hoitt, an attorney-at-law in Nashua, and Alfred 
Emerson, who did not attain his second birth-day. 

HON. ARCHIBALD II. DUNLAP. 

One of the best elements of our American civilization 
is the Scotch-Irish. Possessed of clear, cool-headed 
common sense, industry, integrity, and remarkably 
successful in all the varied branches of financial, 
business and legislative action, the descendants of 
the old Londonderry stock have held conspicuous and 
trustworthy positions, the duties of which have al- 
most universally been discharged in a manner show- 
ing the clearest knowledge of these varied duties, and 
a determination to fulfill these responsibilities with 
honesty and fidelity. Not officious, nor loudly self- 
asserting, they quietly bring to their labors a faith- 
fulness and energy that surely accomplishes their 
end. 

lion. Archibald Harris Dunlap, son of John and 
Jennie I Nesmith) Dunlap, was bom in North Branch 
village, Antrim, September 2, 1817. He is of the 
fourth generation in direct descent from the emigrant 
Archibald Dunlap, who came from the Scotch settle- 
ment in Ireland, and located in Chester, N. H., about 
the year 1740. The line is Archibald 1 , Major John*, 
John 3 , Archibald H/ 1 



212 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Archibald 1 married .Martha Neal, of Chester. She 
was of Scotch an :estry, and her lather. Josepi Seal 
was among the Presbyterians who petitioned the 
Legislature, in 1736, to be freed from paying a 
Becond tax to support a Congregational minister. 
The third child of Archibald was Major John Dun- 
lap, of Revolutionary memory. lie was Worn in 
Chester in 174i'.. married Martha Gilmore, settled in 
Bedford, owned and carried on a large farm, was 
also a manufacturer of furniture, and his industry 
and energy were rewarded with financial success. As 
a military man he was well known in his day. and 
his hospitality and liberality were shown by Lis en- 
tertaining on one occasion his entire regiment. His 
son John inherited his lather'- business character- 
istics, and early left Chester, went to Antrim, and 
made his home al the North Branch village oi thai 
town. He married, June 26, 1807, Jennie, daughter of 
Deacon Jonathan Nesmith, of Antrim. He was in the 
cabinet-making business tor many year-, and was prob- 
ably the first to introduce the manufacture of knit 
underclothing in this State, and also made looms 
for that purpose. This was about the year 1812, and 
was deemed a great curiosity. In 1835 In- erected 
a factory in South Antrim (now known as He Silk- 
Factory). His busy life closed December L5, L869, at 
the advanced age of eighty-five. 

Archibald 11. Dunlap, while yet a lad of thirteen, 
showed that he had inherited the Scotch zeal and 
powers of endurance; he, with his elder brother, 
Robert, left home at early morning with a bundle in 
one hand and a stall' in the other, to walk to Nashua, 
a distance of thirty-live miles, which place they 
reached late in the afternoon. The next day, Satur- 
day, Archibald passed in looking over the town, and 
hi- first Sabbath he attended the church of which 
Rev. Mr. Nott was pastor. "That day be cast his 
anchor in with that people, and it has held ever 

since," 

Ai thistime, 1831, the Nashua Manufacturing Com- 
pany and the Indian Head Company were completing 
cotton-mills, and on Monday, the third day after his 
arrival, Archibald was engaged by Ziba liay, manu- 
facturer of machinery, to work for him through 
the summer. In the fall he entered Franklin Acad- 
emy, then under charge of Professor Benjamin M. 
Tyler, remaining until spring. Returning to Nashua, 
he was employed by the Nashua Manufacturing Com- 
pany for over two years, when, being disabled from 
active labor, he attended Francestown Academj for 
a term, ami one term at Antrim, finishing his school 
education. 

And now, after this varied experience of work and 
study, of large stature, sound in mind, fearless, in- 
dependent, upright, industrious and persevering, 
all of which attributes promise success, Archibald 
makes Nashua his home, and at the age of twenty 
was an overseer of the Indian Head Mills, which 
position lie occupied until 1S47. when failing health 



obliged him to relinquish it. The next two years 
be passed in business in Franklin, N. II., and in 
L849 be removed to Nashua, of which place he has 
since been a resident, and commenced the garden 
seed business, in which he has been very successful, 
and " Dunlap's Garden Seeds" are known all over 

the land. The business is now conducted by A. 11. 
Dunlap & Sons. 

Mr. Dunlap married, Lugust 1l', 1841, Lucy Jane, 
daughter of Josiah Fogg, of Exeter, N. IF, and 
granddaughter id' Major Jo-lab Foe-. Major Fogg 
came from Hampton in 1752, and set led in that part 
of Chester which, in 1764, was set off as the town of 
Raymond. He was a very prominent man In< hester, 
paid the highest "parish, State and war tax" in 
Raymond in 1777. and rendered great service in the 
Revolution. The Fogg family can trace their ances- 
try back in England and Wale- to the year 1112. 
1 be first American ancestor was Samuel Fogg, who 
came to Hampton in 1638. The family is an abb 
one, and it- members have been distinguished in 
various ways. William Perry Fogg (Mrs. Dunlap's 
brother) is a writer and traveler of some note; au- 
thor of " Arabistan," " Round the World Letters,'' 
etc. The children of Archibald 11. and Lucy J. 
(Fogg) Dunlap are James IF, Georgie A., John P. 
(deceased), Abbie J. and Charles H. 

Mr. Dunlap has the confidence and esteem of the 
people of Nashua, as shown by the many trusts com- 
mitted to him and i lie offices he has held in the city 
government. In 1858 he was elected railroad com- 
missioner of the State for three years. lu 1864 he 
wa- chosen oue of the Presidential electors for New 
Hampshire, and had the honor of casting one of the 
electoral votes for Abraham Lincoln. He repre- 
sented Nashua in the State Legislature in 1869-70. 
He is oue of the directors of the Nashua and 
Rochester Railroad, and is a trustee of the New 
Hampshire Ranking Company. 

He has always been interested in whatever per- 
tained to the welfare and improvement of his native 
town, and at her centennial, in 1877, his address was 
very able and appropriate. He also generously aided 
with his time and money in the preparation of the 
recently-published " History of Antrim." From the 
terraces of the grounds of his pleasant home Mr. Dun- 
lap can view Mount Monadnock and its surrounding 
hills, which often were gazed upon by him with ad- 
miration while a mere lad in his native town. In his 
religious views Mr. Dunlap i- a ( 'migrcgatioiialist, 
and he wa- deacon in the < Hive Street Church (where 
he attended service Ids first Sabbath in Nashua, poor 
and a stranger) from 1855 till its recent union with 
the Pearl Street Church; was then chosen deacon in 
the United, or Pilgrim Church, and is now the oldest 
deacon, and was chairman of their building commit- 
tee in the erection of the new and stately edifice of 
1881. Politically, he is a Republican. 

Mr. Dunlap is one of the best types of a self- 




-fc?> rftiTUTTlAAl 



NASHUA. 



made man, 

1 1 

many friends. In his public life h 

a faithful 

1 ientious in hi 

oj thy repre- 

I HE HOfl w:i- 

The name of Howard i- another form 

Bed v. ith the most brilliant 
Achievements in various departments of knightly and 
honorable I one of tin- 

proudest families in that fair land. IVi 
following early tra 

from "Burke's Heraldic R< I Dgiish work. 

valuable for it- learning, r< 
a standard authority in family b 

In the malt; J j r* . 

clue t>i tilt; f.m 

Sir Robert Howard, Kni 

daughter of Philip the II 

grandeur or the Houae of Norfolk ; but the brilliant halo which en- 
met 'if II.- HUH |or tO Hi" liep.it: 
achievement- l 
B 

. 

Who ban 

And bin (he Bani't immortal 

■ ■ ! : • ' ■ . I 



■- i good anil 

'■he heart 111 

■ 



3tor 'it this line 
niel Howard, who emigrated from Suffolk, 
'ngland, to i wa8 made 

a freeman in I'M.!. The nam 

Ha ard, Haward, Hi 
Two of Nathaniel'* Charlestown. Wil- 

liam was a weaver, born in England, and at tin- May 
meeting, 1656, of the propr 
admitted as an inhabitant, '-tin- people ni 



11(1 : 

Viiliani. I soon followed bin, 

. children, 
m Nathaniel and Ja© i i 

down to seven itti nded " iib 

great difficulty, and 

of Chclms- 
thc father 

turd ; lint as he m 

sidi . Wi si 

ni offices, 
il there. 
.i farm, r and patriot, and whi n 

ii tin; demand was 

I, and was 

among tin ition." lit; 

removed fro I ndeborough, N. H. 

lie had ifn childn a 

I Abigail, Rachel ami Sybil. 

d in Hebron, N. Y., Samuel in I 
ough, Joneph in Wilton, Jacob in Milford. 
John ami Benjamin were gallant soldiers in the War of 
1 312, .It, lm and Benjamin dying in 
married a Hutchinson, of Milford ; Abigail married 
a Mr. Blai I in Albany, N. Y. ; Rachel 

i.il died young. 
Joseph Howard was born June ]'■>, I7!i_'. He i 
daughter of William Pettengil] 

the Revolutionary 
arm;..; .Mi i,.,rn April 26, I 

children of Joseph Howard i i / 
(bornJulj i 
died June 6, 1876), Adelii 27, 1834) 

mber 13, 1839. Adeline and Hannah are 
children of a second wife, Abiah Parker. 

Wilton. V, n the ages 

of nine and eleven, he drove a team between Wilton 
and Nashua. About this time his mother died, and 
■ N. II., where he remained until 

- 'Hi a farm. He 
then bought his time of his father for fifty dollars, 
iced himself toa carpenter for I 
thirty dollars for the first year, forty dol- 
lars for the second and twenty dollars per month i'<r 
ion thai heshould 

worked at his trade in Lowell and Cambridge 
then, his father being ill, he went to Wilton, and re- 
mained with him until his death, which soon alter 
occurred. Washington - 
residence for a year and a half; then he ■• 



214 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Rochester, N. Y., and worked on the large flouring- 
mills; returned to Temple in 1842, and forashort time 
was employed on the Congregational Church; then he 
removed to Washington, and, in connection with his 
carpentering business, he made card-boards for manu- 
facturers. He was diligent and prudent, and from 
bard-earned savings was able to ereel a sel of build- 
ings. January 24, 1844. he married Mary Trow, 
daughter of Levi and Betsy (Averill) Trow. She was 
born :ii Mont Vernon, July 22, 1818. Their children 
were Joseph W. and Mary H. (born November 22, 
1844) and Martha J. (bom January 29, 1847>. Mary 
II. married, January 1, 1863, Charles II. French : -In- 
died August 30, 1869, leaving one daughter, Mary II. 
Martha J. resides with her parents. 

In L846, Mr. Howard, with his brother, Joseph A., 
purchased the business of manufacturing card-boards, 
which they carried on successfully for live year,-, when 
Joseph retired, and Mr. Howard continued the bus- 
iness until 1869 (with the exception of two years and 
a half . At this time Mr. Howard, with the keen 
foresight and good judgment which have largely con- 
tributed to his financial success, saw the future possi- 
bilities and capabilities of the business, and enlarged 
his facilities to meet the demand, and controlled the 
manufacturing, and after a while was for some years 
the sole manufacturer in the United States. The 
business was prosperous. In 1869, Mr. Howard moved 
to Nashua, w here he has since resided. He purchased 
a half-interest in the flour and grain business of Mc 
Questen & Co.. ami is still connected with the firm. 

Mr. Howard was formerly a Free-Soil Democrat, 
but has affiliated with the Republican party since 
1856, and as a member of that party represented 
Washington in the State Legislature of 1867-68, 
serving both terms on committees of railroads. This 
town being largely Democratic, his election showed a 
very great personal popularity #nd also great confi- 
dence in his ability. During his residence in Nashua 
(1871) he has I 'ecu a member of the Common I ouncil 
of the city, serving on several important committees. 
He has never aspired to positions of responsibility, 
but, when placed in them, has discharged their duties 
fearlessly, faithfully ami conscientiously. Loyal to 
the core, be took an active part in securing substitutes 
to till the quota of Washington in our greal Civil 
War, and in erecting the soldiers' monument. Com- 
pelled to battle with life at an age when one most 
needs the care of a mother and home comforts, Mr. 
Howard's course has been steadily upward, and by his 
own unaided exertions he has won wealth and honor- 
aide position in society and the esteem of a large 
circle of friends. 

Joseph \YontU,iirij llv-iinl, s I' Ezra 1'. ami Mary 

(Trow) Howard, came to Nashua in L868, and engaged 
in the furniture trade with E. P. Brown. His father 
.afterward purchased the interest of Mr. Brown, and 
organized the firm <>f Howard & Copp, which, after 
live years' time, was changed to Howard & Co. In 



1880, F. P. Howard sold hi- int. rest to his son-in-law, 
Charles ]I. French, who, with Joseph W. Howard, now 
constitutes the firm of Howard & Co. They com- 
menced the manufacture of furniture in 1880, erect- 
ing tin- factor) the same year. The business has in- 
creased rapidly. With characteristic New England 
enterprise, they have developed the small and uncer- 
tain commencement into a large and flourishing estab- 
lishment, doing a large wholesale and retail business- 
.1. W. Howard is a young man of energetic business 
qualities and genial social disposition, which have 
made him well and most favorably known in this 
community and financial quarters. He has been 
councilman and alderman of Nashua. N. H., and he 
received the unanimous nomination, in 1882, of the 
Republican party for the mayoralty, but declined. 
He is serving the third term on the School Board. 

He married, August 27, 1868, Nancy J. Hasselton, 
.d' Wilton. They have three children, — Charles W., 
Frank B. and Mary H. 

REUBEN GODFREY. 

Reuben Godfrey, son of Joseph ami Sarah (Dear- 
born) Codfrey. was born at South Hampton, N. H., 
September i, 1816. He was a descendant of an early 

New England family id' g 1 repute in colonial days, 

as well as in later years. He was fifth in a family of 
six children, and early in life learned how to labor. 
When aboul fifteen he went to Meredith, where his 
stay was short, for, about the same age, he made his 
advent in Nashua, a runaway lad, his personal effects 
in a small bundle in his hand, and his entire cash capi- 
tal comprising seventy-five cents. This was Reuben 
Godfrey as he appeared one day to his sister, Mrs. 
Fisk, after a walk from Sanbornton. The young 
wanderer was kindly received ; Captain Daniel Fisk, 
his brother-in-law, furnished him employment on his 
farm, and, after a time, he added to the little stock of 
school knowledge already possessed by attending the 
public schools. He soon was engaged in driving a 
milk-cart, and in a short time became the owner of 
the business. This was in 1836, when he was only 
twenty year- old. From this period until his death. 
February 27, 1880, Mr. Godfrey was an active partici- 
pant in the business enterprises of Nashua, an ener- 
getic, successful worker in various spheres, and a pros- 
perous, public-spirited citizen. He engaged in the 
livery business, and had several team- employed in 
- i i gave his most especial attention to quar- 
rying stone and stone masonry, taking many contracts 
for various kinds of stone-work. This arduous labor 
he followed until 1854, with very substantial financial 
success. He then purchased a farm a short distance 
below Nashua, where he resided five years, carrying 
on with his farm an extensive lumbering business, a 
member of the firm of Wright, Roby & Co. His con- 
nection with this company lasted several years, and 
he was in this field handsomely rewarded for his 
labors, shrewdness and ability. Of an active tempera- 



,| ;»j»1 , 







' erzJ/i^u 



inent and not at all disposed to idleness, he next 
engaged in the ice business in Nashua, and also in 
other branches of commercial activity, These he 
carried <>n in the same skillful manner until 1870, 
when he retired from active labor and connection 
wit li business with a competency. 

He married, December 3, L846, Mary A.., daughter 
of Benjamin A. and Sarah \V. (Gilson) Davis. They 
had three children, — Ellen E. (died young), Man 
Frances and < lharles J. (deceased I. 

In early life Mr. Godfrey was an Old-Line Whig of 
the stanchest order. After the death of that party he 
did not take the same active interest in polities 
which characterized his previous days, but in a quiet 
way supported the Republican party by his vote and 
otherwise. In the various official relations the suf- 
frages of the people entrusted to him he was ever the 
faithful, honest public officer, performing his duties 
with the integrity and accuracy manifested in his 
private affairs. He served the city many years as 
assessor and tax collector with great efficiency. He 
was a member (if the Board of Health and for a long 
period an overseer of the poor, for which position he 
was especially qualified, lie was a strong, positive 
man, to whom action was a necessity of life. Of 
cheerful and brisk nature, he easily won and retained 
friends and was popular, lie was very liberal both 
to the church and to the poor, particularly remem- 
bering the latter with seasonable gilts at Thanks- 
giving, Christmas and like occasions. His judgment 
of men and things was of more than ordinary power, 
and his services were in great demand as appraiser, 
in settling estates and as guardian tor minors, etc. 
During the last years of his life he was in charge id' 
the estate of Colonel L. G. Noyes. Congregational 
in religious belief, he was a regular attendant and 
supporter of the Pearl Street Church. 

ELLIOT WHITFORD AND JAMES H. HALL. 

Elliot Whitford, son of William and Lucy (Hale) 
Whitford, was born in Hillsborough, X. H., October 

11, 1809. His father, born in Salem, Mass., August 
19, 1773, was in youth a shoemaker, who, after his 
marriage, October 28, 1798, to Lucy Dale (who was 
born in Beverly, Mass., March 20, 1778), settled in 
Hillsborough, N. H., where he purchased ;i farm, 
lived many years and died January 30, 1838. His 
wife survived him, dying May 17, 1855. Elliot had 
only the meagre school education conferred by the 
common schools of his boyhood, but he acquired 

sufficient knowledge to lay the foundation of a g 1 

practical business education by dint of perseverance 
and the force of circumstances. He left home when 
seventeen years old and worked at farming in Massa- 
chusetts during the summer, attending school in the 
winter. He worked for his father until he was twentj 
years of age, then started in life for himself, and for 
eight years became a farm laborer, working bj tic 
month. He was now in a good school for the acqui- 



sition of the practicality, ingenuity, diligence and 

economy which have served to build up the comfort- 
able home wherein he is passing his retired life. Mr. 



Whitford came to Nashua in 1*38, ami, 



unpany 



with his brother, George I>.. purchased the farm of 

two hundred aires which is now his residence. This 
being distant from the highway, they petitioned the 
selectmen lor a mad; but the petition not being 
granted, they appealed to the county commissioners, 
and the road was laid out. Mr. Whitford and his 
brother repaired the house, built the barn, bought, a 
milk route, and, up the present time, the farm has been 
kept as a milk farm. The land at that time was in a 
low state of cultivation, yielding only twelve tons of 
English hay, but by good culture was made to pro- 
duce as high as eighty tons. 

Mr. Whitford and bis brother were together for ten 
year.-. lie then purchased his brother's interest, and 
bought a market and was in the butchering business 
for a number of years. Active and energetic, in con- 
neeiion with his ot her pursuits, he became quite an 
extensive dealer in agricultural implements, and when 
the mowing-machines were introduced, he was ap- 
pointed agent, and increased the first, year's sales of 
two or three to fifty in one year. Having a water 
privilege on his land, .Air. Whitford determined to 
mil finding the estimated cost of a wooden 
dam to be two thousand dollars, he, with his charac- 
teristic preference for solidity, began, in August, is;;;, 
the building of a cemented stone dam, which, when 
completed, was one hundred and forty feet in length, 
twenty-four feet thick and from five to twenty-seven 
feet in height. Here he erected a saw and grist-mill, 
putting in also stave and kit -machines, cutting-off saw 
and an edger. This mill has been in operation con- 
tinuously since, except in lime of low water. Mr. 
Whitford has taken hold of local improvements and 
public matters with the same energy and enterprise 
shown in his private affairs. Whig and Republican 
in politics, he has tilled various official positions with 
acceptance. He wasselectman for many years, elected 
the first time in 1841, the third year of his residence, 
and held that office when the town was divided, the 
town-house built and when the towns were united in the 
ii t \ oi Nashua. He has heen assessor, street commis- 
sioner, alderman and was a representative for Nashua 
in i he Male Legislature. Although si run- and robust, 
of late years he has been debarred from I he activities 
of life by an affection of the eyes, which has deprived 
him of sight. He has been an active member of the 
Order of Patrons of Husbandry, was a charter mem- 
ber of Nashua Grange, No. 13, and presiding officer 
of the same for two years. He is a Congregationalist 
in religious belief and a member of Pilgrim Church. 

Mr. Whitford married, November 26, 1840, Eliza- 
beth, daughter of Abel and Hannah F. (Hunniwcll) 
Bowman. Their children were Alfred J. (deceased), 
Josephine E. (deceased), Frederick E. (deceased); 
Frederick left one child, (Lizzie Maria) and Ann, 



2 it; 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Maria K. She married James H.Hall, and has had 
tour children,— Susibell W.. Webb F... James E. and 
Annie May (died, aged six months). 

James Horace Hall, son of Joshua Hall, Jr., and 
Sarah F. Whitney, his wife, was born in Pepperell, 
Mass., Novi mb i 20 IM2. His father died when 
James was about two years of age, and when but six 
years old he was "putout" among stran 
from that time has made his own way in life. When 
eighteen lie moved to North Chelmsford, Mass., to 
loam the machinist's trade, where, at the commence- 
ment of the great Civil War, he was engaged. He 
then enlisted in Company F, Third Regiment New 
Hampshire Volunteers, and was with his regiment in 
three long years of active service and numerous 
bloody engagements. lie participated in those ol 
Hilton Head, Drury's Bluff, Morris Island, siege and 
taking of Fort Wagner, Fort Fisher and Wilmington, 
siege of Petersburg, some of these being among the 
most sharply-contested battles of the war, with great 
losses yet, singularly enough, neither Mr. Hall nor 
his brother, Charles 'J'., who served with him and was 
his tent-mate, ever received a wound, although their 
clothes were often cut with bullets. Mr. Hall was in 
Wilmington, N. C, when the news came of Lee's sur- 
render and the consequent near return of peace. He 
was mustered ,,nt of the United States service in 
June, 1865, accompanied his regiment to New Hamp- 
shire, and in the following August was discharged 
honorably from the State service at Concord. 

Returning to Chelmsford and finishing his trade, 
Mr. Hall was employed until 1868 as machinist at 
Worcester and Providence. He then removed to 
Milford, N. II.. and fora time carried on a machine- 
shop. Coming then to Nashua, which has since been 
his home, he was for ten years an employ.' of the 
Nashua Card and Glazed Paper Company. He married 
Anna M. Whitford, January 18, 1876, and became a 
farmer on Mr. Whitford's place in 1881. He is a 
if the Baptist Church of Hudson ; is Republi- 
can in politics; has been a Freemason since 1866, is a 
Sir Knight, and has taken the thirty-second degrei ; 
an odd-Fellow since 1868, belongs to the Encamp- 
ment, lie is a steady, industrious citizen, — one who 
has proven the highest title to that name by his 
active service for three long years in his country's 
defense. 



en LKLES LUND. 

Among the old families and of those who did 
go..d service in the earlj days of Old Dunstable, 
in defending her against the Indians, should be 

menti d the Lund family. The first emigrant 

bearing the name was Thomas Lund, merchant, 
l\ h i i mi from London, England, in 1646. to l'..-i hi. 
with power from certain citizens in London to collect 
debts. One of the first settlers of Dunstable was 
Thomas Lund, born about 1660, probably a son of 
the Thomas above mentioned. His children were 



Thomas (1682 , Elizabeth (1684) and William I 1686). 
He was aselectman and a worthy citizen. Thomas 3 
was a soldier ; serve. 1 under command of Lieutenant 
Jabez Fairbanks, of Groton, on garrison duty. On 
the evening of September 1, 1724, a partj of about 
sevent) French Mohawks made an attack on Dun- 
stable and took two men prisoners; the next morning 
Lieutenant French, with fourteen men, among them 
Thomas Fund, went in pursuit; but he, with half his 
men, were killed. The bodies were found and were 
buried in one grave. The place of their interment 
was the ancient burial-ground near the State line. 
The inscription was as follows: '01011101110 Mori, 
Here lies the body of Mr. Thomas Lund, who de- 
parted this life September 5, 1724. in the 42d year of 
his age. This man. with seven more that lies in this 
gravi . was -lew all in a .lay by the Indians" Some 
time during this year William, brother of Thomas, 
was taken prisoner by the Indians, carried into cap- 
tivity, where he suffered great hardships, and was 
obliged to pay a large' price for his ransom. Thus, 
the Lund family have been important factors, as well 
as actors, in the early days of Nashua. Thomas had 
children— Thomas (1712), Elizabeth (1715), William 
(1717), Ephraim (1720) and Phinehas (1723). 

Thomas (1712) was a deacon in the church, married 

Mary . and died February 4. 1790. Thomas, 

on of Deacon Thomas and Mary Lund, was born in 
Nashua March 12. 17."'.>. From the time 1 
seven years old he supported himself. He bei 
farmer ; but, having also a natural aptitude f< 
chanies, he made carts and wagons, and the nouse 
where hi- grands .11. 1 diaries, now resides was mostly 
built by his own hands. He was an industrious, 
energetic worker, and from his savings was enabled 
to buy the farm, where he resided many years. He 
married Sarah Whitney. Their children were Han- 
nah. John, Thomas, Isaac. Oliver, Sarah, Huldah 
ami Noah. Mr. Lund died at the age of eighty. 

Oliver, son of Thomas and Sarah (Whitney) Lund, 
was born April 8, 177V; married, April 17. 1814, 
Orpah, daughter of William Danforth. She was 
bom January 2. 1788. Their children attaining ma- 
turity were Gei ll"ge ileeea-ed I, I Irpall (d 

Laura (Mrs. John A. Foster), Charles, Sabra (Mrs. E. 
P. Parkei ) and Handel (deceased I. 

1 (liver pa-sed his early life on the farm, and after- 
wards, for several years, was captain of the packet- 
boat running on Middlesex Canal from Boston to 
He was an active man, held various 
town offices, was a member of the First I 
tionalisl Church of Nashua, and a good type and 

worthy descendant of the pi jers of Nashua. He 

died December 21, 1866. His wife survived him, 
dying in March. 1867. 

Charles Fund, son of Oliver and Orpah (Danforth) 
Lund, was born November 8, 1821 ; married, May 8, 
is 16. Eliza, daughter of Samuel G. and Betsey 
(Davis) Stevens. (Mr. Stevens was ;• son of David 




Qj^MfU^t, diaxJ/cW-' 



X \SIII A. 



217 



Stevens, a residenl of Bedford, N. H., and was born in 
L797 ; was a carpenter. Ee came from Goffstown to 

Nashua, ami resided there forty years; he then reiiiov ed 
to Weare and afterwards to Derry, where he now 
lives, aged eighty-seven years. Hi' assisted in the 
erection of the first buildings of tie Nashua Manu- 
facturing Company.) The children of Charles and 
Eliza (Stevens) Lund are Eliza Ann (married Joshua 
W. Hunt, and has three children,— Alma F., Wil- 
liam E. and Charles L.), Charles II. (a dealer in 
milk), Alma L. and Marcus 0. The last three reside 
with their parents. Mr. Lund's early education was 
that of the district schools. He became a farmer 
and remained al home, ami after his father gave up 
active life he took care of his parents until their 
deaths, and resides on the ancestral farm, which he in- 
herited, lie is a i longn nationalist in religious be- 
lief, a Kcpulilicau in politics, and was for two years a 

member of Nashua City Council. He is quiet and 
unostentatious, has never sough! office, bul has 
closely attended to hi- business. Plain and simple 
in his habits, social, amiable and pleasing in his 
ways, he is a kind husband and father, a good 
neighbor and a useful member of society, a careful, 
painstaking, industrious man, successful iii his busi- 
ness, and possess.- a good knowledge of agriculture. 
He is interested in the object and mission of the 
Patrons of Husbandry, and at this writing is treasurer 
of Nashua < rrange. 

STILLMAN SWALLOW. 

A century and more ago there lived in the old 
town of Dunstable, Middlesex County, Mass., a 
pious, just and honorable man, Peter .Swallow by 
name. He was a farmer, and the land he tilled was 
his by inheritance and acquisition, much of which 
had been in the Swallow family since the time when 
the white man first planted the foot of civilization 

upon it. [Peter Swallow married Sihhil , and 

they hail six sons and two daughters, — Nahum, 

Larnard, James, M ly, Abijah, Archelaus, Prudence 

and Lucy. As his will was made in May, 1812, and 
presented tor probate in May, 1813, hi.- death must 
have occurred between those dates. His sou Arche- 
laus inherited the old home-had and followed the 
calling of his father. He married Susanna Kendall, 
and they had six children, all of whom attained 
maturity. Archelaus was a man slow of speech, 
patient and persevering in his daily toil, and also 
possessed a large amount id' good, practical common- 
sense. He was one of the first worker, in the 
temperance cause, and with his energy, com Lined with 
good judgment, he was enabled to accomplish much. 
Iii his religious convictions he was a Congregal ionalist, 
and a liberal supporter of the interests of t hat denomi- 
nation. Politically he was a Whig. He died about 
1855, aged seventy-two. 

Stillman Swallow, second child of Archelaus and 
Susanna (Kendall) Swallow, was Lorn on the old 



Swallow place in Dunstable, September 19,1816. lie 

passed the early part of his life upon his father's farm, 
sharing its toils and availing himself of such educa- 
tional advantages as the district school afforded. 

When about nineteen years of age lie left his home 

and came to Nashua, and hired out as a farm-hand to 
.Mrs. Fisk, a widow, whom he married the nexl year, 
March 6, 1837. 

The children of Stillman and Nancy (Roby) Fist 
Swallow are Mary F. (married Phineas 1'. Mitchell ; 
they have had ten children, of whom eight are now 
living, — Josephine E. (now Mrs. F. E. Wills), Katie A., 
Lucy C, Fannie P., Harry S., Howard W., Emily I i., 
Carrie B.), Clarence II. 'deceased; married Mary H. 
Barr; children, — James <'., Geo. W. and Willie <'.), 
James R., Anna A., and Louis M. (married Amanda 
A. Smith, ami has Lucy E., Frank H. and Fred. W.). 

Mrs. Swallow is a woman of great strength oi 
character, and Iter husband has ever found her help- 
ful, sympathetic and encouraging in his life's work. 
She was the daughter of James and Liny (Cutter) 
Roby, of Amherst, N. II., thus descending from two 
old and reputable families .it New England. Her 
t i i-i husband, Ralph Fisk, was a merchant oi' Boston 
and Providence. His health failing, he came to the 
home of his father, Nathan Fisk. in Nashua (who 
lived where Mr. Elliot Whitford now resides, and 
owned nine hundred acres of land), where he died. 
The children of Ralph and Nancy (Roby) Fisk were 
William F. (deceased), Anna A. (deceased), Lucy W. 
married Alonzo Fisk, and has one child, Charles S.), 
Emily (married Rev. Geo. 1'. Wilson, tin- many years 
city missionary of Lawrence, Mass., and has three 
children,— Geo. II., who is one of the oldest employes 
in the custom-house, Boston; Francis A., with Perry 
Mason & ( !o., Boston ; and Anna F.). 

Mrs. Swallow has been a diligent ohsorverof passing 
events. A great reader, she has taken much interest 
in the political and moral questions of the day, and 
formed decided and intelligent opinions upon them. 
As a mother she ha- brought up her children wisely, 
and now has the pleasant satisfaction of seeing her 
children and her children's children occupying useful 
and honorable positions in life. 

Mr. Swallow has always been a farmer, and for 
many years conducted a milk-route. He was bred 
a farmer and has never seen the day when he was 
tempted to change his calling, [n this he has shown 

his g 1 sense, tor he never could have changed it 

for a more honorable or useful one. Diligent, in- 
dustrious and unassuming, he has lived a useful 
life, and is much esteemed by his brother farmers. 
Me has a plea-ant home and three hundred acres of 
land, but his farm has not occupied him to such an 
extent that he has neglected his civil and political 
duties. He has been selectman, a member of the 
Common Council and an alderman of the city of 
Nashua. In politics he is a Democrat, and repre- 
sented hi- party in the State Legislature of 1861. 



218 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Mr. Swallow, in an unpretentious manner, has done 
the duties which have presented themselves to 
him thoroughly and well. He is kind-hearted and 
charitable, and is an attendant of the Baptist Church, 
and contributes liberally to all good causes. 



GENERAL JOHN G. FOSTER. 

General John (I. Foster was born in Whitefield, 
N. 11.. -May 1^7, 1823. When ten year- old he removed 
with the family to Nashua, where he' attended the 
public schools, lie also attended the academj a1 
Hancock, and subsequently fitted for the West Point 
Military Academy at Crosby's school, Nashua. 
Through the influence of Charles <i. Atherton, then 
member of Congress from this State, he was appointed 
cadel at Wist Point in 1842. He graduated at that 
institution, ranking number four in the elass, in 1n4G, 
with Generals McClellan, Reno, Sturgis, Stoneman 
and. (Jakes, of the Union army, ami Jackson ami Wil- 
cox, of the rebel army. 

He was in the Mexican War, and in 1.S47 was 
breveted first lieutenant " loi gallanl and meritorious 
conduct in the battles of ( lontreras and Cherubusco." 
At the storming of Molino del Rev he fell, severely 
uounded. For his gallantry here he was breveted 
captain. In 1854 he was appointed assistant professor 
ol engineering ai West Point. He wa- sec 1 in com- 
mand at Fort Sumter when it was first fired upon by 
the rebels, from Charleston, in April. 1861, and for 



the heroism he displayed on this occasion he was pro- 
nioieil to brigadier-general of volunteers. 

Genera] Foster accompanied funeral Burnside's 
expedition into North Carolina, bore a conspicuous part 
in the battle at Roanoke Island, thecaptureofNewbern, 
and received the surrender of all the batteries, all 
the defenses and all the troops — over two thousand — 
upon the islam! in February, 1862. In July he was 
left in command ol' the Department of North Carolina 
with limited force, General Burnside being ordered 
with the main force to Fortress Monroe. Late in 
autumn, reinforced by new regiments from Massachu- 
setts, he resolved to assume the offensive. He led au 
expedition to the Roanoke, but found no rebi I force, 
and liberated several hundred slaves. In April, 1863, 
the rebel I teneral Hill made an attack on Washington, 
\. ( !., and was handsomely defeated by General Fos- 
ter. In October he succeeded General Burnside in 
East Tennessee. All through the war General Foster 
occupied responsible positions, and was regarded as 
one of the most accomplished, brave and prudent of- 
ficers in the army. 

After the close of the Rebellion General Foster con- 
tinued in the service at the South for several years. 
On account of feeble health he was stationed at 
Boston in 1869, having his headquarters at Fort In- 
dependence. In the spring of 1874 he returned to his 
old homestead at Nashua, where he died on September 
2d of that year. The funeral services a 
the Immaculate Conception were large 



HISTORY OF AMHERST. 1 



BY DANIEL 



CHAPTER I. 

Geographical — Topographical— Original Onint — First Meeting of Pro- 
prietors—Early Votes— The First Settlements— News of Pioneers— The 
Pioneer Grist-Mill— Incorporation of Town— First Town-Meeting— 

Tax-Payers in 17l>0— Town of Monsnti— Organization of Parishes— 
Incorporation of Mont Vrrnon and Milford. 

Tin: town of Amherst is situated in the southerly 
part of the county of Hillsborough, in the Suite- of 
New Hampshire, in latitude 42' 51' north. Ii lie on 

both sides of the Souhegan liivcr, tin' principal part 
being on the northern side. 

In length from north to south, according to a sur- 
vey ma. I.' in 1806, i- nine miles and one hundred and 
seventy roils. It.-* greatest width is about five miles, 
and its least width two miles and two hundred and 
forty-two rods, comprising an area of about twenty- 
two thousand acres, of which about five hundred are 
covered with water. 

It is bounded on the north by Bedford and New 
Boston, on lie- east by Bedford and Merrimack, on 
the south by Mollis and Milford, and on the west by 
Milford and .Mont Vernon. 

Its distance from Concord is twenty-eight miles; 
from Manchester, twelve miles; from Nashua, ten 
miles; from Portsmouth, fifty-three miles ; and from 
Washington, lour hundred and eighty-four miles. 

Its surface is broken and uneven. Near the Smi- 
hegan is a si rip of valuable intervale land. Adjoining 
this, at a higher elevation, arc large tracts of sandy 
plain laud, formerly thickly covered with a growth of 
pitch pines. Along the water-courses arc considera- 
ble tracts of meadow land. At a higher elevation, 
the hill-sides afford excellent, grazing land, and when 
moderately free from rocks arc well adapted to 
agricultural purposes, and with proper care yield an 
abundant reward to the husbandman. In other parts 
they are as hard and strong as granite can make them, 
and are fitted only for the production of fuel and 
timber. 

The town of Amherst had its origin in a grant of 
land made by the ( icneral Court of Massachusetts to 



1 The following history for this work was condensed from 
HlBtory of Amherst," an elaborate and standard work of m 
and seventy-eight pages, published in 18s:;. 

15 



some of the citizens of that province for services in 
the Narragansct war in 1675-76. 

The township was granted in 1728, ami was known 
as Narragansct, No. -'!, and subsequently as Souhegan 
West, No. :!. It was incorporated as a town Jan- 
miry 18, 1760, at which time it received the name of 
Amherst, from (icneral Jeffrey Amherst, at that time 
commander-in-chief of the British forces in North 
America. 

The first meeting of the proprietors of Souhegan 
West was held at Salem, July 17, 1734. At this 
meeting Captain Benjamin 1'otter, Captain Richard 
Mower and Mr. Daniel Kenney were appointed a 
committee "to take a Perticular view of ye scircum- 
stances of s'd Township, and make Report to ye 
Society or Grantees at their adjournment on the sec- 
ond tucsday in September next." 

They were authorized to employ a surveyor, and 
such pilots as might be necessary, at the expense of 
the proprietors. 

Captain Richard Mower, Messrs. Cornelius Tarblc, 
Ebenezer Rayment, Jeremiah Gatchel ami Daniel 
Kenney were appointed a committee to subdivide 
the township. Captain lieiijamin Potter, Mr. John 
Bixbe and Ensign Thomas Tarbox were added to 
this committee at a subsequent meeting. 

Another meeting of the proprietors was held at. 
Salem, August 13, 1734, at which William Collins 
was elected proprietors' clerk; Captain Richard 
Mower, Messrs. John Trask, Ebenezer Rayment, 
Stephen Peabody and Jeremiah Gatchel, prudential 
committee; and Captain Benjamin 1'otter, treasurer. 

The prudential committee was directed to rectify 
all mistakes in the names of the proprietors, as given 
in the list, and to lay the same before the General 
( lourt, if i bey thought proper. 

September 10, 1734, the proprietors met to hear 
tie ri-porl of their viewing committee, but the com- 
mittec had been disappointed by tin- surveyor they 
had engaged, and were not prepared to make a full 
report. They reported verbally that "they had been 
on the land and foundif well timbered." 

After some discussion it was voted, " Thatthe town- 
ship be subdivided this fall, as soon as may be." 
'21 'J 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



The committee was directed to lay out sixty acres 
to each proprietor, for his or her first or home lot, 
what was wanting in quality to be made up in quan- 
tity. It was also voted that should any large quanti- 
ties of meadow be found, it should be left to the con- 
sideration of the committee whether to include the 
same in the lots or reserve it for the benefit of the 
whole society. 

Collectors were appointed in each town to collect 
the assessments ordered to defray the expenses of the 
socii ty. 

At a meeting held January 8, 1734-35, the pro- 
prietors 

!,■ lu -' -i\[y proprietors that shall ani I 
them hiiildand finish a Dwelling-house ,f eighteen l,-i i s.piare and ye veil 
i , leu hv. a. !..-. of Land tilt for mowing or plowing, and 
in iua II'. lire on the spot, and perform the Bame within thn 

ih. v anil c;n h of tlit-ni shall hi; Intitled to .haw out of 
..usury tin- sum of six pounds." 

A committee was chosen to hear all person- that had 
anj disputable claims to any rights in the township, 
and make report of their opinion to the society as 

soon as might lie. 

•■ Voted, that I 'apt. Ki. haul Mower have Lihertj to .haw a Lott No. 
21, he Building a convenient House it Entei taitnneiit, and feme in a 
pasture of six or eight aires of land, and pi. a id., a snip hint ferry Boat 
to transport any of the Proprietors ovet Souhegan River, and performe 
the same within eighteen months from the Date hereof." 

Ait auditing committee was appointed, and it was 
voted that "the Lotts Nn-. 87, 88 and 89 should lye 
by for the present, to make good for the three lots — 
viz., one for the first settled minister. one tor the min- 
istry and one for the school." 

A committee was appointed to confer with the 
committeeof the proprietors of Souhegan East, No. 
.">, about building a bridge over Souhegan River, and 
report at the next meeting of the proprietors. Sou- 
hegan East, No. •") (afterward Bedford), as at first 
granted, extended to Souhegan River.) 

Complaint having been made by some that many 
of the lots laid out by the committee "were not so 

g 1 as others, for want of quality," and therefore not 

lit to settle on, by means whereofmuch din. 
acci lie to some of " ye proprietors," it was 

II have tin- liherty, i + 

Lot I or Letts hy ', hut ting hi- Kiedit to .11. I, Lott as he .-hall 

draw, toall tie- I'iojii. I.., .. a hy takmu- otlei Lott 01 Lotts in the 

I Lotts in any of the Lands Within the Township. Provided 

... in Vi.i.il.,.1 ih,. u ih. Lotts he . 1 they .-hall ','uitt to the 

I'... pii.t..!,, and Provided, also, that they or he shall laj no more 

than sixty acres to eai h Lott, t ball le in 

hie. 1th, as the other Lotts an- now laid out. Fultheii, 
that ye Lotts so exchanged -hall he laid out at ye own. 1 

year from tin- I'ate hereof, A said Lott- to tie sulheiently butted & 

bounded, and a Keturne thereof made to the Clerk of ye -d Society, .v 
p. , to in. ike an entry in the proprie^ book, to whom and by whom 
! out, wnli the Cut- a Bounds." 

The lots laid out by the committee appear to have 
been drawn by the proprietors at this meeting, as we 
find it was 

" Voted, tliii .'1 'he Lotts that have been Drawn in 

the Society's Book of Records to the several persons that have been al- 
lowed to draw the same, witli their names." 



It was also 
" Voted, that the Clerk tai.. 1 ill L.tts that are not drawn, 4 

tll.lt the -elel.ll pe|.,.l,, P \\|, 111 tl|e\ llelollg h.,\e pl.elty to lhpail [0 

ii.iw their Ih-pe. nve Lotts, they payingthe Rates or Dues 

In 1735, Robert Hale, Esq., Captain Stephen Pea- 
body and Lieutenant Ebenezer Rayment were ap- 
pointed a committee 

" T.. take a view of tie- tow nship, and in the most commodious place 
it a place whereon to erect the Public sleeting EiouBfi foi 
the worship of GOD, & a convenient place for a Public Buj j 
Anoihei for a Training field, marking the same by Butte IB 

/, ii.it the! doe M,.ie i ivn Lay ..lit three home Lotts of e.jual quantity 
and like form Willi ye Othel Lotts Already laid out,— (hie to he tot tin. 
»n-t settled Minister, One lor the Ministry .V One for tie - 
their return to make Distinctions, the Lotts to he Butted and bounded as 
aforesaid, and make return thereof I . 

They were also directed 

. i : a . t -.ill. ...i lien, 111 order to find out ye most 

convenient 1,1., . 1: r 1 . . ... . 

Society at their next meeting." 

The report of thi<- committee was recorded by the 

clerk, .lime 4. 1735, a- follows: 

...la pin e ;,,,;, Meeting House, Training field, 

Burying place a parsonage, klinistei a School Lott, k, Laid out for 

110 place. Burying place and 'I' raining fie] 

1 asti rty toyehi ...1 ol ye Lotts No Ins, 109 A 110, lying 

Joyning southerly to Andrew Balche'G Lott, Containing t] 

1 l" p. li, 1 1 111. N. Hi, ... South 71 perch, East and West 30 perch. Also 

a Lott for ye Ministry, contai g Sixty acres, Bounded thus: Beginning 

all a via] [■■ n,.. ma iked with I' A 1 , thence North, hy ye aforesaid Lott, 

71 rods t.. a whit.- pine marked with 'I'. I' a s, thence west Til rods to an 

Arsh marked with I' A M. theme South 74 rods to a white pine marked 

IB I mo,-. Also a .Ministers Lott of Sixty acres, Bounded 

Southerly Highway, Lying Sorfh a South 124 rods, easl and west 

7s rods, the South west corner makiiie v e - ,me llounds of the North East 
ot v. - ,j Ministry Lott, ye Highway Lying Between them, the foure 
corners marked with M. Also a School Lott, containing sixty acres, 
Vlllii-tcr's. Soilthelly toye Milil-I; | 

house pl.e .-. Eash rlj t ye lead- ,d v. Lotts 109 All 
marked Willi S. 

Robert Hale, p'r Order." 

The first settlement in the township was probably 
made in the spring of 1735 by Samuel Lamson and 
Samuel Walton, from Reading, Mass. They settled 
at first about a mile south of the village, on the farm 
now owned by Mr. Bryant Melendy. where they built 
a log house. Both afterward removed to other parts of 
the town, — Lamson to the westerly part, now Mont 
Vernon, where some of his descendants now reside. 
About 1765 he removed to Billerica, Mass., where 
be died about 177'A 

Walton removed to the easterly part of the town, 
near Babboosuck pond. iif his subsequent history 
but little is known. His name appear- occasionally 
on the proprietors' records and is attached to the pe- 
tition to the provincial authorities in 1747, asking for 
help against the Indians. He is said to have died 
here, but none of his descendants reside in town, 
and for the last eighty years the name is not found 
on the town records. 

Lieutenant Joseph Prince seems to have been the 
only one of the original proprietors who settled in the 
township. He was from Salem village, (now Danvers,) 



AMHERST. 



and was a proprietor in the right of his uncle, Richard 
Prinee. According to an old plan, still in existence, 
his land at one time extended from Bedford line 
westward to near where the village of Mont Vernon 
now stands. A family tradition says that he first 
located himself on the farm afterward owned by 
Nathan and Peter Junes, in Mont Vernon, but re- 
moved thence to the place now owned by Solomon 
Prince, in the easterly part of Amherst. Other set- 
tlers followed not long afterward, many of them from 
Salem, and the adjoining towns which once made a 
part of that ancient town, but the progress of the 
settlement was slow. In September, 1741, but fourteen 
families were settled in the township. 

Efforts were made by the proprietors to induce set- 
tlers to locate in the township, and sinus of money 
were voted for that purpose, but the distance from the 
seaport towns and the hardships attending the lives 
of settlers in a new settlement prevented a rapid 
growth of the place. The French and Indian Wars, 
which commenced a few years later, also operated 
unfavorably to its progress. 

The lives of the first settlers in the New Hampshire 
townships must have been a constant struggle for 
existence. Locating themselves ou their lots at places 
where a supply of water could readily be obtained, 
they erected huts of logs or stones to serve as a tem- 
porary shelter. Perhaps a brook or pond, not far 
distant, afforded them an occasional meal, or a bear 
or deer came within reach of their trusty muskets. 

A settler in one of the Narraganset townships wrote 
thus of his town in its infancy: 

"A howling wilderness it was, where no man dwelt. The hideous 
yells ol wolves, the shrieks of owla, the gobblings of turkeys and the 
harking of f..xes was all the music we heard. All a dreary waste and 
exposed to a thousand difficulties." 

Against the monarchs of the forest the settlers waged 
a war of extermination. In the hot, dry days of sum- 
mer and autumn the tire aided them in their work. 
After their numbers had increased, they joined their 
strength in piling the logs into huge piles, which were 
set on fire and consumed. 

The manufacture of potash from the ashes was once 
quite a business among them. 

Eye was sown in the autumn on the cleared land, 
among the stumps and rocks, or corn was planted in 
the spring, from which, with a little care, abundant 
crops were raised. 

September 8, 1735. The proprietors appointed 
Captain Mower, Lieutenant Rayment and Cornelius 
Tarble a committee to build a bridge ovei Souhegan 
Eiver,and they seem to have attended to the business 
at once, as we find that at a meeting, held October loth 
following, the proprietors ratified an agreement they 
had made with Mr. Tarble for building a good and 
convenient bridge over the river, for doing which he 
was to receive the sum of ninety-five pound-,. 

It was probably built in the autumn and winter of 
that year, as we find the proprietors, at a meeting 



held April 1 2, 1736, desiring Captain .Mower "to wait 
on Dunstable Selectmen, to Request Hem to lay out 
j a Highway from Nashaway river to Souhegan Bridge, 
in the most convenient place;" and at a meeting held 
December 27, 1738, the) "voted that the sun, of ten 
pounds be raised toward building a bridge over Nashua 
river, provided it be built in a convenient place for 
the proprietors of this township;" ami themoneywas 

to be deposited in the treasury, to be paid when the 
work was satisfactorily performed. 

The building of a saw-mill was now in order, and, 
April 19, 1737, the proprietors 

"Voted, that Capt. Ives, Capt. Majory, Capt. Hicks and Mr. Edward 

Bond, for Ihe enii'iiraei-ment nf Iniildine a saw null in s..nli.;:an M.-.I. 
>■" '■■ "I 1 "" :i hr....k '-ailed lliMi.-i I- k. wli.-iv ii in.n lie mosl conve- 
nient, shall have paid them, out of the Treasury, forty i ids in money 

or Bills of ' "'lii Provided, that the said mill be fitted i" sav, bj the 
first of November next, and thai shee shall be Kepi in Good Repair, and 

to saw for the prop'rs to the oalvi 01 Equi'lenl to it, fol the spa f 

ten years lean this date." 

A tax of one hundred and twenty pounds was le, ied 
upon the proprietors, to pay the above grant and other 
charges, the same to be paid into the treasury by the 
1st day of September following. 

February 14, 1737-38. The proprietors voted to 
have a second division of the land as soon as might 
be, and appointed Captain Joseph Parker, of < 'helms- 
ford, Ensign Thomas Tarbox, and Lieutenant Cor- 
nelius Tarble a committee to see it done. 

'- Voted, ihe aftia the 1','iuiti.- have v.-w'd the land they are to lay 
"lit it tin y think it will not allow of more than 60 acers, they are to 
make that the standard, and what land is m.-i-nei- to make it Equivalent 

to thehestGO aliens ; and that the Comitte have regard to the medow, and 
lay it out as they goe along, including it in the 60 akers 

" Voted, that the ahove Comitte shall lay out convenient ways for 
the proprietors as may be needful. ' 

July 11, 1738. The committee for dividing the 
town was enlarged by the addition of Mr. John Wiles 
and Captain Ebeuezer Rayment, and Mr. Joseph 
Richardson was appointed to serve in place of Cap- 
tain Joseph Parker. 

Parties that had newly pitched their lots were re- 
quired to have them surveyed by the same surveyor 
thai the committee employed to make their surveys, 
and present a plan of I he same, with their butts and 
bounds, to the committee, before the 10th of Sep- 
tember next, at their own expense, they being noti- 
fied by the committee. 

This committee made their report, which was 
accepted and ordered to be recorded, September 27, 
1738, and the lots wen- probably drawn by the pro- 
prietorsat that meeting, or af one held on the 10th of 
May following. 

May 20, 1740. Solomon Wilkins had leave to 
take up sixty acres of hind adjoiningthe tall- in Sou- 
began River, the land to lay square, on condition that 
he built a good grist-mill near the falls, kept it in re- 
pair, and at all times supplied the inhabitants of 
the township with meal for the lawful and customary 
toll, when they brought their corn to be ground. The 
grant was to be forfeited in case he should fail to 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



grind and supply the town with meal forthwith,— 
unless prevented by some extraordinary casualty — 
or if he should wholly uegleet to grind for the space 
of eight months; but, provided lie gave an answer to 
the clerk by the 20th of Juno next following, accept- 
ing the conditions of the -rani, and had the mill 
rea dj to grind by the 20th day of May, 1741, in 
the meantime giving bonds for performance of the 
contract, the grant would hold good. 

Wilkins seems not to haveaccepted the otter, as, 
April 30, 1741, it was 

" VoUd, that the Proprietors will give to Mr. J Shepard Onehnn- 

en j ao-rs of land, to begin at William Peal 

Run down th. R I ' Un- fall-, and -»■ wide as to make 

and twenty acers on the conditions that the sixl was 

,„ in Wilkin-, as app.oi, I. j tin' records before : lie building 
,, good Grist-mill and a i,""-.d Saw-mill un so 

theaf aid land, and to finish them by the last of Novembei next, and 

Keep tli. in in good repair for tilt- use ..f said Proprietor-. I., -ml.'- a 

1„„„1 t ,rTr.-"'"i t... '.imply with th.- same fi.rth witli. lie bavin-, lib- 

, white Oke Timber for the mill as he want- and ha n i 

Ol In 0V. :. 

Mr. Shepard was from Concord, Mas-. He ac- 
cepted the grant, built the mill, and became a useful 
and honored citizen of the town. 

At the saint.- meeting they voted that they would 
build a bridge over Souhegan River, and appointed 
Captain Samuel Bancroft, Captain Thomas Tarbox 
and Joshua Hicksa committee to say where it should 
be built, and get it done. 

Th '. also •■ voted, that they will give noe encour- 
agement to a blacksmith to settle among them ;" but 
they soon thought better of it, for, May 22, 174-".. they 
"voted that they will give encouragement forablack- 
smith to settle with them, and that Captain Parker, 
Lieutenant Prince and Mr. Lamson be desired to 
agree with a good smith to settle with them." 

As the sixty families required by the grant had not 
settled in the township, the proprietors voted 
held March 11, 1746-47, 

"That ill.', will .1.U-' a .'..mitt,'.' t.. -it an obligation drawn & sub- 
scribed, .I- i. ill Wige at leasl sixtj famalies, with them 
alreadj there, to set : , " 1 tnem . 

agreeable to the grant. 

, | [ hl . omitteo, I .; I Rai neut, IV Tarble a Robert 

Andrew." 

;..:. the proprietors voted thattheir 
committee 

„ May . K Ijy ,, ut ; , Road from Salem Canady to Capt. Shepard's 

i,,„l-. , :, a i: 1 from ll.'z.'ki.ih Lovejoy's to the meeting In.. is.- ; 3, a 

!, a Road from 
I'h as i lari. - i" the in.-,. tins li..n-e ; .".. a 1!. .ad loading I.. an the meet- 
ing se i". apl Shepard ■ mill ; 6,s Road I .small a tothe meeting 

w ith a road from William Peabody'e into said Boad, all to be dun 

a, the I 'oinmittee think lite 

• |, i,, i, tii.it More shall be a Road laid out, four rod- wide, from Eb- 
[nezei Lyon - house to his Bi idge, ao .'ailed. 

- l loted, that they will build a 1'" "' He'', wheuro 

i i .point Mr. Lyon, Mr. Towne and Mr. Bead 

the Committee to build it. 

" feted, to allow Capt. shepard and others, eighty pounds, old tenor, 
towards bnilding the bridge called shepard - bridge.' 

In 1753 the following petition for incorporation as 
a town was presented to the Governor and Council by 
the citizens of Souhegan West: 



, the Honorable the t'ouncil of 



the 1'loVill. .' of New |l. imp- 1 

"This humbly showeth that we, the sul.seiil.ers. Inhabitants of a Kew 
Plantation or Township railed Soughegan West, ol Narraganset, No. :i, 

.i with many lrrelni.lible difficulties under our present sit- 
uation, as the Barer will inform, earnestly [nay that hi> Excellency with 
,,..,, Hon rswould Incorporate us, that we might enjo; 
i.tt,. i ti.- and privUedges ol a Town, and would Beg that the I battel of 
the Town may Bound us Westerly on the Township called Salem Canada, 
Northerly on N™ Boston, so called, Easterly on Bedford and part of 

'.' ItiVei, so railed. All which i- 

hUnil.h -Hi. Illltl'd to V. .11 l.\. ellenel'-S ail'l lluleail., » is.. CoUUcil, IVA 

a uty Bound shall ev.r pray. 

i Dated at Soughegan West, January ye 26th, IT.'.::. 
■- Sign 



•Ephraim Abbot. 
Joshua Abbot 
Josiah Abbot. 
A... hew Bixbe. 
Joseph Boutell. 
William Bradford. 
Benjamin i h.ev.-r 
Joseph Clark. 

Eheiiezer Ellitiw 1. 

■ Ellinwood, 



Eben 

Joseph Ellii 



Samuel Laiusou. 
Robert Read 



Benjamin Lovejoy. 
Ebenezer Lyon. 

Josiah Sawyer. 
Andrew Seetown. 
John Smith. 
Joseph Steel. 
Samuel Stewart. 



Robert Stuart. 
Benjamin Taylor. 
Israel Towne. 
Benjamin Wilkini 






No action seems to have been taken upon this peti- 
in old bill found 



tloll. 

Prices of sundries in 1759, 
among the paper- left by Rev. Mr. Wilkins 



Incorporation of the Town of Amherst.— In 
answer to a petition of the inhabitants of Souhegan 
West, the town was incorporated January 18, 1760. 

A meeting for the organization of the town, under 
the charter, was held at the meeting-house, February 
20, 1760, at which Colonel John Goffe, who was ap- 
pointed to call the meeting, read the charter. 

Solmii. .n Hutchinson was chosen town clerk, and 
was immediately sworn to the faithful execution of 
the duties of the office. 

t !olone) John Goffe was chosen moderator, and the 
town voted to accept the charter. 

Solomon Hutchinson, William Bradford, Reuben 
Mussey, Reuben Gould and 'I'h. .mas Clark were 
chosen selectmen, David Hartshorn and Nathan 
Kendall tithingmen, and the other usual town offi- 
cers were elected. 

RESIDENT TAX-PAYERS IN AMHERST, SEPTEMBER, 1760. 
Ephraim Abbot, Joshua Ibbot, Josiah Abbot, Ebenezer Averill, 

II, Vndiew Bixl.y. .1 . ' Boi 

drew Bradford, Samuel Bradford, William Bin. If. ad, I'aiid Bum-. John 

. i.ai. Benjamin Clark, J. Nsph I I." 1 
Jr., Thomas Clark. .lam.- '■■- bran. John Cole, Jacob Curtice, Benja- 

avis, John Davis, Benjamin 1M r, El.eii.-z.-r Ellinw I, El.ene- 

„.,. I Ihiiu I, Jr., Jedediah Ellinw I, J.-eph Ellinw 1, Pram-is 

Elliott, hli-h.i P. ii ai. Simeon II. 1. her, Nathan puller, Kiel. aid Gould, 
S a ,„„,.'l (.lay. 1 ... w 1 ll.,it-li"tii, John Ilaiw I, Ephraim Itildi.-th, 

i me , ip.i.i- William H _. Ebenezer Holt, Ebenezer Holt, Jr., J. Holt, 

!...„ ii ,..,- II l.ius.m, William Jones. Nathan Kendall, Jona- 

than Lamson, Samuel Lamson, Samuel Lamson, Jr., William Lancy, Abi- 



jah Lovejoy, Benjamin Lovejoy, lle/.ekiali Lovejoy , .1,,se|,h l...i - -|o\ , 1--I ■' ■- 
raim Lund, Ebenezer Lyon, Jonathan Lyon, John SIcClernand, Timo- 
thy Mclntire, William Melendy, Reuben Mussey, William Odall, John 
Patterson, 'Winiam IVabudj, .1. ■( 1 11 lVlt.-ti-jill, .1"- l-li l'ni»", lM.ert 
Read, Alexander Knbinson, Samm-l lr. ■' tn- • 11. 1 1 .t n 1 1 . .1 1 l;, lint-, .lames 
Rollins, Hugh Ross, Andrev Seaton, John Seaton Sai 1 Seaton, John 

Sln-pal.l .T..I111 Slie|„u.l, .ll.. ,l,w|>li Small. .I..I.H Smith, Tl Ii¥ 

Smith, Joseph Steel, Caleb Stiles, John Stuart, Robert Stuart, Sam- 
uel Stuart, Benjamin Taylor, Israel Towne, Israel [owne, Jr., Moses 
Town.', Thomas Towns, David Truel, MosesTruel, Caleb Upton, Thomas 

Wakefield, Willi Wallaee, Davis Walton, Kcuben Walton, John 

Washer, Stephen Washer, John Wasson, Dauiel Wes , Ebenezer Wes- 

Weston, Jr., George Wiley, Amos Wilkins, Benjamin Wil- 
kins, Daniel Wilkins, Lucy Wilkins, WiUiam Wilkins, Mary Wilkins. 

One hundred and ten in all. 

Among the heaviest tax-payers were William Pea- 
body, whose tax was £46 18s. 3d.; Nathan Kendall, 
£39 lis. Gd. ; Israel Towne, £34 Is. 9d. ; Joseph 
Prince, £31 7s, '.></. ; and Joseph Steele, £30 14s. 3d. 
A poll-tax was £3 7s. Sd. 

The charter of the town expiring by limitation on 
the 1st day of January, 1762, a petition for its renewal 
was granted January 7th, same year. 

The first dismemberment of Souhegan Wesl took 
place June 1, 1750, when, by the amended charter of 
Merrimack, a strip of land and water, some thirteen 
hundred and eighty rods in length, and averaging 
about one hundred and twenty-five rods in width, 
was taken from Souhegan West, and annexed to that 
town. 

This change seems to have been overlooked by Gov- 
ernor Wentworth at the time the charter of Amherst 
was granted, its boundaries, as therein described, 
being the same as those given in the original survey 
in 1728. 

This boundary was the source of some contention 
between the towns, and remained unsettled until the 
autumn of 1832, when it was settled by a committee 
consisting of Benjamin M. Farley, of Bollis; Jesse 
Bowers, of Dunstable; and John Wallace, of Milford. 

The town of Monsoti received a charter from Gov- 
ernor Wentworth, April 1, 174(1. It was formerly a 
part of the town of Dunstable, as chartered by the 
Genera] Courl of Massachusetts, October 16, 1673, 
and came under the jurisdiction of New Hampshire 
on the establishment of the boundary line between 
the provinces, in 1741. 

The town of Hollis formed its southern boundary 
and the Souhegan River its northern boundary. 

In 1754 a petition was presented to the Governor 
and Council by the selectmen and other inhabitants 
of the town ofMonson, asking that a portion of 
Souhegan West, adjoining that town, and embracing 
about one-third of the area of the township, might 
be annexed to Monson. A petition from persons 
inhabiting the territory asked for, asking to be an- 
nexed to Monson, was presented at the same time ; 
but the request was not granted. 

The town of Hollis, at a meeting held March 2, 
1761, voted to petition the town of Monson for a strip 
of land, one and a half miles in width or thereabout, 
from the south side of that town, which the town of 



Monson voted to grant them, at a meeting he] 
23, 1761. 

On October 18, 1762, Daniel Bayley, Robert Colburn, 
William ( lolburn, William ( lolburn, Jr., Samuel Hay- 
den, Daniel Kendrick, Abraham Lernan,Onesiphorous 
Marsh, Thomas Nevens, William Nevens, Zaccheus 
Shattuck, Joseph Stearns, Samuel Stearns, Jr., Daniel 
Wheeler and James Wheeler, inhabitants of Monson, 
petitioned the Governor and Council to be annexed 
to Hollis. A hearing on their petition was ordered in 
April following, but was postponed to the next June, 
in order to give the petitioners time to make further 
arrangements with the towns of Amherst and Hollis. 
After hearing the parties concerned, the pel it ion was 
dismissed June 3, 1763. 

This movement for the dismemberment of Monson 
found but little favor in Amherst at first, as it was 
proposed that the remainder of the' town should be 
annexed to Amherst. 

Minister Wilkins presented a memorial against the 
change to the Provincial Authorities, in which he 
stated the ill effects it would have upon the town and 
upon himself personally, and at about the same time 
another memorial was presented totheGeneral Court, 
from inhabitants of Amherst, protesting against the 
annexation of a part of Monson to Hollis, in which 
many of the arguments were used against the meas- 
ure that Mr. Wilkins advanced in his remonstrance. 

This memorial was signed by 



Joshua Abbot, Josiab Abbot, John Averill, T 
Barron, Jr., Andrew Bixbee, Joseph Boutell, K 
Bradford, William Bradford, David Burns, John 

Benja I Clark, Thomas i lark, James Cochran, . 

rice, Benjamin I 'avis, John Davis, Jacob Dressi i 



■1 Klhnv. I, Ebenezi 

inu I, Rollandson 



William Melendy, Jr., .Mm Mit.le-I, Il.'ui.on M v, William Odell, 

Joshua Pettengill, .Mm l':itt.-rs.,n, Nathan I'lielps, .I.e-eeli I'l inn-, 1 1 nj;h 

Itoss, Oliver Sanders, John See,- I.e, Andrew Seetoun, Samuel Seetown, 

\,„li,-\\ Shannon, Timothj Smith, John Stuart, Caleb Stiles, Benjamin 

Taylor, Thomas Towne, AmosT 1, I 'aval Truel, Moses Truel, Thomas 

W.iUm-M, Daniel We»l,„, l.l.ii,.,, U - - I 1,,-iie/ei Wliitteninre. 

Proposals for a division of the town of Monson be- 
tween the towns of Amherst and Hollis were laid 
before the voters of Amherst at a meeting held 
February 21, 1703, but no action was taken upon 
them. 

On the 4th day of July, 1770, a charter dividing the 
town of Monson between the town- of Amherst and 
Hollis received the sanction of Governor John Went- 
worth, and thus Monson died from among the towns 
of New Hampshire, after an existence of about 
twenty-four years. 

It died, seized and possessed of a pound, said to 
have been the only public building ever erected 
within its borders. 

In March, 1779, a petition was presented to the 



224 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Legislature bysundry inhabitants of Amherst, Lynde- 
borough and the Mile Slip, asking to be incorporated 
into a town. 

Efforts for a division of the town into parishes were 
made as early as 1778. In the autumn of that year 
several persons residing in the vicinity of Shepard's 
mills petitioned to be set off as a parish by them- 
selves; bu( the town refused tu grant their request. 

In the spring of 1779 the town chose a committee 
"to treat with sundry persons belonging to the north- 
art of the town, who had petitioned to be set 
off as a parish." The committee was also authorized to 
treat with a iiuiu1.it of inhabitants of the town, re- 
siding in the westerly part of the same, who desired 
to beset off to Duxbury school farm and the Mile 
Slip. 

I hi econd ornorthwest parish was organized June 
30, 1781, and December 15, 1803, incorporated as the 
town of Mount Vernon. 

The third or southwest parish was set off No- 
vember 23, 1782, and incorporated January 11. 1794, 
as the town of Milford. 

March 14, 1768, the town 



" Votr.l U> .ill..\V 1 lime |o.l- .||- 

'■■■•■ Amherst ma* 
Llingsand four pence, lawful ui 



vn thai exerted 



pounds thirteen 



CHAPTER II. 

AMHERST— (Continued). 

MILITARY HISTORY. 

French and Indian Ware— Names of Soldiers— War of the Revolution— 
Firel Recorded Action of the Town— Amherst at Bunker Hill— Cap- 

1 [ ... ii v — Captain Tuwne's <'oni|iaiiy— Captain Levi 

' ..i.i|.ain - , i'li.' \ i Tfst— Names of Signers— Col- 

..ii.. I llal.hvin's Regiment— Votes of the Town— Bounties— List of 
Rev.. Intl.. nary Soldiers— War ..f 1812— War of the Rebellion— The 
First War Meeting— The Home Guard— List of Soldiers— Soldiers' 
Monument. 

At a meeting held in the meeting-house, January 
30, 1744-4o, the proprietors 



This vote i- the only one recorded which tells us of 
any action taken by the proprietors for the defense 
of the settlers against the attacks of the savages. 

Tradition tells us that about this time seven gar- 
rison-houses were erected in different parts of the 
town, to which the inhabitants resorted in times of 
danger. Beside these, a block-house, or fort, is said 
to have been built for the protection of the settlers. 

The House, May 15, 17 17, 

" Voted, that in answer to the two annexed Petitions, namely, that of 

■ ■.." ... .1 . i ttouson, His Exc.llon.-v he d. 

. I. - I. eltei lOeln.ll to -O.llt and 

guard, under proper ..Dicers, said Sonhegan West and Monson, till the 

.1 ... . 1 I- , .... 1 that -....I men I., dulled ,..,. e 



Which was assented to by the Governor and Coun- 
cil. 

Among the scouts employed by the province in 
1748 we find the names of Daniel Wilkin- and Wiu- 
c.l Wright, of Souhegan West, who were members 
... the company employed to guard Sou In gaii, Stark's 
and Moiisoii garrisons that season. 

The war came to a close in 1749, but was renewed 
in 1752, and continued until the cession of Canada to 
the English, in 1763. 

Fortunately, no attack was made upon the settlers 
al Souhegan West by the enemy, and no account has 
reached us that any serious damage was done by them 
within its borders. A family tradition litis reached 
us that a part} of settlers, under theleadoi Deacon 
Hobbs, had a smart light with the Indians one Sun- 
day morning, in which the deacon handled his men 
so skillfully that no one of them was injured, while 
they were sure that some of the savages were killed. 
The Indians are reported to have said afterward, 

"Souhegan deacon no very g 1. He light Sabba- 

day." On another occasion, while Lieutenant Joseph 
Prince was going, one evening, from his clearing to 
the garrison-house, which stood near where Mr. B. B. 
Whiting's house now stands, he heard an arrow whiz 
past his head. On his return, the following morning, 
he found it sticking in a tree near by the path he had 
followed. 

Near the close of this war several of the inhab- 
itants served in the expeditions sent against the 
common enemy. Sergeant Ebenezer Lyon, John 
Everdeen, David Hartshorn, Jr., Samuel Lamson, 
Joseph Small and Thomas Williams served in Col- 
onel Blanchard's regiment tit Crown Point, in 1755. 

Humphrey Hobbs was a captain in the ranger 
service in 1755. 

Lieutenant Ebenezer Lyon, Daniel Wilkins, Sam- 
uel Bradford, Israel Towne, Joseph Lovejoy, John 
Burns, Jonathan Lamson, Nathaniel Haseltine, Dan- 
te] Weston, Stephen Peabody and John Mills served 
in Colonel John Hart's regiment, at Crown Point, in 
1758. 

Benjamin Davis, John Mills, John Stewart and 
Robert Stewart were privates in Colonel John Goffe's 
regiment, at Crown Point, in 1700. 

The first reference on the old town records in rela- 
tion to the Revolution is under date of December 27, 
1774. when the town voted " to approve of the results 
of the Grand Congress, and strictly adhere to them," 
and chose a committee, consisting of Colonel John 
Shepard, Lieutenant Benjamin Kendrick, Nahum 
Baldwin, John Shepard, Jr., Esqr., Dr. Moses Nich- 
olls, Dani.1 Campbell, Esq., Josiah Sawyer, Joseph 
Gould, Paul Dudley Sargent, Thomas Burns and 
Samuel Wilkins, to carry into effect the association 
agreement in this town. If any break over said agree- 
ment, the committee [are] ordered to publish the 
same ill the newspapers. 

The town was represented by one of its citizens in 



AMHERST. 



the "tea-party," in I >ecember, 177"., and in the Con- 
cord " fight," in 177".. 

March 13, 1775, voted three pounds nineteen shil- 
lings to Mr Sargent for hi- time and expenses al 
Exeter. 

April 19, 1775. Theattaekupon theLexingt nili- 

tia by the British troops aroused the country. In 
many of the towns in Massachusetts and New Eamp- 
shire companies of Minute-Men had been formed and 
drilled in anticipation of the coming conflict. The 
company in Amherst repaired .-it once to Cambridge. 

The following will give us some idea of the enthu- 
siasm of the people alter receiving the news of the 
fight at Lexington and < Joncord. It is also an honor- 
aide tribute to Colonel John Shepard, one of the 
prominent citizens of the town : 

"This certifies tiiiit i:-.| s|„. 1Kni ] „, \,„il, 177:.. wont with a Detach- 
ment of the Melitia, .,1 ;,i„,u hundred men, from A mlierst to Cam- 
bridge, aided, assisted, and comforted them, and ;tt Cambridge left with 
them two Spanish milled dollars. 

J0S1 in ' 

Nor was this all Colonel Shepard left with the 
"melitia." On the hack of the certificate is a list of 
other articles left, as follows: Pork, fifty-seven and 
a half pounds, one-half bushel beans, one and a hall' 
bushels to Sargent, some bread and one and a hal 
bushels meal. 

By the census taken that year, Amherst had three 
hundred and twenty-eight nun above sixteen years of 
age, fifty-three of whom were over fifty years old. Of 
these, Captain Crosby says "about one hundred," or 
over thirty per cent., went to Cambridge. The cen- 
sus returns report " eighty-one men in the army." 

AMHERST MEN IN Till: BATTLE OF BUNKER HILL. 

Stephen I'eahody, adjutant of Colonel R 1'- r- 1 inn lit. 



Josiah Croshy, captain I'. ■ i \\ 

son Ha kv ell, second lieutt oant . Jol 

Ramsay, Josiah Sawyer, Bergoants; 
Kinjrsburv, Peter t:,,-s. 1: 1 i Wilkin-, . 



eii.-nt ; Thomp- 
Bradford, David 
er, EleazerW, 
Powell, drum- 



mer; Jabez Holt, liter; .Inslina Al,l...tl, Nathaniel Cur. 

tal, Alexander Brown, Jonathan Bnrnam, Joshua Bnrnam, Thomas 

Clark, Robert 1 '..- ln.n,, John 1 .,1, , M plan 1 'resin , Nathaniel e'rosl.v, 

Jacob Curtice, |:- .:: ■ Davi thai lit.li, \ - Flint, Thomas 

Giles, James Gilm n -o .11 ' ' I!.,-..,, \i ehelnus Keiincy, 

Solomon Kittredge, Jen miah I - in, indrew Leavitt, Joseph Leavitt, 

Joshua Pettingil), Notirse Sawyer, .lane- Simpson, Jonathan Small, 
Samuel Sternes, Jonathan Taylor, RufusTrask, Ebi n Wakefield, Joseph 
Wakefield, Joseph Wallace, Sutherick Weston, Jonathan Wilkins, Sam- 
uel w illiams, Isaac Wright. 

In Obtain IrcktlaM Toume'a company, lltrn in sy.e ; 
Archelaus Town.-, captain , William Read, corporal ; Nathan Kendall, 
Jr., fifer; Beriiainio M.iull, M..-os llnlTnii .Inenl. ldoil-.-tt. Stephen 

Gould, Samuel l,.mi. \dain CaMci-mi. l'e-T.i lloheit-on, Bartholomew 

Towne, Archelaus Towne, Jr., Reuben Wheeler. 

la lii;./.im /..o > J ..rW,i , w : j'.. c.,/,iiaoo/. /,'.../. oa/neeet. 

Joseph r.radford, firsl lieutenant ; Benjamin Dike, corporal; William 

Brown, Richard Goodman, William Tuck, Richard Hue-lies. Robert I:. 



Captain Towne's company was at first a part of the 
Twenty-seventh Massachusetts Regiment, under the 
command of Colonel Bridge. At the time of the 
battle of Bunker Hill it was one of the thirteen com- 



panies in the First New Hampshire, <>! 
regiment. 

Peter Robertson, a private in this company, was 
wounded while crossing "the neck" on hi 
Hunker Hill by a cannon-ball, which carried away 
his right hand. lit- received a pension of twenty 

shillings per month from the State, c enciug 

January 1, 1776. 

John Cole, a private in I Japtain Crosby's company, 
was killed In the battle, and Robert B. Wilkins, „t 
Captain Spaulding's company, was wounded in the 
right elbow by a musket-ball. 

After the battle Captain Crosb) made a return of 
the losses sustained by the members of his company, 
as follows : 

" \n account of thin-,- that was lost at tin- Rattle of C.nnker's bill, .Mi- 
llie [7iii of June, 177... belonging to Capt. Crosby's c 1 y: wis 

I apt Clo-lo S tllillL's ale 1 pistol A I p.l i r . if W "1-fed st .,cl, i 11 L - . Lent 

Daniel Wilkins, 1 cotton shirl Inn Thompson Maxwell, I inn- hot ... 

a . Adj't Stephen Pcabody, 1 blanket a 1 shin ; Quarter- 
Mastel lne. 1 coat & 1 hat : Seie't William Ilradford, 1 shirt; Serg't 
Lemuel Winchester, 1 pan of shoes; Eli Wilkins, 1 blanket a i bullet 

el. r Brown, I cotton -hut. 1 pail of stockings, a I guap- 

-e I, , Thaddeus Fit' h, 1 -Inn. I | ui calfsB a pumj l , i * era . 

gnapsack; Samuel Stearnes, I paii oi moefi Stepl by, I greal 



I |.i, !'. .el. I . ! | . . i -co i.i ■ . I pen ot Leather Rieeelns ; 

Nail. . I ' I 11 et. I _■ Ijo I '., I pall U -I -ale! I Hie I, [e-. A 1 llUlolU- 1 - 

Chief ; Sam'l Williams 1 -hut, a I halidki 1. hi.-f. a I =nn ; I - tel- 
le. le. ] hlaliket, 1 handkerehief ; Jo.-eph Wal.etiell, I pi I.-. i-kn 

breeches, 1 cartooch box ; Eben'i Wakefield, 1 sett ol sh 

■ tings, a 1 p'rsl s ; Daniel Ki oi , 1 

earn, Joseph W'allis, 1 pair -le.es, Andrew 1 vitt, 1 coverlid, I p'r 

stockings, 1 gnapsack, & handkerchief h.-nih Siowm, I -mi, 1 coat, 1 
powder-h , a 1 Bible; Joshua Abbut, 1 gnapsick a . 

n i] .... a p i ..I a... kings, 

"JOSIA.H ''Cose, , ' 'aj 1 

Andrew Leavitt, Samuel Robertson, William 
Wakefield and Eben Wincol Wright enlisted into the 
company June 19, 177o. Of these, Leavitt seems to 
have been in the battle two days before. 

Captain Crosby's company was present when Wash- 
ington took command of the army, July L\ 1775. 

From a return made of Captain Crosby's company, 
June 21, 1777'. we learn that on that day there were 
present and lit tor duty one captain, one lieutenant, 
one ensign, three serirennts, four corporals, one drum- 
mei and thirty privates, —total, forty-one. 

Two privates were sick, one was wound' i 
tended the wounded, three were absent on furlough, 
two had deserted, one was on command, three were 
in the' train, four were absent without have and one 
was ini — ing, — total, eighteen. 

This was styled the Ninth Company. The privates 
wcte paid forty shillings per month for their services, 
and the term of their enlistment was eight months; 
many, however, continued in the army until the Brit- 
ish evacuated Boston, in March, 177d; some even 
longer. 

Quartermaster Isaac Five, of Wilton, reported the 
rations dealt out t" them tor several days as follows: 

11 177.".. July o to s ; 5o men pre-out who received ",1 loaves bread ; t'.o 

11- |..il, una.- . 1 f; 176 gills rice ; 44 gallons beer. 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



"July 14 to 18; 64 n present l . • ■ i -v • ■ 1 .'-1 l».n'~ I 'read ; .'4 llw. 

gills rice. 

■ — lit lo.-civ.d ."'4 loaves 1". B I , 61) ■ , 

II,.. codfish.and 20 lbs. 

It appears from official documents that the State 
furnished five hundred and fifty-four gallons of New 
England rum and seventeen hundred and fifty-nine 
and a half gallons of West India rum foi the use 
of its soldiers while engaged around Boston in 1775. 

[n compliance with the earnest entreaties of General 
Sullivan, thirty-one companies, numbering sixty-one 
men each, were sent from New Hampshire to Winter 
Hill, near Huston, in December, 1775, to take the 
place of the Connecticut troops stationed there, who 
insisted on returning heme, as the term of their enlist- 
ment had expired. The names of the commissioned 
officers of these companies alone have been [ire- 
served. Benjamin Taylor, of Amherst, was captain ; 
Nathan Ballard, of Wilton, first lieutenant ; and 
John Bradford, of Amherst, ensign of the company 
raised in Amherst and Wilton. 

Captain Taylor died at Medford in February, 1776, 
before the expiration of the time for which he en- 
listed. 

Jonathan Burnham was paid £12 4*. 10d., for mus- 
tering in the thirty-one companies of New Hamp- 
shire militia that served on Winter Hill in the winter 
of 1775-76. 

A regiment was raised in December, 1775, and 
plaeed under the command of Colonel Timothy 
Bedel, which was ordered to join the northern army 
in New York, with which it was to march to reinforce 
the army in Canada. In one of the companies in this 
regiment we find the following Amherst nun: 

Daniel Wilkins, Jr., captain ; John Mills. - ud lieutenant; Wil- 
liam Bradford, ensign; Benjamin Hike, s. i --ant : Sntherick Weston, 
Joshua Abbott, Samuel Sternes, corporals; Thomas Powell, drummer; 
J.iK-/ Holt, lit, 'i : William Brown, Amos l'.outwell. I'miii- chandlei 

(colored), Ja s Clark, James Cochran, Robert Cochran, [saac Palmei 

, Stephen Curtice, Roger Dutton John Farnham, Laraford GU- 
I' ■ ,'.,, .i Holt, Solomon Kitti. ' 1 ',, , . I, ,-,p li Low- 

joy Ihi.'li M K- , I mo Mel ^s Nichols Isaac steams, 

Daniel Wilkins, (3d), Sylvestet Wilkins, Andre* Wilkins, John Wiley. 

The following Amherst men, mustered by Colonel 
Nahum Baldwin, April 15, 1776, wen' a part of a 
company commanded by Captain Timothy Clement, 
which was sent to Portsmouth to assist in guarding 
the sea-eoast ami the forts in the harbor: 

William Stewart, onsi.-n , Nallian Ua.ot. Mia- e,,.l 

Dutton, David Fisk, Richard G Iman, Joshus Kendall. Zephaniah Kit- 

. ., I I, -,,,11, J,,n ilh.ni I,\oii, Id" 'er C'dall, ltoliert l'arker. 

Samuel Shopald, ,1,1m Steams. \,a Sw i. merlon. ArrhelauS Towne, J] , 
Henry Trivet. 

This company, with others, was organized into a 
regiment, September 25, 177G, which was placed un- 
der the command of < lolonel Pierce Long. Onthe23d 
November following, it was ordered to Ticonderoga, 
to which place it marched in February, 1777. 

The following citizens of Amherst signed the " As- 
sociation Test." For convenience of reference the 
names .are placed in alphabetical order, and the 



of those who served in the army tire printed 



Darius Lbbott, 
Thomas Averil, 
Barred, M t 



Ephraim Abbott, Ebenezer Averil, John Averil, 

,' /" it,. Ephraim I'.ai 
irron, Samuel BlasdelL .',,,../, B 



Kendall Boutell, ltmbai Bmtlell, 

\ieliew llra.ltoi,]. / ,, ,• !:,-,,,! a '■.■. illiam Bra.l- 

t'-io, i _.■ I'.uni-, .lolin limns, J,,h„ /erne.. .1,., ,t,,lin Iinne ,::dl, 

Tl m- Bums, Stephen Burnam, Olivei Carleton, 'I' >as II, 

77,,,, , . ■ , , \ ,- mi, i I,.,*,, lolm Cochran, Joseph Coggin Henry 
, ...,„..„. w illiam , ,.,)e, m ..'.■■„ Cole, Satkan dole, Josiah - Sara 
son Crosby, Sites Cui wigs, Jacob Curtice, Jacob Curtice, J Ben, '" 

I'av, John l'amoii, I'.atile, m I'oo, I'.enjamiii H,>,l_e. J,,siah 

leu,, 1,1, o. John Hnnekloe. ,l,.s,.[,h I'm 



mite., Elisha Felton, William Fisk, 
. tile', I sos Flint. Jr.. Nathan Flint, Ephraim 
i Gage, J i GUm . l ' 

i , oiiiu.-. Jonathan Grimes, Joseph 

-.on,;, I Hall s,, ,,,,,/ //a..,., f.aeiamin Harts- 
'aa-e. Join, Haiwood, Xathanid 

y, Ti liy Hill, Ephraim HiMreth, Unii.l Hit 

Eben Bolt, ,0 Isaa. Holt. Reuben 



Elliott, Jnsejil, To 

William Fisk, Jr., Am, 
French, Nathan Fuller, 

\,,a,- ' .,,, a, Dai al I 

te.nl, I, liiihard Ooiild, 

g Hsu tsb a 

//.... ':,„, , Samuel Hen 

Hildreth, I 

Holt, Isaae How. ./..■/ //,,,,. i'.ainamin Hopkins, Benjamin Hopkit,-. Jr., 
Ehene/.-r Hopkins f,'„'!,„allf, : ,i,a, Alaee Hut, hinson, Elien Hutchin- 
son, Elisha Illlteliinsoli, \athali 1 lilt, h i i,-,,n, Va'.V.a //et./.i'es,,). (-'d), 
Nathan Jones. Jr.. ."1/iWoi.I h'ff. John Kendall, Jr., 
Nathan Kendall. Benjamin Keurick, Josiah Kidder. Henry Kimbatt, 
Moses Kimball, Soi. ./,".' , ',.,, tha La ■ • n, William Lampson, 
Joseph Langdi 11 F I I' . ! Jacob Lovejoy, John 
Lovejoy, WiUi a / l ,,,■■ ,, l ,■ , 7 '■ / a, Thomas McAl- 
lister, J ts l/a,'o ,,., Robert Sdi a -. Willi, mi Melendy, Jr., 

Merrfli, .',,',.. '/ , II e \ . Timothy Nichols, 

William OdeU, Willi I.-M. Ji . /.■■ ■ I Pari loTam Palter John 

Pott Stephen Peabody, William Peabody, William Peabody, Jr., 

Will:, in Peat ck, Joseph Pierce, Joseph Prince. ;.I,.sepll Prince. Jr.,- 
77„ ,,,,-ea /.'en. Itohert Head, II 'illi,,,, l;,.,.l )',,'., >;.,l:,.,l lohn lSol.y, 

Joseph Rollings, Jonathan Sawyer, Josiah Saicyer, JosiaJi Bawyer,Jr., 

John Secoml'e, Jane- S,a-t,,n. John s,- ion, John shepnid. Jr., Joseph 
Small, William Small, William Small, Jr., Daniel Smith, Isaac Smith, 
Jacob Smith, Jonathan Smith, Timothy Smith, Jar,,b N.....7/.e. Saa.c.t 

s'a, „,,/,,, J,,-a|,|, Steel, Jo-eph Steel, Jr , Hailed Stephen-. - . 

Snaps,, » s/eea,/, Anios Sticknev. Samuel Strattoii, Jonathan Taylor, 

s: a I Taylor, William Taylor, Benjamin Temple, l'.lieiiezei temple, 

US, Israel Towne, Israel Towne, Jr., Thome- Towne, 

,'j.li, David Trnel, John Tuck, John Twiss, Jonathan 

,. l ph.un, Ezekiel l'ptoii, Thomas Wakefield, Ji , Joseph 

II a, , , U ,'l, ,a. U a) a a, 1 ,' a I, ,:d \\ | I 1 1 , ,1 , ,1 , I « l-lao, S 

li, erWesl I-,... w. -:..,, 11 u , - ... II al Wilkins, John 

Wilkins, J than WOkina, Jr., Joshua Wilkins, William Wilkins, I.rmutt 

Winchester, lames W Ibury, l'.tci W Hairy, /....... II i , 

w right. 

" /,, /;., ;/,,„ I,;, Ti, Com ' ' Hampshin . 
; t),i, .■.,;' 
"Pursuant to the He-piest on this pap.t Iroin il., 1 oinmittee ,,| Sat.dy 
to us ,11 ted, we have invited thoM- 1'ers, ,u> therein n.n I !■' i a la, 

n... iar.it e.n on tin- ],a|„i. and all thai h.n.- -.ii n havesigned it except 
Joshua Atherton, Es.p, .Mr. Daniel Campbell, Mr. Samuel Do 

■■ TlloMV- WAKEFIEM, -) 

Reubek Mdssey, -Selectmen" 

SAM! 11 W 11 KINS, ) 

A regimenl ^^as raised in July, 1776, to reinforce 
the army in Canada. It was commanded by Colonel 
Isaac Wyman, was mustered in July 111, 1776, and 
served about three and a half months. 

In a company in this regiment, commanded by 
Captain William Barron, of Merrimack, we find the 

following soldiers from Amherst : 

James Gilmore, ensign: Nathaniel Haz.dthie, Ephraini French, ser- 
.,.,,,,. Vila, IJoiitell, I'.eti.jamin Clark, Jonathan Lamson, Ebenezer 
Rea, William Small, Jr., William Stewart and George Wil- 
li! Captain William Harper's company wen- Silas 



1227 



Cooledge, Zephaniah Kittredge, Robert Parker and 
Joseph Perkins, privates. 

In Captain Samuel Wetherbee's cum]. any were 
John Averill and Timothy Nichols, Jr., privates. 

Stephen Peabody, of Amherst, was major of the 
regiment. 

Colonel Baldwin's Regiment— This regiment 
was raised in September, 1776, and marched to assist 
the army in New York. It was in the battle at 
White Plains, October 28, 1776, and was dismissed at 
North Castle, N. Y., about the 1st of December of 
that year. Amherst was represented in this regiment 
by Colonel Nahum Baldwin, and the following men 
who served in the company commanded by Captain 
Philip Putman, of Wilton: 

"William Low, ensign; Elijah Averill Reuben Bontell Ebenezer 
Carlton, John Cochran, Jonathan I Stephen 1 

oi i -. . I ■ .1 1 ii II. h ir.li.an. .1"- I (how. I - f. .■,.'. I - ■ !'■ ib.'dy ' 

Abel Prince, James 11. -a, Benjamin Smith, Run. I Minih. P.. njaniiii lay- 
lor, Richard Towne, Thomas Tow ne, Viot.n I'pton, Joseph Walla..- and 
Jonathan Wilkins, privates. 

In Captain Head's company were William Head, 
captain, and Andrew Elliot, private. 

Another regiment was raised in December, 177»'., 
to reinforce the army in Northern New York. This 
was plaeed under the command of Colonel David 
Gilman. In this regiment the following Amherst 
men served in tin- company commanded by Captain 
William Walker, of Dunstable : Jonathan Cochran, 
Isaae 1'. Curtice, Jacob Curtice, Roger Dutton, 
Stephen Gould, Abiel Holt, Ebenezer Udell, John 
Taylor, Robert Ii. Wilkins. 

A special town-meeting, held .May 22, 1 7 7 • "> , was the 
last one called in " His Majesty's " name in Amherst. 
The constables were simply directed by the selectmen 
to warn the inhabitants of the town of Amherst to 
the next meeting, held August 14, 177o. A meeting, 
held October 21, 177.., was called in the name of the 
"Province" of New Hampshire. After this, until 
the Declaration of Independence, the town-meetings 
were called in the name of the "Colony of New 
Hampshire." Since September 11, 177ti, the meetings 
of the town have been called in the name of the 
'' State of New Hampshire." 

Parties "f Loyalists, or Tories, were sent by the 
authorities of the State of New York to he confined 
in the jails in New Hampshire. Of these, the follow- 
ing were ordered to be sent to Amherst jail. Novem- 
ber 22, 177ii: 

Alexander Andrews, Peter Brown (to be kept in irons), Thomas Bullis, 
William Burns, Nathaniel Douglas, Jonathan Fannachiff, John Feath- 
ers, John Hit. heo.k, Laiiglilin McUatt.n. Isaac Man. Abraham Xath it" 
be in irons), Thomas IVai-on, Johannes Yan/eliri and .Iain. - \\ ol, I o- 

Not liking their accommodations, the prisoners 

soon broke jail ami escaped. 

Other parties of New York Loyalists were sent to 
Amherst jail. They were supplied with such clothing 
as they stood in need of at the expense of the State. 
The expenses of their confinement were afterward re- 
paid by the State of New York. 



The following action in regard to the estate of 

Zaccheus Cutler, Esq., was taken by the town at a 

meeting, held April 30, 1770 : 

" Whereus, /a. cheus I utler, Ibrmerlj "I Amh 

llillsl mli an.l ciony ..I N. « Hampshire, has in a very daring nian- 

ii, i pcivnl himself inimical to his country, and absi.. ml... 
aforesaid, a ml joined our unnatural enemies at Boston, at I b 
i, in:, I . Inn. I him lands, buildings, if., to a considerable value. And 
for prevention of his esiate coming to strip and waste, we, the inhabitants 
of Amherst, pa>s the fullowinc. votes, viz. 
•• p..'.'./ t.. impi.o. tin ' utler, Ksq. 

•• Vuled their Commitl I Safety be a committee t" improve said 

u.l ..state I..- I. 'It ills r.. ternary will. 

■' I'../../ said Coiniiiitt.-e pay tli.. pi.. tits arising .11 said improvement to 
him or them wlmse right it may be t.. make a demand therefor." 

Against this action of the town Colonel John 
Shepard, Captain Israel Towne, Ensign William 
Peabody and Mr. Thomas Towne entered their pro- 
test, for reasons "that would he given at a proper 
time, if called for." 

July IS, 1770, the Declaration of Independence was 
received and proclaimed by Moses Kelley, Esq., 
sheriff of the county, with heat of drum from the 
horse-block, which then stood on the common in 
front of the meeting-house. 

.March 31, 1777. The town voted to remit the poll- 
tax of those persons wdio served as soldiers in the 
Continental army the whole of last year. 

June It), 1777. Voted, in case there should bean 
immediate call for men to serve in the Continental 
army, to allow those who arc disposed to enlist the 
same encouragement they have heretofore paid, and 
to asses, the amount necessary for this purpose upon 
the poll- and estates of the inhabitants of the town. 

Captain Stephen Peabody, Captain Hezekiah Love- 
joy and Mr. Solomon Kittredge were appointed a com- 
mittee to procure soldiers on the terms mentioned 
above. 

Colonel Nahum Baldwin, Mr. Stephen Burnam, 
Mr. William Wallace. .Mr. Andrew Bradford and Mr. 
Timothy Smith were chosen a committee to affix and 
settle prices upon sundry articles. 

hi a return, made by Colonel Moses Nichols, March 
111, 177H, we have the names of the men employed by 
the town to till its quota in the Continental army in 
theyears L777,1778and 1779, the period of their enlist- 
ment, and the regiments and companies in which 
they served, as follows : 

Stephen Abbott, Cillej - regiment, Wait's companj , for three years; 
Elijah Averill, Cilley's regiment, Wait s company, foi thn e years ; Joshua 
Blodgett,< illey's regiment, Richards' company, for three years; Peter 

raiment, Morrill's company, fur the war , V. 
Cilley's regiment, Waits company, for three years I'm.- Oochran, 
i illey's regiment. Scoffs company, f..i three years . Jonathan Cochran, 

.. I,,, -.-..it , pany, foi ti years , Robert Cochran, 

rjiiie, ,. i. Wait ompany,forthe war; Silas Cooledge, Cilley's 

regiment, Waif- rpany, oa tl year-; 10. b. o Cunningham, Jr., 

, . Who . , ,,,,,, in,, tor three years ; Robert Cunningham, 

i ,i for three 3 EzeMel Davil 

CI by - reg of Waif- ipany, for three year.- . Joseph O.iM-, (illey's 

regiment, Wait - company, I'm three years; Benjamin Dike, Cilley's 
regiment, Waifs company, for three years; John Dow, Cilley's regi- 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



mi nt, Richards c pany, For il years; John Dutton, Cilley's regi- 
ment. Wait's . nmp.m\ , t..i I ii i < . \e;n- Pi I Li" I O 1 1 ii. hi, S. mi mini's 

regiment, h'wV company, for three years; Jude Hull, Cillej s regi- 
ment, Richards' company, fbi three veai . Henry Harris, Cilley's regi- 

III. til, Wails roinpaiiy, l.ir three v. mis . Firhapl Hughes, Si ainmel's 
regiment, Fry. - oinpain n. line. > .v - I'.mi.-l kiiMer. Cilley's reej- 
mem, Morrill's company, for three years ; R ib rl Parkei Cilley's regi- 
ment Wait's company, fo | trs rhomaa Powell, Scammel's 

iv -i in. in In. 111 p.nii, i,. 1 1: i. ... ,i,- W ilhain shaddock, Cilley's 



regi- 



1 1 1 1 1 > ■ L - regiment, 
, Scammel s regi 



W.HI - n.Nip.iliv, I- 1 Mil... Veal- . Villi. 11 

Wait's company, i'..i three j -mi - 1; Ri ' i ■ 
W ait's company, I'm three years , \ w 

Five's ruin puny, Im tl vein's; lo.l.oit 

i I i ]i;uiv, for three veins; SUioste, Wilkin-'. Cilley's reL'i- 

ment, Wait's company, foi t years '■ -■■ Wilson, Cilley's regiment, 

Wait's company, fur tine, \ 

John Rano was hired by Amherst, but afterward 
decided to belong to Andover. 

Peter Brewer «;is a colored man, from New Boston. 

.hide Hall, another colored man, was from Ken- 
sington. 

Joshua Blodgett was from Litchfield. 

Silas Cooledge and John Taggart, from Hills- 
borough. 

The Cunninghams, from Derryfield. 

William Shaddock, from Boscawen. 

(in the advance of General Burgoyne's army 
toward Ticonderoga, in the summer of 1777, thousands 
of volunteers marched from various places in New 
England to assist in the defense of that stronghold- 

Two companies, under the command of Major 
Abial Abbot, of Wilton, marched, June :u», 1777, for 
the threatened fortress. On reaching Charlestown 
(Xii. 1), they were ordered home, but when they hail 
reached Dublin, on their return, they received orders 
"to march with all speed to Ticonderoga." When 
they reached Otter Creek thej heard of its evacuation, 

AMHERST MEN IN THESE ciiMPAMI B 

lu < ,i/7 .ie Peabudy'i ! 'ompany. 

Captain Stephen Peabody, Lieutenant John Bradford Ensign John 

Palters,.!!. Capo nil Villus Flllot, Nathan i .: I - . . ■ - \ -I.J.Ie'l 

Crosby, William Crosby.Isaai P. Curtice, Jai b Curtice, Bogei Dntton, 

Fin. lever lint. hin» a Jonathan I ii"-. iii .1 J.n I ovejoy, w illiam Lew. 

.1. nullum I\ n. I'.-iii n M.inll, timothy N In ]-, .ll ., Adam Patter- 



Williams. 

In I'.'/ifoul .Vnt/e'e /;.i//. ir.t's ' oiuiximj. 

Fn-l Ineiilonalit Joseph Fariinm. See. . lei T.ienteiialit Eli Wilkins, 

Sei-v.iiit Nathan 1 1 nt. hiii-oii. Muses Averill, Saninel I in!:.. Ml.n 

i , iv, \. ,,..•. \ i, hols, i beni zei i Idell, Wosee Peabody, 
Benjamin Sawyer, Daniel Smith, Samuel Stewart, William Stewart, 

William Talbert, Henry Timet. Thomas l'n.l.-i wood, Solomon Wa-h.-i 

In the battle of Bennington the regiment com- 
manded by Colonel Nichols, of Amherst, commenced 
the attack, and Captain John Bradford, of the Amherst 
company, is said to have been the second man who 
m ited lite Hessian breast-work. 

The Amherst men engaged in the battle were: 

I 'i.lonel M s Niele.l- eel 1 1 ma I ill i 11 Li a regiment ; Col I Stephen IV. n 

body, aid to General Stark ; John Bradford, captain ; John Mills, first 
lieutenant : Joseph Far mini, see I lieutenant ; John Pen 



Bergeants ; Nathan Cole, Jacob Curtice, Unos ciie.n, e,,, |,.,n,i- . Ken 
ben I:. .nt. n, David Burnam, Israel Burnam, Jonathan Finn. no. Stephen 

Crosby, Willil 'i'"sl.y, Isaae Curtis, Samuel Cultis, Stephen Curtis. 

I; ... In.' .M ledidiah Fllinw I, John Fverdnii, Fnlafnrd Oilhert, 

A lh n hel_.'. l'aiiiil In. en, Samuel Harris, William 1 1., v. I ihvli.ih 

Holt, Joseph Jewett, CalebJones, Eli Kimball, s..i m Kittredge, Jon- 
athan hainsoii, Asa I, .wis, Benjamin Merrill, Ebenezer Odell, Joshua 
Pettingill, JamesKay, Benjamin Sawyer, Indrev. Sham , Benjamin 

Steam-. Samuel Stewart, Simpson Stewart, Itellialnili Tiolor, ll.inx 

Trivett, John Wallace, Eli Wilkins, George Wilson, privates, 

[n Captain Ford's company, Nichols' regiment, 
were Silas Gould, Solomon Hutchinson, Robert 
Parker and Eleazer Usher. 

Colonel Nichols was employed seventy-two days in 
this campaign; Captain Bradford and company 
seventy-iinc days. They received £213 as bounty 
and advance wages at the time of their enlistment, 
and £461 7«. 9rf. as a balance, due for their services, 
October 18, 1777. 

Archelaus Towne, Archelaus Towne, Jr., Francis 
Grimes and William Hogg marched and joined the 
army under Genera] Gates, to Saratoga, in September, 

Among the old papers in the office of the Secretary 
ofState is tlie following order for payment of supplies 

furnished I'm' the Bennington expedition: 

sii!, ,,, Niw Hampshire, April 2, 1179. 
" To m holai Gilman, Esq., B. G. : 

" Pursuant to a vote of Council and Assembly, pay Josiab. Crosby and 
Hezekiah Fovejoy twenty-five pounds, twelve shillings, tor camp uten- 
len. Mark's brigade. 
" £25 l'-'s. 

"M. Wkarf., Presid't." 

A brigade of the New Hampshire militia, under 
the command of General William Whipple, was sent 
to Khi.dc [sland in the summer of 1778, l<> assist in tin 
attack upon the British forces stationed there. 

Colonel Moses Nichols commanded one id' the reg- 
iments, Lieutenant-Colonel Stephen Peabody one of 
the battalions. Captain John Bradford was adjutant 
in Colonel Nichols' regiment, and Colonel Daniel 
Warner quartermaster. 

The following Amherst men- served in Colonel 
Nichols' regiment, in the company commanded by 
Captain Josiah Crosby : 

Jo iii shy, captain; Bezekiah Lovejoy, Lieutenant; John Mills* 

Josiab Crosby, Jr., Mh m G Iridge, sergeants; John Cole, Jonathan 

Wilkins, corporals; John Tlontt.ll, Finn Bradford, John Carlton, Daniel 
Chandler, Stephen Crosby, si 'a, Cummings, Ji s Ellinwood, John F>- 

I'arniiin. Feiijaiiiin Lewis, Renhen 1'. Mnssey. Ti thy 

Nichols, Jr , Ebenezei Odell, John Odell, Peter Robinson, Joseph Rol- 
lins, Jacob Stanley, Samuel Stanley, Jotham steams. Thomas Stevens, 

W i J 1 1 no -I. -w .111, Benjamin Taylor, Jonathan Taylor, William Talh.it. 
P.artiiol w j'ow no, S..I,, emu Washer, p. h ales 

In Captain Reynolds' company were Roger Dut- 
ton, Ebenezer Odell, Joshua Pettingill, James Ray, 
John Stevens and John Wallace, privates. 

In Captain Dearborn's company were William 
Hastings, Andrew Burnam, John Ellsworth. 

March S, 177.'. Benjamin Hopkins, Jr., William 
Odell and James Woodbury were chosen a committee 
to provide for tin- families of the non-commissioned 
officers and soldiers lielmigingtothis town in the army. 



AMHERST. 



229 



June 7, 1 77i». The town voted "that tiny will take 
a method to raise the soldiers called for to serve in the 
Continental army." 

June 29, 1779. Voted to add fifty bushels of Indian 
corn, or its equivalent in currency, to the State and 
Continental bounties ottered each soldier who shall 
enlist during the war, and the raising of the soldiers 
on the above encouragement was referred to the com- 
missioned officers (of the militia). 

August 5, 1779. Mr. Timothy Smith, Colonel 
Stephen Peabodj and Captain John Bradford were 
appointed a committee to procure the quotas of men 
which should hereafter be required of the town during 
the war. 

September 15, 1771). Voted to raise twenty thou- 
sand dollars lor hiring their quotas of men for carry- 
ing on the war in the future, and the selectmen were 
directed to assess the above sum in the common way 
of assessing, and pay it into the town treasury as it is 
collected. 

At a meeting, held November 2. 1770, the town 



voted to a 


low 


Cl 


edit t 


, thos 


■ persons 


who had 


lone 


more than 


tlu 


it 


iropo 


lion i 


l carrying 


un the present 


war. 
















Nincm 


n \ 


•■•r 


• fun 


ished 


tin- the < lontinental 


rmy 


in 1779, ti 


sen i 


■ y 


;ar, as 


follows : 






Samuel Cla 


k. ■ 


Oi. 


..l.lnlv 


11 177! 


. discharged 


luguel 20,178 






■w 






" . ' 


i ■..;.!,■ 


\.i-".t"-'r 




Calvin Hon 


■1 Vu 





.1. hi, M K .i, i>l • I l.ih _■■• ITT-i . .Ii- li.u-.-l .lini.. J". IT-" 

Joseph Perkins, enlisted Julj I :. 1779; discharged June 20, 1780. 

■ I ph Rawlins, enlist I lugusl 14, i : . ' . -I... h;ir_--.| \n-n-t -jo, 17sn. 

Archelaus To« n,-, .Mih-t. .1 .Ink 21, 177 i : .h.-.l 1'.-, -in!., r 1, 177*'. 
Joseph Wilson, enlisted .Inly 27, 1779; discharged .1 20, 1780. 

Soldiers at Rhode Island, 1779.— Colonel Her- 
cules Mooney commanded a regiment sent to Rhode 

Island from this Slate in the spring of 1779, to assist 
the army stationed there. The following Amherst 
men served in this regiment, in the company com- 
manded by Captain Daniel Emerson, of Hollis: 

Bfoses Barron, ensign ; Moses Werill, drum r ; John Carlton, .VI- 

[ili.-i.is Crosby, Jol del] and Levi w (bury 

In September of this year Captain Hezekiah Love- 
joy and Joseph Nichols enlisted for six months in 
the garrison at Portsmouth. 

Eleven men were furnished for the Continental 
army in 1780, — 



Peter Abbot, enlisted July - dw 1 


u '.■ 1 |i. nili.-i- i'i, 17.se 


Robert Campbell i i list d lulj - . 


ischarged 1 ruber 21, 


AlpheusCr.jsl.y, enlisted .luh 8 ; ,1 


charged 1 lei embei 6, l 


Stephen Crosby, enlisted July S ; .h 


charged December^ 17 


Isaac C'urti ■ -. i 


i , I 17- 


.I.li .Ii h'M'.-li, enlist. -.1 .lull.- 2',l ; .lis 




Obadiah Holt, .-nlisl.-.l -Iiih s ; .lis. 


larged ibi i 18, 17 



Juthain Stearns, enlist. -.I July s ; (lis.-har^.-.l I>eceiul..-r ii, 17so. 
Bimsley Stevens, enlisti-.l June 29 ; disi barged December 'Jl. 1780. 
Jesse Woodbury, enlisted July 8 ; discharged December 6, 1780. 

A regiment under the command of Colonel Moses 
Nichols served three months at West Point in the 
autumn of 1780. Dr. Henry Coduian was surgeon. 



In lie- company commanded by Captain William 
Barron, of Merrimack, we find the following Am 
hersl men: 

Daniel \..--!! \ mm l:..: i\\ in. .Ir , Ainlr.-w ni;i.ll..i.l, loni.-l K.-n 

nv, II.ni> K1111I..1II. I'.oi.l M.-kiu. .Ins.-ph Nichols, Benjamin Stearns, 
William Tolbcrt, William Wallace Bfer), Daniel Weston, William 
Brown -..-i ved In anothel ipanj 

Seventy-four men, including those then in the field, 
being called for to serve three years, or during the 

war, the town, at a meeting held Februarj 8, 1781, 
appointed Captain Nathan Hutchinson, < 'aptain Israel 
Towne and Amos Flint a committee to raise the 
men required. 

Captain Hezekiah Lovejoy, Thomas Wakefield, 
Daniel Campbell, I'.enjamin Davis, Eli Wilkins and 
Lieutenant Ebenezer Weston were subsequently 
added to the committee, who wen- authorized to hire 
money to procure the men needed. 

The families of William Brown, James Cochran, 
Richard Hughes, Farrar Miller, Nathan Tutlle and 
Joseph Wilson, soldiers in the Continental army, 
were assisted by the town this year, 1781. 

John Abbot Coss, Francis Lovejoy, Joseph Love- 
joy, Joseph Pedrick and Daniel Wilkins (3d) were 

stored in March 5, 1781, to till the quota of three 

years' men required of the town a! that time. 

In July, 1781, nine men were required to serve six 
months and the requisition was tilled by Nahum 
Baldwin, Jr., Ebenzer Curtice, David Hildreth, 
Caleb Hunt, Henry Hunt, Michael Kiel!', Joseph 
Nichols, Allen Stewart and William Cowen (but 
there is no record that he joined the army until 
December following, when he enlisted for three 

5 ears). 

Late in the summer of 1781 eleven men were 
called for to serve three months. They marched 
September 2od of that year. In the selectmen's 
account they are mentioned as " 1 1 suldiers at Charles- 
town, 1781," and were probably raised in apprehen- 
sion of trouble on the western and northern frontiers 
of the State. Their names were Peter Abb.. 1, Daniel 
Averill, Elijah Averill, George Christopher, Paul 
Crosby, John Fields, Edward Hartshorn, Joshua 
lb :ywood, Samuel Phelps, Peter Wakefield and Dan- 
iel Weston, and they served in a company com- 
manded by Captain John Mills. 

Among the papers in the adjutant-general's office, 
in Concord, is the following account of beef and 
fat cattle collected for the army in the town of Am- 
herst by Francis Blood, in the year 1781 : 

" July 23, 2 cattle weighing 1250 lbs. 

Aug. 7. .; - ■• 3140 ■' 

Aug. 22, 1 " " 277.7 " 

Oct. 9,7 " •' 1355 " 

NOV. i:i. V) " " 4IS.7 " 

Beeffurnis 1 by Nichols 8560 " 

Total 24,565 lbs. 

" IVin- Hi.' aiu.iiuil tie t.wn \mi- required tu furnish." 

In 178J fourteen three years' men were required 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



to fill the town's quota in the Continental army, and 
the following men wen- furnished . 

J - \"M, Andrew Bla.ll'.ir.l, Eno.'h Carlt.m, K].ln..i: 

Goes, ll.nis Handley, William Haywood, Adam Patterson, John Pea- 
body, Thomas Peabody, Alexander Uunnel-, Benjamin Cuck Daniel 
Beaton and John Grout. 

Peter Ahbott, fifer, Moses Pettengill and James 
MeKean, privates, enlisted in a company commanded 
by Captain Ebeuezer Webster, which was raised for 
the protection of the northern frontiers of the State 
in 1782. 

Stephen Dike, of Amherst, served six months lot- 
New Boston, in 1781. 

David Truel, Jr., served six months for Merrimack, 
in 1781; and William Henry Wilkins, son of the 
minister, enlisted to serve three years for Candia, in 
June, 1777, but died at Yellow Springs, Pa., June 22, 
1778. 

Luther Dana served in the navy a short time, near 
the close of the war. 

• aptain Joseph Perkins served on board a privateer 
vessel, which was taken by the British, and he was 
carried a prisoner of war to England, where he was 
confined for some time. 

Levi Woodbury served on the privateer "Essex," 
which was taken, and he was carried to England, a 
prisoner of war, where he died. 

Jonathan Wilkins served on the ship "Hague," and 
■was wounded in an action with a British vessel. 

April 11, 1782. More soldiers having been called 
for to fill the town's quota, the town voted to add 
Lieutenant Darius Abbot, Robert Means, William 
Lampson, Samuel Dodge, Captain William Dana and 
Captain Ephraim Hildreth to the committee to hire 
soldiers. 

October 29,1782. The sum of thirty pounds was 
granted for the support of the families of Joseph 
I. ivejoj and Daniel Wilkins, Jr., the same to be in- 
dorsed on the securities given them by the town's 
committee for hiring soldiers. 

Bounties. — Bounties paid soldiers in the war for 
Independence by the town of Amherst, which were 
repaid by the State, — 



Soldiers that served in Capt. Walker's Co., oilman's regiment, 
Soldiers in Col. Peabodj s regiment, al Rhode Island 

Soldiers in In], lialdwih's r.-.iiii, lit. at \ru Yerk,]77t'> . . . 

1" I ontnieiita] soldiers, tram 17sl, 3 yours' men 

1" --Ml. 1- Hi I apt IsillMU - i'.. .. \\ Mil. ill - n— t. 1 7 T i . . . . . 

i erved at Charlestown, iTsl 

:> " 17*1, new levies, si\ months' men 

at Coos, 1780, Captain Stone's company 

'•' " in Colonel Mooney's reg nt 

13 " from 1783, :; years' men 



List of Soldiers.— Alphabetical list of soldiers and 
sailors from Amherst in the war for Independence, — 

Joshua Abbot, Nathan Abbot, Nathaniel u.t..,t. Peter Abbot, Stephen 
Abbot, James AIM, lnuiiel Avorill, liaw.l Amti'11, Elijah Av.-nll, John 
'■ ■'■■! >l \ioiill, Naliuni r.aMwin.Xahum Baldwin, Jr., Nathaniel 

Barrett, MoBes Barron, Jacob Blodgett, Joshua Blodgett, Aaron Boutell, 

\in.is Boutell, Joseph Boutell, Jr., Eeuben Boutell, Thorns B 11, 

Richard Boynton, Andrew Bradford, lams Bradford, John Bradford, 
Joseph Bradford, William Bradford, Jr., Petei Brewer, Alexander 
Br.oMi, Willi. mi I'.ioun, lt,i\i.l tin in. l.-rail linrnam, Jonathan Bur- 
aim Jot .!'. rnam, Robert Campbell, Ebenezer Carlton, Enoch Carl- 
ton, J in Carlton David ( andlei Pi is I handle] . i ieoi gi I hi into- 

phei I' t i,,. JamesClal - Duel Clark, Thomas Clark, Ja - 

Cochran, J. -in. i ... inn,, Jonathan ' 01 bran, Robert Cochran, Henry 

I ->">■ 'ol !., .1 I. Uathan I ole, William Cook, Silas 

Cooledge, William Cowen Upheu Crosby, Ezekiel Cro-hy, Josiah Cros- 
by, Josiah Crosby, Jr., Nathaniel Crosby, Paul CroBby, Stephen ' by, 

William Crosby, Silas i: tCnm rham, R rt Cunning 

ham, it I bei urti I ■ Ps tnei Curtice, Jacob Curtice, Lem- 

'" 1 i urtii e, Stephen Curti .1 o oa, I hai h- Davenpoi i, Benja- 

min Davis, EzeUel Davis loseph D Benjamin Dike, Stephen Dike, 
JohnD la h l»..v.-h. J ti I'uti J..nathan Dnttun, le^er Ihittnn, 

James! tin «d, Jedidiab Ellmw I. . i . — j .1 , Ellinw l, Amos Elliot, 

Vndrew Elliot, John Eluni rth J I ■.. irden, Asa Farnum, John Far 
nui i, lost ph I. t.t t, sop I. ., I. , John Fields, David Fiske, 



•|'h. i. I.lmi- Fitch, Amos Flint. I ,.1, 
Giles, James < lilmore, Ri bard t 

Goss, John \lihot Goss, Pete - 

'.!..[,, I i.Hi, is Crimes, John Oi 
Handley, Henry Harris, Samui 

Hartshorn, Jr.. John Hartshorn, 



on Ooiih l. Daniel 
ude Hall. Henry 

artshorn, James 

Jo-hna Hayw 1. 

li.ui, Hogg Uriel 



' : M '' ''I.mIiiIi Holt, t'.ilnn Honey, Joel Howe, Ulohartl 

Efughet t ,. | Hunt, Henrj Hunt, Ebenezer Hutchinson, Nathan 
Hutchinson, Joseph Jewett, Caleb Jones, William Jones, Joshua Ken- 

ilall, Nathan Ivrliilall, Jr., Aivhrlinis hrnieo I'aniol K. nney, Miehael 
Keel", Daniel KMili-r, Eli Kiiuhall, Henry kiinhall, Eleazer W. Kings- 
bury, Solomon Kittredge, Zepheniah Kittredge, William Lakin 
Jeremiah Lamson, Jonathan LamBon, Samuel Lamson, J as Lan- 
caster Andrew Leavitt. Jo-, j,h t.oiwtt. \~:t Lewis, Joseph Lewis, 

A hi a hall i I.lttlelia], , I ran- I- I. ■. ■ .\ , lh /. kiah laoejov, John I,o\ejo,v, 
Jo— fh l..a,..|.._v. Willi. in. I ■ I ,..,!.■. h. Jonathan 1,\ on . \ii,ln\\ 



Sept. 4, 


177h. 


Fait 


15 men in Wyman'ereg ot . . 


1 ,0 








" 5, 






11 " ■• Baldwin's " . . 


132 








May 7, 


1777. 




J7 Continental soldiers 


809 


13 


1" 


July 19, 


1777. 




55 men in Stark's brigade, l tno. 


221 1 


it 


o 


" 11, 


1779. 




'.' t ..iilitii oital soldiers, beside 0'; 














I '> Id g 1 money .... 


215 


2 


9 


" 21, 


1780. 




12 men in Nit hols' ie_r't, :: mo. 


72 








" 31, 


17sl 




1 t ■ Olt 1 lo-llt , -ohh.l-. IMW I.O I.'-, 














ti months 


ins 








" 15, 


17S2. 




r. Continental soldiers, 3 years . 
1-1 Continental soldiers, 3 years , 


'.OH 


n 


II 



Bounties, etc., paid by the town that were not re- 
paid by the State, or the United States, as reported 
by the selectmen Si-ptember !►, 1791. 

.■aid Col, NiVhnh' n^imont, ;it West Point £180 

An average made in 1777, for soldiers that bad served .... 480 



M.„ I 



y t Moa Peabody, 
,. Moses Pearson, 
11, Samuel Phelps, 
■ Ray, James Ray, 
Joseph Rollings, 



Hubert s annuel!. Tin. in. t- -■ •> w , i mi, - . , ,s, ^.iiiuelShepard, 
Andrew Shannon, .lame- Simpson, Jonathan Small, William Small, Jr., 
Benjamin Smith, Daniel Smith, [saac Smith, Jacob Stanly, Samuel 
Stanley, Benjamin steam-, I-,.,.. Stearns, John Stearns, Jotham 

Steam-, Samuel St.-arns, Bini.-ley Stevens, Thomas Stevens, Mini Si, w- 

art, John Stewart, Samuel Stewart, Simpson Stewart, William Stewart, 

Asa SuinueHnii, .Mm Ta_"_;nl, Benjamin Taylor, Benjamin Tayl.ir, 2d, 

John Taylor, Jonathan Taylor, Hugh Thornton, William Talbert, 



AMHERST. 



^:;i 



Archelaus Town.', Archelaus Towne, Jr., Bartholomew Towne, Jonathan 
Towne, Richard Towne, Rufus Trask, Henrj Trivett, David Truel, Jl , 
Benjamin Turk, William Tuck, Nathan Turtle, rhomas I ndera I. 

Peter Wakefield, « ill un W ik. field, Jol Walla I Wa! 

Daniel Warner, Solomon Washer, Stephen Washer, Dani I \* a Dani 
Weston, Isaai West a, Sutl l Weatoi ft l « r, John Wiley, 



i, ise W oodbury, Levi 



WilsoD, Joseph Wilson, Lemuel \\ i 
Woodbury, Eben Wincol Wright, Isaai Wrighl 

SOLDIERS FROM SlMHERST WHO DIED IN THE WAB FOB 
INDEPENDENCE. 

Lieutenant Joseph Hradford, at Mcllonl, July, I77. r . 

Peter Brewer, killeil in I =; i r 1 1 ■ . at S;in!u-;i, o. 1 ■ . I .. - 1 7, 1777. 

Primus C1iali.ll.-i, kilk-I l-y Mi- In-lni -'. May, 17711. 

James Clark, at Mount Independence, July, 1776 

Jonathan Cochran, (came borne Bick) died at home, March 24, 1778. 

Robert Coi In an. died of disease, i. and pla. a not known. 

John Cole, killed in battle al Bunkei Hill, June 17. 177".. 

K/.-ki-l Davis, in o-nti.il N--« York, June 16, 1779, 

Joseph Davis, killed bj the Indian- • V « * 1 1. . \-i-u-i 1 ■'-. I ~ ~ ' ■ 



,1. sMcGraw, killed in battle at llnnk-i 11.11. .Inn- 17. 177.'.. 

David Ramsej (brough te sick), died Doce er2, 177:.. 

Nourse Sawy. r, at Ci iwn Point, July. 1776. 

William Sha.hloek, nil. - not known, .h-l .Inn- 30, 1777. 



William Til k .In -I ■•! 'li-.i-. tini- .in-l i-l.i. -■ ii.. I known. 

\ .,, . i -. . t Wol -I •-- . December, 1776 

Daniel Weare, at I ran Poinl July, 1776. 

Captain Daniel Wilkins, Jr., at Crown Point, July. 177... 

Sylvestei Wilkins, at Easton, Pa., Septembei 20, 1779. 

Willi.uu ll.-i.ii Wilkins, at Yellow Springs, Pa., June 22, 177s. 

Levi W ii-.uy. a prisoner oi war in Kngland ; date not known. 

Eben Wincol Wright, at Winter Hill, Noveml 

War of 1812— The record of the enlistments in the 
regular army for the War of 1812 are in the possession 
of the War Department, at Washington, and not 
accessible to the public. The names of some who en- 
listed from Amherst are, however, remembered. 

Captain Turner Crooker, at thai time a resident in 
this town, opened a recruiting-office on the Plain 
September, 1812. He was then a captain of the Ninth 
Regiment United States [nfantry. After the close of 
the war he was retained on the peace establishment, 
with the brevet rank of major. 

John Dodge, Jr., enlisted and returned at the close 
of his term of service. Heafterward removed to Ver- 
mont. 

John Dutton enlisted and served on the northern 
frontier. 

Samuel Dutton served on the northern frontier. 

Timothy Dutton also served on the northern 
frontier. He died at French's Mills in 1813. 

David Hartshorn served une year on the northern 
frontier. 

Joseph Hartshorn served one year in Vermont and 



New York, in the Twenty-ninth Infantry. He died 
June 27, 1884, the last survivor, so far as known, of 
the Amherst men who served in the War of 1-S12. 

Joseph Low was second lieutenant in the Firsl 
Regiment New Hampshire Volunteers. On the re- 
organization of the regiment he wasappointed pay- 
master of the Forty-tilth Regiment United Stales 
Volunteers. 

Peter Melendy enlisted in 1813, served a short lime 
in Northern Vermont as lieutenant in a regiment of 
infantry. This commission he resigned, and was 
shortly after appointed a lieutenant in the artillery 
service, and ordered to Fort Constitution, where he 
remained until near the time of his death, May 15, 
1823. 

Jacob Pike had enlisted in ISO'.i, and serve I through 
the war. 

John Purple served through the war as a drummer. 
Robert Purple, his brother, enlisted and died in the 
service. 

,I..lin Stewart and his son, John Stewart, Jr., also 
enlisted. The latter served as a drummer-boy. 

John Warner was sergeant in a company of in tan try, 
and died at Sackett's Harbor in 1814. He was son 
of < 'olonel Daniel Warner. 

Others doubtless enlisted in the regular army, of 
whom we have a1 present no account. 

At a meeting, October 11, 1814, the town voted to 
raise two hundred dollars to be appropriated for 
ammunition for the militia and other inhabitants of 
the town of Amherst, and the selectmen were consti- 
tuted a committee to purchase the same. 

September 7, L814, detachments from twenty-three 
regiments of the State militia were ordered to hold 
themselves in readiness to march for the defense of 
Portsmouth, then threatened with an attack from a 
British fleet, cruising near by, and on the 9th they 
wen- ordered to march. The quota furnished by the 
town of Amherst was a part of the regirnenl com- 
manded by Colonel Nat Fisk, of Westmoreland, and 
consisted of 

.1.. i. ii. . ..nv. .-■■, .-;.], lain . Si.iiin. I [..-..narit, Lot 1 1. -i Kllintt. — r-.-ni.t- ; 
Si. il.ii. ii 1: Fi.-n.li, J— -ph lliiitslii.ru, cot'|...ra1s ; Ilim.l lilli-lt, Ilavi.l 
l'i.-k (ii.l), Daniel Oilman. Jonalliau II. mm. I. lieiijaiuiii J. well. .Ii , 
.1. .In II kiiliu, Samuel M. luvili^-ti.n, I'.-I.janlili IV. ik, Jr., (nival. -s. 

They were mustered into service September 16, 

1814, and served three months. 

Another detachment of the militia was drafted for 
the defense of Portsmouth, which was mustered in 
September 27, 1814, and served sixty days. The 
following soldiers from Amherst served in Colonel 
Steel's regiment, in the company commanded by 
Captain James T. Treavitt, of Mont Vernon: 

Robert Read, lieutenant ; I. ml T. Niehnl-. s.iiuu- 1 si-v.-n- . - -i ■- 

-.-ants ; John Aunis, Si. inn. -I Cuvi-is.-, Jr., Israel Faniuin, .la s II. 

Grater, Timothy Hartshorn, Mansfield King, privates. 

About fifty citizens of the town, who were exempted 
from the performance of military duty by the militia 
law, met at the house of Captain Theophilus Page, 



HISTOllY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY. NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



October 10, 1814, and formed a company of Home 
Guards. The officers of this organization were 
Jedediah K. Smith, captain ; Timothy Danforth, 
first lieutenant; John Secombe, second lieutenant. 

A. committee was chosen al this ting to draft 

regulations for the governmi nt of tin' company, who 
reported at a subsequent meeting, and the company 
me1 several times for drill. The close of the war, 
.shortly after, obviated the necessity for the continu- 
ance of the organization, and the company was 
disbanded. 

The war was brought to a close by a treaty signed 
at Ghent by the representatives of the contending 
powers, December 23, 1814. Before the news of its 
conclusion had reached this country, the battle of New 
Orleans was t'ought , January 8, 1815, where thelesson 
taught the British regulars, marly fifty years before 
by the descendants of the Massachusetts Puritans 
a-Irish settlers of Londonderry, from the 
fort and behind the rail-fence on Bunker Hill, was 
repeated by the Kentucky riflemen from behind the 
cotton-bales on the field of Chalmette. 

The Civil War, 1861-1865.— The first war-meet- 
ing in Amherst was held April 22, 1861. 

Barnabas B. 1 >avid was called to the chair, and upon 
taking it announced the object of the meeting, and 
pledged his all in support of the national cause. 

A finance committee was appointed to secure and 
disburse contributions for the support of the families 
of those who volunteered to fight the battles of the 
country, and it was voted to raise the pay of the 
volunteers from Amherst to eighteen dollars per 
month, and furnish each one with a Colt's revolver. 

Fourteen young men came forward and offered 
their services as soldiers. 

A Home Guard was formed, which met for some 
time for the purpose of drill. 

The Amherst Soldiers' Aid and Home Relief So- 
ciety was organized in lsiil, and closed its work in 
November, 1865. During its existence money to the 
amount of $817.90 had been collected for the use of 
the society, and articles distributed to the amount of 
$1286.35, the excess being in labor, wearing apparel 
and other articles contributed. 

Names of soldiers who were furnished with revolvers: 

Jesse Barret, Taylor W. Blunt, Rodney Burdick, Frank Chickering, 

lam. C n rvi.l, John M. Fox, (.eulgo W.I v: '. I <.:. ....:• 

Newton T. Hartshorn, Henry H. Manning, Reuel r,_ Mai 

1,. M .■, Henry s, Ober, Iiuim-l A lValio.lv, chaik- I!, Phelps, George 

IV. -.i 

Military expenses of the town during the < livil War, 
as reported by the selectmen : 



Prior to March, lSf.2 


. . . 51,263.06 


From Mar.li, 1 >'.-', to Mai . 




1863, " " 1864 . . . 


... 13,506.50 


ISM, " " 1865 . . . 


. . 21,866.20 


1S05, " " 1866 . . . 


. . . 1,362 23 



March 10, 1868, the selectmen were authorized to 
expend a sum not exceeding five hundred dollars in 
building a soldiers' monument. 

.May 30, 1*69, the selectmen appointed Harrison 
Eaton a committee on the construction of a soldiers' 
monument. 

August 9. 1870, J. Byron Fay, Edward D. Boylston 
and Charles Richardson were appointed a committee 
i" ascertain the cost of a suitable monument to com- 
memorate the soldiers from Amherst who lost their 
lives in the Civil War. 

At an adjourned meeting, held Septembei 6, L870, 
the committee reported in favor of erecting a monu- 
ment similar to the one recently erected in Peter- 
borough, thi' cost of which they estimated at four 
thousand dollars. The report was accepted, but action 
upon its recommendation was postponed until the 
next annual meeting. 

March 14, 1871, Harrison Eaton, J. Byron Fay and 
John F. Whiting were appointed a committee to 
locate and erect a soldiers' monument, and the style 
or character of the monument, and the time of erect- 
ing it, was left to their discretion. 

It was \oted to appropriate the sum of three thousand 
dollars, in addition to the sum left by the late Aaron 
Lawrence, Esq., toward its erection. 

The granite base of the soldiers' monument on the 
Plain was quarried from a bowlder found on land 
owned by Levi J. Secomb, Esrj. The bronze figure of 
a soldier was placed upon it December 9, 1871. 

At the same time the bronze tablet, bearing the 
following inscription, was inserted: 

OCR CITIZEN SOLDIERS. 



William W -aivl 11. 


2d Reg't 


James Blanckard, loth Reg't 


James w Pa 




Samuel Corliss, " " 


litii-M 11 Messer, 




B Sloan, " " 




4th " 


l.li s Gntterson, " " 


1 i . 1 '.ilpatlirk. 




RobertG] k ii 


Charles II Phelps, 


6th " 


George A. McCluer, " " 






George A. Pedrick, " " 


John L. Kendall, 




John N Mace, " " 


Charles A. Dl I, 




- I'arkliurst, " " 


William Few, 


7th " 


Lyman P.. Saw telle, " " 


Edwin Benden, 


Mil " 


Mann, P. Weston, 1st Reg' 


,J..siijili !'. .Tuhnsnli, 




>, H. Heavy Artillery. 


All... u Noyes, 




Frank H. Holt, 17th Penn 


B Hall. 


nth ■■ 





A large portion of the above was repaid by the State 
and United States. 



I IWRESCE, ESQ." 

A meeting was held May 31, 1872, "to see if the 
[own would vote to dedicate the Soldiers 1 Monument," 
but the article in the warrant for that purpose was 
dismissed, forty-seven to forty-two. At another 
meeting, held June 17, 1872, the town voted "to ded- 
icate the Soldiers' Monument," but no steps have 
been taken to carry the vote into effect, and the monu- 
ment has never been formally dedicated. 



Soldiers and Sailors from Amherst in the Civil 
War, 1861-65. — Three months' men thai went to 
Portsmouth in Captain Gillis' company, April, 1861 : 

Jesse Barrett, Taylor W. Blunt, Rodnej fl Burdick, Joseph P. 
Cady, Frank Chickering, Ja - B. David, John M I 

■ I'. Onsu..l.l, Keu-1 «.. Manning, All i ■ i i u 
George w. Russell, William \v. Sawtelle. 

Of the above, those who declined to enlist for three 
years returned home July 13, 1861, having received 
a discharge. 

THREE YEARS' MEN. 

See I Regiment.— John M. Fox, Fifield It. Messer, William \v. saw- 
telle. 

77,."' Regiment.- Rodnej W Burdick, George W. Parkhurat, Ja s 

Ryan. 

Fourth Rtgiment— Charles F. Crooker, Albert Fletcher, Thomas L. 
Gilpatrick, John G. Lovojoy, Henrj II Manning, Samuel H. Ober, 
George W. Osg , William D. Stearns, George II. Upton. 

Fifth Regit .,/ tohn Boodro, James B David, Edson Davis, Charles 



iug deserted, one was killed at Cold Harbor ami two 
were wounded. 



anvtt, E.lwin Bemleh, .tames L. Har.ly. 



.V,,.'. A' 



E Benden, I Ihai 



1 '..■ 1 T i L. .]' Mil. ^\ 



Eyan. 

Tenth Regiment.— George F. Aiken, Albert s. Am-tin, James Blanehnnl, 
Thomas Broderick, Joseph A. Brown, Lawrence Cooley, Samuel W. Cor- 
liss, gi I. Crooker, Jeremiah Crowley, Thomas Doyle, Robert Gray, 

Eli S. Gutterson, Charles F. Hall, Robert Harrison, I ge E. Heath, 

Peter Levin, George V McClure, John N. M Thomas inell, 

CharlesN Parkhurat, Ji sW Patterson, rge \ Pedrick, John D. 

Pedrick, J s A Philbrick, George W. Russell, John Shea, Joshua A. 

Skinner, James i.' 51 irn George B.Sloan, H I 

C. Twiss. 

Beany Artillery.— klbert E. Boutell, Charles E. Flint, Edwin R. 
Roundy, William F. Bussell, Charles H. Shepard, Nathan T. Taylor, 
■William E. Wallace, Martin 1>. Weston. 

Nod Hampshire Battery.— Edmund E. Billiard, Richard Mahar, Bryant 
H. Melendy. 

Sn.irjis/wnf.'.'S.— I'harles I litem. 

In MitutiKhmrlts Iteiji.imili..— Charles Ha.-lin_-, Jos. |,!i l'-tlelii! ill, 

Warren - Russell. 

Twenty-Si I nt.— Michael Welsh. 

Fourth Pennsylvania Regiment.— Frank H. Holt. 

United Statu E ■ Newton T. Hartshorn. 

United States Navy. John 11. Clark, Henry A Fletcher, Charles 
Champney, Nelson D. Gould, Patriot! Moran, George N. Wheeler. 

Re-enlisted aftei TItrei Years' Servic, —Edward E. Benden, Rodney W. 
Burdick, John G. Lovejoy, Ubert Noyes, James Ryan, George II Dpton, 
George W. Upton. 

Pott Bandat BOton Head.— Warren S. Russell, David 1 Thompson. 

The following citizens of Amherst furnished sub- 
stitutes : 

Hollis E. Abbott, Noah P. Batcbelder, Henry R. Boutell, James C. 
Boutell, Luther Coggin, -Ir., Perley W. Dodge, John Fleti In r, Butlei P. 

Flint, Charles E. Grater, John Hadlock, Joseph I Han Reuben 

W Harradon, Frank Hartshorn, Asa Jaquith, Jr., Ebenezer Jaquith 
Andrew L. Kidder, Charles 11. Kinson, Stephen McGaftey, William 
Melendy, George W P.uk.-i, II, -my 31. Parker, James S. Parkhurst, 

Solomon Prince, Alh.-it \ t;..t.li. i i ge J S.nair, Andrew I Sawyer, 

Chester Shipley, Hainet c shirl.y. Daniel W. Trow, Joseph P. Trow, 

George W. Cpham, ,l..hn F. WhitiiiL', Samuel Wilkins. 

Names of substitutes, so far as ascertained : 

Charles Baursturn, Pierre Boyleau, William B] wn, John Caten, Ira 

Clark, George Farley, John Fox, G raj barles Croht, John 

Harris, Benjamin F. Hinds, Edward Hogan, rhot Jones, Al xander 
Miller, Hiram F. Morton, James Brien, Danli I Hei 1. Christian Pet- 
erson, Charles A. Rogers, Owen L. Rouse, Edward Rupel, William 
Thompson, Louis Walter, .!..-. -[.h Wiight. 

Of the above substitutes, nine are reported as hav- 



CHAPTEB III. 

AMHERST— (CorKiniierf). 

ECCLESIASTIC AL HISTORY. 
i . hni. b The First Baptist Chun li— The Mi thodist 
Episcopal i tiiii.h. 

The Congregational Church.— Tin .•« longregational 
Church in Souhegau West was organized September 
22, 1741, and consisted of Daniel Wilkins, the pastor- 
elect, Samuel Leman, Israel Towne, Samuel Lamson. 
Caleb Stiles and Humphrey Hobbs. 

On the following day .Air. Wilkins was ordained and 
installed as its pastor. Immediately after the ordination 
services six females were admitted to church mem- 
bership. 

The church was the third formed in Hillsborough 
County, that in Nashua, organized in liJSo, and that 
in Nottingham West (now Hudson), formed in 1737, 
only preceding it. 

Humphrey Hobbs was elected deacon January li, 
1742-4::, but resigned the following year to enter the 
military service in the war then in progress against 
the French and Indians, and James Cochran was 
elected to till the vacancy caused by his resignation. 

The sacrament of the Lord's Supper was usually 
administered five times in each year. 

The first baptism of which we have any record was 
that of Deborah, daughter of William and Sarah 
Lancy, in September, 174::. 

After a ministry of thirty-tour years, Mr. Wilkins' 
faculties, physical and mental, tailed, and the town 
made preparations for sett ling a colleague. After two 
or more ineffectual attempts with other parties, Mr. 
Jeremiah Barnard was invited to become colleague 
pastor with Mr. Wilkins. He accepted the invitation, 
and was ordained and installed March 3, 1780, and 
continued as pastor until his death, January 15, 1835. 

The following bill, presented for the entertainment 
of the members of the council that installed Mr. 
Barnard, gives ns some insight into the customs of the 
limes and the habits of the "venerable" fathers who 
were "entertained " : 

" The TounoJ Amherst to Jonathan Smith, J": 

"Forkeeping the I il at the Ordination of V. s. d. 

Rev. Mr Barnard, in . urrencj 1 123 5 

In silver, 

To 89 dinners, at Is 4 

56 suppers, at 6d 1 IT 1 

M breakfasts, at 9d I 3 

43 lodgings, at 4.t. 14 I 

74J^ mugs flip and to.My, at ln.t 3 2 I 

38 drams, at - 1 id 7 11 

6 lbs. el se, at Od 3 

16 mugssyder, at 3d 4 o 

54 horses, 24 h'rs, at la. eacl 2 14 

13 horses baited, at U£ eacl 4 4 



HISTORY OF HlLLSBOROrCII COIN'TY. NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Neither Mr. Wilkins nor Mr. Barnard left much 
account of the proceedings of the church, during their 
pastorates, and the little left is now mislaid or lost. 

Mr. Barnard's health having failed propositions 
were made to him by the town for the settlement of 
a colleague to share the labors of the ministry with 
him. To these he returned a favorable answer, and, 
after hearing a candidate several Sabbaths, the 
church, at a meeting held January 13, 1816, voted 
unanimously that Mr. Nathan Lord he invited to 
settle in the work of (he ministry and take the over- 
sight of this church ami congregation, as colleague 
pastor with Rev. Jeremiah Barnard. 

" VtdeJ, th:it lo v Mi I'.iin.ai.I Imni-h Mr. I.....1 uitl. ,...; , ,,: ii,. 

Robert Means, Esq., William Fisk, Esq., and Dr. 
Matthias Spalding were appointed a committee to wait 
upon the selectmen of the town, acquaint them with the 
■ ii the church and request them to rail a 
meeting of the town to see whether the town will 
concur with the church in the settlement of .Mr. Lord 
in the work of the ministry, as above proposed, and 
what salary they will offer him for his support. 

Tile town having concurred with the church in 
giving Mr. Lord an invitation t.i settle in the min- 
istry in this place, and made satisfactory provision 
for his support, lie signiiied his acceptance of the call 
and war- ordained. 

Mr. Lord's ministry continued until November 22. 
1828, on which day his connection with the town and 
church was dissolved, lie had been suffering for a 
long time from the effects of a violent cold, which 
had, at times, prevented him from preaching and 
even speaking aloud. Being advised by physicians 
that his recovery was doubtful, he accepted the 
presidency of Dartmouth College, which was ..tiered 
him in August, 1*2S. He died September '.'. Is7n. 

With the exception of carrying out tin 
entered into with Mr. Laniard in 1780, thi 
the town in the support of the ministry c< 
the resignation of Mr. Lord. 

The town was fortunate in the selection of its 
religions teachers. Mr. Wilkins well deserves the 
title of father of the town. Among the first of the 
settlers, he identified himself thoroughly in all move- 
ments i..r their safety and well-being. He toiled 
with them in the forests and fields, -bared their 
poverty, educated their children and in times of 
danger encouraged them by his advice and example. 
It is gratifying to know that in all their bitter dis- 
sensions no one thought of assailing him. The in- 
scription they caused to be engraved on the -tone 
which marks his burial-place gives their - - 
his character. 

Mr. Barnard was altogether unlike his predecessor. 
His lot was cast in stormy times, among a divided 
people, and he possessed a will and energy to breast 
the storm. Not always wise or prudent in his utter- 
ances, his people soon learned that in a contest with 



him there were blows to take as well as give. He lived 
and prospered where a man of a more quiet and 
peaceable disposition would have been crushed be- 
tween the contending factions in the town. More 
tolerant of religious than political differences, he kepi 
the people of his parish together, and when he retired 
they were ready to give a cordial welcome to bis suc- 

Mr. Lord came to his work while yet in I be spring- 
time of life, a thoroughly educated gentleman, with 
decided convictions and an iron will. The civil dis- 
sension- in the town had been healed by the incor- 
poration ..f the different parishes int.. towns; but 
differences of opinion existed in his church which he 
was called upon to reconcile or combat. Into this 
contest he threw himself with his whole energy, 
managing his case with .consummate skill. The 
failure ol In- voice compelled his resignation, but he 

had thoroughly prepared thi.s place for the reception 
of his whole-souled, earnest successor, Silas Aiken. 

A meeting ol' the citizens interested in the subject 
was held October ■:, L828, at which a society was 
formed under the name and title of the < ongrega- 
tional ( 'hurcli and Society, ill Amherst. 

Edmund Parker was chosen clerk ; David Met rregor 
.Means, treasurer; John Mack, James Bell and Rich- 
ard Boylston, standing committee; and John Se- 
eombe, Robert Means and David Stewart, auditors. 

Rev. Silas Aiken, the fourth minister of the 
church and the first of the Society, was ordained and 
installed March 4, 1829, and remained as pastor 
until February 28, 1837. He was succeeded b] Rev. 
Frederick A. Adams, who was ordained November 14, 
1837. He continued until September 24, 1840. Rev. 
William T. Savage was installed February 24, 1841, 
and remained until April 4, 1843. Lev. Josiah G. 
Davis was ordained May 22, 1S44, and continued until 
January 22, 1880, when he was succeeded by Rev. 
Willis D. Leland, who was ordained January 22, 
1880, and remained until 1881. Since that time the 
church has had no settled pastor, but has 
plied l>\ variou- preachers, among whom were Revs. 
Palmer, Si der and others. 

The following is a list of deacons from the organiza- 
tion of the church to 1885: 

Iliuuphi.-y lle.t.1.-, elected January .'., 171.:; resigned 1744 died L75I 
aged 44. 

.Kw.-I.li Ho.itell, .■!.■ t.-.l .luin- :, I", i 

.lames .'... lit.. .1, .-I ■ t.-.l 171! ; .tied January ."., 1771. 

s urn. 1 Wilkii .Linn. ..1 I-, 177 1. i..-i_ii -1 M.. i. .1 ii... 

. embei 27, 1832 ._■ IS 

John Seat...., .-!-. t. 1 January M, 1771 , resigned 17s7 ; died 179 t. 
N'alium Baldwin, elected January In, 1774 ; died Mai 
64. 

, 

tged88. 
Amos Elliott, elected September 3, 1795 j died Ipril 7, 1807, aged 52. 
John seat, hi, J. , elected September 3, 1795; died October 1, Is;.., 

aged .-.. 

John Hartshorn . 1. . e 1 -. |.i. -ul.. t 1, IS. .8 ; died Xovemliei _'s, |s[ _', 
aged 83. 



M.illlii.i.- -imUiii , -I 
Davi.l Holme;, rlr I"l '!» '-' , l-r< . 
. 181 :, ag< i 
Amos Elliott, Jr , ele> ted November 1 



; died May 22, [865, aged 9 i 
lied Noveuil i ' 



Edmund Parker, ■ 1 ■ ■ i • > M.o 

8, is;.r., iiu'i'd t:; 
Abel Downe, ele. ted January - 



.1 April LIT, 
■ . .1 1836; diedSeptemb. i 
IS io died September 28, 1840, aged 
I , 183G ; r. Ignedl SO died June 



David lo-i. ■• .elected 
22, 1873, aged 80. 

. , i , : . i . ::,. i, el ted I » i 30, i - 16 , died !>•■, ember IT, 1862, 

aged ',' 

Banml.as 11. H.ivi.l. .ted .l.i nnaiv J, I .- I '. , .li.'.l s. pi eiul.tr :., 1--::. 

aged 81. 

Eduar.l 11. II. .y 1st..,), ele, t. -.1 April 1 J. ISO' . I . ■ - , u- t i . ■ . I 1S7S. 

Aaron Lawrence, elected SJovembei 2, 1860 ; died September 1, 1867, 
aged 62. 

Charles II. David, ele. ted Sovei i 2, 1871 . resigned 1874 died Oc- 

t. i 17, 1880, aged 65 

Aaron S. Wilkins, elected April 9, 1874. 

/ii. vh.-u- .;. l-.-i-i v. ..|. . t.-.l April 'J, 1S74 ; resigned 1880 
Daniel W. Sur-eiil, el, -ele. 1 April S, lssil, 
Joseph E. Fowle, elei ted April 8, 1880. 
Henry Wheeler, elected 1884. 

The TJniversalist Society.— September 9, 1819, 
public notice was given by Israel Fuller, clerk of the 
society, that Eber Lawrence, Isaac Chickering and 
others had formed themselves into a religious society 
to be known by the name and style of the Univer- 
salis! Society in Amherst, 

The Christian or Unitarian Society. — Public 
notice was given, March 27, 1824, by David Holmes, 
clerk of the society, that on the 24th day of that 
month Charles II. Atherton, David Holmes, Ephraim 
Blanchard, E. F. Wallace and others had associated 
and formed themselves into a religious society by the 
name and style of the < 'hristian Society in Amherst. 

Rev. Edmund Quincy Sewall was ordained and in- 
stalled pastor of the Christian Church and Society 
(Unitarian) January 26, 1825. 

Mr. Sewall continued pastor o< the society about 
one year. A church was organized and continued in 
existence for some time, but its records, like the early 
ones of the First Congregational Church, are lost. 
[n 1834, Rev. Lyman Maynard was employed as pas- 
tor by a union of the Unitarian and Universalis! 
societies in town, and continued here until 1838. 
During his pastorate the new meeting-house (novi 
Baptist) was built by members of the two societies. 
After the removal of Mr. Maynard, Dr. Amory Gale 
and others conducted the Sunday services at the 
church for some time. Afterward the desk was occu- 
pied for a year or two by Rev. William Eooper, 
Universalist. 

Finally, the house was sold to the Baptist society, 
and the Unitarians and Universalists in town have 
become connected with other societies. 

The First Baptist Society.— An association for 
the support of preaching on Chestnut Hill was or- 
ganized October 6, 1828, under the Maine of the First 
Baptist Society in Amherst, X. EL, by the following 
persons: Ralph Holbrook, Ebenezer Holbrook, Oliver 
Mears, Franklin Mears, Henry Tewksbury, Joseph 
16 



liarvill, John Rollins, James Prince, Roberl Fletcher, 
(His Fletcher, Benjamin I 'anion, John Washer, 
Benjamin F. Shepard and Joseph Harraden. 

The church was organized July 2, L829, ministers 
from the churches in Londonderry, Milford, New 
Boston and Coflstown being present at the council 
called for the purpose. Lev. Samuel Abbot, of Lon- 
donderry, was moderator, and Lev. Simon '■ 
of i roffstown, clerk of the council. 

The society held their meetings for Sunday sen ices 
on Chestnut Hill until is:;;, when they removed to 
the Plain, a large addition made to their number, 
the result of a protracted meeting held in February, 
1835, making such a iinnriiuiil advisable. 

Here for a time they had no sure abiding-place. 
Sometimes they worshiped in the old school-house 
north of the court-house, ai the easl end of the- com- 
mon, sometimes in the court-house, and afterward in 

a small hall over the old Lead -lore, w hieh stood near 
where the soldier-' monument now stands. Novem- 
ber L9, L841, arrangements were made with the pro- 
prietors of the Unitarian meeting-house for the use 
of their house a portion of the time. 

Having become proprietors of two-thirds of the 
pews, the house was, agreeably to a condition in the 
subscription to the shares for building it, transferred 
to them by the Unitarian society by deed dated April 
7, 1844. It was repaired in 1851 and in 1870. Since 
the purchase of the meeting-house a parsonage has 
hern built and fitted Up. 

A communion set has been presented to the church 
by Mrs. Mary Twiss and her children, and a legacj 
of two hundred and fifty dollars — now amounting to 
nearly lour bundled dollars — was left by Miss S. Lue 
Lawrence to purchase a bell to be used on the church. 

The desk was supplied by different persons, for a 
short time each, until 1841. Since that time the 
ministers have been, — 



The Methodist Society.— Lev. Orlando Hinds, 
who commenced his labors here in 1829, is said to 
have been the first .Methodist preacher in Amherst. 
His immediate successors were A. M. Howe and J. C. 
Cromack. 

The first Methodist society was organized in 1839. 

The first Quarterly Meeting of which any account 
.reserved was held September 19, 1834, at 
which John Haseltine, Isaac Weston and William 
Brovi n, of Amherst, Freeman Nichols, of Merrimack, 
and William Coggin (2d), of Mont Vernon, attended 
with the presiding elder. At that time the societies 
in Amherst and Gorfstown were united, ami i he Quar- 
terly Meetings were held alternately in both places. 



2:;t; 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Rev. James Adams supplied the desk in 1837 and 
L838, and Rev. Levi W. Davis in 1839 and 1840. 

But little is found in the records from 1834 to 
L840. In L840 the record closed. After this, preach- 
ing was supplied occasionally b\ members of the 
Biblical Institute at Concord. 

In the autumn of 1839 the erection ofa chapel was 
commenced, which was finished in the course of the 
following winter, and dedicated to the worship of 
God April 22, 1840, on which occasion a sermon was 
preached bj Rev. Jared Perkins, 

In the afternoon of the same day a temperance lec- 
ture was given in the chapel by Rev. Mr. Jones. In 
1845 and 1846 preaching was furnished by Rev. A. 
H. Fullerton, and in 1847 by Rev. Caleb Dustin. 

The record is resumed in 1850, when a Conference 
meeting was held. In 1852, Franklin Furber supplied 
the pulpit. Alter this the prospect was far from en- 
couraging for the society, as we read that 

- There was no reason to Hunk that the chun b was "pen much of the 
year, for the cobwebs gathered within it, the blinds were closed and 
darkness rested on the hearts of many." 

In 1854 a social gathering or tea-party was held at 
the residence of Deacon B. 1!. David, to raise funds for 
renovating the chapel and supporting preaching. 
The effort was successful, and Rev. Charles Merrill 
was placed ill charge as preacher, and, as a result of 
his ministry, quite a number of young men were 
added to the church. During his ministry the 
communion plate formerly used by the Unitarian 
church in this town was presented to the society by 
Mrs. Charles G. Atherton, 

Mr. Merrill remained here two years, and alter his 
departure preaching was supplied for some time by 
members of the Biblical Institute. 

About 1857 a Mr. Seeley was sent here as a supply. 
He remained one year. In 1858 and 1859 the desk 

was supplied by Messrs. Tucker, Ham nd, Clip- 

penger and others from the institute. 

In 1860, Charles Pyke was sent here as a preacher. 
From 1861 to 1866 the chapel was dosed. After this 
time it was again opened, and a member of the 
Boston Seminary supplied the desk a short time. He 
was followed by Levin 1'. Causey, who also remained 
Inn a shorl time, and services were again suspended. 

In 1871, mainly through the efforts of Mrs. Mary 
W. Few, the chapel was painted and refitted, and an 
effort was made to sustain preaching. 

Rev. !''• W. chase commenced his labors here in 
the fall of 1871, and his report at the close of the 
year was a favorable one. He continued here two 
years, and bis ministry was successful. 

lie was succeeded ill 1872 by lieV. Ccol^C W. Ru- 

land, who continued here until 1874. Since then the 

I - have been, — 

isti, Rei .r Mowrej Bean, until 1876 ; 1876, Bev. J. B. Bartlett, 
until 1877 j 1877, Eev. W. I: Dille, until 1880 ; 1880, Bev. James Noyes, 
until 1881 ; 1881, Rev I. Ainsworth. 

Since Mr. Ainsworth the pulpit has been supplied 



by various preachers, among whom may be mentioned 
Rev. George W. Ruland, Rev. Mr. Johnson and 
others. 

Mr. Ainsworth relinquished his charge and left the 
denomination before the close of the year, and the 
church is now united with that in Milford. 

The chapel was enlarged and remodeled in 1879 at 
an expense of little more than fourteen hundred 
dollars. 

Meeting-Houses. — At a meeting held August 6, 
1735, the proprietors voted to build a meeting-house 
on the plot of ground lately laid out for the purpose. 

February 14, 1737-38, they voted to build a meet- 
ing-house, forty-live by twenty-two feet, tie- posts to 
lie twenty-two feet in length, finish the outside, and 
build a pulpit by the last day of October, "come 
twelve months." Captain Joseph Parker, Ensign 
Thomas Tarbox and Lieutenant Cornelius Tarble 
were chosen a committee "to build it or lett it out." 

July 11. 1738, Captain Ebenezer Raymond and Mr. 
John Wiles were added to the committee, and. as 
Captain Parker declined serving, Captain Joseph 
Richardson was chosen to serve in his stead. At this 
meeting an assessment of three pounds was made on 
each right, to defray the expense of building the 
house and laying out a second division of lots. 

December 27, 1738. The Kith day of May follow- 
ing was selected as the day on which to raise the 
frame of the meeting-house, and Captain Ebenezer 
Rayment was desired to make provision for the same. 

May 10, 1739. Twenty shillings for each right was 
ordered to be paid to the treasurer for defraying the 
meeting-house charges, etc. 

May 20, 1741. A tax of one hundred and eighty 
pounds was levied on the rights for the purpose of 
finishing the meeting-house and defraying other 
charges. 

December 14, 1742. John Shepard, Jonathan Tar- 
ble and Timothy Fuller were appointed a committee 
to agree for finishing the meeting-house, but, October 
18, 1743, the proprietors 

" Voted that'a committee, consisting of Joseph l'rince, Samuel Walton 
and John Shepacl. must — 1 1 1 the n tin.. lo.iw l.o.nded the dower laid, 

I),,. I,, ,i, ., , i- !.■ up, the pulpit made, and I lie- floors made and hung 

February 10, 171:1-44. thej 

■ l I'oI.mI that they will doe something toward finishing the meeting* 
i l.iphuard it. make the uiiulow-frames, crown and glaze 
them, point the ground pinting, and prime the flew hoards, window- 
fcine s, s.islu-s, anil doors, and, in ease there is not an Indian war, the 
next fall, laitb and plaster the walls ami eeili" 
think fit." 

Deacon Tarble, Captain John Shepard and Mr. 
Ebenezer Ellenwood wen- appointed a committee to 

see the above work done. It was also voted that the 
next meeting of the proprietors should be held in the 
meeting-bouse, where, pursuant to this vote, it was 
held. June 30, 1744-4... 

It is to lie hoped that the house was made comfort- 
able for their reception; certainly it was no small 



AMHERST. 



L'37 



undertaking to hold a meeting in such a place, \\ ith- 
out fires, in mid-winter. 

Provision was made for finishing the meeting-house 
ami for meeting other charges at a meeting held 
Qber 21 , 1747. 

At a meeting held May 23, 1750, they voted that 
they would do nothing more to the meeting-house 
that year. 

June 26, 1751, they "voted to finish the meeting- 
house, or some part of it, this summer," and appointed 
Lieutenant Moses Barron, Andrew Bradford and 
Ebenezer Lyon a committee to get the work done; 
but, September 26, 1753, they refused "to appoint a 
committee to settle with the committee appointed to 
finish the meeting-house." 

This is tin' last recorded act of the proprietors in 
regard to building and finishing tin- meeting-house, 
an undertaking which occupied about fourteen years. 
Alter the incorporation of the town it seems to have 
passed into the possession of the town, and its preser- 
vation became, for a time, a town charge. 

As the population of the town increased, the house 
became too small to accommodate the people who 
resorted to it on the Sabbath. Hence, perhaps, the 
visitors from Monson, who bad no meeting-house of 
tin ir own, and paid nothing for the support of 
preaching, wen- unwelcome guests. Some traces of 
the feeling against them may be found in therecorded 
votes of the town at that time. 

.Inly 2:1, 17(37, the town was asked to allow the men 
to occupy the whole of the front gallery of the meet- 
ing-house, and also "to appoint seats for the Quires- 
ters to set in, in order to improve Psalmody, or relig- 
ious singing; " but both applications were denied. 

March 1-1. 1768, Daniel Campbell and Benjamin 
Taylor were appointed a committee " to make so 
much more room in the meeting-house as they shall 
think proper," and £13 8«. M. was voted to defray 
current charges. 

.lo-eph Steel and William Wallace protested against 
this grant of money, declaring that they would not pay 
any part of it until it was decided whether the house 
belonged to the proprietors or the town. 

December 4, 1771. Amherst was now the shire- 
town of the county of Hillsborough, and accommoda- 
tions were needed loi the sessions of the courts. The 
town had already voted to build a new meeting- 
house, and at a meeting held this day they 

" IY>/e.7 to give, grant :M!'l tnreviT (juiT-ela iin all right, title, inter- 
est, rlaim ami property of. in and unto onr "Id mr<tiiig-house in -aid 

Amlo-rst to the justices of tlie ' 'oiirt ..f < on.-ial >.-.- .-t i'oi.r n , 

anil for this County for the use of the County, n s.rving to uursrlves tie 
aid house from time to time, as we may see meet, 
for the space of two years from this tine-, without ha\ ing the house made 
inconvenient for out meetings during that time, and reserving the righl 
of removing the Pulpit fn.m tie- house at any time .luring the two years 

aforesaid, Provided the Justices cause a new County jail to ! rected 

within 160 rods of the t ting-house as it now stands ; .air i v. ist , the 

above vote and every clause therein contained to he void.' 1 

The jili 1 was "erected," the new meeting-house 
was built, and the old one passed into the possession 



of the county, destined, ere long, to be removed to 
" the plain," and to be purified by tire. 

The Second Meeting-House.— At a meeting held 
October t. 1770, the town voted to build a meeting- 
house for public worship, and to set the same upon 
the most convenient place on the training-field, in 
said town, and make it seventy-five feet in length and 
forty-five feet in width. They also voted to raise one 
hundred and fifty pounds, lawful money, to defray the 
expense of building said house. 

Robert Read, Samuel McKean, Archelaus Towne, 
John Shepard, Jr., and Moses Nichols were appointed 
a committee to superintend the work of building 
the bouse, and they were authorized to settle and fix 
upon the particular spot of ground in said field on 
which to erect it. 

( Ictober 25, 1770. At a meeting held this day the 
town voted to "cut the meeting-house short of 
what bad previously been voted live feet, and the 
same in width, viz., live feet." The\ directed the 

building committee to add to the house " a steeple at 

one end and a porch at the other end thereof." 

The committee was also directed to cause the frame 
of the house to be raised, boarded and shingled within 
twelve months from that date. The height of the 
sills from the ground was left to their discretion, and 
when any particular job of work was needed toward 
the building of the house they were to notify the 
people and employ those who would do it on the most 
reasonable terms. 

Armed with these directions, it would seem that 
the committee was prepared to go forward; but a 
-i. was gathering. The people of Monson, so re- 
cently annexed, were dissatisfied. They had lived in 
the old town twenty-four years with no public build- 
ing but a pound, and to be called upon to assist in 
building a meeting-house was a new experience. 
The settlers around Shepard's mills, in Amherst, dis- 
liked the plan. The people in the northwest part of 
the town objected to it, as it added half a mile to their 
journey to meeting, audit was objected to by Chest- 
nut Hill folks on the same ground ; and a meetingwas 
held November 6, 1770, in the interest of the disaf- 
fected ones, to see if the town would " vacate, annul, 
destroy and make void every act or vote of said town 
lately passed, relative to building a meeting-house on 
the training-field in said town," to see "if they will 
enlarge the present meeting-house so as to make it 
convenient for the people to meet in for some time to 
come," and, finally, " if they should be induced to 
build the house expressed in their late vote, to see if 
they will vote to set il in the centre of the town." 

The above queries were summarily disposed of at 
the meeting, 'hi the article first named the town 
'• voted in the negative," the meeting being qualified. 
They then " voted to ratify, establish and confirm 
every vote heretofore passed relative to the new 
proposed meeting-house." They also voted to dismiss 
the consideration of the next two queries. 



l!3s 



HISTORY OF HIU.SP.OKorCH COUNTY. NKW HAMPSHIRE. 



Another effort tq change the location of the house 
was made al the annual tow u-meetimr, March 11. 
1771, at which propositions were made " to 

for setting said house on 
the plain.'' ''To see if tin- town, upon consider- 
ation of a far superior place, with respect to under- 
pinning said house, dry land and a location nearer 
ilc i entre "I" the town, will vote to set said house on 
the west side "i' the road, near the shop of .Mr. 
i !hi ever, so called," and, if voted in the negative, "to 
see ii i hej u ill chuse a court's committee to i tablish 
a place for said housi ." all of which were rejected. 
Thomas Wakefield was chosen "new meeting-house 
treasurer." and the work of building went forward. 

At a meeting held August 26, 1771, the town voted 
thai the building committee " pro\ ide drink for rais- 
ing tie- 1 1 1 . i • t i 1 1 _i - 1 1 • 1 1 — ■ — ihat is,' for the spectators, 
&c." 

"IW,,/. t]i;i! -an] I ' 1 1 ■■ , - pi ' ■ , 1 ■ .r 111-' raising 

the meeting-house frame in this town fn- ^11. h a- -hall do the labor of 

nliii- In thru ili-rntinii, lint exceed- 

ing eight barrel- ' !,■'../. al-,., " that said Ciiiinittee provide for the 

ensile-, ut S.ll'l It-Mi- l-alt'-l ■!' ,nu:a ihi',>wn -li-al'l for the Use of 

ii ilait,-.| a. a.oIiiiL I - 

The committee was also authorized to procure a 
sufficiency of victuals and drink for such as should 
labor in raising >aid lmu-e, while laboring, viz., one. 
two or three meals a day, as the laborers should re- 
quire. They were also directed to hire the Gem, etc. 

What tin- " i tem " was does nut clearly appear ; but, 
with the ample preparations made by the town and 
the amount of victuals and drink provided for the 
occasion, the fathers must have had a spirited 
raising. Doubtless they lilted with a will, and the 
massive timbers were slowly set in their plai es under 
the direction of the master-builder, Deacon Barker. 
During the intervals of relaxation from the solid 
work before them, running and wrestling-matches 
were in order, in most of which, if tradition is to he 
believed, "Sam" Wilkins, the minister's son, after- 
wards deacon of the church, wag the chii i champion. 
His greatest exploit on this occasion was that of run- 
ning a short distance with the chairman of the build- 
ing committee, who weighed about the sixth of a ton 
avoirdupois, upon his shoulders. 

At a town-meeting held December -4. 1771, it was 
voted to allow the accounts of the committee ap- 
pointed to build the new meeting-liou-e. and the ac- 
counts of the workmen employed by them. 

The town also voted that they would finish the 
outside of the new meeting-house next summer, 
clapboard and glaze it, ami finish the stei 
way complete, and lay the lower floor in stud house. 
One hundred and sixty pounds, lawful money, was 
granted to defray the expense that has already arisen 
in building the bouse, and the building committee 
was authorized to complete the work above mentioned. 

November 14, 1772, the town 

n the f.wri tloni ,i( tin' 



■ i "i tin- inhabitants of tins town, the 

lean On' Kill- tn I,.' applied to defray tile expense ol tin- 

Ishmg On- house." 

Daniel Campbell, Joseph Gould and Stephen Pea- 
body were appointed a committee to sell said pew- 
ground; Daniel Campbell refusing to serve on the 
committee, Ephraim Hildreth was appointed in his 
stead. 

By a vote of tin- town, passed at this mi eting, then 
were to be three tiers of pews on tin- south side, one 
tier on the north side and two tiers each on the east 
and west ends. Alleys were to in- In between the 

pews and Seats ami between the pews. Tin size of 

round lots was left to the discretion of the 
committee, 'flu- sale of the pew-ground was to he 
within one month from the time of this meeting, and 
the purchase-money was to lie paid into the meeting- 
house treasury within three months from the time of 
the sale. 

The pews were ordered to be built within twelve 
months from this date, and in a uniform manner. If 
they were not built within the time and in the manner 
specified, the sale of the ground to the person or per- 
sons lading to comply with the conditions was to be 
void. 

The house was so tar completed that ii was formally 
dedicated to the public worship of God on the 19th 
day of January, 1774. which date, curiously painted 
in gold, in old English letters, on a panel in from of 
the singers' gallery, directly opposite the pulpit, has 
been, in bygone years, an enigma to more than one 
ot the younger members of the congregation. Of 
the gathering on that occasion and the sermon 
preached by Mr. Wilkins no written records remain. 
Tradition affirms that the di-course was, to some ex- 
tent, a historical one, treating of matters connected 
with the settlement of the town and the formation of 
tie- church. It' SO, it> loss is to be regretted. 

Alter the public services at the meeting-house it is 
said that the visiting clergymen were entertained tit 
the house of Pastor Wilkins. While partaking of 
their dinner, of which hasty pudding and milk 
formed a part, the newly-elected deacon, "Stun" 
Wilkins, told them a ludicrous story ol' his exper- 
ience ni catching a sheep, which pleased the revi rend 
fathers, and ''the pudding tlew well." 

March 14, 1774. A proposition to choose a com- 
mittee to procure a good loll for the meeting-house 
was rejected by the town; also, one to "allow the 
:i iii i In- new meeting-house that Psalm- 
ody may be carried on with greater regulation.'' 
Fifty pound.- sterling monej was voted to defray the 

new lie el ing-hou>e charges, elc. 

Jum- 22, 1774. Daniel Campbell, Lieutenant Ken- 
drick and Israel Towne, Jr., were appointed a com- 
mittee to examine the accounts of the meeting-house 
and pew committees. 

March 9, 1778. The town voted that the seats in 
the front gallery in the meeting-house, from the 



women's seats to the first pillar in the men's, be 
granted for the use of a number of persons skilled in 
singing, and Ephraim Barker, William Low, Amos 
Stickney, Abijah Wilkins and John Kimball were 
appointed a committee for seating said scats. 

March 31, 1779. The town voted to accept the 
report of the committee appointed to adjust the 

accounts of the new meeting-house and pevt c mil 

tees. 

October 30, 1815. A committee, consistingof Wil- 
liam Low, David Stewart and Andrew Leavitt, having 
reported that the meeting-house needed some repairs. 
the town voted that said committee be authorized to 
make siieh repairs as were necessary. 

March, 1818. The town refused to purchase stoves 
for the meeting-house. 

For several years efforts were made to induce the 
town to provide for warming the meeting-house dur- 
ing Sunday services; but when the matter was brought 
up in town-meeting a majority of the voters steadily 
refused to make an appropriation for the purpose. 
Perhaps they thought it well to have the temperatun 
of their house of worship as unlike as possible to that 
of the reputed abode of lost spirits. Wood was 
cheap, and they could assemble at the taverns near 
by, where mine host always had good tires burning, 
around which they could gather, talk polities, discuss 
the forenoon's sermon,— the two being frequently 
identical,— drink flip or something stronger, watch 
the boys and get in good shape for the afternoon's 
campaign. The fairer half of creation took refuge 
in the neighboring houses, where they were welcomed 
to good tires and, just as the bell rung, furnished with 
a plenty of live coals to till the fire-boxes in the little 
foot-stoves they carried. 

So they worshiped. Some, however, were not 
satisfied, and occasionally used the columns of the 

Cabinet to give vent to their feelings. f these, 

who evidently had a realizing sense of what was be- 
fore him and his fellow-sufferers, thus wrote in the 
Cabinet of December 26, 1818,— 

'• l;\,n the /a./ei.K liav. sl..\]:s in tli.'il in.-. I ] ii'-i-h I- i 

astonishing that cirih .. Jjim] , ,r, : jhl,,„.l ]„ .,|,le ha\.. n. .a.- : Lot that III. y 
[.....ih ],,.■/. ih.Mi-.lv- .... InMivii .e.ay SaM.ath in the winter, 
when the trifliti- e\ ]..t,-.- ..f .... .h.llir each would make them comfort- 
able? A wor-i to the frozen will, we hope, I..' sufficient to mil., them— 

The subject was again brought up at the next an- 
nual meeting, but the town refused to take any action 
upon the subject. Finally, in 1.S24, some stovi - wen 
procured by individual subscriptions and placed in 
the meeting-house. 

Still, the house was a eold, uncomfortable place, 
until it was removed ami remodeled in L836. Lfter 
that time loot -stoves were dispensed with, and the tew 
that now remain tire shown as curious relics of the 
past. 

.March, 1821. The town voted to shingle the meet- 
ing-house and make such repairs of the clapboard- 
ing and doors of the same as wen- necessary; also 



yoted to paint the house, ami William Fisk, William 
Low and David McG. Means were appointed a com- 
mittee to procure the work done. They were author- 
ized to examine the steeple, and, if thej thought 
proper, take it down and build a cupola in its place. 
The sum of five hundred dollars was place, 1 tit their 
disposal to lay out for the above, and lor such other 
repairs as they might sec lit to make upon the 
house. 

In the winter of 1832 a movement was made for 
the sale of the house, the town reserving certain rights 
and privileges in the same, 'flic matter was brought 
before the town tit the March meeting in that year by 
appropriate articles in the warrant calling the meet- 
ing. 

March 14, 1832. The town voted to sell the meet- 
ing-house at auction, anil the sale was finally made, the 
First Congregational Church and Society in Amherst 
being the purchasers, and the property was transferred 
in tin in by the committee appointed for the purpose. 

In August, 1836, the meeting-house was removed 
from the spot "on the training-field" where the 
fathers placed it, si sty-live years before, to the place 
it now occupies. 

January 1, 1837, the repairs on the meeting-house 
being completed, it was again occupied by the society 
for Sunday services. The exercises on this occasion, 
under the direction of the pastor, Rev. Silas Aiken, 
were appropriate and of a very interesting character. 

Mir centennial anniversary of the dedication of the 
second meeting-house was celebrated with appropriate 
services on Sunday, January IS, 1874. 

The house had lately been thoroughly repaired and 
a new organ built. 

'fhe house is now in g 1 repair, and its massive 

timbers promise a continuance for centuries. Long 
1 1 1 : i s ii lie spared from the lire and tempest, a con- 
necting link between present and bygone genei a I ion.-,. 



(MAP T E U I V. 

AMHERST— {Continued). 

Imherst as the Count} -Seat — Schools — Aurean ^cademj Post-Offices— 
The Press— The Amherst Journal and New II. en. I i UverHaer— 

The Village Messenger— The Farmers' Cabin I r. Hills] ugh 

iVli. S ralih — The Amherst Herald— Tin- I'isi -ata.pia l.i.nu. It, al Maga- 
zine— Banks— The Hillsborough Bank— Farmers' Ilatik-Sorial Liter- 
ary—The Franklin Society— Masoni.— I'liysirians- (.'..II 
—Civil History— .Moderators .SeIcrtiiien-Kei..rcseiitatives--l'o|.iil.-ition 

Ax attempt to divide the province into counties 
was made in the House of Representatives January 
22, 1755; but it failed to receive the concurrence of 
the Council. 

The subject was brought up in the Council at a 
session held in March, L769,at which time votes were 
passed for dividing the province into counties 
ami fixing their boundaries. In these votes the House 
concurred. 



240 



HISTORY OF IIII.LSFoKOrCH COUNTY. NFAY HAMPSHIRE 



March 29, L769. The Council voted that one 

Superior Court, four Inferior Courts ofC mon Pleas, 

and fourCoiurts of ( ii-nci.'il >r--i.,n- -ln.nlil he held an- 
nually at Amherst for the county in which it was in- 
cluded. 

This vote was returned b\ the Bouse the next day 
without concurrence, as they were in 30 
whether the courts should be held in Amherst or 
Merrimack ; but they professed a willingness to abide 
by the decision of the Council. 

After hearing the statements of parties interested, 
the question was pul to the Council whether Amherst 
should l>e stricken from the vote and Merrimack put 
in its place and it was decided in the negative. 
The vote of the Council was then concurred in by tin- 
House. 

The meeting-house belonging to the town was pre- 
sented to the county for a court-house, and was sub- 
sequently moved from its original location, at the 
junction of the roads near the house now occupied by 
P. W. and Thomas Jones, to a site on the Plain, north 
of the soldiers' monument, where it was burned by an 
incendiary on the night following the loth day of 
March, 1788. 

A jail was built shortly after the organization of 
the county, which now tonus apart of tl Id. jail- 
house building, and -one- fni'ty \ ears later the stone 
jail building was erected. 

At a meeting held -March 31, 1788, the town voted 
to grant eighty pounds toward the erection of a new 
court-house. John Patterson, Captain Josiah Crosby, 
Samuel Dana, Esq., Daniel Campbell and James Ray 
were appointed a committee to superintend its erec- 
tion, and its " location, form and figure " were referred 
to the committee and the selectmen of the town. 

The second court-house was built on the spot now 
occupied by the dwelling-house of David Russell, 
Esq. After the brick court-house was built it was 
sold and removed to the westerly part of the Plain, 
where it was fitted up for a chapel, for which it was 
ral years, when it was again sold and fitted 
up for tenement dwellings. It is still standing near 
the foundry buildings. West ofit,asit was originally 
located, and near by, were the whipping-post and 
pillory, — those "terrors of the law" to evil-doers among 
the fathers. The whippings inflicted, we maj judge, 
varied in severity according to the disposition of the 
officer who inflicted them. In one instance, still re- 
membered, the culprit was told privately that he 
"should not be whipped very hard," but was directed 
to make a terrible outcry every time he was struck. 

After the Stale prison was built the pillory and 
whipping-post were dispensed with, and but very few 
persons now living can remember them. 

In this second court-house the giants of the legal 
profession in New Hampshire, from 1787 to 1822, 
were wont to congregate at the semi-annual sessions 
of the Hillsborough County courts. Here came Jer- 
emiah Mason. Jeremiah Smith, the elder l'lnnnr. 



William Gordon, David Everett, the elder Athertons, 
Levi Woodbury, George Sullivan, Arthur Livermore, 
Samuel Bell, Parker Noyes, Judge Richardson and 
others oflesser note; and here, greatest of all, Daniel 
Webster made his maiden argument before Judge 
I'arrar. He bad finished the study of bis profession 
in the office of Christopher Gore, a distinguished 
jurist in Boston, and had been admitted to the Suf- 
folk County bar, on motion of thai gentleman, in 
March, 1805. A few weeks later he visited Amherst, 
and argued a motion before Judge Farrar's court 
with such clearness that the presiding judge remarked 
to his associates : "That young man's statement 1- a 
most unanswerable argument." and at once granted 
the motion. 

The town of Concord having presented a petition 
to the Genera] Court, asking to be annexed to the 
county of Hillsborough, and that one-half of the 
courts then held at A n ill. 1 -t might be held in that 
town, the people of A in hei'st . at a meeting held April 
28, L785, voted their unwillingness that the petition 
should be granted, and chose Joshua Atherton, Au- 
gustus Blanchard and Samuel Dana, Esqs., a com- 
mittee "to show the General Court the reasons of 
their unwillingness." Colonel Robert Means, then 
representative of the town, was instructed to assist 
the committee, who were directed "to confer with 
other towns relative to the premises before hearing 
the petition." 

Tin people of the towns in the northern part of 
the county requiring greater conveniences for tin 
transaction of their business before the courts, the 
Legislature passed an act. which was apprised I ><- 
■ 1 miii 'i 25, 17'J2, providing that the May term of the 
Superior Court and the September and December 
terms ot' the Court of Common Pleas and General 
Court of Sessions. h,ld annually at Amherst, should 
thereafter I"- held at Hopkinton, at the same time 
they had been held at Amherst, provided that the 
stud courts should be held in or as near the meeting- 
bouse in said Hopkinton as they could conveniently 
be, and that the act should be null and void if, at the 
expiration of two years from its passage, the town of 
Hopkinton had not erected a suitable house, frei oi 
expense to the county, in which to hold said courts. 

The required building was promptly erected, and 
Hopkinton became a half-shire town of the county, 
and so continued until the formation of Merrimack 
County, in 1823. A jail was also erected there, which 
continued to be used by the county of Merrimack 
after its incorporation until the completion of the 
new jail at < ioncord, in 1852. 

A committee appointed by the town to examine 
and report, among other things, wdiat part of the 
common the town should appropriate for a court- 
house, on condition that the town should have the 
privilege of using the same for a town-house, reported, 
at a meeting held September 21, 1818, recommending 
that tin town should grant the county a right to 



nvri a court-house and the necessary buildings for 

the accommodation of the sam the common, in 

front of the burying-ground, placing the back thereof, 
as far as may be convenient, into the burying-ground, 
provided the town shall ever nave the privilege of 
using the hou.se to hold their meetings in. 

The present court-house was erected shortly alter. 

By an act of the Legislature, approved December 
28, 1844, it was provided thai a term of the Court of 
Common Pleas should thereafter he laid at Man- 
chester. 

An act passed July 12, 1856, provided that a term 
of the Superior Court should be held at Nashua. 

An act was passed June 29, 1864, providing for the 
removal of the county records to Nashua. 

The records were removed in 1866. 

A jail having been built at Manchester, the jail, 
jail-house and small house, mar by, in Amherst, and 
the land around them, owned by the comity, were 
sold at auction, October 8, 1867. 

The land on which these buildings -t I was pre- 
sented to the county by Jonathan Smith, in 1771. 

By an act of the Legislature, approved July 15, 
L879, the May term of the Superior Court held at 
Amherst on the first Tuesday of May, annually, was 
abolished, and a term of tin- court was ordered to he 
held in its stead at Nashua and Manchester, alter- 
nately, on the firsl Tuesday id' May, annually. 

This completed the removal of the Hillsborough 
County courts from Amherst, where they had been held 
wholly, or in part, for one hundred and eight years. 

On the removal of the courts, the court-house, 
agreeably to the provisions of the deed given thi 
county in 1824, became the property of the town. 

It lias since been fitted up for a town-house, and 
contains a large and convenient town ball, rooms for 
the town officers, the town library and a tire-proof 
safe for the preservation of the town records, etc. 

We find no record of any schools in Souhcgan West 
prior to its incorporation as a town. Probably 
private instruction was given by Mr. Wilkins, or 
some other qualified person, to such as desired and 
could afford it. 

At the annual meeting of the town in 17112 a vote 
was passed " to keep a school this year in five 
divisions, the selectmen to divide," by which we may 
understand the selectmen were to divide the town 
into five divisions or districts and employ a teacher, 
who should spend a part of his time in each district. 

No mention is made of any effort being made to 
secure an appropriation for schools in the years 1 7"< 13, 
L765 and 1766. In 17G4, 17U7, 17fiS and 1769 the 
town refused to make any appropriation for that pur- 
pose; also, at a special meeting held in May, 1769. 

Finally the matter became a serious one. The 
selectmen were in danger of beiug " presented " for 
neglect of duty in the matter of schooling. So the 
town voted, at a meeting held December 12, 1709, 
that " they will keep a school a part id' this year," 



and granted the sum of UK! Ii.«. N</. to dcfra\ file ex- 
pense of so doing. 

At ilie annual meeting, March, 1 770, they 

" \'"t,;l, |n keep a Scl 1 II [Willie y.-ai to (..., ti ll,,' children I" 

reai], write an I 

I'.ui no record remains that any money was appro- 
priated for teachers. 

March, 1771. Twenty pounds, lawful money, was 
voted for schooling, and the town directed that " the 
school should be kept some part of the time in several 

parts of the town." Also, voted that the people of 
the town "keep as many schools as they think fit* 
and each family that does keep a school sha 

titled lo draw their proportion of the monej ab ivi 
granted." 

At .a meeting held March '.», 1/72. the sum of 
£26 L3s. -[•>. was granted for the support of schools 
thai year. In 1773 the article in the warrant for the 
annual meeting relating to schools was referred to the 
selectmen. 

A proposition to build several school-houses and to 
choos< a committee to complete the same was rejected 
at the annual meeting in March, 1774. 

The lots reserved for schools by the proprietors of 
the township seem to have been sold about this time, 
as we find in the warrant for the meeting held March 
13, 177o, an article, " to sec if the town would allow 
that [part of the town that was originally (tilled Am- 
herst to use the interest of the i icy their school- 
right was lately sold for in private schools," which 
they refused to do. 

No record remains of any provision being made for 
schools in the years 177-">, 177(1 and 1777. Other mat- 
ters of serious import engrossed the minds of the 
people in those years; but it is probable that the 
schools were not wholly neglected. 

At the annual meeting in March, 177S, it was 

" Voh-d. to keep a oi'ammar school the ensuine, year." 

And on the cover ol the first volume of the town 
records are the following entries, in the handwriting 
of Colonel Nahum Baldwin, town clerk and first 
selectman that year. April 27, 177*, 

"Agreed with Mr. William Kin- to keep a tow n scl 1 at 6«. per las. 

arid board him. Same day opened s'd Behoof, duly "J7, 1778, Agreed 
witli Mr. Brown Emerson to keep a Behoof in this I 

t< t \ Ii""l < -.lumen, ol this day. 

"N. It . Town Clerk." 

These were warlike times, and the fathers used war- 
like terms in the transaction of their business. So we 
find them voting, March 8, 1779, 

" 'I'll, it lli.> town lie <ll\ 'idol int.. -an ad iv. as all 

I.-, fin. ii. tli it tin- inhabitants may be the (..-iter aec modated with a 

school, and that each s.|.iadroli have their part of tin- money that shall 
be laisr.l I.. I s. houlin-. ['i.i\idod th.y lay it out lol thai purpose." 

The sum of three hundred pounds was granted for 
the support of schools this year at an adjourned meet- 
ing held March 31st. 

In March, 1780, the sum of six hundred pounds 
was voted for the support of schools, ami the manner 
of keeping them was referred to the selectmen. 



242 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



At the March meeting in 1781 the town voted to 
raise ten thousand pounds (■ >r schooling this year, 
and that "the schools be kept by each neighbourhood 
classing together." It may be well to remember 
that this was in thedays of the depreciated Continen- 
tal "fiat" money. The next year they had reached 
" hard pan," as they voted eighty pounds for the sup- 
port of schools. The same amount was appropriated 
in 1783. 

In 1784 they did better, and appropriated one hun- 
dred pounds, and directed the selectmen to divide the 
town into school districts, and each district had 
liberty to lay out their money as they pleased. 

The smn of one hundred and fifty pounds was 
voir,] for schools in each of the years 1785, 1786 and 
1787. 

At a meeting held 10th of April, 1787, the town 
voted to keep a grammar school in the centre district 
this j ear, on condition that the district shall make up 
to the master in a private way what their proportion 
of the school money falls short of an adequate salary. 
A disposition was manifested at this meeting to se- 
cure the services of such persons as teachers in the 
schools as were qualified for the work, and a commit- 
tee, consisting of Rev. Jeremiah Barnard, Rev. John 
Bruce and Augustus Blanchard, Esq., was appointed 
"to examine the abilities of school-masters and mis- 
tresses," and it was voted that none hut those thai 
were recommended by them should be employed by 
any district as teachers of schools. 

It was also voted that if any district should not 
school out their money within one year from the time 
it was granted, it should be paid into the town treas- 
ury for the use ofthe town. 

' >ne hundred and fifty pounds annually was granted 
for thesupporl of schools from 1787 tol793, inclusive. 
At the annual meeting in March, L789, the town 
voted to excuse a number of persons who had joined 
themselves together lor the support of an academy in 
this town from the payment of any school lax so long- 
as they should support the proposed academy. The 
use ofthe town-house for school purposes was also 

granted to them. 

Lotteries were popular in those days, and we find 
that when the projectors of the academy asked the 
Legislature for an act of incorporation they asked for 
the grant of a lottery to enable them to support it. 
The Senate, however, gave them leave to bring in a 
bill for the incorporation of the academy only. 

In December, 1791, a petition was presented to the 
Legislature by the academies in Amherst, Atkinson, 
Charlestown, Chesterfield and New Ipswich, asking 
for i he grant of a lottery to enable them to raise five 
thousand pounds, which thej proposed to divide 
equally among those institutions; but the application 
was postponed lo the next session, and was finally un- 
successful. 

February Hi, 1791, Joshua Atherton, Samuel 
Dana.Robert .Means, William Gordon, Daniel War- 



ner, John Shepard. Hubert Fletcher, Nathan Ken- 
dall, Jr., Saniud Curtis, Joseph Blanchard, Samuel 
Wilkins and Daniel Campbell, Esqr's., William 
Read, Nathan Cleaves, David Danforth, Isaac Bald- 
win, John Eaton, David Stewart, Thomas Gilmore, 
Samuel G. Towne, James Roby, John Watson, Jere- 
miah Hobson, Ebenezer Taylor, Jonathan Smith, Jr., 
and Ephraim Barker, of Amherst; Moses Kelly, of 
< loffston n ; Isaac Cochran, of Antrim ; Timothy Tay- 
lor and Jacob MacGaw, of Merrimack ; and Stephen 
Dole, of Bedford, and their successors, were, by the 
of the State, formed into, constituted and 
I', politic and corporate, by the nameofthe 
\iiivan Academy, which corporation was empowered 
to transact all business necessary to the support and 
maintenance of an academy, the end and purpose of 
which was declared to be " to encourage and promote 
virtue and piety, and a knowledge of the English, 
Greek and Latin languages, mathematicks, writing, 
geography, logic, oratory, rhetoric and other useful 
and ornamental branches of literature." 

An organization of the corporation was effected 
shortly after, and the school went into operation under 
the charge of Charles Walker, a son of Judge Timothy 
Walker, of Concord, X. 11. He was succeeded by 
Daniel Staniford, Henry .Moore, Jesse Appleton, Wil- 
liam Crosby, William Biglow, Joshua Hayu 1, Wil- 
liam Abbott, Daniel Weston, Peyton R. Freeman, 
James McPherson and Thomas Cole. The school was 
in successful operation for some years, but it was fin- 
ally (dosed in 1801 for lack of adequate funds for its 
support. 

A select school was kept in the village during the 
summer months for several years afterward. Among 
tin teachers employed in this school were Ephraim 
P. Bradford, George Kimball, James McKean Wilkins, 
John Farmer, Samuel Whiting, Abel F. Hildreth and 
Gideon L. Soule. 

The sum of ten thousand dollars was left to i lie town 
of Amherst by the will of the late Isaac Spalding, of 
Nashua, the same to be paid in one year from the 
death of his widow, and kept as a perpetual fund, to 
be known as the " Spalding fund," the annual interest, 
dividend or income of which is to be added to the 
school money raised by the town in each year, and 
expended as such money is now, or hereafter may be, 
by law required or authorized to be expended. 

Post-Office. — William Gordon was appointed post- 
master at Amherst, by the President and Council, 
February 1(1, 1791. 

Since the organization ofthe Post-Office Depart- 
ment by the general government the postmasters have 
been, — 

Danii I p . [808. Samuel Foster; 1809, Eli 

Brown ; 1812, Ann, 11 Whitnt-y ; Ism, Jclidiali K Smith ; 1826, Isaac 
Spalding; 1827, John Prentiss; 1829, David Underbill ; 1841, Aaron 
1 1849, Charles B. Totl >2, David Russell i - '■ '.. Timothy 
Danforth . 1855, Nafhani Mo i 1861, H ,- I Ibbott; 1868, 

Chiiile- lIu'li.ii.Uoii ; is,, a, II. .!.,,'.■ I;. \v 11 „■, n ] *;,', Wil-Mi, n For- 



A post-office whs established at Amherst station in 
August, 1881, under the name of " Danforth " post- 
office, and Charles II. Mackay was appointed post- 
master. Mr. c. E. Smith is tin- present incumbent. 

A telephone-office was opened at the telegraph- 
office in the house of Dr. Edward Aiken, on the Plain, 
July 7, 1882. It is now in the store of Mr. A. F. 
Sawyer. 

The Press.— The Amherst Journal and New Hamp- 
shire Advertiser, commenced by Nathaniel Coverly, 
January 16, 1795, was the first newspaper published 
in Amherst or in 1 lil Uborough County. It was 
printed on a sheet, eighteen by twenty-two inches, and 
issued weekly. In the centre of the title was a cut 
of the national eagle, bearing a shield of generous 
dimensions, which gave the paper quite ashowj ap- 
pearance. Its reading-matter was made up of selected 
stories, news from abroad, from two to four months 
old, ami very little of local interest. Mr. Coverly's 
son became associated with him in the publication 
of the paper, April 24, 1795, and it was discontinued 
at the close of the year. 

The Vilh.li/r Mrsxriiijir succeeded the Journal, Janu- 
ary 6, 1796. William Biglow was the editor; William 
Biglow and Samuel < lushing, publishers. This paper 
was a decided improvement upon its predecessor, and 
made a very creditable appearance. Mr. Biglow soon 
relinquished the editorial chair, but Mr. Gushing 
continued the publication of the paper until April 18, 
17!'7, when he retired, and the establishment passed 
into the hands of Mr. Samuel Preston, by whom the 
waspublished until December 5, 1801, when 
it was discontinued. 

The Farmers' Cabinet, Joseph Cushing editor and 
proprietor, succeeded the J/issc/oyo-, November 11, 
1802. Mr. Cushing continued its publication until 
October 10, 1809, when, becoming involved in the 
failure ofthe Hillsborough Bank, he sold the estab- 
lishment to Mr. Richard Boylston, at that time a 
journeyman printer in his office, who continued its 
publication until January 3, 1840. liis son, Edward 
1). Boylston, then became a-.-oiiated with him in its 
management, ami continued associate editor until his 
removal to Manchester, in April, 1843, when the 
senior editor again assumed the entire charge of the 
paper. In August, 1848, his son again became asso- 
ciated with him in its management, ami January 1, 
L851, became sole proprietor by purchase, the senior 
remaining associate editor until 1856. In January, 
1869, Albert A. Rotch, son-in-law of the editor and 
a graduate from the office, became associate editor, 
and still continues as such. 

The Hillsborough Telegraph, Elijah Mansur editor 
and publisher, was commenced January 1, L 820, and 
discontinued July L3, IN22. It was a well-conducted 
ami well-printed paper. 

The Amherst Herald, published by Thomas < ,. Wells 
and Nathan K. Seaton, was commenced January 1, 
1825, and continued until December of that year. 



when ii was united with the 2V< w Hampshire /Statesman 
and Concord Regixtrr. It was the oti'spring of the 
Unitarian Controversy o\ those times, ami advocated 
Unitarian views. 

Quite a number of books and pamphlets were printed 
al i lie above-named offices, and, with a view of enlarg- 
ing his business as a publisher, Mr. Cushing, shortlj 

before he left town, elected the three-story brick build- 
ing, on tin- Plain, lor its accommodation, which he 
left in an unfinished state. Hence it was lor a long 
time called "Cushing's tolly." 

Dr. Sammd Curtis, a citizen ofthe town, published 
a Pocket Almanack or New Hampshire Register, from 
1800 lo 1809 inclusive, which was printed by Mr. 
Cushing from 1804-9. 

The Piscataqua Evangelical Magazine, conducted 
mainly by President Appleton, at that time the min- 
ister of Hampton, was printed by Mr. Cushing from 
January 1, 1806, until .March, 1808. 

Banks. — The Hillsbokough Bank was incorpo- 
rated June IN, 1806, for twenty years, with a capital of 
I - i0,00 $200,000. The corporation was organ- 
ized July 23, 1800, when Samuel Bell, Charles II. 
Atherton, David Everett, Frederick French and Daniel 
Prior were chosen directors. Samuel Bell was chosen 
president and David Holmes cashier by the directors. 

The first bills were issued October 17, 1806, and 
were of i be denominations of one, two, three, live and 
ten dollars. They were printed on Perkins' stereo- 
type plates. 

Being authorized to issue bills to double the amount 
of the capital employed, the directors availed them- 
selves of the privilege, as business was good and the 
money in demand. 

Shortly after, in consequence ofthe course the gov- 
ernment thought proper to adopt in reference to the 
troubles with Great Britain, the commerce of the 
country was destroyed and its business paralyzed. It 

became difficult to turn property into n y, and 

the bank suffered in consequence. The holders of its 
obligations were clamorous tor their money, but the 
bank found it difficult to obtain its dues from its 
debtors t" meet them. 

The banks in the commercial centres, which had 
contracted their circulation to some extent before the 
storm, were better prepared to meet it. Viewing the 
country banks as rivals, they pursued an unfriendly 
course toward them. Finally the bill-holders, losing 
confidence in them, disposed of their bills to specula- 
tors at a discount, who at once presented them for 
payment. 

I ii tin- emergency, alter redeeming its bills until its 
specie was exhausted, the Hillsborough Bank, August 
23, ISO!), suspended payment. September 26 1809, 
its bills were at ten and twelve and one-half per cent. ; 
October 17, 1809, at fifty per cent, discount. Many of 
tin' active business men of the place suffered severely 
by its failure, and some terribly bitter pamphlets were 
written and published in regard to its management. 



244 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



For years any connection with the management of 
lln' "Old Hillsborough Bank" was deemed a reproach 
by many of the citizens of A mherst. 

Farmers' Bank. — A charter for a new bank at 

Amlier-I was granted liy the Legislature at its session 
held in.liiiM', lSi'l'. The grantees, under this charter, 
met at Ray's Hotel January 31, 1825. At this meet- 
ing they \ oted to carry the pro\ isions of their charter 
into effect as soon as practicable. The capital stock, 
$65,000, was subscribed for at ..nee. and February 12, 
ISl'o, the corporation was organized by the choice of 
Charles H. Atherton, James Wallace, Edmund Parker, 
Robert .Mean-, Robert Read. Daniel Adams and Aaron 
F. Sawyer as directors. The board of directoi - organ- 
ized immediately alter by the choice of Charles It. 
Atherton as. president and John Prentiss cashier, who 
served iii those offices during the whole period of the 
existence of the bank. The bank went into operation 
April 11, 1825. The capital of $65,000 was fully 
paid in, and during its existence it furnished for cir- 
culation nearly S5.00(l,(. The bank was quite suc- 
cessful in its business, its semi-annual dividends 
averaging three and one-half per cent. 

March 12, 1847, Charles 11. Atherton gave notice 
that he was prepared to make a final close of the 
affairs of the Farmers' Bank, by paying the stock- 
holders their stock in full, with a small surplus. 

May 1, 1839, an attempt was made to rob the Farm- 
ers' Bank by an Englishman, who gave his name as 
John Jones. Tie- cashiei was awakened and suc- 
ceeded in securing the burglar before he had accom- 
plished his object. 

At the session of the court held in September fol- 
lowing he was .sentenced to ten days of solitary con- 
finement, and imprisonment for life at hard labor in 
the State prison. His real name was said to be John 
Honeyman. 

Amherst Social Library . — Samuel Dana, Joshua 
Atherton, Jeremiah Barnard, Samuel Wilkins, Daniel 
Campbell, John Shepard, Daniel Warner, Robert 
Fletcher, Jonathan Smith, Samuel Curtis and their 
associates were, by an act of Legislature approved 
June 21, 171*7. incorporated as the Amherst Library 
Society. 

This society continued in existence about thirty- 
five years. It was finally dissolved and its books sold 
at auction February 25, 1832. 

The Franklin Society was organized September 
16, 1807, for the improvement of its members in 
literary pursuits. It consisted of a number of young 
men wdio met every sec 1 Wednesday for the dis- 
cussion of literary subjects, declamations and the 
reading of original compositions. 

The following list of members is copied from the 
book of records : 

Herman Abbott, Samuel Abbott, Vlnaham An. trews. Charles It. Ath- 
erton, John P. Batehel.ler, John Burnaui, Joseph Bell, William Clag. etl 
Nathan R. Clongh, Joseph Cusliin- Elisha II Elam, Caleb Emereon, 
Luther Farley, John Fanner, Ml... I'.-k. Benjamin 1\ Fp-ikIi, Willi, m. 
Gordon, Alonzo S ,,n,H, !,■>, l[.i,>tl , Jacob ll..lt,i.-~. .1..- 



Ib.lt. K.iL'.'lie II ill. hill-on, Is..;..* Hill, Oeor^e Kitiikill .b.srj.li 1 1 M;Hi 

i. ie_ Band McG. Means, William I' Morrison, Harrison G Otis, Jr 
I. ; 1 Parker, James Perkins, Robert Read Davids .be, Matthias 

Spalding, li ...i. -I. nil- Sim, ii. liliiiwn Taylor, Jr., Henry J. Tll.li.r. 

Freemasonry. — A charter for Benevolent Lodge, 

No. 7, F. and A. M.. was granted by the Grand Lodge 
of New Hampshire. April 26, 1797, and the lodge was 
organized on the last Tuesday of May in that year. 
Samuel Dana was appointed Worshipful Master; Jo- 
nathan Gove. Senior Warden; and Luther Dana, 
Junior Warden. 

This lodge continued in successful operation quite 
a number of years, and many of the citizens of Am- 
herst were connected with it as members. At last. 
as a majority of its members resided in Milford, 
Brookline and Wilton, at a meeting held March 20, 
1826, it was voted unanimously to remove said lodge 
from Amherst to Milford, on condition that whenever 
two-thirds of the members were in favor of restoring 
it to Amherst, the minority should cheerfully acquiesce 
in its removal. 

Samuel Dana, Daniel Warner. I lharles II. At licit m, 
Aaron Whitney and Ephraim Blanchard were among 
the citizens of Amherst who served as Worshipful 
Masters of the lodge while it remained in town. It 
became dormant in 1832, but was revived and is again 
in operation. There are but two older lodges now in 

existence in tile State. 

Souhegan Grange, No. 10, Patrons of Husbandry, 

was formed December 5, 1873, with sixteen members. 
and is now one of the largest and most flourishing 

granges in the State. 

United Order of the Golden Cross was instituted 

July 1, 1881, with twenty-seven members; officers 
chosen semi-annually. 
Physicians. — Moses Nichols, from Beading, 

Mass.. settled here as early as 1761, and remained in 
practice until his death, in May, 1790. He was an 
active and influential citizen, and filled many im- 
portant civil ami military offices. At the head of his 
regiment, he commenced the attack upon the Hessians 
at Bennington, in 1777. lie also commanded a regi- 
ment at West Point at the time of Arnold's treason, 
in 1780. 

Seth Ami's, from Dedham, Mass., brother of the 
celebrated orator ami statesman, Fisher Ames, gradu- 
ated at Harvard College in 17(il in the .lass with 
John Wilkins; practiced here from about 1770 to 
1777, when, his health failing from the excessive u~.- 
of snuff, he relinquished practice and returned to 
Dedham, where he died January 1, 1778. 

Henry Codman, son of Henry Codman, an Irish 
immigrant, was born in Middleton, Mass. His 
mother was a near relative of Rev. Mr. Wilkins. He 
practiced here nearly forty years, and died in March, 
1812. His son, Henry ('oilman, practiced in Mont 
Vernon a short time, but died young. 

Ebenezer Weston, Jr., was in practice here 

some years. ''Weston's Itch Ointment." of which 



tons were manufactured by Read & Spalding, origi- 
nated with him. 

Samuel Curtis, from Sharon, Mass., graduated 
at Harvard College in L766; was a surgeon in the 
army of the Revolution; settled in A.mherst in 1789, 
and was in practice here a few years. He finally gave 
up his professional business for that of an inn-keeper. 
He also kept an apothecary's store in his tavern; 
compiled and published a pocket almanac and register 
several year-, beside other publications of various 
kinds, and served as postmaster several years. In his 
old age he loved to hear and tell the news and relate 
rare instances which had come under his persona] ob- 
servation or of which he had heard. Being rather 
credulous, sonic of the stories he reported would have 
done credit to the " Pickwick Club.' 1 lie died in 1X22. 

Moses Nichoi 3,jR.,son of General Moses Nichols, 

studied his profession under tin- direction id' his 
father, and commenced practice here in 17*4 ; removed 
to Thornton in 1787, thence to Canada in 1802; re- 
turned to Amherst in 1805 ; remained hen' until 1811, 
when he again removed to Canada. He died at Sher- 
brooke, Canada, in November, 1X4!>. 

Nathaniel Henchman, from Lynn, Mass., settled 
here in 178::, and remained in practice until his death, 
ir, May, 1800. 

John MtJSSEY, a native of Kingston, studied his 
profession with General Nichols; settled in Pelham 
in 1766; in Amherst in 1791, where he remained un- 
til 1800, when he removed to Peterborough, where he 
died in January, 1831. He was father of Professor 
Reuben Dimond Mussey, the celebrated surgeon and 
instructor in surgery. 

Rogers Smith, horn in Middleton, Mass., came, in 
infancy, with his father's family, to Amherst; com- 
menced practice prior to 1804; removed to Mont 
Vernon in 18<»8, thence to Greenhush, N. Y., finally 
to Weston, Vt., where he died in 1846. He was 
father of Rev. Asa Dodge Smith, the president of 
Dartmouth College from 1863 to 1871. 

Matthias SPALDING,son of Colonel Simeon Spald- 
ing, of Chelmsford, .Mas-., graduated at Harvard Col- 
lege in 1798; studied medicine with Dr. Benjamin 
Waterhouse, of Cambridge, and Dr. E. A. Holyoke, 
of Salem, Mass. ; visited England in 1700, where he 
attended the medical lectures of Sir Astley Cooper 
and other noted physicians and surgeons; on his re- 
turn he commenced practice at Chelmsford, whence, 
in 1806, he removed to Amherst, where he continued 
in practice until disabled by the infirmities of age. 
He died May 2.">, I860, aged nearly ninety-six years. 

Charles F. Hildreth, graduated at Harvard 
College in 1823; practiced here a short time; in 1824 
removed to Boston. 

Ambrose Seaton, son of Deacon John Seaton, Jr., 
graduated at Dartmouth Medical School in 1825; 
commenced practice in 1826. About 1830 he removed 
to Boston, thence, at a later date, to Greenup, Ky., 
where he died. 



Amory Gale, a native of Warwick, Ma 
ated :il Bowdoin College in 1824; practiced in Lan- 
caster, Mass., some years; settled in Amherst in 
November, 1834,' where he remained until 1839. He 
died in is;::. 

Francis Perry Fitch, a native of Greenfield, 
who graduated at Dartmouth Medical College in L831, 
con need practice in New Boston, whence he re- 
moved to Amherst in 1839; succeeded to Dr. Gale's 
business in Amherst, and remained in successful pt ■ 
tice until 1865, when he removed to Milford. After 
a lew years he relinquished practice, and removed to 
Vineland, N. J., where he died in December, 1874. 

Edward Aiken, son of Rev. Silas Aiken, gradu- 
ated at Dartmouth College in 1851 ; succeeded to the 
practice of Dr. Fitch in Amherst in 1865. He retired 
from practice in 1883 and is now engaged on the re- 
cords of the State Secretary, but resides in Amherst. 

George W. Moor, a native of Princeton, Mass.. 
graduated at Dartmouth College in 1841; settled here 
in July, 1843, and remained in practice until his 
death, in September, 1866. 

Peyton D. Baker commenced practice here in 
1855, but remained only a short time, lie removed to 
Maine, where he died. 

Bradley It. Bartlett practiced in Manchester 
and Pittsfield, and was a surgeon in the Civil War; 
s ettled in Amherst in 1872. In October, 1876, he was 
disabled by paralysis, and died in December, 1878. 

C. M. Douce practiced here a few months, com- 
mencing in April, 1878, and was succeeded by A. ('. 
Buswell, who remained hut a short time. 

W. II. DlNSMORE settled lane in 1880, and is now 
in practice in Milford. 

Dr. J. H. Mills succeeded Dr. Dinsmore, and died 
aftei on,- j ear's pracf ice. 

Drs. J. 11. Pettengill and II. D. Hicks are now 
in practice. 

Lawyers. — For lawyers sci- chapter on "Bench and 
Bar." 

COLLEGE GRADUATES FROM AMHERST.' 
//.,, yard Collegt 
John Wilkins, 1764, instructor; diedat Athens, 0., 1808, aged 68. 
Jacob Kimball, 17ns. fanner; died at Amherst, August 1, 1849. aged 
81. 

Charles I!. Atherton, 1794, Iawyei ; diedat Amherst, January 8, 1853, 
aged 7». 

lorn. I We.. , IT',!,",, , ler^ynian ; 'lied in Maine, 1837. 

William Gordon, 1806, lawyer ; diedat Brattleboro', Vt., January 
12,1871, aged 83. 

Jonathan F. l>ana,= 1813, physician ; died in New York City, April, 



Lowell, Ma- . M in I I 
Bosl Dei ember 5, 1861, 



Samuel L. Dana, Isle, rhmiUI 
L868, aged 7 J. 

John II. Wilkins. 1818, I ksellei 

aged r.7. 

Charles G. Atherton, 1822, lawyer; died in Manchester, Novembe] II 
1853, aged 49. 

Stephen R. Holmes, 1822, instructor; died at sea, January 11,1830, 



Massachusetts 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY. NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



i ' 'ollege. 
Joshua Haj ■. . 
Reuben D.Mussc; lune 21, 1866, aged 86 

Devi II. ii ! .. 

: 

died June 23, 1876, aged 72 
! 

' >'■" I- I. I 
ICiHiam H 
Edward II. Pi 
Mi;. '.i S] aiding graduab ol Hedical I oil 

. 1851, physii iao 
John 11 1 1ark t 1857, | 
i'li.-iil.- il \\ .il !..■■■ l-.7l.ui student; died June 21, 1801, aged 25 

-■> man. 
Warren ngineer. 

'. University. 
S »■! Uhitiu-, lsls, lawyer. 

Bowdoin College. 
Robert Means, Ji . 1807, lawyer; died Sept. mber 26, 1842, aged 16 

William Ai.pl.-tii, !.-_'.., lawyt . ,ii. ,1 i .. i.,i„., p., i> .... ..-.-.l -p 

James Means, 1833, clergyman ; died Ipril, 1863, aged 50 

lmh< i I ollege. 
Bal lu .... clei gj man 
John B. Whe< 



MODEli\Tcil:s OF THE \\M AL TOWN .MEETINi is, 
John Goffe, 1760. 

William Peal.... I \ 17. '.1 C-J, ,1 . , ,.,. ;,, 

i iron, 17..:;. 
Mioses Nil h .Is, 1767, '69, 70, 71, : I 77 

. id, 1768. 
.Samuel McKi 
Benjamin Keiidrick, 1771. 
Daniel Campbell, 177", '88 
Nahum Baldwin, 177s. 
.lusiab Crosby, 177'.' 

Samuel Wilkins, 1780, 31 ... . t 

John Shepard, Jr., 1785, 
Samuel Dana, 17711. c 
William Gordon, 1796. 
Daniel Wan,. 

Jonathan Smith, 17'.. 1 .'. lsnl, '..2. 
18, '09. 
Smith, 1 30 7 04, 05 06, 17, 11, '12, 13 14 '17 '23 
'24. 
- 1 " 1 " S ml e, 1810 '16 

CharlesH 

Edmund Parker, ins, '19, '20, '21 
Hubbard Newl 

Da ., : . 

David Stewart, 1845, 16 

Levi .1 - j 155, 

Perley Dodge, 1853 .1 

Charles Ii I , ■ ,, ; ,,, tJl 

Charles B. Tuttle, I860 1 

"William A. Mark, H1.7, is r,9, 70, 71 72, 73, '74. 

Bradley H. Bartlett, 1875, 76 

Brooks K. tame, 1777. 

;, I'av, 1..71, ';■, 

'.. ..r.-.- \\ . l:..-u,.itl,. 1.111., ,1. 

Frank P. Mace, 1882 

-ge E. Holbrook,] SS I, • I. 35 



TOWN CLERKS. 
Solomon Hutchinson, 1760, v.l. 
John Sbepard J G8, '70, '71. '72. 

I I I"'.', : 

Moses Nichols, 177 

Samuel Wilkins, 1774, '75, '76, 77, 84, -:. - 

Nabum Baldwin, 1778. 

I 2, '93 
William Fisk, I 

09, '10, 11. 
John EUenwood, lsl2, "l:;, '14. 

B 6, '17, '18, 19, 20, 21, J 23, 24, '25, ': 

Ambrose Sea 1 
John Prenti-. 

Aiuli.-n \N 

Charles L. Stewart, 1837 to Septembei 16, 1838. 

David Stewart, Si-pp-m n. "42. 

David Russi 1 17, '48. 

Lemuel Bissi 

Albert Hardy, 1850 to Jum 

Charles B. Tuttle, June 23, 1851, to .March, 1852. 

Daniel A. Fletcher, 1852, '53, '54, '55, '50. 

Charles B. Tuttle. 1857 

CharlesH. w .1 , ., -nth. 

Daniel Flet 359 

1 63, '64 

Charles N. Merrill, 186S to Deceml 
Albert A. Rotch, December 8, 1868, 
Joseph I). Fay. IsiV.i. '711, '71. 
Wilson D. Forsaith, 1- 
ML.it A, Rotch, 1874, '75, "7.;, 77, '78, "7:., '- 

SELECTMEN. 
Solomon Hutchinson. 1761 
William Brail 

Reuben Mussey, 1760, '61, '69, '70, '71. '76, '77. 
Joseph Gould, 1760 7 
ThomasClarli L76I 
William Peabody, 1761, 62 

.lohn Shepard, ■ . i . ■ ' ■ . . ,7. 68, 7", 71, 

Tl ias Walt 1 

77, 7-. 79 

Oobert Read, 1761, '62, 1 

Daniel Campbell, 1763, '64, '70, '71, '74, '75, 



Samuel Stewart, 176 I. 

John Graham, 17C.4. 

Andrew Bradford, 1765. 

Mo* - Nil hole 17c"., '68 '7 '.. 

Nathan Kend 

Samuel McKean, 17t>'., '72. 

Benjamin Taylor, 1766, '67, '69. 

L766, 79. 
El.en.-zer Weston, 1767, '71, '7-,, '81, '82. 
Hezekiab Loveji 
Samuel Wilkii 

Israel Towne, Jr., 171 
Nahnm Baldwin, 1769, '78. 

dy, 177H, '72, '7-;, '79. 
Benjamin Kedrick, 1771. 

. . I77J '85, '86, .-7. 
John Patterson, 1773. 

177 1 7'- 77 

Stephen Washer, 1774. 
Peter Woodbury, 1775, '7.7 
Solomon Kittre I 
Amos Flint, 1778. 

II, 1778. 
.li.lin Rums, 1778. 
Nathan Hutchinson, 177'.' 
Timothy Smith, L779 
l'..-nj.iiiun 1.;.. ., 17-". -1 

Eli Wilkins, 17-1 r, '88 

Joshua Lovejoy, 1784. -7, . . 



Ahijah Wilkin-. ::-'. ':' '. ai 

George Burns, 1789. 

William Fisk, 1790, '91, '92, '93, 

'02, '03, '"•!. '05, '06, '"7. '08, 09, '10, '11, '12, 
Stephen Kendri. k, 1790, ''I 92, '93. 
Jos ph Langdell, 17'' ' 93, '94 95, '96, '.'7, '98, 
Maii. I Stewart, 1794, '95, '96, 97, 98, '99, 1: , l 



98 '99 [800 03 



John Secombe. 1810, '11, "12, '13, 'I 

14, . 
Edmund Parker, 1815. 
Elijah Putnam, 1815, '17. 
Daniel Campbell, Jr., 1815, '16, '17, '18, '19, '20, ': 

Ml. 
Israel Fuller, 1816, '17, '18, '19, '20, '21, '22, '23, '•. 

'32, '44. 
Tli.imn Wilkin-, IKi'.;. 
John Ma.!., l- 
Davld Stewart, Jr., 1829, 
Barthol .mew D...1--. 1--". ' '■ '. ' ■•!. '■'•'' 
■William Meleu.li :- '•! >' 

John Hazeltit 
Charles Richarils.ni. 1-'. 
Ephraim Blanchard, 1831 
Israel Fuller, Jr., 1837. 
Elbridge Har.lv, 1837. 
Nathan Dane, lsaT. 
Daniel Hartshorn, L838. 
Abel Downs, 1838. 

Levi .1 - ob, 1839 i, I 12, '43. 

i;:i Sawtell, L842, 13 

William.1. Weston, 1843, '41, '45, '40, 17, '48, 50, 
61, '62, '63. 
Jotham Hartshorn, 1845, '46, '47, '51, '52, "... A 
Albert Riddle, 1845, '46. 
Charles II. Campbell, 1847. 

1 ■ I I ' ! I 

George Walk... 1848 
Timothy HartslM.ru. 1- I'.' 
Foster Wyatt ! 
Daniel Fletcle-r. Is:,... I 
Jonathan Knl.i 
He., I S li 

Joseph Mace, 18i I. 55, .... .7 

Benjamin B. Whi ' 

Will.rl Hayden, 1855. 
Willard Danlorth, Is:,.;. .7, ':,.-. 
William A. Mack, 1858, 
Joel F. Osgo. .. 

Jr.siah W. Pillshnii 
JamesG. Haseltine, I860 
Charles Richardson. 1861. 
AsaJaquith. h 

Francis K. Boutell, 1863, '64, '05, 67, 68, '69, 7.., 
Daniel Cram, 1864, '6 I, I 
Barnabas B. Da-rid, I 
James U. Prince, 1861 
Thomas M. Harrill, 1870, '71, '81. 
Charles I. Bradford, 1870, '71. 
Levi Hartshorn, 1871, '72. 
Joseph Byron Fay, ls7-\ 7',. 71. 
i, '74, '75 

Th as Jones, 1873, '74, 

Aaron Smith Wilkins, 1875, '76, '77. 
Isaac B. Dodge, lsTO. '77, '78. 
Daniel W. Trow, 1878, '79, '80, '81. 
Mark Putnam, 1878, '79, '80, '81 
Luther Coggin, 1879. 
William Pratt, 1880, '81. 
Joseph B. Trow, 1882, '83, '84 
John 11. I . ggin, I - ; 






.1... 1 II l-'ish.-r. iss... 'so. 
F. A.Holl .1 S84, '85. 
C. S Part 

Prior to 1803 fh e selectmeE w< re chosen annuallj ; 
since that time, but three. 

Representatives. — Amherst was classed with Bed- 
ford for the choice of a repi esentative to the ( t-eneral 
Court, under the provincial government. The first 
meeting for the choice of a representative from the 
classed towns, of which a record has hen found, was 
held at Bedford meeting-house, March 4, 17HL', at 
which Colonel John GofFe received forty-six votes 
an. I Captain Moses Barron thirteen votes. Colonel 
Goffe, having a majority of the votes, was declared 
elected, and served as representative of the distrht, 
under this and subsequent elections, until the abro- 
gation ( ,f (he provincial government. 

Paul Dudley Sargent was the deputy from Antln rst 

in the first Provincial Congress. His expenses were 
defi aj i 'I bj prh ate cont ributions. 

Paul Dudley Saig.ni was chosen a delegate to the 
seen. I Congress, which met January 25, 1775. 

Paul Dudley Sargenl and Moses Parsons repre- 
sented the town in the third Congress, which met 
April 21, 177.".. 

The same gentlemen represented the town in the 
fourth Congress, which met May 17, 177".. 

Moses Nichols and Nahum Baldwin wen chosen 
bo the fifth Congress, which met Decembei 
21, L775. 

On the 5th day of January, 1776, this Congress 
adopted a temporary constitution, to continue in force 
during the "['resent unhappy and unnatural contest 
\\ iih i iivat Britain." 

It then resolved itself into a " House of Represen- 
, the Colony of New Hampshire." Provi- 
sion was made that precepts, in the name of the 
Council and Assembly, signed by the President of 
the Council and Speaker of the House of Represen- 
tatives, "should issue annually on or before the 1st; 
day of November, for the choice of a Council and 
House of Representatives, to be returned by the third 
Wednesday of December, then next ensuing, in such 
manner as the Council and Assomhly shall herealtcr 
prescribe." Since the 18th day of December, 1776, 
the representatives have been as follows: 

Moses Nichols, 177',, '77, '81, '82. 

Pet, i ii II 

... 1777. '7s, '7;., '82. 
Reuben Mussey, 1778. 

.dy, 177;'. 
Samuel Wilkins, 1780. 
Nahum Baldwin, 1780 
lt,,l,eit M, •.,.,.-, its.:, si, .-:,, si;, '89. 

Tl as Burns, 1783 

William Peabody, Jr., 17S7, '88. 

Daniel Warner, 1790, '91, from June 10, 1793, '94, '95, '96, '97 
lugust 23, 1798. 
.I,,slnia Atli.-it.,!., 17. ''J .resigned, v:....... y m.l tilled, ) '93, to June 10th, 

i ii..:.. August 23, 1798, '99, from August 

'06, '"7. 'os, '09. 
William Bradford, 1800, '01, '02. 
Jedsdiah K. Smith, lsn;-;, t.. 1.1-uo J7, I- 1 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



|i;m,l M.c M. 

JohnSecomb, I II 
Daniel Campbell, Jr., 1 

i". II. 
Bai nabai i: I'.. i id, 1842. 

Lemuel \ I 

ber, 1851 
w illiam H i ■!" rbei I 

Charlei H I i ibi 11, 1850 ■ 84 

Jotham Hartuhorn, 1861, '02, '71, '7-J. 

\.n,.n Lav ronce, 181 

William Clark 
William \ M i 1809 . 
Harrison Eaton, 18" 1, i i 
Fay, 1875, '70. 
• in i . 
Thomas Jones, 1878, '79 
\n., ii \ i; it. h, L880, 

188 '.. '84. 



1885 



Population.— V 

null at till' tillH 


on 


teen 
Mr 


famil 
Wilki 


" 


vere settle 
>rdination, 


1 in 
Sep- 


ember 23, 17 11. 
Thirtj -five fan 


ili. 


a in 


which 


wen 


fifty-eighl 


nien 


ibove sixteen ye 


ITS 


>ld, 


•emain 


id i 


i town May 13, 



1717. 

■The whole population of the town in 1767 was 858; 
177::, 1370; 177.".. L428; 1783, 1909; 1786, 1912; 1790, 
2369; 1800, 2150; 1810, 1554; 1820, 1622; 1830, 1657; 
L840, 1565; 1850, 1613; I860, 1508; 1870, L353; 1880, 
L225 

In 17,17 tli.-r. ii.i. II ,,,:,1.-. .iii.l I '.; r.'iiuil.s. 

I V. , I. '■'! ' lll.,|r> HUl 

In 177 ... i> i '7 will I.' iiiii 1,'s :i n. 1 7 1, win I, I. Ill . h 

111 I7'.<i' ll ,,•,.• v\. :■■ 11 17 Will I, 1 in. i ]<•*;,,„ I I 'i'l wlnl. I 



In isliilli.i,. «,-,,■ 71... win..' in., 1. . .mil 7-1 uliil,. I. •,, ,:,!.•. 

In 1820 il.. i. w, i. . . mal - in 1 M0 I I. - 

In L830there were - 9wl le ud84 white feinal, s, 

In L840 there were 7 I i mal, - an I 8 ... i. inali - 

in 181 ire ware 710 males and ."- r, males 

In IsTn u,,.|<. \vi*i<. i.i i mil ..... 

ll, I--,' Tin i. . . 1 t'ciilillrS. 

I'l,,. Qumbei .'I families in 1810 was 235; in 1820, 
lisi ; ii, 1850, 328; in 1860,345; in L870,355; in 1880, 
338. 

Lverage aumber of persons in each family in 1810, 
6j ; in 1880 ... 

in the inhabitants in 1880, 965 were natives of 
\,w Hampshire, 118 of Massachusetts, 27 of Maine, 
;'l of Vermont, 16 of New York, I of Pennsylvania, 3 
ni Connecticut, ^ of Wisconsin, 1 each of New 
Jersey, Kentucky, Minnesota and California, 52 of 
Ireland, 8 oi England, 3 of Canada ami 1 each of 
t in many ami Scotland. 

Tlif population of the village precincl in 1880 was 
13 1 ; of tlir miter dist riits. 7!U. In the precinct were 



181 males and ii"':'. females. In the outer districts 
were 415 males ami 376 females. 

The whole white population of the town in 1830 
was 1651. Tin whole population of the town in 1880 
was 1225, a loss in fifty years of 126. 

Of the whole population in 1830, 1259 were under 

forty years of age anil 392 were forty years "I'l ami 

upward. 
ill' the whole population in L880, 704 were under 

I age, ami 521 were lmi\ \ears old and 

upward, showing a loss ,,t' 555 in the population 
under forty \ ears of age, and a gain of 129 in the 

population forty years old and upward, in in ; 

In the censuses of 1767 and 177-". the ages of some 
of the inhabitants and the number of each sex are 

given a- follows : 



< ..|.l i 



Jim .tin 



1 111, 1,111, il llH-ll l.ilW.rll 1,. .lli.l •'. ' 111*.' 

Married " " " "... 136 237 

Men >i...\. i,.i v oars . 17 1:1 

2 2 

I in i ii, I 270 11- 

Mi I 117 246 

Widows 1- i 

In the census of I77."i the population is classified ai 
illows: 

Boys mi,!.'! ii. years old 1 1 I 

Men I'- \.'..i - .1.: .in.i mi. i. i 10, :i .' in Mi.' army .... 200 

Men 60 years old and upward 63 

M.'ii in 111,' iiiniv -1 

Females 717 

ited -1 

lii the eensns ni' 17: hi the population was ,i,,i clasai 



1800 (here W( 



in (lie first 



parish. Of whites, 630 were under sixteen years of 
age, ami 809 sixteen years old and upward. 

At the same time there were 2 colored pels,, lis in 
the see, in, I parish, 825 White persons under sixteen 
years of age, and 353 sixteen years old and upward. 

In 1810 and 1820 the white population was classi- 
fied thus: 



i mi.., I,, i. ..,...i ....... 

Ml 

ni i roan and apt, ud 123 i a 

I 

Under 10 roai : '" 316 

Of ii. .1 153 17,. 

01 il and .1,1,1.1 I., years . 130 1 H 

, it I . will's ,ui,l iipwiu.l 160 163 

In 1830, 1840, 1850, I860, 1870 and 1880 the differ- 
,t classes of population wen- as follows : 

Hales. 

l-;.. 1840 

1 „.l,, ... | 17 222 

n l:i- 156 131 

m i,, .,,,,1 im.i.i 60yean . . 110 115 16 i 158 151 134 

01 . i ..■ ,i . hi. I .,,.„.,i,i ,.,. 7 ■ , ; 89 i" I i"' 1 




/jsSsyr y/) /V ^Xo 



L'-lil 



I l.iln L'llynilK,,! :l K1 - . . . :WI .:." I 

Of 20and undoi Wyeai 242 124 S3 I! 

Of Wand u r BOyoara . . 121 i '0 i i - IG4 148 

Of 00 yeareand upward . . 89 60 103 [20 121 130 

In the census of 1.783 the selectmen stated that 
then- were in town two hundred and fifty-nine dwell- 
ing bouses and two hundred and forty-seven barns. 
In 1820, four bundred and lour of the inhabitants 
were engaged in agriculture; one hundred and 
twenty-two in manufactures and ten in trade. The 
ministers, doi tors and lawyers were classed as manu- 
facturers. 

The censuses of 1767, IT;:., 1778, L783 and 1786 
wen- takm by the selectmen; those of 1790, 1800 and 
L810, by Colonel Daniel Warner; thai of 1820, by 
Captain John Secombe; 1830, by Stephen Peabody, 
Esq.; 1850, l>> Boberl Moore, Esq.; I860, by Charles 
Richardson, Esq.; 1870, bj J. Abbotl Marsh, Esq.; 
1880, by Isaac Brooks Dodgi I 

Copies of the censuses of 1810 and 1820 may be 
found in the library of the New Hampshire Historical 
Society ; of those of 1850, 1860 and 1870, in the State 
Library at Concord; and 1880, in the office of the 
clerk of the courts of Hillsborough ( lounty, Nashua. 

The organization of the Hillsborough County Agri- 
cultural Society was completed at a meeting held at 
Hardy'., tavem, February 8, L848. Dr. Pi ti i P 
Woodburj was chosen president ; Edward I). I'.oyls- 
ton, treasurer ; and David Stewart, a member of the 
e.M eiiii\ e i ommit tee. 

This* society held a fair at Am heist October 1 and 2, 
1851, which was considered one of the most m i ■ 
fill e\ er held in the county. 

I In society held several fairs subsequently, at 
various places, but finally disbanded. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH KS. 



1- \ M BE £S, ESQ. 

Isaac Brooks, Esq., son of Isaac and Joanna 
(Holden) Brooks, was a native of Wbburn, Mass., 
horn August 16, 1757. Much interest attaches to his 

biography, as be was s ol the early teachers in this 

and several of the neighboring towns, as also the 
fourth register of deeds in Hillsborough County. 
At the age of nineteen (December 2, 1776 . Mr. 
Brooks entered the office of l»r. John Hale, of Hoi lis, 
VII as a si mli hi of medicine, « hi re hi 
but a short time, Dr. Hale having received an ap- 
pointment as surgeon in the United Stati 
At precisely what dale he came to Amhet 
known, but a diary in the hands of hi 
Isaac I-;. Dodge, Esq., makes i1 certain that it was 
previous to 1784, and that during 1787, 1788 and 1789 
he was employed in teaching in several parts of 



Amherst, and thai he was also a stmlenl in the A mean 
Academy here four months in the last named year. 
August 3, 1790, he commenced :i school in New 

Boston, contracting for three months, a1 six dollars 
per month, one-half in money and the other half in 
grain, keeping a horse. April 6, 1791, he closed a 
school in Lyndeborough, of ten weeks, al thirty-six 
shillings per week, excluding horse-keeping. He also 
tau do :i da) -school in Merrimack andawritin 
in Temple, his diarj containing the names of all the 

scholars attending these se\ era I schools. He i Tied 

Miss Abigail Kendrick.a most estimable lady, daughter 
"i Benjamin Kendrick, Esq., of Amherst, and sister 
of the inui her of Presidenl Frank lin Pierce. Soon 
alter, with her, he returned to Woburn, where he cul- 
tivated a farm, and in 1793 was elected clerk of that 
town, serving also as tax collector in 1794. In that 

yeai he n ived to Wilton, N. H., with his family, 

ici\ He purchased a small place there of Luther Dana, 
Esq., a merchant of Amherst, who assisted him in 
opening a small store. lien- he continued until 
November 30, 1801, when, becoming discouraged from 
the illiberality of his reception, supposed or real, and 
want of success in business, as well as depressed by the 
l"-, of In- first-born, he disposed of his plai e to one 
Sampson Keyes, of Westford, Mass., a blacksmith, 
and took up his permanent residence in Amherst. 
Being a fine penman and having much reputation as 

a scholar, he soon obtained employment as a clerk in 

the office of Jonathan Smith, Esq., register of deeds 
for the county. Awaking on the morning of October 
5, 1X1)2, to find tin office vacant, in consequence of 
the incumbenl having departed to parts unknown, 
through the persevering efforts of Ins friends, in spite 
of much popular opposition, he secured ihe appoint- 
ment to till the vacancy thus occasioned, and i nti n d 
upon its duties October 9th, and continued therein 
for nearly twenty-six years, being annuallj i 

thereto bj the people, ajority of whom, for most 

of i he i ime, were hi oppom nts in polil ics. 1 1 is long 
continuance in this office was due to the reputation 
he had attained asa teacher, his excellent chirography 
and his excellent bu-i ms~ .pmlities. At the In ad of 
his diary, alluded to above, stands the key-note of his 
life, lo which it was ever closely attuned : "Method 
in business is the surest guide; he who neglects it, 
frequent ly stumbli -. and alwa , •• mdi i | 
uncertain and in danger." 

Soon aftei ei ig upon the duties of his offici he 

purchased an unfinished house, recently erected by 
Ephraim Blanchard, being then centrallj 
the same as i- now owned and oci upied bj his grand- 
son. This he finished for his own occup 
there n ided until his decease. This was the first 

nine by twelve. Hen I he 
n cords of the count) wi i 
Mr. Brooks was a gent leman oi strict inti 

marked purity, a peculiar feature of his mind being 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH < OI'NTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



extreme conscientiousness and sensibility, which, in 
the diarj alluded tn.hr thus accounts for,ai 
with much correctness: "The want of health, and my 
early misfortunes, have so clouded m\ mind as to 
make me to be and appear the mo-t singular being. 
[el me be w bere I will." 

Mr. and Mrs. Brooks united with the Congrega- 
tional church in Amherst, under the pastoral charge 
of Rev. Jeremiah Barnard, September 6, 1 -07, and 
ever witnessed a good profession. He died December 
20, 1840, at the age of eighty-three. His children 
were, Isaac, who died at Wilton, aged four years; 
Luther Dana, died August 22, L829, aged thirty-four; 
and Abigail, the widow of Ninian C. Dodge, died al 
Amherst, January 22, 1872, aged sixty-five. A tine 
monument has been erected upon the family lot, in 
the west cemetery, by his only grandson, Isaac Brooks 
Dodge, Esq. 



iion 



111 \ 1:1.1:- 11. r \ m i-r.i.i .1.. 



Hon. Charles H. Campbell, the youngest son of 

Captain Daniel and Susan (Ston ) Campbell, was born 
in Amherst. April 24, 1827; received an academii edu- 
cation: commenced teaehinu' school at sixteen years 
of age; followed teaching and farming si • ■ 
settled on the ancestral farm and engaged in farming 
and cattle-dealing until 1866, when he disposed of 
part of his real estate in Amherst, and re- 
moved to Nashua, where he now resides, engaged in 
the real estate and auction business, in which he has 
been quite successful, his sales aggregating, in some 
instances, two hundred thousand dollars in a single 
month, his business extending over most ofNew Eng- 
land and man) ofthe Western Mates, and his sales 
having been of all kinds of property, the old Hills- 
borough ( 'mini v jail, the New 1 himpshire State Prison 
and the Manchester and Keene Railroad included. 

He served on the Board of Selectmen and on the 
superintending school committee of Amherst; was 
moderator of the annual town-meetings nine years, 
ding otlieer ; represented the town 
in the State Legislature in the years L856, 1 351 1858, 
1863 and 1864, and the old Seventh Senatorial District 
in the Senate two years, of which body he was the 
president in the year 1872. He also 1 
Ward One. Nashua, in the Legislature ot 
presided at the organization of the House of Kep- 

resentatives in is.'.s and lsx;;. 

Among the many important measures originated by 
him and enacted by the Legislature may lie mentioned 
the " Act limiting and defining the [lowers and duties 
of county commissioners in certain cases," the "Act 
providing (or the distribution of the proceeds arising 
from the tax on savings-hanks, among the towns 
within this State where the depositors reside," and the 
"Act for funding the indebtedness ofthe State." 

1 Bj la I F. Secomb. 



He took a deep interest in the success of the Union 
cause in the recent Civil War, and gave largely from 
his private means to encourage the enlistment of 
volunteers for service in the army from his native 
tow 11, and was appointed by the I rOVi rnor and I 'min- 
ed oneof the commissioners to re\ ise the military t n- 
rollment of the State 

He was one of the leading citizens in planning for 
lie , entennial celebration ofthe incorporation of his 
native town, in I860, and was the presiding officer on 
that occasion. 

In every position in which he has been placed by 
the town he was faithful to his constituents, particu- 
larly in local matters, and in the protracted political 
struggle in the Legislature of 1871 his untiring vigil- 
ance and devotion to his party did much to avert 
what at one time seemed an unavoidable defeat. 

Of his four children, only one survives, Colonel 
George Hylands Campbell, of Boston, whowas ad- 
mitted to the Suffolk County bar in 1874. 

I'ANIEI. 1 A MPBELL. S 

Theyeai 1719 brought a valuable accession to the 
inhabitants of New Hampshire, in the settlement at 
Londonderry of a colony of Scotch Presbyterian emi- 
grants from the north of Ireland, where their ances- 
tors had settled a century before. This first emigra- 
tion was followed in succeeding years by others of 
their countrymen, and, as the settlement increased in 
numbers, colonies went forth and commenced the 
settlement of other towns, and, at the close of .1 cen- 
tury, more than one-twentieth of the inhabitants of 
the State were numbered among their descendants, 
and one ofthe number was its ( lovernor-elect. 

Distinguished for their industry, perseverance, in- 

and thrift, the descendants of these Scotch 

emigrants have done the State and nation good 

service, and acquitted themseh es honorably in all the 

important stations in which they have been placed. 

Among those who came over a few years after the 
first emigration was Henry Campbell and his family. 
His father, Daniel Campbell, born in Argyleshire, 
Scotland, in 1660, was (as a family tradition 
descendant of one of the Eai Is of Argyle. He was an 
officer in the arm) of William, Prince of Orange, and 
took part in the battle of the Boyne Waters in 1690, 
the result of which seated William securely on the 
throne of Great Britain. After the close ofthe war he 
settled in Ireland- 
Henry Campbell, bom in 1697, married Martha 
Black, wdiose parents emigrated from near Aberdeen. 
Scotland, to Ireland. In 17:11 or 1732 they emigrated 
to America with their family, and after some delay 
settled, in 1733, in that part of Londonderry after- 
ward incorporated as the town of Windham, where 
their youngest son, Daniel Campbell, was born, June 
■11. 1739. 

- By Danii 1 I i,,i 







J 



'/„,;, 




-J a 'a r e. ( ( r/> >? /,■■<><■ . 



He married Jane Hylands, of Londonderry, June 
2-7). 1760, and one brighl morning, near the close of 
April, L761, the twain started on foot from London- 
derry to A in I Hist . At Lutwyche's ferry, in Litch- 
field, they crossed the Merrimack in a dug-out boat 
and proceeded on their journey to Amherst, which 

they reached on the evening of the sai lav. On 

the lot where their cabin was then erected they spent 
the remaindei of their days. 

He was one of the stalwart men of his time, pos- 
sessed of an iron frame, a strong will and decided 
opinions, which he was ever ready to express fully 
and freely. Mis manner of living was plain, his 
habits regular and he was temperate in all things. 
He riisr with the sun and retired early. The use of 

ardent spirits was con c in his time among all 

classes and mi all occasions, but a wine-glassful twice 
i day sufficed him, and an invitation to partake of 
mure was always declined. 

In 1766 be received a commission as coroner from 
Governor Wentworth, and filled the office man\ 
years; he also served a lung time as a justice of the 
peace; thirteen years he was a member of the Board 
id' Selectmen nt' his adopted town, and was for years 
the senior survivor of those who had served the town 
in that capacity. Ee was also the last survivor of 
the town officers elected prior to the Revolution. 

He was frequently employed as a land surveyor, 
and by that means became possessed of a better 
knowledge of the lots and farms in Amherst and the 
adjoining towns than was possessed by any other per- 
son of bis time. 

The town of Hillsborough was surveyed and 
divided into l,,ls under his direction, and the adjoin- 
ing town of Windsor received its first name (Camp- 
bell's t lore) from him. 

He was one of tbr lour citizens of the town who re- 
fused to sign the " Association Test Paper"' in 177b, 
as he doubted the ability of the colonies to resist 
successfully, by lone of arms, the claims of the 
mother-country. 

In his religious views be was, in early life, a de- 
cided Presbyterian, but shortly after the commence- 
ment of Mr. Lord's ministry he joined in the move- 
ment which resulted in the formation of the Liberal 
or Unitarian Society in Amherst, to which he adhered 
through the remainder of his life. 

He retained his physical and mental vigor wonder- 
fully. After be bad passed his ninety-eighth birth- 
day he held a breaking-up plow a long distance, his 
son and grandson walking on either side to assist 
liim in ease of accident. 

lie was a greal reader, and kept well posted in the 
current events of the day. He also retained his 
interest in town and State affairs to the last, attending 
the annual town-meeting the .March before his death, 
and voting the Whig ticket. 

He died October 7, 1838, having attained to the 
age of ninety-nine years, time months and ten days. 



CAPTAIN DANIEL CAMPBELL, II;. 

Captain Daniel Campbell, Jr., only son of Daniel 

and .lane ( Hylandsl ( lampbell, was born in Amherst, 

March 2b, 1778. He taught school for a successi .1 

winters in Amherst ami the adjoining towns ; was a 
competent land surveyor, coroner for the county of 
Hillsborough, an officer in the militia, a director of 
the Farmers' Bank, moderator of the annual town- 
meetings three years, a member of tie Board of 
Selectmen twelve years, and represented the town 
two years m the State Legislature. 

lie passed his entire lite on the farm where he was 
born, which he managed to advantage and profit, 
being one of the most succes«ful farmers and stock- 
growers in town. 

He was a man of strict honesty ami integrity, con- 
servative, but ever loyal to his convictions, of some 
judgment, and worthy of the confidence reposed in 

him by his fellow -citizens. He died July 7, 1853. 

I ICE GREELEY. 

Horace Greeley, founder of the New York Tribune, 
was bom in Amhersl February .'!, 1811, and spent the 
first ten years of his life here. 

He was early i id for bis love of reading and 

study, and. before (he family left Amherst, there was 

scarcely a book within ten mile,, of his h ■, that he 

could borrow, which he had not read. 

Driven from Amherst by the failure of his business 
plans, his father removed, with his family, to West 
Haven, Vt., in the spring of 1821, where, for live 
years, the future editor was engaged with the rest of 
the family in a struggle for the means of subsistence 
in a new settlement. 

in 1826 be began to learn the printer's trade at 

Pultney, Vt. He followed this trade at Krie, Pa., and 
other places, and in 1831 went to New York City. In 
1833 lie commenced his career in journalism as pail 
owner of the Morning Post, the first daily penny paper 
ever printed. Subsequently he was interested in the 
New Yorker, Daily Whig, Jeffersonian, Log Cabin and 
The Tribune, issued first April 10, 1841. His subse- 
quent career as editor of the Tribune is a part of our 
national history. He was elected to Congress in 
1848, serving one session. In 1*72 he was the Liberal 
candidate for the Presidency, but was defeated. His 
death occurred November 2b, 1872, ai Chappaqua 
N. Y. 

CAPTAIN JOHN SECOMBE. 

Captain John Secombe, for many years one of the 
prominent citizens of Amherst, was a native, and 
through his whole life a resident, of the town. 

In early manhood he took quite an interest in mili- 
tary matters, and at one time commanded the art il- 
ler\ company in the Fifth Regiment New Hampshire 
Militia, whence lie obtained the title of captain, by 

1 H\ liiilll.l [■'. S'T'.lilk 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



which, as was customary in those times, he was ever 
after known. 

He served on the Board of Selectmen twenty years. 
was moderator of the annual town-meeting sixteen 
years, and represented the town in the General Court 
three years. He was also treasurer of the county of 
1 1 i ]UI>oron.il i si -veil years, and held a comission as jus- 
tice of the peace twenty-five 3 1 are. 

Politically, he was a Republican of the school of 
Jefferson and Madison, but, with many others of like 
faith, supported John Quincy Adams for the Presi- 
dency in 1828, and thenceforth acted with the Na- 
tional Republican, Whig and Republican parties, in 
opposition to the .larks. m or Democratic Republican 
party. 

He was a Calvinist in his religious belief, and at 
the time of his death was the oldest member of the 
Congregational Church in Amherst. 

He was a man of few words, firm and derided in 
his opinions, possessed a good share of perseverance 
in his undertakings and was a believer in honest 
work. His own work was well done, better, in many 
cases, than his pecuniary interests would warrant. 
Much of it still remains to bear witness to his faith- 
fulness and honesty. 

A lover of reading, he delighted in collecting books 
and newspapers, and spent much of his leisure time 
in their perusal, thereby becoming familiar with his- 
torieal matters and the current events of the day. 



RICHARD BOYLSTON. 

Richard Boylston served a four years' apprentice- 
ship in the office of the Federal Spy, in Springfield, 
Mass., and finished his trade in the oilier of the Boston 
Centinel, where he was employed seven years under 
the direction of Major Hen. Russell. 

Early in 1809 he came to Amherst, in answer to an 
advertisement for a journeyman printer, to take the 
place of Isaac Hill, who was about to graduate from 
Cabinet office. 

After presenting his " credentials," he was engaged 
and assigned a place beside the future 1 rovernor, who 
left shortly alter, and, on the 18th day ..I' April, 1809, 
commenced his career as editor and publisher of the 
New Hampshire /'ah int. 

In the autumn of that year the proprietor of the 
Cabinet office became involved in the failure of the 
Hillsborough Bank, of which he was one of the di- 
rectors, ami, to avoid doing worse, left town some- 
what suddenly and loeated himself in Baltimore, Md., 
where the remainder of his life was spent. 

Previous to his leaving he railed Air. Boylston to 
him, and, after telling him frankly of his plans, of- 
fered him his printing establishment, with the book- 
store, at that time the only one in the county, on easy 
t' mis, assuring him that with proper rare ami man- 
agement there was every prospect of doing a success- 
ful business. To this oiler he required an answer 



earlj on the following morning, as circumstances 
would admit of no delay. 

I "i -..me time the young journeyman knew nut 
what to say. He was young, without capital or a 
proper education, his school-days having terminated 
when he was twelve years of age. What could hedo? 
After hours of anxious thought the time arrived. An 
affirmative answer was given, and Mr. Cushing de- 
parted to his new home. 

The first number of the Cabinet under Mr. Boyls- 
ton's direction was issued October 10, 1809, and from 
that time his success was assured. For ten years the 
paper had no rival in the county. Being located at 
the county-seat, it had a large advertising patronage, 
beside which a large amount of job-work was done 
in the office. The proprietor also had nearly all the 
hook trade in the county. Large invoices of school- 
books were bought and sold at a satisfactory profit, 
and beforea long time had elapsed Mr. Cushing's 
claim was paid in full. 

In 1810, Mr. Boylston married, and again he was 
fortunate. His wife, a niece of Paul Revere, of Revo- 
lutionary fame, proved to he a helpmeet indeed. Her 
husband, in his old age, said, "To her efficient help 

and wise management of all the family r :erns 1 owe 

all 1 1 1 > after-prosperity and success in life." Other, 
als,,, a graduate of the Cabinet office, for some years 
an inmate of the family, said, when more than 
eighty years of age, ''Mother Boylston was, emphati- 
cally, the editor- ' better hall'.' " 

And so time passed away. Under his management 
the Cabinet maintained a respectable standing among 
the journals of its time and had quite an extensive 
circulation. 

As his means increased, Mr. Boylston was ready 
to engage in enterprises that promised to benefit 
the place of his residence. \\v was one of the 
first to advocate the building of a railroad to Am- 
herst, the building of a steam mill and kindred en- 
terprises. He early took decided grounds in favor of 
the temperance movement ami the improvement of 
the common schools. |-,,r many years he was a mem- 
ber of the Congregational Church and was repeatedl) 
elected one of its officers, but invariably declined the 
acceptance of the charge. He served on the superin- 
tending school committee several years, and in 1844, 
1845 and 1846 represented the town iii the General 
( lourt. 



Dr. Matthias Spalding began his studies in West- 
lord Academy, under the instruction of Professor 
Hedgi , graduated al Harvard 1 lollege in 1798, in the 
class with Stephen Longfellow, William Ellery ('ban- 
ning and Joseph Story, and although lie was the old- 
est member of his class, he survived all but two of 
them. 

He studied his profession with Dr. Benjamin 
Waterhouse, of Cambridge, and l>r. E. A. Holyoke, 



251 



of Salem. In 180] he went to London, where he at- 
tended medical lectures and devoted himself to ac- 
quiring the knowledge afforded l>y its medical schools 
and hospitals. He attended the lectures of Sir Astley 
Cooper and the younger Cline, and received from 
them many marks of personal attention. With Dr. 
.Tenner he had a special acquaintance, and received 
from him much information relating to vaccination, — 
a subject in which he was much interested. Dr. 
Batchelder, of New York, one of his pupils, 
says, "Perhaps it would not be too much to say 
that, with the exception of Dr. Waterhouse, he 
did more than any other man to introduce that im- 
portant practice into this country." 

( in his return home, in 1802, he was the bearer of 
a letter from Dr. Jenner to Dr. Waterhouse, with the 
celebrated silver snuff-box, containing vaccine, and 
having on it the inscription. "From the Jenner of 
the < >ld World to the Jenner of the New." 

Soon after his return 1 >r. Spalding commenced 
practice in his native town, where he remained four 
years, and secure. 1 a large business and a high repu- 
tation as a surgeon. 

In 1801) he removed to Amherst, where the re- 
mainder of his life was spent. 

Although his constitution was originally feeble, by 
regularity of lite and a careful abstinence from all in- 
jurious indulgences, he was enabled to perforin a vast 
amount of professional labor. 

Sensible of the advantages that would accrue to 
the profession and the public from a mote intimate 
acquaintance of physicians with one another, he ex- 
erted himself to bring the regular physicians of his 
neighborhood together for mutual improvement and 
professional culture, and to him, more than to any 
other one, is due the establishment of the Southern 
District New Hampshire -Medical Society, of which he 
was for many years the president and librarian. 

In 1809 he was elected a member of the New 
Hampshire Medical Society, of which he was vice- 
president from 1815 to 1821, inclusive, and president 
in L822and L823. In 1817 he received the honorary 
degree of Doctor of Medicine from Dartmouth College 
and he was elected an honorary member of the New 
York Academy of .Medicine June 1, I860. 

Favored with an education which was superior to that 
of most of his medical brethren around him, he was also 
gifted by nature with many qualities which admirably 
fitted him lor the profession of his choice. He was a 
gentleman in heart and manners, and his integrity 
and purity of character were never questioned. His 
equanimity and cheerfulness rarely forsook him ! 
calm and self-reliant, he impressed his patients with 
the feeling that he comprehended their situation, and 
would do all that an intelligent, faithful and caution- 
physician could Jo. He had great faith in true 
science, and genuine contempt for all quackery in 
medicine or practice. 

In the early part of his professional life his office 
was the resort of students, many of whom attained 
distinction in other States as physicians and surgeons 
and professors in medical institutions. 
17 



Beside his labors in his proles-ion, be was deeply in- 
terested in agricultural matters, in which he was an 
enthusiast to the last year- of bis lite. lie was one ol 
the first members of the Hillsborough County Agri- 
cultural Society, and contributed, by his example and 
pen, to the advancement ol' the object- which it was 
lui med in promote. 

Political office be never -ought, but was always re- 
lied upon as the friend and supporter of such measures 
as tended to promote education, good morals and the 
general welfare. 

lie was :i member of the Congregational Church, 
to which he was warmly attached, and in which hi' 
held the office of deacon for nearly half a century. 

After a long ami useful lite he went to his rest May 
■1-2, 1865. 

Hi:. EDWARD SPALDING. 

Dr. Edward Spalding graduated at Dartmouth Col- 
ic-,' in l.-:;.",; -in, lied medicine with hi- father and 
at Harvard Medical School, graduating M.I». in 1837; 
began practice immediately at Nashua, and there 
continues; has often been a member of the municipal 
government, and was mayor of the city in 1864. 

II, becamea trustee of Dartmouth College in 1866, 
and in 1.S77 and 1878 was a member of the executive 

DR. ALFRED SPALDING. 

Dr. Alfred Spalding spent two years in Dartmouth 
College and some time in Yale. He studied medi- 
cine with his father and Dr. Reuben D. Mussey, and 
received the degree of M.D. from Dartmouth in 1843. 

He commenced the practice of his profession at 
( rreenup, l\y.. soon after receiving his degree. 

He had a natural aptitude for his profession, in 
which he greatly resembled his father. With the 
genial, quiet manners , J' the courteous gentleman he 
united the discriminating and cautious judgment of a 
superior mind. 

In his practice his industry and painstaking fidel- 
ity soon win the confidence of all classes. 

During the Rebellion his house was a hospital for 
the wounded soldiers, and his services wen- sought by 
tbo-e who did not sympathize with his loyalty to the 
old flag. 

His enthusiasm in the study of medicine never 
abated. The latest reports and the most improved 
surgical instruments and apparatus— everything pos- 
sessing any advantage to bis profession — was examined, 
even though it deprived him of needed rest and sleep. 

He was a good horseman, and when he came into 
possession of lauds suited to the purpose, devoted 
sometime to the raising of his favorite animals. 

His interest in all local enterprises and improve- 
ments was constant and practical, and he made many 
and fast friends. 

His health failing, he relinquished his practice, 
and, the summer before his death, revisited his birth- 
place, for a time with some benefit ; but it proved not 
to be permanent, and in November he returned, by 
slow stages, to his home, where lie died Dec. 20. 1878. 

l-',,r Biography of Isaac Spalding, set- History of 
Nashua. 



HISTORY OF ANTRIM. 



I'.V REV. W. R. fciCHRAXE. 



( I1APTER I . 

Tin: town of Antrim is situated in the north- 
western part of Hillsborough < lounty, and contains a 
little over thirty-three square miles (twentj -one thou- 
sand one hundred and seventy-live acres), of which 
something more than half is classified as "improved 
land." The Contoocook River forms the eastern 
boundary of Antrim, with Bennington and Hancock 
on the south. Nelson and Stoddard on the west and 
Hillsborough on the north. Thesoil of Antrim is for 
the most part fertile and strong as compared with 
New England land in general. Some parts are of 
light loam, productive and easy to cultivate: but the 
greater part is rocky and uneven. It is a soil that 
retains its enrichment for a long time. There are 
pastures in Antrim that have been fed for fifty or 
sixty years and are still good. Along the streams are 
beautiful and valuable meadows. The intervales on 
the Contoocook are of surpassing fertility and loveli- 
ness. There are many line farms in town, and hardly 
a miserable, starvation farm within itsborders. Farm 
buildings are mostly neat and thrifty in appearance, 
villages are attractive, and the whole face of the town 
is smart and good-looking. The western part of 
Antrim is peculiarly rich in pasturage. Few towns 
in the State can boast of fatter cattle or finer teams. 

The mountains of Antrim are numerous, but not 
high or remarkable. In the northeast part of the 
town, near the junction of the Contoocook and North 
Branch Rivers is Riley's Mountain, about fifteen hun- 
dred feet high, named from Philip Riley, the first 
settler of the town. Windsor Mountains form a chain 
on the northern boundary of the town, the town-line 
being about on the summit, and the broad southward 
slope giving warm pastures and valuable forests and 
farm- to Antrim. On the western side of the town is 
a range of mountains, as a sort of protection against 
cold and tempest, extending from North Branch 
River on the north to Hancock on the south. This 
range has many summits, among them Bald Moun- 
tain, Robb Mountain and Tuttle Mountain, the last 
named being the highest, — about fifteen hundred 
and fifty feet above tide-water. Bald Mountain 
252 



was so railed h> the fathers because it was bare 
and naked when first discovered. It seems that the 
Indians burned it over occasionally, not suffering the 
flames to spread elsewhere, and used it as a point of 
observation and a place of council. On its broad and 
excellent pastures moose once abounded, and it was 
a superior "hunting-ground." 

The streams of Antrim of any considerable size are 
few. By far the largest is the Contoocook. Its source 
is almost on Massachusetts line in Rindge, and it 
flows a little east of north till it sweeps the whole 
eastern boundary of this town, then turns eastward 
and flows into the Merrimack above Concord, having 
a length of about one hundred miles, and a fall of 
over eight hundred feet. It is crossed from Antrim 
by three bridges. In passing this town (more than 
six miles) its full is very trifling. The Peterborough 
and Hillsborough Railroad is along its hank. A 
lovelier river can hardly he found in New England. 

North Branch River is the next in size. It rises 
in Washington, flows southward through Long Pond, 
Stoddard, then turns eastward and runs about six 
miles in Antrim, nearly across the town, and nearly 
parallel with the north line, at a distance of about a 
half-mile from said line. Its length is about twenty- 
five miles, and its fall about the same as that of the 
Contoocook in a hundred miles. It falls more than 
three hundred and fifty feet in this town. Hence it 
is a wild, impetuous, noisy stream, and when swollen 
by rains, its roar can he heard for a long distance. 
The water-power on this river is immense; it has 
capacities for -aeat reservoirs, is never exhausted, 
and affords unsurpassed advantages to manufacturers. 

Great Brook, so named by the fathers, comes third 
in size. Its actual source is in the mountains in the 
west part of the town. From Gregg's Pond, through 
which it flows, to the Contoocook River, into which 
it empties, the distance is about three miles, and the 
fall about four hundred and sixty-five feet. The 
pond is fed by springs discharging below the water- 
mark, and hence this stream does not fail in a dry time 
to the same extent as other streams. Mill men here 
say they can run when the wheels on the Merrimack 
have to stop for lack id" water. Hence, the supply 



ANTRIM. 



being so regular and the fall so great, this little 
stream affords some of the best water privileges in 
the State. Fourteen dams cross it inside of three 
miles, and some excellent opportunities are still un- 
improved. It may safely be said that no stream in 
New England of the same length affords so many 
and so good privileges as Great Brook. Meadow 
Brook, Cochran's Brook and Salmon Brook are the 
other leading streams in the town. 

The collections of water in Antrim are neither 
many nor great. The largest is ( tregg's Pond, named 
from Samuel Gregg, who built the mill at its outlet. 
This is a beautiful sheet of water about a mile long 
and half a mile wide. It has mostly a hard, rocky 
shore, is surrounded by high hills, and is a favorite 
summer resort for boating, fishing, camping-parties 
and picnics. Antrim has also Campbell's Pond, 
Steel's Pond, Eye Pond. Willard's Pond and other 
smaller bodies of water. From this show of moun- 
tains, streams, lakes and valleys, it will lie evident 
that this is a town of variable and delightful scenery. 
It abounds with beautiful and romantic drives, and 
is attractive and popular as a place for summer 
tourists and boarders from the city. 

The first settlement in Antrim was made by Philip 
Riley, a Scotchman, in 1741. At that. time, and lor years 
previous, it was a matter of great peril, on account 
of Indians, to venture far from the .strong settle- 
ments of the lower towns. The valley of the Con- 
toocook was known to explorers, and was looked 
upon as valuable ground, but it was prudently avoided 
In 31 ttlers lor many years. It was a place very dear 
to the Indians. Near the river they hail residences 
within the limits of Antrim. They had a burial- 
place here, and here they had fields to raise corn for 
the tribe. The first settlers found constant evidences 
of the previous abode of the savages in this place. 
Hence, it was a perilous undertaking when Riley 
and three or tour neighbors near him in Hillsborough 
began in this valley, 1744. Riley located in the north- 
east corner of the town, near Hillsborough Bridge, 
fifteen miles from any help. The surrounding towns, 
Deering, Franeestown, Greenfield, Bennington, Han- 
cock, Stoddard and Henniker, were all a pathless and 
unbroken forest. The nearest neighbors, in Hopkin- 
tou, Peterborough and New Boston, were themselves 
80 few and weak as to need assistance instead of being 
able to impart it. The only strong settlement in 
New Hampshire west of the .Merrimack was Dun- 
stable (now Nashua), and this was in no condition to 
render assistance to others. And when we take into 
account the fact that for many years there had been 
almost constant warfare between the French and In- 
dians on one hand, and the English settlers on the 
other, and that the cruel savages were scouring the 
forests most of the time with murderous intent, the 
undertaking of a half-dozen men in the unbroken 
forest, and beyond the possibility of help, seems haz- 
ardous in the extreme. Other and stronger places 



petitioned the Governor for soldiers to aid in their 
defense. In 1744 and 174"> Indians swarmed along 
the frontier. The settlers in some [daces abandoned 
their settlements and returned to the lower towns 
in 174o. But Riley and his few neighbors remained. 
Nothing but their connection with the Scotch-Irish, 
to whom the Indians seem to have had no enmity, 
can account for the attacking of Hopkinton, Charles- 
town and other places, and leaving this little com 
pany safe. The Indians were accustomed to murder- 
ing the scattered ami weak ones. 

April -22, 1741'), the savages made an attack on the 
settlers in Hopkinton, and carried oil' eight captives. 
The report of this event carried new alarm to the lew 
settlers of Hillsborough and Antrim. They had nogar- 
rison-house. They had seen Indians lurking and 
biding along the Contoocook, and supposed they 
would be the next object of attack. They determined 
to abandon their humble yet happy dwellings at once. 
Hurriedly burying some tools, and hiding others in 
hollow logs and under Hat rocks, and driving their 
few cattle, they started over the hills of Deering for 
New Boston and Londonderry. 

A Iter this flight Antrim had no white inhabitant for 
fifteen years. I!ut when Canada was captured from 
the French (1759-60), and peace after so long a time 
had been restored, the settlers all along the frontier 
began to creep back to their deserted cabins. Riley 
was the first to return to this section, coming back in 
the spring of 1761. A thick growth of young wood 
had spread over his clearing, and it was difficult to 
find the cabin he had left. His cabin alone remained 
standing. The savages had burned every other build- 
ing in the vicinity. Riley found his tools where he 
had concealed them, and soon prepared to bring his 
family, and they were.' here in the wilderness a whole 
year alone. In the spring of 1702 he received a 
neighbor in the person of Daniel McMurphy,who be- 
gan a second settlement of Hillsborough, a mile or two 
off. But there was no other inhabitant in Antrim till 
the spring of 1700, when seven young men came, axe 
in hand, and made beginnings in the cast and south 
part of the town. One of them, .lames Aiken, moved 
his family here August 12. 1707, making the second 
family in Antrim. For two years Aiken and his 
family had a hard time. Often they felt the pinch of 
hunger. Bears and wolves prowled around them by 
day and by night. In October, 1767, his pigs running 
loose were killed and torn in pieces by bears. Very 
little could be raised from the soil the first year. The 
nearest neighbor was Riley, six miles off, in the north- 
east parf of the town. The winter following was long 
and severe. Aiken and his good wife (Molly McFar- 
land) lost a young child in February, 1708, the first 
death in Antrim. There were no minister, no group 
of assembled mourners, no coffin, no burial ground, 
no road, nor even a path ! The sorrowing father split 
out some rude boards from a log, and pinned them 
together with wood for a casket, and then the parents 



254 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



covered the little dead form in it and fastened down 
the heavj lid, and Aiken carried away and buried his 
own child! Two months later, April 15, L768, Mrs. 
Aiken gave birth to a daughter,— the first American 
child born in Antrim. They named her Polly, and 
she died December 14,1862. She was a strong and 
noble woman, worthy to be the leader in the long 
and honorable line of Antrim's sons ami daughters. 
The first male child horn in Antrim was James 
Aiken, Jr., spring of 1772. 

V 1 1, . ■ l i carried corn to New Boston (sixteen miles) 

Or to Pel. al..,]-,, null (twelve miles) on his hack, to be 
ground, and used to speak of this in after-years as 
the severest of all the hardships he endured. He lived 
to see the town have a population of' thirteen hun- 
dred, with plenty of mills, and stores, and roads, and 
school-houses, and commodious, comfortable dwell- 
ings. He died July 27, 1817, aged eighty-six years. 

The third family locating in Antrim was that ofWil- 
liam Smith, who came in 1771, having purchased his 
land the previous year for tune cents per acre. He 
located near Aiken, and they lived in ureal confidence 
and love together till death. After they got rich 
enough to have oxen. Aiken bought a pair of Smith, 
and, not having ready money, wrote a note for the 
same. Smith said to Aiken : " I haven't any desk to 
keep it in, so you keep it till I call for it.'" Conse- 
quently Aiken kept flu- note till he was ready to pay 
it, and then gave it to Smith, at the same time paying 
it in full. And thus Smith could remember that the 
note was paid. 

The fourth family in Antrim was that of Randall 
Alexander, who came in the spring of 1772. 

The fifth was that of John Gordon, who made a be- 
ginning in the mirth part of the town, and struck the 
first blows in North Branch village. 

The sixth was that of Maurice Lynch. 

The seventh family was that of John Duncan, af- 
terwards "Captain John," ' ; Esquire John," " Deacon 
John " and " Honorable John ;" was a man of some rep- 
utation ; brought his goods in a cart — the first \\ heels 
ever driven into Antrim ; drove forty miles in this 
way, and arrived at the door of his log house, wilh 
wife and five children, September 20, 177:'.. He lived 
till February 14, 182.'!, dying at the age of eighty-nine. 
Was long time representative from the district of An- 
trim, Hancock, Deering and Windsor; was a member 
of the New Hampshire Senate, and was a stirring, 
earnest, cheery, wide-awake and honest man. 

In 1774 eight settlors and their families arrived in 
Antrim. This made fifteen families and about sixty- 
two persons in the town. All summer long the forests 

eeh 1 the strokes of the woodman's axe ami the 

crash of falling trees. Paths were cut out for roads. 
The grounds about the dwellings began to look like 
fields, and the new settlement was full of hope. 

But, in the spring id' 177">, the breaking out ..l the 
Revolutionary War greatly hindered the progress of 
the work. This was a frontier settlement. A terrible 



uncertainty pervaded everything. Every man iu 
Antrim capable of bearing arms was in the service 
more or less; but. in spite of all discouragements, sev- 
eral families moved here during the first year of the 
war. 

1776 was a dark year for Antrim. Its population 
was about eighty, and of its men (about twenty in 
all), two, James Dickey and George Bemaine, were 
lost at the battle ..f White Plains, October 2s, L776. 

James Hutchinson was killed the previous year at 
Hunker Hill. Thus one-seventh of all the Antrim 
citizens bad fallen thus early in the war. lint in this, 
as in other dark years, the women of Antrim came 
forward and wrought wonders of courage and hard- 
ship. Boys became men in work and fortitude, 
shrinking from no task. So. in face of all obstacles, 
enlargement and improvement were noticeable in the 
town. 

This year (April 12, 1770) the colony of New 
Hampshire sent out for signature the following 
paper: " We. the Subscribers, do hereby solemnly en- 
gage and promise that we will, to the utmost of our 
Power, at the Risque of our Lives and Fortunes, with 
Arms, oppose the Hostile Proceedings of the British 
Fleets and Annies against the United American Col- 
onies ! " 

This was, in fact, treason against the most powerful 
government in the world. It places little New Hamp- 
shire three months ahead of the Declaration of Inde- 
pendence of the United States. And every man in 
Antrim "signed ! " 

This year (17761 the few people of Antrim sought 
to be incorporated as a town. 

This shows bow courageous ami hopeful they were, 
notwithstanding fewness, poverty and war. About 
midsummer they held a meeting and appointed Mau- 
rice Lynch, John Duncan and Samuel Moore a com- 
mittee to petition for incorporation. 

The petition was presented (September 4, 1776) to 
the Legislature at Exeter, and the usual notices were 
given to parties to appear for and against at the open- 
ing of the next General Assembly of the State. 
When the time came no opposition was made, and 
the act of incorporation passed through its several 
Stages, and bears date March 22, 1777. 

It was called Antrim from the old town by that 
name in Inland, occupied for generations by the an- 
cestors of the settlers here. The name was very dear to 
lb. Scotch. The settlers in Londonderry retained 
that honored name, and likewise the Scotch settlers 
here clung to that which was next most memorable 
and precious. The town of Antrim, Ireland, was the 
shire-town of the county of Antrim. It is a small 
town, but most beautifully located, sloping toward the 
lake ( Lough Neagh — lok na — ) about as Antrim, seen 
from the hills of Deering, seems to slope toward the 
Contoocook. Many a romance bangs about the old 
name. The signification of the name Antrim is " hab- 
itation upon the water-," which, as is obvious, was ap- 



ANTRIM. 



ii.->:> 



propriate to the old localities, both county and town. 
The inhabitants of these places in Ireland were nearly 
all Sent eli. with a strong dislike of the Irish, and the 
settlers in this town of which We write were almost 

entirely Scotch, and few of any other race came to 
Antrim for many years. 

The first town-meeting in Antrim was at the house 
of " Esquire John Duncan," May 1, 1777. Themeet- 
i 1 1 lt was called by said John Duncan. They were but 
a handful,— twenty-three, — but they had great hearts 
and great hopes. It had little resemblance to the 
crowded, noisy town-meetings of modem date. A 
kitchen fill of quiet, brave, noble, united men ! What 
a treasure a picture of that first town-meeting would 
be! John Duncan was (apparently) first moderator; 
Maurice Lynch, first town clerk; and Thomas Stuart, 
.lames Aiken and Kiehard McAllister, constituted the 
first Board of Selectmen. 

At this first town-meeting they " Voted to take 
Some Meatho.l to find a < lentor." This " Meathod " 
was by survey, and the "Centor" fixed upon was a 
broad common on the top of " Meeting-House Hill," 
— a high and commanding summit, from which nearly 
all the town could be seen. It seems to have been a 
little east of the real centre, and was a mile east of the 
geographical centre alter the enlargement of the town. 
They turned aside a little for the sake of building on 
the top of a high hill ! At this ''Center" they called 
a meeting (August 20, 1777) to clear ground for a 



liui 



th: 



burying-place and a "Spoot t< 
town-meeting was in the woods, under " A Read oak 
tree marked with the figure of Eight ; " there was no 
load, and out of the thick woods there was no open- 
ing from which a human dwelling could he seen ! 
They met at eight o'clock in the morning, each man 
bringing his axe ; in about half an hour the public 
business was completed, and then they " immediately 
went to work felling trees" on the " Acer, more or 
less." which now constitutes the old cemetery. They 
made rapid progress that day in laying the forest low. 
They were clearing the ground where their own bones 
were to lie ! Now the "Read oak tree marked with 
the tignre of Eight," and the meeting-house subse- 
quently built there, the highest landmark in the 
vicinity for fifty years, and several dwelling-houses 
built near the church, and those strong-armed voters 
themselves are all gone ! Only the stones placed at 
the graves of those noble men remain to identify the 
spot. 

The first saw-mill in Antrim was built by John 
Warren, at the Branch, in 177d. The fn-t grist-mill 
was built at the Branch in 1777, by James Moore, he- 
tore which ti the settlers all went to mill " to Hills- 
borough, Peterborough and New Boston." The new 
grist-mill was a thing of pride and satisfaction to the 
town, and brought more joy than a railroad or a gold- 
mine could bring toa town now. This year,also, An- 
trim had her first public highway, though " barely 
passable for horses," the same first road being merely 



a path "cut and cleared" from the ContOOCOOk River, 
by the "old road." now so called, to the Centre; 
thence over Meeting-House Hill to the "corn-mill" 
at tin' Branch; thence over the English Hill to Hills- 
borough. 

This year ( 1777) Antrim, with all her struggles at 
home, did not forget the suffering cause of liberty. 
One-fourth of those belonging in town capable of 
bearing arms were in the army part of the year, and 
those at home carried forward the "clearings" and 
paid the taxes id' those in the field. Several new 
settlers came this year, and altogether it was a lively 
year for Antrim, — the year of incorporation, healthy, 
toilsome, struggling, hopeful 1777! 

From this time to the close of the war the troubles 
of this small frontier town were many anil great. 
Poverty, depreciation of currency, absence of needed 
men in the army, the proprietors' resistance to the 
non-resident tax, war expenses, terrible winters, the 
"Dark Day," loss of money by a dishonest town 
treasurer, — all these, together with untold hardship in 
labor and perils of wild beasts, combined to make 
dark and heavy the trials of this company of settlers, 
"let flic town slowly gained in population each year. 
June I, 1781, Antrim had " fifty families or more." 
Early in 1 784 a question arose as to receiving a tract 
mi 1 he west of Antrim as a part of the town. Stoddard, 
then the must populous town in this vicinity, discovered 
that there was a strip of unclaimed and unincorporated 
land on her western border; and, thinking this tract 
more desirable than that on her east line, she laid 
claim to the western part, and ceased taxing an 
equivalent area on the east. The last-named part was 
untaxed one or two years. But after discussion all 
summer, Antrim voted (November 3, 1784) to "tax 
the Land Unclaimed by Stodder." And this has 
since remained apart of Antrim. 

In 17.S"' the town raised its first meeting-house, 
having become so weak and impoverished bj the war 
as lo he unable to do it before. The population of 
Society Land (Antrim, Hancock, Bennington and part 
of Greenfield) was one hundred and seventy-seven in 
177">. In 17*0 the population of the town of Antrim 
was two hundred and eighty-nine. In 1790 the popu- 
lation of Antrim was five hundred and twenty-eight, 
nearly doubling in four years. But the population 
was not enough for Antrim to have a representative 
till 1798. Henniker, Hillsborough and Society Land, 
and afterwards Hennikei*, Hillsborough, Antrim and 
Society hand, formed a district till 1783, when a dis- 
trict was forme'], including only Antrim. Deeringand 
Hancock. For about fourteen years this district was 
represented by Hon. John Duncan, of Antrim, who 
resigned in 17% on being elected State Senator. 

The first store in Antrim was opened in the spring 
of]7xx. Previously the inhabitants went to trade 
to Amherst. New Boston and even to Londonderry. It 
was customary tor the women of this town to take the 
linen (doth, which their own hands had manufactured, 



25ii 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



go to New Boston on horseback with it, ex- 
change the same for g Is or money, and re- 
turn the same day, seventeen miles ! And it did nut 
seem a severe day's work. A second store was opened 
in Antrim in 1789, and tin* two stores accommodated 
thepeople till the population of the town was more 
than a thousand. Trade was far less for the same 
number of personsthan now. as then their wants were 
few. They spun their own yarn and wove their own 
cloth of every description, and raised their own grain. 
The first barrel of flour was brought into Antrim in 
1820. 

In the year 1800, Antrim, like other towns, was 
swept with the dysentery scourge. One week in 
August there were nineteen funerals. From July 
2Md to September 2'!d (here were sixty-five deaths in 
this little community, mostly children. Fifty little 
graves made in the old cemetery that year are un- 
marked and forgotten. But still the population had 
increased in the fall of 1800 to one thousand and titty- 
nine. The largest population was in 1820, when it 
reached the number of thirteen hundred and thirty. 
At the census of 1870 it had dwindled down to nine 
hundred and four, since which date there has been 
considerable increase. It is now (January 1, 1885) 

twelve hundred and thirty-eight. 

As to religious matters, Antrim being settled almost 
entirely by Scotchmen of the Presbyterian faith, 
formed a church of that order. I'p to the year 1836 
the town and church were united in action, the town, 
by vote, calling the minister and paying him out of 
its treasury, like any other town officer. He was 
called the "Town's Minister." The first town war- 
rant ever posted in Antrim had in it an article "To 
See What Money they Will Rease to Get preaching." 
The first sermon ever preached in the town was in 
Deacon Aiken's barn, September. 1775, by Rev. William 
Davidson, of Londonderry. Subsequently, for ten 
years, they had meetings in private houses, 1" ing too 
poor to build a church. They finally raised the frame 
of the building June 28, 178"', and held their first 
meeting within the uncovered frame the following 
Sabbath. It took them light years to finish the 
building! At the March meeting (1788) the town 
chose rsaac Cochran and John Duncan a committee 
to go to the Presbytery and ask them to organize a 
church in Antrim. In response thereto thc\ commis 
sioned Rev. William Morrison, of Londonderry, who 
came here and organized the Presbyterian Church 
August 2, 1788, with seventy-two members, being one- 
third of the adults then in town. Thus they were 
strong as a church from the first. But they did not 
succeed in settling a pastor to their liking till 1800, 
though constantly increasing in membership. Their 
annual sacramental seasons were times of great in- 
terest. Absolutely all the people attended. The 
whole town kept the preceding Thursday and Friday 
and Saturday with great strictness as "fast days." 
ing ministers were called in, and the long- 



, anticipated occasion was often one of great revival. 
In March, 1790, the town "Voted M r David Mleary 
Provide table I. inning, twelve y ■'-, 7-s :l " wide, at the 
town's < 'oast," the same being for the long communion 
tables in the aisles of the church. Each pastor sup- 
plied his flock with ''tokens." entitling them to ad- 
mission to the tabic. These were small, cheap lead 
coins. Those for Antrim were marked with the letter 
A. They ceased to be used hen- in 1824. A new 
church building was erected in 1826 and remodeled 
in 1857. The member-hip of this old church, now in 
its ninety-seventh year, numbers two hundred and 
sevi nty-four. Its pastorates have been as follows: 

Litt t.-, -ettl.'il S.pti-inl,. I :;, 1M»I; ri-J;lli'.l s, , „.„ l.r i. 
1804. 

Rev. John M. Whiton, D.D., settled Septei 28, It 

January I, 1863. 

Rei JohnH Bates, settled March 16, 1863 ; resigned July 1, 1866. 

Rei Warren R Cochrane, began servia Jannarj 1, 1868, ind spasfoi 
at this date. 

A Congregational Church was organized in East 
Antrim October 25, 1827, but, being reduced in num- 
bers, it dissolved in 1843, most of its members uniting 
with the Presbyterian < Lurch. 

There is now a flourishing Baptist Church in An- 
trim, located at the south village. This church was 
organized at the house of Joseph Baton, inGreenfii Id, 
December 17, 1805. Their first meeting-house was in 
that town, and was built prior to 1812. In 1826 they 
had moved to Society Land (now Bennington) and 
had a meeting-house there. In April, 1851, they 
" voted to hold the meetings on the Sabbath half the 
tunc at Smith Antrim." February 6, 1852, they 
"voted to hold the meetings all the time at South 
Antrim," and this has since been the location of the 
church. They worshiped in Woodbury's Hall till 
1871. Their pleasant house of worship was dedicated, 
free of debt, October 25, 1871. They have a parson- 
age, built in 1879. The church was built in the pas- 
torate of Rev. William Hurlin, now the efficient 
secretary of the New Hampshire Baptist Convention. 
The pastors of the Baptist Church since its removal 
to Antrim have been as follows : Rev. W. W. Lovejoy, 
Rev. W. Kimball, Rev. L. C. Stevens, Rev. William 
Hurlin (1866-73), Rev. E. M. Shaw. Rev. W. H. 
Fish, Rev. E. M. Shaw. Rev. Horace F. Brown. 

The efforts of the Methodist denomination in An- 
trim began in 1838. A class was formed at the Branch 
that year, which continued for a time. In 1840 a 
class was formed in South Antrim. In 1851, through 
the exertions of Rev. S. S. Dudley, the work was 
revived at the Branch village, and tin- two clas>es 
wet,, lit,, tight together into a church in 1852. The 
organization numbered fifty-one member-, and -i r- 
vices were held chiefly at the Branch. But in 18<U a 
meeting-house was built in South Antrim, and dedi- 
cated October 9th of that year. Since then the 
Methodist ( Lurch has been at South Antrim, and has 
Constantly gained in numbers and in strength, so that 
it is now among the best of its order outside the 



ANTRIM. 



257 



cities. A fine parsonage has been buill this year 
(1885). Its pastors at its present location have been 
as follows: Kev. E. A. Howard, Rev. A. A. Cleveland, 
Rev. J. W. Fulton, Rev. C. E. Dorr, Rev. Lewis 
Howard, Rev. Jacob F. Spalding, Rev. J. W. Cool- 
idge, Rev. J. R. Bartlett, Rev. J. L. Felt (1876-79), 
Rev. G. F. Curl, Rev. William Wood, Rev. N. C. 
Alger, Rev. A. F. Baxter. 

The military and patriotic record of Antrim is ex- 
ceedingly honorable. I havealready said that every 
man in town, and every boy of sufficient size, marched 
tin- Lexington at the first sound of battle, with the 
single exception of John Gordon, who soon after en- 
listed for the whole war. There was not a male old 
enough to march that did not respond to his country's 
call. How many other towns can say as much? The 
company from Society Land, including the men and 
boys of Antrim, then a part of Society Land, 
marched as far as Tyngsborough, where they were met 
by General Stark, who complimented them in high 
terms, advised them to return and plant their corn 
and hold themselves "ready to march at a moment's 
warning." Three men from this settlement were in 
the battle of Bunker Hill, one of whom was killed, 
and two from this place were lost at While Plains, 
all which was before the incorporation of the town. 
Two men from Antrim were killed subsequently, and 
several wounded. Five months after incorporation a 
town-meeting was called to "Regulate the expense 
the town has been at in respect of the war." Thus, 
though few and poor, the citizens of Antrim assumed 
their part of the war expenses at once; and they 
tilled every quota, both of men and means, to the end. 
About ten men from this place were in the battle of 
Bennington (August 16, 1777), in a companj of which 
Daniel Miltimore, of Antrim, was first lieutenant ; and 
afterwards they look part in the series of contests 
which resulted in the surrender of Burgoyne. 

There were at least four men from Antrim in the 
last company that was disbanded at the close of the 
war. The last surviving soldier of the army of tin 
Revolution was Samuel Downing, of Antrim, who 
went from this place to Edinburgh, X. Y., 17H4, 
and died there February 19, 1867, aged one hundred 
and live years, two months and twenty-one days. 

In the old militia system Antrim fell within the 
bounds of the famous Twenty-Sixth Regiment, first 
commanded by Governor Benjamin Pierce and af- 
terwards by Colonel David McClure, of Antrim. By 
theaci ofl792each regiment wasto have a company 
of grenadiers, meaning thereby a uniformed and 
picked and trained set of men. The company for this 
regiment was organized by General John McNiel, 
afterwards distinguished in the War of 1812. McNiel 
was six feet and six inches tall, and received no one 
into hi- company who were less than six feet in height. 
At first the men were picked out from Antrim, Deer- 
ing, Francestown, Greenfield, Hancock, Hennikerand 
Hillsborough. But because Antrim raised bigger men 



than other towns, the majority of the grenadiers be- 
longed here from the -tart. With gorgeous uniform, 
tall caps and high, brilliant plumes whichseemed to in- 
crease the stature of the men, this company of giants 
made a most imposing appearance,— the wonder of 
small boys, the admiration of all. This noted com- 
pany was all made up from Antrim as early as the 
year 1823, and continued to flourish until the enact- 
ment of the disbanding law ofl851, after which it did 
nol sun i\ e many years. 

When the War ofl812 broke out a company called 
the Alarm List was promptly formed here, in addition 
to | he other companies, and it was composed of the old 
men, most of whom actually borethescarsof the Rev- 
olution. It had forty members ; their uniform was a 
large white frock thrown over their ordinary clothing; 
they were under command of Captain Peter Barker,a 
soldier of the Revolution, and they actually offered 
their sen ices to the.i fovernor. Several of them were 
seventy-five years old when they offered to march for 
their country's defense. Forty-four soldiers from An- 
trim were in the War of 1812, of whom seven, in one 
way or another, lost, their lives. In the Mexican War 
there were four soldiers from Antrim, and thej were 
all killed. In the War of the Rebellion the action of 
this town was thoroughly patriotic ami vigorous. 
There was a town-meeting called, a resolution was 
passed to defend the Hag and to do our part whatever 
struggle might come, a committee appointed to a-sist 
volunteers and an appropriation of money made, all 
within less than three weeks .if the hour when the first 
gun was tired on Fort Sumter. Through all the 
struggle money was freely voted for volunteers and 
their families. On all the many calls Antrim fur- 
nished twelve men more than her aggregate quota, 
furnishing one hundred and thirty-nine men in all. 
Of these, thirty lost their lives on the battle-field or 
by disease. Thus her full part was performed in the 
long and fearful contest. The heavy war debt of the 
town is now nearly all paid. 

The first village in Antrim was the ( )ld ( lentre, on 
the top of Meeting- House Hill. Going up from the 
south, the new building seemed to lean against the 
sky. A school-house, church, tavern ami a few 
dwelling-houses made up the whole. It was the 
chief place in town for more than fifty years. At the 
time of the town's greatest population it had no other 

meeting-house or meeting-place. Congregat - ot 

four or five hundred assembled there for worship. It 
was a spot very dear to the fathers. Now all is 
changed. The spacious and conspicuous common is 
an ordinary field ; every building is gone, and only 
the ancient burial-ground remains unchanged to re- 
mind one of departed scenes. 

The Branch village is situated in the north part ot 
the town, on North Branch River. For many years, 
down nearly to 1840, this was the largest and most 
flourishing village in the town. It was seriously in- 
jured by the burning of its bobbin-simp and peg-shop 



HISTORY OF EIILLSBOKOUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



(Is4i, :nnl l*i;ii), which were not rebuilt. It has now 
a store, post-office, blacksmith's shop, chapel, school- 
house, large saw-mill and tweiity-lh c dwelling-houses. 
The stage from Keeneto Hillsborough passes tin. >u-h 
this village. It lias also a dailj stage to the depot at 
South Antrim, four miles away. Branch village has 
a delightful situation on the river, has excellent 
water privileges sufficient for a large pla< i 
rounded by comely and protecting hills, and is quite 
a resort for summer boarders. 

"The Centre," now so called, is a small collection 
of buildings, hardly to be dignified by the name of 
village. It is located well down the southward slope 
of Meeting-House Hill, about half a mile from the 
.site of the old church. The beginnings here were 
made liy Benjamin and Samuel ( Tn-jr.ir. 1 7 7* '.77. It 
is about a mile southeast of the geographical centre 
of the town. The situation is sightly ami attractive, 
and in the summer is well thronged by boarders from 
below, as the popular summer boarding-house of 
Esq., is mar by. Her.- is also the board- 
ing-house of A. R. C. Pike. The Presbyterian 
Church, with its long lines of horse-sheds, the vestry, 
the town-house, school-house and eight dwellings 
(with barns') make up the buildings at the Centre. 

In Clinton village the first building was put up by 
Deacon Imla Wright, in 1828, lor a cotton-mill. Soon 
after several houses were built. Now there are twenty 
dwelling-houses (twenty-six families., six mills and 
factories, a store, blacksmith-shop and cooper-shop. 
There is also an undertaker's warerooms. This vil- 
lage 1 is one-half a mile south of the Centre, and is a 
thrifty, smart village, with excellent water-power. 
A variety of wares made from wood are manufactured 

here, isisting of bedsteads, cribs of various kinds, 

window-shades, spring-beds and pail-handles, he- 
sides threshing-machine, grist-mill, wheelwright-shop, 
cider-mill and saw-mill. 

But the chief village in Antrim is South village, 

formerly called W Ibury village, situated near the 

south line of the town and near the Com ;ook 

River. It has grown rapidly in the last ten years, 
and is now by far the largest. It is "beautiful for 
situation." being on a ridge rising from the wi st bank 
of the Contoocook, and seen for long distances from 
the hills around. It has many fine residence-. In it 
there are two churches, wheelwright-shop, silk-factory, 
two saw-mills, printing-office (where the Antrim Re- 
porter i- published), blacksmith-shop, six store-, 
banking-office, shoemaker's, jeweler's, harness-maker's, 
barber's, tailor's and tin-shops. Here also are theshi ips 
of the Goodell Company, which employ about two 
hundred hands, chiefly in the manufacture of cutlery. 
A grist-mill, '' Excelsior Shop," paper-box factory and 
several halls arc here. Here are flourishirj 
Masons, Odd-Fellows. Knights of Honor and Good 
Templars. Her.- are the headquarters of the Antrim 
Cornel Band. In this village there are two ministers 
two physicians and aboul one hundred and 



twenty families. Has excellent graded schools, streets 
are wide, some of them finely shaded; and every way 
this is one of the liveliest, smartest, handsomest, 
cleanest, healthiest and pleasantest villages to be 
found in New Hampshire. 

Antrim has been for seventy-five years a fruitful 
town to emigrate from. In every part of the land, 
and in all lines of business, their absent ons and 
daughters are found. They are of the solid, substan- 
tial and reliable kind. They have grit and grace. 
Farmers, mechanics, lawyers, ministers, teachers, 
merchants, manufacturers, engineers. — they stand 
high among the best in the land. Among Antrim's 
more conspicuous sons are these, — 

Mule Daniel M. eluisti,, LL.Ii . mi..- ut tie- ulil.-st lawv.-r- .-y.-i pro- 
duced iii V-w Hampshire. 

: ... w . N. -smith, LI.. P., judge- of the Supreme Court. 

■ I W Ibury, judge of Probate, nominated for G 

but dying before election. 

Hod. Benjamin P. .'heti.-.v, ]:..-t m. 

Hon. Charles Adams, Jr 

Hen. A II. Dunlap, Nashua 

Hun. Jacob Whittemore, of the i,.i.tn..r. e , 

County Court 

l'!"l'"-"i .1 ~ |. \ , ,-. id, distinguished teacher and author. 

Professor Benjamin F. Walla.-.- 

rosepfa McKeen, I.1..I . New Koi > 

Professm- .laiu.-s W l'.iu I..T. P. .-si-lent X,\\ Yelk Tel 

Besides these, a lone list of ministers, doctors and 

lawyers might he given, of whom a large part are 
young and just entering upon their life-work. 

There is not room, in this brief sketch, to enter 
into details of the customs and privations of the pio- 
neers of this town. Among ..ur Scotch ancestry the 
drinking of liquor was universal. The minister was 
treated with the best drink at every house. Women 
drank as well as men. It was looked upon as a 
rightful and pleasant custom. In every hard job, 
planting, hoeing, haying, harvesting, they calculated 
to have plenty of rum. If a meeting-house was to be 
raised or a bridge built, the town always voted the 
proper supply of rum. The first barn raised in An- 
trim without rum was in 1830; and the first bouse 
built without rum was in 1845. It was considered a 
great calamity to get out of rum. If out when a 
friend called, they would detain him in conversation 
till a small boy could run to a neighbor's and borrow 
some rum. The most pious and devoted saw nothing 
wrong in this. Yet the number of drunkards and 
sots was small. Not half so many died from the ef- 
fects of liquor as at the present daj . 

The settlers of Antrim began here among untold 
privations. It was a day of beginnings. Young 
people got married without a dollar in the world. 
Jonathan would buy bis land at ten cents an acre on 

trust, go into tin- w Is and put up a rude log cabin 

with bis own hands, and at ..nee move his young wife 
there! In s ■ cases the whole family outfit con- 
sisted of a few scanty quilts, a fry-kettle and an axe- 
Mil.-, quently, in spare time, they made wooden bowls 
and plates, and enlarged their wardrobe by raising 



ANTRIM. 



sheep and spinning and weaving for themselves. In 
a way similar to this the majority began life in An- 
trim. But they were hardy, healthy, honest and 
persevering, and in the course of years worked them- 
selves into comfortable homes and g 1 circum- 
stances. Great, however, were the actual suffering 
and hardship of this people through the War of the 
Revolution, when the men wen- in the field, ami 
winters were hard, and snow was deep, ami neigh- 
bors were tar apart, ami women ami small boys fared 
cold and forest ami wild beast* under all pn-sibli- di-- 
couragements ! But the lone log cabin hidden in the 
snow kept safe its brave and much-enduring flock! 

The amusements of our fathers wen- of a kind to 
correspond with their religious, yet rough and ath- 
letic, training. They had neither money nor taste 
for convivial entertainments, and were no creatures 
of appetite or indulgence; but into physical sports 
they entered, young and old, with hearty zest. 
Wrestling-matches, ehopping-bees, piling-bees, log- 
rollings, huskings, raisings, trainings, musters and 
foot-races made up their entertainments. Ami some 
of these were noisy and dangerous pleasures. The 
entertainments of the ladies were of a correspondingly 
vigorous nature. We have no record of their meeting 
to fold their hands or make tatting. 1 Jut carding- 
bee-, apple-parings, quiltings, spinnings were among 
their leading pleasures when together. It was com- 
mon for the good mother to take her baby under one 
arm and her flax-wheel and flax under the other, and 
walk a mile to a neighbor's. When there, she and 
others coming in a similar way would set their wheels 
buzzing, and then chat together with voices that 
could he heard above the noise of twenty machines! 
Ami such spinning! It was perfect and marvelous 
in amount! And then, at sunset, each would take 
baby and wheel and yarn, walk home, get supper for 
a large family, "and wasn't much tired after all !" 

I have said that the founders of Antrim were all 
Scotch. They came from the north of Ireland; but 
thei] ancestors came thither from Argyle and Ayr, in 
Scotland. There was not a drop of Irish blood in 
them. In language, habits, tastes, education, reli- 
gion, history, capacity, bearing, manner of life, and 
general appearance, they were always distinct from 
the Irish. They prilled themselves on this distinc- 
tion. To call one of them a "Paddy," was to make 
yourself sure of being knocked down before the words 
were fairly out of your mouth ! 

These settlers were all, young and old, women and 
children, people marked with strong individuality. 
The Scotchman must think and decide for himself. 
There was a bold, cordial, honest, independent way 
with them all. They never kept others in the dark 
a- to their political or religious convictions. Yet, 
with all their self-assertion and personal independ- 
ence, they were humble and devout worshipers of 



God. Men they feared not ; God they feared. Though 

tolerant of others, they were still' Presbyterians 
themselves. The Bible was the hook for study ami 
conversation in every family. The children were 
thoroughly taught in it at home. They had a familj 
religion, and there was a bold open-heartedness in 
them which was an item of their religion. Manage- 
ment and craft and secret enmity they could not 
endure. Outspoken, square, fearless and honest, 
they settled everything immediately, and face to face. 
The) were quick-tempered and hard-tempered, and 

they resented an injury with tremendous force; but 
they had no sullen or secret malice. 

Moreover, the Antrim fathers were intensely set in 
their own way. They wanted light, and informed 
themselves and thought the thing out and made 
up their minds, and then it was counted about as 
easy to move one of the mountains round about them 
as to mo\ e one of those old yeomen out of bis opinion. 
They had a mortal hatred of " giving up! " 

They were a jolly, willy race, fond of repartee and 

g 1 cheer and practical jokes. They gloried in 

hard hits. There was nothing weak or timid about 
their fun. Jokes went round their companies as cut- 
ting as a keen blade, as heavy as a bard blow, and 
they roared and shouted in merriment together! 
flies,' hills of Antrim rang with their laughter in the 
day when the panther's howl answered back and the 
Indian's whoop echoed in the forest ! It is said the 
laugh of i he fathers of Antrim was glorious to hear! 
And theaged grandmother, in her chair in the comer, 
would deal her strokes of wit as keen as ever, and tell 
a story with side-shaking mimicry and zest ! 

Antrim was for many years an agricultural town, 
with much -razing and a fruitful, though rocky soil. 
But within a recent period the town has become 
dependent on manufacturing for its growth and 
wealth. There arc six saw-mills in town, as before 
intimated, two grist-mills, two threshing-mills, 
three wheelwright-shops, four blacksmith-shops, live 
crib and bedstead-factories, one silk-mill, besides 

the several mill- < nected with the cutlery-works. 

This last, under the name of the Goodell Company, 
is by far the largest industry of the town. Here are 
manufactured many kinds of flue table cutlery, which 
finds a large sale all over the land. They make also 
untold numbers of apple-parers, slicers, corers, peach- 
parers, cherry-stoners and seed-sowers, both of hand 
ami horse-power. This establishment furnishes em- 
ployment, directly and indirectly, for more than two 
hundred Antrim people, and pays to the pi ople thou- 
sands of dollars in cash every month. In all these 
industries, and some smaller ones not mentioned, a 
majority of the people of the town are now engaged. 
Farming has greatly improved herein the last ten years, 
hut manufacturing vastly more, and the farmer thrives 
all the better because of the mills that flourish near him. 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



HON. DAVID II. GOODELL.' 

The Goodells, Goodales and Goodalls, now so 
numerous in New England, are supposed to have all 

descended from R irtGoodell. (Forwhat is known 

of him and his descendants, see the sketch of the 
family and the line of descent of Levi Goodale, in 
this history.) Of the line through which the sub- 
ject of this sketch eame. we have the following in the 
Granite Monthly: 

1. David G iell, who resided in that part of the 

town of Amherst now included in Milford. 

2. David Goodell, a son of the above, who married 
Elizabeth Hutchinson, and lived in Amherst. 

3. David Goodell, sun of David and Elizabeth, who 
was born in Amherst, September 15, 1774 ; married 
Mary Raymond, of Mont Vernon, anil settled in 
Hillsborough; removed to Antrim in 1844, and died 
in 1848. His wife died May 17, 1864, aged eighty- 
five. 

4. Deacon Jesse R. Goodell, sou of David and 
.Alary, who was bom in Hillsborough, February 12, 
1807, and removed to Antrim in 1841, where he still 
resides, and is a farmer. He married, first, Olive At- 
wood Wright, of Sullivan, who was born Februar) 
28, 1807, and .lied June 13, 1*77. He married, second, 
Mrs. Ruth (Wilkins) Bennett. 

5. lb.n. David H. Goodell, only child of Jesse R. 
and Olive A„ was born in Hillsborough, May 6, 1834, 
and removed to Antrim in 1841 with his father and 
mother, and still resides there. 

From the above it would seem that David was a 
favorite name in this branch of the family, as four 
out of live in direct succession received it. 

In "Sketches uf Successful New Hampshire Men " 
led of the mother of David H. Goodell that 
her parents were J r, and found it difficult to pro- 
vide for the numerous children dependent on them ; 
that when she was fifteen years old site left home for 
Boston to seek her own living. On reaching there 
she had just fifty cents in her pocket. Not finding 
employment in Boston, she went to Waltham, where 
the first cotton-factory in the country hail just com- 
menced operations. She obtained employment, and 
at the end of a year and a half visited her parents 
with forty dollars in her pocket. When she was 
married, eight years alter this, she had saved from 
her earnings five hundred dollars. 

The parents of David II. desired that he -1 Id 

fare better than they had. and that he should have a 

a I education. Hence, when he had learned what 

he could at the town school, he went for several terms 
to Hancock Academy, thence to New Hampton, and 
graduated at Franc, stown Academy in 1852. In the 



Rev. W. Hnrlin 



fall of that year he entered Brown University, at 
Providence, R. L, and took high rank as a scholar. 
In Latin he was marked within one degree of perfect, 
and he won a prize in mathematics. But in his 
second year his health failed, and he was obliged to 
return home. A year and a half on his father- farm 
restored him to health, and he taught school two 
terms at Hubbardston, Mass., one at Leominsti r. 
Mas-., and one at New Loudon Literary and Sci( utific 
Institution. 

But his health again failed, and he returned to An- 
trim with the intention of making tanning the busi- 
ness of his life. In 1857, however, the Antrim 
Shovel Company was organized, and he became its 
treasurer ami book-keeper, and in 1858 he was ap- 
pointed general agent of tin: company. In 1861 the 
company sold out to Treadwell .v. Co.. and Mr. Good- 
ell continued to act for them in the same position. 
In 1864 the late I takes Ames bought the business, 
including the patents of the now famous Antrim 
shovel, and removed it to North Easton, Mass. 

Mr. O iell now entered into partnership with Mr. 

( leorge K. Carter, one of the firm of Treadwell & ( !o., 
and commenced the manufacture of apple-parers on 
a small scale. Having invented the "lightning 
applc-parer," it was put on the market through a 
New York house, who in two years S( ,],i ;l f e w hun- 
dred dozen, and thought they did well. In 1866, Mr. 
Goodell resolved to sell for himself, and in a tour of 
three weeks sold two thousand dozen, and thus made 
his invention known through the country. 

In February, 1867, the factory was burned, and as 
there was no insurance, it was a total loss ; but in six 
weeks a mw shop was in operation, and five thousand 
dozen apple-parers were manufactured and sold that 
year. In 1st!'.' the patent- o I' the ( 'ahoon seed -sowers 
were purchased, and these mac bines were added to 
the business. In 1870 a new trouble came upon the 
firm. The business of I ). H. Ooodell & C. was con- 
duct, d upon the cash principle; but the firm had 
unwisely indorsed notes for Treadwell & Co 
the partners being, as already stated, a member of 
both firms) to the amount of titty thousand dollars, 
and the failure of Treadwell & Co. necessarily led to 
the bankruptcy of 1). H. Goodell & Co. When the 

Antrim property was sold at auction Mr. G led 

bought it, and since then has been enlarging his bus- 
iness ever) year. 

In 1*72, Mr. Goodell joined in organizing the Woods 
Cutlery Company, at Bennington, and carried thai on 
in addition to his own private business at Antrim, 

and in 1875 both concerns were merged in the < Ii 

Company, of which Mr. Goodell is the general manager, 
and of which he owns nearly the whole of the stock. 

I b mpany manufacture all kinds of table cutlery, 

silver-plated, hot-water proof; and 
also numerous kinds of apple-parers, peach-parers, 
potato-parers, cherry-stoners, seed-sowers, both hand 
and hois, -i„, wer, and Robinson's hammock chairs. 







^y&.^^^K 










jZzz^?^ '€^ 



The number of hands employed is about one hundred 
and seventy-five, and the pay-roll amounts to about 
fourteen hundred dollars per week. The business is 
conducted at Antrim, and there are factories both at 
Antrim and Bennington, which are connected bj a 
private telephone. 

In addition to his manufacturing business, Mr. 
Goodell is a practical farmer, and he has for many 
years managed the large farm which formerly he 
longed to his father, hut which is now owned by him. 
lie aided in organizing, and was for several years the 
president of, the < >ak Park Association for the encour- 
agement of agriculture and mechanical arts ; has been 
for a number of years one of the trustees of the New 
England Agricultural Society, and since bS7'J has 
been an active member ofthe Xew Eampshire Board 
of Agriculture. 

Mr. Goodell has also been active ami honored in 
public life. lie has served as school committee, 
town clerk ami moderator. In 1876, after a long con- 
test, he established his claim to have been elected as 
representative to the Legislature by the Republican 
party, and was twice re-elected, in 1X77 and 1878, and 
lie commanded the confidence of his colleagues to 
such au extent that no measure which he advocated 
was defeated, ami not one that he opposed was 
successful. The hill for the erection of a new State 
Prison was carried largely through his judicious ami 
earnest support. In 1882 he was elected a member 
of the t iovernor's ( louncil, and served his term of two 
years, from 1883 to 1885. At the Republican Con- 
vention of 1884 he received one hundred ami forty- 
six votes as the candidate for Governor, and was in 
reality the only candidate before the Convention he- 
sides the Hon. Moody Currier, whose nomination was 

made unanimous, ami who was elected. Mr. ' I lei] 

is also an earnest temperance worker, and has been 
vice-president and is now [president of the New Hamp- 
shire State Temperance Union. He is also tin-tee of 
Colby Academy, at New London. 

i >u September 1, 1857, Mr. Goodell married Hannah 
Jane Plumer, a daughter of Jesse T. Plumer, ofGoffs- 
town. Their children are. first, Dura Dana, born Sep- 
tember 6, 1858; and, second, Richard Carter, born 
August 10, 1868. The whole family are members of 
the Baptist Church in Antrim, Mr. Jesse R. Goodell 
having for many years been one ofthe deacons. 

From the foregoing it will be seen that Hon. David 
H. Goodell, though still in the prime of life, ha- won 
a position of considerable importance. His large 
manufacturing business is acknowledged to be the life 
of Antrim, and to exert a large influence in Penning- 
ton ; his farm is noted as a model of progress, his 
business credit is high, his general reputation good ami 
his private character unsullied; and it is no wonder 
that be occupies a place among the eighty-eight per- 
sons who are noticed in a work, published in 1882, 
entitled. "Sketches of Successful New Hampshire 

Men." 



HON. JACOB TUTTLE. 

The earliest record at hand of this branch of the 
Tuttle family is that of Samuel *, who was born in 1709. 
In 1729 he married Martha, daughter of Rev. Benja- 
min Shattuck, the first minister of Littleton, Mass. 
She was horn in 1712. Prom this union then- were 
nine children. Of these, the one in the line of de- 
scent was Sampson-', who was horn August 29, 1738. 
He married Submit Warren, who was horn November 
23, 1742. Sampson 2 died June 7. 1815, and his wife 
July 21. 1797. They had fourteen children. 

Jacob 3 , the subject of this sketch, was born in Little- 
ton, Mass., February 6, 1767. His childh I was 

passed with his parents, and early in his career there 
were developed traits of character that gave unusual 
promise tor the future. He was a rugged, healthy 
hoy, and was foremost in athletic sports in his school- 
boy days. His educational advantages were limited. 
He attended the district school ami came to his ma- 
jority in full vigor and ready for life's work. June 
IN. 17'Jo, he married Betsey, daughter of Isaac and 

Elizabeth (Trowbridge) Cummings, of Westford, Mass.. 

and, taking his wife on horseback, started across tie 
country for Antrim, X. H. He had saved a small 
sum of money, and with it he bought a farm in the 
northern border of the town. The old homestead is 
now occupied by James A., a grandson. Mr. Tuttle 
opened a store for general trade and soon had a large 
mercantile business, and also carried on farming on 
an extensive scale. In 1818 he moved his store to 
the Branch Village and resided there for many years, 
accumulating a large property. He soon became a 
leader in civil affairs and tilled nearly all the town 
offices, ami for sixteen years represented the town in 
the General Court. He was elected Stati 3en 
from District No. 8 in March. 1833. He was elected 
a member of Governor William Badger's Council in 
March. 1834, ami served two years. He was a mem- 
ber of the Electoral College in 1816. New Hampshire 
hail eight members at that time, who were elected by 
the Republican party and cast their votes for James 

Monroe for President of the United States. The whole 

vote of the State was 28,555, — Republican vote, 15,- 
188; Federal vote, 13,367. Hewasalsoa "side judge" 

of the Court of Common Pleas, from which circum- 
stance he wore the title of "Judge Tuttle." Judge 
Tuttle attended the Presbyterian Church and was a 

liberal contributor for the support of public worship. 
He was a kind friend and a devoted husband and 

father. He died August 20, 1848. at the age of eighty- 
one years. His wife, who was greatly beloved for her 
many virtues, died January 28, lso2. Judge Tuttle 
had fourteen children: Betsey '.horn June 13, 1796, 
died September 13, 1800; Jacob, horn February 4, 
U'.'s. died September .".. IniiO; Nancy, bom January 
17. 1800, died September 2.".. 1800; Betsey, horn July 
13, 1801, died February 15, 1814; Nancy, born April 
9, L803, died May 6, 1805; Submit R., bom April 21, 
1805, married James Steel, died August 3, 1833; I i- 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



cetta, born March 23, 1807, married John Sargent, 
died August 1, 1855; Louisa, born June 3, 1809, mar- 
ried Andrew C. Cochran, died January 11, 1849; Lydia 
S., born June I, 1811, married Hiram Griffin, died 
April, 1885; James M., born July 6, 1813, married 
Hannah Shedd, died December 5, 1861; Susan, born 
July 17, 1815, married Henry 1 >. Pierce, died October 
20,1874; Harriet, bom August :i. L817,married David 
\V Grimes, died September 2, 1848; Isaac C, born 
September 1 1, 1820, married Louisa .1. Love and lives 
in Illinois; Mary E., the youngesl daughter, who 
places the engraving of her father in this work, was 
born May 15, 1823. She was married to John S. Shed, 
of New Bedford, Mass., May 20, 1846, and lives in 
Antrim. There were two children from this union, — 
Man J., born April 20, 1854, and Eliza A., born July 
">, 1857. Mary died August 17, 1856. Eliza A. was 
married, January 1,1879, to Ruthven Childs, of Hills- 
borough, X. 11., and has one child, Carrie May, 1h.hi 
December 20, 1 879. 

MORRIS CHRISTIE, M.I'. 
Peter and William Christie signed the " Memorial to 
Governor Shute " (1718), but neither of them came in 
the Londonderry company that settled thattown in the 
following year. But Jesse Christie, probably the son 
of Peter, settled in Londonderry (now East Derry) 
about 1725. His wife's name was Mary, and they hail 
a daughter Mary, bom in Londonderry, June 1. 1728. 
Their son George (Captain George Christie, of New 
Boston) was born Octobei ■", 1731. From this Jesse 
and Mary probably sprang all the Christies of Hills- 
borough County. They were parents (there is hardly 
room to doubt) of Deacon Jesse Christie, who settled 
in New Boston, and was a man of high standing in 
that town, lie was chosen deacon in the Presby- 
terian Church there under the first pastor; was a 
man of strict business uprightness, and was pecu- 
liarly soeial and friendly ; was a farmer and mill- 
owner, having built the mills where afterwards the 

New Boston Paper-Mill stood. Deacon Jesse Christie 
married Mary Gregg, daughter of Samuel and Mary 
(Moor) Gregg and granddaughter of Captain James 
and Janet (Cargil) Gregg, which Captain James was 
our of iln- original sixteen who began in Londonderry 
in 1719, and was of mature years at that date. 

Deacon Jesse and Mary (( iregg) ( 'hristie had twelve 
children, — Jeane, Peter, Samuel. John, Mary, Eliza- 
beth, James, Mary Ann, Jesse, Robert, Anna and 
William. Several of these sons settled in New Bruns- 
wick about 1790, and their descendants have come to 
honor there. The mother of these twelve children 
was a noble woman, large in stature and large in heart, 

--"I r the most useful and energetic and capable 

women in that early settlement. The writer well re- 

mbers hearing old people who knew hei speak of 

her as "a devoted Christian, of great kindness ami 
full of g 1 works." 

Samuel Christie, third child of Deacon Jesse, was 



born in New Boston, February 20, 1764. He came to 
Antrim in the spring of 178s and bought a large tract 
<>f laud next east of the cemetery at the " Old Center," 
now knownas " Meeting-House Hill." Here he made 
his "clearing," and in the fall of that year he put up 
a small, low house, answering well for the times, and 
for temporary use. Near the close of the same year 
i 1788) lo- received a companion into his new and hum- 
ble home in the person of Xihiah Warren, daughter 
of Josiah and Jane (Livingston) Warren, of New 
Boston. Traditions say that she was "verj young 
and very fair." After a few years Mr. Christie built 
the large, old-fashioned tavern, with large square 
rooms, enormous fire-places and long dancing hall. 
Here he " kept tavern " the rest of his days. There 
was then considerable travel through the town, it be- 
ing before the day of railroads. There was large busi- 
uess on training-days and town-meeting days; and 
on Sabbath-days the hearersof Rev. Dr. Whiton came 
over from the church near by to warm up with the 
subject. 

Samuel Christie died October 25, 1818, leaving eight 
children, among them Hon. Daniel M. Christie, 
LL.D., of Dover; Josiah W. Christie, Esq., of An- 
trim ; and Mary Christie, for fifty-five years a mis- 
sionary in Ceylon, as wife of Rev. Levi Spalding. 

Dr. Morris ( 'hristie, the subject of this sketch, was 
the son of Josiah W. and Mary (Bell) Christie, and 
was bom in Antrim August 29, 1832. His fatherwas 
farmer and carpenter, a great worker; and the son 
had his full share, enjoying, however, from time to 

time, the Hunted advantages of the district scl I. 

Afterwards he attended the academies at Franceston u, 
Washington and Hopkinton, each for a time. Hav- 
ing had, from childhood, a desire to be a physician, 
in the summer of 1856 he took up the study of medi- 
cine with the late Dr. Thomas Sanborn, of Newport, 
N. H. In the autumn of the same year he attended 

a course ofi lical lectures tit Dartmouth College. 

Through tile summer of 1857 he again studied with 
Dr. Stillborn. In the fall of 1857 he went to New- 
York and attended lectures in the University of New 
York till the time of his graduation, March, 1859. 
At once 1 utered < 'hariu Hospital as assistant phy- 
sician, remaining there a year, May 1,1860, he be- 
gan practice in his native town, which he has con- 
tinued with gratifying success till the present time. 
His practice reaches into all the adjoining towns, and 
he has fairly won a leading place in his profession. 
He is one having honor "in his own country," a lib- 
eral giver, a worker in every good cause, of strong, 
earnest convictions, a man characterized by large- 
heartedness, outspokenness and Christian principle. 

Dr. Christie married Susan S. Hill, daughter of 
George W. and Sabrina (Woodbury) Hill, id' Johnson, 
\'t.. Julj 22, 1863. 

They have one son, George W., born Augusts, 
1868. 



^tUS*^^ 




^7^ / l^C^ 



&5L- 



ANTRIM. 



2<i3 



in all that 
and sustain- 



DE. OILMAN KIM I'. VI. I.. 

Dr. Gilman Kimball was born in New Chester (now 
Hill,) N. H., December 8, 1804. His father, Ebenezer 
Kimball, was born in Wenham, Mass., but, leaving 
his native place at an early age, lie moved to Antrim. 
N. H., where, soon alter, he married Polly Aiken, the 
eldest daughter of Deacon James Aiken, who was the 
first settler of that town. 

lie subsequently established himself as a merchant 
in New Chester, N. 11., a small village on the Penn- 
gewasset River, about twenty-five miles above Con- 
cord. Here he spent the business part of his life of 
forty years, educated his children in the best schools 
of the period, and became a leading 
region in building up town institutio 
ing all public anil moral enterprises. 

Dr. Kimball's early education was of a high order, 
no department ofstudj being omitted that was calcu- 
lated to aid him in whatever business or profession be 
might choose to adopt. 

At the age of twenty he entered upon the study of 
the medical profession, under the tuition of the med- 
ical faculty of Dartmouth College, and graduated as 
Doctor of Medicine at the same institution in 1826, 
the last two years of his pupilage having been spent 
in the office of Dr. Edward Reynolds, of Boston. 

During this period he attended a course of lectures 
at the Harvard Medical College, and, at the same 
time, with other members of the medical class, visited 
regularly the wards of the Massachusetts General 
Hospital. At the close of the lecture term he be- 
came a daily attendant for a year at tin- United States 
Marine Hospital, then under the charge of the late 
Dr. Solomon D. Townsend, and, during several months 
of that time, was charged with the duties of resident 
physician and surgeon. 

In 1827 he com need the practice of medicine and 

surgery in the small manufacturing town of Chicopee, 
near Springfield, .Mass. 

In 1829 be left Chicopee to visit Europe, where, for 
more than a year, he pursued his studies in the 
medical schools and hospitals of Paris, thus ful- 
filling an early cherished purpose lor securing op- 
portunities for professional study, which, at that time, 
it was difficult, if not impossible, to obtain in his own 
country. 

While in Paris he availed himself of tin- greal ad- 
vantages there offered for improvement in branches 
of study which he had been specially interested in 
before leaving home, — namely, anatomy and surgery. 

For this purpose be placed himself under the 
tuition of Professor Auguste Berard, assistant pro- 
fessor of anatomy in the School of Medicine, re- 
ceiving from him daily instruction, both in anatomy 
and operative surgery. 

For general instruction in surgery he selected the 
Hotel Dieu, not only from its being the largest, and, 
in many respects, the best appointed hospital in 
Paris, but from its having at the head of its surgical 



department the distinguished surgeon, I'.aron lhipuv- 
tren, at that time the most popular, as well as the 
ablest, teacher of surgery on the continent of Europe, 
in tin- respect holding the same position in France 
that Sir Astley Cooper did in England. 

From this eminent surgeon he received an auto- 
graph certificate, stating the fact of bis daily attend- 
ance, both iii the hospital and at his clinical lectures, 
from August 24, 1829, to July 1, 1830. 

Returning home in the autumn of 1830, he imiiie- 
diatelv i -taldished himself, permanently, as physician 
and surgeon in the thru comparatively small town of 
Lowell. Mass., and very soon became engaged in an 

extensive practice. 

The measure of Ids professional growth ami stand- 
ing at home, as well as outside the limits of Lowell, 
is sufficiently shown in the fact that, in 1839, he was 
selected by the directors of the different manufactur- 
ing corporations of Lowell to take charge of the hos- 
pital, established the same year, for the benefit of 
their mill operatives. 

In 1842 he was elected to succeed the late Dr. Wil- 
lard Parker, of New York, as professor of surgery in 
the medical college at Woodstock, Yt., and the lid- 
lowing year he was chosen to till a similar position in 
the Berkshire Medical Institution, at Pittsfield, .Mass. 

At the end of four years his relations as professor at 
both these institutions were necessarily given up on 
account of what were thought to be more important 
obligations to the hospital. 

His connection with the Lowell Hospital terminated 
at the end of twenty-six years from the date of its es- 
tablishment. Although, during this period, be was 
extensively engaged in general practice, it was in the 
department of surgery that bis name became particu- 
larly prominent, several of his achievements in this 
line of practice having been recorded in the leading 
medical and surgical periodicals in Europe as well as 
in America. 

Immediately upon the breaking out of the Rebel- 
lion, be accompanied General Butler as brigade sur- 
geon, first to Annapolis and soon after to Fortress 
Monroe. At both these stations he superintended 
the organization of the lirst military hospitals estab- 
lished for the reception of the sick and wounded of 
the Union army. 

Upon the appointment of General Butler to the 
command of the Department of the Gulf, be was 
commissioned to serve on his staff as medical di- 
rector, and continued in that capacity until the em- 
barkation of the troop- from Boston for Ship Island, 
when physical prostration consequent upon exposure 
to a malarial climate the year before, at Fortress 
Monroe, obliged him to resign. The following spring, 
his health becoming somewhat improved, he reported 
himself to headquarters as again ready for duty, and 
was immediately ordered to join the arm) of General 

McClellan, encamped at that time before Yorktown. 

He had scarcely reached bi> new post, however, when 



264 



HISTORY OF lllULSllOliOUCII COUNTY, NEW II AMPSHIRE. 



he was again prostrated with malarial disease and 
forced to return home on leave of absence. His 
resignation was -'.on after tendered to the surgeon- 
general, and accepted <>ii the ground of physical dis- 
ability. 

His services a- medical officer in the Union army 
covered a period of nearly an entire year. 

Actuated by the same zeal that first prompted him 
to look beyond hi- own country tor sources of profes- 
sional improvement, he repeated from time to time 
hi- \ tsits to Europe, making the acquaintance of the 
Leading men in the several departments of the profes- 
sion, and gathering from them new and advanced 
idea- and suggest] m-. which, as opportunity offered, 
he afterwards illustrated in his own practice at home. 
In tlii- connection it i- but just to remark that, in a 
partment of surgery, his name has of late 
hecome particularly prominent. 

In ovariotomy, one of the gravest and most formid- 
able operations known in surgery, he has acquired an 
enviable distinction, both in Europe and America, — 
a distinction the more honorable from having been 
reached in spite of a strong prevailing prejudice 
against the operation on the part of the profession at 
large, and a still more pronounced opposition from 
many of the leading surgeons in his own vicinity. 
This opposition, however, has at last been fully over- 
come by the success that has crowned his large num- 
ber of operations, numbering at the present time 
three hundred (a number larger than that of any 
other surgeon now living in this country), so that at 
the present day ovariotomy is no longer a procedure 
which well-informed -urgeoii- presume to denounce; 
and as regards its beneficent results, il i- now recog- 
nized as the most important within the range of 
legitimate surgery. 

Although his connection with the operation above 
referred to has limited in some degree hi- general 
practice, on account of extraordinary demands upon 
hi- time, the record of his professional life of fifty 
years shows that during this period he has performed 
all the important operations naturally incurring in 
the line of surgery. Among the most notable of these 
may In- named two amputations of the hip-joint, one 



of them successful; exsection of the elbow-joint, fol- 
lowed by a new formation of the same, the patient 
ultimately recovering its use, so that he was enabled 
to serve in the Union army as an able-bodied soldier; 
ligation of the internal iliac artery, fatal on the nine- 
teenth day from secondary bleeding; of the external 
iliac, the femoral, for aneurism, the common carotid 
and subclavian arteries, all successful. Besides tin 
three hundred cases of ovariotomy already alluded to, 
he has extirpated the uterus twelve time-, with six 
recoveries. 

Of the contributions to medical literature, the most 
important relate to ovariotomy and uterine extirpa- 
tion, — first, eases illustrating certain points in practice 
tending to relieve the operation of some of its most 

serious dangers, Boston Medical and Surgical ./"«/■- 
nal for 1*74 and L876, and Transaction* oj the 
American Gynecological Society in Boston, 1 s 7 7 ; 
second, case of uterine extirpation, notable as being 
according to Koeberle id' Strasbourg, the first on 
record where the operation was ever proposed and 
successfully performed upon a correctly established 
diagnosis. Boston Medical and Surgical Journal, 
1855. Paper on the "Treatment of Uterine Fibroids 
by Electrolysis or Galvanism," Boston Medical and 
Surgical Journal, January, 1*71; paper on the "Ex- 
tirpation of the Uterus," read before the American 
Medical Association at Chicago, June, 1*77. 

He became member of t he Massachusetts .Medical 
Society in L832, received honorary degree of M.D. 
from Williams College in 1837, elected Fellow of the 
College of Physicians and Surgeons of the Univer- 
-n\ of New York March, 1843, received honorary 
degree of M.D. from Yale College in 1 856, honorary 
degree of A.M. from Dartmouth College in L839, 
elected member of the American Gynaecological 
Society in 187*, and president of the same in 1882. 
In 1878 he was elected vice-president of the Massa- 
chusetts Medical Society. 

He has been twice married, — Hist time to Mary 
Dewar, eldest daughter of Dr. Henry Dewar, of 
Edinburgh, Scotland, and second time to Isabella 
Defries, daughter id' Henry I. Defries, of Nantucket, 
Mass. 



HISTORY OF BEDFORD. 



The town of Bedford lies in the eastern part of the 
county, and is bounded as follows: North by Goffs- 
town, East by Manchester and Litchfield. South bj 
Merrimack and West by Amherst and New Boston. 

This town was one of the Massachusetts grants of 
17:::-;. made to the surviving soldiers of the King 
Philip's War, including deceased soldiers' heirs, and 
was called Narragansel No. 5, also Souhegan East, 
and was under the government of that province 
until the settlement of the line, in 1741. Ii was in- 
corporated by the government of Now Hampshire 
May 19, 1750, and named in honor of the Duke 
of Bedford, who was at thai time Secretary of Stale 
in the government of George the Second, and for 
many years Lord- Lieutenant of Ireland. 

The first settlement of the township was in 17-"7. 
As early as the winter of 1735 a man by the name of 
Sebbins came from Braintree, Mass., and spent the 
winter in what was then Souhegan East. He occupied 
himself in making shinnies, and the spol he selected 
for his purpose was south ol the old graveyard, be- 
tween that and Sebbins' Pond, on the north lii f a 

piece of land that was owned by the late [saac At- 
wood. In the spring of the year he drew his shingles 
to Merrimack River, about a mile and a hall, on a 
hand-sled, and ratted them to Pawtucket Falls (now 
Lowell). The pond already noticed, and a large tract 
of land around the same, still goes by his name. 

In the fall of 1737 the first permanent settlement 
was made by Robert and James Walker, brothers; 
and in the following spring, by Matthew and Samuel 
Patten, brothers, and sons of John Patten; and soon 
alter by many others. The Pattens lived in the same 
hut with the Walkers until they built one of their 
own. near where Joseph Patten used to live. They 
commenced their first labors near the bank of the 
Merrimack, on a piece of ground known as Patten's 
field, about forty rods north of Josiah Walker's ham. 
The Walkers were immediately from Londonderry, 
N. H. The Pattens never lived in Londonderry, 
though they belonged to the company ; they were im- 



mediately from Dunstable. The lather, John Patten, 

with his two sons, Matthew and Samuel, landed at 

Boston, stopping there but a short time ; thence they 
came to Chelmsford, and thence tu Dunstable, where 
he stayed till he came to Bedford. The second piece 

Of land cleared Wits on the Joseph Patten place, the 
field south of the first pound, where the noted old 
high and Hat granite stone now stands. 

With i'vw exceptions, the early inhabitants of the 
town were from the north of Ireland or from the 
then infant settlement of Londonderry, X. H., to 
which they had recently emigrated from Ireland. 
Their ancestors were of Scotch origin. About tin- 
middle of the seventeenth century they went in < - 

siderable numbers from Argyleshire, in the west of 
Scotland, to the counties of Londonderry and Antrim 
in the north of Ireland, from which, in 1718, a great 
emigration took place to this country. Some arrived 
at Boston and some at Casco Bay. near Portland, 
which last were the settlers of Londonderry. Many 
towns in this vicinity were settled from this colony. 
Windham, Chester, Litchfield, Manchester, Bedford, 
Goffstown, New Boston, Antrim, Peterborough and 
Aeworth derived from Londonderry a considerable 
proportion of their first inhabitants. 

" .Many of their de-cendauts." -ays Rev. I »r. Whiton. 
in his history of the State, "have risen to high re- 
spectability; anion- whom are numbered four Gov- 
ernors of New Hampshire; one of the signer- of the 
Declaration of Independence'; several distinguished 
officers in the Revolutionary War and in the last war 
with Great Britain, including Stark, Reid, Miller and 
McNeil : a president of Bowdoin ( lollege, some mem- 
bers of Congress, and several distinguished ministers 
of the gospel." 

President Everett, in his " Life of General Stark.'' 

thus notice- the colony.- 

■- • ■■ ]. ■-■■■ii.tr, I hum th.-Siuhh I ivsl.yt.rians, who. 

Ultln I'lJll 1 .:.:.!,.-. ■ i ■■.[,a.||-!i.il in Il.-l.ui.l. Lilt v ; , 

Willi lliltinll.lt 1. I,. i. lt\ a fllUI-ll. Ii.ll.-f n.irli.l ill ;l,v ( ir,l;,l|,v will, til*' 

populai i."iii in [reland noi with thai of it- English mi tern, and dig- 

lik ill- tin' ill- III ill inn- ,,i full,, ami nut, ileteriuiiie.l to Seek :i -i iMi-luriil 

i" A inn. The first partj came over in 1718, and led the way in a set- 
tlement on Merrimack Kiver, 'II.. > «... -ii.no - .|..i inalart;. 

number of their oiilitl yiiii.il. '.\ In. I.e.uiilil Willi tIliii Hi.- .11 I i,! Wri.vm- 

linen, ami first introduced the culture "1 the |mf.ito int.. thin part of 
Ainerira. mi.] funiisheil from their families a lai-i. iiuinl,. i ,,t Mi,, pi..- 

i is ■■! . o ih / iM.ui in NVu Hampshire, Vermont an. I Maine; andeome 

of the iimst useful mill distinguished i itizens of all these slates." 






HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



These quotations will not, ii i- hoped, be though! 
i onsidered how large a pro 
1 Ij inhabitants of the town were of 
Scottish origin. Thej were, as thej arejustlj repre 
sented in the address of Colonel Barnes, a well-priu 
cipled, frugal, hardy and industrious people, who 
brought witb them a sound attachment to religious 
institutions. 



a copy of tin- petiti 



foj 



-overnor »nd I om- 






■ to emigrate. II was no world 1} 
diowed thtratof 

loloarmenl* 

>„■ to this western n Id, I . 

down in tin 

A few years after the 6rsl settlemenl the inhabit- 
ants petitioned to be incorporated, and in 1750 the 
town, whirl, had been called Souhegan E ist, 01 \ u 
ragansett No. 5, was incorporated under its present 
name and within its present limits, its territory orig- 
inally extending south to Souhegan River. 

A l' ril "• l7|s ' Cover ■ Wentworth informed 

the Council of " the situation of a number of prisons 
inhabiting a place called Souhegan East, within this 
province, that were without any township or district, 
and had not the privilege of a town in choosing offi- 
cers for regulating their affairs, such as raia 
for the ministry ." etc. 
"' i"" 1 "'" 

pleased toordei thai th, - 

' powered to call meetings ol the s'd inhabitants' at 

"''"'' "'■ 

""' S ''' "' l '-' 1 " ' ol .,1 :,„> ,n.-|i 

taken .,- ., gram ,., . 

■ 11,1 to II, ,- soil 

ili " 1 '" 1 ""'""'•i that Capt. John Gone, ',. ,.,n the 

'"-' nieeting.by a written notification, posted up al 

tluinhalutanls. , i o,..,.|,„ u . ,,, 

' '--- .,11,1 .no to follow tl„. rule.- 

I' 

, , ther ,. 



PI i inns FOB tNCOHPORATIOK 

"To in- I . ..;■.. Esq., , 

Provinc, oi v i 

rtsmouth, May 

" !1 : ofSouhe, in 

But ' >Hed, Sheweth, Tl,,t , , 

i'Iom", 1 '. "'„'"""", 

m\\ i""ri!'o,lh'l '"'' " '■''"" "■' '" '■"'■'■ 'l'os< Blinisol II 

.,.» ,1 I .OIVlo,. 

""" '"' '" r " ' ;l "'" , '""-" i ' ■'■'" ""■ -""I <■■ in,or|.or.,t, „. „„,.., ,..„„ 

" ' '' ' '" "' ' ■ mlnlbiMuts -|io„|,| |. , 

'"> m.-i.IiI.oiim I,., i, I ,., ,,,| ||,., , ,|,„. 



same libenj , 
tlonera shall evei praj *, 
'• Samuel Miller, 

\* illiam U ■. 

John Biddell, 

Thomas I 

Matthew Little, 

- M . 

K, nnedy, 






' HAR1 : , VN EAST INI 

Friday, Maj the LSth, ;, 

1 •'"-""• '!"-l'.ir,l Wibird, Samuel Smith, 

'"' > ' l " , ' r - «"'"»" >'■■ ,ted l,v John Gone Esq 

- 

IVtiti.m, and agrooing where the lin, 
with the advic, 

Patten, t 

•• Opon which the Council ,li,l ui 



John Bell, 

J, lie U i 
I liomai i 
John Hi Dugle, 
Samuel Patten, 
\ 1, v mdei w alker, 
Gan i: 

in Smith, 

and Mr, San 

der to obtain Incorporation f»r us, 



llMfllt 



'"' lv ^"-"! «''■■■■■■ ->ipj..-it.i.. 

it .,,,, there be, and 



i; 
Fergus Kennedy, 

Quige, 
Patrick I... 

John Orr, 
John M, or 

Ja - Little, 

Robert Gilui 

1'aVi'l II ipsot), 

James M, i, 

Daniel Moor. 
John Clark, 
Robert Walkt r, 

Mattloo I 



Dated U 

The petition was 
copj 



Detractions from 

".l>MI- I 






Great Brittain, France 
i aith, a, 

,1 Land with- 

1 '" ■■«<■<- "I. I 

-mac H,,^ 

I,h ''"" , tMdKequeetedtolv. r 

1 r I'»>at.~l into A 1 

'■' Towiw, within Out sdPr » b, Law 

M well asol the Inhabitants 

1 r otin 8 *'" 

■ I'h.Esq. .".„, 

"'•>' l: '-"d and Ordained, \,„1 b, these 
"•'""■' ***"■ "'""' ' i,,» .i,., ti... 



BEDFORD, 



in i 



. ..; ' •• I., ,: 

th '' '!■ Hi 

• cti nd thai 
u of the West 
i" Run Norl 






prove the a hi i eafti l 

i lai ■■ thn ■ 

River, at John Chui n 

Needle, to Men .1, R 

i 

l H I 

West, aboul thn i I d in 

ow-Hi Vest Euel coi 

Ll III n, ,,1 im.ii 1. 

■ . I I , 

I II, \.,l II, \\ I I M, 

i i Needle I- Mel Li I, I 

Bouthei i>, i , i:. 

tin ll", 1. An, I Ia tin,- I'; 

nlii, ll. il,, , I ,| '.' , . I.y tin- \, ulir ,,l 

Bedford, with all tin I'- r.r. .i,-.i.m", Immunities, 

. . I.,,,.,:.,, ,,,i i, I n. .. 
Ever, Always i i I , ,i ' ' ,i II, n ,u„l .„ ■ Ml \\ lni. I'm, 

i hall horeaftot (irow and be, on the »d 

'I ra. i ol Lan I, in I le 1 

p., wit nf dividing tli" -I Town, I,. I -, Hi 

ii shall appi ,u i | i ,| Hi, i,,ii, ,i,ii- 

ndcrsto id, and i- din ;ly h 

clared, that the privati Property ol theSoil isinnomai 

be affected in tin- Chat tot i ithin Our said 

l'|,, Mil, ,- ill V-n lI.,iM|, I, in .in-, I.. II,, ■ 1,,,,, il ,,|. |,,,, :i l,],,,l an, I 

Authorized to Assemble, ami in H.. 

Offli i i iti m -i in tin i 

V.:n n ,n ,,,■! \|.|„,n,l |,,ln. I mil", lm, , |,, I ,,|| ||,. | (l i 

mta, to It held within the ad Town, atanytime within 

i i . . 

1 , ■ h, tin \ ii i, ii., i Mei ting 

in -I Town shall be held foi the ' i i ol To 

, Man ll, -il ally. 

: 
■ Oui d I'ro in ■■ the nineteenth 

In.-, ol May, in the Ifeai ol Oui Lord Christ, Oni thou u 
dred and fifty, » n. v. , 



The French War. Colonel John Goffe was in the 
French War in L756, and was in command of our 
i ae pi Mini. The following were also in the 
war from this town : William McDougal Gi orge 
I >rr, Robi rl Bolmi -. 'I homaa VIcLaugh 
Patterson, James Patterson, Nathaniel Patterson, 

John Orr and John M •, the lasl of whom was 

taken prisoner al Fort William Henrj and carried to 
nee to 1 I ehe n turned 

home. 

In 1760 -i i< mi hi hundred 

n 

to join tin expi 
Canada. This regiment 

« lolonel John I roffe,ol Bi dford, and, in I tct, was made 
up, in a great measure, of men from the neighboring 
towns in 1 1 ,,l Roe! ingham ' 

' -.Hi' had his rendezvous at Lytchfield, 
n of Hill borough < lounty. 

Captain James Walker was engaged in this war, 
from L760 to 1763, as a sutler undi i I oloni I John 
Goffe, his father-in-law. In 17m he wa 
captain of a troop of horse by Governor V\ 
the commission, dated March I. L764, and signed bj 



If., secretary, and Ii. U', 

i town in 



I in odore Atkinsoi 
worl Ii, i "i\ ii noi . i 
ervation. 

Revolutionary War.— 1'Ih; first reference 
town records to the War ot the Revolution 
date of January 16, 1775, 

led,— To ad ol the I ontlnental Congres 

i i] I D \i and Li. 






" ' "'"'. Thai wi will boai oui pro] h thi otl 

Hi" I'rovinci , foi [phio, loth ol Ma; i 

11 ""i -.in .. ■ ■ i ,, mo i d I- fun ii- 

i.i 



"To rui -in, m ■. 

" GcntleilH " 'I In in- ,nn ,n ' 

il. In- I., il, ni 

mill"" tfJ :- ' 

lie I, i, i"i .mi I there, aD h .,, 
and 'i i 1 1 ,, ulting meaau 






■ 
.■ melancholy int. Ill I, . bo. n i 

' ' I'.'tw.-.ni ll., I p i, ,,,], , i;,.,, 

'"- " Baj 'i I- imp ■: . ,, i , 

1 ii- Provincial I 

ai'i- i.'.|.i.„l,..l, iiiBlanll, , , 

I. "'I, , t« , I 

n i foi -ni safety. 

■ ■ ■ . i' i "i thi ' ' ...ni- , 



' M"il :■.- 177 ■ I,/.,'. Sell i i.m ... ..,|,,, in, : - 

ill i" - ,; . I- , . !,,,,, .,- ii,, tOWn 

I'hat the town pay ten dollars to ei 

...I, in July last, i 



dolltti for ; 

i ii 



served ... II." Coi 






18 



I,, I lln- yeal 1777, Bgri.mal.ln I.. .. |,i. i.-pl I,, n- .|i,.-. 1-,| 

rohn M. ,, 

' iprll I". 1777. I ,.',"' . ., , bounty 

: . .ntini -in i m 
i ■ : 

town, from Winter-hill ..,%,.■. SToil i in, ,,, , n, .',,,,,, I,, i n„.„, , 

".!,.„. 15 11 

I hn, al Hi.- I.. i. n pi 
t,. supply Hi i; 

-'..I, n |ii- ■ . il .1," , mm I,, lln- I,,,; n, ,1,., in-- j. 

I 'mill.., [,';,! ' , "asm" 

.■ ciation of 
paper money al that time : 

mom •- i" ! ! ■ ■ 

"Septembei i 

i . . . ■ j i 

I 

■ support ..f 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



We only add the following to the votes relating t<> 
this interesting | i 

"July 10, IT*:;. VoUdi— We will nol proceed to busini 

The following are extracts from the journal of Hon. 
Matthew Patten : 

•■ \j.iii 20, 1775. I n i eired H e melan holj u m, I i 
1 
killed a largi 

generally met at tin- m< id twenty of our 

men went directly oil I i 

Ami our boh John come I 

i.,i l mi i :u my to-morrow morn i ml. ■■■■ ■■''■ night baking 

bread and ii\in Dobbil 

1 

■ Hi six ]'i.»i 1 i(.; M t1stitnn, and 
I 
■ to 15 in all. Suncook 
in. n and two 1 tlirin marched on in about an 

hour alter ; they amounted to '.'■■>. There w:i.« mm- men v. 

'..;.. ...■ , . I'. n:r. 

i i < 'handler's man, with a 

ately. Ami 1 went with it as fast as I 

could toJohi B i ty, ind both the oth< i 
Selectmen. 

" ji. I went ami notified on the Rv '■ al the meeting- 

Ii..iiSi-, on mil public ili-tr. -v>. Ami I went to Col John Com-, to ask his 

■ 

"25. I went at the service of thi town, to Col Goffe.and Merril, at 
and cautioned them I ■ 
persons suspected oi being lories crossing the river by ferries ; to ex- 

: . I -..: nine flints front 
. ..i, for which I paid him 11-. 8d., old tenor. 

"July 23, 1777 11m- .\ .M-i]:>to .ii ■ .f Ti: ■ nli-i.^.i I paid advanced 



rough Si n & 



The following is a list of Revolutionary soldiers 
who went from this town : 

Major John l i ! ■ Vikeu, Captain 

Thus, Mebau-hliu, l.i'-ntenant.lolin 1'atten, John Patten, Jr.. Saiu'l Pal- 
ten, Ja*. I'attrn, Robert Patten, Hugh Campbell John Gault, Isaac Eid- 

. |1, . John Kiddle, Aim 

■i Thornton (died in -■ 
Chandler (taken at the iVdar- and never alter heanl ..) '■ - l ■ 

Jolm Callahan killed.'. .I.nii.- Mo.., . 1 ;,,!.,• inewell, John I 'a Id Well, 

' i r r i r i ■_: , William Parker, J- dm Kellen. J. dm Mc 

■ nel McCain, John Griffin, Luke Eagan, Solomon Kemp 

(killed), John i | : , (killed), George Hogg. John liaid- 

Samuel Fugard, William Newman, Thomas Mc- 

•l.i-,., \:,tl,.,mel Spott..nl. Koli.-it I>"Wl pie ; killed i. Patrick I.aikm 

William Houston, Hugh Jam* son, Vt hitfield Gilmon, John Bell, James 

Houston. Valentine Sullivan < taken in the retreat fr m. ' 

a priM.nei K \\ iliiam Kerr, Jr., David Drr, John Rosa, 

Moi i 111, Josiah Tun-ill, Patrick 
M pi j Pati O'Fling, i rii I 

Uatl - I - dattln ■•-.-. William Caldwell, John 

, Boies I taki n prisonei aid carried to Lim 
theme to Mill i Viken, John 



Mauahan, Thomas Lancy, w ilii 
i i c Houston, J 
James Smith, J hi Ru 



(wounded , 



The following soldiers wen- with Lieutenant John 
< )rr at the battle of Bennington, under < reneral John 

Stark. 

J. dm P.ai n. -it, Minii.l Ii- ■ ■ i ball through 

[tun,?, .l.o.e- Walker, William Me- 
■ Wam Smith, Jolm Wallace. .' 



Samuel McArlee ii. .1 . Uobeil Matthews, 1-ae Houston, Hugh Kiddle, 

■ 

Very few towns, probably, furnished a l;u 
of men for the Revolutionary army. 

The following connected with the Revolution i> a 
curiosity and shows that in those days constituents 
felt at liberty to instruct their Representatives. 

"Bedford, May 31, 17*;;. 

at the General Com ■ 



1 
Hampshire :— 

-Although we have full ■ 



your fidelity and public 

: eive that you w..uld at all tin- 

onh as tend to the public a i. yet, up n the particular occasion of our 

:■,-, i M. mm. \. ii, we i -le'eive that it. will be an i 
sentiments fortified by those of your e..n.-titn. i,i-. 

' The occasion is this ;; the return of those persons to this country who 
are known in Great Britain by the name of loyalist, but in America by 
] i tries : 
tiiat you use your influence that these persons do not re- 
i.iiiii I.. dwell among us, they not de- 
serving favor, as they left us in the righteous can 

fighting for our undoubted rights and liberties, and as many of them 
acted the part of the most inveterate enemies. 

«' And further.— that they do not receive any favor of any kind, as we 
esteem them as persons not deserving it. but the contrary. 

"You are further directed to use your influence, that those who an* 
already returned b- treated aecrding to their d. -serfs. 

'•John Kami, ', A Committ.*.- chosen May 28th, by 

■■.:'}. i thi Towd of Bedford, to give in- 
"Joii.v Bell, I structions to their '. 



The following interesting item in Revolutionary 
history is from the "American Archives/* compiled 
by Peter Force, Esq., and printed at the expense of 
government, by order of Congress. It is a circular, 
addressed to the selectmen of each town in the col- 
ony of New Hampshire, with the signatures from 
each town, to a declaration of attachment to the 
American cause. As the document is of considerable 
value, we subjoin it, so far as relates to Bedford, — 
"Colony of N. Hampshire, Ac—Committee of Safett. 

"April 12, 1776. 
" To the Selectmen of Bedford :— In ordei to carrj the underwritten 
resolve of the Honorable Continental Congress into .-xecution, you are 
[■e.pieMr.l I- 'i- >..i!-..f age (lunatics, 

:. the Declaration mi C 
when so done, to make return thereof, togeihei with the name or names 

of all who shall refuse to sign the I d Assembly, or 

■ 

"M. W i 



i ■ KORESS, March 14, 177*1. 
everal Assemblies, < Jou- 

ventions and I'oiin.ils, or Committees ol Safety, of the United Colonies, 

inline, iKiteH to e;mse all j.ei .-■ >n- i . . i <- di-armed. within their respective 
i .iniiies. who are notoriously d^atie.-ted to th. ■ 

li.-.ive not : l --o,'i;ile.l, and refuse to as.soniite, to defend 1 ■ \ Arms, the t'ni- 
h. .stile attempts of the British Fleets and 

I fi .in the Minutes, 

In ATS. n. Secretary.' 

oental Congress, 

and to show our determination in joining our American Brethren, in 
defending the lives, liberties and prop, ities of the inhabitant? of the 
United Colonies, We, the Subscribers, do hereby solemnly engage and 



that \ 



Mil, 






BEDFORD. 



1^9 



Signers in Bedford. 

John Wallace, Jr., James Caldwell, William Caldwell, James M.it- 

thews,John Harrison, John Aiken, Adam Dickey, Matthew Patten, John 

Moor, John Moor, Jr., Thomas Matthews, Robert Griffin, 

John Burns, Robert Burns. WiUiam Burns, John Brien, V Lilian) Moor, 

James Hi uston, John McKi >. Asa Barnes, S lei Ii trill, Ji , Wil 

1, ,,,, Kennedy, Robert Morrel, Andrew Walker, Nathaniel P i- 

B iberl Matthews, James Vose, G -" Comeray, Hugh Campbell, James 

McAllister, John McLaughlin, Joh irdner, Lmaiiah Pollard, James 

-.i-i I, , - All,. II, W'liitliel.l i.ilnl , J.ii.i. > Siinlli, J-Im. ". l-.i 

l,.i- t'.nii. .1..I.11 Moor, James Wallace, Ji 9 -Hardin, - 1 

J. ,|,n Riddle, Samuel Patten, Jolm llm.-, .1. - l.j.ni, ' I ■'• B '■ ' : ' ' 

Wallace, B ibert Walker, James Walker, I'.nrkk 1-irUin. .Jolm Viek.ir.v, 
William McCleary, Jowph Bell, Sami I . ■ I las V. Voae, James 
Carnes, Samuel Patten, Hugh Orr, John Mcintosh, Ja i McQua 

i ,hn Little, Thomas Gault, Thomas Boies, Samuel Vose, 
William Whit I ph Wallao Lieutei E John Moor, Joseph Hous- 
ton, Daniel Si William M David Met lary, James 

Pattereo . Matt ■« UcDuffie, rboi McLaughlin, Benjamin Smith, 

Zechariah Chandler, Richai I Mi Ulister, John S h, .lames Little, 



CHAPTER II. 
tEDFORD— {Continue 



To gather up the records of the past and present, 
and faithfully transmit them to the future, is a duty 
which one generation owes to another. Especially is 
this true with reference to the history of God's people, 
whose experiences of faith afford an illustration of Di- 
vine grace and mercy. 

The early struggles of the church of Christ in the 
New World, its growth and development amidst all 
the adversities through which it passed, its aspect as 
a moral and spiritual power in the land during this 
centennial year, with the grand future which seems 
to open up before it, are points of ever-increasing in- 
terest as the lapse of time brings us nearer to the 
glorious consummation. 

A general interest attaches to the history of the 
New England churches. In all the great cities of the 
West, and in every village and hamlet, aretobefound 
the representatives of these old New England towns. 
To them, as well as to ourselves, the history of the 
church in which their early lot was cast, and within 
whose walls there cluster so many precious memories, 
must ever be a matter of absorbing interest. To gather 
up these recollections of the past as connected with 
the Presbyterian Church in Bedford is the object we 
have at present especially in view. This task is the 
more pleasing from the fact that in all its history this 
church has sustained an hojnorable record. Its early 
struggles, the blessings of Divine grace which have 
been visited upon it, along with the general character 
of its ministry, alf'ord us material for the most pleasant 
retrospect, and give us facts to make up a history 
which no church need wish to forget. 

The Presbyterian Church in Bedford claims a com- 



ItlMnl I- ll Lli-i',rlllS,>, 



nion origin with those who planted the venerable 
church in Londonderry, N. H. Although the date of 
its organization is a few years later, yet the most of 
the original settlers came direct from Londonderry to 
Bedford. In the original memorial to Governor 
Shute, of Massachusetts, dated 1718, wherein the 
memorialists, " Inhabitants of ye north of Ireland," 
requested encouragement to come to this country and 
settle, we find many names of those who were closely 
identified with the early history of this town. They 
trace their origin, therefore, back to Scotland, and to 
Scottish Presbyterianism. Their ancestors were the 
men who came from Argyleshire, in 1012, to the 
counties of Ulster, Antrim and Londonderry, in the 
north of Ireland, who were foremost in the memorable 
siege of Londonderry, by which the Papal restoration 
in England, under James II., was successfully re- 
sisted; and who, bavin- thus fought for their liberties, 
especially for the liberty to worship God, refused con- 
formity to theChurch Establishment, am! chose rather 
to suffer the privationsof a lite in the wilderness than 
yield to the dictation ofa persecuting hierarchy, 

While the most of the early settlers of Bedford were 
thus ,.! Scottish extraction, receiving the title of 
Scotch-Irish, because of their temporary residence in 
the north of Ireland, there was, also, a Puritanical 
element in tin- early settlement of the town. The 
government of Massachusetts, claiming jurisdiction 
over the province of New Hampshire, gave to the 
soldiers who fought in the Indian War of 1075, com- 
monly knowai as the Xarragansett War, grants of land 
in various places in Massachussets and New Hamp- 
shire. These grants of land were numbered from one 
to seven. No. 5 comprehended all the territory of the 
present town of Bedford, with that portion of the 
town of Merrimack lying north of the Souhegan 
River and west of the Merrimack, with so much of 
Manchester as is embraced within the present limits 
ofPiscataquog. These lines were altered at a more 
recent date. 

The tract of land thus assigned t., the Narragansett 
soldiers received the name of Souhegan East. A few 
of the original proprietors only became actual settlers, 
the others for the most part selling out their rights to 
those who were willing to enter and occupy the bind. 
Those who came were mostly from towns in the 
vicinity of Boston, and were probably of Puritanic 
extraction. But the Scotch-Irish element, in a short 
time, largely predominated. 

The Scotch-Irish and Puritans, however they may 
have differed in national characteristics, made com- 
mon cause in religious principle. The sain 
persecution which drove the Puritans from England 
forced the Presbyterians of the north of Ireland to 
seek for freedom and independence in these western 
B ilds. They were alike men of deep religious convic- 
tions, and made the service of God the principal 
business of life. It was because of these deep convic- 
tions that they were willing to give up the comforts 



270 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



and luxuries of civilized society, and endure the 
privations that are incident to the settlement of a 
new country. The very lirst duty to which they 
turned their attention was the building of a meeting- 
bouse and the settlement of an ordained ministry. To 
secure these privileges at the earliest opportunity, 
lands were set off in the original grant for the first 
minister who should settle among them, and other 
lands tor the use of the ministry afterwards. 

At that early day the idea of the church and state 
existing independently of each other, however it may 
have existed in the minds of some, had not heen 
practically carried out to any extent. We find, there- 
fore, that the business of the church, a- well as that 
of the town, was all done in town-meeting. The town 
voted to build meeting-houses, to support the gospel, 
to call ministers, to applj tor their dismission and 
everything else pertaining to the cause of religion. 
This may account for the fact that we have no 
ses,ional records of this church prior to the year 
1804, or any other church records except those which 
are found in regular reports of tin- town 

Thi meeting of Narragansett grantees, at which 
they divided themselves into seven distinct socii tii - 
and assigned Souhegan Ea-t to No. 6, was held in 
Boston i lommon, June 6, 1733. 

The proprietors of No. 5 took immediate measures 
to have their land divided up into lots Cor occupancy, 
and voted that each alternate lot should he marked 
for a settler. The land was then an unbroken wilder- 
ness; nor does it appear that there were any actual 
settlers in the town until the fall of 17-7. The pro- 
prietors, however, continued to hold meetings in Bos- 
ton, and in the winter of 1737-:!*, a numbei 
having taken up lands in the town, the question of 
building a meeting-house began to be discus-ed. At 
a proprietors' meeting in February, 1738, a committee 
was chosen to fix upon the cost and dimensions of a 
use, and report. They even went so far 
at this meeting as to locate the proposed meeting- 
house "on a knoll of common land, about twenty- 
five rods eastward of the Eleventh Range." Subse- 
quently, the southern part of Souhegan East was set 
oil' to .Merrimack, which necessitated the location of 
the meeting-house in another place. But the 
"knoll" referred to took the name of "Meeting- 
House Hill," and is so called to this day. 

For the convenience of non-settlers, the meetings 
of the proprietors continued to be held in Boston, at 
the house of I. like Verdy, inn-holder, and also at the 
b mse of Pelatiah Glover, sign of the "Three Horse- 
\i these meetings the question of building 
h meeting-house continued to be earnestly discussed. 
Several times it was put to vote whether they should 
proceed to build, but each time negatived. The 
settlers were as yet few in number, their mean- 
limited and the way did not appear to be open to 
begin the building of a meeting-house. Money, how- 
ever, was raised for the purpose and placed in the 



hands of a building committee. The names of this 
committee were Edward White, John Goffe and 
Moses Barron. 

The settlers, however, were not altogether destitute 
of religious privileges. At several of the proprietors' 
meetings, held from 1738 to 174S, they voted money 
to pay tor preaching, appointed committees to secure 
lie- same and named the places where preaching 
services should beheld. The sums thus raised pro 
vided tor only a part of the time; the rest of the year 
they were accustomed to go to London, bury, a dis- 
tance of twelve miles, crossing the Merrimack Rivei 
.it Goffe's balls, and performing the journey, man) 
of them, on foot. 

The first Presbytery in New England was organized 
at Londonderry, April HI, 174o. It was called the 
Presbytery of Boston. It was composed of Rev. John 
Moorhead, of the Federal Street Presbyterian Church, 
Boston ; Rev. Robert Abercombie, <>t' Pelham, N.H. ; 

and Rev. DavidMcl Jrcgoiv. of 1, londerry, with the 

congregations under their charge. The elders who 
met with them were James McKcan, Alexander Con- 
key and James Heughs. They voted "To act so far 
as their present circumstances would permit them, 
according to the word of God and constitution of the 
Presbyterian Church of Scotland, agreeing with that 
perfect Rule." At a meeting held in Boston, 174ii, 
this Presbytery licensed it- first candidate to preach 
Hi- name was Daniel Mitchell, a native 
of the north of Ireland and a graduate of the Uni- 
versity of Edinburgh. 

At a meeting of the Presbytery of Boston, held in 
Boston, November 11, 1747, we find the first reference 
to Souhegan Hast. The following is the minute upon 
i be record- of Presbytery : 

"Upon application made by Andrew Cochran, in ye name of the In- 

;li.-v-ii ;<iel t.itelitirtd, tor Mr. Mir I.. II i 

for a lime, the I'n--I>ytery appointed him to supply them until the second 

Sabbath of .Mae b next." 

At a meeting held in Pelham, June 14, 1748, Mr. 
Mitchell reported " that he had obeyed the appoint- 
ment of Presbytery and their committee." 

There were, doubtless, other men who supplied 
them before this ; but Mr. Mitchell's name is thefirst 
which appear- in any of the records ; certainly the first 
sent them by the Presbytery. In their application 
we ob-erve their attachment to Presbyterian order 
and their desire to secure the institutions of religion 
among them. Mr. Mitchell was afterward settled 
over the Presbyterian Church at Pembroke, N. II.. 
and died December Hi, 177(1. 

At the -ante meeting of Presbytery at which Mr. 
Mitchell reported, Pelham, June 14, 1748, another 
petition for supply was made from "Swaheggen. 1 
At the same meeting Rev. David McGregore presented 
the name of Mr. Alexander Boyd, a young man oi 
a liberal education. He produced certificate of his 
attending the study of divinity at the University of 
Glasgow, and having submitted to a thorough exam- 



271 



ination and subscribed to the < fonfession of Faith, he 
was licensed to preach the gospel. 

At the next meeting of Presbytery, Londonderry, 
October 4, 1748, "Presbytery thought proper that 
Mr. Boydshould supply Kingstown the next three 
Sabbaths and then immediately after four Sabbaths to 
Litchfield and Sicuheggen." It would appear from a 
subsequenl minute that Mr. Boyd, having received a 
call to Kingstown, did not fulfil bis other appoint- 
ments. 

The date of the ecelesiastieal organization of the 
church in Bedford, has long been a matter of doubt. 
It is not given in any of the town records, nor does 
il appear in our published town history, except 
the geneial statement, (p. 1-io,) that it was organized 
by the Boston Presbytery. The recent recovery of a 
portion of the old records of this Presbytery enables 
us to fix the exact date of organization, and I here 
insert the minute in full, as a most important fact for 
future preservation. 

The Presbytery of Boston met in Boston August 
15, 1749. The members present were Rev. John 
Moorhead, Boston; Rev. Jonathan Parsons, New- 
bury; Rev. David McGregore, Londonderry; Rev. 
Robert Abercrombie, Pelham. Elders, Richard Mac- 
Cleur, Ralph Cross, John Craig. Mr. Abercrombie 
presided as moderator. In the proceedings of this 
meeting appears the following minute: 

"Mr. Tattc u appeared as Commissioner from Soubeggan, presenting a 
memorial, wherein thai | p] knowledge their Bubjection to the Pres- 
bytery, and petition for supplys." 

Thus we learn that nine months before the incor- 
poration of the town, and while the settlers were yet 
destitute of a place of worship, they made applica- 
tion and were received under the care of Presbytery, 
and became a regular Presbyterian Church. Their 
meetings for worship were held in different parts of 
the town and in private houses. The Mr. Patten 
referred to was probably Samuel Patten, as he, with 
Moses Barren and Thomas Vicary, were appointed a 
committee at the proprietors' meeting to provide 
preaching that year. The Presbytery held another 
meeting at Londonderry in October of the same 
year. Souhegan again petitioned for supplies, and 
''Mr. Boyd was appointed to supply Litchfield two 
Sabbaths, Souhegan two and Suncook one" 

The settlers, being desirous of securing more effec- 
tive measures for supporting the gospel, and for their 
better government as a people, now petitioned the 
Governor of the province, Renning Wentworth, Esq., 
for an act of incorporation, giving as a particular rea- 
son for the petition that, "having been long destitute 
ol i lie gospel, we are now desirous of taking the proper 
steps in order to have it settled among us." They also 
stated that '' your petitioners, as to our particular per- 
suasion in Christianity, are generally of the Presbyte- 
rian denomination," and they wished the gospel set- 
tled among them "in that way of discipline which 
they judged to tend most to their edification." 



Governor Wentworth laid the petition before the 
t '"iin.il, and, on the I'.Uh of May, 1750, the act of in- 
corporation was passed, the district vested with town 
pin ileges and the place named Bedford. 

Mr. Boyd, having fulfilled his appointment of the 
preceding October, Presbytery again appointed him, 
on the 5th of June 1750, in accordance with petitions 
ottered for supplies, "to preach ten Sabbaths at Sou- 
hegan, Suncook and Litchfield." 

In the mean time the inhabitants of the town of 
Bedford, acting in the spirit and intent of their peti- 
tion for incorporation, tit once called a legal meet- 
ing and took measures to secure a settled ministry. 
The first meeting after incorporation assembled, June 
6, 1750, in Matthew Patten's house, and thence ad- 
journed to his barn. Here it was voted that the min- 
ister be entertained at Samuel Patten's, at the charge 
of the town. On July 3d they voted one hundred 
and fifty pounds, old tenor, for preaching during the 
year, and. on the 7th of August, L850, " Voted there 
lie a call given to Rev. Mr. Alexander Boyd to the 
work of the ministry of this town," with a salary of 
three hundred pounds, old tenor, if he would accept. 

Captain John Goffe, Deacon John Orr and Mr. 
Hugh Kiddle were appointed a committee to prosecute 
the call to the Presbytery. 

It is doubtful whether this call was ever formally 
presented to Mr. Boyd. 1 find no record of it in the 
proceedings of Presbytery, and an article in the town 
warrant, called for January 21st of the following 
year, was, "To inquire what is the reason why the 
committee for providing preaching to the town are so 
negligent in that business." 

It is probable these brethren had good reason for 
their " neglect," as Mr. Boyd had been " sharply re- 
buked" by his Presbytery for effecting a clandestine 
marriage before lea'* ing < Hasgow, and passing himself 
in this country for an unmarried man. The Presby- 
tery, however, continued his appointments, on his 
making a full acknowledgment, expressing his sorrow 
and promising to adhere to her as his wife. This ac- 
knowledgment was unsatisfactory, and .Mr. Boyd was 
afterward summoned before a committee of Presbytery 
to account for his conduct. It is not to lie wondered 
at, therefore, that negotiations for his settlement in 
Bedford were at once terminated. 

The question of building a meeting-house now be- 
gan to be agitated anew, and. at a town-meeting, Jan- 
uary 24, 1750, a committee was chosen for the pur- 
posi 

Considerable difficulty arose as to the location of 
the meeting-house, the choice lying between the east 
or west end of what was known as the Bell Hill, im- 
mediately south of what is now the centre of the 
town. 

Not being able to agree, they summoned three 
friends from Londonderry to decide the question for 
them. This committee chose the east of the hill, but 
their decision was equally unsatisfactory. 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



The building eommittei proceeded to prepare the 
timber for the meeting-house, and, finally, having 
abandoned both ends of Bell Hill, at a town-meeting, 
held September 2ii. 17">-">, it was voted unanimously to 
locate the meeting house mi bind bought forthe pur- 
pose, being part of No. L3 and 14 in the Tenth 
Range. Hen' the meeting-house was afterwards built. 
In the mean time the people continued their efforts 
to secure a settled ministry. 

At a meeting of Presbytery, in Boston, 1751, ap- 
plication was received from " Bedford, ulins >. 
for a supply at discretion. At another meeting, in 
Boston, August 13, 1751, " Received a supplication 
from Bedford, pleading for a supply." 

At a meeting of Presbytery, at Londonderry, Oc- 
tober 29, 1752, supplications were received from 
Palmer District, Canterbury, Colrain, North Rutland, 
Litchfield, Derryfield, Bedford and Suncook. At 
this meeting Mr. Alexander MacDowell, a licentiate 
of Presbytery, was appointed to supply a pan of the 
time at "Bedford, Litchfield, Derryfield and Sun- 
cook." 

Mr. MacDowell fulfilled bis appointments with ref- 
erence to Derryfield and Bedford, both p] u 
him a call, the people of Derryfield pro] 
unit.- with Bedford in having him settled over the 
two plai es. 

An article was put in the town warrant to see if 
they would unite with Derryfield in this call. 

On the 28th of March. 1753, the town voted no1 to 
join with Derryfield, and, at the same meeting, voted 
a unanimous call to Mr. MacDowell, with one 
hundred pounds, old tenor, if he accept, and a 
committee appointed to prosecute the call to Presby- 
tery. In July of the same year another committee 
was chosen "to prosecute the call for Mr. MacDowell 
to the ' Rev'd Presbytery,' and to procure preaching 
till the next annual meeting." -Mr. MacDowell, how- 
ever, diil net accept the call. 

Mr. Samuel MacCHntock was licensed to preach the 
gospel by the Presbytery of Boston, October 29, 1752. 
On the 14th of August. 1753, Mr. MacCHntock was 
directed by Presbytery to supply halt the time at Bed- 
ford, the other half at Litchfield, Derryfield and Sun- 
cook, till next meeting. This appointment was re- 
newed en the following November, and his labors in 
Bedford gave evident satisfaction. At a town-meet- 
ing, October 1, 1754, it was voted, unanimously, "to 
give Mr. Samuel MacCHntock a call to the work of 
the ministry in the town of Bedford." In the follow- 
ing January Presbytery renewed its appointment of 
Mr. MacCHntock to supply Bedford, in connection 
with Windham, Litchfield, Derryfield and Suncook. 
The people seem to have been very anxious to secure 
the services of Mr. MacCHntock. They voted him 
.£107 10s., new tenor, for his yearly stipend, took 
measures to lay a tax upon the unimproved land in 
the town to build him a bouse, and agreed to .ait 
twenty cords of wood annually for five years, and draw 



it to his house, if lie would accept. They also ap- 
pointed Samuel Patten a commissioner to prosecute 
the call to the Presbytery. At a meeting of Presby- 
tery, August 22. 17.34. held at Newbury, appeals this 
minute, — 

"The people of ISolfunl 11:0111- sent 11 Petition 10 >e Tp -l.vicry re- 
questing them to send one or more of their number "-.in 
time between thieand next meeting to mo.leeite in :i 1:1 11 to Me Sitmuo! 

Ulaci tintock, the Presbytery thereupon appointed Mr. MacGregore to 

perform that piece o! e 

At the same meeting they voted that "Bedford 
shall have their proportion of time wholly in Mr. 
MacClintOck." The following November this ap- 
pointment was renewed. 

Mi-. MacCHntock did not accept this call, but nego- 
tiations with him continued. At a town-meeting May 
6, L756, it was voted to renew the call made to him 
previously, at the same annual stipend, with this ad- 
ditional inducement, that be should have nine Sab- 
baths to his own use during each year, till the town 
should feci able to pay him for all or a part of those 
nine Sabbaths, for which they would allow him ten 
pounds, old tenor, per Sabbath. 

The people of Bedford were not mistaken as to the 
character of the man whom they thus desired tosettle 
over them. Mr. Mad Unlock afterwards bi 
of the honored members of the New Hampshire min- 
istry. He was graduated at Princeton, 1751, settled 
at Greenland, X. II., 1756, served as chaplain in the 
army during the Revolutionary War, admitted to an 
adeundum -Master's degree at Harvard, 1761, received 
the title of D.D. at Yale. 1791, and after a ministry of 
forty-eight years at Greenland, died there in 1804. 

During the time of these unsuccessful efforts to se- 
cure a settled mini-try the work on the meeting-house 
continued slowly. The carpenters who did the work 
complained that they were losing money on it, and 
the town voted them thirty pounds, old I. -nor. addi- 
tional. At length the work had so far progressed 
that the town-meeting, which had been previously 
held in bams, was called to assemble "at the meeting- 
house frame," April 21, 1756. The accommodations, 
however, seem to have been unsatisfactory, as they 
continued to assemble in barns for some time after- 
ward. 

Rev. John Houston, the fust settled pastor of the 
Presbyterian Church in Bedford, was born in Lon- 
donderry, X. 11.. in , 172.".. The family belonged 

to the old Scotch-Irish stock, the name of Robert 
Houston appearing in the memorial addressed to 
Governor Shute in 1718. Mr. Houston was educated 
in the ( lollege of Xew Jersey, which was then located 
at Newark, 1 and graduated in 1753. Rev. Aaron 
Burr (father of the Vice-President of the United 
States) was then president of the college, and gave 
to Mr. Houston, on his leaving college, the following 
letter, which is still extant, and written in a clear, 
bold hand : 



L'7r! 



" ThiH may certify all concerned, that Mr. John Houston has for sonic 

with ye cliur.li nt tin cr in thi- ;.!,,. i .l,-. ,.i.|:n- t 

the Rules of the Gospel. "A. Burnt, Ps'd. 

"Sept. 28, 1753 " 

( )n his return to Londonderry, Mr. Houston studied 
divinity under Rev. David McGregore; and having 
placed himself under the fare of lVesh\ day, parts of 
trial were assigned him, with a view to licensure. 
The subject of his Latin exegesis was "An Del 
Beneplacituiii sit solum e/ec/imii* t'n„,i, num" — a hom- 
ily on 1 John iv. IS. After ha\ing heeti examined in 
systematic and experimental divinity, and branches 
of humane literature, and subscribed to the formula, 
he was. M.i\ 1 I. 1754, licensed to preach the gospel, 
being then about thirty-one years of age. The ex- 
amination was creditable to Mr. Houston, his classi- 
cal and theological learning being aline the average. 
Presbytery made a minute of the fact that he had 
received the honors of the college at Newark. Mr. 
Ibai-h.ii was immediately appointed to supply one 
Sabbath each at Windham. Bedford, Suncook and 
Nottingham, and afterwards two days at a time at 
Windham and Bedford. 

The negotiations with Mr. MacClintock having 
tailed, the people now turned their attention to Mr. 
Houston, and at a town-meeting, Lugusf 5, 1756, it 
was "voted unanimously to give Mr. John Houston 
a call to the work of the ministry in this town." A 
committee was appointed to treat with him. At an 
adjourned meeting, August 7th, it was voted to give 
him "six hundred pounds, old tenor, or new tenor 
equal thereto;" but this vote was, on the 30th of the 
month, reconsidered, and it was finally agreed to 
give him "equal to forty pound- sterling- in old tenor, 
as the law shall fix the rate of dollars or sterling 
money, and that what number of Sabbath-days they 
should think themselves unable to pay he should 
have, to his own use, deducted out of the aforesaid 

sum." It was als dered that the committee should 

agree with Mr. McGregore to moderate in a call. 
should Mr. Houston accept. 

The work on the meeting-house still went on 
slowly. Special committees were appointed, one to 
"shingle and board it," another to procure sashes 
and put them in, another to underpin and another 
still to lay the floors and make the doors and win- 
dow-frames. There was no contract-work; all had 
to be done by committee, and sometimes, the commit- 
tees refusing to serve, others had to be appointed, 
which caused much delay, and must have been vex- 
atious. But, however slow the progn --, they paid as 
they went, and thus avoided the bur.den of a debt. 

The winter of L756 wore along, and it was still un- 
certain whether Mr. Houston would accept his call; 
the town appointed other committees to procure 
preaching. At length, however, Mr. Houston signi- 
fied his acceptance of the call, and in July of 1757 
"forty pounds" were voted to defray the charges of 
the ordination. 



Mr. Houston was ordained as pastor of (lie church 
of Bedford on the 28th of September, 17o7. The 
ordination sermon »:i- preached hy Ke\. Jonathan 
Parsons, of Newbury, from I Timothy i. 2. Rev. 
Htivid Mclitegoie ga\ e t he charge, and other minis- 
ters took part in the services. From Matthew Pat- 
ten's journal we learn that the text of Mr. Houston's 
first sermon after his ordination was " Fear not, lit- 
tle Sock; it is your Lather's good pleasure to give 
you the kingdom." "Very appropriate," says Mr. 

--nave, "as it must base been a small church in the 

midst of the wilderness." 

On his settlement, Mr. Houston, as first pastor, tic- 
cording to the provision of the original proprietors, 
came into possession of certain lands in the town. 
The people of Merrimack having then m 
ministry, and being, many of them, of the Presbyte- 
rian persuasion, attended worship in Bedford. This 
was somewhat inconvenient, and in 1758 the town 
voted to allow the people of Merrimack who paid 
rates to support the gospel in Bedford "so many 
Sabbath-days of our Rev'd Pastor's time for public 
worship, to be held at John Burns', as they pay in 
proportion with us toward his annual salary for the 
present year, if our Rev'd pastor be willing." 

The details of Mr. Houston's ministry are such as 
were common to the New England ministry of that 
time. There were many hardships, incident to the 
building up of a church in a new country, but he 
addressed himself to the work with zeal and energy, 
and dining his pastorate the church gradually in- 
creased in strength and influence. He gave especial 
attention to catechetical instruction, and was much 
interested in the young people of his charge. He 
was conscientious and earnest in his piety, devoted 
to tin- cause of his Master, and labored earnestlj foi 
the spiritual welfare of the people under his i harge 
I luring the earlier years of his ministry he seems to 
have enjoyed the respect and confidence of his people, 
and was happy in Ins relation- with them. But at 
the beginning of the Revolutionary War general dis- 
satisfaction arose again.-t him, because of his ad- 
herence to the cause of the mother-country. In 
taking this position Mr. Houston was undoubtedly 
conscientious, and acted in accordance with what he 
believed to be the will id' God in the matter. Time 
has sufficiently demonstrated that he erred in judg- 
ment. But we who are removed from those seem - 
of intense excitement can afford to impute to him 
only such motive- a- were dictated by what he under- 
stood as his duty in the matter. In giving a faithful 
record of the facts as they occurred, it is due to the 
memory of one who, in all other respects, bore an 
irreproachable character, to regard this great mistake 
of his life as resulting from an error of the head and 
not of the lean. 

The first intimation we have of a feeling of disaf- 
fection of the people of Bedford against their pastor 
appears in a call for a town-meeting, dated May 2, 



274 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



1 77-"). it was immediately after the aews of the battle 
• it' Lexington, and the excitement of the people 
throughout New England was at the highest pitch. 
The article in the warrant was "To see what method 
the town will take relating to Eev. John Houston in 
these troublesome times, as we apprehend his praying 
and preaching to be calculated to intimidate the minds 
of his hearers and to weaken their hands in defense 
of their just rights and liberties, as there seems a plan 
to lie laid b\ l'arli: lit I o destroy Im.iIi." Tin- meet- 
ing, which was called for the 16th of May, voted to 
shut the doors of the church against the pastor and 
to stoji the payment of his salary till he should come 
to a sense of his duty. Mr. Houston made a state- 
ment of his position to the town, but it was declared 
'o I"- unsatisfactory. 

< In the 15th of June, 1775, the town voted his dis- 
mission, and adopted a .strong resolution condemning 
his course. 

As Presbyterians, however, tln-y recognized the 
fact that he was still pastor of the church. It had 
been the practice in former years to vote him a certain 
number of Sabbaths to himself, ranging from four to 
ten. At the meeting of March 27, 177b, they voted 
him tin' whole year to his own use. In the mean time 
they requested him to join with them in their appli- 
cation to Presbytery for a dissolution of the pastoral 
relation, and a committee was appointed tor that 
purpose. 

At tin- lor mat ion of the Synod of New England, at 
Seabrook, X. II., .May 31, 177o, three Presbyteries 

were i stituted out of the old Boston Presbytery, 

namely: the Eastern, or Presbytery of Salem; the 
Middle, or Presbytery of Londonderry; and Western. 
or Presbytery of Palmer. On the division ofthe.se 
Presbyteries, Mr. Houston and his congregation were 
united to the Presbytery of Palmer, and he was di- 
rected by Synod to convene the new Presbytery and 
moderate the first meeting. The position he had 
taken on the state of the country, however, had ren- 
dered him unpopular with his ministerial brethren, 
and the unfriendliness resulting therefrom led him 
t it the duty assigned him by the Synod. There- 
upon tbe Synod directed tie- Rev. .Muses Baldwin, of 
to act in his stead, and Mr. Houston having 
promised that he would satisfy both the civil author- 
ity and the Synod tin the cum-,, he had taken, was 
recommended to bring the evidence of such satisfac- 
tion to his Presbytery, and through them to the Synod. 
This action was taken in September, 177b, more than 
i bis dismissiuii l.\ the act of t lie town, and 
while he was as yet ecclesiastically, although not 
practically, pastor of the church. 

flic si nod met at Londonderry. September :!, 1777, 
At this meeting a committee from Bedford appeared 
and asked the advice of Synod respecting their 
troubles with their pastor. Mr. Houston, being present, 
was interrogated as to his promise to give satisfaction 
to Synod respecting his conduct. It appearing that 



he had not done so, he was deemed guilty of a breach 
of promise and contempt of Synod, and deprived of 
his seat in the body until he should give satisfaction 
to the Synod for his conduct, either directly or 
through bis Presbytery. The committee from Bed- 
ford was also directed to bring the matter of their 
grievances before their Presbytery in the regular way. 
Tin following year, September 3, 177*, at London- 
derry, the Synod reaffirmed its action respecting Mr. 
Houston, declaring his contempt of Synod to be 
highly blamable, but promised to recommend him to 
the churches as a member in good standing on his 
compliance with their requisition. At this meeting 
..I Synod, Bedford congregation and Mr. Houston 
were annexed to the Presbytery of Londonderry, and 
that Presbytery was directed to take cognizance of 
their affairs. Before the adjournment of the meeting, 
however, the troubles in Bedford again came up for 
discussion, and, both parties agreeing, the Synod 
passed the following resolution: 

!■■ :ip|.. ii- t- h.- ,i .li.sin-tVri.iu among the people of 
Bedford relative to the Rev. Mr. Houston, tvherebj he is a 
useful among them in the ministry, by consent of both parties, this 
Synod do dissolve his pastoral relation to said congregation." 

Mr. Houston is described as having been of a stern 
and inflexible disposition, but the progress of the 
war, coupled with the almost universal condemnation 
of his countrymen, led him. subsequently, to modify 
hi- position. He hail stood out in defense of his 
views to the point of surrendering his pastoral charge 
and lo-ing his standing in the Synod. But now, being 
left free to act according to his own will, he appeared 
before the authories of the State and took the oath of 
allegiance, of which the following is a copy : 



Hampshin 

"This may certify all persons Unit the liev. John Houston has taken 
the oath of allegiance and fidelity to this, and the United States of 
Imerii a 

" IIM M. Weare, Chairman." 

At the meeting of Synod, at Windham, the follow- 
ing year, September 15, 1779, Mr. Houston's name 
appears on the roll of Synod, and also the following 

minute in the record of its proceedings: 

"A report being given by Mi Stiiklaml ami Mr. Williams that the 
Kev. Mr Houston brought from the State of New Hampshire a testi- 

i nil satisfactory to this Synod, <lo now restore him to full standing 

with this body." 

Mr. Houston's name appeared on the roll of Synod 
up to the time of its dissolution, 1782. He remained 
in connection with the Presbytery of Salem, which 
succeeded the Synod, until 1785, when, in June of 
that year, at a meeting in Sylvester, the Presbytery 
gave him the following letter of dismission and rec- 
ommendation: 

" Voted, unanimously, that tie- Rev. John Houston (agreeable to hi- pe- 

iiOiij lo ie !■■• ili-ini-sol from this boilv, ami 
churches wherever Goil in his Proviileme may call him.'' 

lie afterwards united with the Associate Presbytery. 
Mr. Houston continued his residence in Bedford, 



f : i: I • I < > K l > 



275 



preaching as he had opportunity, and making, occa- 
sionally, what might be called missionary tours into 
Northern New Hampshire and Vermont. lie died 
February 3, 1798, aged seventy-five years. 

From the time of Mr. Houston's dismission, 1778, 
until 1804, a period of twenty-six years, the church 
was without a stated pastor. How it survived this 
long period without the stated preaching of the gos- 
pel it is difficult now to understand. The whole 
period is almost a total blank with respect to any 
matters of historical interest. The aames of Benjamin 
Smith and James Little (elders) occasionally appear 
on the rolls of Presbytery and Synod a.- delegates 
from Bedford. 

In the records of the town we find that a certain 
sum of money was voted annually to provide preach- 
ing. Rev. William Pickles, a native of Wales, and a 
man of considerable pulpit power, supplied them 
statedly about two years, from 1787 to 1789, but aside 
from this there was no regular preaching in the town. 
During this long period of destitution the church 
members became much scattered, and there was 
almost no spirituality in the church. No revivals of 
religion are recorded, and it would seem that there 
had as yet been no general religious interest in the 
church from the beginning of its history, although 
there were, undoubtedly, some conversions under the 
ministry of Mr. Houston. Towards the close of the 
century there were decided indications of a desire to 
secure again a settled ministry. It was voted in 
town-meeting that the money appropriated for preach- 
ing should be used only for those who would come as 

candidates, and the i imittees appointed to secure 

the same were desired to apply t" Presbytery for 
supplies in a regular way. Early in the beginning of 
the century six new elders were appointed to serve 
with those already in offiee, and Rev. Mr. .Morrison, 
of Londonderry, was invited to ordain them and ad- 
minister the Lord's Supper. 

March (I, 1804, the town voted a call to the Rev. 
David McGregore, of Londonderry, and in May of 
the following year Mr. Meliregore accepted the same. 

On the 5th of September, 1804, Rev. David 
McGregore was ordained and installed pastor of the 
church in Bedford by the Presbytery of London- 
derry, Rev. Dr. Morrison, of Londonderry, preaching 
the sermon. 

Mr. McGregore completed his collegiate course at 
Dartmouth College in 1799, and studied for the 
ministry under Dr. Morrison. Upon his settlement 
in Bedford the affairs of the church assumed alto- 
gether a more favorable aspect. Meetings of session 
were recorded and delegates regularly chosen to 
attend meetings of Presbytery. In 1806 a regular 
system of ministerial visitation was inaugurated, in 
which the elders alternately accompanied the 
minister. Numbers were added to the church from 
time to time, and church discipline was more strictly 
observed. The year 1818 was marked by a state of 



general religious interest, and during the year twenty- 
two persons were received into communion with the 

church. 

Mr. McGregore was a man of superior social 
qualities, and commanded the respect of his congre- 
gation, as well as of his brethren in the ministry. 
Many of those who united with the church under his 
preaching became eminent for usefulness, remaining 
linn in their attachment to the cause of the Master to 
the end of lite. A few of them survive to t lie present 
day, and still bear witness to the earnest gospel 
preaching and ministerial fidelity of die pastor 
through whom they were converted to Christ. 

Luring the earlier part of his ministry Mr. McGre- 
gore labored as a missionary in connection with the 
New Hampshire Domestic .Missionary Society, ex- 
tending his tours into the northern section of the 
State. His labors were blest in the awakening ol 
considerable religious interest in the places where he 
preached. 

the relations of Mr. McGregore with the people of 
Ins charge were marked by harmony ami good-will 
throughout. During his ministry the church in- 
creased in strength and influence, the ordinances of 
baptism and the Lord's Supper were regularly and 
more frequently administered and the genera] tone 
of morals and religion improved. He was a man ol' 
sound doctrinal views and of good pulpit ability. 
His sermons, some of which are still extant in manu- 
script, evince a logical mind and a diligent study of 
the Holy Scriptures. He is spoken of as having 
faithfully preached the gospel, enforcing the practical 
duties of religion with great fidelity. 

In April, 1825, .Mr. McOregoro apprised his church 
of his desire tor a dissolution of the pastoral relation, 
and requested them to unite with him in application 
to Presbytery for the same. Accordingly, the Lon- 
donderry Presbytery, at its meeting at Nottingham 
West (now Hudson), on the last Wednesday in April, 
1826, dissolved the pastoral relation between .Mr. 
McGregore and the church in Bedford. Mr. McGre- 
gore removed to Falmouth, in Maine, in 1831, and 
died there October 18, 1845, aged seventy-four. He 
was the nephew of Rev. David McGregore, and great- 
grandson of Rev. James McGregore, the first minister 
of Londonderry. His pastorate continued twenty one 
years, as did that of .Mr. Houston. 

A font the time of Mr. McGregore's dismissal a 
Presbyterian Society was formed in the town, in ac- 
cordance with the laws of the State, and to it the gen- 
eral affairs of the church were committed. While, 
therefore, the town negotiated with Mr. McGregore 
on the terms of his dismissal, nothing appears in the 
records with regard to the call of his successor. 

On the 5th of July, 1826, Rev. Thomas Savage was 
installed pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Bed- 
ford by the Presbytery of Londonderry, being its 
third settled minister. The sermon on the occasion 
was preached by the Rev. Dr. Whiton, of Antrim, N.H. 



276 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



"Sir. Savage was born in !>• .-t' .n, S. ptemher 2, IT'.':'.. 
He prepared for college at Phillips Academy, An- 
dover,and graduated at Harvard in 1 313, the eleventh 
lit' bis famil) who had graduated at that institution. 
Having pursued the study of thei >1< 

at < lambridge, lie a n > . t . ■ 1 an invitation t mi a 

private tutor in Louisiana. About this time he ex- 
perienced a change of views with respect to the system 
of theology lie had adopted, and finished his prepara- 
tion under the care of the Mississippi Presbytery. 
By that body he was ordained to the work of the 
ministry in 1822, and preached two years at Baton 
Rouge. 

Returning North in 1824, he supplied the pulpit of 
Dr. Colman, of Dorchester, for one year, during his 
absence, and immediately alter received his first in- 
vitation to preach in this town. 

Mr. Savage entered upon his life-work here under 
very encouraging circumstances. He v. 
vigorous, finely educated and full} imbued with the 
spirit and energy invded for his work. He was earnest 
in his piety, remarkable for the urbanity of his man- 
ners and for the genial kindness of his disposition. 
Hi- was, withal, an eloquent preacher, possessing supe- 
rior pulpit address and powi r, and soon won to him- 
self the affection of his people, the esteem of his min- 
isterial brethren and the respect and confidence of 
the people of that part of the State where, during his 
long pastorate his name became the synonym, not of 
■what it literally imported, but of those virtues which 
are the embodiment of a perfect Christian gentleman. 
Politeness — genuine) 'hristinn politeness — was. in fact, 
his ili-tingui.-hing characteristic. To a temperament 
naturally gonial were added the refinement- ol edu- 
cation and the graces of the ('hri-tiau life, making 
him, says Dr. Wallace, in his memorial discourse, "a 
model tor the young, a pattern for the Christian and 
an example to he imitated hy that profession to which 
he was an ornament." 

Ill the freshness and vigor of his early life Air. Sav- 
ed himself to the work of the ministry, and 
the results of his labors were soon apparent, lie im- 
mediately brought to the attention of the Session the 
duty of systematic visitation, and a plan was adopted 
that had for its object "a revival of religion," by 
bringing the question personally to the attention of 
all. The town was divided up into districts, and com- 
mittees of visitation appointed to go from house to 
house, pledging themselves " united!) to 
the work, immediately to go about it. and not to grow 
cold or weary in it." The Sabbath-school, which had 
been previously held in school-houses, without much 
interest, was now transferred to the church and held 
during intervals of Divine service, with happy effects. 
On the 11th of October, 1827, a Thursday afternoon 
prayer-meeting was commenced, which has continued 
without interruption until the present day, now almost 
fifty years. In 1829 a temperance reform began and 
a temperance society was formed, through the joint 



influence of Air. Savage, and a temperance discourse 
delivered by Dr. Justin Edwards. The result of this 
movement was, that whereas se\ en place- were licensed 
in the town during 1829, hy the selectmen, for the sale 
of ardent spirits, only two were licensed the follow- 
ing year. 

These Christian efforts were ordered, in the Provi- 

d I, as preliminary to that wonderful work 

of grace which swept over the country in 1831. The 
church in Bedford was partaker, to a large degree, in 
that revival season, and accessions were made at that 
time which have had a lasting influence upon the 
church and the word. At the May communion of* 
that year five were added on profession of faith; in 
September, ninety-one: and the following January. 
seventeen, making one hundred and thirteen in all. 
This was certainly a most encouraging result for the 
young pastor, and for a country church it certainly 
evinces a work of no ordinary magnitude. Many of 
those brought into the church at that time became 
bright and shining lights in the world; nearly all of 
them continued to adorn the Christian profession to 
the end of life, and some still survive to attest to the 
present generation the genuine nature of the work of 
Divine grace in their hearts. 

It was during this revival year that the question ol' 
building a new meeting -house tir-t took definite shape. 
Theold building bad 31 1 and served its purpose for 

a period of seventy-live years, and was now too small 
and inconvenient to meet the wants of the growing 
congregation. During the year 183] subscriptions 
were started and an association formed for building a 
meeting-house. The building was finished during 
the following year, and on Christmas Day, December 
25, 1832, the house was solemnly dedicated to the 
worship of Almighty < rod. 

In the succeeding years Mr. Savage continued to 
enjoy the confidence of his people, and accessions 
were yearly made to the membership of the church, as 
fruits of his ministry. In an historical discourse pre- 
pared and published during 1841, he reported that 
two hundred and seventy-two had been added to the 
church on profession since his settlement, being an 
average of eighteen per year. 

On the 19th of May, 1850, the town celebrated the 
centennial anniversary of its incorporation. It was a 
great day for Bedford. Many distinguished visitors. 
former residents of the town, and others, were present. 
It was estimated that about two thousand persons 
participated in the festivities. The Hon. Isaac 0. 
Barnes, of Boston, a native of Bedford, delivered the 
centennial address. A history of the town — the 
joint work ofRev. Air. Savage, Dr. P. P. Woodbury 
and Mr. William Patten — was published, embracing 
most of the facts of interest connected with the town 
history up to that date. It was the result of great 
labor and is an unusually interesting book ot'its kind. 

Once more, near the close of his ministry. Air. 
Savage was permitted to witness the Divine approval 



277 



ofhis labors in a revival ofreligion. In 1S64 a revival 
began in Manchester, in connection with the preach- 
ing of the evangelist. Rev. A. B. Earle. The work 
extended to Bedford. Special meetings wire held, 
and a deep and general interest prevailed. Asa result, 
seventy-two persons united with the church during 
the year on profession of faith. 

On the 3d of January, 1866, the pastoral relation 
between the Eev. Thomas Savage and the church in 
Bedford was dissolved by the Presbytery of London- 
derry. The pastorate of Mr. Savage extended over a 
period of near h fort\ years, anil embraced themost im- 
portant period of the church's history. He had suc- 
ceeded in binding the church together in harmonious 
action in all Christian work, and bringing it for- 
ward to rank with the strong churches in the State. 
Sis pastorate, on the whole, was eminently successful, 
and the influence of his labors will long be lelt upon 
the cause ofreligion in this community. 

Mr. Savage did not long survive tin- termination of 
his pastorate. He died on the 8th of May, 1866, 
aged seventy-two years. 

" As a preacher," says Dr. Wallace, "Mr. Savage 
was practical ami impressive, lie did not dwell so 
much on the distinctive doctrines of the gospel as 
many preachers, lie did not preach theology as a 
system. Yet he preached salvation only by the cross. 
But its doctrines were mingled with precept, as the 
leaven pervades themass in which it is hidden. They 
appeared not as the veins penetrate the marble, but as 
the painter's color shades the whole." 

Rev. Anton Little was installed pastor January 3, 
L866; l.'i v. Ira C. Tyson, May 9, 1869; and Rev. D. 
Herbert Colcord, the present pastor, September 8, 1881. 



I II APTER III. 
BEDFORD— {Continued). 



Centennial Celebration— Ci 
Representatives from 17i; 



1750 to 1885— 
b — Population 
itia— Military 



Centennial Celebration. — One of the most inter- 
esting events in the history of Bedford was the 
celebration of the centennial of the town, May 19, 1850. 

Peter P. W Ibury was [president of the day. with 

the following vice-presidents: Thomas Chandler, 
Moody M. Stevens, Samuel Chandler, John French, 
John McAllister, Theodore Goffe, John Patten. 

The committee of arrangements consisted of the 
following: Leonard C. French, Willard Parker, 
Daniel Moore, Isaac Darrah, John Patten, John 
Adams, Adam Chandler, Andrew Dow, (!. W. 
Riddle, Joseph H. Stevens, John Barr, L. C. 
French (2d), Thos. Holbrook, Charles F. Shepard, 
John Goffe, Elijah < '. Stevens, Gardner Nevins, 
Rodney McLaughlin, James Walker, Simon Jenness. 



The address on the occasion was delivered bj Hon. 
Isaac O. Barnes. Remarks were also made bj I [orace 
Greeley, 1 Rev. Mr. Adams, Rev. Mr. Clark, John At- 

wood, Mr. Savage, Rev.C.W. Wallace, Rev. J. T. W I- 

lniry, Dr. Leonard French, Hon. C. E. Potter, James 
( ). Adams and others. 

The toasts on the occasion were as follows ; 



I7.JH 1 ■■■ i , . I. |. .in, r , 1 1 .. 1 . ■. 1 1,1 II,, I 

Bedford— the petitioners on that day iv, eived acharterof in 

whereby they could support their religion, which was that, and that 

only, they petitioned for." 

Responded to by Hon. Horace Greeley, of New 
York City. 

i iO.— Thanks to God, our religious institutions are still 
with ns, and we most earnestly pray they may lie the tirst, ami, above all 

other tilings, snppurte, 1 by us an, I ,,nr p,,e, i ity." 

Responded to by Rev. Mr. Davis, of Amherst. 

I,, ,n-. I,, in: I, !i us, -one to imp tlnir reward of .elory 
— wilti -.latitude we remember tliem ; ma\ ue ,a ,-i pin n, e tbeir virtues, 
ami I, arh tliem to our eliililren by precept ami example." 

lbs]. on, led to by Rev. Mr. Clark, of Manchester. 

" The Eliti'ji-an!*, o.o? fee s/s ,,/ /,*,■,//,,,,/. -We - I ,■< I \ ■ ,u \m !, , 1 1 1 i ■ ,,, 
town, ami our festive board. Pleasant and profitable t,, I t as relations, 

friends, and acquaintances,— it is tlie fust time and il.c 1,1-1, we -halt 
Bver meet on Buch an occasion, in Bedford." 

John Atu 1, Esq., of Albany, X. Y., responded. 

j.— The woolen and linen-wheels 
1,11 tl tton-mills and spinning jennies,— are not re wonderful than 

tie' lini-os (w,, days" |,,u c I, , I 1 ,,,. I ,,n, a nil v. leu panniers, with a tub 

"I butter ,111 eitbet ~ide, or both, tilled with linen cloth or thread, to the 

oie and tiie telegraph w ires." 

" F.mjlmi.l, Srotl.in.l ,n,.l Inl.m.t -Our nether countries ; tlieirimiU.il 

ill-- l"-t ,t stock, defying the world for c petition." 

Rev. James T. W Ibury, of Acton, Mass.. re- 
sponded. 

imanry ol "id Bedford uever despisi 

the hearty and sol.staritl.il b„,il ,,f their ancestors." 

Response by Hon. C. E. Potter, of Manchester. 



" Our PoBlerity.- 

henee, l,\ ,,oi desc 



Abe lii ■ 'I,'. I.'' Inhered, one bun, bed ye 

lid. Hits who shall then he on the she 



Responded to by Dr. Leonard French, of Fitchburg, 

Mass. 

"The Scotch-Irish.— They left the north of Ireland, be. v., I ih I. 

-•'is ,,f il e.in, and ean le !,, I lies, western adds b. en joy tbeir religion 

and liberty. May their offspring appreciate sucl ble virtues, 1 

i let i!. He in as a ri h legacy handed ,l,,wn IV their forefathers." 

John Aiken, Esq., of Andover, .Mass., responded. 

" Tfo Orator of the day. — If our houses and Barnes appear 

Inn I us tl,,'". in to day, p,,-t,lit\ will have IS' 

their inheritance." 

Hon. Isaac 0. Barnes spoke briefly on the subject 
of education. 

of Bedford. — Ever prompt and energetic in every under- 
, thy and commendable 

James 0. Adams, of Manchester, responded. 



i Horace iireeley was born just over the line of Bedford, in Amhi 
the school lie attended and the better porti,,ii of he father's farm be 
in Bedford, where be resided duritic a petition of his early vein- 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Civil History.— Thf following is a list of town 
lerka from 1750 to 1885: 



■!. Id i a .Mill, 1750, '51. 




Leonard Walki r,1829 


v., iii., n p ,, 


54, 


Isaac Riddle, 1831, '32. 


, 


■61, 






68, 


Frederii 1, Wallai e, 1836, 


1 ;.', 73 




. , n 


John Bell, 1773, '71, '75, '76,' 


7. 


1 '■ 


William Whit , 


'80, 


John Parker, 1842. 


'81. 




Andrew J. Dow, 1844, '45, '46, 


i b «i Laughlin, 1782. 




'47, '51. 


John Rand i , 




Benjamin F. Wallace . 


Josiah Gillis, 1785, '86, '87. 




Matthew Barr, 1850. 


William Moor, 1788, '89, 90. 




: B U i I. I- J. '53. 


William McAffeo, 1791 


■ ford, 1854 55, '56, 


DaTid Patten, 1792, '93, '94, 


>, 




'96, 1807, '08, '09, '10. 




Benjamin Hall, 1858, '59, 60, 61, 


Phineaa Aiken, 1797, '98, 1801 


■02, 


..■ 33, 64 
William W Willuns. 1- . ,'67, 



M,,.,h M -i, >,.,-, l-l 1. l_-. I.;, .!■ ■), ii I1...ILIII..N, lsi'.'.i, in, '71. 

'l I, 15. I lieodore i Gone, 1872. 

« illi M , 1816, '17. Silas A. Kiddle, 187:5, '74, '70, '77, 

Alfred Foster, 1818, '19, '20, '21, '78, '79, 80, '81, '82, 83,'84,'85. 

'22, '_ ;, '24, '25, '26. George « Flint, 1875. 
. '28. 



Representatives. — The following 
representatives from 1 702 to 1885 : 



a list of 



I'. "i Hey, 177.1 76, '77, '7s. 

John "it, 17711, 82, 3 i, 9l !)" 

1-1 1 . 12 
Samuel Patten, 1781. 
Matthew Thornton, 178 I 
James Martin, 17-1. '85, '91. 
Stephen Hole, 1786, '88, '89, '90, 



1-71. l:.i,i,inin F. Wallace and 

i , ii Stevens, 

Is.",-. Jain. - Vliiriisiili and Tliom- 



,i, i : i] ,n m, „„,.. 



'92, '93, '04. 




1858 


Thomas G. Holbrook 


Isaac Riddle, 1798, 99, 1813 




1859 


"III, una- II 11, ,11, !,„,!; 


Dai i P tten l- I 




I860 




Phi ii .- U a ii. 1803, 'ill. '14. 




1861 


Henrj Hah 


William Riddle, 1805, '06, "7. 




[862 


William R. French. 


Sa il Chandler, 1808, '09, '10, 


1863 


William R. French. 


15, '16, '17. '18. 




1864 


1 ieol gi W, Kiddle. 


Josiah Gordon, 1819, '20. 




1865 


Gi ii ;e W Riddle. 


'1 Ii as Chandler, 1821, '22. 




I860 


Silas Holbrook. 


« illi Moor, 1--'.;, '24, '32, 


13. 


1867 


Silas Holbrook. 


Wil tid II 


31 


I80S 


Sai 1 Patten. 


Ebeneier French [827 




1869 


Charles II, Moore. 


Joseph Colley, 1828, 29, 15 




[870 


.Ii.lill H."IlIi,;mi 


James McK. Wilkins, 1834, 


16, 


1871 


George \\ Gone 


17. 




1872 


Tl as G Worthley 


J. Ii. Bowman I 




1873 


Voted not to send. 


■ i in h, 1840. 




1874 


Voted not to send. 


T a- rl.. hi. Her, 1841, '42. 




187S 


Paul r Campbi 11 






1876 


Gi sV ' lotte. 


1. C. French, 1844, '45, '46. 




ls77 


Voted ii- .i to send. 


Willi .in P Riddle, 1-47, 'Is. 




1878 


William McAllaster. 


Gardnel Kevins, 1847, 18. 






Voted ii, a In send 


\ N Patten, 1849. 




1 SSI 1 


Charles B. Ileal. 


Chandler Spafford, 1849. 




1883 


John A. Riddle 


1. i l rench 2d ,1850 




ISSJ 


Freeman K. Freneh. 



ford in 178!); he married Elizabeth Swett, and died 
May, L809. 

Dr. William Wallace came to Bedford in 1805 ; his 
native place was Mil ford, N. H. He died in 1821. 
His willow, sister of Rev. E. L. Parker, of London- 
derry, survived him many years. 

Dr. Baird came to Bedford in 1811; left in 1813, 
and went to Nelson ; he resided, while in town, with 
Thomas Wallace. 

Dr. Page came in 1810, and resided in Bedford but 
a few months. 

Dr. Frederick A. Mitchell came in 1813; he was 
born in Peterborough. He married Lucy, daughter 
of Deacon Phineas Aiken. He left the practice in 
1815, but lived in town till 1835. 

Dr. P. P. Woodbury ca to Bedford in 1815; he 

was horn in Francestown, N. H. 

Dr. Silas Walker came to Bedford in 1827; bom in 
Goffstown ; died in 1843. 

Dr. Houston came to Bedford in 1824; resided at 
Piscataquog; stayed one year, and then wentto West- 
ern New York. 

Dr. Levi B. Johnson came to Bedford in 1825; 
stayed two years; lie boarded at the village. 

Dr. Robert Riddle, son of Hugh Riddle, began to 
practice at Hooksett; came back to his lather's in 
1825; practiced medicine till his death, which oc- 
curred in 1828. 

Dr. Henry Clinton Parker, son of James Parker, 
Esq., studied medicine in Philadelphia; began to 
practice at the village in 1838. 

Dr. Leonard French, son of Leonard C. Freneh, 
studied medicine with Dr. Crosby ; began to practice 
in L845; stayed one year in town, and removed to 
A.shby. 

Dr. John 1 >. Walker, son of Dr. Silas Walker, 
studied medicine with his lather, and began to prac- 
tice in 1840 or 1841. 

Dr. John Harvill came to Bedford in 1849; began 
to practice at the village, and after one year went to 
California. 

The present physician is Frank 1). Rowe. 

The history of Bedford also makes mention of the 
following lawyers who resided in town: Janus I q- 
derwood, James Parker, Isaac MeGaw, J. I!. Bowman, 
James MeWilkins, John Porter. 



Physicians.— Dr. Nathan Cutler came to Bedford 
from Dunstable, Mass., in 1777, and moved back in 
1782. 

Dr. John Quin cameto Bedford in 1782, fr Hal- 
ifax, Vt. He was a relation of Dr. Cutler and had a 
family. After staying a year or two he removed to 
Massachusetts. 

Dr. Nathan Cutler, son of the former, came to Bed- 



POPULATION. 



Unmarried men from 16 to 60 year- 30 

Uarried men t'r 16 to 60 43 

Boys from 16 and under 

m.ii 60andabove • . . . . 13 

Females unmarried 117 

Females married 51 

shoe- 1 male, 1, ; female, 3) '.' 

Widows 6 

Total 362 

For 1775 we have the following return, dated " Bed- 
ford, October 27, 1775." 



" Males under 10 LOO 

Males from 16 to 30 not in army 

tfah a above 50 28 

Persons gone to the war 1 1 

Females in all 241 

Negroes and slaves for Uf« 10 

Total i' 1 ■ 

■• 1 1 1 1 DSB0R01 GH, SS., Oct, 27, ITT"-. 

" Then personally appeared John Bell, and made Bolemnoathto his 

fidelity and impartiality in numbering the souls in Itedford, and making 

return of the several ages and sexes, as in the columns above thereof. 
"Swum before, .Matt. Patten, J. P." 

i re 37 guns lacking to e.piip 1 1 1 * ■ inhabitants of Bedford 

There are 11^ 4 lbs. powder in Bedford, according tn information, and in. 
tow ti >to< k ■■! amiiiunitii.il. 

"John Bell." 

The population in L783 was 762 (framed houses, 93); 
1800, L182; 1810,1296; L820,1375; 1830,1554; 1840, 
1543: L850, 1913; dwelling-houses, 312; families, 
344; farmers, liilT ; laborers, L61 ; slim makers, 10; 
blacksmiths, 5; brickmakers, 33; machinists, 10; 
carpenters, 8; physicians, 2; clergyman, 1; lawyer, 
1; teacher, 1; scholars attending school this year, 
589; value of real estate owned, $594,600. T 

EXTRACTS FROM HON. M VTTHEW PATTEN'S JOl h'N W. 

"March 29, 1755. Was chosen town-clerk. Voted to give me six 
pounds, old tenor, fur what I should record fur the town this year, and 
th'\ were to find me paper to write the minutes of the town on. 

"Octobei 29, 1755 Snow fell, ankle deep. 

■'duly 18, 1756. John Smith, . . t New l!ost..ii, informed ni" that a bear 
ha'l hit my heifer [that he had in keepin- . so she culd not li \ ■ -. I -of 
M] M. Neil ol New lln-tiMi, to I. lit- hel h.-i fo I in. . 

"September 13 & 11, lT.'.ii. A great frost, so as to kill all the corn- 

" November 27, 1 T ". i . WViil to London. 1. Try, to know uli.-n the On. 
f.'uurt set ; fouml it to 1,.- ii.-\t .Tuesday, iin the 3(>th set out for Ports- 
mouth; went as far as Mr. Murphy's, in Londonderry, and received an 
account thai the Gen, Court had adjourned till Tuesday, nth December, 

"September 4, 1757. Mr. Housti 

chapter of John, and preached in the after: 
-v. i pi. a. h. .1 in our meeting house. 11th, Mi Houston lectured m the 
forenoon on the 12th, 13th and 14th v. of the first chapter of John, and 
preached in the afternoon, from Amos, fourth .i,,-ipt.-i and 1 nt I* \.is. . 

''Januai\ 22, 17.~>X Mr. Houston lectured on part ot the ::d.haplri 
of .lohli - -ospel. There W'-ii' hut lo [j.-ir-oii-. at nuellii 

the snow, which was deep, and poor path*. 

"June S & 9, 175!). Fished al Namaskeag Falls and got 120 shad, and 
I gave Robert M. .Murphy 10 Of them; and I gol I -had and a small sal- 
mon, for my part, from the -eftm-plac.'. \\ m. Peters fished for ine by 

the halvi -. 

'•July 15, ITGii. I. joined with Sam'l Patterson to fish for salmon, and 

i ,! _. lhs , and the other 18 lbs. The small one 1 

I,., i. .■ i. i :h : ii i ■ i . i ., :■ ■ i \\ , . .,,■!• 

quo- river, and set our net thai night, and h\ moi ning we bad a 9 and a 

6 pound salmon ; the large .me ] had, ami the -mill one Patterson bad. 

"March 12, 1761. This morning, about 2 o'clock, a considerable 

smart shock of an earthquake, whi.-h wakened me out of sleep. 

"March 1,1762. E attended a meeting of the towns of Amherst and 

Bedford, at Itedford meetiii-h.mse, to choose a representative; I was 
chosen moderatoi by a unanimous choice, and Col. Gone was chosen 
repi. Bentative by 46 votes, and Capt, Barron had I .;. 
'April 1, 1764. Snow fell neai 3 inches deep. 

"June 7, 1771. Attended the funeral ,,i i apt. li.n n-n, and was one oi 

tile lindej !■■ 

"July 3, 1771. I went to lieiiyfi.-ld meetingdiou-e. and heard Mr. 
Ward, of Plymouth, preach. 

" NTovembei 27, 1779. 1 bave 2 bushels oi can a daj for writing. 
"Ma3 i' L780. Was a thunder-shower in the morning, and wa fol 



darkness, such as is 
BO dark thai COUld not know a man I. iii .it a -iii ,11 detain e, and were 

obliged to k.ep a light in the ■ bimney to see to -•• about, and the nighi 
was so extraordinary dark until 1 o'clock ih.it a r . i ,,„ could nol Bee 
his baud when bedd up, nor even a white sheel uf pap. i. Hay ami 
night cloudy. Cause unknown. The works oi th.-l.oni ,. 
marvellous, and past finding out until He graciously pleases to reveal 
H ' 

The Old Militia. 2 — Persons who held commissions 
in the militia in the town of Bedford : 

Stephen Dole, cdoim! ; .hum- \iken, captain ; I'hineas A iken, lieu- 
tenant ; James i.iilntore, .u.e.ai, William hole, , aptain , Nathan 
Maine-., captain ; Andrew Aiken, capt aiu of cavalry; James Mnm, lieu- 
tenant; hunlap, major; Bois, captain ; William Moor, ca] 

tain . James McLaughlin, en-i-n , John M. AlhM. i, eaptain ; Thoma- 
.iii ; Joseph r .alley, ea.plaili ; 'I'h.nna- Kan, captain .. 
artillery, 1815 to 1817. 

William Moore, appointed .-aptain August 8, 1812; promoted adjti 
taut July 4, 181o'; promoted colonel June 20, 1818; resigned March u, 
1820. 

U ly M Sti utenani June 20, 181 1 , n 

26, L816 

Leonard C. French, appointed ensign June 20, Is 14 ; promoted captain 
July 2(1, lhlfi; resigned June 23, bsix. 

Enoch Dole, appointed lieutenant July 2n, isii; ; promoted captain 
June 23, 181S; resigned February 10, 1819. 

Jesse Parker, appointed ensign July 2o, lsit; ; promoted lientcnai.i 
June 23, lslx ; promoted captain February L<i, lSl'.i ; resigned April n. 



William (.'handler, appointed ensign June 23, 1>IS; promoted lieuten- 
ant February 10, 1819; promoted captain April 9, L821 , resigned April 
9, 1824. 

lo.lnii M , .ippi.inf.-.i . ■ 1 1 i _ ■ i . I el. in. n\ I i. i i'i pioiuoted licuten- 

teiialit April 'J, 1X21 ; piomoted .aptain April '.', 1824 ; r. -i. 

David Steven i 
April 9, 1x24 ; resigned January 31, 1825. 

Samml Campbell, appointed ensign April 
February 2, 1825 ; resigned Man h 21, l->. 

Benjamin Nichols, appointed lieutenant February 2,1- 
captainyi.ir.li 1, 1828; dwharg.-d April 17, 1830. 

Joseph (.'. Moor, appointed ensign February 2, 182o ; promoted lieu- 
tenant March 1, lS2x ; promoted captain April 17, 1x30; re.-i-ti.-.] Feb- 
ruary 8, 1832. 

Samuel G. Collcy, appointed .ii-i-n September ."», 182a ; promoted 
lieutenant April 17, 183d ; promoted captain p. in uary 2", |s;;2 , rescue. I 
Aprils, L834, 

David Sprague, appointed ensign April 17, lx3ii; promoted lieutenant 

February 2D, 1832; resigned April 8, 1834. 

William GofF, appointed captain April 9, 1834; resigned August 28. 
1834. 

Rufus Merrill, appointed captain August 28, 1334; resigned February 
.., 1838. 

Nathaniel Moore, appointed lieutenant August 28, 1831; promoted rap- 
tain 1 ehruary 6, L838 ; resigned June i, 1839. 

William \. Rundlett, appointed ensign August 28, 1831 ; promoted 
lieutenant Mr _ resig] I March 14, 1839. 

\\ illiam K. Fi. n h. .ppoMi:. i - n-i-.ii .M;tj J.'., h-.ix , piomoted captain 



I. SI 27, lS-21 ; pioui ,1 llrlileiiani 

; promoted captain 



.Illlie | 1, [83il ; promote 



Frederick Ilodgman. app. .inted I 

captain March 11, 1*42 ; !.■-. ,,. d h 

William M.Alhst. i, .tp|.omied ensign June I), I .-.;',> ; promoted lieu- 
tenant Man h II, 1842 ; resigned July 7, 181.:. 

Benjamin Hall, appointed ensign March 11, 1812 ; promoted i aptain 

July 7, 1X13 ; iv.-i-ned March 2", 1844. 

Diaries \. M e, appointed en-i-n July 7, 184:;, MSi-m-d May 27, 

i- .mi October 13, lsl.i ; removed by 

-mil. 184G. 

!.- 1 i . (.signed April 20, 
1847. 

Th .iii.i i: Worthh-y, app. anted lieutenant, octoher 13, 1x4 *j ; pro- 
moted captain April 2u, 1847 ; resigned April G, 1x48. 



-From lli-tory of Bedford. 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Joseph II Flint, appointed ensign April 20, 1*17 ; promoted lieutenant 
August 24, 1847 ; i-r- -un>t •■■! captain S.-i.t..-uil»-i 1,1-1-. , 

James H. Moore, appointed ensign Augusi 
7, 1848. 

K.beit « M 
22, l-l". 

William Mo, . ie igdi, appointed lieutenant Septeml.er 1, ]s4,S;pro- 

.n, .May 1. 1849. 
William P. Gage, appointed lieutenant Ma; 
Kufus K. Daoali, appointed ensign May 22, Isl'.t. 

24, 1843 

In the year 1814 acompanj of exempts was formed 
in Bedford, numbering about sixty men, which was 
composed of men forty years .if age and upwards, 
who were not liable to do military duty, 
to law, but armed and equipped themselves at their 
own expense, lor the protection of their country, 
which was then engaged in hostilities with England, 
ami held themselves ready to march at a moment's 
warning. Their first officers were the following: Isaac 
Riddle, captain ; John Holbrook, lieutenant; Samuel 
Chandler, second lieutenant; William Riddle, ensign. 

It will lie perceived that during the Win oi L812 
there were more than two hundred men armed and 
equipped in the town of Bedford, who held them- 
selves in readiness to march in defense of their 
country. At the time the British invaded Portsmouth, 
the company of exempts under Captain Isaac Kiddle, 
the infantry under Captain William Moore, and the 
Grenadiers, under Captain William P. Kiddle, met tit 
centre of the town, and drilled every day for two 
weeks, expecting hourly to have orders to march to 
meet the enemy at Portsmouth. 

In the year 1815 the infantry company, embodying 
in its limits till of the town of Bedford, was composed 
of about one hundred and fifty men. The field officers 
of the Ninth Regiment, deeming it too large for the 
purpose for which it was intended, created a volunteer 
company by the name of the Bedford Grenadiers, 
numbering forty-eight rank and file. For military 

tactics and strict discipline it si 1 the highest in 

the Ninth Regiment, and »';i- considered one of the 
fust companies of the State. It was organized before 
the close of the War of 1812.' The uniform- were of 
American manufacture. Coats W ere made of home- 
spun cloth, colored blue, trimmed with yellow silk 
braid and bright buttons. Pants wire made of white 
cotton jean or drilling, manufactured from No. lti 
cotton yarn, and wove by the Mixes Patten, of this 

town. Vests of the same. Gaiters made from black 
velvet. Black wool hats, furnished with a bl 
piece, impressed with the American eagle. The 
plumes were of white with a red top, made from geese 
feathers by Mrs. The., dole Goffe, of this town. 

In the year 1821 the company procured a new 
uniform, similar in style to the first one, hut of a 
richer material, substituting English manufacture for 
American. 

The company continued to hold its rank as one 
-i companies of the State until it was dis- 
banded, in the year 1834. 



Its officei> were the following: 
William P. Riddle, appointed first captain December 20, 1815 ; pro- 

I lieutenant-colonel .1 

enoted brigadier-general June 24, 

is:;] ; promoted ma.i el -general .lulu- 27, is:;:; ; re-igned .lime \ I- :v 

Isaac McGaw, appointed lieutenant December 2", 1-1"'; resigned Feb- 
ruary 1". IMS. 

William Patten, appointed ensign December -go, l.-lr. ; promoted lieu- 
tenant February In, ISIS ; promoted captain flan 
April 9, 1821. 

Alfred Foster, appointed ensign February 10, 1S19 ; promoted lieuten- 
i-J"; [.unnoted captain April 9, 1821 : promoted major 
.tune 18, 1825 ; died in office. 

appoint ■! eii-i-u v. , ted lieutenant 

April 'a, 1821 ; promoted captain August 12, 1S25: resigned D unbei 1''. 

1827. 

Daniel Gordon, appointed ensign A-pril 9, 1821; promoted lieutenant 
\ugu-t 12, 1-. Mm December 22, 185 

Kufus Merrill, appointed ensign August 12. 182.7 : promoted lieutenant 
un December!!, 1829; resigned April 

John P. Houston, appointed ensign I'. , ,,,i,ei 22,1- 

lieutenant December 2. 1-2'a ; [ led apt. iin April 1- \i 

Vpri] I'., 1833 

1 1. appointed ensign December 22, 1829 ; resigned April 16, 

1832. 

Mil 18, 1832; ] i -omoted captain 

April 17, Is:;:; , resig 1 April 2n. l-:l 

Samuel Morn-on, appointed ensign April Is, 1S:',2 ; promoted lieuten- 
ant April 17, is:;:; ; resigned April 26, 1834 

R. McLaugblin. appointed ei„igii April 17. Is;:'.; resigned July 22, 
l-::4. 

In the year 1842 a volunteer company was formed, 
under the style of the Bedford Highlanders. Their 
uniforms consisted of coats made from green and 
Highland plaid, with a plaid scarf; pants of white, 
trimmed with black velvet; hats of black velvet, with 
black plumes. 

Its first officers were the following: 

Charles 1. Shepard, appointed captain April 11, 1-42; resigned Octo- 



Joshua Vose, Jr., appointed lieutenant April 11, 1842 ; appointed cap- 
tain October 13, 1845 ; resigned April 20, 1847 

Timotby F. Moore, appointed ensign May 24, 1844; promoted lieuten- 
- . 1-17 ; resigned Decem- 

Alfred McAffee, appointed ensign October 13, 1845 ; promoted lieuten- 
ant April 20, 1817 ; promoted captain December 9, 1847; (disbanded). 

William M 1 2.b. appointed ensign April 20, L847 ; promoted lieu- 
tenant December 9, 1847 : (disbanded). 

William McDole Fcrson, appointed ensign December 9, 1-17 , .lis 
banded). 

FfcM .net Slag Officer,. 
Silas Walker, appointed sure September 17. 1-21 ; resigned Septem- 
ber 2. 1826. 

appointed surgeon's mate September 2, 1826; died in 
office. 

i: ! r. ..[pointed paymastei August 25,1831; resigned Sep- 

I 11. Is;-; resigned March 



-a 



L824; promoted major Jq 



resigned 



Isaac Kiddle, appointed adjutai 

. .i 
Lewis F. Harris, appointed quartermaster July 23, 
• i. tobe: -J, 1-2. . 

nut ■■! .> l,ui. mi Jul 2 I- 7: resigned August 14, 1840. 
Leonard Rundlett, appointed quartermaster July 2n, 1 > .7 7 ; promoted 

a 1 IS I i. 
L. P.. Bowman appointed paymaster August 16, 1838; promoted adju- 
taut Augusl 1 1. i-i" . resig 

George W. Kiddle, appointed quartermaster August 21, 1848. 

Military Record, 1861-65— The following, com- 



piled and arranged by George W. Kiddle, is the record 
of Bedford during the War of the Rebellion: 

M. ni!.. 



lSl.il. 



LUoi 



SE' OND BEG) ffl NT Chi 

• Ifial red in J i 1, 1861. 

W. Gage Kendall, CompanyC; diedal Camp Beauford, Ml., November 
15, 1861 

THIRD REGIMENT (Three rears). 
Mustered in .i» : i.'s' 2 1, 1861. 

Eli E. Bowman, < ' pan] A 

William 11. I 'In i, i ' f;inv A ; .lis. ham.. I I'-r disability. 

John Locklin, (' pany II. 

William A liiittertield. ''..inpany II . discharged for disability. 
Til. .mas Adams, Company II : served three years. 

George w Idams, Company H , killed at Pinckney [aland, - I , \..- 
gust 21, 18G2. 

Samuel AdaiilS, C.inpain II ; .ii- hill !<•{ for disability AllgUSt 2, ISG'2. 

John X. Campbell, C pany 11 , w led severely June 16, 1862; .i.>- 

oharm-.l t..r disability Man 1. 2n. Is'.:;. 
\V. 11. H. N ili. -Is, Company 11 , wounded August 1, 1SG2 ; discharged 

for disability October 30, 1862. 

Andrew J. Campbell, '..Inpany II . ili...l of disease Sept. 

I I. .1 leE I Indrews, Company K. 

Corporal John A Armstrong, C pany K ; killed in action at Drury's 

Bluff, Va., May 13, 1864. 
Sergeanl George Way, Company k . wounded August 16, 1864, 
F01 KTH REGIMENT (Three rears). 
Mustered ,„ Sept, ruber is, 1861. 
Captain Edwin Whitfotd, Cmpaii, E; pmin. >t.-.l to captain May 1U, 

L865. 
Soryrant Thomas S. Hums, Company E. 
Geo] ge II Blood, Company E. 
Sergeant John P. Sodgman, Company K 

Corpora! Samuel Ii Ma.., I '..inpany K. 

George W. Mace, Company K. 

Corporal Samuel Mcl'oel, ''..inpany K. 

Lieut. unlit .l..lin Eullertnti, Company K : promoted t<< Inst lieutenant 

August, 1865. 
Sergeant .lames McConihe, Company K. 

SEVENTH REGIMENT (Tin... rears). 

Mustered in November 1. 1861. 

Sergeant Charle- c. M, I'li.i ..... Company I , supposed killed at Fort 

Wagner, July is, 1863. 
Henry Oliver, Company I ; .lied of disease Sept. mm!. or 15, 18ii2. 
OnBlo« 1 McPherson, Company I. 
John R. Young, Company I. 
Edward Tatru, Company 'i ; died ..!' disease March 22, lsi',2. 

EIGHTH REGIMENT (Three Years). 
I/.- lered in Dec, b . 20, 1861. 
Joseph F. Cady, died in service. 

James W Ilarriinaii, C pany I'; discharged f..r disahility March 3, 



TENTH REGIMENT (Three Years). 
Mustered m lugust, 20, 1862. 
Corporal Alfred Quaid, '..inpany A ; captured at Fair 

"aks, October 27, lsi',4 : died at Anders. .nville pris- 

..'i S50.00 

Albert N. Jenness, Company A ; served three years . sn.oo 
William F. Conner, Company A ; wounded severely 

September 29, 1864 50.00 

Walter D. Campbell, '.'..in]. any A ; wounded severely 

I, 1864 50.00 

Charles Seavey, Company A ; wounded severely July, 

1864, also September 29, 1864 50.00 

Jackson Butterfield, Company \ ; served three years . 50.00 



Town Bounty. 

Horace Tuwilsclnl. Cliipam A; w.. 1111. led severely 

June 5, 1864 00.00 

Samuel Seav. i red three rears . . 00 

Ch, ill.- V I'arkhust, C pany A, died Er.deri. Us- 

Imiii, I'.-ccluher IT, 1SC2 00.00 

Page Campbell. Company 11; died of wounds i,,.i\,.l 

Mai. h II. 1864 B0.00 

George C. Campbell, Company D ; served three years, oO.OO 

3Has . am] I i, Compn I' wound' .1 ft! Fn 

burg I . ■ mb r, 1802 E 

Isaac Campb ill, ' ompany D iptu 1 Fair ' >aks, 
Ya , ".a.. I. .a jt, lsn! . .h.-.i iii Andersonville pris- 
on 50.00 

l'anie! S Campbell, C [.any ll. di>, Inn ge.l i..i li- 
ability Octobel I I, Is'. I 50.00 

. i. .hull Campbell, Company D ; served three years . 50.00 

Andrew S. Cainphell, Company 11 ; deserted al Tal- 

lilouth January 22, 1863 50.00 

i'Ii. H I-- S ' ampbell, pan} I 1 . disi liai ged for .lis- 

ubilily May 17, 1864 50.00 

William Philbrick, Company 1' ; Berved three years . 50.00 

' ge \ . Bl I, Company I' ; led at r.irtsinmith, Vn, 

November 111, 1863 60.00 

William Adams, Companj D; .led of disease at Fal- 
mouth January 1 J, 1863 50.011 

Albert P. Kelley, Company F; dischargedaf Fair Oaks 

October 27, 1864 50.00 

Seieeani lieiiieeC. M.l'herson, Company H ; captured 
at Fair Oaks, Va , ' 'ct..b.-r 27, lsr.l , died in Ander- 
sonville prison, Ga 50.00 

John Ruby, Company II ; served three years .... .".o.liil 

Lysall.hr Gardner, I' pi.ny II : di-. Inn-, d t.r disa- 
bility April 1, 1863 60.00 

Charles N. Townsend, Company II , transferred to V. 

K Corps August 13, 1863 00.00 

II. II. Walker, Company II ; served thrc. yeais . , . 50.00 

Edmund K lall, Company II; transferred to Signal 

Corps May 2::, 1864 50.00 

John G. McLaughlin, Company II; taken prisoner; 

served three years 50.00 

81250.00 

ELEVENTH REGIMENT (Three Years). 

w.. tered in August 28, 1862. 

Town Bounty. 
Charles A. Riddle, Company C; transferred I.. V I;. 

Corps April 1"., 1864 $50.00 

James A. Riddle, Company r ; wounded severely De- 
cember 13, 1862 ; discharged for disability . . . . 50.00 
Joseph O. Smith, Company E; captured June 22, Is.;:; ; 

died in Andersonville prison 50.00 

5150.00 

FOURTEENTH REGIMENT (Three Years). 

Mustered m Septembei 22, L862. 

Town Bounty. 
T .1 Wnju'ii. i .ii i pany 1' , transferred t., Signal Corps 

April 28, 1863 $50.00 

FIFTEENTH REGIMENT (Nine Mouths). 
M,i-l,rt,l in Ocli.ber '.', lxii2. 

Town Bounty. 

John Hodgman, C pan} hi w led severely . . .$200.00 

Andrew C. Giles, Company E ; wounded severely . . 200.00 

William II. Ilo.l-iniui, ''..nipain E ; died of i 

Carrolton, Va., Jauuarj 22, 1863 2110.00 

James S. Lord, Company E 2oo.oo 

J. I. Whitte e.i.nni v C : w. .iiiided slighily . . 

$1000.00 

SIXTEENTH REGIMENT (N Months). 

Mustered ,„ October 16, 1862. 

Town Bounty. 
Robert H. French, Company G ; died in service . . $200.00 
George W. Boyntoii, Company G ; died in service Au- 
gust 13, ISC?. 

William P. Mudge, Company G ; served nine months. 200.00 




HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



NEW HAMPSHIRE CAVALRY REGIMENT. 

Muttered in March, 1864. 

Town Bounty. 
Charles J. Parker ; served three monthB SSo.ijO 

.in paid from town treasurj for tl 

volunteers to Sept. nihel 1. Is...: 83150.00 

L. R. Lougee, unaccounted for 

George B. Moore, Company K 

Daniel Way, t oinpativ lv . severely wound''] 

1864 died at Fori Warren 

Samuel A. Stark, enlisted March 16, 1865, for one 

yeat 

FIRST NEW HAMPSHIRE BATTERY. 
i, . Jo, 1861. 

Town Bounty. 
Silas Holl t* wounded bi verely Di 

Charged for disability Deeelnbel II, 18114 .... 

Albert R. Holbr -. killed at Petersburg, Va., Julj 

1864 

. ! e,..imded . tl'illisleri'ed t" V. II. CorpS . . 

John A. Patt.n. i nhstod Mar. b .1 - .00 

Edward H. Patten, enlisted March 21, 1865, for one 

81000.00 

$1500.00 
DRAFTED MEN WHO FURNISHED SUBSTITUTES. 

,„ g.ytrmler 1, 1803. 
Individual Bounty. Town Bounty. 

Oilman II. Moore 8140.00 

Walter I. Bachelder 125.00 

Roger H. Voso L7£ 00 

i rem b 115.00 

Leonard. I. Brown 

CharlesH. Kendall 175.00 3 1 

Levi J. W Iburjr 200.00 300.00 

rgeWhitford 150.00 3 1 

Farnham Jenkins 140.00 

I . I ..:.... rd "5.00 300.00 

nch L70.00 

Horace S Campbell 155.00 300.00 

George B Shattuck 1> 300.00 

John G, Vose IT.'.."" 

WalterGage 115.00 

ll.rook 175.00 3 

Charles 11. Sargent 175.00 300.00 

John II. Lord, in person L" .00 300.00 

Individual bounty added . . 2875.00 

89875.00 

VOLUNTEERS FURNISHED r.Y TOWN OF BEDFORD. 

i town cashed the United 

! ' 8301 

Town Bounty. 1 - 

Willi . , in .1.. nes 8150.00 83 K) 

Edwin Bums, deserted January 13, 

1864 145.00 3 

■ ott 151 00 3 

Bt 265.00 1 

George E. Yates 

rgeS. Mien L98.00 

John Neilson 265.00 

Charles Peterson 265.00 3 

lard, veteran 275.00 

r. : 1) oley, died of wounds June 

I 220 00 

| 22 3 ." 

V. R. C 25 00 S3300.00 

Georgi w Cutler 14.00 

-.. 136.00 

i 

J15.694.00 



RE-ENXISTED VETERANS.— THIRD REGIMENT. 
afusfered in Feoruory, 1864. 



1M.I . 



Sergeant George Wily. Company K : rc-enhsi. . 

ary 12, ls.,4; wounded \ugust lb. lsnl 200.00 

Cbrwin J. Parker re-enlisted February 25, 1864 ... - 

1'nl RTH REGIMENT. 

Town Bounty. 
Lieutenant John Fullerton, < ...uoai.y K, re-enlisted 

February 15, 1864 8200.00 

Sergeant John P. Hodgman, ( ompany K , re-enlisted 

February 15, 1864 200.U0 



SEVENTH REGIMENT. 

Town Bounty. 
John K. Young, Company I ; re-enlisted February 27, 

1864 820 

Onslow F. .Me I* be r.so n. Company I ; re-enlisted Febru- 
ary 27, 1N.4 ; deserted May 24,1864 200.00 



81400.00 
SB LRPSHOOTERS. 

.1/ii.b.c./ ... Mm ch, lsi.4. 

Town Bounty. 
. Eec-rge B] L, I !ompaD3 '■ 

Warren T. Uackctt, Company G ; diedol' wounds June 

12, 1864 

HEAYi ARTILLERY REGIMENT (One Year). 

.1/.. ./. i < I in >' a- m}}' i 2. 1864. 

Town Bounty. 
Corporal Herbert R. Fulton, Third Company . . . . - 

. hailos M. B..\\ man, Third Company 300.00 

William Smith, Third Company 

Walter M. Smith, Third Company 300.00 

Ferdinaner Reuiter, Third Company 300.00 

Charles O. Townsend, Third Company ; .bed of disease 

at Fort Williams, Novembei 21,1864 300.00 

third Company ; non-resident 300.00 

.Vinlerei! in .S'ej.l, mbtr 17. ls.,4. 

Sergeant Austin C. French, Tenth Company 300.00 

Wiggin T. Abbott, Tenth Company 30 

Gilmah T. Moore, Tenth Re-iment 



-l BSTIT1 IBS II RNISHED BY ENROLLED MEX. 

. • ,i March, Is*'..".. 

Individual Town 

Bounty. Bounty. 

■ li. IbrooF one •. ■ ■■■ > ... .i -:; 

Enoch F. Gage, on.- for thn e years 2011.110 300.00 

5400.00 - .00 

Individual Bounty added . . 400.00 

I ]..[. CEENTH REGIMENT. 
Ktislered in March, 1864. 
Herman Schnider, one year .... 

M 100.00 

EXITED STATES K \\ \ (Nol credited on enrollment). 

Josiab lb Woodbury. A. \. paymaster U. S. Navy J 

killed on b all, August 19,1864, 

by a shot from Fort Wagner, while bombarding 

Charleston, S. C. ; bis remains were brought to 

Bedfordaudihi. ned with Mas.. me honors . . . . 

Hugh R. Barnard, clerk, monitor " Catskill." .... 

Silas A. Riddle, clerk, U in "and 

--en 

Captain T. .1 I. 1 -'' ami 1 Sal ' 
(credited on enrollment) 



1-21. 1 



BEDFORD 



MIL I. M I>1 PARTMENI 
W YV Wilkin- .--.-' ...I -n. . .... T. nrl. N. w TI;i nif- 

shire Regiment 

George E. W Ibui j assist First I 1 C 

; . ilunteers 

\l Ml:ll: mi SOLDIERS FI UMSIM-D FROM BEDFORD. 

I" in. 'i, in First, Sei I. rhird, Fourth, Seventh and 

Eighth Regiments, v.\\ and Medical Departments, 

i. ceived no tovi □ bounty 

12 m. ii in Xintli T. nlli. i:|..v..i.lli. I -inn nil. I il 
n.-nlli .mil Si\t. • ml., m-l I'ni.ili \ !;• ■: iin.nl-. i. ■ 
ceived town bountj ..I - ■.!' 



1863 



'mil paid from tow n t 



i... 1:1 GAT] BOUNTIES AND EXP] NSES 



Piii.l l.j tuun .4 Bi'dlunl ami Iv 
180 :. t.n >nh soldiers, and i 
mini., i 1. 1865 
Tall. 
July 3. 18 drafted men .... 
ii. t 1 I II vulimt.-.TS .... 
1864 i re-enlisted .... 

Feb. 1. 4 enlisted-11 men . 
Julj 1- In men, II Artillery . 
j substitutes, ii,.iii... 

i navy, I aptain Rollin 



-in, n....i.i... 

:JT 

I 12 73 



Km, 11,. 



r...||.. 



the 



.■I tm 



M.i'li 1 m::; I'.ii.l I l-i » lii.l.ll- In, .nil..- .nli-tim; 

thirty-sevcn volunteers, in Tenth, Eleventh, Fifteenth I 

I.' n. I "I I n.n .1 States l... enliel m i... - on eleven 

" -1. 

1 I'hi- m. ■lii,li'»fti:ii»i.iKir. S Imuntj .-nslie.l by I.. un li, I..I..1. 1m;". .in.l 

13275.00 individual bounties foi substitutes, making a total of 86575.00. 
19 



',. TV,. \\ lii.l.ll, Iv.. , 

i 'ash expenses 
R. Fulton, twelve days 24 00 



i rem b 2d f. ... d ., 



Balanrv 

1-..I In 

il ... I, , .,-1, paid '. B Hi ire -4" 

T. W. Moore, Jl expensee paid 



Hi. k.lt. Win 



Bl I. 



George W Riddle, sei rices] lucin 
-in. .t.i. enlisting twelve men, 

getting credits, Stati l nties, 

et . seventeen .lavs . . . . ■ 

. ash paid, expenses, see bill . . . .' 



. ..-I. balam e on hand 
Received ol I S 

•4 nn Bl I \\ ... .....I II... k-H T'l mi 

-■'] 17 

Balance paid from town treasury, l-.. i 

paid from n.v n treasui I for 
reduction ..I quota and enlisting sixty- 
l men, to Julj I, 1864 

lug 1864 

Expense of enlisting ten mi n, Ivan artil- 
lery: 
L. B. Bowman's bill -. , m 

i. .. ii I - " 

- » She] 1. 1 - " 23.67 

M. i. I. I 

k\|.. im 't ■ iili-im- I ni m, n 

..... , u Riddle, foui days ? - ,,,, 



Total 

la. I NTIES \\l> EXPE1 



It. .ii i 



Amherst . 

Mi . i nn... i. 
Gonstovi i 



r.i\\ \> 
,.-t \. page 





120,560.00 -::;i 22 - I 

35 I 1 13 13 38 2 ' 

36,795 mi 192.00 :; 1.; j:;l nn 

66,89! 29! 6.96 15 

19,48 217.00 1.53 137.00 



HISTORY OF BENNINGTON. 



HY REV. JAMES HOI. 



CHAPTER I. 

This town was incorporated December, 1842. The 
committee were John Dodge, John \V. Flagg and 
John II. Fleming. Before 1800 there was quite a 
population on this soil. It was known as Hancock 
Factory village and Society Land. You may trace 
the west line of the latter, beginning at Hie south 
am! then north, including the present Carkin place 
ami that of John D. Butler, crossing tin' step^ of the 
meeting housj north to N. Whitney's, and from that 
to the Baldwin Bridge, then east, takingin the houses 
on tin/ road to Francestown. Besides, when this 
ton, i wis forme:! it took from Deering some ten 
houses; also, a strip of territory was taken from 
Greenfield ami some change made on the Frances- 
town line. 

Society Land, as if it were a town, kept records, — 
first date, 1782, and are full ami well kept. 

The following quotation 1 1797) may aid the curious 
inquirer. Three school districts wire made bj lien 
jamin Killam, < rideon I >odge ami Isaac Tenny, select- 
men. 

" V..,-//i -Nnb.-rl llinsiiii.ir, Villi I I'm iii-Imii, t..s.].li llinlv, Tiiih 

" M„hil, :— .1 |.h id nihil. , .i.ilm Colby, Andrew Taylor, John Puf- 
fer, Gideon Dodg. , \ itl in I - uu, Benjamin Killam. 

" South.— John Felcb, II,,.,. Bell, Matthias Gibeon, Zacheue Dustin, 

This purports twenty-one heads of families, ami 

at that time living in Society Land. S e of these 

farms are identified, and three' are still in the family 
name. In early times the roads wane poor ami the 
hills steep. One informs the writer that her father 
was accustomed to go to market si\ times a winter; 
would load tip, go three ami a half miles, leave his 
load, return home and rest the first night ; start 
early the next morning, and he absent near a week to 

Beverly, Sale r Boston. This was common seventy 

or eighty yearsago. Sometime since the estimate 
of cultivated land in this town was three thousand 
two hundred and ninety-nine acres, ami when the 

country was new no doubt the crop- were g 1. There 

are at present some excellent farms and well culti- 
'JS4 



vated, whereas the many neglected ones should re- 
ceive more labor and more fertilizers, and SO benefit 
the owners. Within a lew years past some of the 
buildings have been repaired and painted, — an exam- 
ple that others might follow. The best cultivation of 
the soil helps the community. 

The facilities from water-power is anothei item. 
The advantages are many ; five dams cross the river, 
the upper lor the powder-mill, now owned by the 
Paper-Mill Company, to retain water tor a time of 

need. 

The ti lell Company have the second dam and 

the large shop attached, from this a telephone con- 
nects the one at Antrim, two miles distant. In this 
one thi' famous hammock-chairs are made. In many 
ways Bennington and South Antrim are inseparable,- 
each quite dependent on the other. 

The third dam is for grist-mill, saw-mill, shingle- 
mill, etc. The Hancock history will give early and 
late facts. First, Joseph Putnam, then Dustan's <& 
Burtt's (father and sons), John Carkin, George W. 
Burns, Jonathan E. King, and now, John L. King. 
All the time business enough to cause the industrious 
to prosper. 

The fourth dam was for the cotton-factory. This 
work was commenced about 1810 by Benjamin Whit- 
temore and his brother, the father of Amos; and soon, 
on the death of the second mentioned, Amos ami his 

brother, George Alfred Whittemore, carried on tin 
factory business for a lew years. Bather the bcgin- 
ing of it was spinning cotton-yam ; much of it was at 
first woven by the women in the old way. 

The fifth dam is at W. T. Barker & Co.'s paper- 
mill, where they have made every essential im- 
provement,- laying new foundations, putting in 
Steam-power for work continually, that no time be 
lost, 'fhe owner is prompt and thorough in his busi- 
ness, and seeks help that are willing to be faithful. 
Edward Finley, the leader in the mill, is a Scotch- 
man, trained to this from a hoy. In the two years 
past the -olid advance nt has been marked. 

Town Hall and School-Rooms.— For many vears 



BENNINGTON. 



there had been two school districts in the village, 
and, after much discussion, it was decided to unite in 
one district, and have a graded school, primary and 
grammar. The town needed a hall tor meetings and 
business. The committee to build the two were Hon. 
Amos Whittemore, William Eaton. < '. J. Kimball, 
George P. Griswold. The whole was finished 1871, 
at a cost lor the former, $2456.27, and lor the latter, 
$3800. It was said to lie done in a workmanlike 
manner. It has been thoroughlj repainted, and the 
past summer the root' has been slated ; cost, $313 87. 
The idea has been to secure I be I. est teachers and the 
bestschools. Much lias been done for the youth in 
town, and in this the lovers of good order should per- 
severe. 

On December 17, 1805, a baptist Church was or- 
ganized and recognized by a council, at the house of 
Joseph Eaton, of Greenfield, by the name of the 
Peterborough and Society Land Baptist Church. 
The constituent members were John Colby, Joseph 
Eaton, Benjamin Nichols, Isaac Tenney, Jonas Dodge, 
Elizabeth Eaton, Mary Dean, Sally Eaton, Mary 
Darrah, Elder Farrier, Mary B. Haggitt, Mary Hall, 
Charity Dodge. November 27, 1807, Gideon Dodge 
united. 

August 19, L824, it was voted to call it Society 
Land Baptist Church. When Bennington was in- 
corporated, in 1842, the name was changed to Ben- 
nington Baptist Church, and August 29, L857, it was 
voted to call it Antrim Baptist Church. 

Very little is known of the early pastors of the 
church. As far as can be ascertained, they were 
Elders Elliott, Westcott, Farrar, Goodnow, McGregor 
and Joseph Davis, and Revs. J. A. Boswell, F. Page. 
John Woodbury, Zebulon Jones, Am/i Jones, J. M. 
chick, S. L. Elliott. 

Rev. W. W. Lovejoy was pastor from 1850 to 1855. 
On January 2, 1852, it was voted to hire Woodbury's 
Hall, at Antrim, and February 6, L852, il was voted 
lo bold the meetings all the time at South Antrim. 
The pastors since then have been Rev. W. Kimball, 
L856-62; Rev. L. C. Stevens, 1863-65; Rev. W. Hur- 

lin, 1866-73, seven years, being the longest pastorate 
in the history of the church; Rev. E. M.Shaw, 1873- 
79; Rev. W. II. Fish, being stated supply from 
August, 1K77, to April, 1878, during Mr. Shaw's ab- 
sence on account of sickness; Rev. H. F. Brown, 
1879-84. 

The 6th of duly, 1839, a council was called and 
formed a Congregational Church. At this period 
the friends of the cause decided to build the meeting- 
house. A committee chosen, — John Dodge, Samuel 
Baldwin and Benjamin Whittemore. 

Amos Whittemore took the contract to build, and 
for this he employed the most skillful workers. When 
finished it was dedicated with rejoicing. 

Rev. Ebenezer Colman supplied two years. No- 
vember, 1841, Mr. Albert MansOD was called and 
ordained as pastor, and continued nine years. He 



still lives in Quasqueton, Iowa. June, l850,Rev. N.C. 
Ransom came and supplied three years. Rev. .1. M. 
Whiton, D.D., having resigned at Antrim, removed 
here and preached till his last sickness and death, 
September :>7, 1856. June, 1857, Rev. Daniel Mc- 
Clenning began a supply of near two years. Then 
Rev. William Claggett was here two years. August, 
1861, Rev. Enoch H.Caswell supplied, who was re- 
moved by death, November 11, 1st;:',. Altera few 
ths Rev. Ira Morey came up from the oppres- 
sions of the South, and deeply interested the people, 

though his health was frail, and he died November 
il, L864. December, 1865, Rev. Caleb Tracy began 
to labor and closed January 3, 1868. There are 
many months between the above supplies when there 
was only occasional preaching. November ii, 1869, 
Rev. .billies Holmes Brsl preached, and continued 
till February, 1883. The church then sought a pas- 
tor, and. after the usual trial, chose Mr. Josiah H. 
Heald, a student at Andover Seminary, who was or 
dained as pastor September Hi, 1884. The occasion 
was one of deep interest to the town, for the people 
rejoiced. 

By the liberal subscriptions of the citizens and 
from huge gifts of friends in other places the society 
has secured a personage which is another ground of 
rejoicing, "Credit to whom it is due." 

George Alfred Whittemore, $200 ; John D. Butler, 
$200; Samuel Baldwin, $100 ; Nathan Whitney, $100 ; 
George Andrew Whittemore, $50; CalebJewetl Kiin- 

ball,$50; D.H.Goodell,$25; A. M. W lbury,$25; 

Willard S. Carkin, $25 ; other men in town, $20, $10 
$5, or less sums; over thirty ladies in this place, si". 
$5 o, less sums; W. T. Barker & Co., $50 ; I'.. F. 
Whittemore, Boston, $25; Geo. E. Payson Dodge, 
Chicago, s.'.ii; Hon. W. B. Dinsmore,New York,$250. 

In this we see the people had a mind to "give." 

The following have been the deacons of the church: 

Frederick .\. Mitchell, May, 1840 ; Isaac Baldwin, 
May, 1840; Francis Burnham, September, 1845; 
John .1. Whittemore, September, 1845; Charles H. 
Coggin, November, 1875; Charles II. Kimball. 
November, 1875. 

The same year the meeting-house was erected the 
hotel was built by Arnold Burtt ; the house on thai 
site was removed to where Abraham Burtt, lives. 
The people rejoiced in having so large a public -house. 
That same season the new road to Francestown was 
made, which was a help to farmers and travelers. 
Before this time Mr. Burtt had built the residence 

that C.-o. And. Whittemore owns, and not long after 
he erected the large farm-house shed and barn where 
his widow has since lived with her daughter and 
family, and the mother, the oldest person in town, 
born April 19, 1798. John and Betsey S. Carkin 
came to this town in 1823. lie built the first gun- 
powder-mill in this section of the country and con- 
tinued the manufacture for over fifty years. 

lb- died in 1883, aged ninety -one years. His wife 



HISTORY OP HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



died in IStiti, aged seventy years. They had five 
children, — Willard Smith, George Anson, Harriet 
Lugusta, Clintina Marion, Edward Jones,— now all 
dead but Willard, who still has his home in Benning- 
ton, but is extensively engaged in the chain of Western 
Lakes as a contractor in the dredging business. Also 
has coal-mines in West Virginia. Consequently 
remains al home very little, as his business lias been 
entirely at the West tin- the last twenty years. John 
Carkin was a man well proportioned, six feet in 
height, two hundred pounds in weight. He was 
known in all this region ami tar away, as his teams 
carried the powder to market. His son Willard, 
when twelve years old, would drive one team and his 
father another. This son is, in many ways, like the 
lather. The residence of .Mr. Carkin is pleasant, 
farm well cultivated, occupied by Mrs. Carkin and 
daughter, now in her teens. The history of this 
town has Keen made brighter by the benevolence of 
this man, as well a- by the influence of his father and 
mother. 

John W. Flagg came when a young man, had 
learned the trade of paper-making, then worked by 
hand-power. Esq. Flagg was one of the committee 
when the town was incorporated, and chosen the 
town clerk for a long series of years. He was naturally 
an efficient man, his penmanship superior, a great 
reader, hue memory; now a well-preserved man, yet 
eighty-two last October. When in middle life he was 
in the excessive use of tobacco, but, becoming con- 
vinced of its injury, he reformed, and has since given 
his influence for the right, saying much to persuade 
youth to abstain, and is leaping the good fruit of his 
resolution. II, • stands in wide contrast with those 
steeped and infected with the poison, and, of course, 
he is a true temperance man. 

Samuel Baldwin, in 1826, came from Antrim, set up 
the business of blacksmith, and soon built the brick 
house he ha.- occupied ever since, except from 1832, 
when he was at .North Branch some four \ cars. Could 
the fact- in his lite be gathered and weighed, how much 

ground for thanks to Cod, the Giver of all mercy, 
He is a strong man in bodj and mind. He has taken 

- I 'are of himself, had a system in his labor, in his 

rest, has accomplished much and still lives in a green 
old age, — eighty-two last June, but seems younger hv 
ten years. He was one of the committee to build a 
church. He was a teacher in his youth of daj -schools 
and in the Sabbath-school dow n to this pr< senl inn. 
He was trusted with much business and represented 
the town. Here it mav be- wcdl to make mention of 
bis son, Samuel Dexter, who in early life carried out 
- 'Si though frail in health, was energetic and suc- 
cessful in business. 

George W. Hums, whose home is at Milford, has 
spent much time in this town; for over twenty years 
hasowned and operated the powder-mill; also the grist- 
mill and saw-mill ; has dealt very largely in wood and 
lumber. Latch has erected many dwellings here and 



in Antrim. As the railroad was building, Mr. Burns 

was c crned in various ways. He has furnished 

employment to man} men and teams, and is still 
operating. He sold the saw and grist-mill t.. Jonathan 
E. King, and at ibis writing John L. King ha- the 
"hole caiv .,!' the business. There is enough to give 
prosperity. 

Caleb Jewetf Kimball, son of Isaac and Lucimla 
(Tenney) Kimball, was born at Mason village, (now 
Greenville), Maj 7, 1M7; married Ruth Burge Felt, 
daughter of David and Susan I '..Hard Felt, of Temple, 
November 11, 1841. Located at Milford and resided 
there till 1849, when they removed to Wilton, where 
they remained till September is. L851, when the\ re- 
moved to this town. Mr. Kimball's business was that 
of a blacksmith and tool-maker. In 1860 he com- 
menced the manufacture ,.l hoe., and continued for a 
term of years. In 1873 his son, George E., became 
equal partner in the manufacture of edge-tools and 
cutlery, employing some ten men. Mr. Kimball was 
superintendent of the Congregational Sabbath-school 
fourteen consecutive years, I860 to 1S74. \ consist 
ent member of the church and society, ver_\ judicious 
in his counsel. The writer is picas,.! to testify that 
Mr. Kimball and his three sons have nothing to do 
with strong drink and tobacco. 

Frederick H. Kimball has secured the most desir- 
able and sightlj location in the village, and erected a 
home of much taste and value. His carpenter, Albert 
Goodwin, of New Boston, has earned in this place a 
high character in his trade. 

Josie Caldwell has built a neat and convenient 
home for herself and daughter, now six years old. and 
will not need t.. move from house to house. She adds 
■ me new residence t « > the town. 

In the records of Society Land we learn thai the 

Dodge farm was taken up in 1783. Cid i Under 

-on ..f Jam.-. Dodge, of N.-w Bo-ton. married Charity 
Cole, of Beverly, Mass., March in. 1785, and moved 
to the house he had built. 

Of the four sons, John was the- one who slaved al 
home, and he was a leader in Society Land and Ben- 
nington till his death, at the age of seventy-two. 
This was September 23, L865. \ tew years since, the 
family built a large addition to the house, and the 
place is called '■Bennington Heights." The best 
barn and shed in the town; the former, one hundred 
feet long, i- slated. Neat bj stands the venerable 
elm of one hundred years' growth. 

The Andrew Taylor farm i- now owned by Eugene 
Holt. The brick house was built b\ Mr. Taylor about 
180(1. The present owner has built the el] and litted 

the whole for boarders. 

May 15, 17'. 17, is the family record of Moses and 

Susanna Favor. The sixth child's mime was Finer- 

son, born July 26, L800. 

James E. Favor, his son, owns the homestead. 
Three years since, the house was burned; the bam 
was saved. He -con. with courage, erected a line 



BENNINGTON. 



287 



boarding-house, neat and commodious, the roof slated. 
The site is high. Thescenerj is delightful and is quite 
attractive to summer boarders. It is three miles from 
the railroad station. The proprietors of all these 
houses have teams to carry their patrons and friends, 
and so make their stay pleasant and healthful. 

John F. Dodge, son of Solomon and Susan Felch 
Dodge, born November 30, L833, has been these manj 
years a noted, stirring' man in town, a read] writer 
ami correspondent for m« spapers. 

\V. D. W Is and family are all natural singers, 

possessing much taste and skill in the church at 

funerals and in all social entertainments. Mr. W Is 

ha- often composed hymns and times to be used in 

special cases, which are a comfort to friends. 

He and his brother, Eben F., were lor a time asso- 
ciated together in tool manufacture, and invented 
improvements, taking patents that are used by the 
Goodell Cutlery Company, Mrs. F. F. Woods has for 
a long time assorted tin' articles made, and isquick to 
see any defect. Now it takes seven ladies of taste 
and skill to do that part. Mr. and Mrs. E. F. Woods 
ride two mile- morning and evening to till their mis- 
Hugh Bell, son of Abigail Kitterage Bell, born in 
Andover, Mass., February 11. 1771, married Nancy, 
daughtet of Captain David and Sarah ('.Wilson, of 
Deering. Eight children. Now, November 11, L884, 
four are living. Twenty-one grandchildren and thir- 
ty-two great-grandchildren. Mr. Bell's daughter 
Betsej became the wife of Samuel Baldwin. Nancy, 
another daughter, is Mrs. Jameson, of Antrim, who 
has suffered so much about her sight. 

Wesley Wilson, born March 25, 1810, has lived in 
the town from his childhood. A carpenter by trade, 
and does well in many others, as mason, painter, 
paper-hanger, pattern-maker. He thinks, is well- 
informed, ha- done much in all town business, repre- 
sented the town and is one to lie- trusted. lie it was 

who finished the inside of the meeting-house. 

He built the house from which Esquire Flagg has 
just moved. Uso the one this way from Mr. Carkins'. 
Besides, In- has fitted up many other houses. Buying 
th, Deacon Burnham residence, has refuted the house, 
shed, ham and yard-fence in the best style. He 
married Rachel Caldwell, September Is, 1834; she 
died September 25, L884, they having lived together 
over fifty years. Their children are Orville, born June 
15, L838; Orline A., born December l'.:, 1840. 

Hon. \ - Whittemore waslong a prominent actor 

in the history of Bennington; born March 3, 1802 ; 
married Ruth Bullard, December 6, 1825. Before 
this he hail commenced business in the village. 

The cotton-factory was built, and this youth when 
aliout eighteen bought the machinery for it. The 
material came to use ; the large and small things were 
planned. A boarding-house was required, and the 
large brick house was erecti d Sometime after it was 
made two tenements, a- it is now. It required means. 



skill and energy. He built the brick store, then his 
own house, besides many others. He was kind to 
help others, often became suretj and sometimes to 

his own hurt, lie was a benefactor to the town ; gave 

land where he wished a vestry mighl be erected. The 
citizens do hold his name in high esteem. In earlj 
years he represented the town and later was State 
Senator. 

George Alfred U hitti more, In- brother, was born 
October 12, 1807. These two were workers together 
in many ways for the good of the community. 
This brother, as you have already read, headed 
lie subscription for the parsonage and annually 
helps io support the minister and make up the 
charitable contributions. He was the fust post- 
master and continued some thirty years, and represen 
tative to < loncord. 

Another brother, John J. Whittemore, horn March 
6,1810, married Sarah Bullard, December 5, 1834. 
She was born February 20, L809. This man was most 
valuable in every place he tilled. He was i hosen 
deacon, and felt diffident about accepting the office; 
yet he (lid accept, and the few years he lived proved 
that he did right. Was much trusted and represented 
the town at ( loncord. 

These parents had two sous and one daughter, all 
trained to industry. How great the change when. In 
a short sickness, the husband and father was called to 
his reward, December 9, 1859 ! God's promises have 
been fulfilled to her whoso deeply mourned. 

The oldest son of this deacon, John, was manj 
years ago chosen deacon, and just at this writing re- 
chosen that he may fill the place of' his father. 

George Andrew Whittemore, born April21, IV, 7. He 
fills a most vital place in the town ; has had the confi- 
dence of all classes. Has often been urged toacceptof 
office, but is slow to accept ; yet years since so unani- 
mous was the vote for him as town treasurer that he 
accepted, and has been a number of years re-elected. 
He was chosen treasurer of the Congregational So- 
ciety after thedeathof his Uncle Amos, w ho had tilled 
the office some forty years, lie was first on the com- 
mittee to secure the parsonage, lias been postmaster 
since 1862. 

Robert Dinsmore, born in Windham, November 14, 
1751, married Sarah Dickey, settled in Society Land, 
where, from 1781 and after, he was often in town office. 
They had eleven children. John, horn March 23, 
1781, remained at home, married Betsej Talbot, of 
Francestown. He died November, 1843. Horace 
Fuller, a son. born February 25, 1814, resides in 
Francestown. Betsey, daughter of theabovi Robert, 
born March, L796, married John Dodge, tin- father of 
John »'. Dodge, who has six children, three sons and 
three grandchildren living. This John C. Hodge has 
had all kinds id' town office,— representative 1868 and 
L869. 

Samuel Abbott came from Andover, Mass., 1801 ; 
married Mrs. Ann Wallace. They had three children . 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



One of these still lives in Amherst,— Mrs. Sarah 
Dodge, a widow, eighty years of age, a ladj of much 
energj and benevolence. Mr. Abhott was very promi- 
nent in town-meetings ; died .March 29, 1833. 

Samuel Abbott, the oldest man now living in town, 
was burn in Hillsborough, October 18, 1800. He is 
living with a daughter, Mrs. Wilkins. In the house 
are four generations a1 present lime. 

William Gillis, born January 30, 1803, married 
Dorcas Pettee, and have lived where they now do 
mure than fifty years. 

Charles Gray, born in Hancock, December 19, 1800. 
Married, first, Edna Wilson, 1820; seven children. 
Married, second, Olive Stiles; child, AugustusW.; 

born May 28, 1843, wl arried, January 515, 1866, 

E. Abbie Wilkins. Twosons, George A. arid-Charles 
II., now living, youth of high promise. The father 
wasthreeyears in the war to crush the Rebellion. He 
is popular; a moderator of town-meetings. 

Samuel Whitney, son of Smyrna and Ruth (Whit- 
ney) Whitney, of Westminster, Mass., born March 7 
1821, bought the paper-mill of G. P. Hall, 1865. 
Mill burned February 20, 1867, and rebuilt l.\ lum 
thesameyear. He died in Fitchburg, March -31, 1868. 

Nathan Whitney, brother of Samuel, born in West- 
minster, July 20, 1828. Caineto Bennington Septein- 
ber, 1866; took an interest in the paper-iniil with his 
brother Samuel, which continued till the mill was 
sold to settle the estate of Samuel Whim, v. He then 
continued to run the paper-mill in company with 
Lyman Patch, of Fitchburg, Mass., till Dec< inbi i 1 
1871. In 1876 he hired the mill built by Taylor D. 

Lakin, and put in w l-pulp machinery, and run i' 

three > ears. 

Nathan Whitney married, first, Mary S. Dolman, 
November27, 1850; second, I harlotte M. Belcher, 
November 30, 1864. Their children arc Frank E., 
born June 9, 1853 ; Caroline L., born December 25, 

L856; William B., horn June 10, 1866; Sa I E., 

l„,rn October 12, 1867. 

Frank E., a graduate of Dartmouth, 1878, settled 
as physician, Rochester, N. II.: Carrie married Dr. 
Hadley, resides at Block Island; William I'.., in Am- 
herst College; Samuel I"., ready to enter this coming 
summer. 

B. F. George owns the place of his ancestors. He 



has lived in Nashua, is a civil engineer, was employed 
in building the railroad t.> Keene last November. 
He was chosen to represent the town March, 1885. 

Town Clerk, William II. Darrah; Treasurer, George 
Andrew Whittemore; Selectmen, Wesley Wilson, ]'.. 
I George, E. .1. Dodge; Superintendent, Rev. .1. 
II. Heald. Population, seven hundred ami ninety- 
three. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 



SAMl l:i B W.l'U IN. 

Samuel, son of Isaac and Bethia (Poole) Baldwin, 
grandson id' Colonel Nahum anil Martha (Low) Bald- 
win, of Amherst, was horn in Antrim. June 15, 1802. 
In early manhood he established himself at Benning- 
ton (then Hancock Factory village) as blacksmith, 
building, before marriage, his shop ami house, where 
he lived fifty-four years. He married. September 30, 
1830 Betse\ G. Bell, daughter of Hugh and Nancy 
(Wilson) Bell, of Francestown, who died August 5, 
1862. A family of seven children were bum to them, 
two >ons and five daughters (three of the latter ol 
whom survive their father). 

Improving to the inmost his limited advantages 
fur education, very fond of reading, and a close ob- 
server, he was well informed on all subjects of gen- 
eral interest; earnest, liberal, public-spirited, he was 
thoroughly identified with all the interests ai the 
town, serving as representative in 1857 and 1858, ami 
on committee in various public enterprise-; was the 
first manufacturer of cutlery in town ; retired from a 
successful career in 1870, devoting his last years to 
farming, which he much enjoyed. He married, sec- 
ond, Mrs. Martha (Gregg) Lear, of Manchester. 
January 18, 1871, who died February 24 1880 
third, Mrs. Margaret (Temple) Peaslee, of Nashua, 
Maj 2, 1882, who survives him. 

Mr. Baldwin died February 18, 1885, after a long 
life of unwearied industry, fidelity to duty ami spot- 
less integrity,— a loving father, a faithful friend and 
an humble Christian. 




~X^7c&~zs*^6<C*-/' /7(5^^ 



HISTORY OF BROOKLINE. 



, l; II. SAW I'l'.Ui:. 



Br< 



CHAPTER I. 



: is situated on the southerly border oi 
the county, having Milford on the north, Milford and 
Hollison the east, Pepperell and Townsend, in Mas- 
sachusetts, on the smth. and Mason and Milford 

on the west. It has an area of ten tl sand two 

hundred acres, nearlj four hundred of which are 
covered with water. Except a square mile, taken 
from its northwest corner in 1794, when the town of 
Milford was incorporated, it is quadrilateral in form. 
the longer lines extending north and south. It is 
drained by the Nissitisset River, which is formed 
principally by the confluence of small streams from 
Mason and Milford. It passes through the town in 
a southeasterly direction, entering the southwest cor- 
ner of Hollis, and onward through a part oi Pepper- 
ell where it empties into the Nashua, lis waters 
are extensively utilized in each of these three towns 
to drive machinery. There are two natural ponds 
in this town, the Massapetanapus, 1 situate in the 
southern part, near its postal centre, and Lakin's 
Pond, in the northeast part. The tinnier is about a 
mile in length, varying from one-third to one half of 
a mile in width; the latter is much smaller, hut an 
exceedingly beautiful sheet of water. These ponds 
are much frequented by sailing and fishing-parties. 
The surface of the town is uneven, and the soil for 
cultivation is generally ordinary : still, there are some 
farms which well pay the husbandman for bis toil, 
yielding the fruits, grasses and grains in abundance. 
In order to give a distinct idea of the manner in 
which this town came into existence, from its frag- 
mentary origin, it will be necessary to give some 
dates of the grants of land from the General Court of 

the province of Massachusetts Bay. In 1673 the old 
town of Dunstable (then and until the running of 
the province line in 1741 in Middlesex County) was 
incorporated, and embraced within its limits more 
than two hundred square miles of land. The whole 

of the towns of Nashua, Ilollis, Hudson, I stable 

and Tyngsborough, and parts of the towns ,,! Am- 



herst, Milford, Merrimack, Litchfield, Londonderry, 
Pelham, Brookline, Pepperell and Townsend were 
carved out of this township. In 1732 Townsend was 
incorporated, its northerly line passing, in the lan- 
guage of its charter, "West 31J North," just at the 
south of Brookline village. In 1734 the General 
Court granted to Benjamin Prescott and others, in- 
habitants of Groton, for losses of laud which went to 
make up the town of Littleton, " 10,800 acres of land 
11 a gore between Townsend and Dunstable." This 
trad was bounded, 

"Begi 11- ..1 Hi, X w. miner .>l Imii-i.ihlr. hi liriuii Cup Hill, bj 

l;n.i net Smith ul" tin- [tail l.'io'l I ii-i.ivr.- nor the rio-r, 

n< ,1 Wilton 1 1 then running South on Dunstable line past the 

West *ide iii Massapetanapas pond to tl 



iMltlslalile 

le ui T"v\ nsend ; thence 
,.1 stones: thence N.ntli- 



lleillK tiaii-lalei] 1 1 . lit the Indian Mir-"' •e'liilH- - 1 ' ■' I lieai limn 



easterly 21 UH n«K I" I'llii-lalil. . ..III. I til -I nnlil li.lieil. 

In I T : ! '. > that portion of Dunstable situate west of a 
line running north three hundred and forty-eighl 
roils west of Flint's P.rook was legalized as a precinct 
known as West Dunstable. This precinct, in 1746, 
was incorporated into the town of Hollis, known to 
the Indians by the ua f Nissitisset. The settle- 
ment of the province line by His Majesty in < louncil, 
surveyed in 1741, caused a commotion among land- 
owners and chartered bodies politic. By this line 
nearly one-third of the town of Townsend from its 
north part was cut oil' into New Hampshire. Dun- 
stable was severed in twain, leaving about an equal 
amount of territory in each province. The new line 
left the grant at the west of Dunstable, known as 
Groton i lore, entirely in New Hampshire, and legally 
in possession of the Masonian proprietors. In 1749 
Joseph Blanchard, for the Masonian proprietors, 
deeded a large part of this gore, with other ungranteil 
lauds, to William Lawrence and Ihirty-lwo others, it 
being the same territory which, in 1768, was incorpo- 
rated into the town of Mason. The southeast corner 
of Mason was then established in the province line, 
three hundred and seventy rods westerly of Hollis' 
southwest corner; and the northeast comer thereof 

was the si ■ distance from Hollis' northwesl corner. 

Mason in no part approached nearer Hollis than 
three hundred and seventy rods; hence the Mile Slip, 
so called. 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COINTY. NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Most of the earlj settlers of Hollis chose the best 
lands situate in the eastern pari of the precinct. 
The mosf eligible place for «ting-house was con- 
siderably east of a line drawn due north and south 
through the centre of the town. Everything was 
quiet when the first minister was settled in the parish 
in 1743; but in 17tii. after its incorporation into a 
town, .iml at the time when the second meeting-house 
was being built, there was much excitement about 
its location. Citizens of the western part of the town 
(now a part of Brooklim I felt much aggrieved at 
being left at "so great a distance from public wor- 
ship," thirteen of whom petitioned the General Court 
ot New Hampshire, praying for the " appointment of 
a committee to vien the situation, and to fix a place 
for the meeting-house, and that the raising oi it 
might be postponed till the committee could report." 

This petition was dismissed by the House of Repre- 
sentatives August 11, 1746. 

For a long time the voters of the west part of Mol- 
lis submitted to taxation to support the ministry 
there, the same as the rest of the inhabitants, al- 
though a new town, made up from the west end of 
Hollis. the Mile Slip and that part of Townsend hit 
in New Hampshire, by the running of the province 
line, was the topic which engrossed the attention of 
the people living in these several portions of territory. 

I'll.' attention of Hollis was called to this matter in 
1764, when that town "voted to measure east from 
the meeting-house to the town line, and then meas- 
ure west from the meeting-house the same length of 
line, and all west of a north and south line to be 
-et off to the On. >-Mile Strip, so called." The like vote 
was passed in 1768, at the annual town-mei ting 

On the 30th day of March, 1769, this new town was 
incorporated by the name of Raby, so called from a 
town of that name in the county of Durham, in the 
north paii of England, from which some of its set- 
i lers emigrati d. 

It thus appears that the west part of Hollis, the 
northeast part of Townsend, .ait offb) the running of 
the province line, and the southeast part of what was 
1 rroton i lore (the Mile Slip) were combined to form 
this township. 

The first settlers were Scotch-Irish Puritans by the 
name of Mcintosh ami McDonald. Three brothers 
of the last name located in the east part of the town 
•"i Hollis line, where a lew rough, split head-stones' 
in the forest shade, still mark the spot where they 
were buried. 

All the settlers, except .lasher Wyman, the (own 
clerk of Townsend, who was greatly disgusted at 
being cut off into New Hampshire by the new prov- 
ince line, were exceedingly poor. 

At first, after its incorporation, the dwellers in 
different part- of the town were not social ; hut the 
War of the Revolution soon coming on, united I hem, 
and they went into that struggle in good earnest. 

Hie Raby records are very full during this period. 



No census of the town had yet been taken, hut. as 
neai a can he learned, it contained about one hun- 
dred and si vent) inhabitants, and sent fort | 
ml" ih. land and naval sen ice of the patriots. 

\' ■' town-t ting, in April, 1777. the < lommittee of 

Safetj was instructed "to what every man has 

do,,,, since < 'on. ..id fight." 

Eleven Raby soldiers went in a Hollis pan} 

two of whom belonged to the Raby Committee of 

Safety. 

Mr. Worcester, in hi- historj of Hollis, wrongfully 
■ laims then, a- Mollis men. The Hollis tax-lists of 
1777 show that thej were non-residents, and on pages 
379 380 and 381 I v. d. L779) of Hollis records are 

,l "' na sot all tax payers who paid the ■'Continental 

tax," oi the tax assessed to pax the Hollis soldiers. 

Not one of the names of the ele\ en -oldicrs he el a lin- 
eal! I., found in this list. 



The following are the names of the Rabj soldiers 
in ih. Revolutionary War: 



JameE M. [ntosl i un. - 
Nathani. I Patl 
-...]. Seward, John Coni. i 
Sbattuck, William M.Iic 
Rugs. II, James Dickey, 
lings, Isaac Stevens. Ji . I lias 



alexand. I M. [nta 
Conick, William Span 
mial Hobart, Swallon 
Isaac Shattuck, Benj 

tosh, s. i Doug] i 

Jonas Flagg, Phin 



Blown. Benjamin "*ln->> \ n I.'.i--.ll. Kaiel.ill M. ■ 

H. D. nal I. II - Robb Moses Powell, Jam 

I" U, Indren Russell, 3 .- Shi dd Robert Seav. ., Tl 

Uatth. « \\ alia. - . Samu. I Fai nsworth, Joshn 

So J ' were the people at the close of the war 

that the\ were unable to support either a school- 
master or a minister of the gospel. I h. 
made by James Cadger, Alexander Mcintosh and 
Randall McDonald, the town clerks of that period, 

will, however, c pare favorably with those of the 

neighboring towns. On the 15th of February, 1786, 
"H petition of the citizens of Raby, setting forth 
their narrow limits and other grievances, the General 
Court annexed a tract of land, of the uniform width 
of three-fourth.- of a mile, from the west side of Mol- 
lis to the town of Raby. This time Hollis was the 
disappointed party. The town had been settled foi 
more than thirty years before it fell aide to bridge the 
Nissitisset at the mouth of Massepetanapas Pond. 
.\ source of much trouble and disgust to the people 
of the place was the existence of a gang of thieves 
in this vicinity, the leader of which belonged to Kaby. 
In such disrespect was the town held that a citizen 
took no pride in, or scarcely owned that he belonged 
to Raby. A change of the name of the town was 
discussed, and finally, on the 1st day of December, 
A. D.1798, — in answer to the petition of the Belect 
men Randall McDonald, Benjamin Farley and Alex- 
ander . Mcintosh,- the General Court changed the 
name ..f Raby to Brookline. 

Ecclesiastical. -The town raised small sums ol 
money from lime to time to support preaching till a 



r.ltnokUNK 



291 



church was gathered, on the LOthof December, L795, 
consisting of the following members: Benjamin 
Farley, Ezekiel Proctor, Joshua Smith, t 'lark Brown, 
Ephraim Sawtelle, Eleazer Gilson, Joshua Emerson, 
Joshua Smith, Jr., Samuel Farley, Lucy Farley, 
Rebekah Campbell, Hannah Shattuck, Abigail Saw- 
telle, Hannah Gilson and Lydia Emerson. Tra 
dition says thai these people were accustomed to 
attend church quite regularly in the adjoining towns 
previous to this time. Rev. Samuel Dix, of Town- 
Bend, took much interest in this little band of believ- 
ers, visiting and preaching to them often after In- 
usual Sabbath services with his people had closed. 
The first pastor of the church was Rev. Lemuel Wads- 
worth, who was ordained October 11, L797. He was 
born in Stoughton, Mass., March 9, 1769, was gradu- 
ated from Brown University, 1793. Kewasamanof 
exemplary character, and he secured and held the 
confidence of his people during the entire twenty 
years of his ministry, till his death, November 25, 
1817. After his death the church was without a 
pastor for a longtime; meanwhile one William War- 
ren, a graduate from Dartmouth College, of 1800, 
was employed to supply the pulpit. He came from 
Dighton, Mass., and united theotliees of preach i and 
physician. He caused much excitement, and many 
joined the church, but he finally proved to lie a bad man. 
The town record of September 18, 1821, "chose the 
selectmen a committee to notify 1 >r. Warren that he 
is discharged from any further ministerial services.'' 
From this time till 1827 quite a number of differenl 
men supplied the pulpit, among whom was the Rev. 
Samuel H. Tolman. The second pastor of the church 
was Rev. Jacob Holt, a graduate tinin Dartmouth 
College, 1803, a native of Andover, Mass., ordained 
January 31, 1827; sermon by Rev. Humphrey Moore, 
of Milford, N. II. Mr. Holt was a good man, strictly 
sincere and conscient tous, but of moderate ability as 
a preacher. He was dismissed, at his own request, 
(no record) some time in the summer of L831. He 
moved to New [pswich soon after, and he died there 
in 1S47. aged sixty-six years. 

The third pastor was Rev. Henry E. Eastman, or- 
dained December 9, 1835; sermon by Rev. .lames 
Howe, ofPepperell. During his pastorate there was 
a strife between the different sectsabout the meeting- 
house. The Congregationalists left the house, and 
for a long time held their meetings in the school- 
houses. Mr. Eastman remained about two years, 
when he entered the service of the American Home 
Missionary Society. During the years 1837 and 
1838, Rev. Ebenezer Hill, of Mason, labored with 

this church and people. 

The present Congregational meeting-house was 
built in 1838, and on the 27th of February, 1839, it 
was dedicated with appropriate services, and on the 
same day the fourth pastor, Rev. Daniel Goodwin, was 
ordained; sermon by Rev. Edward L. Parker, of 
Deny, N. H. Mr. Goodwin is a native of London- 



derry, was born January 25, 1809, graduated from Dart- 

uth College, 1835, Andover, 1838. He was dismissed 

May 2, 1855, by an ex parte council, "with renewed 
expressions of fraternal confidence and esteem; the 

Council recommend him to the churches of oui 
Lord." Soon after, Mr. Goodwin moved to Mason, 
when lie became a settled minister, from the duties 
of which he has sine.' retired. [n November, 1884, 
he was chosen representative to the General Court for 
the town of Mason. 

Rev. Theophilus P. Sawin was the fifth pastor of 
this church, installed December 11. 1856; sermon by 
Rev. Ezra E. Adams, of Nashua. Mr. Saw in was horn 
in Sherborn, Mass., 1817. He obtained a good aca- 
demic education, was a teacher in Lynn, preached 
in Harwick, Mass., and from April, 1851, to the lure 
of his installation, in Brookline, he was city mission 
ary lor Manchester, N. H. On the 7th of May, L866, he 

resig 1 his pastorate, much to the regret of his 

people. He is a man of excellent natural ability, 
i> possessed of a good share of " mother wit " anil is 
popular with his denomination. He is now (1884) 
located at Lyndeborough, N. H. The sixth pastor 
was Rev. John H. Manning, ordained March 6, 1867; 
sermon b\ Rev. Charles Smith, of Andover, Mass. 
August I' 1 , L868, Mr. Manning died suddenly of brain 
fever, aged forty-four years. The seventh pastor and 
present incumbent is Rev. Francis D. Sargent, or- 
dained October 20. 1869; sermon by Rev. A. II. 
Plumb, of Chelsea. Mass, He was graduated from 
Amherst College in 1866, Andover, 1869. Mr. Sar- 
gent is the peer of any minister of his age in the county, 
and he is appreciated bj his entire acquaintance, 
fin' meeting-house of this society was removed, 
raised up and remodeled, with excellent taste, in the 
summer of 1875, ami recently a clock, the gift of some 
person or persons unknown, has been placed in the 
belfry. The outlook for the future promises well to 
the ( longregationalists. 

fin, Methodists. -There was a certain Methodist 
preacher who labored in this vicinity during 1850 

and 1851, called " Father Moulton " by S e, and by 

others "the breaking-up plow- for Methodism," and 
who belonged to the New England Conference. The 
biographer of Rev. Horace Moulton says of him: 
"lie probably organized more .Methodist Churches 
from converts saved through his instrumentality, the 
last half-century, than an\ other minister of our 
Conference." At that time the Methodists worshiped 

in ll Id meeting-house on the hill, and its walls 

echoed his ringing appeals in his revival work, in 
which he had been engaged in more than forty towns. 
lie preached the first Methodist sermon in Brookline. 

Rev. Samuel Tupper, of Townsend, during 1851, 
supplied the pulpit part id' the time. He was suc- 
ceeded by Rev. Amos .Merrill and others. Thechurcb 
was organized by the presiding elder. Rev. ( I. V 
Smith, May 12, 1852, and it consisted of Rev. Am. is 
Merrill (preacher in charge) Ralph Burns, Gardner 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY. NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Shattuck, Samuel GilsoD, Henry Spaulding, Randall 
Daniels and Eliab B. Shattuck. Mr. Merrill re- 
mained about two years, when he left for another field 
in Vermont, the church membership having increased 
to twenty-two in number. About this time, bj cote 
oi the town, the Universalists came in possession of 
the old meeting-house, when the Methodists hired 
Union Hall, and they worshiped there must of the 
time, till they had a church edifice of their own. 
They increased in numbers slowly till 1856, when 
Mr. Goodwin was dismissed, at which time his warm- 
est friends joined them. Some of them that went 
over from the orthodox were men of considerable 
worldly wealth, which was a perfect god-Send to this 
feeble little church. Gaining numbers for the next 
dozen years, they built their meeting-house, which was 
dedicated November 1 1,1868; sermon by Rev. Sullivan 
Holland. This church, during its history, has en- 
joyed the services of many pastors of various degrees 
of ability and spirituality, and since its organization 
it has been held in the bonds of peace and fraternal 
kindness. 

Industries.— Among the first goods made in this 
town, which brought in any money, were potash and 
shaved shingles. There was plenty of hard wood to 
he used for the former, while the hills were crowned 
with gigantic pines for the latter business. For the 
first thirt) years in the present century there was a 
large amount of chestnut posts ami rails made and 
sold to the farmers in the northern ami central towns 
of Middlesex County, Mass. The manufacture of 
hard wood, beef, pork and rum-barrels was the prin- 
cipal business. These goods were drawn to Boston 
by ox-teams, and it required four days to complete the 
journey both ways. Wool-carding and cloth-dressing 
were carried on by Abraham Betterly from about 
IMS until he was unable to compete with better 
machinery and more skilled labor. More than 
fifty years since, the firm of K. & E. Bailey 
diil an extensive and lucrative business in morocco- 
dressing. The large three-story structure stand- 
ing mar Hall & Smiths' mill was their manu- 
facturing establishment. Lumbering has been, and 
still is, a prominent business. At present there are 
four saw-mills in town, used principally in making 
pine-coopering stock. This branch of industry'is in 
the hands of Joseph A. Hall, who employs about fifty 
workmen. Hobart Kendall & Co., cabinet-makers, 
have an excellent water-power and good facilities for 
carrying on that trade. They employ more than 
I'orty workmen and arc putting some elegant furni- 
ture into the market. 

War of the Rebellion. — New Hampshire re- 
sponded promptly to the call of the " martyr Presi- 
dent" for men to assist in the suppression of the 
slave-bidders' Rebellion. At a town-meeting in 
Brookline, May 11, 1861, after the passage of some 
spirited resolutions, " Voted, to give the families of 
men who enlist the sum of ten dollars per month." 



Brookline furnished sixty-six of its citizens and 
thirty-three substitutes, during the war, for the land and 
naval service. Fourteen legal voters of the town lost 
their lives, either in battle or by the casualties of 
war. Not having men enough at any one call to form 
a company, they served in different regiments. Four 
of them were in I he navy. The following lisl ion 
tains the names of the Brookline volunteers, no notice 
being given the substitutes. The names of those 
who lost their lives are in italics: 

Thomas D. Bennett, .Inline Bennett, Moses Bohonon, Charles t ^ . . * ■ . ■ - 

iimii. Clinton Bohonon, .i.-M i. I : ■ • ) . ■ ■ r , . . i , , i, .■,!■« P. Brown, David H. 



French Lorem Green Cyrus \ Griffin // 1 ■ V Boll; David A. Bill, 

Ed irJ ii * ■ iel Kendall, \- J King Jamet \ Merrill, Ward 

'■ r. SatcUll Warren Shattui k. ;> I W Smith, Perlej A. Smith, 

Stephen A.& . tug, Amos 1 Spaulding, i harles It 

so . - Mil \ Mil-. 1'imI IV Stnwell I i'ii 1 Wetherbee, Ezra S. 
Wright, William M Wright Bryant w Wallace, Edward E. Parker, 
Charles Currier, Jamea B Burges JamesS Burgess, John C. Burgees, 

Eli S / pare, _• W 1 ■ ster, John A t rem h, " I ' 

CharlesH Gai r, Charles Gilson, James Gillie, PeterW. Gould, War- 
ren i' Hardy, Albert v Jefts, George II Jefts, Olivei Y. Mann, Joseph 
C. Shattuck. Eugene L. Nelson, Charlet Wetherbee, William H. Wright, 
Ltn-is I Writ/hi, Hi-urge Little, Edward V. Jefts. 

In those battle-years, which seem so near, but are 
so far away, these men went at their country's call 
steadily, sometimes wearily, but never doubting the 
justice of their cause. At the close of the war they 
separated and old comrades went their way in life, 
never to meet again. But Decoration Day affords 
some of them the gracious privilege, for a brief hour, 
to greet their brothers in anus; to call to mind again 
the scenes and trials of a soldier's life; to talk of the 
bivouac and battle, and to commemorate those sterner 
days noted for the bravery both of the living and the 
dead. 

A post-office was established at Brookline in 
1828, and David Harris, M.D., was the postmaster. The 
office was kept in bis house for a number of years. It 
was for some time kept in the ell part of the hotel 
(then a store), and from thence it went across the 
street to the store built by .lames X. Tucker. Its 
location was changed twice after this time, with the 
change of the national executive magistrate, and 
finally, in 1861, it was moved to the north end of the 
street, where it still remains. The route commenced 
with a horse-back mail carrier from Townsend to 
Brookline, and return three times during the week. 
Soon after, a route from Nashua to New Ipswich 
through Hollis, Brookline and .Mason, went into 
operation, and mail-stages made three trips weekly 
from Nashua to New Ipswich, till some time after the 
completion of the Worcester and Nashua Railroad, 
when the route was abandoned ; the mail was carried 
from Pepperell to Brookline. Now two daily mails 
ply between the railroad station in Townsend and 
Brookline. 

The following is a list of postmasters: 



BROOKLINE. 



ted June l, L832 , David Harris, ap 
N. Tucker, appointed July 30, 1841 , 
cember 1, 1844 . Reuben Baldwin, 
Tucker, appointed Jul) 25, 184 9 . I 
1850 ; Sumne] S. Kendall, ap] ■ I 
appointed June 5, 1861. 



Fire-Engine.- -About 1820 the militia system be- 
gan to be unpopular in New England. Training in the 
"old company" was anything but agreeable to the 
beaux of that period. Kims were often paid rather 
than to bear arms. In the large towns uniformed 
companies were organized, which were rilled by those 
able to meet theexpense and spend the time necessary 
to make a good appearance on dress parade. A few 
young men in Brookline, in order to escape this duty, 
petitioned the General Court for a charter for a fire- 
engine company, which was granted in 1826. This 
act exempted about a seine of the soldiers from 
military duty. This company has kept up its organ- 
ization from that time to the present, has had its 
regular meetings, has worn out one or two engines, 
and has been the means of saving considerable 
property from the devouring element. 

At the beginning of the present century, and 
for some time after, the number of books and 
newspapers to which the people had access was 
very limited. The Farmers' Cabinet, published 
at Amherst, was the only paper circulated in 
this town. The weekly bundle of papers for Brook- 
line used to he sent by the publisher to Milford, anil 
the subscribers took their turns regularly every Satur- 
day to go over after it. In 1823 the Brookline Social 
Library was incorporated. It contained a small num- 
ber of volumes of travel, history, biography and Eng- 
lish literature, and at first was circulated freely. After 
the postal service reached the town, newspapers from 
Boston and other places took the attention of its 
readers and it was little used. About 1855 the young 
men of the town, by subscription, purchased a collec- 
tion of books and held them in common for their own 
amusement and instruction. Additions to this library 
of a il'w books were made annually till 1878, when it 
was assumed by the town, and it is now a free public 
library, containing between one ami two 1 1 sand 

\olllme-. 

Representatives.— From 177-"> till 1793, when 
Mason had the legal number of ratable polls, Baby 
was classed with that town in the choice of represeu- 
tative to tin- General Court, .lames Campbell, of 
Baby, represented this constituency several times 
during this period. After Milford was incorporated 
(1794) Raby was classed with that town, and for 1796 
and 1798, Benjamin Farley represented them. From 
the last date till 18(14 the town records do not show 
who filled this office, and the presumption is that a 
Milford man was chosen. The following is a list of 
the representatives : 

Samuel T. Boyuton, 1804, "05, '06. Benjamin Shattuck, 1816, 17, 1" 

•07, '08, '09. i, S e Daniels, 1819, SO l 

James Parker, 1810, 11, 1-2. '13, Thomas Bennett, 1821 



,.,,„ - i ...-1„. 1820 
id Harris l- 12, 
ben Baldwin, ls:;t. 



Sawtelle, l-l... 



Benjamin Ouiil.t. I- ._• 



The following-named gentle 
justices of the peace : 



Population.— The first enumeration of the people 
of Baby was made by the selectmen in 1786, at which 
time its population was 262. The Unite. 1 States de 
cennial census gives the following numbers : 1790, 
338 ; 1800, 454 ; 1810,538; 1820,592; 1830,641 ; 1840, 
iwi'; L850, 718; L860, 756; 1870, 741 ; 1880, 698. 

In 1870 only twenty-four of its population were of 
foreign birth, and at present there is not a specimen 
of negro or mixed race residing in Brookline. 

The town is connected bj telephone with Nashua, 
Hollis, Townsend and Fitchburg. for so small a 
place its citizens are quite enterprising. On the 8th 
of September, 1869, they had a spirited centennial 
celebration, addressed by Ithamar B. Sawtelle, poem 
by Edward E. Parker and chronicles by Theophilus 
P. Sawin. These exercises, although of ordinary 
interest, except to people of the town, engaged the 
close attention of about three thousand people. From 
the stand-point on the hill, where the McDonalds 
settled, looking westerly and southerly, Brookline 
presents to the eye rather a pleasing picture. The 
glassy shimmer of Massapetanapas Pond adds a water 
view to the scenery; and then the green hills beyond, 
and nearer at hand the village nestling at the base of 
"Little Tanapas Hill," arrest tin' attention. Here 
the houses, while they are not expensive, are, for the 
most part, kept in good repair, giving an air of thrift 
to the general appearance. An abundance of shade- 
trees, especially when they are clothed in their sum- 
mer verdure, adds much to the attraction of the 
place. The town has none very rich and lew that are 
poor; and, although they altercate and jostle at the 
ballot box ami different church-bells call them to 
worship on the Sabbath-day, they are very friendly 
with each other, and enjoy happy homes. 

" w hatever deepscience lias given ;tl oui rail, 
Tlie science of bom,- is tin, choict-st -I til 
'T13 to beat buck these demons of dis, >>id and -in 
That always are trying to steal th.n w.u in 
To use all the means God has plai ed in OU] sight 
To make our homes innocent, happy and bright." 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY. NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



Alonzo Stewarl Wallace, M.D., of Brookline, Hills- 
borough County, N. II., was born in Bristol, Mi'., on 
the 17th day of February . L.D. I847,and consequently 
is thirty-eight years of age. He is the only son of 
David and Margaretl Wallace. His father, I >:t \ii 1 
Wallace, was born in New Hampshire, being the son 

of David Wallace, one of the pi :er settlers of that 

Stair, and is doubtless of [rish descent. His great- 
grandmother was Nancy Palmer,in whose veins flow- 
English blood. 

Dr. Wallace is essentially a self-made man Born 

and bred in the humbler walks of life, in a seel f 

our country far removed from business centres, and 
at a time when the best advantages tor education and 
self-improvement had not reached that section of his 
native State, he early felt that yearning for personal 
advancement — sometimes called ambition— which, in 
our New England life and training, has led the way 
to bigh ami scholarly pursuits. 

Unaided and alone, almost unadvised, this young 
man, with that resolute will and unyielding deter- 
mination that has characterized his whole lite, began 
his journey in pursuit of an education. Receiving 
little encouragement from his surroundings, at a time 
and in a community when higher education was rather 
despised than commended, he set to work with a zeal 
and fervor that found partial satisfaction in attend- 
ance upon the district school in winter in the little 
"red school-house." 

Being born and bred in a maritime town, be began 
the career of a sailor when very young, and rose with 
surprising rapidity in that calling, and when he aban- 
doned it for higher pursuits had tilled many respon- 
sible positions, the last being that of first mate of a 
barque. 

At the age of eighteen he began a career of teach- 
ing in the district schools of his native town, ami began 
his first work for a higher education in Lincoln Acad- 
emy, New Castle, Me., then under the direction of 
Grenville M. Thurlow. He pursued with great dili- 
gence and perseverance his studies, teaching in winter, 

attending on the academy a tern w and then, till 

he had mastered its full course of study and was lilted 
forBowdoin College. Afterward he attended the East 
Maine ( '(inference Seminary, Bucksport, Me. 

He was engaged in teaching in various sections of 
his native State and in Massachusetts from L868 to 
1872. At an early age be was called to till the posi- 
tion of principal of the Rockport (Me.) High School, 
and superintendent of the schools of bis native tow n. 
Lie resigned his position at Rockport to accept the 
position of first assistant teacher of the Reformatory 
School for the city of Boston, and was soon promoted 
to the position of principal. He held this position tola 



number of years, which was an exceedingly difficull 

to fill, on account of the character of the pupils who 
necessarily attend there. He, from the first, was 
master of the situation, and at once gained the love 
ami confidence of the boys under his charge and the 
esteem and respect of the city officials. During his 
labors here he became intimately acquainted with 
Dr. S. II. Durgin, then port physician for the city of 
Boston, since and lor many years the able and efficient 
chairman of the Board of Health for that city. This 
acquaintance ripened into a strong and personal friend- 
ship, which exists to this day, and this, no doubt, gave 
choice to Dr. Wallace's chosen profession. While in 
charge of this important school he began the study 
of medicine, and had obtained a good knowledge of 
anatomy and physiology when he gave up his (barge 
to enter upon an extensive and thorough preparation 
for bis lit.-work. lie attended the medical school of 
Bowdoin College, Brunswick, Me., and also that of 
Portland, Me., graduating at the medical school of 
Dartmouth College, Hanover, N. H.. in the year 1S74. 

During his preparation for medical practice he was 
under the instruction of Professors Frost, Crosby, 
Bracket! and Green, ami it is safe to say that few- 
young men ever entered upon their profession better 
equipped 

After six months' service at the Massachusetts state 
Lunatic Hospital, he resigned to acceptthe position of 
first assistant port physician for the city of Boston. He 

was s i afterwards promoted to portphysician of the 

city, to till the place formerly occupied by bis friend, 
I >r. Durgin. In 1879 he resigned the office and entered 
upon his practice in Brookline, in this county, where 
he now enjoys a large and increasing practice, and has 
the respect and esteem of the w hole community and of 
all who know him. Dr. Wallace is a member of the 
-ecrel I h'der nf( »dd- Fellows and of the United l h'der 
of the Golden Cross and Massachusetts Medical So- 
ciety. In politics he has been a life-long Republican 

and a strong advocate of the temperance cause. 

He joined the Orthodox Church while attending 
school at the Lincoln Academy, and has ever since 
adhered to that faith. lie is by no means in his 
Christian lite a bigot, but follows the ad\am,uuaid 

of religious thought. 

He married an estimable lady in the person "1 
Mary F. Maynard, of Lowell, Mass., the only child 
of Charles and Harriett Maynard, by whom he has 
three children, one bearing the name of Arthur Lowell, 
in honor of the birth-place of his wife. 

The Puritan spirit, the master-influence of New 
England civilization, has a satisfactory type in Dr. 
Wallace. He lias always regarded the influence of 
the humble homes of New England as the great in- 
fluence that has shaped our New England character 
and wrought the "amazing miracle of America!" His 
estimation of early New- England life is best expressed 
in that passage of New- Hampshire's greatest man, 
Daniel Webster, which lias always been to Dr. Wallace 




6U^^ ^f.24/aJ& *&$ 



BROOKLIN] 



the choicest gem of all thai man's w ritiugs, as follows: 
" It did nnt happen tome to be bom in a log cabin, 
l.ui in\ elder brothers and sisters were born in a log 
cabin, raised amid the snow drifts of New Hampshire, 
ai a period so early that when the smoke first rose 
from its rude chimney and curled over the frozen hills 
there was no similar evidence of a white man's habi- 
tation between it and the settlements on the rivers of 
Canada. Its remains still exist. I make to it an 
annual visit. I '-airy my children to it, to teach them 
the hardships endured by the generations which have 
gone before them. I love to dwell on the tender 
recollections, the kindred ties, the early affections 
and the touching narratives and incidents which 
mingle with all I know of this primitive family abode. 
[ weep to think thai none of those who inhabited it 
arc now among the living, and if ever I am ashamed 
of it, or if ever I fail in affectionate veneration for him 
win, reared it ami defended it against savage violence 
and destruction, cherished all the domestic virtues 
beneath its roof and, through the fire and blood of 
a seven years' Revolutionary War, shrunk from no 
dangei no toil, no sacrifice to serve his country and 
to raise his children to a condition better than his 
nun, may my name and the mum' of my posterity be 
blotted forever from the memory of mankind." 

Dr. Wallace's New England character and training, 
united with persistent energy and untiring industry, 
■ n ii-, in the subjecl of this sketi h anol hei 
and striking example of that reward which attends 
upon honest effort among a people governed as we are 
governed. 

In the year 1879, Dr. Wallace came 'n Brookline. 
The position was one of peculiar difficulty on account 
of existing conditions occasioned by the great popu- 
larity of his predecessor, Dr. D. II. I »i arborn. Three 
years befon this quite a number of the citizens took 
the matter in hand of securing a resident physician. 
For years the community had depended upon medical 
skill from the surrounding towns. The time seemed 
to have come when a physician was demanded, whose 
home should be in their midst, By chance Dr. Dear- 

linni was mciih-iI, ami the hearts of the people went 

nut towards him. This heartiness of welcome, coupled 
with a skill in his profession, won him a large place 
in the affection of both the town and the outlying 
rillages On this account nearly every one predicted 
failure for any one who should succeed him. Dr. 
Wallace entered upon the work of this field under 
stern circumstances, and while an entire stranger, he 
soon gained a popularity that was as remarkahle and 

i wide-reaching than that of his predecessor, 

Within a very short time his practice enlarged to such 
an extent that only the possession nf an almost perfect 
physique enabled bim to attend in the multiplied calls 
u|pnn hi- time and skill. From almost the first four 

horses were in cnn-lant requisition, ami night ami 

day , iii many seasons of the year, were alike working 
hours for him. .Many <li tfi<ult and delicate surgical 



operations have been performed by I >r. Wallai e, some 
of which taxed the nerve and knowledge of older 
physicians in the neighborhood. As a citizen, l>r. 
Wallace, from the first, identified himself with every 

reform, social, al and religious. No subscription 

paper or solicitor for a worthy object ever met his dis- 
approval or failed to receive heartj indorsement and 
substantial aid. In 1884 he was elected a member of 

the Sel 1 Board, and his labors in that direction, 

often performed under a stress of business that would 

have ier\ ed st ol men, ha\ e been \ aluable to 

the town and encouraging to every well wisher of 
youth. 

Dr. Wallace has gained the reputation of being an 
ardent temperance man, exhibiting his absolute dis- 
liki and even hatred of the rum traffic and fashionable 
t i|i|ilinii both in his |uol'essinnal I iii- and public career. 
It has been -aid many time- and with t ruth that while 
-..me physicians may li\ their prescriptions lay the 
foundation for a drunkard'- career in many lives, l>r. 

Wallace ci ever be charged with such a responsi 

l.i lily, for if he Inn ml it necessary to prescribe a stim- 
ulant in one whose taste was vicious, he would so dis 
guise it with drugs as to make ii well-nigh nauseous. 
We think we speak what we know when we say that 
be has done more towards suppressing the swinish 

habit of eider and beer guzzling than any ma in 

coi unity. Although Dr. Wallace did not unite 

with t he i longregational CI :h in this place by letter 

from the church in New Castle, Me., until March, 
1885, yet he was ever in sympathy with church and 
pastor No firmer friend to the cause of truth and 
religion could be found in the community, and the 
pastor always fell thai he had in him a firm friend, a 
valuable helper and a sy m | path i/iiiLf wmker. Generous 
to a fault, no poor person ever applied to him for aid 

I. lit he received lllnl'e Ihail he asked. Hundred- n[ 

dollars in lulls were given to the deserving poor or 
those who wen otherwise unfortunate. Many will he 
ible to rise up in the future and call his name hie— ed 

and his works imhle. To lose such a man IV any 

community would seem to be a loss almost irreparable. 
The following letters will show the esteem in which 

he wa- held hv hi- a--neiates in linstnll 



" Deal Sir, In V - W nil , < m j,,,, i pin -i i ,i„,,h i,, i, ,,*.. 

,,,. i.„ ., ir u, i to you in- leaving iu will bi » mro 'I 
ragrel but a letl Ilia lj.-lni.ll i.-i ■ |.l.;inur<- I,, in,-. I huvc known I 

u,l]l n\.ni- 111- -hnl. 1 11 -,-, l.,l ■ 1, Ull'l, I l.)\ ,ln,i llMll V.I- 

|.in - I ui I'-m-Imji, I'.i ur, -\M, 1. mi. I lliuiun-!, !ai\in,i In- il-'ta, >■ 111111..I1 

tt-i p i. i-.i II" was elected l>j thi Dean, fi m trie 

.1.,- ,,l m,.i,l,-lm-, .,1 |l.,n II,, In :» 11m- ,lu.„- .. .,-,...,, ,1 






HISTORY ()F HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY. NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



> about luilt" the \v,.rk at tlie institution, 



will be "f great service !■■ bitn and his patients whe 

1- -tlhtlv t.-iii|M];it.-, 1:1] ui.| nj nJit in • ■*• I > J'-U 

i. leparates i ft " i - . if and 

a In mi.' and private practice, [f he come6 to your p 
Imii in immista 
ll.liiiance I have 

lit miii i.i-li I in Ivfliii- tin. ..Hi. i I \w -hall sni-ak ; 

a pj ii.i. practice 1 



■■ \ ,'IV tiul\ . -in ., 

1 - II In iti.t.v, M.D., 

" ''in n /.'.../.... (.-...ir.l ../ lh ; 

I'i laic Institutions. 

'Deer island, Boston Harbor, April 15, 1 



ira Ives, deeply regretting 

-it.. \..n in aci . pi tin' accompanying 

ill nt id. In- li i , -alii .mil .'st. ■.■in in 

nil- ami associates, both officially and 



■ ^ mil- most truly, 
■Gui C. LM.Ktiw , Soperintenden 

.l.ntN \V. D.Wi.Mt N, chaplain 

•Horai e Berry, M D., Resid i Phye 

Chari i - i'. Paige, Eng 

'John .1. Collier, Ulark 
'John II. Swict, M. D. 

i.i WOOD \- i Su] erinte 



JAMES HARVEY HALL. 

James Harvey Hall, the bo William Hall, Jr., 

was born m Brookline.N. H., June 22,1810. Hisedut :a- 
tional advantages were limited to the common schools 
..I In- native town; but being of a bright, active turn 
(if mind, In- obtained a fair rudimentary education. He 

worked on a farm during boyh 1, ami also learned 

coopering, ami whin he had attained his majority he 
went to the town of Lyndeborough and engaged in 
barrel manufacturing ; this hr continued there until 
the time of his marriage (1835). lie then went to 
Francestown, where he resided lour or five years, 
when the advancing aite ami declining health of his 
parents made it necessarj that he should return to his 
native town of Brookline ami take care of them. 

I*].!. u his returning to Brookline he engaged in a 
branch of business which he continued through lite, 
and which proved very remunerative. 



The homestead and adjoining lands wen- quite 
heavily timbered, ami he engaged in burning charcoal. 
He was a man of untiling energy, anil he pushed his 
business assiduously and earnestly, and, meeting with 
eminent success, he gradually added to his landed 
possessions; conducted farming on quite a large 
scale, became the owner and conductor of a grist, saw 
ami planing-mill on property adjacent to the home 
farm, ami also the owner of valuable tenement prop- 
erty in Charlestown, Mass. 

He represented his town in the State Legislature 
in 1869 ami 1870. He was an ardent temperance man 
and a total abstainer, and from early manhood was a 
consistent and valued member of the Congregational 
( Ihurch, and one of its most generous supporters, pay- 
ing yearly, for several years, two hundred dollars and 
over for the support of the gospel in his native town. 
He remembered in his will the church of his native 
town, ami his memory has further been perpetuated 
in this direction by a generous contribution by 
Mrs. Hall for the remodeling of the church edifice, 
and by his son, E. T. Hall, in the gift to the 
church of an excellent bell, which now han^s in the 
tower. 

In business matters Mr. Hall was remarkably far- 
seeing ami sagacious. While proverbially slow in 
expressing an opinion or forming a conclusion on 
any subject, yet his judgment, once pronounced, was 
almost invariably found to be correct. Every im- 
provement in the social or business affairs of the 
town found in him an earnest advocate. He was 
an active, honest, earnest man, and one of the most 
useful citizens of his town. 

He was twice married, — first, to Mary A., daughter 
of Major Nehemiah Boutwell, of Lyndeborough, 
November 10, 1835. They hail five children, only 
two of whom are now living, — Edward T. and Mary 
F. (now the widow of Deacon George W. Peabody). 
Mrs. Hall died January 24, 1853. Mr. Hall married, 
as his second wife, October 2(1, 1853, Mary J., daughter 
of Matthew A. and Jane W. (Christie) Fisher, of 
Francestown, X. H. By this marriage there are no 
children. 

Mr. Hall died August 15, 1874. Mrs. Hall still 
sun ives 1 1885). She is a great-granddaughter of Dea- 
con Samuel Fisher, who came from Ireland in what 
was known as the " starved ship," and a niece of Mrs. 
Levi Spaulding, who was a missionary at Ceylon for 
mote than fifty years. Mrs. Hall's mother (recently 
deceased) was a sister of the late Hon. Daniel M. 
Christie, of Dover, N. H. 




W^r^Af /^ /^ 



HISTORY OF FRANCESTOWN. 



BY REV. W. 



CHAPTER I. 

This tract was known to hunters and explorers 
long before its settlement, on account ofits "beautiful 
meadows." As early as July 18, 1(17:!, a " plat had been 
accepted" uuder the government of Massachusetts, 
purporting to cover most of the surface of this town, 
as now existing. This amounted to nothing, as the 
location was dangerously remote from any settlements. 
But it shows the attractiveness of the locality in those 
early days. These open, green, grassy meadows urn- 
like oases of beauty in the dense forests. The clear- 
ings had been made, perhaps centuries before, i. e., by 
flowage. The beavers, then very numerous in this 
section, cut small trees and twigs with their teeth, se1 
up the short sticks a few inches apart in the mud, and 
wove in brush between them. Then, with their flat, 
strong tails as trowels, they plastered this dam on both 
sides with mud, thus making quite a strong barrier, 
and raising ponds of considerable extent. As the 
streams were then much larger than at the present 
day, and these dams were numerous and put in well- 
chosen places, to the eye of the first white men, New 
Boston and Francestown must have seemed to be 
about one-fourth covered with water. But when, 
very early, the beavers had been destroyed by hunters, 
on account of their valuable fur (a rapid and easy 
work), the dams they had made soon rotted down, the 
ponds were mostly drained off, and over the soft 
ground, long covered with water, grass sprang up luxu- 
riantly and was just in season for the settlers. This 
wonderful grass crop at once attracted attention. It 
was of excellent quality, was high as a man's head 
and easy to get. Soon men came up from the lower 
towns in the summer, harvested the grass and made 
stacks of hay in warm, dry places. Then, with a rude 
"camp" of logs and some partial shelter for stock, 

they drove up cattle in the fall and wintered the n 

the hay, some adventurous young fellows staying in 
camp till spring, occupying their time in tending the 
stock and fire, and in hunting sable along the streams 
and larger game upon the hills. And this process 
soon led to the permanent settlement of the town. 



The first actual settlement was made by a Scotch 
man named John ( 'arson, and the date usually as- 
signed is 1760, though it is probable he was ou the 
ground part of several years before, and that other 
settlers had made beginnings previous to thai yeai 
But the spot on which Carson located, and much of 
the east and best part of Francestown, was then a part 
of New Boston. That town, granted by Massachu 
setts January It, 1736, had quite a show of settlers 
and " improvements " when the celebrated "Mason 
claim" was linalh successful and the title was pur- 
chased by the " Masonian Proprietors'' (1746). But 
the course of the "grantees " ami settlers of New Bos 
ton was so honorable toward these new owners that, 
after conference of committees from each party, the 
said " Masonian Proprietors " not only, for a small 

Consideration and with a few reservations, deeded the 

whole of the old grant, but also a large and valuable 

tract on the west, called "New Boston Addition" 
(1751). And when New Boston was incorporated, in 
L763,this" Addition" was incorporated with it as a part 
of said town, [t extended nearly as far west as the 
present village of Francestow n. Hence, John < 'arson, 
named above, was one of the first Hoard oi Selectmen 
of New Boston. He was also chosen one of the '' Hear 
Keepers." The following year the town of New Bos- 
ton chose John Cars. in chairman of a " Oomite lo 
Looke for a miniester, or minieRters, in order that we 
may have Some preaching." .Men livinginthe "Ad- 
dition " continued to be appointed to various offices 
for the whole town. When New Boston looked toward 
the attainment of a minister for the town, Thomas 
Quigley, of the "Addition," was appointed chairman 
of the committee to " talk With the Rev d . Mr. Solo- 
mon Moor in Regard to his Setteling in New Boston." 
David Lewis, of the " Addition," was twice on the 
Board of Selectmen. In this way, and most of the 

ti in great harmony, the " Addition " belonged to 

New Boston twenty-one years. With characteristic 
shrewdness, the settlers and land-owners in that town 
had sought these rich lands on the west, a m I several 
of the leading New Boston men, for various reasons, 
had "lots assigned to them in the New Addition." 



HISTORY OF im.LSROROniH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



5 i i i!»'\ 3eem to have foreseen from the first that 
the union was only temporary, as they voted i Decem- 
bei 29, L763) thai the "New Addition Shall have their 
pairt of preaching amongst themselves During their 
Stay with the old tow □ as a pearish." Hence, the fol 
lowing yeai thej built their meeting-house near the 
centre of the old town, and quietly waited till the pop- 
ulation might be large enough for a division. Accord- 
ingly, a petition was presented to the Legislature, 
undei date of Julj 22, 1771, and signed by thirty- 
nine men, asking that the "New Boston Addition" 
ami a part of Society Land adjoining might beincor- 
porated into a tow n. 

This petition was successful aftei the due formali- 
ties, and this tract was incorporated as the town of 
Francestown June 8, 177:2. It received its name 
from Frances, the wife of Governor Wentworth, and 
was written " Frances' Town" in the old records. 
They held their first town-meeting (John Quigley be- 
ing empowered to call the same) at the house of 
William Starret, July 2, 1772. and chose John Quig- 
ley, John Dickey and William Starret their first 
Board of Select men. At this meeting they chose a cm ■ 
mittee to "Senter the town,' 1 and went on with the usual 
votes and measures required in this new undertaking. 
The population slowly but constantly increased, im- 
provements went on, roads were made and the little 
town was every waj hopeful and prosperous. Then 
came the long, hard struggle of the Revolutionary 
War, which greatly hindered the growth oi the 
town. 

But those hardy men and noble women bravely did 
their part for liberty. A year before the war they 
were disposed to he loyal to the King, hut the cruelty 
and injustice id' the mother-country gradually brought 
them all over to the popular side. Even as early as 
dune ln.177". they showed their determination by 
choosing a committee of seven, with John Dickey 
chairman, "to examine and try aney person or per- 
sons that are or Shall he Suspected of being Enemies 
to the ( iountrj " That surely was pretty decided and 
pretty vigorous loyalty ! A large proportion of the 
menofthetown were constantly in the army, ex- 
changing places from time to time, asappears by the 
following record : " Voted to chouse 5 of a ( lommittee 
to receivi the accoumpts and prize the turns of the 
men that Has hen into the Searvice With out aney 
town bounty." From time to time they paid largely 
from the town treasury to fill quotas and to increase 
the pay of those already in the held. And theyshowed 
do disposition to give up. Seven years aftei the bat- 
tle of Lexington they voted to raise men to "Serve in 
the Continentle Armey for the term of three years oi 
during the War." 

When war with France was probable (1795) Frances- 
town voted to makeup " ten dollarsper month to every 
soldier, and fifty cents additional per day for any ' ex- 
traordinary service at home' " 

In the War of 1812 a large delegation from Fran- 



cestown were in the field. Captain Hugh Moore, of 
this town, commanded a company. 

In the War of the Rebellion — as always before - 
Francestown was intensely loyal. The town voted 
that the "Selectmen till the quota on the best terms 
possible, hut not limiting the cost," and to "pay 
thc highest sum allowed by our State laws to till 
all quotas this year," and so on till the close of the 
war. At the March meeting immediately preceding 

the surrender of ] they voted to rill till quotas tit 

whatever cost or effort, showingtheir zeal and de- 
termination to the hist. The full proportion of the 
sons of Francestown laid down their lives for the 
Union, 

The population of the town was, in I777>. two hun- 
dred : in 1783 selectmen returned " 65 male Poles;" 
in 1850 the population was eleven hundred and four- 
teen; 1870, nine hundred and thirty-two; in 1880, 
nine hundred and thirty-seven. [n this town the 
water-power is small, and the people are chiefly en- 
gaged iu agricultural pursuits. It is a good farming 
town. ami. with good, neat buildings and well-culti- 
vated land, has a general appearance of thrift and 
success. There is much attractive scenery, and the 
town furnishes a large variety of views from moun- 
tain to intervale. The centre of the town its only 
villagers a beautiful country village of about one 
hundred families. It* principal street is broad, well- 
shaded and about half a mile long, having on either 
side many substantial residences, and some venerable 
with time, though in neat repair. This village contains 
a hotel, library building, school-house, two churches, 
academy . two stores, two banks, carpenter's shop,black- 
smith-shop, harness-shop, milliner's apartment, two 
physicans, etc. Neai the main street i- a cabinet- 
hut.. r\ of considerable business. Also below, and on 
a branch street, is Mill village, so called, which is so 
near as to be conveniently reckoned as a part of the 
chief village. It has a blacksmith shop, saw-mill and 
about fifteen families. Francestown village is high 
and conspicuous from afar, and is justly an occasion 
of pride to the people oi the town. 

Francestown is located a little northwest of the cen- 
tre of Hillsborough County: is bounded on the north 
by Deering and Weare,on the east by Weare and New 
Boston, on the south by Lyndeborough and Green- 
field, and on the west by Greenfield .and Bennington. 
It is four miles from the railroad, the nearest depot 
being that of ( rreenfield. The north part oi the low n 
reaches Antrim depot at a distance of tour or live 
miles. The Manchester and Keene Railroad was 
chartered and surveyed through Francestown. 

Ih. -oil of this town is, for the most part, strong 
and good and somewhat rocky. The southeast part 
inclines to a sandy loam, easy to cultivate and very 
productive. The northeast part, with broad ridges 
and smooth, high fields, sloping southward, presents 
the conn licst farms. 

I'he two south branches of the Piscataquog River 



FKANUKSTOWN. 



rise in this town, being the only streams of much im- 
portance within its borders. The largest oi these is 
sues from Pleasant Pond; the other from Scoby's or 
Haunted Pond. These two ponds form the chief col- 
lections of water in the town. Pleasant Pond is in 
the north part, is narrow ami uearly a mile long, and 
is a placid and beautiful sheet of water. The Haunted 
Pond is large, circular in form, and situated in 
the east of the town, near New Boston line. 

There is l>ut one elevation of land in Francestown 
to be dignified by the name of mountain, and that is 
Crotchet Mountain, having an altitude of six hundred 
feet above the common in the village. It has two 
principal summits, one covered with growing wood, 
the other almost a naked, solid ledge of rocks, from 
which the prospect is very extensive and charming. 

[n the east part of Francestown, not far from the 
point of the first settlement, there is a soapstone quarry 
that has given the town some note. It is considered the 
most valuable quarry of its kind in the United States. 
It has been extensively worked for a long series of 
years, vast quantities of the stone having been trans- 
ported to Nashua and there manufactured. The work 
of the quarry is chiefly done by steam, and is vigor- 
ously prosecuted at the present time, the stone being 
removed in large bulk, and at the factory it is made 
into an untold variety of articles, chiefly stoves, man- 
tels and fire-places. This quarry has added consid- 
erably to the wealth of the town. 

Francestown has a national hank with a capital qf 
one hundred thousand dollars. President, M.L.Mor- 
rison; Cashier, Hon. G. W. Cummings. And also a 
savings-bank, incorporated 1868. President, Hiram 
Patch; Cashier, Samuel D. Downes. 

The first settled minister in Francestown, a- shown 
by the town records, was Rev. Moses Bradford, or- 
dained and installed September 8, 1790. A church 
had been organized as early as 177.:, and various calls 
had been given from time to time, hut none accepted 
before the above-named date. 

Many of the earl) settlers were Presbyterians, and 
the town " voted to Scttel a minister a t lording to the 
Presbyterans' rules;" but they agreed eventually to 
become a Congregational Church, and this was the 
only church in town until a very recent date. 

Mr. Bradford remained pastor of the church thirty- 
seven years. His successors were as follows: 

Austin Richards, 1827-36; Nathaniel S. Fols , 

1836-38; James R. Davenport, 1839-42; Jonathan 
McGee, 1843-50; Lothrop Taylor, 1851 -57; Charles 
Cutler, 1857-66; Austin Eichards, 1866 70; Charles 
Seccombe, 1871 73; Henry F. Campbell; Henry M. 
Kellog; and the present pastor. Rev. John A. Rowell, 
who began service December 17, 1882. 

This church recently erected a new and most con- 
venient house id' worship, which was dedicated July 
1, 1884, free of debt. 

A I ■out the time of the close of the pastorate of Rev. 
Henry F. Campbell, named above, a new church was 
2u 



organized in town, called "The Independent Congre- 
gational Church," its members coming partly from 
the old body ami partly from without. This new or- 
ganization retains the old church edifice, which thej 
have extensively repaired and improved, making i 
very desirable house of worship. They arc now in 
fellowship with the Unitarian denomination, have a 
good parsonage and are united and flourishing under 
the pastoral car.' of Rev. Joseph Wassail. 

Francestown Academy has been for re than 

eighty years an occasion of pride and honor to the 
town. The first term was taught in 1801 by Alexander 
Dust in, a graduate of Dartmouth College in the class 
of 1799. The town voted, August 25, 1800, to give 
"permission to School Class No. 3 to maintain their 
school-house on the common," in which school-house, 
it is supposed, the academy, then called the High 
School, had its beginning. It was a low, unpainted, 
small structure, with only one room and exceedingly 
rude act tmodations, and the thirty pupils that at- 
tended must have crowded it full. 

Among the number this first term was lion. Levi 
Woodbury, LL.D., then a boj id' eleven years. The 
school was open only one or two terms each year 
for a long time, and under various teachers, and 
with no great success. 

fhc academy » as not incorporated till June 'J-t, 
1819. About this time the corporation, by gift of in- 
dividuals in the town, came into possession of the 
upper story of the "Old Brick Academy," still stand- 
ing on the cast side of the common, and lure many 
prosperous terms of school were kept. Here Dr. Bard, 
Isaac"). Barnes and others taught, and here Presi- 
dent Pierce and other distinguished men lilted for col 

lege. 

In 1X41 an old building was moved on to the spot 
occupied by the present edifice, and lifted up for the 

better accommodati if the school. Here, under 

Rev. Horace Herrick and Rev. Harry Brickett, the 
academy flourished and gained an excellent reputa- 
tion. The old building, just repaired and occupied 
to the full, was burned March 27, 1847, and the pres- 
ent desirable building was built the same year. I lie 
academy celebrated its semi-centennial May li. 1851, 
at which Hon. Levi Woodbury, a pupil of its fust 
term in 1801, gave the oration, and President Pierce 
and others made addresses. The old institution i 
still in a prosperous condition. It has done a greaf 
deal for the community. Many of its pupil- have 
come io honor, i »ne President of the United States, 
two Inited States Senators, several Congressmen, 
one major-general and many judges, lawyers, minis 

In-, do, tors and inventors began their c >c of study 

here. The instructors sine L841 have been Rev. 
Horace Herrick, Rev. Harry Brickett, Professor Henrj 
I-',. Sawyer, tbn. Sylvanus Hayward, Dr. Martin V 
Root, Rev. Charles E. Milliken, Rev. Samuel B. 
Stewart, Rev. Frank G. Clark, Professoi Samuel B. 
Prescott, ThomasO. Knowlton, Esq., Professoi ion, 



800 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



E. Vose, Professor H. S. Cowell and Professoi B. S. 
Kurd, the present successful incumbent. 

Franccstown may fairly be credited with a people 
of greater education and intelligence than most New 

Hampshire towns. Nearly all its citizens have been, 
more or less, students, and many graduates of the 
academy. Hardlj a man can be found living here, 
having been born and brought up in the town, who is 
not capable of doing anj and all town business. The 
women also are well educated. The long-continued 
existence of the academj here has tended toelevate 
the people, and to lead them into superior lines of 
reading and thinking. Young hearts have la-en 
tired with high ambitions all these years. As a con- 
sequence.a host havegone from this town to fill places 
of trust all over the land. in even thousands of 
places of honor and importance the sous and daugh- 
ters of Francestown may be found. They have learned 
to work their way. They can be trusted. Many of 
more recent years are now silently building up for- 
tunes and reputations. They will be heard from. 
They will make their mark on society. They will 
mould future opinions and characters. Bui onlj a 
tew names among these worthy sons of Francestown 
can be given in this brief sketch of the town,— a sketch 
mid'' all lie- mure brief because a full and careful 
history of Francestown is expected to follow at no 
distant day. Some leading names are these: 

""" Levi \\ llmry, t.l.l' I... 111 ii ., -_■, 1789; gradui I 

1>;,1IU,. .nil, Cull, -^.- lsoo ; ,„l„,il(,.,| , |, :u |,|_. ,,,.. 

I"'". town clerk and chairman of selectmen, Francestown, 1815; 

judge ofSnperioi Court 1816, al early ag twenty-seven veal 

" f the State 1823; Speaker ol the Hon i 1825 twic. i nited 

•'"' ■ S i . Sei retarj ol the Navy; - tar: o 

' '""■'! sriii.- >,i, ■.,n,i „l, i, i,,., ,„, s j|j <in ], e | M ,,,| 

III III- •1,'iltll, S,.,,,, .,„!„.,. 7 _ ],„.-,] 

Hon Samuel D. Bell, LL.lt., born in Francestown, October 9, 1798 ; 

graduate of Harvard 1816; chief justice of Nov, II. shire ; called 

"one of the most eminent ami profound jurist* ,,l N, u lOnghmd ;" died 
in Man, hi ater, July 31, 1808. 

Hon. .Tames Bell, bornin Fi 

R, i .1 [ vv Ibury, I 



Di !• P Woodburj 

Di George II Bixbj and others. 

Before the daj of railroads Francestown was a place 
of large business. Other towns came here to trade. 
From three to live ample stores were in operation. 
The County Courts were largely held here, flu 
"Second New Hampshire Turnpike" was built 

11 '- 1 ' Francestown, and for years a " through stage 

to Boston," and heavy teams transporting produce, 
and a great amount of private travel poured through 
the tow u. 

All this, with the academy, made a lively and pros- 
perous place. And still, both for situation and char- 
acter, this is one of the most attractive towns in the 
State, and all her many scattered sons and daughters 
look back with just pride on their early home. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



MARK BAIX'H. 

Mark Balch was the son of William and Abigail 
(Johnson) Balch. William Balch was a nativeof Fran- 
cestown, and was by trade a tanner and currier. Be 
spent the first few years of his married life in New 
Boston, N. IF, and then returned to his native town, 
where he prosecuted his calling and spent the princi- 
pal part of his business life. lie was successful in 
business, and about thirty years prior to his death 
he removed to Redding, Mass., where he fitted up a 
pleasant, comfortable home, and the residue of bis 
days were spent there. He was a much respected 
citizen and held various offices in church and town. 

Mark Balch was horn in New Boston, March 30, 
1820, and was brought up to his father's trade Most 
of his boyhood and youth, however, was spent al 
school. lie fitted for college at the Francestown 

Academy, an excellent school, and although he never 
carried into execution his design of attending college, 
vet the advantages he enjoyed for study were verj 
fair and had been well improved, and lie became a 
very fair scholar, and even after his school-days were 
ended he continued his studies, and through life was 
a reading, thoughtful, studious man. After quitting 
school he engaged in the tanning business with his 
lather for a time, but feeling an inclination for com- 
mercial pursuits, he went to Manchester in I860 and 
engaged in the hardware trade with Mr. John B. 
Varick. Aftc several years spent in this place he 
returned to Francestown, and succeded Mr. Paul II. 
Bixby as cashier in the First .National Hank of 
Franccstown. He filled this station up to the year 
preceding his death, when he retired. During part 
of this period he was also town-clerk and treasurer. 

He was married, May 2, 1850, to Laurilla Fi., 
daughter of Peter F. and Lucy H. Faruham, of 
Francestown. Mrs. Balch's ancestors were among 
the early colonists of Massachusetts. Her paternal 

ancestors were from Andover, in that State, and in the 

maternal line the Deans played an important part in 

the history of Dedham, Raynham and adjacent towns. 

The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Balch was not blessed 

With issue. 

Mr. Balch's lungs were never strong, and about Inn 

years preceding his demise consumption was devel 

oped, which resulted in his death, December 16, 1879. 



iliii 



GEORGE KINGSBURY. 

ge Kingsbury was the son of Joseph and Silence 

r«ls) Kingsbury, and grandson of Joseph 
Kingsbury, who was a native of Dedham, Mass. His 
ancestors of both the paternal and maternal lines 
were ai g the pi irs of thatpart of Eastern .Mas- 
sachusetts, and played an important part in the de- 
velopment of that colony. The " Richards Geneal- 




^^ ^ 7^£ /^V< Sr- / 




y tsorae -Joi'npsfawty 



Fi; WCKSTOWN 



301 



ogy " gives a very complete account ofthe origin and 
history of that family. Ofthe Kingsburys we have 
aot been able to find authentic data concerning any 
member earlier than Joseph, thegrandfather of < reorgc, 
except that two brothers of thai Dame came from 
the north of England to America in the latter part of 
the seventeenth century, and "joined the Plymouth 
colonists." The records are incomplete, but evidently 
one of these brothers was the ancestor of tin' Dedham 
Kingsbury. Joseph Kingsbury, the father of George, 
came to Francestown, N. EL, when the virgin forestwas 
almost unbroken, and he and his young wife suffered 
all the privations and hardships incident to pioneer 

Tin \ went resolutely to work, however, to make for 
themselves a home in the wilderness, and both being 
industrious. frugal and hopeful, tiny gradually over- 
came tin- difficulties under which they labored, 
and succeeded in amassing quite a comfortable 
property for that day. and both lived to see the 
forest covered hills, among which thej had pitched 
their early abode, converted into fruitful farms 
and dotted with cheerful homes. Mr. Kingsbury 
became one of the most successful and substan- 
tial farmers of his town, and one of its most useful 
and respected citizens. He built, in after-years, on 
the site of his early homestead, a substantial brick 
residence, which is now owned by Mr. Oliver Pettee. 
They had nine children, six of whom grew up to ma- 
turity, and all hut one of whom married. Their names 
were George, Leonard, Hannah, Joseph, Julitta and 
John Langdon. Hannah married Stephen Whipple 
(deceased I, of New Boston, ami died lea\ ing one son, 
Joseph K.. who is in business in Boston, .Mass. Joseph 
(deceased) married Betsey Everett (deceased) ; they had 
four children, only two of whom grew up to maturity. 
Julitta (deceased) married Rev. Almon Benson (de- 
ceased), of Centre Harbor, N. 11.; shedied without 
issue. John I., (deceased) married Abigail Hyde (de- 
ceased) ; they hail six children. 

(leorge Kingsbury was born in Francestown, N. H., 
February 1, 1795. He was brought upon his father's 
farm, ami, like most farmers' sons of that early day, 
had but limited advantages for an education. His 
father, while a man of strong, practical common-sense, 
was an uneducated man, and his life's work had been 
spent among scenes where brawn and muscle were 
more requisite than " hook-learning;" consequently he 
was disposed to regard a day spent in study asaday 
lost. He undervalued the advantages of education, 
and, as a result, did not afford his children the oppor- 
tunities he might in that direction. This lack of 
schooling in his youth was a source of life-Ion- regret 
toMr. Kingsbury. His was that cast and calibre of 
mind that would have utilized and applied to a wor- 
thy purpose the power which know ledge gives, and 
while in youth the opportunity for study was denied 

him, yetthrougl t tic long years of his after-life he 

was always a reading, studious man. and to his honor 



be it said he gave his children all the advantages he 
could, and was anxious that his sons should attend 
college. Their tastes, however, did not so incline 
them, i >neof his daughters, Harriettc Newell, gradu- 
ated at Mount Holyoke Seminary. 

Mr. Kingsbury remained on the home farm till his 
marriage, which was in his twenty-eighth yeat Hi 
married, May 7. 1822, Sally, daughter of I.I, . , , and 
Lucy (Battelle) Everett, of Francestown. Her parents 
were also from Dedham, Mass., and were from a some 
what noted family, of which Edward Everett was, 
perhaps, themost famous member. Her grandparents 
on the maternal side were Ebenezer and Prudence 

( I >ra per ) I'.al telle. On the paternal side she is descended 

from Richard Everett, who was one of the original 
thunders ol Dedham. in L636. The family have al 
ways been, ami are yet, a prominent one in the town, 
ami particularly in (hat part of Dedham now Nor- 
wood. Mrs. Kingsbury's lather was an industrious 

and prosperous farmer, and did considerable at lum- 
ber business. When George Kingsbury was married 
his father pun based a farm near the old homestead, 

and George took charge of it and resided there al I 

seven years. The old gentleman then sold this place, 
and George went on another farm belonging to his 
father, where he remained three years, when he pur- 
chased a farm of his own near the soapstone quarrh s, 
ami on this place he remained twenty-six years 
and reared his family until his youngest child hail he- 
come of age. He then sold his farm to one of his 
neighbors, and. purchasing a pleasant building sit. in 
the village id' Francestown, with eleven acres ofland 



spent. 

He was by nature and 
dustrious man, and even at 
with him for hard labor In 
habits of a lifetime, but 



an energetic and in 
ic necessity was passed 
lid not lay aside the 

continually active in 

beautifying and improving his lion ic and surroundings 
up to the time of his death. He was a man who attended 
strictly tohis private business affairs, and had no ambi- 
tion to hold office or mingle in public a Hairs. II. was, 
theoretically and practically, an earnest friend of (lo- 
calise of education. I lis own children he kept in con 
slant attendance atthe academy in their native town, 
and when money was needed lor any purpo-i pertain 
ing lo the educational int. rests of the community he 

was always among the first to respond. f arc 

years, during more than half the lattei part of his 
life, he was an earnest member of the Congregational 

( Ihurch. 

He had six children. 

Harriettc N., married Sylvanu- Jewett, a Presb) 
terian clergyman, and had one daughter, Hattie 
Newell, who only lived to be four years old. 

George, married Betsey L Hyde, of Francestown ; 
resides about two miles from the village, and i- a 
prosperous farmer. They have three children, — ( leorge 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Albert, married Sadie M. Heald, and is now manu- 
facturing ice in De Land, Fin.; Warren, married 
Ella \. Wagnei (thej have 01 hild living; they re- 
side in Duquoin, 111., where he is in trade); Henry 
L., a build in.!: inn tractor, married Nellie II. Stevenson 
(thej have one child, and reside in De Land, Fla). 

Sarah E., resides a1 home with her widowed mother. 

Hannah I'., died in infancy. 

Caroline II.. now the widow of II. F. Blakeslee, of 
Illinois ; he was a machinist, and his son George has 
followed in the same occupation. She has four chil- 
dren, three sons and one daughter. Their children 
were George, married Mary R.Holl (has three children 
and resides in Duquoin, 111. I; Mary E., their daughter, 
married John L. Holmes (he is in trade in Chicago, 
and hasoneson); Frank A., another son, is in school; 
and Willie Everett, the youngest, lives at present with 
his mother in Duquoin, 111. 

Mark Justin, theyoungesf of the children, enlisted 
in the Fourth Illinois Cavalry, United States Volun- 
teers, September 5, 1861 , and served i hrough the war, 



participating in numerous engagements, among 
others, Shiloh, Fori Donelson and Fort Henry. He 
was mustered out in 1864, and afterwards became pur- 
ser on the United state- transport steamer " Colonel 
< Jowles," and died while in this employ, April 12. 1865. 
He was an heroic soldier, a true and devoted son and 
an intelligent, cultivated man. When in the service 
he always refused a furlough, on the principle that 
married men who had wives and children to look after 
should receive whatever favors of that kind there were 
tobegranted. His earlj death wasa severe blow to 
his aged parents. His remains rest on Dauphin Is- 
land, Mobile Bay. I reorge, the elder brother, was also 
a soldier in the War of the Rebellion, lie enlisted in 
the Eighteenth New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry, 
September 27, 1864, was in the siege of Petersburg, 
etc., and served until mustered out at the close of the 
war. 

George Kingsbury, Sr., died October 14, 1869, 
aged seventy-four years, eight months and fourteen 
days. 



HISTORY ()K GOFFSTOWN. 



C HAPTER I . 

Geographi at The First Settlements— Names ol P nal 

Grant n i ■ i t u n \ t Phi Bfasonian Claim Grant <>f Goffs- 
t,, WM Condlti ni ■! '■!">! 'Hi. Hasting Business The Masting 
Troubles Thi King's Sherifl -Incident 

THEtown ofGoffstown lies in the northeastern pari 
of the county, and is bounded as follows: North by 
Merrimack County, cast by Merrimack County and 
Manchester, smitli by Bedford, and west by Weare 
ami New Huston. 

Edmund Burke, the great English statesman, once 
remarked that "they who never look back to their 
ancestors will never look forward to posterity," and 
there is great appositeness in the remark. He who 
never suffers his mind to revert to the past, its actors 
or its story will care little tor the welfare of the fu- 
ture. He is supremely selfish who gathers the har- 
vest without one thought of him who plowed the 
sward and sowed the seed, or upward unto Him 
whose sun warmed and whose rains watered it, and 

whose care watched it through each successive stage 
of its growth. 

It is natural and commendable to look to those who 
have gone before us; thej toiled through the sum- 
mer's licit, winter's cold, and we are reaping the 

benefit of their labors ; they hewed the ancient w Is 

away and left us these cleared fields, ready for the 
plow, the seed and the harvest. They were ready to 
do all and to sutler all that they mighl plant a garden 
here in the wilderness. They called no man master, 
and the germ of freedom which they planted here 
became the uoble liberty tree of the Revolution. 

It is natural that we should wish to know some- 
thing of these pioneers of civilization, of their toils, 
of their privations, of the courage with which they 
braved the perils of the wilderness, of wild beasts 
and of wilder men ; for from them is derived all that 
is peculiar to the New England character, its energy, 
its perseverance, its ingenuity, its hatred id' tyranny 
in all its forms and manifestations 

How valuable would we esteem a diary of one of 
the earliest settlers of the town! We would like to 
know what were tin thoughts of Job Kidder, when 



Iran 



faithful dog of the approach of Indians, who fre- 
quently passed his clearing in crossing from Amos- 
keag Falls to Goram Pond, when, as was his custom. 
In- retreated to his log shanty and there, n H h his three 
guns and no other companion, he was ready to let 
them pass or fight as they chose; or Matthew 
Kennedy, hauling hay upon a hand-sled from the 
hog in New Boston, to keep his cow and three sheep 
from starving during the long winter, with no other 
companion but the howling wolf; or of Mrs. Gil- 
christ, a widow, who lived solitary and alone near 
where Charles Hadley now lives, who, when returning 
from a visit at a neighbor's living near the old Cum- 
mings Butterfield house, being upon horseback, with 
her youngest child in her arms, heard the screams of 
two catamounts in pursuit. Casting away the child's 
blanket to attract the attention of the beasts and de- 
lay pursuit, she clapped one foot upon either side of 
the horse and run him home, just entering the log 
stable and closing the door as two large-sized cata- 
mounts sprang upon the hemlock trees which formed 
the corner-posts of the stable, tearing away the hark- 
in their efforts to reach the horse, which they were 
unable to do, though they persevered until nearly 
morning. 

An insight into their .very-day life and thoughts 
would he most valuable ; hut they have passed away, 
and the story of the early settlers ofGoffstown, with its 
startling romance and stern realities, has nearly per- 
ished with them. Few materials only exist, scattered 
and imperfect, in musty records and uncertain tradi 
tion, gathered only by great labor and antiquarian zeal 
and patience, and these, though unattended by im- 
portant consequences, nevertheless possess peculiar 
interest. Co back a little more than a hundred years. 
Weare looking out from beneath the topmost branches 
of a tree upon the summit of the Uncanoonucks; far 
as lie eye can reach stands the primeval forest; 
through the interlacing branches of the trees we 
catch glimpses of the waters of the Piscataquog. 

\nii|i;is Dodge, John Dins] 'c. McClary and 

Sessions have made a little clearing upon the south side 
303 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



"i the nntain. Mr. Todd has toppled down a 

few trees at the Moore place. Butterfield and Robie 
have let daylight into the forest a little north of Mr. 
Todd's clearing. Matthew Kennedj is one of the first 
settlers, and the first white child born in town was 
Samuel Kennedy, his sun. He lived where B. F. 
Aiken formerly lived; we see his farm in quite a 
flourishing condition as compared with his neighbors, 
ami there is Lieutenant Moses Little living half-way tip 
the Robie Hill, with his four acres of cleared ground; 
Asa Patteehas a clearing, and lives in a smart frame 
1 1 inke from the chimney of which rises above 
tin trees, and is nearly, if nut the identical house, 
west of Mr. Balch's; and his neighbor, Job Dow, lias 
a fine house for the time, where Joseph Hadley now 
lives, while the smoke of John GofFs chimney rises 
from the site now occupied by Mrs. Artemas Whit- 
ney's house. Alexander Walker, the old town clerk, 
has quite a large clearing upon what is still called the 
Walker place, though now owned by Lewis Sargent, 
where .Mrs. Walker, of Irish origin, extracts teeth, 
and is the obstetrician of the settlement. They have 
a numerous family, and are regarded wealthy; but 
one alter another of their sons becomes dissipated 
and involved in debt, for the payment of which the 
old gentleman became bound, and he ends his days 
in the poor-house or is supported by the town. 

Samuel lilodgett has a large clearing a mile or so 
from Amoskeag Kails, ami is regarded the wealthiest 
man in town, as he was in main respects tic most 
remarkable one. 

These families are scattered along the hillside, hid 
away in the sunny nook, by the meadow patch or 
buried among the dark piues on the hanks of the 
river. An honest and. with some few exceptions, a 
frugal, faithful and pious people, all foreigners or of 
foreign extraction, who. in common with other settlers 
of New England, came here for the enjoyment of 
civil and religious liberty, which was denied them in 
the country of their birth. They sought and found 
it in the country of their adoption, through much 
tribulation and many perils, perils to which men of 
ordinary will would have succumbed ; perils which 
the brave heart can alone encounter and conic off 
victorious ; perils from which there was no escape by 
day, and which the night onh served to magnify and 
to till with more glu. mi\ forebodings. Men toiled and 
worshiped with their rifles by their side, and the 
mother, when she laid her children down in sleep, 
knew not but their slumbers would be disturbed by 
the war-whoops of the merciless savage. For one 
hundred and thirty years, including the earl) settle- 
ment of this town, the Indian wars, with but brief 
intervals ot peace, had continued. 

Professor Sanborn, in his "History of New Hamp- 
shire,'' says, — 

i lurked uear every dwelling ; the farmer at his 
toil, the worshiper at the attar, the mother I--M h. 

iltant -Illicit) I lie III U \\. -li' tin' VH 1 1 Ills nl (lie i m . i . ij, -■ i c | .ecu 



i iii New Hampshire visit,-, t anil the atio.-ities 

cii fields wit 1 1 iirnicil linn si.l.s ,,, within then 
Hill-en f-iint tie in-- IveE up in ni' M .1 I. ii 
11 Ici-Imii.|> iin.l s. in- hail 1 n iiniritereil. hero- 



no day without e.n .-in l -..c i , '. ' i li u is nnpossil.le tu 

enjoy the meagre comforts which fire and slaughtei hads] I Then 

rerj dreams were t, 1 1 m, , i.. . ,,u.. mil tie- -■ alpine-knit me.it" 

flash 1 iet. ire tln-ir eyes, and the war-whoop resound in their ears, To most 

men a premature ileatti wiml.l ha\e heen pnferrcil I., siieh alite. It was 
i . 'i I. y of apprehension, alarm, terror and suffering 

Judge Smith, of Exeter, remarks that, "drawing a 
circle round this village as a centre, twenty-five miles 
in diameter, the number killed and made captives by 
the Indians within it was, during a period of forty 
years, seven hundred." In 1710 the brave Winthrop 

Hilton fell while at work in his own w Is.' He was 

regarded as the most fearless of the brave, the most 
venturous of the daring, and his death was universally 
regretted by histownsmen. His sharp, black eye and 
long, bright gun struck terror into the hearts of the 
savages. They thirsted for his blood. 

In 17-T' the State of New Hampshire suffered from 
an Indian invasion, when all the horrors of the former 
Indian wars were revived and renewed. The frontier 
towns of Keene (then called Upper Ashuelot), 
Swanzeyi Lower Ashuelot I and Concord (then known as 
I'etiiiacook Isull'ered. besides many other towns, which 
were visit etl ami some murders were com in it ted, houses 
burned and harvests destroyed. No man walked 
abroad unarmed ; it was unsafe to leave the stockade 
to milk a cow or feed an animal- 
Robert Walker, being in the habit of trapping upon 

a. small stream in the neighbor] loi Hiram Tirrell's, 

noticed upon several occasions that tuts had been 
taken from his traps, and one morning, while passing 
down this stream, being upon land formerly owned 
by Hadley Stevens, he espied tin Indian taking aim at 
him with his gun. Walker waited a moment, calcu- 
lating about the time lie would pull the trigger, which 
he did, and dropping at the critical time, the ball 
from the Indian's gun passed over his head. The 
savage gave a whoop, supposing that his shut had 
been fatal to Walker, and rushed towards him for his 
scalp ; Walker sprang up, brought his gun to his left 
shoulder, tired and killed him. Being fearful that 
other [ndians were near, he started for the garrison 
immediately, but afterwards visited the scene, and 
found where the Indian's ball had struck, and judged 
that he did not drop a moment too soon to avoid being 
hit. Walker's gun was fixed for a person shooting 
from the left shoulder, a place in the breech being 
hollowed out for the cheek, ami the identical gun is 

still in existence in that ncighhorh 1. 

The territory now known as the town of ( loffstown, 
in connection with six other townships, was granted 
by the Great and <Tenernl Court of Massachusetts, in 
1728, to the soldiers, or heirs-at-law of the soldiers, 
of the King Philip or Narragansett War, which 
ended full fifty years before the grant was made; so, 
probably, very \'cw of the soldiers were then living. 



GOFFSTOWN. 



:;u:, 



In June, 1?:::!, it seems these grantees, in number 
about eight hundred and forty, met on the town common 
in Boston for the purpose of dividing, equitably, the 
land tlins given to them. They formed themselves 
into seven separate societies, and each society organ- 
ized and chose an executive committee to look after 
its interests, who met by appointment in Boston on 
the 17th of October, 1733. The numbers who of the 
several townships, from one to seven, were placed in a 
hat and successively drawn. Goffstown wasdrawn as 
Narragansett No. 4, and whs thus called for a num- 
ber of years. 

The territory of New Hampshire was granted to an 
English naval officer by the name of John Mason, 
who, after spending large sums of money upon his 
grant, died in 1635, without realizing any benefit 
ti'uiii his investment, leaving his landed estate t«> 
Robert Tufton, upon condition that he should take 
the name of Mason. 

Massachusetts unjustly claimed the entire posses- 
sion of Mason's grant, and in 1641 assumed the gov- 
ernment of New Hampshire, and, finding that she 

could not make g I her claim before the King in 

Council, she very cunuingU adopted the plan of 
granting townships to actual settlers upon the land 
thus claimed, so that the fee in the same should lie in 
the people of Massachusetts. Souhegan East (or 
Bedford), Souhegan West (or Amherst), Narragansett 
No.4(orGoflstown), Rumford (or Concord), Bakers- 
town and Tvngstown (or Pembroke), were each char- 
tered upon this plan. 

When the controversy was settled between Massa- 
chusetts and the heirs of Captain John Mason, com- 
monly known as the Masonian proprietors, the latter, 
establishing their claim, made a grant of the town- 
ship of Goffstown (Hollo is the Celtic lor Smith) to 

Rev. Thomas Parker, of Dracut ; Colonel Sampson 
■Stoddard and John Butterfield, of Chelmsford ; 

Joseph Blanchard, Robert Davidson, John ( ' nbsand 

James Karr, ofDunstable ; JohnGoffe and John < toffe, 
Jr., James Walker, Matthew Patten, John Moore, 
Timothy Corlise, Thomas Farmer, Zaccheus I lutting, 
Samuel Patten, Alexander Walker, all of Souhegan 
East (or Bedford) ; Thomas Follensbee, Joshua Follens- 
bee, Caleb Paige (who cleared and settled upon the 
Abram Buzzel place), Benjamin Richards, (previous 
to the expedition against Fort William Henry ten 
sachems had been dispatched by the French as mes- 
sengers to the northwestern tribes, to invite them to 
become the allies of the French. In consequence of 
this summons a tribe, called the Cold Country Indians, 
appeared at the siege. By these cannibals many of 
the prisoners were slain and eaten. Two of them 
seized a lad mimed Copp and were leading him away 
by the shirt-sleeves. His cries caught the attention 
of Benjamin Richards, who was a hold, athletic man- 
one of the Rangers enlisting from Goffstown — who 
rushed after them and snatched away the hoy, 
leaving the shirt-sleeves in their hands. Colonel 



Bailey was pursued by these savages and ran hare- 
footed through the woods to Fort Edward, a distance 
of fifteen miles, and thus escaped being roasted. 
Colonel Rogers' brother, Richard, who was a captain, 
died of small-pox a few days before the siege of toil 
William Henry). Peter Morse and Caleb Emery; 
John How, Peter Harriman, of Haverhill (afterwards 
a soldier in the French and Indian War; was at the 
sacking of Quebec, and subsequently settled upon 
the place where Stillman Merrill now lives 1883); 
Abram Merrill, Benjamin Stevens, John Jewell, 
Ephraim Martin, Nathaniel Martin, Aaron Wells, 
Caleb Dalton, all of a place called Amoskeag ; James 

Adam-, son of William Adams, William Orr, Job 
Kidder and John Kidder, of Londonderry; William 
Read and Robert Read, James McKnight, William 
Cummings, all of Litchfield ; Samuel Creggs, Edward 
White, Esq., John White, all of Brooklyn; which 
grant was made at Portsmouth in the month of De- 
cember, 1748, upon the following conditions and limi- 
tations, viz. : 

"That the whole trai i, saving the partii iilar tracts hereinafter n- 

[ i- o .. ■. 1 , n luMnl inc. siNl v-.-i^lit Mian's, .■!■ lights, anil i-a.-li shall- in 

right be laid out into thr listinct lots, and numbered with the sa 

numbe sach of said ha- the number begin with one and end with 

sixty-eight : thai iiio.l tin- sahl slian-s !.-■ lor tin- Ills! Inioisr.-l nl Ihi' 

Gospel, *\ii. i -hall hr settled <>n Baid tract of land hereby granted, and 
.shall remain there during Ins life, or until lit- shall In' regularl} dis 

1111--1 'I, I., hold I" him, lii- heirs anil assigns, ami nihil hit "i shun 

t.il' and ti. waul tin: -npl". II "t til.- Oiispi'l i-tr\ t'.il'iv. a' ; that lwi.nl 

tin' tlil.-i- hits that Shall h-hiii- t., .aril shaiv shall o.ntan hun- 

' I acres each." 

But without quoting further, it goes on to state 
that the minister's lot shall be as near the meeting- 
house as possible, and that another of said shares he 
reserved for the use of the proprietors, the grantors 
..I the said premises and their assigns forever; that 
seventeen of said shares he exonerated from paying 
any charges towards a settlement and not held to the 
conditions of the other shares until improved by the 
owners, or some one holding and improving under 
them; that within one year from the time of draw- 
ing each owner of a share shall have a house sixteen 

feet square, with a chimney and cellar, upoi f 

his lots, and some person living in said house, and 
four acres of land inclosed, chared and lifted for 
mowing and tillage ; and in two years have four acres 
more cleared and fitted for mowing and tillage; ami 
in three years have lour acres more cleared, making 
in all twelve acres from the time of drawing. 

No small amount of labor with our present facili- 
ties of doing business, and at that time it must have 
called forth all of their hardj strength and endurance. 
And furthermore, "that the settlers, within three 
years from the time of drawing for shares, build a 
meeting-house tit for the worship of God, for the use 
of those who shall then or subsequently dwell within 
said territory of Goffstown, and after three years 
from the lime of the completion of said house shall 
constantly maintain public worship of God therein. 
That each owner of the said forty-eight shares shall, at 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



or before the drawing for lots, pay the sum of thirty 
pounds, old tenor, including whal they have already 

I >:iiil, tow aids carrying on tin* sett lenient, to be depos- 
ited in the hands of such persons as the owners shall 

cl se, i" defra) thecharges of surveying and laying 

the land out into lots, building a meeting-house, sup- 
porting the gospel lor the first six months, laying out 
highwaj s, etc. 

" That all white pine trees grow ing on -aid nan of 
land, lii lor Ids majesty's use ill masting the Royal 
Navy, lie and are herebj reserved to his majesty, his 
heirs and successors forever." This was likewise a 
condition of the charter of incorporation, and many 
a mast has Goffstown furnished lor the royal navy. 

But, luckily, to the conditions herein stated, through 

the bravery of our forefathers, we are not at this day 
hidden. The even! of the Revolution effaced all titles 
of royalty. 
The school lot was near the Samuel Robie farm; 

the minister's lot at Deacon K. I'. Sargent's, or where 
William Hopkins now (1883) resides; the lot for 
the support of preaching near Walker Little's. 

Goffstown in former years afforded a vast quantity 
of lumber, and in the time of royal sun eyors, deputy 
surveyors and agents were always appointed to pre- 
vent waste in the King's woods. Masts of great size 
and extra quality were cut upon the Piscataquog and 
it- branches lor the royal navy. The stump of a 
pine-tree is now, or was a few years ago, upon the 
Jonathan Bell farm, where a yoke of "six-fool " eat 
lie wire turned around upon its laic The tree was 
so large that it could not he drawn oil', and Captain 
Kliphalet Richards said " it took about all tin rest of 
the wood growing upon an aire of ground to burn it 
up," But if they had let it remain until this day, 
there are those who would have removed it, sawed it 
into planks, made it into sashes and doors and had 
them in houses in Australia in about the time they 
wen- burning it up,— such now is the excellence of 

machinery and the power of steam. Vet had we ol 
this generation forests to clear, Indian wars to light, 
the Revolution to pass through and a government to 
establish, it is doubtful whether we should have had 
the steamboat, railroad, electric telegraph and tele- 
phone to hoast of as the inventions ol' the nineteenth 
century. Arts never flourish in time of war, and 
invention is all directed to the production id' more 
efficient weapons for the extinction of the human 
race. 

The masting business was so important that troops 
were repeatedly ordered out to protect the mast-men. 
The officeof surveyor of the King's w Iswas hidden 

by Governor Wentworth, who had his deputies in 

all places where the pine grew in plenty. These 
deputies were the cause of a great deal of vexation 

and trouble. The owner of the land, before he com- 
menced cutting, was under the necessity of employ- 
ing a deputy surveyor to mark the trees upon the 
land reserved for tin- use of the King, and if he ne- 



glected to have his land thus surveyed, from inability 
to pay for surveying, or other cause, and proceeded to 
cut his lumber, the same was forfeited to the Kim;-. 

In this way. whole mill-yards of lumber got out by 
the settlers for building their houses and barns, 
were often forfeited. I'he Governor would rich- 
past the mill in a coach, stop, ami order the broad 
arrow to he marked upon each log, and the same was 
the King's. After this mark +, the owner or mill- 
owner dared not touch a log. They were then adver- 
tised and libeled in a Court of Admiralty, and sold at 
public auction, and the proceeds over and above ex- 
penses went into the King's i reasurj . But, something 
like official transactions of this day, if the proceeds 
of sale com red expenses, it was not inquired into 
very much, especially if the Governor stood well with 
the King. 

In the New Hampshire Gazette of February7, 1772. 
a large l,,t of lumber was advertised as being seized 
in this wa> at Richard's, Pattee's, Dow's and Rowle's 
mills, in Goffstown, and Clement's mills, in Weare (at 
the (til-Mill village, at the mill formerly owned bj 
Christopher Simons). Such seizures made a -real 
many patriots ready, by revolution or any other way, 
to change a government so annoying. 

On the 13th of April, 1772, .Mr. Whiting, King's 
surveyor or sheriff of Hillsborough County, and a 
Mr. Quigly, his deputy, of New Boston, proceeded to 
Clement's Mill to serve an Admiralty writ upon one 
Mudgett, who lived at the Oil-Mill village. Mr. 
Whiting made the arrest, but Mr. Mudgett suggesting 
that he would furnish the necessary hail in the morn- 
ing, the sheriff and his deputy went to Mr. Quigly's 
tavern to put up forth.- night. Meantime the lad of 
the arrest got noised about and a most lemarkahle 
bail was got up. In the morning some twenty or 
thirty men, with their faces blackened, rushed into 
Whiting's room, who, seeing their intention, seized 
his pistol and would have tired had he not been seizi d 
himself and disarmed, and most gloriously pummelcd 
by tin- incensed lumbermen, two on a side holding 

him Up by the arms and legs, while others crossed 
out their accounts of certain logs, hauled and forfeited, 
upon his naked hack. Quigly, his assistant, showed 
more tight, and was secured only by taking up the 
ceiling over his head and heating him with a long 
pole thrust down from the garret. After stirring him 
Up with the aforesaid long pole and beating him to 
their heart's content . he was secured, their horses 
were led to the door, and amid jokes and jeers of the 
populace (their horses' tails, manes and ears having 
been cut oil) the woe-hegone officers were assisted 
upon their hacks in no gentle manner and sent oft'. 
This was a high-handed outrage and ill-brooked by 
the sheriff, who was disposed to have things bis own 
way. He proceeded to Colonel Goffe, of Bedford, and 
Lutwiche, of .Merrimack, who, at his request, ordered 
out the posse comitates, and armed with muskets 
marched to the scene of the outrage, hut the rioters 



GOFKSTOWN. 



bad Bed to the woods. One of them was subsequently 
found and ri mi in in ii I in jail. The War iif the Revo 

lut ii in - aftet coming on, Mudgetl and " his bail " 

escaped punishment, and the affair in a few years was 
looked upon as meritorious ratlin- than otherwise. 
The old meeting-camp was a little waj from Joseph 
Hadley's house, or between Hamilton Campbell's and 
Mr. Grant's. One hundred oxen were kept there. 
There was another camp about a mile from this. A 
man. by the name of McAfee, once, in the spring ul 
the year, crawled upon his hands and knees from one 
camp in the other, for which he was to receive a beaver 
hat, which was not paid. Alfred Story's grandfather 
once saw a monstrous mast drawn down the Piscata- 

quog River b) e hundred oxen, and when neai 

where the] tow bridge now stands the sled cul through 
the ice, but was pulled out and taken down the .Mast 
iiia.l to the Merrimack and probably went down the 

navy. 

(Mil Captain Kliphalct Richards saiil "that he 
bought the timber upon ten acres of Parker's inter- 
vale for one hundred dollars, and the masts and timber 
were so thick upon it that he was obliged to haul a 
large portion away before felling the whole. There 
was ncit room enough for them all to la) without lying 
upon each other, which would make ii inconvenient 
to get them off." 

Another condition in this grant was (ami it would 
have been well if it had never been annulled, or rathe] 
that it had been revived alter the Revolution and 
continued to our day), viz.,— "That no hindrance to 

the llee | ulSsll HI' ' 1 1' I ll e 1 1-1 1 I"' | ' I Heed I leloW the cToteh 

of the river, so called, or where the stream branches 

off to New Boston and Wean ." 

It is a shame that a few mill and factory-owners, 
by not being c lulled to build fish-ways, should 

keep back from our streams SO miieli excellent and 

healthy food as the sea-fish, which were accustomed 
to come up here and spawn, afford. The salmon, shad 
and alewife ought still to inhabit our streams a part 
of each year. During the earl) settlement of our 
town they constituted an important -nunc of food. 
One of the oldest inhabitants of this town, who died 
a few years ago (Captain E. Richards), said that the 
salmon collected together in such numbers intheSquog 

Opposite Mr. Whitney's, in what was and now isealled 
the Deep Hole, that the noise they made by slapping 
their tails upon the water as the) were foiled above 
the surface by the pressure of those beneath, that 
some men who were working near the river thought 
that the Indians were crossine;, and only discovered 
the real cause when reconnoitering more closely, to 
make certain before spreading the alarm of "In- 
dian- !" 

The same person used to tell of the great success 
he had iu catching salmon just above Dow bridge, 
where the Indians, in olden times, cut a handle in the 
side of a large rock to help them climb its steep face 



I roll I the project ill" pail where their feet stood, I 'I'll is 

handle was broken oil by William Merrill, when a 
wanton boy, throwing a stone.) Mr. Richards said 
the) took three barrels of salmon at that place in one 
day. 

in the grant of this town the legislature of Massa- 
chusetts reserved such quantity of land as was deemed 

proper by the court for the fishery. People at the 

present day can form no proper estimate of the abun- 
dance "f fish that swarmed in the Merrimack ami iis 

tributaries, 'the river, rivulets and brooks in the 
spring of the year were literally full of salmon, shad, 
alewives ami eels. These fish wen- so plentiful as to 

he used l.y the Indians ami earl) settlers as manure. 
Mr. Richards said "that he manured the land upon 
the east side ol the village with shad and alewives. 
putting "lie shad or two alewives into each hill ,,l 

com, and had an abundant crop." It was a very 
stimulating manure, ami, life guano, impoverished 
the land in time. The Indians called the land worn 
out iii this way " souhegan, or sougheganish." Ale- 
wives ran up the small brooks and were thrown out 
by women and children with -hovels and pieces of 
hark; cart-loads of them were caught in weirs and in 
the Merrimack in seines and nets. In the New Hmnp- 
shin Ga etle, May 23, 1760, the following item, under 

the editorial head, appeared and was copied in a Lon- 
don paper: "One day last week was drawn b) ! I, 

atone draught, two thousand and five hundred fish 
out of the Merrimack, near Bedford, in this province. 
This was thought remarkable by some people." In- 
deed, so numerous were the salmon in those days that, 

i tation of an old Scotch custom, when boys were 

apprenticed to an) trade, one of the special conditions 
in the indenture was that they should not be obliged 
to eat salmon oftener than three times a week. We 
should not object to this now, especially if the salmon 
was fresh and a few green pea- were added to the diet. 

The wish was that meat would last until li-li came 

Tin- did of the inhabitants ha- scry much changed 
since those primitive days. Porridge, samp-broth lev 

and hominy, with now and then the -teak of the deer 

or black bear, constituted tin- staple dishes after the 
■ hi wa- o\ .a < Ine reason, it i - mppo ed 
wh) tie. .' who liuilt dams across rivers were not re 
quired to build fish-ways was, that when food could 
be obtained so easily it caused a great deal ol idleness 
It i- i. filed of a man in Litchfield, who .." 
the river to do a day's work in the town of Merrimacl 
which i- just opposite, thai his employer, Mr. Mc- 
Gaw, inquired of him if he had been to breakfast 
He made rather an equivocal reply, saying that he ale 
three little shad before he started, In it did not 

it much of a breakfast for a man going to a .lay's work. 

The potato was not generally known to the earl) 

settlers. It was first introduced by men from Lon- 

dondern , who came here from that town and its value 

as an article of food was not unilcrst I , 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



yearsafterits introduction. Plummer Hadley's father 
raised one year three barrels, and i( was the wonder 
of the whole town what he was going to do with so 
many of them. This vegetable seems to have been 
introduced into New England by the Scotch-Irish, 
who settled in Londonderry. It is reported that one 
of these Bettlers gave a few tubers to a gentlemau of 
Andover, Mass., which he planted, and which grew 
in great luxuriance, producing halls. These hecooked 
in various ways, but could make nothing of them, and 
it was not until the spring, when the plough passed 
through the hills, that he discovered his mistake. 

The grandfather of Alfred Story made a carriage by 
cutting down a crotched tree, hewing the butt down 
to a spin', and pinning a few pieces across the forks to 
hold the meal-bags on, or other articles he might wish 
to transport through the woods. This answered a 

very g I purpose where there were no roads and 

many fallen trees to get over. After they built high- 
ways cart-wheels were made of the cut of some big 
log with a holi- in the centre dug out for the axle. 
Some men in town may remember seeing such. 

Game was very abundant in this region. Piscata- 
quog is said to signify a good place lor deer. Judge 
Potter, in his "History of Manchester," says that the 
( 'edar Swamp, situated in the east part of the town, was 
famous for deer, moose, bear and sometimes tin- cata- 
mount. Also the lynx, fisher, beaver, otter and a 
species of panther, called by the Indians luncasoux, 
of a bluish color, like the Maltese eat, wire found 
here. It still inhabits the deep forests of Canada, and 
is regarded as a very fierce animal. Several years ago 
John Gilchrist's sonsaw acatamount feeding upon one 
ofhis father's cows in the vicinity of the Yakem Hill. 
It was afterwards killed in tin- town ofLee, and when 
.-.■en at Manchester, after it was killed, it weighed one 
hundred and eighty pounds. It doubtless lived 
along the Uncanoonuck, Saddleback, Pawtuckaway 
and other mountain-. The young man who killed it 
was out hunting foxes; his dog drove it up a tree near 
his father's house. The hoy went up to the tree 
and saw the formidable animal, and immediately 
proceeded to his father, who was ploughing in a field 
near by, forhelp. The old mancouldnot believe that it 
wasanything larger than a house-eat and told the boy 
to stay and plough and he would go down with his 
goad-Stick and kill it. The boy besought his father to 
go with him far enough to know where he was if he 
got killed in the encounter, which hi- was fully deter- 
mined upon. This he consented to do, though all the 
time thinking his son's eyes had magnified the pro- 
portions of the animal. Armed with his double-bar- 
reled-gun, the boy approached very mar the tree, in 
the fork of which the catamount sat watching the dog, 
when it was attracted towards the young hunter by 
the breaking of a twig beneath his feet. It immedi- 
ately crouched for a spring; at that moment theboj 
fired, aiming between the eyes, and none too soon, for 
the leap of the catamount carried him within a few 



feet of the boy, and the way he made the leaves and 
brush fly, being blinded by the shot, convinced the 

old farmer that it would take something more than 
his goad-stick to quiet him. The other charge from 
the gun gave him his "quietus," as the first had pene- 
trated to thr brain through the eyes, both of which 
were put out, or he probably would have lived long 
enough to havedone mischief. People will remember 
the number of ,h.gs. calves and sheep killed about 
here that year. Two hounds near Charles Hadley's 
were killed while in pursuit of the catamount. 

The bears were very numerous in this vicinity in the 
days of the first settlors. Ebenezer Hadley, father of 
Captain Peter E. Hadley, who first settled upon what 
is now known as the Teal place, lost a lion weighing 
near three hundred pounds, and found it near 
Mr. Whitney's witli its shoulders eaten up by the 
bears. He afterwards moved upon the place where 
Charles Hadley lived, in 1859, and hearing on,- of his 
hogs squealing, he ran out, and found a bear trudging 
" off with it in his forepaws, and the hog squealing out 
foul play" with all his might. Within the recollec- 
tion of Captain Peter Hadley, thesheep -nil. -red from 
the ravenous wolves. A three-days' hunt was usually 
sufficient on the part of an ordinary hunterto supplj 
a whole neighborhood with deer, moose and bear- 
meat. It was remarked by an old gentleman, who 
died about 1850, that within his recollection there 
w.ie more deer ill the town of Wean- than then were 
sheep at the time he made the remark. 

It was upon the southern bank of the Piscataquog, 
about ten miles this side of New Boston village, in 
the twilight of a summer evening, nearly one hundred 
and eighty years ago, that the renowned warrior and 
hunter, doe Kn^lish. wa- resting after a weary day's 
hunting. His two long guns, elaborately ornamented 
With brass nails, and well loaded with three balls, were 
carefully plaeed away in the hollow of a free, which 
was still alive and growing, that they might be pro- 
tected from the dampness of the approaching night. 
Joe had not been upon good terms with his tribe, be- 
ing suspected by them of giving information to the 
whites of any hostile intention they might entertain, 
and they were determined to kill him, if possible. 
Something attracted Joe's attention and he discovered 

three Indians creeping U] him. Without a moment 

to spare, he setoff at the top of his speed for his 
stronghold upon a hill now known as Joe I uglish. 
With the quick wit of an Indian, finding the 
chances of escape against him. he slackened his pace 
until his pursuers were almost upon him, that they 
might become more eager in the pursuit, and SO he 
prolonged the chase until near the top, when he 
started off with great rapidity and his pursuers alter 
him, straining every nerve, hoping to take him alive. 
As Joe came upon the brink of the precipice (which 
every one has observed who has passed the southern 
side of the hill,) he leaped behind a jutting rock, and 
waited in breathless anxiety ; but a moment passed, 



COFFSTOWX. 



309 



and the hard breathing and measured, but light, foot- 
steps of his pursuers were heard, and another moment 
(with a screech) their dart tonus were foiling down 
that fearful declivity, to be left at its base food for the 
hungry wolves. Thenceforth the hill has been know n 
as "Joe English," and welldid his constant friendship 
to the English residents deserve so enduring a monu- 
ment. Joe was killed not long afterwards near Dun- 
stable, and the grandfather of Charles Ryder's wife, 
father of Deacon James ( lochran, Ion ml the guns many 
years afterwards in the same hollow tree, each loaded 
with three balls. They were kept in his family, and 
frequently used, and were esteemed excellent guns, 
and are still in New Boston, and were traced out afew 
years after by the writer. 

Joe English was the grandson of the sagamore of 
Agawam (now New Ipswich), whose name was Mascon- 
nomet. He came to his death while conducting 
Lieutenant Butterfield and wifeto Pawtucket (or Dun- 
stable), i he storj of w hose death is familiar to many of 

il Id inhabitants. Lieutenant Butterfield was the 

great-great-grandfather of T. R. Butterfield, and was 
a prominent man in his day both in war and in peace. 

A very large catamount was killed by a man named 
Parker upon a little stream just below Elnathan 
Whitney's. Parker was a hunter, and left the house 
of Mr. Carr, who lived therethen, ami waswalkingup 
ill. stream just before sundown ; it had become quite 

dark in the thick w Is, when he saw directly in his 

path a couple of very brilliant eyes. Without stopping 
to inquire to whom they belonged, he leveled his gun, 
fired and ran back to Mr. Carr's. The next morning 
he found the animal with a ball in hi* brain. Another 
was killed by Messrs. fatten and Walker, of Bedford, 
upon the west side of tin' Oncanoonuck, not a great 
waj from the residence of (he Widow Leach (1859). 
They were hunting, and their little cur dog drove one 
up a tree. As they approached the tree and discor- 
ded the character of their game. Walker says, " As I 
am thebest shot, I will lire first," which he did, and 
missed hi- mark. Patten waited for Walker to load, 
and then tired, hi inging the beast down badly wounded, 
when Walker terminated its life with his hatchet. 
Walker kept the tail as a trophy. 

The Kennedy family, who were among the first set- 
tler-, c: : from the garrison at Bedford, and cleared 

their farm, reluming every night tor tear of the In- 
dians. They built a small grist-mill, which would 
crack up a few bushels of corn ami rye every day, and 
which proved to be very convenient for the early set- 
tlers of this town. The stones of this mill lav in the 
brook upon Mcltougall's farm, ami are about two feet 
in diameter. They can .-.till be seen (1859) in the 
brook a little south of the new road running from 
Joseph McDoell's place to Richardson's, about the 
middleofthe Andrew McDougall farm. Judge Pot- 
ter tells this storj . "Nol long after the settlement of 
tin- town, General Stark, then plain .Mr. Stark, or 
Captain Stark, crossed the river from Derryfield, or 



.Manchester, with a friend from down below, as Boston 
was usually called, to hunt in the Cedar Swamp for 
deer. Stark stationed his friend in a good place, near 
the deer's run or path, and fearing he might be 
troubled with the 'buck ague ' a- the dog drove along 
the deer, he placed himself a short distance from him 
upon I he same run, so in case his friend should miss, 
he might have a shot himself, lie had but just got 
placed when he heard in a subdued voice, 'Stark! 
Stark! come here!' Stark, supposing that he had 
discovered a moose or deer, replied, ' What do you see?' 
'flic devil,' answered hi- friend, and immediately 
came the report of his gun. Stark rushed forward, 
and there, almost at the feet of his friend, lay a huge 

cata unt in the agonies of death, while his friend 

was deliberately loading his gun. Discovering the 
animal among the lowermost branches of a. tree, his 
lii tec eyeballs glaring, his tail lashing the limbs, he 

had called Stark to c • to his assistance. Startled 

at his voice, the catamount prepared to hap upon 
him ; but the hunter was in time, and placed a ball 
very handsomely between his eyes, notwithstanding 
which this powerful animal made a bound of thirty 
feet toward his intended victim. Upon viewing the 
scene, Stark thus expressed his satisfaction of bis 
friend's qualities as a hunter, 'Well. I guess you'll 
do!' " 

Building highways, encroachment upon the unap- 
propriated lands, the neglect of the committee chosen 
in 17o:2 to build tin' meeting-house were the princi- 
pal articles acted upon at the proprietors' meeting up 
to the year 1761, when George HI., by the grace of 
God, King, defender of the faith, etc., etc., by and with 
the advice of trusty and well-heloved Helming Went- 

worth, Esq., Governor and commander-in-chief of the 
province of New Hampshire, declared to be a town 
corporate, to have a continuance until the 25th day of 
March, 1763, to be known by the name of Goffstown. 
John I roffe, Esq., was appointed to call the first meet- 
ing, at which Alexander Walker was appointed town 
clerk, and held the office twenty-six successive years. 

John Goffe was the most renowned Indian hunter 
and lighter upon the frontier in his day. He was a 
man of marked character, and for sixty years was 
identified with all the stirring scenes of the most ex- 
citing period of our country's history. 

Stark, Rogers and Shute served under him through 
the Indian and French wars, and during the War of 
the Revolution be was almost constantly in the pub- 
lic service, and though the military teacher of such 
men as Stark, Rogers, Hazen ami Stevens, at Amos- 
keag, he resembled, in many respects, the brave Col- 
onel llavilaud. of the British army, who every Bab- 
bath held religious meetings in camp, and conducted 
them himself, ami whose soldiers were known as the 
"saints." Colonel Goffe frequently conducted relig- 
ion- n tings, and it is said of him that he wa- apt al 

exhortation and prayer. He wa- at Fort William 
Henrv, which surrendered to the French, where eighty 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



"lit oftwo hundred of the New Hampshire Regiment 
were murdered by the Indians, and where Thomas 
Campbell, William Caldwell and Josiah Wan-en, of 
New Boston, barely escaped with their lives, ami who 
celebrated their escape ever after during (heir life- 
time, meeting in turn e\ ery year at each other's houses. 

Rogers, the pupil ofGoffe, wasamosf unscrupulous 
charactei . « >hl Mr. Shirley used i<> relate an anecdote 
of him, illustrating this trait. Rogers, Stark ami 
Samuel Orr, of this town, were up in the vicinity of 
Baker's River (called by the Indians A.squamchu- 
mauk ; near by is Moosilauke, a place where moose 
live, according to the Indian dialect. John Patch, 
one of the first settlers of the town of Warrren, often 
ha<l twenty-five barrels of moose-meat in his cellar at 
a time), hunting, in time of peace, with the Indians. 

tine after] n, while the three (Rogers, Stark and 

Orr) were sitting in their camp, three Indians called 
upon them and remained with them until a little be- 
fore sundown, when they departed. Not long after 
they left, Stark and Orr missed Rogers, who was gone 
so long that they began to have apprehension of his 
safety ; but about midnight he returned and carelessly 
threw into one corner of the cabin the scalps of the 
three Indians, whom he had tracked and slain. Stark 
reproved him for killing these Indians in time of 
peace. " Oh! damn it!" says Rogers; •• there'll he war 
before another year ! " Rogers' father was mistaken 
for a hear, when approaching the camp of on.' Stin- 
son, somewhere in Montolonghny, a part of Dunbar- 
ton, and was killed, — the second man buried in tin- 
town of whom there is any record. 

The next meeting was warned to meet at the barn 
of .lames Carr. One of the articles in the warrant 
was to see how much money the town would raise to 
hire preaching. The whole amount of money assessed 
in 17HH was £1001! llf. >'><!., old tenor or old currency, 
one-half of which Job Kidder was to collect and Wil- 
liam McPoell the other half. 

The records of the town present up to this period 
the usual difficulties under which all new settlements 
labor before they get the machinery of government 
to operating well, and before they obtain the comforts 
of the older tow us. The most talked of seems to have 
been in Follansbee's not building a mill over Harry 
Brook. 

Samuel Richards proposed to build one overPiscat- 
aquog River, and leave a free passage for the fish. 
I!ut this proposition was not entertained, as it was 
believed it would hinder the lish from passing up, 
and thus destroy an important source of food. 

In fixing a location for a meeting-house, there 
seems to have been as much difficulty as in our time, 
showing that human nature is about the same in every 
age. They voted at first to have it built upon the 
south side of the river, — in the words of the record, 
"on the convenientest place in the crotch of the 
roads as they lead from the bridge to the Mast road." 
A protest was entiled against this in the loll,, wing 



November, signed by twenty individuals, on account 

of its being too far from the cent f I he settlement. 

'fhe location was finally agreed upon, and a vote 
taken to have it completed in one year. 

This was not carried into effect to the letter, for it 
was many years before the house was finished, and, 
long after, articles were in the town warrants for meet- 
ing "to see if the town will vote to sell any more pew- 
ground, and if they will appropriate the money from 
such sales towards finishing the house." In the sale of 
"pew-ground" probably we arc to understand that 
each purchaser may have such a portion of the floor, 
and build the pew himself; but concerning this we 
know not. 



('II A PTER I 1 . 

GOFFSTOWN ( Continued). 
W:,, of the Revolution First wi i the Town Voted '" Purchase 

S-T , m k ■ , I |„.,m!. i e,,|,|:ii,, J,, -|, ii, , \l.ntin - C,,ni|iMii\ Iii-M'..|ii 

mill I' Safety— List of Soldiers— Incidents of the War. 

THERE was an article ill the town warrant in 1774 
to see how much money the town will vote to hire a 
schoolmaster for the present year. Rut before the 
meeting the startling news of the battle at Lexing- 
ton had evidently reached this retired township, 
and it was voted to appropriate it to the purchase of 
a stock of gunpowder, ami to omit raising any money 
for schools or preaching. 

Three half- barrels of gun powder, two gross of Hints 
ami three hundred pounds of lead assigned to Thomas 
Shirley to purchase at Exeter, and a like quantity to 
Captain James Karr, at Cambridge. This was stored 
beneath the pulpit, or. as some understood it, in the 
big sounding-board over it. — the meeting-house being 
a central place of rendezvous, and perhaps to obey to 
the letter the old Puritanic injuction, which was to 
" ( (luv t rod ami keep your powder dry." 

When the news of this battle reached Goffstown it 
spread like wildfire among the settlers. Almost to a 
man, they left their implements of husbandry wher- 
ever they happened to be using them, and hurried 
to the place of rendezvous, and a company under 
Captain Joshua Martin was speedily enrolled and 
marched to the seat of war. 

In a neighborhood about four miles from here, con- 
sisting of three families, three men were engaged in 
hauling and piling wood upon a piece id' burned 
ground, when a messenger brought the news of the 
battle. The three started immediately to their houses 
for their guns. The wives of two of the men seized 
hold of them in their anxiety and besought them not 
to go. "Oh!" said the men, " we must defend you 
at a distance; it won't do to let the British come 
here." They had but one horse between them to 
carry their provisions, and upon which, as they be- 
came tired, to ride occasionally. In the evening after 
their departure these women met at the house of 



GOFFSTOWN. 



Mrs. Campbell, the most resolute of the three (the 

great grand ther of Hamilton Campbell); verysoon 

there was weeping. "Oh! we shall never see them 
again; thej will all be killed." "Pooh!" said Mrs. 
Campbell;"] would uo1 care what the devil became 
of them, if they had only left the old mare." This 
raised a laugh, as well as their spirits. 

The females partook largely of the Revolutionary 
spirit . and Goffstown ladies cast bullets and made 
cartridges, and were always distinguished for habits 
of industry. Rarely would cue enter a house without 
hearing the hum of the spinning-wheel or the stroke 
of the loom. All articles of clothing were of domestic 
manufacture. The wool and flax wen' grown, carded, 
spun, woven, colored and made into garments at 
home. To use foreign goods was considered ex- 
travagance. For several years their clothes were not 
even fulled. 

In 1775, Alexander Walker, Captain .lames Karr 
and Captain Alexander Todd were chosen, with the 
selectmen, a Committee of Safety, as recommended by 
the Continental Congress, convened at Exeter. In 
1776, James Eaton, Enoch Sawyer, Captain Joseph 
Little, Moses Wells and Joshua Buswell constituted 
this committee. In the following year the town was 
canvassed by Samuel Richards, Joshua Martin and 
Thomas Shirley, to ascertain what each man had 
done in the Continental service in the war. It was 
voted this same year that the selectmen provide a 
stock of gunpowder, lead and flints. A motion was 
also made to have the selectmen ascertain what had 
become of the guns taken by this town of the State, 
and stopped at Cambridge by order of General 
Washington; but the motion .lid not prevail, suppos- 
ing that they were in good hands, and doing good 
service tor the cause. It was also voted to pay Amos 
Richards and Samuel Carr for taking two deserters to 
Londonderry, and also to pay Samuel Kennedy for 
pork he let the men have who went to Concord 
battle. Samuel Blodgett presented bis bill to the 
town this year for services as selectman, amounting to 
fifty pounds, and for four hundred and eighty-two 
miles travel, and for removing several families sick of 
small-pox,— all of which be begged the town to ac- 
cept. Quite a liberal present. 

In 1778 there was an article in the town warrant, 
"To see what course the town would take to procure 
four men for the Continental service." A committee 
was appointed to procure four men or go themselves. 
This vote was subsequently reconsidered, the com- 
mittee not liking this summary manner of enlistment, 
and Moses Little, Alexander Gilchrist and Robert 
McGregor were chosen a committee to canvass the 
town again, and see what each inhabitant bail done, 
and appraise it a1 its true value, in order that a proper 
ami just assessment might be made for any future 
service called for. 

Goffstown furnished its full quota of soldiers to the 
Continental army. 



The following is nearly a correct list of their names 
There may he a few omissions, but it is tie l„ I rei 

ord that can I blamed, and probably the most 

accurate. Those marked with a star | I w< re killei 
or died in the service : 



I, I,. i. I i ob Sargent, 
cli i> usually fatal) ;i 



>f di 



lllo-e 



Thirteen were killed or diei 
vice. Many of them return 
though honorable, wounds. 

Colonel Moses Kelley tnustt 
into sen ice, and was out a short time himself. 
Several were at the battle of Bunker Hill and a 
number continued through the war. Captain 
Eliphalet Richards, then a boy of seventeen, .Vat ban 
llawcs, not quite fifteen, Amos Richards, Robert 
Spear, Charles Sargent, Reuben Kemp, Samuel 
Remick, Samuel Dunlap, William Houston and John 
Butterfield were at Bennington. Butterfield bad seen 
sen ice iii both wars and was a resolute soldier. The 

others leaned upon him for support and encourage- 
ment. Mr. Richards related that at the battle of 
Bennington they were marched up to where the 
Hessians were entrenched, and, like all frontierinen, 
took to a tree as a protection against the bullets, and 
commenced tiring at the heads of the enemy, when- 
ever they raised them over the logs. There were -is 
of the Goffstown boys behind a tree, and Hawes was 
squatting in a hollow in the ground, made by the up- 
rooting of a tree, loading and tiring as fast as be 
could; but very soon the enemy's bullets began I" 
cut the twigs and leaves all around him, when he 
leaped up, exclaiming, " Condemn it, Life, I can't stand 

this," and got behind the tree; but in a moment an 
officer rode up and ordered them to ,-li,ir ! /<; so, with a 
shout, they rushed forward, Butterfield leading. The 
enemy lied, and in the charge the GoffstowD boys got 

separated. 

Rid 1-. in leaping the breast-work, saw a much 



history of im,i,si;oKoroi] pointy, may Hampshire 



better gun than the one he carried lying beside a dead 
Hessian, which hi exchanged for his own, and cai 
ried it through the remainder of the battle, and took 
it home with him, and afterwards sold it to some shoe- 
maker then living in town, forever after regretting 
thai he had not kept it ;i- a memorial of the fight. 
Rii hards and CharlesSargent kept together, and when 
following the retreating Hessians, one of their bag- 
ed uear them ; they both drew up 
and fired, and one of the horses dropped dead; the 
driver immediately jumped down, cut it loose and 
drove on. "If,"said Mr.Richards," Butterfield hadbeen 
with us, we should ha, e captured the wagon ; but we 
were both young and stopped to load our guns before 
rushing on." Hawes kept with Butterfield, and in 

going through the woods eanie suddenly u] three 

stalwart FIis-i:i u-. -j i i in in their tall bearskin caps ; 
Hawes thought it was all up with him and began to 
cry; Butterfield motioned them to throw down their 
gnus and surrender, when, no sooner were their guns 
thrown down, than Hawes drew a bead upon one of 
i hem and let drive ; but Butterfield caught the motion 
in tinie.and knocked the muzzle of his gun up, and 
the bullet passed harmlessly over the Hessian's head, 
who expressed his satisfaction with many grimaces, 
imitating Hawes and the way Butterfield saved him, 
which afterward afforded merriment to the boys from 
this town when seated in the evening around their 
camp-fire. They would make the Hessian, a- everj 
" i a dropped in, go through with his descrip- 
tion of the manner in which Butterfield saved him 
from I law es' bullet. 

Previous to this battle Stark had become disgusted 
with his treatment by Congress, and as New Hamp- 
shire sj mpal hi/rd with him, at the time < !ongress re- 
ceived the news of the battle it was about reading 
this State out of the Union. Of course there was a 
'"bout face," and each member started upon the 
" double quick" with his nose for the back track. 
Thus the hoys of < toffstown participated in one of the 
most important engagement.- which took place during 
the war. previous to which the tide of battle was 
flowing disastrouslj to the American arms. Burgoyne, 
with an army often thousand veteran troops, boasted 
of his ability to march through thecentre of our pos- 
sessions and form a jum tion with the southern depart- 
nt under ( Jornwallis. So sanguine were the Brit- 
ish officers of this that shortly alter the affair at 
Hubbardstown, General Frazei said to three Amen 
can officers, prisoners of war, who were embarrassed 
with their Continental money. " Here," pulling out a 
handful of guineas, " take what you choose ; give me 
yournote; I trust to your honor to pay me at Albany, 
tor we shall probably overrun your countrj and 1 
shall meet you there." They took, upon these condi- 
tions, three guineas each. This was before the battle 
of Bennington. Not long after, < (ctober 7. 1777, this 
same General Frazer was opposed to the American 
Rifles, under Morgan, who could never endure a defeat. 



It was in vain that Morgan drove him from one posi- 
tion to another; Frazer, upon his iron gray Steed, was 
forever rallying them and bringing them back to the 
front. Morgan became excessively chafed, as he was 
wont to be when victory long remained doubtful, and 
seeing, as he did, that it was only through the power- 
ful influence which the officer upon the iron gray 
e\crci-cd over them that the British soldiers could be 
brought hack to face the deadly shots of the Ameri- 
can Rifles, he suffered himself, in the heat of the 
combat, to give an order, which no one in his cooler 
moments regretted more than himself. Riding up to 
three of his best shots, he exclaimed, pointing to the 
officer upon the iron gray. "Do you see that olh- 
cer '.' " " Yes." " Well, don't let me see him much lon- 
ger; the success of the American arms is of more con- 
sequence than anyone man's life." The three riflemen 
sprang lightly into the lowermost branches of a tree, 
and as the tide of battle flowed in their direction, the 
three rifle-shots were heard, and Frazer. the brave and 
generous soldier, rides never more the iron graj to 
battle. 

"The lightning may tl.eh ami the Uiuiate! no\ i hi I . 
Bi l" i I- not, he In m - " : . h. - free from alt pain. 

ii- Let -1. ,-),. h. ha.. f..u-lit In- I. el hnttl.- ; 
Xm -..mil. an :iu:ilv till l 

The British grenadiers immediately broke after the 
fall ei their leader, and fled to their entrenched camp. 
The notes were never paid. The battles upon the 
plains of Saratoga soon followed, and that army of 
ten thousand veteran soldier-, under the most ac- 
complished general of the age. surrendered to tin 
American General (dates. — a result which the 
battle of Bennington led directly to. and. indeed, so 
much spirit did it infuse into the breasts of the de- 
sponding patriots that it was little else, ever alter, but 
one series of victories. 

The American anas triumphed, and to Stark and 
his brave New Hampshire boys forever rests the 
h ■ of beating back, ai Bennington, the first re- 
fluent wave of the Revolution, which shortly left us 
upon the high ground of Liberty and Union. 

Ensign Jesse Karr, whose father first settled the 
Elnathan Whitney farm, died of small-pox at Crown 
Point. ( )nc of the old inhabitants, Mr. Shirley, used 
to say that Karr was the best built man ill town, that 

he was a fine-looking soldier, and expected home, to 

be married to a young woman, on the very da> thai 

they received the news of his death. The young 
ml i"i s,,o Jied here in our midst at a 
very advanced age. Weeping in her old age, as she 
was wont to in her youth, the untimely fate of the 
young ensign, and though she had frequent offers of 
marriage as her family was of the best in town — in 
her younger days, she refused tnem all, and died 
faithful to her first affection. 

'* Xol would in' i I. 

Ker any It-art el li\iii L ' M : 

\n !. i ill. . i_i- chaDgi in- plume, 



(lOFFSTOWN. 



The leaf it- hue, the Bowel its bloom, 
liui tiesaround hei hoai t were spun 

'I'll;. I ■ . .iiIl! n,,t. wmiiIiI not In- tin. lull. ■." 

Collins Eatou and Andrew Newell were killed in 
passing through a place called the "Cedars," some- 
where in New Jersey. They were killed by the 
Indians, who had secreted themselves in tin- trees. 
Collins Eaton lived in the Deacon Ephraim Warren 
bouse. Eleazer Emerson was killed at the evacuation 
of Ticonderoga. Some one saw him by the roadside 
with liis leg broken. 

Joshua Martin was a soldierin the French war, and 
also served during the War of the Revolution. He 
was a member of a company of Rangers, under the 
celebrated Captain Rogers, in the old war, ami in an 
attack from a party of French ami [ndians near Lake 
( !hamplain, January 21, 17o7, was badly wounded in 

Rogers and Stark hail a gnat many wounded in this 
action, and killed of the enemy one hundred and 
twelve, beside taking manj prisoners. On their retreat 
lo Fort William Henry, while crossing the first nar- 
rows of Lake George, and just as the sleighs had come 
to their relief from the fort, they wen- looking back 
upon the ice, ami observing something black following 
I hem at a distance, supposing it might he one of their 
stragglers, a sleigh was sent hack for him; it proved 
io in Joshua Martin, of Goffstown, the grandfather of 
the present Joshua Martin (1859). His hip-joint had 
been shattered by a shot which passed through his 
body also, being in a crouching position when it was 
received. He was left for dead on the field of battle, 
hut had revived and followed his comrades' tracks to 
the lake, ami after that kept in sight of them. He 
was so exhausted that he sank down the moment the 
relief reached him. He was taken to the foil, recov- 
ered of his wound, served through the war ami died 
at an advanced age. His escape seemed providential. 
On the night of their retreat the Rangers made a 
circuit to avoid a large fire in the woods, supposing it 
to ha\ e been made by the Indians, not being in a con- 
dition to renew the fight. This detour caused them 
to lose time, so that .Martin, who had kindled the tire 
to warm himself, was enabled to follow and get in 
sight of them on the lake; otherwise he mn-i have 
perished. 

Joshua Martin was a son of one of the earliest set- 
tlers of this town. They were originally from what 
was called Earrytown, and had a ferry across the 
Merrimack River, known now as Martin's ferrj 1 1 is 
lather died when he was young, and hi- mother used 
to run the ferry-boat herself, and could manage it 
very well. Joshua and his older brothers obtained 
their support principally by hunting ami fishing. It 
is related thai I he b»j a once wenl up the brook upon 
the east side of the river in a deep snow, in hopes of 
finding some deer yarded in the swamp nearthe head 
of the I nook, taking no other weapon than an ordinary 
chopping axe. Upon entering the swamp the; met 



with a large track of some find of an animal, and, fol- 
low cl il up : iii a -li.nl I imc tbej cam.' upon acata- 

nut beneath a hemlock-tree, gnawing at a deer ii 

had just slain. Instead of running at the i'm-i sighl 
of the animal, they determined to attack it. The ani- 
mal showed no intention of leaving its breakfast, ami 
no signs of being disturbed, save an occasional whisk 
of its tail upon the snow. The 3 omul' 111.11, after some 

consultation and some signs of fear u | I he pari o| lie 

younger, commenced operations. The younger with 
a club made a feinl of attacking the animal in front, 

while the other with his axe crept up in the rear of 
the catamount, which kept busily gnawing the hones 
of the deer with more fierceness, and, a I intervals, as 
they approached, he lashed the snow with hi- 'ail. and 
throwing it in the air as if stirred by a fierce wind, 
a I the same time giving vent in a low, deep growl, still 
gnawing at the dead deer, when the oldest hoy dealt 
it a blow with his axe, breaking its hack-hone, ami 
Joshua dealt it some vigorous blows with his club, 
which soon dispatched it, when it was hauled home 
in triumph. 

Joshua was quite a lad then. He had often heard 
his brothers relate tales of hunting and adventure 
exhibiting their courage, and before he was fairly in 
his teens he told his mother that he would like to see 
a bear. "Pooh!" said his mother, " you would run 
at the sight of one." " I guess not, mother," the boj 
would say. So, one evening, to test Joshua's courage, 
she threw a bearskin over her, and, imitating as well 
as she could the rolling gait of (he hear, she hurst into 
the house, and by the dim firelight looked for all the 
world like a veritable hear. Joshua was a good deal 
surprised, as well he might be ; but seizing a pitch 
pine knot, with one crack he laid the old woman out 
as stiff as a maggot. She ever afterwards had a pretty 
g I opinion of Joshua's courage. 



r II A I'T I'. It I 



ioKKSToWN — ( i'„„i,„,,. ;!,. 



The inhabitants of Goffstown have tn ver been dis 
tinguished for their attachment to educational interests 
among themselves, or in the community at large. We 
can show a much lamer list of graduates from the 
hi Iv battle-fields of the Revolution and the sub- 
sequent wars than from any institution of learning 

The first money designed to he appropriated to the 
employment of a school-teacher was u>ii\ for the 
purchase of gunpowder and lead, and we havi often 
thought that the boj - of the pi esenl time would be 
the last to find fault if such a disposition of it now 
should he made. This is wrong; there is in. .,,,,.1 
reason why Goffstown should be behind other towns 



314 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



in tlie list cit' her educated men. We have material 
enough, keen, shrewd and active minds; all that is 
wanted is encouragement and opportunity. The early 
settlers, in carrying "ii their lumbering operations, 
needed all of the help they could muster, and when 
hunting in the fall they must take the boys with them, 
so that they seldom saw the inside of a school-house, 
and Dillworth's spelling-book looked more formidable 
tn them than the black bear or tawny catamount. 
These boys grew to manhood, practical men, without 
fully comprehending the advantages of education, 
ami considered that they were discharging their whole 
duty to their children by giving them a little better 
opportunity tor education than they enjoyed them- 
selves. 

Yet, notwithstanding these disadvantages, the gen- 
eration of which we are speaking presents some ex 
amples of a most extraordinary business talent. In 
fact, tin enterprise and business, the men of < roftstown 
have always occupied the front rank. They look al- 
ways to the main chance and the shortest cut to 
reach it. Pretension, show and charlatanry never 
prevailed here. This distrust of the utility of new 
things, though mainly a praiseworthy trait, has some- 
times in our history afforded considerable amusement. 
There are people now living who remember how 

those opposed to the innovation of having the meet- 

ing-house warmed by a stove perspired on tin- first Sab- 
bath after it was put up, ami how rapidly tiny cooled 
off when they discovered then- hail been no fire 
kindled in it during tin- day, and the stove had never 
been connected with the funnel. Before this fart was 
known tiny became so heated ami were so sleepy 
that the preaehi ng did llieni nog 1. It was amusing 

to see the martyrdom they endured wiping the sweat 

from their faces. 

The epidemic of the Salem witchcraft barely entered 

the town. There were arrests made of two women for 

bewitching two men. One was tried before Esq. Mc- 
Gregor and the other before Dr. Gove and Esq. Dow. 
Both, to the honorof the intelligent magistrates, were 
acquitted. 

Robert Met fregor, son of the Rev. David Met Iregor, 
of Londonderry, settled in Gofistown in 1777. He 
volunteered his services and joined the troops must- 
ered in New Hampshire under the command of Gen- 
eral Stark, and was appointed his aid-de-camp, which 
office he filled at the surrender of Burgoyne. He was 
vi i\ energetic as a merchant and businessman. He 
was proprietor and projector of the first bridge which 
crossed the Merrimack River on the site now occupied 
bj the Old Central I. ridge. 

Many in those days were incredulous as to the 
practicability of the enterprise. Among these was 
his neighbor, John Stark, » ho li\ ed upon the opposite 
bank of the river, who remarked to him, "Well, 
Robert, you may succeed, but when the first passenger 
crosses I shall be ready to die " 

In sixty-five days, however, from the time when 



the first stick of timber was felled in the forest, the 
bridge was opened for passengers, and the general 
lived for many years to cross and recrOSS it. 

It was called McGregor's bridge. McGregor was 
one of the original proprietors ami directors of the 
Amoskeag Canal, of which Samuel Blodgett. another 
of the celebrities of Gofistown, was the projector, 
which was one of the earliest works of the kind in 
this country. McGregor resided in Gofistown many 
years, and his farm on the Merrimack embraced a 
large portion of the land and water-power now owned 
by the Amoskeag Manufacturing Company. 

Among the most distinguished of the early settlers 
of this town were Samuel Blodgett, Moses Kelley, 
Colonel Goffe, Samuel Richards, Asa Pattee, John 
Butterfield, Thomas Shirley, .lames Karr, Matthew 
Kennedy, Joshua Martin, William McDoell and the 
Poors. There was a Mr. Worthley who was one of 
the first settlers, and lived near where David A. 
Parker afterward lived, near the cove, so called, but 
was driven off bj the Indians. He afterward returned 
and was again disturbed, and moved to Weare, and 
settled near the Cold Spring, ami is buried with his 
wife near there. 

The following is a list of the lawyers who have 
resided and practiced law here : 

John Gove, graduated al Dart ath College in 1792, read law with 

\\ Mil. mi Onnli.li an. I [.I i, -In 'e'l li< H' mail Wi:: 

lli-iu. i- .l:i -'ii. -i uluateil .it liaitinnuth 17'iT. ieit'1 law with .l.jlm 

Harris ami practiced law here until lsi3. 
Jonathan Aiken, graduated at Dartmouth (Villi'-.- 1st::, read law with 

I -i.,li I "i-.Htli anil pruitiieil until I- > 

. I., -mil li.isaitli. graduated at Dartmouth College, read law with .1 B. 

1 pi, mi ami lali I.I '1 until \SS.i. 

David Steele, -i ailn.it. -.1 at Hut i. mm h i nil. .»i. 1.- is, ami practiced Ian 
here until hi* death. 

John H. Slack, graduatedai Dartmouth Colli i L814; here a short 

Charles I Gove, graduated at Dartmouth College 1817, practiced law 
here until [839, and read law with J. Forsaith and at Hi D I 
School. 

Samuel Butterfield. 

George w Morrison, readlawwith IV West, Jr., commenced practice 
i 1839 



.!,,l, i, sinli, i.-ail law with his father ami ii.ininem ,-,l |,i.„li, . villi 

|,,,,l III 1SI.1. et,l .-l .-I tin- New llalllHlile I'aKlllW ill 1 Ml: I, ,,T \ e.l thlUUgU 
the wal a- Iii-t lieutenant, retlirm-.l at til.- i lu-e >>l the win and died in 

There have been for physicians : Dr. Webster, Dr. 
Cushing, Dr. Jonathan Cove, I >r. David L.Morrill, 
lirs. John ami Ebenezer Stevens, Dr. Walkers, Dr. 
Wrights, Dr. Renolds, Dr. Crosby, /ilia Adams, Drs. 
Daniel ami John Little, Dr. Flanders, Dr. Carr, Dr. 
Ncwhall, Dr. Charles F. George and Dr. Frank 
Blaisdell. 

I >r. ( oive was considered to he the first physician in 
this section of the State. Dr. Morrill was Senator of 
Congress and Governor of the State, also a minister 
of the gospel, ami altogether a man of talent. 

Perhaps one of the most distinguished of the early 
settlers of the town was Samuel Blodgett, who, in 
many respects, was a remarkable man. 1 



; s,. e Hhl-n nf .Manchester 



(iOI-KriTOWN. 



315 



The first settlers of Goffstown were very industrious 
in their habits ; they had im public amusements, but 
when it was convenient they used to asserableat each 

other's houses and havea social meal and a g 1 time 

discussing the news which each one had picked Up, 
as there were no newspapers then. Every member of 
the family attended these gatherings, the children 
amusing themselves with games suitable I" I heir ages, 
the mothers taking care of the youngest, ami in the 
mean time plying the knitting-needles or sewing, and 
sometimes, when much hurried, bringing the cotton 
and wool cards with them, while the men usually 
made their appearance about lour or half-past four 
o'clock, and at live o'clock all partook, after invoking 
the Divine blessing, of a bountiful supper, which the 
good housewife had previously prepared. 

Now, a supper in those days was a pretty substantial 
meal and was usually given the first of winter. First, 
early in the day, a big spare-rib was hung by a stout 
string before the blazing fire, and properly turned and 
basted by one of the younger girls, until it vvasbeauti- 
t lly browned and cooked through to an "iota, 1 nol 
a particle of it charred or scorched, when, meeting the 
mother's approval, it was removed to a convenient 
place to await the time for setting the table; then, with 
some steaming hof potatoes and gravy, the first course 
was ready. 

Potatoes were considered quite a " nobby " dish in 
those early days, few families having them, the brown 
loaf being the usual substitute, and was seldom miss- 
ing from the table, even after potatoes became 
abundant. 

The second course was a monstrous chicken-pie, 

upon the making of which all the g 1 housewife's 

culinary skill had been exhausted. As large a milk- 
pan as could possibly be crowded into the mouth of 
the oven was covered with a crust, made out of home- 
made wheat-flour finely sifted as possible, which, with 
plenty of butter, was made nice and (laky. Covering 
the bottom of the pan first, then filling in the chickens 
properly cut up and duly moistened, salted and but- 
tered, a top crust was adjusted; a second and third 
one followed, each a little less in diameter than the 
first; then a row of stars and hearts, artistically or- 
namented with a trunk key, the centre of the crusl 
having a hole sufficient for the escape of the extra 
-team and moisture, and altogether giving forth such 
an appetizing odor, when removed from the oven to 
the table, that no1 a man or woman of them all 
refused to have their square wooden trenchers (which 
were used instead of plates as now) bountifully filled 

up with chicken-pie, and all pronounced it d< lie 3, 

"just the nicest and most flaky crust they ever did 
see." And our ancestors did not fib. 

How they ever managed to find room for the 
pudding, which succeeded the chicken-pie in regular 
order, must be set down as one of the lost arts, which 
has never been transmitted down to us dyspeptics of 
the nineteenth century; but the truth of history 



obliges us to state that not one of the guests present 
refused to have their trenchers tilled with I lie 

pudding, and to have a cup of tea, which, Aunt 

lluldah affirmed, was made strong enough to bear a 

Hat-iron up. This tea, which was not an every-day 
luxury, had the effecl to loosen eery tongue, and 

conversation never flagged until the clock struck 
nine, which was the usual time for starting home. 
"Then there was gathering in hot-haste the steed," 
and each one was soon on the way home, pronouncing 
it a delightful time. 

But such a bountiful repast was not always pro- 
vided. \n old man many, many years ago related 
that a play-mate of his father's younger days 
came to hi- lather once much excited, exclaiming, 
"Charlie! you must come over to suppi 
bouse to-night; we are going to have the best supper 

you ever heard of." "What can it be'.'" said Charlie ; 
"do tell us right away." " Rye-doughnuts, fried in 
hiii|iie\ eel urease, by erackee; wdiat do you say to 
that?" "I'll be there," said Charlie. And sure 
enough, with the maple molasses to dip them in, it 
was no small job to fry them as fast as a half-dozen 
big, hungry boys could make way with them. 



(.'II Al'TER IV. 



iiOFFsTOWX-|r,„ 



I ■ - I.I si SSTIl U IIISTOIIV. 



Ii (Epis 

Congregational Church. '—This town was settled 
in 1741 or 1742, and was chartered June 17, 1761. The 
people at that time were, as in all New England towns, 
a church-going people. It was considered disrepu- 
table to be habitually absent from Divine service on 
the Sabbath. Accordingly, we find that as S00D as 

possible after receiving their charter, measures were 
taken to secure the ministrations of the gospel. At 
the first annual town-meeting, held at the barn of 
Thomas Carr (where the meetings were convened for 
many years), it was "Voted, that one hundred pounds 
lie raised for preaching," and Deacon Thomas Karr 
and Asa Pattee were appointed a committee to expend 
it. It was also " Voted, that half the preaching be at 
James Kan's and the other half at John Smith's." 
It is probable that all the public religious services of 
thai daj were held in barns, as we find by a vote in 
March, 1763, that it was the will of the town that the 
preaching for that year be at James Kan's barn. At 
the same meeting one hundred pounds was appro- 
priated for preaching. At theannual meeting March 
5, 1764, three hundred pounds was appropriated, and it 
was " Voted that two hundred pounds be preached 



i Contributed l.y R.v. Samm-l v. Or..nl.l. Mm' ran .,f i 
Iiri-achcil I'V linn in i.-.n-tuwii, Jul'. 



316 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY. NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



out at John Smith's, and the other one hundred 
thereof be equally divided on each side of the Piscat- 
aquog River." The next year the same amount was 
appropriated, bul the services were all to be held "at 
Thomas Kan's barn." In 1700 the amount voted for 
preaching was reduced to one hunched and fifty 
pounds, and the selectmen were instructed to expend 
it. In 1707 only nine pounds was voted for this 
purpose, bul as three pounds was all that was raised 
for town charges, it is probable that the difference 
was owing to the shrinkage of the currency. Two 
somewhat curious votes stand side by side in connec- 
tion with the annual meeting of this year, which will 
serve to show the changes time and truth have 
wrought. The one is "that the town support no 
school this year;" the other, that it "pay tor the 
rum used at the bridge by the Mast fordway." 

It will have been observed that the town, rather 
than individuals, supported public worship at this 
time. The towns also erected the meeting-houses. 
The Congregationalists were the "standing order," 
and so all the tax-payers, lor many years, contributed 
to the support of this denomination. There was a 
provision, however, by which those conscientiously 
opposed to this order, and in favor of some other, 
could be released by the selectmen, in which cases 
their taxes went to support the denomination to 
which they were attached. There were many Pres- 
byterians, some Anabaptists, as they were called, 
and a few Episcopalians, that in this manner were 
released from supporting the ( 'ongrcjat iou.ilists. I'.ut 
all voters must pay their proportion towards the sup- 
port of some religious worship, and for many years 
the town as-osed and collected all moneys expended 
for this object. Various sums were yearly voted 
by the town for this purpose, until the formation of a 
church and the settlement of a pastor, when the sum 
was usually voted by the church, but assessed and 
collected by the town. 

The Congregational Church was organized < Ictober 
30, 1771. Its records for the first ten years of its 
existence were destroyed by fire many years -m i 
it is impossible to give its strength or say very much 
about it for that time. The names of eighteen per- 
son-, incidentally mentioned, who must have been 
members, have been culled from the subsequent rec- 
ords; ami, as most of these are name- of men, it is 
sate io presume that more than fifty must have been 
added to the church during this period. 

It is probable that a Presbyterian Church or society 
was formed very soon after, for in an old record-book 
of the Londonderry Presbytery, lost for many years, 
but recently discovered in one of the antiquarian 
book-stores of Boston, is this record from the minutes 
of a meeting held at Newburyport, Mass., May 13, 
177:!: " Ordered that a certificate be delivered to the 
Presbyterian society of < ioH'-town. manifesting their 
Vicing under the care of this Presbytery." The 
Presbyterians held a service, more or less, every year 



in private houses ami barns, but never had a meeting- 
house nor a settled minister, although a certain Mr. 
Pidgin preached for them some time. Very little can 
be ascertained in regard to this church. In the 
town records, under date of April 10, 1781, fifty-six 
names of males are appended to a declaration that 
I ley ate Presbyterians. It is possible that not until 
this year did they become a separate legal parish, 
thoii-h relieved from paying "rates" in 1773. 

From the beginning there were some Anabaptists, 
as they were then called, " whose parish rates." at 
their request, were applied tothesupporl of Baptisl 
preaching at Hopkinton, where they attended till 
1793. During this year a church of this order was 
formed in town, though it had hardly more than a 
name to live until it was reorganized in 1820. They 
were without a house of worship till 1834, when the 
present structure was erected. 

There were also a very few Episcopalians, whose 
parish rates were applied at Newburyport, Mass. 
How often these persons worshiped in that place we 
have no means of knowing, but they hardly could 

have g i so far more than once or twice in a year. 

The town records have this entry under date ot March 
7, 1791,— "This certifies that Captain John Butter- 
field hath joined the Episcopal Society in Goffstown, 
and means to support the gospel in that mode of wor- 
ship. (Signed), John Smith, John Clogston, War- 
dens." Under date of March 4. 1793, is this record,— 

'■lie- in. iv .-.-i-tit"\ all l.cp...i>, wli..in it may n.i,. -Ml that Mr. Enoch 

Eaton, i m-t..\w,. ]n .t liim-.'l! ii I ..■ a member oi the Epia opal 

' :nun h, now en : [ in said town, and ina helped to m I ti 

in tli.it line for - | st, - m\ i< - band John Di w John 

Butterfleld, John Smith, W ill sni SI Di ng il, Wardens." 



From this it would appear that there was at that time 
an Episcopal Church or society in this town, but I 
have been unable to discover other evidence of it. 

As early as 1766 the inhabitants began to move for 
the building of a place of worship. At a town-meeting 
held September 29th of this year, it was " I"../,,/, that 
the meeting-house be built on the south side of the 
river on the convenientesf place in the crotch of the 
roads a, they lead from the bridge to the Mast road." 
This is very mar where the Baptist Church now 
stands. It was also " Voted, that the house be forty- 
four feet long, thirty-eight feet wide and twenty-two 
feet post," and that "it be raised, boarded and 
shingled by the first day of October next." But the 
question of the two sides of the river disturbed our 
fathers, as it litis their children, and the opposition to 
this vote was so strong that the committee did 
nothing. The town was also about evenly divided 
upon another question. The settlers on the north 
side of the river were mostly Congregationalists ; those 
on the south side were mainly Presbyterians. The 
latter, in getting a vote to build on their side of the 
river, gained a temporary triumph. Put the votes 
were soon rescinded. The next July the town voted 
to build a smaller house "near Deacon Kan's shop," 
which vote was rescinded at the following March 



IIOFF8T0WN. 



317 



meeting in 1768. But our lathers evidently were be- 
coming wearied with this contention, and so at this 
meeting fixed upon the location, and empowered 
Samuel Richards, Km»ii Page, William McDoell, 
Asa Pattee, Joshua Martin, Job Rowell and Thomas 
Karr to build the house "according to their own 
mind." 

On the 27th of April, 1768, the house, which most 
of us remember, standing near the school-house at the 
Center, and which was taken down in 1869, was 
raised. It was not completed tor several years. Vari- 
ous sums were appropriated from year to year for this 
purpose. It was occupied as a place of worship as 
soon as shingled and hoarded. In August, 1769, the 
" pew-ground " in the body of the building was sold 
at a •' vendue," and the avails were used toward com- 
pleting the house. The names of the purchasers at 
that time were Samuel Blodgett, William Gilchrist, 
Robert < tilmore, Captain James Karr, Deacon Thomas 
Karr, Job Kidder, Joseph Little, Captain John Mack, 
Daniel McFarland, Samuel McFarland, Asa Pattee, 
Samuel Richards, Benjamin Stevens and Moms Wells. 
The ■' vendue " occupied two days, and was probably 
accompanied with considerable discussion. Others 
afterwards secured " pew-ground," until most of the 
body of the church was sold. 

The second house of worship in town was erected 
in 1815 and 1816, and was dedicated July 3, 1816, 
Rev. John H. Church, D.D., of Pelham, preaching 
the sermon. It stood upon or very near the present 
site of Mr. Samuel M. Christie's house. It was quite 
a large building, with galleries on three sides, and 
had a bell. After its erection services were held in 
this house two-thirds of the time, the other third 
being in the old house at the Center. In 1845 it was 
taken down and moved away. 

The third meeting-house was built in 1838, which 
was the one occupied by the Methodists, and which 
was struck by lightning and burned a few years since. 
The old meeting-house had becomequite dilapidated 
and uncomfortable, and a new one, upon which the 
town should have no claim, was very much needed. 
Besides this, there was a feeling on the part of those 
living in the Center and east part of the town that 
they were not receiving so many privileges as the west 
village, a large part of the preaching being at the 
latter place. They were also hoping to form a parish 
of their own, and so have sanctuary privileges every 
Sabbath. Their desires, however, were not realized, 
and in 1842 the house was sold to parties by whom 
the Methodist Church u;i- organized. 

During the pastorate of Rev. Isaac Willey, and 
largely through his influence, the present house of 
worship was erected, at acost of about two thousand five 
hundred dollars. 1 It was dedicated in October, 1845, 
from which time all the Sabbath services were held in 



this house. Its seating capacity was increased in lSt!9 
by the addition of twent\ -eight pews. 

A parsonage, costing, complete, about two I bousand 
seven hundred dollars, was built in 1870, and a 
chapel or vestry, for the social meetings of the church, 
was erected in 1875, at an expense of two thousand 
seven hundred and fifty dollars. 

Having spoken of the houses of worship, we natur- 
ally next come to the ministers of the gospel. A 
history of the ministers of olden tin 
tor\ of the church over which they were settled. 
There was then, on the part of church members, very 
little of what we now call religious activity. Such a 
thing as a layman talking religion or praying, other- 
wise than in his own family, was hardly known. 
About the only public expression of religious life con- 
sisted in attending the two very long preaching ser- 
vices on the Sabbath, being punctual at the commun- 
ion, and presenting one's children for baptism. Upon 
all these points they were very strict. The church 
was, therefore, more largely than now, what its pastor 
made it. 

At a town-meeting held August 31, 1769, it was 
" Voted, that we keep Mr. Currier four days," mean- 
ing, probably, four Sabbaths. It is likely he had al- 
ready preached several Sabbaths, being employed 
by the committee for that year, ami that the town, 
with a view to his settlement, wished to hear him 
longer, as we find that, on the 24th of October follow- 
ing, a committee was appointed to treat with him in 
regard to settlement. On the 13th of February, 1770, 
a formal call to settle in the ministry was voted him 
by the town; but tor some reason it was not ac- 
cepted. It was renewed July 29, 1771, ami was ac- 
cepted the 17th of August following. He was to have, 
as a settlement, the use of a certain tract of land, re- 
served by the proprietors of the town for that purpose, 
and £40 a Mar the first live years, £4o the next three 
years and £50 a year after eight years. His salary 
was to be paid, one-half in corn and the other half in 
labor. He was ordained October 30, 1771, the same 
day the church was organized. Mr. furrier was set- 
tled by the town rather than by the church. The or- 
daining council, which also recognized the church, 
was composed of Rev. Daniel Emerson, of Hollis, 
Rev. Henry True, of Hampstead, and Rev. Henrv 
Gyles Merrill, of Plaistow, chosen by the town, be- 
sides five chosen by Mr. Currier, whose names are 
not given. His ministry was a brief one for those 
days — a little short of three years. He was yerj in- 
temperate in his habits, and was dismissed hv the 
town and church August 2',', 1774, without the advice 
of a council. Probably he did not care to appear be- 
fore one. 

Rev. Joseph Currier was born in Amesbury, Mass., 
March is, 1743; was graduated at Harvard College 
in 1765, and studied theology in private. After his 
dismissal from this church he removed to Corinth, 
Vt., where he died July 24, 1 829, aged eighty-six. 



318 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



This town shared in lli.- burdens of the Itevolution- 
ary War, furnishing seventy-four men for the army, 
besides large quantities of beef (thirteen thousand 
pounds at one time) assigned them by the govern- 
its quota. For this reason, probably, after 
Mr. Currier left, there was no stated preaching, but 
only occasional supplies, till 1781. The fact that the 
Presbyterians and Anabaptists had been relieved, 
April 19, 177M, from paying their rates for Congrega- 
tional preachingmay have had somethingto do w itli it. 
On the 27th of December, 1781, Cornelius Waters 
was ordained and installed pastor of this church, the 
call having been voted the 23d of August previous. 
In this transaction the town had no part. The 
churches in Sutton, Amherst, Merrimack, Pembroke, 
Plaistow, Atkinson. Hollis, Concord, Warner, Hop- 
kinton and Hampstead were invited on the council. 
As preparing the way for his coming and his success 
in his ministry, the church observed the 1st day ol 
December as a day of tasting and prayer. Rev. 
Henry True, of Hampstead, was moderator of the 
Council, and Rev. Jeremiah Barnard, of Amherst, 
scribe. Mr. True gave the charge to the pastor, Rev. 
Jacob Burnap, D.D., of -Merrimack, gave the fellow- 
ship of the churches, Rev. Gyles Merrill, of Plaistow. 
the ordaining prayer, and Rev. Elijah Fletcher, of 
Hopkinton, the concluding prayer. 

He received a settlement of one hundred pounds 
and a salary of seventy pounds a year for the first 
five years, and eighty pounds thereafter. He seems 
to have been a very worthy man. During his minis- 
try fifty-seven were added to the church and thirty- 
three "ou ned the Covenant." During the latter pari 
of his pastorate there were dissensions in the church. 
A council was called for their settlement, but they 
were not settled. A day of fasting and prayer was 
hut the difficulties continued. Mr. Cur- 
rier was too loose in his habits, ami Mr. Waters by 
some was thought too strict. The lovers of ardent 
spirits were determined lie should leave. So he 
asked a dismission, which was granted May 4. 1795, 
after a ministry of fourteen years. To tin- record is 
appended the following: "Notandum Bene. The 
vote accepting his resignation was passed in the east 
end of the meeting-house on the common, at the 
time of the annual parish-meeting by adjournment, 
and the church co do it to quel) the 

violence, rage and confusion which prevailed in a 
distracted party of the church and parish in the 
parish-meeting." The opposition won tin- day, which 
was all they cared for. a- the leaders ceased attending 
or helping in the support of worship, so 
that after three years it was found necessary to expel 
them. 

Cornelius Waters, tie second pastor of this church, 
was born in Millbury, Mass., May 12, 1749; gradu- 
ated at Dartmouth College in 1774. Like Mr. Cur- 
rier, he studied theology in private. From here he 
removed to Ashby, Mass., where he was installed in 



17'J7 and dismissed in 1X16. He continued to reside 
in \shl,y till his death, July 30, 1824. 

After the expulsion from the church of those dis- 
affected with Mr. Waters, the sober, second judgment 
of the people convini ed them that they had all done 
wrong. There had been much hard feeling between 
the Congregationalists and Presbyterians. An un- 
holy strife for members had been carried on by both 
churches. A day of fasting and prayer was appointed, 
and the » Ihristian people were humbled. A vote was 
i lie Congregational Church that they would 
thereafter be more careful in the reception of mem- 
bers. The result, in a few words, was that a "plan of 
union" between the two churches was adopted De- 
cember 2'.', 1801, and they became one, under the 
name of the Presbyterian-Congregational Church of 
Goffstown. The government was to be according to 
the Congregational polity, with the right of appeal 
ry or mutual council, as the parties might 

ideet. 

Up to 1790 the Half-Way Covenant seems to have 
been in use. This was an arrangement by which 
adults whose outward lives were correct by "owning 
the covenant " were permitted to receive the rite of 
baptism themselves, and present their children for 
this ordinance. We have the names of thirty-eight 
persons who were admitted under thi- covenant. It 
made had work with religion wherever it was adopted, 
as it was virtually a letting down of the bars of the 
church to any who chose to come in in this way, 
without any personal interest in the Saviour of sin- 
ners. This Half-Way Covenant was originally pro- 
mulgated in 1662 by a council convened in Boston by 
the General Court of Massachusetts, to s^ulc existing 
difficulties in the churches. The reason forits adop- 
tion was because at that time none but baptized per- 
sons could vote. But it was adopted or was in use in 
many places, as here, a long time after this reason 
had ceased to exist, so far as applied to town affairs. 
All who "owned the Covenant " could, however, vote 
on church affairs, and much trouble was sometimes 
made in con-eipienee. It -win- gradually to have 
fallen into disuse in this place, as. ever after the union 
of tie- two churches, the church members regulated 
their own affairs as now, except that in the matter of 

el sing and dismissing pastors the act of the church 

must he accepted by the parish, as now by the 
society. 

I pon the adoption of the plan of union, De- 
cember 2 1 .'. 1801, a call wa- extended to Mr. David 
Lawrence Morril "to settle with us in the work of 
the gospel ministry," and he was ordained and in- 
stalled March 3, 1802. He received a settlement of 
three hundred dollars and an annual salary of three 
hundred dollars. For the purpose of meeting the 
desires of the Presbyterians, six elders were appointed, 
namely, John Richardson. Jonathan Stevens, Thomas 
Warren, Thomas Shirley, Thomas Kennedy and 
Robert Moore, the last three having been, originally, 



GOFFSTOWN. 



319 



Presbyterians. John Taggert and William Story 
were soon after added. The ministry of Mr. Morril 
war. on the whole, a successful one, for he was a man 
of prudence, ability and piety, and so won the confi- 
dence of the entire community. Thirty-four were 
added to the church during his pastorate. The Pres- 
byterian and Congregational elements, however, were 
not quite in harmony, and many of the former with- 
drew in ISO:;. Intemperance prevailed in the church 
to an alarming extent, but, to thecredit of the church 
be it said, every ease was met by discipline. Mr. 
Morril's health having become poor, or rather his 
voiie failing him, he resigned his charge and closed 
his labors November 4, 1809. His resignation was 
imt acted upon by a council till July 10, 1811. It is 
probable that in the intervening time lie occasionally 
preached. From this time till the latter part of 1818 
there was no regular preaching, although the town 
appropriated for this purpose in 1816 the sum of two 
hundred dollars, the society the same amount in 1817, 
and one hundred and fifty dollars in 1819. 

David Lawrence Morril was born in Epping, June 
10, 1772. He never went to college, hut studied 
theology with Rev. Jesse Remington, of Candia. In 
1808 he received the degrees of A \1. and M.D. from 
Dartmouth College, and in 1825 the degree of LL.D. 
from the University of Vermont. He continued to 
reside in this town for many years after his dismissal, 
in tie- practice of medicine, and was moderator and 
clerk of the church until another pastor was chosen, 
lie represented the town in the Legislature from 
18lo to 1816, inclusive, the latter year being Speaker 
of the House. The same year he was elected to the 
Tinted State.- Senate for six years from .March 4, 
1817. He was also Governor of the State in 1s24-2"i. 
He removed to Concord in the autumn of 1831, where 
he engaged in the book trade, and where he died 
January 27, 1849. 

In 1816 an ecclesiastical society was organized for 
the support of Congregational worship, called the 
Religious Union Society, which was incorporated 
December 11, 1816. This remains until this day. 

In 1819 a call was extended to Mr. Hosea Wheeler, 
which was declined. 

In the spring and summer of 1819 the place was 
blessed with a very powerful revival, under the 
preaching of Rev. Abel Manning. Sixty-eight were 
received into the church in the year 1819, the largest 
number ever received in any one year. In the "His- 
tory .if the New Hampshire Churches," Rev. E. H. 
Richardson says of this revival. "There were a few 
women whose persevering prayers, in the midst of 
great obstacles, were answered in this revival of re- 
ligion. They prayed it. into existence." 

Benjamin Henry Pitman was ordained October 18, 
1820, tor the term of live years. During his ministry, 
in 1822. the Religion- In ion Society received by will 
of Thomas W. Thompson one hundred and seventy 
acres of land, the avails of which were to In- used for 



the support of a Congregational minister. Mr. Pit- 
man had many warm friends, and he was earnestly 
requested to remain longer than his five years, but he 
declined. He was dismissed November l"i, \SS>. The 
following incident occurred during his ministry, which 
illustrates the difference between those times and 
these: 111 the autumn of L825 the Bog road, so 
called, was built, and Mr. Pitman, as road surveyor 
for one of the districts, had charge of a certain part. 
Strong drink was freely Used at that time, and 
thought no sin, provided one did not take enough to 
overcome him. On this occasion Mr. Pitman did, 
and as a consequence gol into a quarrel with some of 

bis But, to his honor be it said, he afterwards 

s > 1 1 o 1 1 1 and obtained the forgiveness of the individuals 
ami of the church — for the quarrel, not for the 
drinking. The bibulous propensities of the inhabit- 
ants at that time were strongly developed. Shall I 
give you the names of those licensed by the town to 
mix and sell liquors that year? They were Daniel 
Parmer, Robert Hall, Jonathan Butterfield, Gideon 
Flanders, Parker *.V Whittle, John Smith, Ephraim 
Warren, Daniel M. Shirley, Fliphalet Richards and 
John Little. 

Mr. Pitman was bom in Newport, R. I., November 
28, 1789; received neither a college nor a seminary 
education, hut probably studied theology in private. 
On leaving this place he returned to Newport, 1!. I. 
He died March 8, 1868. 1 cannot ascertain whether 
he ever preached after leaving this place. 

It will have appeared that there was need of a 
temperance reformation in this place. "When the 
enemy cometh in like a Hood." we have the promise 
that "the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard 
againsl him." It was just about this time. 1826, when 
the temperance reformation in this country com- 
menced. A t'uw hail received the light, hut most were 
in darkness. Rev. Henry Wood, who followed Mr. 
Pitman, was a total abstinence man. He was or- 
dained May 31, 1826. Through his exertions and that 
of a few of the church, a vote was passed that year 
discountenancing the use of liquor at funerals. That 
was as far as they could go at that time, as rum was 
used upon every occasion by nearly every person. It 
was always set before the minister when he made his 
parish calls. But so much advance had been made 
under Mr. Wood that, in the winter of 1829-30, a 
vote was passed by the church testifying against the 
use of liquors in any form, except as medicine. It is 
not to he inferred from this that every member of 
the church had become a teetotaler, but that the 
light was breaking and the temperance can- 
ing. Mr. Wood was not only a temperance man, he 
was a spiritual man. whom many with us to-day 
remember with tender interest. His ministry was 
blessed with revivals, one hundred and tilty-t wo being 
added to the church. He seems to have left on ac- 
count of inadequate support. He wa- dismissed 
November 29, 1831. 



320 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Hi- was born in Loudon, April 10, 179ii ; was grad- 
uated from Dartmouth College in 1822, where he was 
tutor the following year. He studied theology at 
Princeton, lsi'l-;. 1 !, and was professor i if languages in 
Hampden Sidnej College, Virginia, L825, from which 

institution lie received the decree of 1 >.1>. in 1867. After 
his dismissal from this church. November 30, 1831, he 
preai hi d three and a half years in Haverhill, five and 
a half years in Hanover, edited the Congregational 
Journal at Concord for fourteen years, preached at 
Canaan two years, was United .States consul in Syria 
and Palestine four years, and chaplain United States 
navy from 1858 until his death, at Philadelphia, Oc- 
tober 9, 1873. 

On the day after Mr. Wood was dismissed Rev. 
David Stowell was ordained. The ministry of the 
former closed and that of the latter commenced in the 
midst of a revival. It is somewhat remarkable that 

all the discussions in regard to raising Mr. W 1's 

salary, some of which were heated, did not have the 
effect of driving away the Holy Spirit ; but doubtless 
there wen. fervent prayers continually ascending that 
He might continue to abide with them. These facts 
teach this truth, — that a revival does not depend on 
any one man, not even upon the minister. Mr. 
Stowell was a strong temperance man, and dealt its 
enemies many heavy blows. 

A sermon which he preached in this place forty-one 
years ago, and which was printed, is said to be a fair 
example of his style. He was dismissed Hecemher 
15, 1836, the cause assigned in his letter of resigna- 
tion being ill health. This letter is full of tenderness 
and affection, and a hearty vote of confidence in him 
was afterwards passed by the church. 

Mr. Stowell was born in Westmoreland, December 
29,1804; graduated at Dartmouth College in 1829; 
studied theology in private. Before coining here he 
taught the Derry Academy two years. He wen! from 
here to Townsend, Mass.. where he was installed pas- 
tor .Tune 28, 1837. While there the fellowship of the 
churches was withdrawn from him, on account of al- 
leged misconduct. He went to Fitzwilliam and en- 
gaged in farming for a number of years, and died there 
.March 29, 1854. 

All the pastors who have thus far been named have 

passed to their reward. Most of them were g ! and 

faithful men. though not without their faults. They 
are now seeing the fruits of their labors, as they could 
not see them here. In most cases the seed they -owed 
was good; it was watered with their prayers anil tears, 
but it did not spring up till they had passed away. It 
very often incurs that God sends one generation into 
the world to sow seed, the harvest of which another 

generation shall gather. 

We come now to the ministry of Rev. Isaac Willey, 
who was installed November 23, 1837. He was the 
first pastor of this church wdio had ever had a previous 
settlement. He came here from Rochester, where he 
was ordained January 18, 1826, and dismissed in 1834. 



His pastorate here extended over nearly seventeen 
years, the longest term of any. 

.lust after Mr. Willey 's settlement, as he was en- 
gaged to preach all the time at the west village, the 
members of the church living at the Center and in 
the east part of the town, to the number of sixty-four, 
feeling that they were neglected by the removal of the 
meetings to the west village, -ought letters of dismis- 
sion for the purpose of forming a church of their own 
at the Center. They applied to Mr. Wallace, before 
he was settled at Manchester, to preach for them. If 
we may judge from the votes passed at that time, this 
request was entertained in a Christian spirit, without 
any attempt to force them to remain. The result was 
their petitions were withdrawn, and an arrangement 
was made by which Mr. Willey was to preach one- 
third of the time at their new house. 

During Mr. Willey 's ministry, his house, situated 
where David Grant's now stands, was burned in the 
dead of night, with most of its contents, and he and 
his family, ten in number, were left without a shelter. 
In this tire many of the valuable papers and records 
of the church were destroyed. His pecuniary loss was 
largely made up to him through the liberality of 
friends in this and adjoining towns. 

From the "History of the New Hampshire 
Churches" I make this extract: "In the beginning 
of 1841 a woman in the character of a preacher 
came to this town, and held meetings almost daily. 
Her hearers increased until the large church (the old 
church at the Center), holding nearly one thousand 
pei-oii-, was filled. She professed no connection with 
any existing church, and was sustained lor a time by 
persons who had been expelled from the Congrega- 
tional and Baptist Churches. In the following spring, 
1842, more than one-half the voters in town, and 
nearly all those who had never been willing to sup- 
port any other preacher, came to her support. A 
number of persons, who had made a profession of piety 
hastily, were drawn off from each of the churches. 
cent occasioned by her p reaching alter a 
t'vw months declined." 

This event seems to have caused great fear to the 
church. There was, however, hardly any occasion 
for it. Had the church let it entirely alone, doubtless 
the excitement would have passed away sooner than 
it did. It sometimes requires a highly sanctified 
human nature anil common sense to let such things 
alone. The advice of Gamaliel to the people, after 
the excitement produced by Peter's preaching, i- often 
worth following in these days. — " Refrain from these 
men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this 
woi k be ofmen, it will conic to nought : but if it be of 
( iod, ye cannot overthrow it, lest haply ye be found 
even to fight against Cod." 

Fifty-five were added to the church during Mr, 
Willey's ministry: but his work i- not to be measured 
alone by this standard. He closed his labors March L'7, 
IS. - .:;, but was not formally dismissed till .May 17, 1854. 



COFFSTOWN. 



321 



Hewasborn in Campton, September 8, 1793; was 
graduated at Dartmouth College in 1822, and studied 
theology at Andover with the class of L825, and also 
withRev. Bennet Tyler, D.D. After completing bis 
labors here lie was appointed agent of the American 
Bible Society for New Hampshire, retaining his home 
here until 1865, when he removed to Pembroke, where 
he now resides. 

A call was extended by the church and society in 
1854 to Mr. Franklin Tuxbury, but it was not 
accepted. 

The next pastor was Rev. Elias EL Richardson. He 
was born in Lebanon, August 11, 1827; was gradu- 
ated at Dartmouth College in 1850; at Andover 
Theological Seminary in 1853. He was ordained 
pastor of this church May 18, 1854, and was dismissed 
October 30, 1856. Subsequently he was pastor at 
Dover seven years; at Providence, R. L, three years; 
at Westfield, Mass., five years: at Hartford, Conn., 
seven years, and was settled at New Britain, Conn., 
in 1878, where he now is. He received the degree of 
D.D. from his alma mater in 1870. 

Rev. John W. Pay became acting pastor April 1, 
1857. He was invited to settle, but declined. He 
closed his labors May 1, 1867. He was born in < tes- 
ter, December 23, 1814; was graduated at Dartmouth 
College in ] 843. Previous to his coming here he 
had been a teacher in Atkinson's Academy; Man- 
chester High School ; at Eastport, Me; at Merrimack 
Normal Institute; at Pinkerton Academy, Derry; 
and also pastor at Rockville, Conn. Since leaving 
here he has been acting pastor at Hastings and Lake 
City, Minn., being now at the latter place. 

Mr. ( Jharles A. Tow lc was called to the pastorate in 

1868, but declined. 

The present pastor was born in New (now East) 
Alstead, July 11, 1834 ; was graduated at Dartmouth 
College in 1858; studied theology two years ;;t Union 
Theological Seminary, New York City, in the class of 
1861; was ordained pastor at Stoddard, October 2, 
1861; and installed pastor of this church February 4, 

1869, having commenced his labors two months previ- 
ously. 

A roll of the church from the beginning had never 
been kept. Within a i'uw years one has been made, 
as accurate as possible, and it now has upward of 
eight hundred names. Without a doubt, it should 
contain from twenty to fifty more, who were members 
from 1771 to 1781, but the records are lost. The 
eighteen names we have were found scattered through 
the subsequent records, where reference was made to 
them. 

There have been seasons of revival and depression 
in the history of this church. Several important re- 
vivals has it enjoyed, — in 1802, under Mr. Morril ; in 
1810, under Mr. Manning; in 1826-28, under Mr. 
Wood; in 1831-32, under Messrs. Wood and Stow, 1! ; 
in 1835, under Mr. Stowell; in 1864, under Mr. Ray; 
and tin- one in 1875. Two-fifths of all the addition. 



to the church from the beginning ha\c occurred in 
these years. Against these occasions of rejoicing we 

in est [dace other seasoi i> o I' depression and trial, w hen 
1 he band of < ',,,,] has seemed to be against us because 
of Our sins, — when there were dissensions within and 
trouble without, when the prevailing iniquity of the 
place seemed to vender futile all efforts to bring about 
a better slate of things, ami when defection, intem- 
perance and worldliness seemed about to rend the 
church in pieces. Cod, having planted the vine, 
would not leave it to be destroyed. When its up- 
rootal seemed imminent, He watched it with tender- 
est care; when the soil about it had become dry and 
hard. I le watered if with the Holy Spirit. It has been 
with it as with the church of God from the beginning; 
there have been times wdien it seemed as though it 
would die, but it has never died, — it never can lie -o 
long a- there remain in it those who are tine to their 
Master and to each other. We still live because 
"hitherto hath the Lord helped us." 

There has been progress. The advance may not 
have been seen from year to year, but we can see it 
now. Within the memory of those now living a 
member of this church sought a letter of dismission 
and recommendation to a Methodist Church, which 
was met by the appointment of a committee to disci- 
pline her. To-day we should all have said to a simi- 
lar request, "Go, and God lie with you." 

In early times the services of the sanctuary were 
very lengthy, — the two sermons were each about an 
hour long, as often running over this time as coming 
under. The prayers were very long, — the "long 
prayer," so called, not usually less than thirty min- 
utes. Between services tin' people went to tin- " noon- 
ing-house," where they warmed themselves at a huge 
lire of logs, and with flip and cider. Here also they 
ate their brown bread, or beans, or other refreshment 
they had brought with them. Here the women tilled 
their dishes with coals for their foot-stoves. No other 
artificial heat was tolerated in the house of Cod lor 
many years, and when at last stoves were introduced, 
there Was, upon the part of the conservatives, a great 
outcry. They claimed they were uncomfortable be- 
cause they were comfortable, and they predicted the 
judgment id' heaven because of the sacrilegious inno- 
vation. There were no prayer-meetings in those early 
days, no Sabbath-schools, almost no books or news- 
papers. The Sabbath Ben ice- furnished about all the 
menial food the people had, save what they received 
from the Bible. 

The first notice we have of a prayer-meeting in this 
place was in 1826(August 16), when one was appointed 
by the church, and neighboring ministers were in- 
vited to attend and aid in carrying it on. April 5, 
L838, a monthly prayer-meeting- was established, and 
June 9, L844, it was made a weekly meeting. It was 
evidently given up some time after, as a vote is re- 
corded, January 7, 1847, reviving it. Let it not be 
inferred there was no praying by God's people before 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



i In- irrmiM there was nut social prayer. Our lathers 
did not know its power and its hles-.cdne.-s. They 

acted according to the light they had. Surely there 
has been progress here. 

The first notice of Sabbath-schools was in L821, 
when several were appointed in the various school- 
houses of the town upon Sabbath afternoons. Of 
wdiat the exercises consisted we have no account, 
but probably of little more than the memorizing the 
Bible and the Catechism. When the Sabbath-school 
was introduced as a part of the regular services of the 
sanctuary I am not informed. 

It may surprise some of you to know that slavery 
ever existed in this place ; but this must have been 
the ease, as, September 1, 1785, "Catherine, a negro, 
formerly belonging to Ls.|. Blodgvtt, was baptized." 

In looking at the way the Lord has led us, during the 
more than a century of our existence, we have abun- 
dant reason for taking courage and pressin 
The timid seldom win a battle. < rod said to Joshua, 
"Be strong and go forward." [f Joshua had been a 

timitl man, and there had been no i 'ageous one to 

take his place, the entrance to the promised land 
without doubt would never have been attained. 

Baptist Church.'— Previous to the year ls ( »2 then- 
had existed for several years in this town a branch of 
the Baptist Church at Hopkinton ; but in that yearan 
independent church was formed, including in its 
membership resident- of Gotlslown, How and Dun- 
barton. This organization was maintained until 
March 18, 1820, when it was dissolved, and upon the 
same day the present church was organized with a 
membership of thirty-tour, including several persons 
who presented letters Horn the church in London- 
derry, iii this State, and Haverhill and Gloucester, in 
Massachusetts 

The first election of church officerstook place April 
29th, when Jonathan Rand and Moses Gould were 
chosen deacons mid Moses Gould was chosen clerk, 
and on the following Sabbath the ordinance of the 
Lords Supper was observed for the first time, and 
sixteen new members, who had been baptized by 
Elder John B.Gibson, of "Weare, were given the hand 
ot fellowship. 

The church had no pastor until June 29, 1822, 
when a call was extended to Elder Gibson, who ac- 
cepted and immediately entered upon his duties. 

The present house of worship was dedicated July 
2, 1834, previous to which time the church had held 
its meetings in private dwellings, in school-houses 
and occasionally in the old Last meeting-house, when 
it was not occupied by the Congregationalists, by 
whom it was used a portion of the time. The church 
was admitted to the Salisbury Association in 1*20, 
but withdrew in 1828, and was one of the churches 
that formed the Milford Association in that year. 

The i ailv records not being complete, it is impossi- 

is Hazen. 



ble to ascertain the exact number of baptisms, but 
some three hundred persons have been received upon 
profession of their faith since the present organiza- 
tion was effected. Several interesting revival seasons 

have been enjoyed, when large numbers were added 
to the church. 

This church may be said to be the mother of several 
churches in this vicinity. November 27, 1828, thir- 
teen members were dismissed to form the church in 
Dunbartoii ; May 28, 1829, nine members were dis- 
missed to form the church in Amherst; July 2d. 
1835, ten members were permitted to form a branch 
church at Amoskeag; and December 29, L836, forty- 
four members were dismissed to form an independ- 
ent church at that place. 

A glance at the present condition of the two 
churches in Manchester will reveal the growth to 
which this child has attained. Since its present or- 
ganization the following pastors have served the 
church : 

Rev. John B. Gibson from June 29, 1822, to February 28, 1828 ; Rev. 
Si n Fletcher from June 25, 1829, to Ipril 29, 1830; Rev. Ferdinand 

i. iii- ij.mii -!■[.!. -nil.,'! J:', i-. ■. \i,_.i-' '.;-,', K.-v. William X. 



l-ii, 



March 1», 1850; Rev. James W. Poland from March 28, I860, to April 

■i ■■ 8ei D V Demingfr Maj 1. 1854, !•• April 1, 1-.- Rev. 

i. \..v. miIht 7, i •>, i. ' ' ■!-;■■ i;< - w iiii.ini 
II. Eaton from September 4, 1864, to Julj 1,1m.-, Bev. John S. Hara- 

■1 rom Si ptember6, 1868, to Octobel 2, 1870 Rev. James W. Poland 

from April 1, 1871, t<> January 1 . 1ST'. ; l;,. v. John II. Nichols from July 
:'■. 1877 toApril29, i--:: Rev. Edward I. Lyford, the pr. 
sim ■ ■ Kaj 6, 1883. 

The church has also enjoyed the services of other 
brethren, whose names do not appear among those of 
the regularly settled pastors, and of these the name 
of Lev. John Peacock deserves special mention, his 
faithful labors being so abundantly blessed of Heaven 
in the winning of precious souls. 

The present officers are: Pastor, Rev. Edward T. 
Lyford; Clerk, Charles Hazen ; Treasurer, Joseph B. 
Gilmore; Deacons, Joseph B. Gilmore and Francis <>. 
Colby. 

St. Matthew's Church.'— An Episcopal church was 

in existence in this town during the last century; but 
the date of its organization is unknown. It was al- 
ways small, and had become extinct before the organ- 
ization of the present parish, which was in 1866. 
Bev. S. Y. Compton was the first rector, services being 
held in a public hall. 

The corner-stone of the present church edifice was 
laid in the spring of 1868 by the late Rev. James If. 

Barnes, D.D., of Concord, at the request of Bishop 
Chase, liming the same year regular services were 
discontinued. The church building was erected 
mainly through the liberality of friends in the diocese, 
and in Boston and New York. 

SByBov.W. II. Cutler. 



COFFSTOWN. 



Services were first held in the new church in Jan- 
uary, 1870. In the year 1874 the parish became a 
mission in charge of the Rev. G. Brinlej Morgan, 
from which time services have been held without in- 
terruption, under the successful ministrations of Rev. 
W. S. While,, ml. and Rev. II. A. Remick. The present 
incumbent, Kev. W. II. Cutler, took charge in Sep- 
tember, 1883. 

Methodist Episcopal Church, Goffstown Cen- 
tre. 1 — The first church edifice in Goffstown was built 

by the town, the work being < imenced in I 768, but 

not completed for several years. It was at the "Cen- 
tre," on the north side of the road, a little west of 
where the school-house now stands. It was used as 
a house of worship by the Congregational Church and 
also as a town-house. In 1816 another house of wor- 
ship was completed at the West village, and there- 
after services were held at the Centre only one-third 
of the time. This, together with the fact that the 
old church was very much out of repair, led the mem- 
bers of the Congregational Church at the Centre, in 
1S38, to erect a new house of worship, with the view 
of having a parish of their own, with preaching every 
Sunday. This house stood where the Methodist 
Church now stands. 

In 1841a .Miss Parker, who claimed to be independ- 
ent of all churches, but who had formerly been a 
.Methodist, began to preach at the old church and 
also to hold meetings at school-houses in various parts 
of the town. Large crowds came to hear her ; several 
professed conversion. Meanwhile the Congregation- 
alists had not carried out their plan of having preach- 
ing every Sunday, and Kev. Isaae Willey, of the West 
village, preached in their new house one-third of the 
time. Some may have been dissatisfied with this 
arrangement. At any rate, some ,,f lie' Congrega- 
tionalists at the Centre became supporters of Miss 
Parker, and a controversy arose as to their right to use 
the new house of worship, which was settled by selling 
the entire building to two individuals who favored 
Miss Parker's meetings. When the new converts 
and others asked Miss Parker what they should do, 
she advised them to form a Methodist Church. Mr. 
Harvey Stevens went to Manchester and consulted 
with Rev. Elihu Scott, pastor of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church there, who, in turn, consulted with Kev. 
Schuyler Chamberlain, presiding elder of < loncord I »is- 
trict. Arrangements for a Methodist meeting were 
made, which was held in the new church in the au- 
tumn of 1842. Schuyler Chamberlain, Elihu Scotl 
and other preachers were present. The meeting con- 
tinued several days and a number of persons were 
baptized. A society was organized The two men 
who owned thechurch edifice sold the pewsto various 
individuals, and the services of Rev. Mr. Smart, a 
local preacher, living at Concord, were secured until 
the next session of the New Hampshire Conference, 



By Rev. E. It. 



which occurred June21, 1843. Rev.SamuelS. Math- 
ews, a local preacher, was sent to (iollstown, and 
preached here one year. Mr. Mathews was twenty- 
seven years of age, having been horn in London, N . 1 1., 
January, 1816. lie joined the New Hampshire Con- 
ference in 1*44, and was stationed at Exeter. The 
next two years he was al Kast Salisbury, Mass. In 
is 17 he was stationed at Rochester, but in the au- 
tumn of that year he was cut down by a prevailing 
epidemic. He died September 6th. He wasa man of 
great zeal and deep piety. His labors at (iollstown 
were attended with success. The new church pros- 
pered, and at the end of the year he reported sixty- 
li\ e members. 

In 1844, Warren F. Evans was sent to (iollstown, 
and at the end of the year he reported an increase of 

seventeen members. Mr. Evans was a g I scholar 

and an original thinker, lie held pronounced views 
upon the subject of holiness. After filling several 
appointments, some of them important ones, he w iih- 
drew from Conference, and altera few years went to 
the West. His subsequent history is not known to 
the writer of this article. lie was followed at (iolls- 
town by Alexander H. Fullerton, who labored here 
two years, during which there was an increase of 
ele\ en members. 

in 1848, Ezekiel Adams was stationed at Hooksett 
and Goffstown. lie was assisted in his work by 1 >. 
I>. French, who seems to have preached at (iollstown 
rather more than Mr. Adams. John McLaughlin, 
who came next, although he had been a member of 
Conference for two years, was still pursuing his 
studies al the Methodist Biblical Institute, which had 
recently been removed from Newbury, Vt., to Con- 
cord, X. H. His subsequent appointments wire 
Nashua. Claremont, Lawrence, Mass., and (ileal 
Falls. He died December 20, 1857, aged thirty-four 
years. L,,r the next nine years, 1850-58, Goffstown 
was supplied by students from the Biblical Institute, 
among whom were ( ). II. Pitcher, Rodney Cage, A. 
L. Herrick (now of the New England Conference), 
Edwin W. Parker I now a missionary in India) and 
Stephen L. Baldwin (whose name has since become 
prominent in the history of missions in China). 
These students were able to do little or no pastoral 
work, and often sent a fellow-student to supply the 
pulpit, so that some years there were as many as ten 
,,r twelve different preachers, and during » pail oi 
one winter there was no preaching. This was very 
disastrous to the interests of the church, and the 
minutes ,,f 1856 report hut twenty-live members. 

In 1859 and I860 there was no regular ], reaching. 

In 1861, through the efforts ,,f Harvey Stevens, 
Thomas Sargent. Daniel ( i. Davis and others, the 
services of a student, named ,I,,hn C. Gooding, were 

secured for a part of the time. The place i tinued 

to be supplied by students until the Biblical Institute 
was removed to Boston, in 1867. The names of those 
who had charge of the station, and wdio preached, 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



some of them, nearly every Sabbath, were as fol- 
lows : 

1862, Henry W. Ackerly ; 1863, John H. Hillman ; 1864, Thomas 
CbipperSeld; 1865-66, S. W. Rnland ; L867, Egbert A. Braman. 

Under the pastorate of J. II. Hillman the member- 

ship, as reported in the minutes, increased from 
twenty-six to forty-six. He is now a member of the 
New Hampshire Conference. The appointments 

since 1867 have heen as follows: 

tO, Watson W. Smith ; 1871, Eleazer 
Smith; lt>72, William E. Benin-it ; ls7.:-7-l, ElMi'l;;,- Bra.lfonl : ls7.\ 
I; Dearborn ; 1876-77, J. Mowry Bean ; 1878-80, D. W Downs ; 1881 

S-, Ita.l Ta — .,11 : 1--:, .1. i.. Hani-,.,,, lss4-s.',. E,lual,l K. Perkins. 

Warren B. < »sg 1 was a student of the Theological 

School at Boston. He was from New York, and was 
connected with the New Hampshire Conference hut 
one year. Watson W. Smith and .1. L. Harrison 
have withdrawn from the Methodist ( 'hurcli on ac- 
count of change of views. Eleazer Smith died at 
Concord, N. II., in February, 1879, having been in 
the ministry fifty-one years. He was a good man, an 
earnest and faithful preacher. Among his appoint- 
ments were Montpelier, Vt., and Concord, N. H. 
He was twice chaplain of New Hampshire State 
Prison, in all fourteen years. 

Elbridge Bradford was transferred in 1882 to the 
Northwest Iowa Conference. T'nder his pastorate 
there was a good revival interest, and the church was 
greatly strengthened. R. Dearborn did not till his 
appointment, and his [dace was supplied by N. P. 
Philbrook. All the other preachers in the above list 
are still members of the New Hampshire Confer- 
ence. 

i in the 18th of August, 1877, during the pastorate 
of J. Mowry Lean, the church was struck by light- 
ning and totally destroyed. Although there was no 
insurance, a new church was erected before the close 
of the year. The debt of two hundred dollars in- 
curred at the time has since been paid. In 1881, 
under the pastorate of Lad Talari, a new parsonage 
was erected, at an expense of about fifteen hundred 
dollars. The society is free of debt, and has a fund 
of over sixteen hundred dollars, tlie legacy of the late 
Sally Harriman. The present membership is fifty- 
five. There is a good congregation and a prosperous 
Sunday-school. 



the incorporation was revived, to continue "until we 
shall please to approve or disallow the same." 

Jul} 2, 1822, a portion of the town was taken to 
form the town of Hooksett. June 20, 1825, some is- 
lands in the Merrimack River were annexed to tin- 
town, and June IS, 1836, the farm of Isaac Parker, 
in New Huston, was annexed. It retained this area 
until July 1, 1853, when a portion of the town was 
annexed to Manchester, it previously having extended 
to the Merrimack River. 

Town Clerks.— Tin- toll,, win- is a list of town 
clerks from 1761 to 1886 : 



Alexander \V,,lk, -r, t'j-,,m 17,. I t 

: '■'■ .i"M:,h , i ii. i , i, in i : ■ . 

. Craig, from 1802 to 
1811 ; Ephraim Warren, from lsi 
1- II . Robert Craig, from 1831 tc 



. Ii 17-7 to 

. from 1 to 



ls:lti; )Ii»b I" , fn.ui ls.;r. t.. o, t..l..-r Is. 1-11 : Moses Roliy, from 

October 18, 1841, to March, 1844 ; George Poor, from 1844 to 18*3 ; Benja- 
min Stevens nd), from 1845 to 1846; M Robie, from 1846 to 

1848; Franklin 1' •, from 1848 to 1849 ; Alfred Poor, from 1840 to 1853; 

Ephraim B Wells, from March, 1853, t, December 21, Is',;; David S. 

Carr, from ]le,/enil>er I'l, Is;,:;, to Mareh 11, ls.",4 ; All!*., I 1' tini 

1854 t,, 1855 , David Pattee.fi 1855 to 1856 . I harlcsGi i 

t,, is:,:, ; oivn Moor, from Is.',, to 1862 ; Georgi P. Henry, from 1862 to 
October 20, 1868 ; John Steel, from October -1". 1868, to March 9,1869; 

Frank F. Flint, from 1869 t,, 1871; Fran* B. Ii lere, from ls71 t,. 

L876 j Franklin Hadley. from 1876 to 1-7 rge L. Hooper, 1 i 

1S7', l,. 18M1 ; Em.-t J, ,1, jis, ,n. Imu lvs.", to ll,.- pi-- lit time. 

Representatives.— The following is a list of rep- 
resentatives from 177!'t,, 1886: 

I- ". I: U Gregor was elected representative t>, attend at 

in- I J Court, .t Exeter, for tin- ensuing year; 1780, Robert 

McGregor; 1781, Enoch Sawyer; 1783-85, Robert McGi 

l ; 17-7. Job Dow ; 17.", v\ illiam Pag, , i:- l, -■■ ti I 
not tosend; 1790, voted not to Bend; 1791-92 Robert McGregoi 
1793, voted not t,, send; 17, l--,;,. John Pattee ; 17'"., not given; 

17'.i7, John Pattee;1798, Robert M igoi 1799, John Btitterfield ; 

1800-01, John Btitterfield; 1802, Jonathan Gove; 1803-04, John Bot- 
terheM ; 1st, .",, not ;;i veil ; Is,,,:, ,7. ,l,,lin Itnttertielil ; lsns-ll, Favi,! 

L. Morrell; 1817, not given; 1818, William Brown ; 1819-21, John 
Pattee; 1822, Robert Hall ; 1823, John Pattee; 1824-25, Robert Hall; 
1826, Jesse '.,,i. i-J7.1i.oi, I Steel and Gideon Flanders ; 1828, Jesse 
Carr and Eliphalet Richards; [829, Jesse Can and Eliphalet Richards; 
1830, David K;,n and Charles F. Gove; 1831, David Barr and Charles 
F Gove; 1832, David Ban and Charles 1' Gove; 1833, Charles F. 

Gove and Noye- I' ; Is -.), rhnil.-. F n,,ve and Koyet 

Robert Craig and Jesse fa,,; 1.- ;,;. l:,,l.,i t i taig and Isaac Flan- 
ders; 1837, Isaac Flanders and Benaiah Richards; is!-, Benaiab 
Richards .,,..1 Henrj B Stevens; 1839, Henry I',. Stevens and 
M r . isle. M..-. s Poor and Benjamin st.-o-n- - 

Benjamin Stevens (second) and s. T. Jones; 1--I-, Shubael T Jones 

and Noyes 1' ; i-t ;. Noyes Pool and 1:1,1 halet B 

1-44, Eliphalet l:„ hai-,1-, Jr.. nml Joseph Sargeul 



CHAPTER V 
G0FFST0WN— (CoTitin 



<>). 



ncorporalion , ,f Town— Chain:,-- in I',, aiielari.-- -I. i-t of Town Clerks— 

Repi-.'-entiitives— Militai-i i : 1861 - Names of Soldiers— Ma- 
sonic History— Bible Lodge, No 27. r. and \ M -B.il Lodge, So 
!i:;,F. and A M.- Webstet Lodge, No. 24, I 0. 0. F.— The Press— The 
Enterprise— Tin Herald Tb, L'nion— The Advertiser— S 

Tins town was incorporated June 16, 1761, by the 
Jovernor and Council of New Hampshire, to continue 
corporate body until March 2-"., 1763. April5, 1763, 



. Hadley; l-.'i, 
aniiiiF. Blaisdell 

,';,,-, 1854, s, II, 



W ill,. Ml, 



,. i .... . P. Hadley and Jos, i-li Dnnlap : i-.",7, John s. Can- 
an, I H:«ii.l Ml - ivid M. Taggart ; 1859, 

.1 .i,i, I ' no I i .in. nan It,,!,, o-oii , Is,;,,. John Duulap and oilman 

Robertson; 1861, TI as R. Butterfield and Albert G. Robie; 1--.-. 

:- ami John Gil, hri-l 

Gikhrist ; ls'4 l'„ m.niu , i ,,n i : I 565, Joseph 

li. Kennedj and Vlfred Pooi 1866, David S Fereon and William P. 
, n illiam ll. Eaton and John s. Little ; 181 B 

Join i and John 51. Parker; 1869, Lucian D. Hunkins and John 

i; Moore and Peter E. Hadlej ; 1871, John K 

i I • I I: An-tin: 1-7.'. 1 >.. s i.l M Tint-art and Tln.,1- 



COFKSTOWN. 



325 



! U i W Ri. barde ; 1873, 
Alvin Hadley and Jesae 
Tewksbury; 1876, Georj 

SI.uk all.l .l.'Mall l.a-.e]le 

Leonard Robertson, elec 



■ irgrage ; I s . 4 , 
idull and Julin 
[877, Lewis II. 
oa II. Merrill : 
.lvanua B Gil. 



rist; 1882, David V Taggart; 1884, George P Hadlej (si I 

Military Record, 1861-65— The following are the 
ames of those who enlisted from Goffstown during 



months' 
John L. 



Frederick Mel 


rell, John A. Heath, Willard 1 


I 


Solomon Smit 


i, Benjamin D. Bel tier, Edwii 


s 


dell, Henry B 


ker, Edward Barnard, Edwin 





jainin F. Quinby, John O'Neil, Marselah A. Merrill, Thomas O.Grady, 
Henry ('. Richards, Leonard X. George, Godfrej Jehonnett, Hor 

Shirley. Jas.au Mill, t, J ■ .-^i -I i Comfort. 

The following are the namesof those who enlisted to 
go to Portsmouth in 1863, into the Heavy Battery : 

Fredrick 7,. Swartzs, Charles J. Drew, Samuel B. WeBton, John S 
Poor.JamesL. Hunkins, Frank Harriman, George \ Gilchrist, Charles 

Morgrage, Malcom Mi I. • Daniel Kidder, Joseph i: SteaYens, Edward 

.1 Collins, Moses W. w Ibury, George F. Bidwell, Daniel L. W Ibury, 



Ivlwu 



Stephen Law I 



M. I' ,Ja 



Bible Lodge, No. 27, F. and A. M., was chartered 
.May, 1816, with the following charter members: 
Jonathan Gove, John McGaw, Thomas Raymond, 
Jesse Carr, William Fowler, Thomas Kenedy, Samuel 
P. Kidder, Jr., David L. Morill. The First Master 
was Jonathan Gove, and the Second Master, Jesse 
Carr. 

For a time it ranked among the first lodges in the 
Stan. In 1X24 a large number of its members 
petitioned for a lodge in Bedford — Lafayette Lodge, 
No. 41 (now located in Manchester),— which, with the 
anti-Masonic excitement, diminished the membership, 
and in 1835 it was voted to dissolve the lodge. 

Bible Lodge, No. 93, F. and A. M., was chartered 
May 16, 1877, with the following-named persons as 
charter members: James H. Conner, Josiah Laselle, 
David A. Paige, Amos H. Merrill. Charles I'. Georgei 
James G. Taggart. Oren J. Balch, James 1!. Ferson, 
Jess,- E. Junkius, John K. Richardson, Wallace Cald- 



well, Abel M. Davis, Charles E. French, Isaac J. 

Paige, Thomas M. Harvell, Henry 11. Johnson, J. 

Frank Warren, Benjamin F. Merrill, Charles II. 

Hadley. First officers were James II. Conner, 

Master; Josiah Laselle, Senior Warden; David A. 

Paige, Junior Warden; Amos IF Merrill, Treas. ; 

Charles F. George, Sec. 
The present officers are as follows: James R. 

Ferson, W. Master; Charles F. George, S. Warden ; 

Abel M. Davis, .1. Warden; Joseph Cram, Treas.; 

James IF Conner, Sec; [saac .1. Paige, Chaplain; 

( lharles E. French, S. i >eacon ; Leslie S. Bidwell, .1. 

Deacon; William H. Colby, S. Steward ; Henry W. 

Parker, J. Steward ; John K. Richardson, Marshal ; 

otis F. Sumner, Tiler; James G. Taggart, Repre- 
sentative. Past Masters : Janus 1 [.( 'onncr, Josiah 

Laselle, David A. Paige, Amos H. Merrill, James G. 

Taggart. 
Webster Lodge. No. 24, 1. 0. 0. F., 1 was instituted 

March 26, 1X77, by Alonzo F. Craig, M.W.Grand 

Master; Henry A. Farrington, Deputy Grand Master; 

Joel Taylor, Grand Secretary; Robert <'. Furnald, 

Grand Treasurer ; Joseph Kidder, Grand Chaplain; 

Alfred P. Hendrick, Grand Marshal; Benjamin 
Fletcher, Jr., P. G., Representative. 

III. charter members were William II. Weeks, 

Charles A. Whipple, Robinson Brown, Kendrick 
Kendall, Frank Blaisdeil, M.D., Isaac -I. Paige, Nor- 
man L. Richards, Calvin Richards, Charles G. Bar- 
nard, Edwin A. Blaisdeil, Nathan J. furrier, Calvin 
Martin, Henry Moore, Frank H. Woodman, William 
P. Carlton, John E. Leizer, Selwin T. Martin, Edson 
F. Rand, George W. Paige, Charles C. Hadley, L. 
Henry Stark, John W. Story, Albert E. Emerson, 
Henry W. Merrill, Thaddeus W. Richards. 

'I'h. first officers were R. Brown, N. G. ; Isaac J. 
Paige, V. (i. ; William Q. Carlton, Secretary ; Frank 
IF Woodman, Treasure! ; Henry W. .Merrill, War- 
den ; Edwin A. Blaisdeil, Conductor ; Frank J. Paige, 
i lutside < l-uardian : John E. Leizer, Inside < tuardian : 
Nathan J. Currier, R. S. N. G. ; Kendrick Kendall, 
E. S. N. G. ; William IE Weeks, R. S. V. G.; < lharles 
C. Barnard, L. S. V. G. ; George W. Paige, R. Scene 
Supporter ; Charles A. Whipple, L. Si ene Supporter ; 
Charles C. Hadley, Chaplain; Kendrick Kendall, 
Nathan J. Currier, William IE Weeks, Trustees; L. 
Henry Stark, Calvin Richards, Henry Moon-, Investi- 
gating Committee ; Henry Moore, (alvin Martin, L. 
Henry Stark, Finance Committee; Frank Blaisdeil, 
M.D., Examining Surgeon. 

The Noble Grands have been as follows: R.Brown, 
I J. Pai ;e, F. II. Woodman, C. G. Barnard, William 
IF Weeks, E. A. Blaisdeil, Calvin Martin, F. Blais- 
deil, K. Kendall, G. W. Paige, S. T. Martin, L. H. 
Stark, C. IE Gregg, C. Morgrage, F. J. Fletcher. 

The present officers are H. Moore, N. G. ; L. S. 
Bidwell, V. (..: F. Blaisdeil, M.D., Sec. ; R. Brown, 



326 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



R. S. X. G; G. Henry II.. it. L. S. N. G. ; William 
H. Dow, R.S.V.G.; Charles F. Ferson, L. S. V. G. ; 
Daniel H. Hoit, Right Scene Supporter; Earnest 

Whitney, Left Scene Sup] er; Charles H.Gregg, 

Warden; George B. Stevens, Conductor; Fred. K. 
Hazen, Inside Guardian; E. A. Blaisdell, Outside 
Guardian ; Frank T. Moore, Chaplain ; Representa- 
tive to Grand Lodge, K.Kendall; C. Morgrage, E. 
A. Blaisdell, F. .1. Fletcher, Finance Committee. 

The lodge at present numbers about seventy mem- 
bers, and is in a flourishing condition; composed of 
some of the best citizens of Goffstown. 

The Press. — There have been several small publi- 
cations started in Goffstown from time to time, all, 
however, being short-lived. The Enterprise, published 
annually, in the interests of the inhabitants, January 
1. L870, 71 and 72, by Henry E. Blaisdell : The Her- 
ald, Mrs. II. L. Harvey, editress; The Union, .Mrs. G. 
D. Davis, editress, in the interests of the Methodist 
Society ; The Advertiser, by Frank E.Paige. 

Statistical.— The following is the inventory of the 
town for 1885: Number of polls 475, £47,500; 425 
horses, $35,182 ; 4 mules, $200 ; 74 oxen, $4826; 821 
cows, $26,357; 561 sheep, $1768; 199 neat stock, 
$4434; 56 hogs, (taxable), $462; stock in public 
funds, $3500; in banks, $8430 ; in trade, $35,050; 
mills and machinery, s'JiioO ; money on hand ami at 
interest, $216,448 ; total valuation, $1,198,327; increase 
over last year, $26,869; amount of tax levied, $7248.66; 
rate, including highway tax, 59 cents on $100; num- 
ber of dogs, 138. There arc 281 children in town 
between the ages ..f live and fifteen years. Popula- 
tion, 1699. 

Goffstown has various manufacturing interests 
which give life and stability to the town. There are 
three physicians in the town, — A. I". Carl', < . I-". < Jo .rue, 
and Frank Blaisdell, — and one lawyer, Hon. Samuel 
Upton. There is one hotel iii the village, II. II. 
I Ui-tiu, proprietor; and two summer hotels, the 
Shirley Hill House, S. D. Johnson, proprietor; and 
the Scribner Hill House, II. S. Scribuer, proprietor. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



JOHN M'GAW PARKER. 
The first ancestor of the subject of this sketch was 
Josiah Parker 1 , who came from England prior to 1700 
and settled in t 'ainbridgc, Mass. His son Thomas' 
was a clergyman, and was the first settled pastor of 
the church at Dracut, Mass., and died there in 1765, 
His son John 1 settled in Litchfield, N. II. His sec- 
ond son, William', was born in 177".. He married 
Hannah Aiken, who died September 30, IMS. His 
second wife, Hannah (Adams) McGaw, was born 
August 22, 1788, and died February 2b. 1869. By the 
first union there were tour children, — Rodney, George 



W., Caroline and Margaret Ann. By the second 
union there were also four children, — Hannah A., 
born November 13, 1819; John McGaw 5 , bom Sep- 
tcmberl7, 1822; David Adams, born October 5, 1S24; 
and William H., bom August 6, 1831, who died in 
infancy. William' was one of the earlj settlers of 
Goffstown, N. II.. and became largely identified with 
the lumbering and the mercantile trade and was also 

ixtensive farmer and. for his time, one of the 

prominent and successful men of the town. He died 
August 9,1839. His wife, Hannah Adam-, was a 
superior woman, a descendant of that honored fam- 
ily whose representatives were called to the executive 
head of our nation, whose Christian influence over 
her family was most ennoblingand " whose children 
now call her blessed." The subject of this sketch 
at an early age attended the district school of his 
native town, where he received the rudimentary part 
of his education, and alter some time spent in the 
academy at Hopkiuton, N. H., he completed his edu- 
cation at old Derrj Academy, and entered the store 
of his father as clerk. After several years of expe- 
rience in mercantile life gained in his father's store, 
also in a store in ( loncord and in the store of William 
Whittle, in ( loffstown, he, iii 1843, started on his own 
account in the mercantile trade at the old stand of 
his lather's, where, in 1847, lie associated with him 

his younger brother, David A.. — underthe firm-name 
of J. M. & D. A. Barker, — and for almost forty years 
they have pulled together, carrying along large :r^fi- 
cultural as well as mercantile interests. The, have 
also invested a large capital and engaged exten- 
sively in the wood and lumber business for many 
years, and by sound judgment and indomitable 
energy have accumulated a large property. The 
building of the Manchester and North Weare Bail- 
mad added greatly to their business facilities, and 
they became its lamest patrons. On the 30th of 
November, 1854, Mr. Barker married Letitia • '., 
daughter of the late Captain (diaries Stinson, of 
Dunbarton, N. II. Mrs. Barker was born March 9, 
1835. The children of this union are three— I diaries 
Stinson, born November 3, 1855; Henry Woodman, 
born Februarj 26, 1859 ; and Frank Adams, born 
June 1,1866. I lharles was married, Augusl -'lit, 1877, 
to Ella J. Hoit, who died February 3, 1878. I lharles 
and Henry arc associated in the mercantile business 
at Goffstown and are doing a large and profitable 
business. Mr. Barker is a Republican in politics, 

and has been elected to various otlices, in each of 
which lie has shown fidelity and good sense. He was 
a member of the State Senate in 1858-59. In 1855 he 
was elected commissioner li.r 11 illsborough County, 
serving two terms, and in 1869 represented his town 
in the General Court, [n 1876 and 1877 he was coun- 
cilor from his district, being elected from a strong 
Democratic district, thus showing his popularity 
even among political opponents. At the institution of 
the Male Board of Equalization, in 1879, he wascom- 



& €5^ 1 




' < /^^ «&. J%^4±- 



GOFFSTOWN. 



327 



missioned by the court as one of the five members, 
was reappointed in 1881 and selected as president of 
theboard. In L879, atthe organization of the Guar- 
anty Savings-Hank of Manchester, he was ehrted 
president, which office he still holds, lie is also one 
of the directors of the Merchants' National Bank of 
Manchester. Mr. Parker lias been postmaster of his 
native town, has gained a wide celebrity as a suc- 
cessful auctioneer, is often called to act as referee in 
the adjustment of disputed questions, and in all 
matters of a public nature he takes a most lively in- 
terest, and has won a most enviable reputation. New 
Hampshire is justly proud of such a son. 

CAPTAIN CHARLES si I\so\. 
The subject of this sketch was born April 18, 1800, 
in Dunbarton, N. H. He was grandson of William' 
Stinson, one of the early settlers of this town under 
the Masonian granf of 1751; was born of Scottish 
parents in Ireland, March 1">. 1725. From that 
country, while young, he emigrated with his father 
to Londonderry, X. II. In the year 17">l-o2 he com- 
menced a settlement in Starkstown (afterward Dun- 
barton ), where for a time he lived alone in a log cabin, 
in which, on one occasion, he received as a visitor the 
Rev. David Mc< Iregore. " Not havinga table,'' says the 
historian of Londonderry, "nor anything that would 
answer as a better substitute, he was obliged to make 
use of a basket, turned up." The Rev. Mr. McGregore, 



in asking a blessing, 
host might be "blessei 
This blessing was liti 
became one of the t 


inhisbaskel and in 
rally fulfilled, as » 

lost wealthy perso 


vicinity. 




1 le was prominent 


u the settlement of 



ship, and Idled with credit many offices of trust and 
importance, and by industry and economy became 
one of the most substantial freeholders within twenty 

William Stinson was married to \gnes Caldwell, 
.March 26, 1754, and died August 21, 1803. She 
was born June 17, L734, and died July 23, 1818. By 
this union there were twelve children. 

William- Stinson, Jr., second son of William Stin- 
son, Sr., born March 4. 1762, married .lane Cochran, 
of New Boston, N. H., who was born in 1776. He was 
an excellent farmer and intelligent man. Ifewas often 
employed in town affairs, was liberal and hospitable, 
especially to the poor. In him they found a friend. 

His wife was a superior woman, who looked well 
to the ways of her household, and their house was 
one of the mosl agreeable visiting-places in town. 
From this union there were five children. William 
Stinson, Jr., died April 8, 1822. Jam- C. Stinson 
died April 28, 1820. 

Captain Charles' 1 Stinson was tin' oldest son of 
William Stinson. Jr. At an early age he displayed 
a love for farming, and made progress in the district 
school. At Bradford Aeademv, Massachusetts, he 



ultimately acquired what education it was his privilege 
to obtain. When eighteen years of age he was ap- 
pointed commander of Dow's Troop. He was an 

active officer during the celebrated Colistown muster, 

where he obtained the title that followed him il gh 

life. He was well known in this section of the State 
for his good judgment and his sound integrity. 

As a farmer he was active, and naturally id' a strong 
constitution, he was able to carry on a great amount 
of worlc. and as a reward of his industry, he added to 
his original inheritance a good property. 

\- a resident of Dunbarton, N. 11., he was activi 

and prominent in its all'airs. He was countj c - 

missioner, selectman, treasurer and twice elected lo 
the Legislature. In I Sl>7 he sold his large estate ami 
moved to ( roffstown, where he spent the remainder of 
his days in quietness and attending to his business 
affairs. 

Captain Charles Stinson married Susan, daughter 
of Robert and Prudence Cochran, of Sharon, Vt., 
Maj 15, L831. Susan was born October 27, 1803, and 
.lied March S.;. 18S8. He married, second, Mary Ann, 
daughter of Moses and Sally Poore, of Cotistown, 
X. II., May 29, 1839, born August 28, 1811. 

Captain Charles Stinson died August s. 1878. 
I here wi re three children by the first union, and one 
li\ i he second. 

Children, — Jane' Stinson, born October •">, 1833, 
married Wallace Caldwell, of Byfield, .Mass., July 
15, 1858. 

Letitia C. 2 Stinson, born March 9, ls:;o. married 
John M. barker, of Goffstown, November 30, 1854. 

Susan C. 3 Stinson, born October 22, 1837, married, 
George Byron Moore, November 29, 1860. Mr. Moore 
died of pneumonia April 11,1872. On May 17, 1877, 
she married Judge Edwin S. .Tom's, of Minneapolis, 
Minn., where she now resides. 

Mary Ad Stinson. born August I, 1st], married 
Charles A. Pillsbury, September 13, 1866, of Minne- 
apolis, Minn., where she now resides. 



i HE SHIRLEY FAMILY. 

The first ancestor of the New Hampshire Shirleys, 
of whom we have any record, was James Shirley, 
who was born, probably, in the north of Ireland, in 
Ulster County, in 1649. This was the year that 
Cromwell sent bis famous Ironside Legion into Ire- 
land, and avenged the terrible massacre of the Prot- 
estants in 1641. It is not improbable that the ances- 
tor- of James Shirley, if not James himself, came 
loan Scotland to Ireland in one of those currents of 
emigration that set out from one country to (he other, 
as the waves of religious persecution swept hither 
anil thither, as Catholic or Protestant was in the 
ascendant. It is even possible that .lame- Shirley, 
as well as his ancestors, may have been a native of 
Scotland, and. with his parents, lure been among 
the exiles driven from Scotland, in 1660, under the 



• 



HISTOHY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



cruel persecutions of Junius Craham. (if Claverhouse, 
who was the tool of James, viceroy of Scotland and 
brother of James II. These immi 
land were Presbyterians. Fifty years before, in nil:!, 
many of their ancestors bad settled in Ulster, on 
lands confiscated upon the overthrow of the Earl of 
Tyrone, who had rebelled against James I. This 
immigration kept up until 1641, when the hatred of 
the natives bad so increased that it culminated in an 
attempt to exterminate the entire Protestant popula- 
tion, and in the attempt forty thousand Protestants 
v, ere slain I his massacre was a\ enged by < Iromwell, 
who, for the first time, brought all Ireland to Eng- 
land's feet. For forty years more the Scotch and 
Irish lived side bj side in the north of Ireland, al- 
ways hating and always at fend with each other. 
The expulsion of James II. from the throne of Eng- 
land, in less, was followed by the accession of Wil- 
liam III. and a new religious war in Ireland, the 
Catholic Irish supporting James, and the Presbyterian 
Scotch rallying about the standard of William. It 
was during this turbulent period — 11)90-91 — that the 
famous siege of Londonderry occurred. William tri- 
umphed, and in the battles of the Boyne and !mgh- 
rim the cause of James and the Catholics was over- 
thrown. But the brave defender,- of Londonderry 
fared but little better than their Catholic besiegers. 
The ai i- passed in the interest of the Church of Eng- 
land bore as lu-a\ ilv against the Scotch Presbyterians 
as against the Irish Catholics. Many emigrated, and 
among the number was the faithful band that settled 
Londonderry. They sailed in five vessel-, ami landed 
in Boston, August 4, 171*. That winter they passed 
in Casco Bay, suffering terribly. The next year they 
heard of Nuffield, on the Merrimack, settled there 
and renamed it Londonderry, Thence thej spread, 
and they and their children became the pioneer set- 
tlers of Derry, Chester. Windham, Bedford and < ioffs- 
town. James Shirley arrived in Chester in 1730, at 
the great age of seventy-six, bringing with him a 
full-grown family. He was a farmer, and is chron- 
icled as living to the extraordinary age of one hun- 
dred and five years. It will thus be seen that the 
Shirleys spring from a hardy, industrious, reliant and 
long lived ancestry. 

With James' Shirley came three sons, — John", 
nd Deacon Thomas' 1 . Captain James' 1 Shir- 
ley, wdio died in 179(1, was a seventh son, and famous 
for curing king's evil (orscrofula) by the stroke of the 
hand. Thomas- was born in Ireland in 1728, and 
died in Goflstown in I Si IS. aged eighty year-. Hi- 
son. James ' , was born in Chester in 17-">9, and died in 
Goffstown, March 31, 1855, aged ninety--ix years. 

i ed Man Moore, daughter of Colonel Daniel 

M -e, an officer in the Revolutionary War. For his 

second wife be married Mrs. Abigail McCutehins, the 
mother of Moses and General Luther McCutehins, 
Mrs. John Swallow and Mrs. Robert M. Shirley. 
Their children were .Nancy', .lane', Thomas', Daniel 



M.', .lames*. John', Gilman 4 , William' and Rob- 
ert m: 

Nancy* Shirley, born 1784: died December 12, 
1818; married Joshua Vose, of Bedford ; children, — 
Joshua, Daniel, James and Nancy. 

Jane', born 1785; died December 9, 1865; married 
William McKinney, of Newberg, Ind.; children, — 
Vlargaret, born 1806; Mary, bom 1808; John, born 
1810; .Tame-, bom 1810; William, born 1814; Thom- 
as, bom 1817; Joshua, born 1819; Nancy, bom 1822; 
Harriet, born 1825; Martha, bom 1828; Cornelia, 
born 1830; Cordelia, born 1830. 

■ Shirley, horn 1789; died May 13, 1834. 
He was a teacher, and died at Satassia, Miss., aged 
forty-live years. He never married. 

Daniel J/'. Shirley, born 1791; died August 23, 
1855; married Jane Moure, daughter of Robert 
Moore, of Bristol. He was a tanner, and lived on a 
part of the original homestead farm on Shirley Hill, 
the bouse on which, still standing, was the second two- 
story frame house built in town. Their children were, 

Robert M., born November 24, 1819; died April, 
1883; married Margaret Lodge, ofGoflstown. 

Nancy, born December 2d. 1823; married Gilman 
Shirley: children, — Alma, born 1849; Frank, born 
March 29, 1854; Clinton, born October 6, 1857. 

Mary, born May 10, 1826; died December 1, 1869; 
married Fphraim Heahl; children, — George, born 
1849; Hattie, born July s, 1852. 

Joseph, born April 22. 1831; married Nellie Niles, 
of Bombay, N. Y.; children, — Ardello, born 1859; 
died 1865; Delbert, bom 1861; Jennie, bom 1869; 
Delmay, born 1871; Hattie, bom 1875. 

Harriet, born April 2. 1835; married Sylvanus D. 
Johnson; children, — Cora Belle, born February 10, 
1859, died July 12. 1859; Horace Shirley, bom' Oc- 
tober 22. 1867, died October 12, 1869; Shirley Moore, 
bom January 8, 1869; Helen Inette, born February 
2, 1871. 

Daniel, born September 26, 1838; married De Ette 
Sackett, of Potsdam, N. Y.; children, — James, born 
February 2:;. 1876; Emma De Ette, bom July 4, 
1879. 

Borai e, born March 19, 1841; enlisted in Company 
G. Sixteenth New Hampshire Volunteers; drowned 
in Vermillion Bayou, La., April 17, 1863, at the age 
of twenty-two. He was oneofthe thousands of noble 
and patriotic youths wdio gave their lives to their 
country in the war which saved the Union and freed 
the slave. 

born May 5, 1794; died August 8, 
18(>3. He graduated at Dartmouth College, read law 
at Albany. N. Y., but soon left for Augusta, Ga., re- 
suming -todies and Inning charge of an academy 
there, lie began practice at Florence, Ala., and 
pursued it at Huntsville, Ala., but finally settled at 
Vicksburg. His character was unblemished, his be- 
nevolence exalted and his loyalty to the Union un- 
compromising. It was at his plantation that the 




ec^ 



-> 



CdlTSTOWX. 



329 



interview occurred between Ccncrals Crant ami Pem- 
I" 1 [.hi, u hieli led tn the surrender of Vicksburg. He 
married, first, Harriet, daughter of .lames Walsworth, 
of Norwich, Conn., in 1820. In 1835 lie married 
Adeline, daughter of Abraham Quincy, of Boston, 
Mass. James Jay. oldest son of .lames and Harriot 
Shirley, was born in 1825; died 1852. His widow, 
Harriet, and daughter, Emma (Mrs. Andrew < 'riddle), 
reside in Clinton, Miss. Children by second mar- 
riage, — Frederick, born 1836, died 1873, unmarried. 
Quincy, born 1848; graduated at West Point; died 
1879; he married Margaret Parks. Alice, born 
1844; married General John Eaton, United States 
commissioner of education; their children arc, — 
James Shirley, born 1868; Elsie, born February 0, 
1871; John Quincy, born 1873. 

John* Shirley, born 1 71 >7 ; married Margaret Hous- 
ton; lives at Suspension Bridge, X. Y. Children, — 
Alfred, born 1819; married Jane Woodbury. Maria, 
bora 1827; married Andrew Kimball ; their children, 
— Lauron H., born 1850; Emma J., burn 1852, died 
1876; Ella F., born 1854, died 1X77; Clara M., born 
1857, died 1881; George A., born 1859; John S., 
born 1855, died 1861; Oilman, born September 20, 
1823, married Nancy .Shirley; member of Company 
G, One Hundred and Twelfth New York Volunteers, 
killed in battle of Odd Harbor, Ya., June 2. 1864. 
John Shirley, died May 10, 1885; married Susan 
Parker, of Hooksctt ; children, — Josephine, bom 1849; 
Charles, born 1850; Quincy, born L858; Susey, born 
1862; Mary Jane, born 1823, married Griggs Hol- 
brook, member of < >ne Hundred and Seventieth New 
York Volunteers, died in Andersonville prison; mar- 
ried, second, Joseph IT. Stevens, died 1880; chil- 
dren, — Margaret Abbie, born 1866; Alice Maria, born 
1868; John Iladley, born 1870; Fred Hodgman, born 
1873; married, third, Andrew Kimball. Sarah, bom 
1836; married Matthew Dolphin; died 1869; chil- 
dren—George Alfred, born 1X07; Carrie Shirley, born 
1869. Margaret, born 1840; married James Cooper, 
1863; children— Thomas Shirley, born 1865; John 
Maxwell, born 1X07; Ella Margaret, 1869; Robert 
James, 1871 ; Mary Emma, 1874. 

Cil, unit 1 Shirley, born L799; died at Gilmanton 
Academy, Franklin County, Ala., August 18, 1822, 
aged twenty-three; unmarried. 

William* Shirley, bom 1802; died at Court land, 
Franklin County. Ala.. August 25, 1824, aged twenty- 
two. 

Robert 31'. Shirley, born January 7., L808; married 
Sophia McCutchins, born April 15, 1805, died De- 
cember 6, 1870; married, second, Lucretia Houston, 
born July 20. 1X20. For fifty years Mr. Shirley was 
one of the prominent farmers and business men of 
the county. He is now retired from active business, 
and in his retirement, as in his active life, is distin- 
guished for his kindness, integrity and liberality. 
He was a seventh son, famous for curing kind's evil. 
Children (by first wife),— 



James Quiney b , born November II, L829; married 
Elmira McPherson, of Bedford; educated at New Lon- 
don ; went to California in 1850, at the age of twenty; 

engaged in mining and stock-raising in California, 
Idaho. Utah and Oregon; a pioneer and successful 
operator in the latter business. At the ear] 
twenty-one he drove a large herd of cattle from 
Council Bluffs to San Francisco. 

Mary Helen', bom .May 2:;, 1839; married Freder- 
ick Eaton, dry-g Is merchant of Toledo, ( Ihio; child, 

Helen, bom August 5, 1866, died April 1;;, 1876. 

Abitjail Frances', bom November 21, 1844; married 
Colonel James B. David, of Amherst; resides in 
Somerville, Mass. ; child,- -James Quincy, born May 
30, 1874. 

Edward Carlton Shirley 5 , bom Dei-ember 5, 
1834, in Goffstown, X. II.; married Amanda Malviua 
Baldwin (April 24, 1x02), daughter of Deacon Nahum 
Baldwin, of Manchester; children,— Mary Vicksburg 6 , 
born July 4, 1803, the day of the fall of Vicksburg; 
Hubert Lawrence", born May 12, 1868; Florence 
Sophia 6 , born February 17, 1871. 

Colonel E. C. Shirley is one of the best, known and 
most prosperous farmers in the State. He tills the 
homestead farm on Shirley Hill, which he has im- 
proved and brought to a high state of cultivation. 
His occupation is that of his immediate and remote 
ancestry in an unbroken line, and which has so strik- 
ingly conduced to longevity in this family. His home 
combines the attractiveness of rural life and the hap- 
piness of the domestic circle, united with a generous 
hospitality and troops of friends. Colonel Shirley was 
educated in the district school until he was eighteen 
years of age, and was then sent to New Hampton, 
where he remained until the breaking up of that 
school. He then went with Professor Knight to New 
London, where In- remained three years. A Her leav- 
ing school, Colonel Shirley went to California in 
1856, where he remained two years, engaged in var- 
ious employments. Returning to New Hampshire, 
he was engaged in lumbering operations until 1862, 
when his lather moved to Manchester, leaving the 
homestead to his care and possession. Colonel Shir- 
ley has always taken an active interest in military 
and agricultural affairs. He has held a commission 
as second lieutenant in the Amoskeag Ycterans, aid- 
de-camp to Governor P. C. Cheney, with the rank of 
colonel, and on "New Hampshire Day," at the Cen- 
tennial at Philadelphia, was officer of the day. He 
was also assistant quartermaster on the staff of Brig- 
adier-General Clough, New Hampshire National 
Guard. He is a member and trustee of the New 
England Agricultural Society, ami for liner years 
was chief marshal at the exhibitions. He is also a 
member of the Xew Hampshire Agricultural Society . 
and chief marshal at four exhibitions. He is also 
one of the founders of the I'iscataiptog Valley Agri- 
cultural Association. 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY. NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



LEMUEL NOYES PA J II E. 

The subject of this sketch was born in Massachu- 
setts, February 5, 1804. His parents, while he was 
very young, removed to Goffstown, N. JI., and in this 
romantic and beautiful village he passed his boyhood 
days. He attended the public school, and there re- 
ceived the foundation for an education on a more ex- 
tended scale than was to be acquired in the district 
school. 

While yet of tender years he was placed in the office 
of Judge Charles II. Gove (then a resident of that 
town), and under the private tuition of thai distin- 
guished jurist became fitted for the discharge of the 
responsible duties of later life. Mr. Pattee, after leav- 
ing the office of Judge < love, worked as a fanner dur- 
ing the summer months for several years, and during 
the winter taught in the district schools of several of 
the adjoining towns with a good degree oi success. 

In 1827 he married Vashti L., daughter of Joseph 
and Margaret Little, of (ioffstown. They had one 
child— Mary 1'., who was born March 29, 1828, and 

was married to John B. \V Ibury, of Antrim, N. H.. 

March 6, 1849. 

Mr. Pattee was the proprietor of a country store for 
several years, and in this department of industry 
achieved a g I degi ee of success. 

In 1842 he was elected register of Probate, and in 
September of that year removed to Amherst, N. H.. 
at that time the county-seat of Hillsborough County, 



where, for ten years, he discharged the duties of that 
responsible office \\ ith rare intelligence. 

During his residence in Amherst he represented 

the town in the General Court. At the close of his 

service as register of Probate he removed to Antrim, 

in the same county, which town he also represented 

1 ri neral ( lourt. 

At the Juno si >-ioii of 1855, Mr. Pallor was elected 
Secretary of State, and served to June, 1858, being 
re-elected each year. He discharged the duties of 
this responsible office with singular fidelity, and, as a 

political history, was the first Secretai 
State i lected under a Republican administration, 
Hon. Ralph Metcalf being Governor. 

Mr. Pattee was an active member of the Whig party, 
and assisted in the formation of the Republican party, 
and acted with it up to the time of bis death, u uli fn! 
one exception. Being an admirer of General George 
Jj. McClellan, ho voted for him lor President. 

.Mr. Pattee was liberal in his religions views, was a 
constant attendant upon and a liberal contributor 
to the support of public worship. He was a genial 
man, an interesting and fluent talker, a good citizen 
and much respected by all who knew him. 

A beautiful portrait in oil, the gift of his widow, 
bangs in the office of the Secretary of State, from a 
copy of which the accompanying engraving was made. 

.Mr. Pattee died April 1. l.>7", aged sixty-six years, 
and was buried in the familv lot in Cotl'stown, N. H. 




^ 



f/;//^/' i 



7/,} 



HISTORY OF GREENFIELD. 



FRANCES PEAVEY. 



PREFACE. 

THE task of ^I-mhhii; Ml- full. .win- it-in.- ..I iJi.-.-iiti-M »ii-T- -i \ h.- 
i .'.'ii u I. ii ■.>!!.. .1- ..in-, ..11 ... . mint ,.t tin.' -,. .11. ■ 1 1 v ..f ni.li. i i.l- 

lias been found, and oolj a t- w >li.ui> --. • \t. ii.iii._- .-\- t i-. .- i periods Ii 

i« by detached Ii.i-ih.ih-s --I I nmh lu-h-n. -i 1> ■■!■[.. i I.--.I Ir.-in ill. 

I. 1. ill. . IMIIS <.| Milt I'll). 1-1 t lll/.ll-. ..f 111- 1-1. Ill- I. I it- -I !■■ Ill- III l\ tl,- M 

ancestors, that weave enabled to lifl tin reil Chi celops th< past 

. 11.111-I1 !■■ ■ .it. Ii 111 1 ill . li-aiiis .'I Hi'- i|..|ii.-Ii. Ill- ..I 111.- |Hnii.-.Th 'I In- 

-. in-.-, i. ut -.--•in to have I" en the lovi ol adventure, .1 desire t.. be free 

whi.-haflur-l.-d .-p|.ui mini i.-r- t-. .i..|iii|. I...H,.-- uilli -|. ,..|. t [.•-. iitnai \ 



II id 



tl,.- 



talwari physically, mentall, 

■ -.|»- wnti tin- dangers, pri- 



.-., su ! Lei oul |.i.-i „.- town .1 le V 


en tbej happj 


"•"'••»>• *' -'- "' "-I"'- "<-■•' "• '•'"'' 


hrough the long 


Tl,, ,„|. 1,1 ,,.,1, , „•„.!,. 1,.., llia„Ust„tl 


we "I iln- inlisil.it 


itaof the town, tr. l,.i inri ,,>i.|.-nt-, ami li. :ill nilit-i 


- who iia*'- aided 


•i l.\ fiitiu-lnnu -. l:l|i- .-f 1 ti~f ..| v, iti. i<|. lit- all'l l.i.l 


and dates, othei 


i- M.ntial.|i\ 





CHAPTER I. 



Btance Agreeable. Wherefore, you] Petit] Ben Bumbij I'i... that 
thai Northwest Pari of the town of Lyndeborough, ol which the in- 
habitants hath tin some years past been desirous ol beii bettei . 

c modated, Maybe Annexed to thatpartoi the Society Land Lying 

South and Southerlj oi the Crotched Mountain with Lyndeborough Slip, 

ami in, -.up. .rat,. I int.. . t,,u I tl,. i.v. ill,, an, I y..nr l*.r it i. .mis. as in I'nty 

Bound, will Evei Pray 

" Benjamin Pollard, Stephen Gould, Mexandei Parker, Robert Bad- 
gers, Samuel Farmer, William Glover, Ouglasa Robison, William Mc- 

Crac, Eben' Farrii.gton, Tl as Vddisou, John Waugh, Pyam Elerri i. 

22 



S: ml ru.lwnrtli >:,n,.i.l U . . K-, i Hi . . i II,, It. W illtan. Wilson, K.,l..-rt 

Ahxaml. t. I Ii. .in..- \iU I..I.11 Chase, Timothy Cudworth, Ji natlian 

Gillis, James Bamsey, Robert Waugh, John McMastel Charles I iven 



->tal.' \|-,. lati.M. ..I 

its into 11 bodj Politic, 
tli.it youi petitioners 



S, hooling 
life and 



1 ,,i,l., ...,„, I, Kn 



in mi li> A 1 1. it.-. I in an\ ,,tli. , w.,\ ll>. ,11 1.1 

n;ethei with lis ali.l ..||.' II.iii^. ..I I,,, Is 111 Mi.' I'm" t 

that with Hi. in w., llittik -.In- \i.l. t.. in.. I.. 

iaion for the e yment >.t Privileges and Vdvant 



.1 



,,,., |. .,.,,. 11- wuii tin- 
.till tli.-. it, 1.. priviledgea 
1- in thisState, ..1 Grant 



Consent of Peterborough to Foregoing, 1790. 
i :i legal town-meeting ol' the inhabitants of Peter- 
trough, upon tlir istli day ..I' October, I7'.k»: 

' I .,' ,'. I- tint I,, tlir |„ is,, ns |...titi..iiing tli.- G.-ni'ial l'..int tin- fast 

auge of Peterborough in Case they obtain from Lyndel gh and 

hei places what they have petitioned foi t,, !„■ incorporated into a 

" Ati.,-1. Thomas Steele. 



Greenfield was incorporated June 15, 1791, and was 
composed of portions of Society Land, Peterborough 
ami Lyndeborough, and land between the two Iast- 
named towns, called Lyndeborough Gore. 

331 



:;:;2 



I1ISTHKY OF IIIFFSBOliOUGH COUNTY, NEW II A M 1'SII II! K. 



h:ini(! KiiniM.ii. Ksi|., of Hollis, was authorized to 
call the first town-meeting. They met at the house 
of Mr. Daniel Gould, the 5th of July, 1791. After 
opening the meeting, adjourned to the meeting-house, 
at which town officers were chosen. 

By an act passed Decembei 28, 1791, the boundaries 
were changed and established. December 11,1792, 
the two east ranges of lots of land in Greenfield, in 
that portion which, previous to the incorporation 
of the town, was known as Lyndeborough Addition, 
were annexed to Francestown. Julj 4. 1872, another 
portion of this (own was annexed to Francestown. A 
portion of the territory now comprised in Greenfield 
was settled, in 1771, by Captain Alexander Parker, 
Major \. Whittemore, Simeon Fletcher and others. 

It has been stated that the name Greenfield was 
given the town bj Major Whittemore. 

Greenfield is situated in the southwestern part of 
Eillsborough County, in latitude 42° 55' north, and 
longitude 71 18'wesl (from Greenwich). Itisbounded 
north by Bennington and Francestown, east by Fran- 
cestown and Lyndeborough, south by Lyndeborough 
and Temple, and west by Peterborough and Hancock. 

It comprises .in area of sixteen thousand nine hun- 
dred and lour aires, irregular in shape, nearly the en- 
tire border-line from northeast to southwest forming 
a curious succession of right angles. 

It is drained by the Contoocook River, which sepa- 
rates it from Hancock. 

The surface is broken by many hi I Is, while two moun- 
tains, Crotched and Lymlcborough lie partly within 
its precincts. The soil is consequently varied in char- 
acter, the low lands being adapted for tillage and the 
hillsides for grazing. Its leading industry is agricul- 
ture. The same influences which impart severity to its 
winter climate make it a welcome and healthful sum- 
mer retreat, easy of aCCeSS since the extension of the 

Boston and Lowell Railroad to the place in 1.S74, and 
the Manchester and Keene in 1878. 

The village consists of a ehurch, school-house, post- 
office, hotel, depot, several stores ami a steam-mill, 
together with a goodly number of neat and well-pre- 

From its high central position it is visible miles away, 
at various points, and the tops of its highest hills com- 
mand on three sides a grand and extensive view of the 
sin rounding county far beyond the limits. Away to the 
cast, past hill and dale and village spires, rise the twin 
heads of the hold Unconoonucs, while to the west, far 
ai ross the broad intervening plain, dotted with half- 
concealed farm houses, Monadnock rears his symmet- 
rical form, towering high in air like a lofty sentinel 
keeping guard over the long line of approaching hills 
that stretch far to the northward. 

It has five ponds, known as Hog Hack, Mini Pond, 
Could Pond, Bower's Pond and Pollard Pond. The 
last named, located in the west part of the town, is 
the largest, being about one mile long and one-half 
mile wide. 



For many years it has been a favorite resort of 
pleasure-parties, and many a wary pickerel has been 
lured from it- silent depths to be cooked and devoured 
on its shores, with that savage relish which excursion- 
ists rarely fail to exhibit. 

For more than half a century a succession of its 
sons and daughters have emigrated to other parts of 
the country, many of whom have occupied honorable 
positions in the professional, business and literary 
world. 

The habits of patient toil, frugality, self-denial and 
endurance, acquired through the hardy occupations 
of their early lives, have doubtless proved a surer pass- 
port to success than anj inheritanceof wealth could 
have procured. 

The settlers of this town were mostly of English 
and Scotch-Irish descent. The Ramseys, Beans and 
Pattersons emigrated from the ancient town of Lon- 
donderry. The Holts, Abbotts and Peaveys came from 

\ie|o\ ei Mass., and were numerous in the south part 
of the tofl n. 

To Chelmsford and Marblehead we are indebted for 
some of our earliest settlers, among whom were tin 
Savages, Reynolds, Fletchers and others. 

The early settlers were industrious and frugal, and 
planned with a wise reference to the future welfare of 
the town. 

They raised large families and so trained them for 
litis duties that many of them haveoccupied honor- 
able positions in almost every State in the Union. 

But leu of the descendants of the pioneers now in- 
habit the town. 

"August s, IT'.'I U ,i I. -:.l i 'Hit i>l -.ml o.l.-i, .iixl Mtli.-r... inliiili- 

ilants Ml lli. ■ Tmuii of itieiMitiolil, at tin' n)ivtiiig-lnm*e in said t.-wn, mi 
Monday, the 8th day of August, 1791, Chose Lieut imoe Winn. 



First Roads. — Roads were first laid out to accom- 
modate individuals, and rendered passable by cutting 
trees as near the ground as possible, thus clearing a 
space of sufficient width tin' teams to pass. 

"A Transcript of a road leading from the centre 
road, so called, upon the line betwixt Thomas Iiut- 
nian's farm and Alexander Parker's, until it comes t" 
said Butman's North l->ast corner; from thence to the 
North East corner of Samuel Buttei 'field's clearing, 
and south from Joseph Eaton's barn to the bridge 



GREENFIELD. 



333 



over the pond brook, as near as the land will permit. 
By the Selectmen of the Society, 1787." 

In 1791 a road was laid out, two rods wide, begin- 
ningat the west line of Lyndeborough Slip, so called; 
thence westerly through land of Nehemiah and 
Ephraim Holt, to Peterborough west line. 

In 1793 another road, beginning at John Holt's 
house; thence running northeasterly to the log cause- 
way ; thence northwesterly to the meeting-house spot. 

In 1795 a road was laid out "beginning at the 
County road the south side id' the meeting-house ; 
thence easterly, by marked trees on the north side id 
the road, through land of Samuel Weeks, Elijah 
Broadstreet, William Parker and Jesse Dodge, also 
through land of Moses Lewis to a little brook in said 
land; theme easterly to the road that leads to Lynde- 
borough." 

Before 1795 a road was laid out "beginning at the 

easterly line id' the town of Greenfield, running south- 
westerly to .liilm Grant's east line, south side of 
Grant's hou-e, till it strikes the mad that leads by 
Philip Fletcher's to Lyndeborough meeting-house." 
Several other mads win- early laid out, and used only 
as bridle-paths. 

First Crops. — The first crop on burnt ground was 
rye; the surface was as thoroughly harrowed as it 
could lie un aeeoiint of obstructions, and the seed was 
peeked in with a line around rocks, routs and stumps. 
The yield was usually abundant ; it was reaped with a 
siekle and threshed with a Hail. Potatoes and tur- 
nips grew well mi an\ land. Flax yielded largecrops 
both on new and cultivated land. It was considered 
women's work to pull and spread it on the grass ground 
to int. The early pastures yielded timothy, clover 
and other milk and butter-producing grasses. Corn 
did better on land that had been cultivated a few 
years. 

First Mills— Isaac Cobbett had a fulling-mill from 
L820 In 1823 on land bought of Deacon David Patter- 
son. He had the privilege of flowing the meadow fur 
a pond until the 10th of May. He built and lived in 
the In. use now occupied by James Lewis. 

He was succeeded bj Mr. Locke, who carried 

on the same business several years, until the gradually 
diminished water rendered it unprofitable. 

The first saw-mill in town was built by Jeremiah 
Baldwin, just below the junction of a brooklet from 
( Irotched Mountain, and a small stream which is the 
outlet of the Gould Pond. 

The first saw and grist-mill was erected by Major 
Peter Peavey, on thebrookat the outlet of the Bower's 
Pond. This mill was relinquished for want of water. 

Deacon John Savage had a mill on the Hardy Brook, 
so called, which afforded power for sawing fall and 
spring. It was destroyed by tire. James Sawyer has 
a saw-mill on the same stream, which can only be op- 
erated a few weeks in the year, and is the onlj re 
maining mill in town carried by water-power. 

The inhabitants of the place had Ions' felt the in- 



convenience of having neither saw nor grist-mill in 

town, and after enthusiastically agitating the subject, 
decided to form a slock company and build a steam- 
mill. 

A company was formed and a committee chosen, 
consisting of Charles Richardson, John J. Duncklee 
and Stephen Holt, Jr., to superintend the construc- 
tion of the mill. 

It was located in the village, on Depot Street, a few 
rods west id' the junction of the four mads. 

It was a large, heavy-timbered building, and fur- 
nished with heavy and expensive machinery. The 
mill was operated by Stephen Holt, Jr. Silas B. 
Winn was engineer. 

It did considerable sawing and grinding, hut the 
expenses of running it were too large to render it a 
profitable investment. It was destroyed by lire in 
June, 1851. A second steam-mill was built by the 
Hopkins Brothers, on the same site ; after running it 
a lew years they sold the engine to Edwin Jaquith, of 
Peterborough, ami the building to S. D. Downes, of 
Franci stown, who refurnished it with new machinery. 
It was burned to the ground in May, 1883. The site 
was immediately purchased by George F. Russell, 
wdio erected a mill and is now running it. 

Wild Animals. The animals found lure by the 
tirst settlers were deer, wolves, bears, foxes, wild-cats, 
porcupines, woodchueks and squirrels. Wild turkeys, 
partridges, woodcocks, owls, and a variety of other 
birds were also found. 

Domestic Animals. Oxen were the most useful of 

all the domestic animals for conveying agricultural 
products to distant markets; as there was no pasturage, 
the earliest settlers seldom kept more than ow 

Horses were trained to carry heavy burdens and 
bulky loads. They were accustomed to cany two per- 
sons and a child. 

It was not an uncommon method of performing 
short journeys to " ride and tie," which means that a 
part would ride to a specified place, and hitch their 
horse by the side of the mad, walk on until the Other 
part came up, ami thus alternate 

Hogs were numerous, and in early spring they were 
yoked, ringed and allowed to run at large. 



' II AFTER II. 
GBEENFIELD— (Continued). 
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 

First Church. —Previous to 179] the | pie as- 
sembled on the Sabbath for worship at private houses, 

but alter the town was incorporated they fell the need 

of a meeting-house for secular as well as religious 
purposes. 

December 6, 1791, Deacon Cram, James Ellinwood 
and Paul Cragin were chosen by the town to appraise 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



a building owned by several proprietors, located on 
the site of F. C. Fletcher's present house. 

They reported that the meeting-house was worth 
twelve pounds, and the town voted to raise nine 
pounds to repair said house, the work to be done b) 
the last of the follow ing .June. 

A church was organized in this house, as will ap- 
pear from a "copy of the proceedings of the first 
Church of t Ihrist in Greenfield." 

June 25, I7'J4, this meeting-house was again ap- 
praised and sold to Mr. liroadstreet, and moved to tin- 
lower part of the village, where it is now owned and 
occupied as a duelling by .Mr. Horace Cudworth. 

" Several persons ,.t ill.- T.iwn ,.t liiveiiti.-M, uliu in-.- in lull ,-. - 

in.. ii uiili ilu- Church .-I Christ in towne where thej formerly be- 
longed, Des i> ..I being embodied into .1 distinct Church in this place, 

met together and proceeded as follows 

" 1" Chose Dea Cram Chairman. 

'■■Ji.b. Y,,t,.,| In i.-.pn-st tin- assist:! 11. v ,,f an Kr. 1, -siast i. al I' i.-il t.. 

be convened tin- Seventh day ..t September, followinp 

■■:;■"<. Chosi- 11 . ..ininitt.-.- P. s.-ml t.. tin- , Inn, I,.- 11. [iyndeborougb, 
Wilton and Temple, t" desire tin- assistance ,.t theii eldet and di tegatt 
onthis tsion 

'■l"- 1 Voted that Dea. Cram acquaint tin- inhabitants of tin- town 
with 11..- proceedings --t this meeting, and desire theii attendance when 
tin- Count a -I.- till .t 

"On it-- Sei ;,'. t Sept., 1791, the Council were convened at the 
bona of Joshua 1 1 -It l;--\ \l Iinlj, alnl K>,| liillei, IV. .111 Lvinle- 

borough 1: - Hi 1 . ,. ad a 1. Ibbott, from Wilton . Rev. Mr. Milea 
and I.--, Cragin from Temple \11.1 Enquiring the design of calling 
the Council, The information is as follows Ibout twenty pei-sons, now 



1 Churches to which they belonged wish 1,. be 



n- Council, h.-ini: satisfied with th,. ml, a 10.1 1 1. -li, a-ji I that Mr 

hould i-i- ... 1. in Hi.- h.t.-n 1 and Mi Fisk in the afternoon, anil 



ilea 



Kalinin 1 lam I I - i- ., I I. o.. Il.-ll. .I,,.,pli lt.,1, h. 1,1, i, ,l,,l,i, 

Bane, Jonathan Ballad and their wives Widon Man Fletcher, Mary, 
trite of The Carlt.. n, Dinah, wife of W°> Blunt, Hannah, wife of Stephen 
.'.iiiiihain. Lucy, wife ..f Peter Pevey, James Ramsey, Dea Cram, Joshua 
rlolt, .loseph Batchelder, Robert Day and James Ramsey were chosen a 
;ommittee, in presence of the Council, t.. act hereafterin behalf of the 



Clnir.-li --I •'In i-t - ,|,i. --.n, a i, . .,, ii, ,1 in. , might i„ emboi 1 into 

a ihstiint ehnn I. ai.,1 ih. inn-. I,. , n ! M , Ciimil approving of 

their proposal, -i-i person tppeai I befop the Council and in 

(n is bet mentioned), and thej were accordingly acknowledged t.. 

I.., a regulai I Inn, h --I ''In ist 

-■ In i, -linn, n \ whereoi we, the Pastors mddelegati of the Churches 
of l.yn.leborongh. Wilt. .11 ami Turn jit,-. have heieiinlo s.-t our hands. 
■ S| U u i Goodrich. 
" Ann, Fisk. 
"Noah Miles. 

" ANDEB-B Fl II.EB 

•■ AniKi. Abbott. 
"Francis Cragin " 

June 25, 1794, the town those the following com- 
mittee to look out a site to build a meeting house 
upon : Daniel Campbell, of Amherst; Timothy Far- 
rar, Neu Ipswich, and John Duncan, of Antrim. 



'litis committee report,— 

"That they have viewed the several places of the town, ami tin- dif- 
ferent splits sin. nii ns by in.livi.hialri, anil r.-ci i.-ml tu the inhabitants 

t.i buildsaid meeting house on a small hill in Coster's cleared land, so 

>a'l.'l, ,m-l «, have ,, -ilinnly s.-t li). ;. stake ami spotted a stump for 

tin- front ofthe house, ami, although wedo not altogether approve of the 
ground in its present state, we j-.-t think that by the labor or tin- inhabi- 
tants, it may I..- made eligible, ami, all things considered, ret mend it 

as ii, n best place 
" Voted, I., accept the above repot t 

"Joseph Herrick, Toum Clerk." 

" Voted, to raist On- ting-house with ladders. 

1 - ' '■ have hundred men t.. raise tin- meeting-house. 

1, to have i. in.- from Peterborough, nine from Temple, nine 
from Will,. n inn. from Lyndeborough, nine fr Francestown, nine 

•- Voted, to send a Committeyman to each town t.. invite the men to 
help raise tin- meeting-house. 

1../,./, h. .1 se a committee h. hum a plan lot the Piibli. Expense 

'"I'ln- Commitv Report Hogshead of West [ndia Rum and half a 

Quintal "i Codfish, half a hundred of Shugar, the Itaiset-s to have a 
Witing .i No O'clock in the i ningand a dinner at one of the Clock. 

I ' , , pi tin l.-p.irt nf tin . ,,ininit\ 

i ! ■ i. n- the Rev Mi Goodrich to attend the raising, also to 

" Voted, thai Messrs. Isaac Foster and Joseph Batchelder be a commit- 
tee tnk.-.p ..i.l.i on tin- ground a raisin d ,-. 

"I'm- I, 1795 Voted, to finish thi meeting-house in tin.,- years from 
next April. 

"Joseph Herrick, Toum Cleri 

Ministry.— The Rev. Timothy Chirk was the first 
settled minister, according to the church records. He 
was ordained January 1. 1800, and after a pastorate 
of several years, on the first Sabbath in June, 1810, 
aftei much solemn deliberation and inquiry to know 
his duty, requested a regular dismission from his 
pastoral office. His reasons I'm- so doing were,— 1st, 
inadequacy of temporal support; 2d, a persuasion in 
Itis own mind that the church and people were not so 
well united in his religions sentiments and public 
administrations as to rentier it duty for him to con- 
tinue among them. 

The church, in the month of September, 1810, in 
regular meeting, voted,— 1st, their desire that the 
pastor should continue in office, and that thej were 
willing to unit.- with the other inhabitants of the town 
in raising his salary; otherwise, 2d, should the town 
decline, that they were willing to unite with them 
and the pastor in calling an ecclesiastical council 
for his regular dismission. The town, in the same 
month, September, 1810, in legal meeting, voted to 
comply with the pastor's request, and he was dis- 
missed May I, 1811. 

A town-meeting svas called on the 23d of November, 
1811. At saitl meeting the church and society united 
in voting to give Rev. John Walker a call to take the 
pastoral care of said church and society. An accept- 
ance of said call was manifested by the pastor-elect 
on the 29th of December, 1811. He was ordained 
February 5, 1812, and continued as acting pastor for 
several years, when, at a church-meeting,— voted, 
that it is thought expedient that the pastoral con- 
nection between the Rev. John Walker and this 
church lie dissolved. Voted, that a committee of two 



GREENFIELD. 



335 



be appointed to confer with the selectmen, I" inform 
them what the church have done relative to the dis- 
mission of the pastor, ami to request a regular town- 
meeting to inform the Iowa on what terms of dis- 
mission the pastor has proposed. Agreeable to the 
result of council, he was dismissed August, 1822, 

His ministry was faithful ami successful, during 
which time upwards of eighty were added to the 

Rev. Francis Danforth graduated at Dartmouth 
College in 1819; ordained over the church in Green- 
field the 6th of June, L823. He served as acting 
pastor for nearly eight years. I >ieil in ( 'larenee, N. Y., 
in 1843. An earnest Christian and useful in his day. 



CHAPT E R III. 



!UKKS|.'IKU> -(CWiW,/). 



Home Life. — The following glimpses of pioneer life 
were obtained from one who, in 17M, made her bridal 
trip to a Greenfield forest home, where she reared a 
family, spent a long and useful life, and now, with 
her husband and all her children, rests in "God's 
Acre," near the meeting-house where she constantly 
worshiped. Most of the settlers lived in log cabins a 
short time, and then built framed dwellings. Their 
houses and barns were usually separated by a garden 
or small field. 

In fair weather the cattle were fed in the yard, and 
the bars were left down thai they might go to the 
nearest brook or spring to drink:. Water for house- 
hold purposes was brought from the nearest springs, 
frequently many rods away. 

The all-important room in the house was the large, 
long, low kitchen-, usually facing the north. It con- 
tained a wide, deep ti re- place, which in winter was 
piled bigh with logs that warmed the well-ventilated 
apartment in the day-time and afforded light sufficient 
for nearly all domestic purposes in the evening. At 
the right hand of the fire-place was a capacious brick 
oven, with an ash-oven under it. A long high-hacked 
settle stood aslant, across one end of the broad, 
smooth, stone hearth. An open dresser adorned with 
shining pewter rested against the wall beside a fall- 
table. Several broad shelves afforded convenient 
places for baskets of wool and tow, piles of rolls, cards 
and various miscellaneous articles. 

The studding was adorned with hanks of flax, 
bunchesof wool and skeins of tlax and tow yarn. A row 
of smooth poles, resting on wooden hooks, attached 
to beams overhead, served as hat-rack and clothes- 
bars, anil in one corner frocks, blankets and hoods 
were huddled together on wooden pegs. In one end 

of the room st 1 a high bed, beneath which was a 

trundle-bed, a large and a small spinning-wheel, and, 



not unfrequently, a loom, swifts and reel and quill- 
wheel shared places with other domestic implements. 
A large brass or iron kettle I lor washing), a huge din- 
ner-pot, tea-kettle, long-legged spider and long 
handled living-pan comprised their principal cook- 
ing utensils. They did all their baking in the 
oven, except rye short-cakes and Indian trench- 
cakes, which they baked on boards before the 
lire. Besides manufacturing nearly all their 
clothing without thi' aid id' machinery, ami pro 
riding food for their families, they madi oap 

hcci', candles, wax, standi, glue, dyes, ink, syrups, 
ointments and pills. They knew the medicinal vir- 
tues of barks, roots and herbs, ami, by judiciously pre- 
pared home remedies, lessened doctor's bills. For 
breakfast, children, and often the entire family, ate 

I victuals," consisting of milk, rye or Indian 

grind, samp broth or bean porridge. Brown bread, 
baked beans and baked Indian pudding formed one 
of their substantial dinner-. Another was a " boiled 
dish," served on a large pewter platter ; sections of 
pork, beef or mutton occupied its centre and were 
flanked on all sides by piles of vegetables. A smaller 
platter held a cylindrical boiled Indian pudding, 
which was served as the first course. 

'flic family stood round the table while the father 
" asked a blessing," and at the dose of the meal stood 
while he "retur I thanks." They were very eco- 
nomical, and nothing was wasted. The number of 
years a family had kept house could he ascertained 
by their pile of almanacs, tor hooks and papers of 
every description were carefullj preserved, children 
were received as blessings, and thanks were returned 
in the " house of God " for their bestowal. 

The old meeting-house was built, owned and con- 
trolled In the town. Afterthe passage of the ait allow- 
ing each denomination in tow u the use id' the house its 
proportionate share of the time, one Sabbath in each 
mouth was allotted tor I he use of a feu individuals of 
another denomination. Thus the First Evangelical 

Church was without a place of worship one-twelfth 
of the time. After having repeatedly and unsuccess- 
fully endeavored to make some arrangement with the 
town that would enable them to have the continued 
use and control of the place of worship, a council of 
ministers was called, who decided that it was for the 
interest of religion that the church should have the 
entire control of their place of worship, and advised 
the church to build and own a meeting-house. Act- 
ing upon this advice, the church voted to build, and 
in 1838 the majority of the church, with the assistance 
of other church-going people, erected a neat and com- 
modious edifice, which was dedicated February 13, 
L839, and the nest dav (February 14th), at the old 
meeting-house, the church voted to remove its meet- 
ings for public worship, and for the transaction id' ail 
church business, to the new meeting-house which 
they had erected and dedicated, after the expiration 
of the engagement with Mr. Field, which would ter- 



BISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



minute in April, Then the church commenced wor- 
ship in the oew house, and, after employing different 
ministers for a brief period, employed, successively, 
Revs. David P. Smith, Jonathan Metier and Daniel 
Goodhue, under whose ministrations the church was 
u n i ted mi ul prosperous ami remarkably harmonious. In 
l-Xti-i the diminished numbers of church-goers in both 
houses rendered it expedient that the churches should 
unite and occupy one place of worship. After much 
preliminary arrangement, both churches disbanded 
ami unite. 1 under the name of the Union Congrega- 
tional, and occupied the old meeting-house, the upper 
part having been fitted up for a place of worship and 
the town having relinquished its control over it. Sub- 
sequently, the new church edifice wa.s sold and fitted 
n)p for private dwellings. It wassold for about three- 
fourths of its cost, ami the amount divided among the 
original stockholders. 

A Congregational Church was organized at the old 
meeting-house November 19, 1839. "Voted to give 
the Rev. Bancroft Fowler a call to become the Pastor 
of this Church, and that the K clcsiastical Council 
now convened be requested to install him over this 
Church on the morrow." Mr. fowler was accordingly 
installed on the 20th, agreeably to the above request- 
The i astoral relation subsisting between Mr. Fowler 
and this church was dissolved, at his request, April 22, 
1845, after which Rev. Noah Emerson, followed bj 
Revs. Le Bosquet, Marshall and Case, supplied the pul- 
pit until the two churches disbanded and united in 
1867. 

Rev. George W. Ruland.the present pastor of the 
church.isa nativeofNew York. Heservedin the Army 

of the Potomac in 18lil-(>ll. then rc-in I teaching in 

Suffolk* lounty.N. V., until September, 1864, when he 
came to New Hampshire, and graduated ill l.s<J7 from 
the Concord Institute, now known as Boston School 

of Theology. In connection with his pastoral work, 

Mr. Ruland is well-known as an active, outspoken 
minister for total abstinence and prohibition. He in- 
terests himself in the work of the schools and has 
served on the Board of Education in Littleton, Pem- 
broke and Greenland. His firs! year's labor here has 
been successful and at i ended with marked re\ ival in- 
terest ami accessions to the church. He was installed 
Maj 26, 1885. 

Cemeteries.-- -The oldest cemetery in town is situ- 
ated on the east side of the road leading from Frances- 
town to Lyndeborougli Mountain, and north of the 
road running over Lyndeborough Mountain, it being 
land given about 17.V> by Simeon Fletcher, whose 
solitary habitation at that time was a few rods north of 
it, and where now his dust reposes with many of his 
descendants and others of the neighborhood. 

< in the farm originally owned l>y Major Amos Whitte- 
more is a family burying-lot, although names on the 
headstones show that others have been permitted to 
be buried there, among whomwereRev. Charles Whit- 
ing and » ile. 



The cemetery connected with the meeting-house 
was laid out in 17^7 by the following committee : 
John Reynolds, Amos Whittemore, Elijah Broad- 
street and Joshua Holt, the hind being owned by the 
town. 

More of the early settlers repose there than in all 
the other cemeteries. Most of the available room 1ms 
been occupied, and many entire families have been 
buried there. A town receiving-tomb is accessible 
from the road. About the centre of the yard are the 
private tombs of Rev. John Duncklee and Dr. Samuel 

Pitch. 

Rev. Peter Holland Rev. David P. Smith rest neai 
together in the most elevated portion of the lot. Then- 
are several tine monuments and many marble head- 
stones of modern style interspersed with ancient slate- 
stone slabs, and numerous hillocks indicate unmarked 
graves. 



■■ A [oil 2i'., sui.l <■.... iniitteerecoi inded the purchase of a tract of land 

sitnate.1 about ..lie Hi] It- east ..f the villas*-, an. I s..uth si.b- ..t tit,- t..o-t 
l.i.i.l, at ;, .-nst mI tin,-,- hllliilleil .1. .liars. 

"Sepl '- Voted, that eight acrefi he enclosed within a suitable fence, 

anil lat.l ..ut in l,.ts in a >; I, stil.stanti.il manner, at an e\|.,-nso nut ex- 

eee.lini: three hull. Ire. I .i.V.lals, ami llial In- 1 .-alter it -lull I,. . ;,ll,-.l liiv, u 
vale I Vlu.-t.-i \ 

The first turf was broken to receive the remains of 
Captain Benjamin Hardy, an aged native of the town 
and a man ofsterling worth. 

The first monument was placed in tin- famih lot of 
Deacon Levi S. Holt, where twnniembers of his family 
now repose. 

A tall granite monument marks the resting-place of 
Deacon Peter Peavey, an esteemed native and life-long 

reside I the town, and inclose proximity is the 

unique and elegant monument erected to the me ry 

of Rev. Samuel H. Partridge, late pastor of the Union 
( longregational Church. 

Schools. -As early as 1792 a "vote was taken to 
choose a committee of eleven to divide the town into 
school districts. At this time the town was divided 
into seven school districts, and thirty pounds raised 
for the support of a scl 1." 

Before the erection of school houses, barns and 
private dwellings were used as places of instruction. 
In the early part of the century we liud the following 
names recorded as superintending school committee: 
Rev. John Walker, Captain John Burnham, Farnum 
Holt, William Whittemore, Peter Peavej and Amos 
Whittemore, Fs.j. 

In most of tin- districts there are two term- of scl I 

each year, A fall term of select school is often sup- 
ported in the village, which i- attended by pupils 
from all parts of the town. 

Manj scholars supplement the district-school in- 
struction by attending High Schools and academies, 
where they tire tittetl tor teachers and successfully 
follow that occupation. 



GEEENFIELD. 



337 



.March 14, 1885, an appropriation of three thou- 
sand dollars was made in District No. 3, the centre 

of the town, foi the erection of a suitable scl I 

building, with a hall on the sec I II for literary 



Military. 



"1795. An article to see u 
theii proportion ut mm call! 
agreeable to General orders, 

"1798 An Article Tosee 



1 Ob ■'. to gil in. I 



tteinore si onipany, 
ill tab to raise the 



A draft of the loll. .wing- men was made destined 
to Portsmouth: Peter Peavey, Jacob Peavey, John 
W. Bean, John Savage, Nathaniel Reynolds and 
David Emerson. From the following order for mus- 
kets, given to Stephen Holt in 1838, it is evident 
that a company existed known as the Light Infantry : 

1 II... i the tw-i mi. panj ol Infantry, i., longing to laid town of 



having the numbei enrolled ind completelj anifonued as the law pre- 
scribes, .i-i 1 1 appl} to said State foi tbeii quota ..i mnekt M foi said Com- 
pauj 

Another well-officered company was organized 

about 1830, known as the Rifle C pany, which did 

military duty until 1851, when, by legislative enact- 
ment, this company disbanded. Prior to August. 
1862, forty-two three-years' men volunteered from the 
town, ami were sworn into the United Stall's service. 
ROLL UK SOLDIERS. 
Second Regiment. 
Edmund Dascomb, second lieutenant, wounded July 13, 1863; ilie.l of 
«, ..iii.l- .inly l.".. I sir. , ;,:.... n. sect A, Gettysburg Cemetery, 

Tinui' Regiment. 
Harrison Marshall, discharged foi disability May 9, Is.;:;. 

Foi iiTii Regiment. 

Harry Elw 1, wounded July 24, 1864 ; .li.-.l of disease, date unknown. 

Antoine Goddard, discliarged foi disability January 26, 1863; died in 

Rockport, Va. 
Charles II. Wilson, promoted corporal; wounded May 20, 1864; muB- 

w iih. hi p W inn, din. harged al Beaufort, s. C, April, 1864. 
George D stiles, re-enlisted February 20, IS A 
George F. Launcey, die. I . «f .1 i^.-o -..- \..-..-i l'I, i-...; 
Dearborns. M ly, re-enlisted Februarj 17, 1864. 



Thirteenth Regiment. 

I i n i- P. w ilson, I'li'i <i n. captain January 12 

Perkins W. Hopkins, miisterei t June 2, 1866 



.I..I.I. 



i. D ' 1. 1| died Ugusl 24, 1863. 

.I'.si'pli Ash, .lis.-li.ML'.'.l I... .lis.il.ilitv F.'l.riinrv JS, Is.'.:; 
Samuel G. Stearns, died Augusl 11, 1863 

Sewal P. Stearns, killed m ; .Inn.' I, 1864 

Ambrose W, Stearns, died ut Richmond, Va., May 28, 1865. 

John E. Spanl'liiis, wnuml.-.l slightly ,1 o o.- l, is.. I ; discharged by 



lurk. 



.1.I....1.I 



i Met 'i Ji !■ i'ii-i' 'I li .ii . I. I8ti4. 

N....I. I'.IC 

John lam. 

w. o, w bridge. 

Sixteenth Regiment. 
Oscar C Stiles, mustered .mi Vugu I 

Recreations.— Most of the earl} settlers were large- 
hearted people, readj ami willing to assist their 

neighbors. They were accust ed to combine utility 

with recreation, ami heartily enjoyed helping a new- 
comer tend his burning " slash " ami a townsman pile 
his blackened logs. 

Trainings ami musters, town-meetings, Fourth of 
July celebrations ami election-day gatherings were 
highlj prized. Wrestling and other athletic sports were 
popular pastimes on such occasions. Aged, middle- 
aged, young men ami hoys attended raisings. The 
old men made the wooden pins to fasten the timbers 
together. The hoys distributed them ami carried the 
pail of toddy round. Strong men raised the frame, 
a broadside at a time, stimulated by the stentorian 
cry of "Heave her up! heave her up!" I>\ themaster- 
workman. When the raising was completed the 

olil.r people went home, luit the younger i s 

remained lor an evening frolic. There were huskings 
iu the fall, spelling-schools, school exhibitions ami 
evening parties in the winter, and sweet "sugaring 
oil" gatherings in the spring. They loved, wooed ami 
wed, ami the brides expected to hear their shares of 
life's burdens. There was a spirit of rivalry among 
the women to sec who could make the handsoniesl 
flowered coverlets, plaid blankets ami table linen. 
• iirls were taught common sewing, hem-stitching, 
embroidering and marking samples at scl I. Even- 
ing neighborhood parties were very enjoyable. Some- 
times a tincture ol' credulity ami superstition was 
apparent in their love lor marvelous stories, ami a 
disposition to find out the incomprehensible was 
manifested in their warm debates about God's fore- 
knowledge and decrees. Informal calls to sec how 
stock was thriving and how crops were turning mil 
were common, and served to increase neighborly in- 
terest and diminish envious tendencies. Than I. giving 
was the day that was anticipated the longest ami en 
joyed the most heartily. It was both a secular ami 
a religious least. Sonic of the settlers prolonged it 

to two ila\ S. 

Two or more families would take the first dinner 
at ■ house, and the next day at another. 

Samples of everything that had been raised on the 
farm were cooked, and placed on the table together, 
as a thanks offering for the bounties of the year. A 
boiled dish, with all it> accompaniments, baked 
meats and fowls, puddings ami [lies, were temptingly 



::::$ 



HISTORY (iK IIILLSRoROrCill ColNTV. NKW II AM PSB I RE. 



displayed, and aftei :i longer grace than usual had 

been said, ;j I appetites 'li'l ample justice to the 

most impo.-ing iiical ni' t lit- year. 

They were early taught to obey their parents, say 
" Yes, sir," and " No, sir," treat their superiors with 
deference and all others with courtesy. The} were re- 
quired tn rise early and wait U] themselves, and to 

do their allotted work before they stopped to play. 

After supper the father read a portion of God's 
word, extinguished the candle and all the family rose 

and si I while lie implored forgiveness for the sins 

of the day, both of commission and omission, and be- 
Bought his heavenly Fatherto watch over them during 
ihe defenseless leans of sleep. 

Many of them kepi Saturday evening as a prepara- 
tion for the Sabbath, and Sabbath eve as holy time. 
1 1 1 < \ werestricl in the observance of the Lord's day,— 
no walking nor riding, except to go to meeting; no 
gathering berries, nor cracking nuts, nor amusements 
of any kind wen- allowed. 

They rose early, worked hard and were prudent in 
all their expenses, bul generally they wen- cheerful, 
hopeful and contented. 

Road-Breaking-. — When the highways needed 
breaking out, all the men and hoy- in tin neighbor- 
hood met with their teams and shovels and worked 
until the roads were passable, when they agreed to 
meet at the house of one of the party after the even- 
ing hoiue-w ork was done. 

Proceeding to their homes, they did their chores, 
covered their lire- with ashe-, put a -ealding tub on 
an ox-sled and laid bundle- of straw around it. 

The tub was filled with small children, while the 
larger ones, with their mothers, sat on the straw bun- 
dles, and the men stood up by the sledstakes, and tin- 
larger hoys gleefully ran ahead. [f there wa- no 
moon, .me or two tin lanterns with tallow candles 
illuminated the merry party on pleasure bent. 

On then arrival thej were ushered into the large, 
long kitchen, where the dames from the great open 
fire-place dill'iised a ruddy light through the room, 

t tn a beam overhead, in front of the lire, a cord with 
three iron hoo'ks was suspended, and a rib, or some 
other delicious roast, tilled the room with savory odors. 

I"he men discussed the interesting topics of the day, 
often growing excited over political or religious 

subjects. 

The women, clad ill their warm domestic flannels, 
and with lingers deftly plying knitting-needles, talked 
of domestic concerns, while the children chased the 
grotesque shadows on the walls. 

At an early hour the sled was reloaded, and all re- 
turned to their h 3S with increased interest in their 

neighbor's prosperity, those who lived on the same 
road occupying the same sled. 



CHAPTER IV. 
GREENFIELD— {Continued). 

Manufactures— Pi.si-orh pin-i. kiiis— Lawvt-rs, Etc. 

The earliest articles manufactured for market were 
boat oars and pine shingles. Timber suitable for 
oars grew near the South Mountain. Two or more 

neighbors would go into the w Is together and split 

and shave oars. They likewise split and shaved pine 
shingles, performing the work in the forest where the 
trees stood. These articles, thus manufactured, were 
carried to Salem, Mass., with ox-teams. They carried 
bags of hay for their oxen and buckets of provision 
lor themselves. At night they put up at a tavern, 

where they often found teamster- from Vermont, who 
went loaded with pork, venison and potash, and 
usually returned with salt, rum and dry fish. After 
caring for their teams they would buy a mug of Hip, 
open their buckets and partake of a hearty supper, 
ami then, seated in the bar-room before the landlord's 
cheerful lire, or lounging on the high-backed settle, 
they would spend the evening telling stories and 
hearing news. The genial landlords of those days 
got the earliest news. It took about three days for 
news to travel a hundred miles. They were ready to 
-tan homeward hound with the earliest gleams of 
morning light, and the first evening after their return 
the neighbors called to hear a description of their 
journey, and all the- Mews they had collected. 

Post Offices and Postmasters.- A post-office was 
established in 1808, and James Miller appointed post- 
master. He was followed by William Whittemore, 
who was appointed in 1823 (no record of having hen 
commissioned); Ezra Prescott, July 9, 1823 ; Lewis 
Wilson, September 3, 1828; William E. Whittemore, 
June 13, 1832; Jacob Stephenson, March 1,1841; 
William 11. Whittemore, October 7. 1842; John J. 
Duncklee, September 21. 1848; Jacob Stephenson, 
I > . cember 29, 1853; Rufus Hardy, April 16, 1867 ; 
Horace Cudworth, January 13,1870; Frank I!. Patch, 
January 27, 1874; Samuel H. Partridge, April 15, 
1884; Warren Lewis, June 12, 1884. 

Post-Office at South Greenfield.— This office 

was opened May 28, 1878, and John R. Russell ap- 
pointed postmaster, who continues to hold the ap- 
pointment. 
i laptain Joseph Reynolds, of this town, carried the 

mails several \ ears, on the Count} road, from Green- 
field to Amherst, on horseback, over Lyndeborough 

Mountain. After a few years the forest road was 
built, and we then had a mail every other day from 
Boston, by way of stage-coach. At present it is 
carried by the Boston and Lowell Railroad. 

Physicians. I >r. Samuel Fitch came to Greenfield 
in 1800. He was horn in Acton, Mass., and studied 
medicine with Dr. Wyeth, of Sherborn, Mass. He 
married Miss Eunice Perry, of that place. He prac 
tieed medicine in Greenfield until age and feeble 



GREENFIELD. 



health compelled him to retire to a more quiet life. 
He died November I, 1857. 

About tliis period doctors used i" visit their 
patients on horseback, carrying their lancet, calomel, 
ipecac and rhubarb in their saddle-bags, and in cases 
of typhoid fever they often left medicine for four 
successive days, vigorously forbidding the use of 
water. 

When they were called out in the night they carried 
a tin lantern with a tallow candle in it In guide them 
through tlie forests, over corduroy bridges ami through 

Dr. John Ramsey was a native of town ami one of 
the pioneers of the practice <>f medicine, lie gradu- 
ated from the Medical Department of Dartmouth Col- 
lege in 1816. He died July 10, 1864, aged seventy- 
five years Dr. Ramsey was extensively known as a 
good practitioner of medicine, asa man of g I judg- 
ment ami sound common sense, lie had seen nearly 
lift) y f mi- of practice, and it can he said to his credit 
that he never grew rusty in his profession. He was 
the oldest physician in this section of the country, and 
had hen extensively called in consultation with his 
professional brethren. It was always a pleasure to 
meet him ; he was true, reliable ami cheerful, a man 
of honor and integrity. He was everywhere highly 
respected by his medical brethren. He was ever fear- 
ful of the powerful and dangerous effects of tnedii ine 
on the human system. Tin' subject of this notice 
pursued the even tenor id' his way in his own town 
for nearly half a century, without the people being 
aware of the great blessing and comfort he was to the 
community or, perhaps, rightly appreciating his true 
character. His memory will long he cherished by 
many a grateful patient, as well as by all his medical 
brethren. 

Dr. James S. Burtt was horn in Andover, .Mass., 
1791. He studied medicine with Dr. Luther Smith, 
of Hillsborough Bridge. He attended a course of 
medical lectures in Vermont. In 1842 he became a 
resident iii the northwest part of the town and prac- 
ticed his profession for several years. He died in 
1873, aged eighty-two years. 

Dr. Isaac N. Danforth was born in 1835, at Barnard, 
N. Y. He is the son of Hon. Albert H. Danforth, 
who was a member of the New Hampshire Legisla- 
ture and a prominent man of that State. He was ed- 
ucated ai the common schools of that New England 
town. At the age of twenty-three he entered the of- 
fice of Dr. Samuel 1'. Danforth, his uncle, making 
such rapid progress in his studies that he shortly en- 
tered the .Medical Department, of Dartmouth College, 
and graduated from that institution three years later. 
He was, soon after graduation, elected resident physi- 
cian of the Hartford Retreat for the Insane. On ac- 
count of his health, he resigned this position and 
removed to Greenfield, N. H., where he practiced his 
profession for four years. In 1866 he remo\ ed to Chi- 
cago. His public and private life are alike an honor 



to his name and his profession. He married, in 1868, 
Elizabeth, daughter of the Rev. John Skelton,a well- 
known Methodist clergyman of Chicago lor mam 
years. Dr. Danforth was succeeded, for a short time, 
by Dr. Williard D. Chase, of Claremont, N. II .. who 
is now located at Peterborough, and highly respected 
by the medical profession. 

Samuel H. Partridge was the only resident physi 
cian of the town from 1869, until his death, in 1884. 
He was an amiable man and an amiable physician. 

Dr. Nathaniel F. Cheever, our present physician, 
came from the practice of his profession in Na-lma, 

N. II. , the 1st of June, 1884. Dr. Cheever studied 
for his profession at the Universities of Michigan and 
Vermont, and the ( 'ollcge of Physicians and Surgeons 
in Baltimore, Md. He bought the place known as 
the " ( >ld Parsonage," and settled down to the enjoy- 
ment of domestic life with the only daughter of W. 
T. Spear, of Nashua. 

The hi is salubrious and in\ igorating, and the water 
pure I generally sufficient. 

The inhabitants are usually quite healthy, many of 
them having lived to an advanced age. 

The town does not afford a competent support for 
onephysician without his earnings beingsupplemented 
by practice in adjoining towns. 

Lawyers. — General James Miller was the first 
lawyei established in Greenfield. He married Pattj 
Ferguson, and resided in the house now owned and 
occupied by Zebediah Peavey from 1804 until 1808. 
His infant son James died there July 28, 1804; also 
his wife, May 12, 1805, in the twenty-third year of her 
age. General Miller's office was on MainStreet, uearlj 
opposite the hotel. He represented the town in tin- 
Legislature iD 1807. "It was doubtless owing to the 
circumstance of bis having learned the manual exer- 
cise while yet a school-boy that he became a genera] 
rather than a politician or a man of letters." 

Early in the nineteenth century he was chosen 
captain of the Hancock Artillery, and in 1808 he re 
ceived a major's commission in the United States 
army, it being the highest commission at that time 
issued to any one in the State of New Hampshire. 

He was born in Peterborough, N. H., April 25, 177b, 
and died in Temple, N. H., July 7, 1851. 

Hon. Alson B. Abbott was born in Greenfield, 
N. 11., on the 3rd of No\ ember. 1S44. He was the son 
of William and Sarah .1. Abbott, of that place, both 
of whom are now deceased. In childhood he removed 
to Andover. Mass., where he pursued his preparatory 
course and was fitted for college. During hi- student 
life, moved by the same patriotic impulses that aui 

mali d so many hundred youthful spirits a 1 the Ninth 
when the tocsin of rebellion rent with rude blast the 
sky of our nation's safety, he enlisted and served his 
time in the Fifth Massachusetts Infantry, seeing 
active service at various places, including Fort Mi 
Henry, Federal Hill, Monocacy Junction and Har- 
per's Ferry. In 1866, shortlj after graduating at 



340 



BISTORT OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE 



Dartmouth with honors, he \v:is chosen principal of 
the Warrensburg Academy, and the following year, a 
vacancy having occurred in the academy at (liens 
Fulls, he was selected tn take charge of it as principal. 
In this relation he continued for five years, serving 
with great acceptance and satisfaction to the patrons 
of the school. The academy was never mure pros- 
perous and flourishing than it was during this entire 
period. He received from bis alma mater the degrei 
of Master of Arts m [869, and while teaching, having 
at the same time pursued the study of law, be was ail 
mitted to the bar in 1872. In 1873 he was married to 
Sarah, oldest daughter of the late James Morgan. In 
1874 In- traveled through the Southern States, and 
the following year made the tour of continental 
Europe and the English isles. Sunn alter his return 
from abroad hi> superior administrative abilities as 
"a man of affairs" came to a gradual recognition by 
an appreciative public by his being chosen, in 1878, a 
directoi in the First National Bank of Glens Falls, 
and a director in the Glens Falls Insurance Company, 
both of which positions be lias continued to hold to 
the present time (1885). The ensuing fall he was 
elected to the New York Assembly, where he was dis- 
tinguished not only by his readiness in debate and bis 
attention to his duties, hut also by his courteous, 
affable demeanor. The following season lie was 
elected an elder in the Presbyterian Church. .Mr. 
Abbott is yet in tin- early prime of an active man- 
hood, and his tine intellectual training, hi- scholarl) 
attainments ami superior culture, his aptitude at 1ms- 
iness affairs, and gentlemanly address give promise of 
a future replete with usefulness, ami an old age hon 
nnd ami respected. 

Ezra Prescott, Esq., read law with Hon. Titus Brown, 
of Francestown, ami commenced practice in that 
town, when, in 1824, he removed in Greenfield, and 
occupied the same office that General Miller did. 

Iii L828 he was elected register of deeds for Hills- 
borough County, ami removed to \ mherst in the fall 
of that year. 

The following are some of the persons born in 
Greenfield or have spent their earlj lives there who 

have graduated at different colleges; Moses < trdway. 

Rev. John l> iklee, Joshua Holt, Jr., Francis W. 

Cragin, Rev. Amzi Jones, Rev. R. C. Stanley, David 
B. Ramsey, Alson B. Abbott, Charles 1). Fitch. 

Among others who have studied professions may be 
mentioned Jacob Holt, M.D., Philadelphia; William 
II. Ramsey, comptroller of currency in Wisconsin 

eight war-; Amon Robinson, a g I historian, now 

in New York; Francis W. Cragin, M.l>., Norwood, 
Mass.; Francis 1'. Fitch. 

George W. Putnam keep- a livery stable. 

Forest and Other Roads.- As Greenfield is on the 

direct line of travel from the north portion of this State 
and Vermont, it was felt absolutely necessary to have 
a road built from Hancock, through Greenfield, to 

I j udeb igh, suitable for travel with heavily-loaded 



teams, likewise for a regular line of stage-coaches. 
After a long struggle between enthusiastic ellort and 
determined opposition, in 1881 a road was laid to 
complete a direct connection between ( lharlestown and 
Nashua. 

several hundred dollars were expended ill leveling 
hills, which rendered the numerous teamsters jubi- 
lant ovei the improvements on their route. William 
Whittemore and Xehediah 1'eavey purchased the first 
stagi coach. It was built by Abbott & Downing, of 
t 'uncord, N. II. Michael A. Whittemore went to 
Concord with a pair of horses, which he attached 
to the new vehicle ami drove to Greenfield, and 
entered the village during a heavy shower. Thi next 

day a team was improvised, and the owners, with 
other gratified townsmen, took a ride to Hancock, 
and returned in the most exultant mood. When on its 
first regular trip, it> driver, Noah L. Jackson, cracked 

his whip and drove up to the tavern on an airj gal 
lop, where it was received with enthusiastic cheers 
by the villagers and many other inhabitants, who 
were standing ill the street to wit Hess the important 
event. The upper end of the route was owned bj 
Morrison & Jackson, and the lower end by Dean <& 
Tarbell. 

In L837, C..I I Hiram T. Morrill bought Tarbell's 

interest in three teams from .Nashua to Hancock, 
the company being Morrill & Dean. In about two 
years Dean sold his interest to Hall, and the firm 
was changed to Morrill .\- Hall. Colonel Morrill 
drove the stage-roach twelve years in succession, and 
owned an interest in staging until about the time of 
the completion of the railroad to Greenfield, in I >74 
The various other roads in town are in a respectable 
condition. Mom v for keeping them in repair is raised 
bj a highway tax, and road surveyors are appointed in 
each highway district, who allow the inhabitant.-, to 
work out their taxes under their supervision. 

January 1. 1874, the railroad was opened for travel 
from Wilton to Greenfield, and a long train of cars 
brought some twelve hundred stockholders and 
others, who entered the r:i rs along the line, and 
likewise many individuals from Boston, who were en- 
tertained in the town hall with a free dinner. 

Peterborough Railroad from Fast Wilton, through 
Lyndeborough to Greenfield, eleven miles, is operated 
In the Boston ami Low ell Railroad. 

There is a telegraph connection from Boston and 
Keene, and telephone from Francestown. Large 
quantities of soap-stone from the quarry then are 
shipped from our depot. 

As a point for shipping freight on the Boston and 
Lowell road, Greenfield i> of considerable importance. 

Stores and Traders.— The first trader in town was 
Ambrose I rould ; he came previous to 1802. The store 
he occupied is now used as a dwelling-house on the 
corner of Main Street and Slip road. A few years 
later Joseph Bachelder opened a store in the south 



GREENFIELD 



341 



part of the town, on the farm now known as the [saac 
Foster place. In 1816, Butler* Patterson traded in 
the west end of Mr. Samuel Gould's building, Mr. 
Gould .occupying the east end as a harness-shop. 

Whittemore Brothers traded in the Long Block and 
didan extensive business. They were followed by 
Peavey & Gould. 

In 1826, Carkin & Cragin opened a store in the ell 
partofa large building situated on the site of the 
present hotel. The main building was destroyed by fire, 
I, ut the ell was saved and the goods returned in 
aged condition. Subsequently, a hotel was 
mi thesite of the burn* building. 

Amasa Farrier kepta store from 1832 to 183 
was followed by Grant & Dane, William 
Duncklee & Jones, II. II. Duncklee, Rufus An 
G. P. Fletcher and L. P. Wilson. 

At an early date Mark Bailey buil! the sti 
occupied by Patch & Leu is. 

He was succeeded b\ Robert Bradford, 
Eardy, Horace Cudworth, C. II. Hopkins, Brat 



,|a„ 



cted 



In 1873, C 
building on 



II. II. 



■ar Main 
imodious 



Street. The upper pari contains t 
tenements. 

The first floor is occupied by the owner, who is an 
extensive dealer in flour and grain, as well as most 
other articles usually tun ml in a country store. 

( '. F. & < r. S. Peavey are extensive dealers in cattle, 
sheep and meal. They semi their meat to Manchester, 
Nashua," Lowell and Boston markets, rheii slaughter- 
ing establishment is fitted up with modern con- 
veniences and labor-saving devices. 

Brooks & Spaulding are the only blacksmiths in 
town. They are skillful workmen, and give strict at- 
tention to their business. 

George D. Pollard is a builder, and also celebrated 
for his judgment and success in moving buildings. 

LE Hopkins, D. W. Burnham and George !•' 
Russell are experienced carpenters. 

Earle Searle, formerly a blacksmith and tinman, is 
now a manufacturer of w len measures, w hose excel- 
lence is not surpassed by any other workman. 

Taverns. Tra.liii.iii says thai oi f the earliest 

taverns was kept by John Savage, his house being 
finelj located on the brow of a hill about three miles 
from the cent re of I he tow u, on the < lounty road i hat 
lea. Is over Lyndeborough Mountain. 

We find recorded the name oi Samuel Weeks, 

licensed to keep tavern in I7ii4. 

In 1824, John ( 'arkin opened a tavern in the< lentre 
village. Among his successors have been Elbridge 
Manly. Mark Bailey, Horace Whittemore, S. S. Ten- 
ney, William II. Gowing, Luther Gray, Geo. J. 
Whittemore, II. II. Duncklee and John I). Emerson. 

In 1881 the hotel formerlj owned bj H. II. hum k 
lee was purchased by J. D. Emerson, and thoroughlj 
remodeled inside and out. He introduced .lorn 



conveniences into his pleasant apartments, which are 
appreciated by his numerous guests, particularly by 
his summer hoarders from the cities. Mr. Emerson is 
a popular conductor on the railroad from Greenfield 
io Boston. 

The Records. The records of the town are written 
in a hold and legible hand, and are generally well 



iite an. I accurate. I lie Sabbat 
library . There is also a small 
town. Many newspapers are ta 



it of ratable polls in 
and seventy six. 
of the town in 1884 



dial 



The tax-payers in I7M were Captain John Abbott, 
Major Abie! Abbott, Captain John Holt, William 
Blunt, Abijah Clark. Joseph Batchelder, Joshua 

Holt. In 1790 the following additional names are 

found: Timothy Holt, Joseph Severance, John 
Fletcher, Nathan Lovejoy, Daniel Holt, Isaac Foster. 

Oak Park Association. At the first meeting of 
this association, April 22, 1875, the following officers 
were chosen: President, D. II. Goodell, Antrim; 
Secretary, Joseph Farnum, Peterborough ; Treasurer, 

David Starret, Greenfield. Executive C mittee : 

Greenfield, John Fletcher, Albert II. Hopkins,! leorge 
S. Peavey, Leonard Bailey and Benjamin Hardy; 
Lyndeborough, Luther ('ram, Andrew Holt, David 
I'litiiain, ti.'oi'Li, Spaulding and John Richardson; 
Hancock, Orland Eaton, W. A. Washburn, A. I".. 
Stone, J. S. Spaulding, ( '. P. Bugbee; Francestown, 
H. A". Simpson, Henry Richardson, William II. 
Farnum, George A. Duncklee, John Morse; Ben- 
nington, John F. Hodge, W. D.Woods, John ( '. 
Dodge, Hartwell Lakin, Heber Presby; Antrim. 
D. H. Goodell, George L Cochran, Morris Christie. 
Eben Bass, John M. Duncan; Peterborough, George 
II. Longley, S. I. Vose, E. W. Mcintosh, John Q. 
Adams and ( lharles Wilder. 

The first fair was held September 16 and 17, 1875. 
As a soeial gathering it is greatly enjoyed by both 
young and old, and the exhibits of farming imple- 
ments and other results of scientific research, utiliz- 
ing the hit. an forces of nature to lessen manual 
labor, serves to awaken the dormant energies of 

many a son and daughter of toil. 

All the towns and cities of I lillshor.iugh County, 

and the towns of Jaffrey, Dublin, Harrisville and 

Stoddard, in Cheshire County, are comprised within 
the limits of this association. 
The grounds are finely located, easj of ai cess and 

within three-fourths of a mile of the depot of tie- 



342 



HISTORY OF HILLSIiOROrcH COrXTY, XF.W HAMPSHIRE. 



Nashua and Lowell and the Manchester and Keene 
Railroads. 

The track of the Manchestei and Keene Railroad 
runs within twenty rods of the grand entrance gate 
to the grounds, and passengers are left and taken 
on at that point. 

Temperance Work. — The Hillsborough Count) 
Convention of the Woman's Christian Temperance 
Union met in the Congregational Church, December 
28,1881. \t the close of the afternoon session a union 
was formed under the auspices of Mrs. Charles Rich- 
ardson, lit' Amherst, N. II., president of the count) 
society. The names of the first officers were Mrs. S. 
EL Partridge, president; Mrs. Charles I'. Peavey, 
Mrs. Charles II. Hopkins, Mrs. Henry Unit ami 
Mrs. Levi Unit, vice-presidents ; Mrs. Sarah M. Pol- 
lard, secretary; Mrs. Henry Unit, treasurer. These, 
with a membership of thirty, have been actively en- 
gaged in temperance work until the present time, 
L885. 

Motto, — "Not by might, nor by power, but by my 
Spirit." 

The following petition has been presented to the 
selectmen, asking for the enforcement of the law: 

'•III l.lialf "I tin- .-tire. 'is .ili.l In-mlii'l- ..I 111.' W. >ni. Hi > Clm-rim 

i nun. we i.-jii', Hull', i. 'I'l.'.i ni Mi.,! u. i;m -ml r ,:i 

-.hi- t"i I'.'li. vitii rli.it inhiM. arm- !i.[ii"r. are lial.itnally sold inoiu 
\iM'-'. in notation of Lev. and to the detriment "t the place and g i 



irder ol oui community w e t] 

■ 1 1 ■ i ._■ bodj thai yii w 

tl -U. h . .1-.' lll.nl.' .Itl'l [UV.Viili'll 




illv but urgt 


ii .hi.- shall I- i Bi i f: illj Buppn 


ssed, sofai ;i- 3 


III' MHI^Ih TI..1I f'VT.'Ll.k 




r citizens 


ivc the sii).|. ii 1 .1 ml .i|. 



Greenfield, ami to the many ami generous replies 
received George S. Peavey responded as follow-: 

" fJreentrelii rem. mtiers tier al.serit sons ami daughters, especially her 

.liMiii-in-li.'.l nne- sli.- 1. .-.iili.ii |.r,,-|..'i n\ si„. i s e ver proud 

to meet them, and gladl] d i-w ri so m to-nighl . and remem< 



t.ering those who are sHj.arar...l 



terest they ►till feel mtli 
rmi.'M- rli.-refore, R>* 
give expression to our g 
.lent.- anil friends of i.n 
also tn those who hare t 
ate! unit, rial aid." 



by many an intei vening mill Bomt ' 

b ...- m-t -in. of th.' iti- 
. 1 ityof its reltgious insti- 
11- ..t i.i.'.'titielil present, 
>v a \.'t.' of thanks I., all former resi- 

1. -, in 1 i lie ii |'t. -. ii. ■■ ami aid. and 
I \ 1. tl. t w illi ( '\|.r.-si..i»- "l -* in|..itliy 



The evening passed pleasantly, ami the result was 
very gratifying. 



Greenfield Grange was organized by C. C. Shaw, 
secretary of State Grange, March 14. 1 >-7 1. with the 
following officers: Master, John Fletcher; Overseer, 
David Starrett; Lecturer, Samuel G. Hartshorn: 
Steward, Willis D. Hardy; Assistant Steward, George 
I). Pollard; Chaplain, Alfred N. Hardy; Secretary, 
Sidney II. Hardy; Gate-Keeper, Nahum Russell; 
Treasurer, Alfred W. Savage; Ceres, Mrs. John 
Fletcher; Pomona, -Mr-. Taylor P. Lakin; Flora, 
Mrs. Willis D. Hardy; Lady Assistant Steward, Mrs. 
Samuel G. I lartshorn. 

Through the influence of this grange agriculture 
has received a new impulse, ami much practical 
knowledge lias been diffused. 

The most formidable impediment to successful 
farming consists in the deterioration of the pas tun 
lands, which do not afford feed for more than one- 
third of tin' number of cattle that they did fifty years 
ago. 

Milk i- -old tor the city markets and lor th. Wilton 
Creamery, and the town grange, with neighboring 
granges, is agitating I he -ubject of more creameries. 

Organ Festival.— A meeting was called, ami an 
association formed, and arrangements were made for 
a grand organ festival, to he held February 22, 1871. 

I In committee of correspondence sent out over a 
hundred letters of invitation to former residents of 



CHA PTEE V. 

GREENFIELD (Continued). 
BIOGRAPHICAL. 

M vim; Amos Whittemore settled in townas early 
as 1771. He was born in 174(1 anddied in 1827. lie 
was a soldier of the Revolution and was with Wash- 
ington when a battle was fought at White Plains, 
when New York was in posse-— ion of the British and 
the Americans were obliged to retreat. 

William Whittemore, Esq., son of Major Amos, 
was born in 1781 ami died in 1876. He was a native 
and almost a lifelong resident of Greenfield. He 
held many trusts in the gift of the county and repre- 
sented the town in the Legislature for sixteen con- 
secutive sessions. He was one of the original mem- 
bers of the Bunker Hill Monument Association. His 
remembrance dated back to the time when Green- 
field was almost a wilderness, two houses comprising 
all that the town then contained. 

Oneof the first settlers in town was Simeon Fletcher. 
He was born in Chelmsford, Mass.. May 2, 1722. He 
married Mary Davis. 

Deeds say that he owned a farm in Chelmsford in 
1744, which he sold. Then he removed to the prov- 

it New Hampshire (a lew years later), and took 

up some five hundred acres of land in whal is now 
known as the southeast part of Greenfield, built a 
bouse and there founded a life-long residence. Five 
generations of Fletchers have lived there, and four 
were born there. 

A daughter, born -noli alter they came here, was 
the fust white female born in town. He hail two 
neighbors, who settled north of him, one on a hill 
near Crotched Mountain. He was a man of philan- 
thropic heart, for when roads were unknown he 
would elevate a pine torch-light at night as a token 
that all was well with him, and receive a similar 
signal if all was well with his neighbors. He was 
the first man in town that ever cut hay enough to 
winter a cow. 

Simeon ami Mary had seven children, — Persis, 
married a Beasom ; Annie, married an Ordway ; and 



GREENFIELD. 



Mary, a Balch; John and Olive died at the old home- 
stead; Philip married Mary Barper, and tilled the 
ancestral acres. 

He was a brave man. for he took under his own 
roof his father, mother and mother-in-law. He 
had twelve children; one lived to be nearly ninety- 
nine. He always had a bed for the poor who might 
be strolling over the hill in those days. One morn- 
ing, as he was going through the w Is to his brother 

Simeon's, unarmed, he met a bear, which stopped and 
looked at him. but when he raised his voice and 
brandished his walking-stick Bruin made a hasty 
retreat into the wilderness, and the courageous man 
went on his way undauntedly. 

When one of his neighbors was bodilj injured, and 
liable to die before a physician could be procured, he 
hastily constructeda stretcher, and, witli a few others, 
carried him to Milford, by marked trees, to receive 
medical aid. 

He and his brother Simeon were in the Revolution- 
ary War. ami at West Point they were on guard the 
night that General Arnold attempted to surrender 
the fortress to the British. After his return home we 
find the following receipt, now extant : 

i i i i i bi Office, New Hampshire, January 19, 1790. 
"Receivedof iti Philip Fletcher Thirty-seven pounds,sis shillings, 
in part of State Certificate las ; of Fifty Founds, eleven -hillings, in part 
of Continental Facility Tax. of Lyudeborough for the yeai 1788 

■• w m. G iki.m b, Treasure) ' 

Philip died at the age of seventy-two. Simeon 
married Mary Huston, ami lived to sec all of his 
children laid in their graves. He died at the age of 
eighty-tour. 

Philip, .Jr., lived at the old homestead with his 
father; he raised hops for sixty years, and sold them 
in Boston. For seventy-one consecutive years hi; 
never failed to assist in getting hay from his meadow. 
From pine-trees that grew near this meadow he and 
his brother-in-law, Gates Perry, made shingles, and 
carried them to Boston with an ox-team to buy groce- 
ries to l.e used at the ordination of the minister. Rev. 
John Walker. He carried the first load of soap-stone 
from Francestown quarry to Boston with an ox-team, 
and made more journeys to Boston with oxen than 
all the other men in town. 

Of the fourth generation now living in town air 
Deacon John, Gilman P. and Franklin ( '. Deacon 
John attended Hancock and Francestown Academies. 
lie has taught school in Now Hampshire, Massachu- 
setts and Kentucky. For a decade of years he has 
served as Sunday-school committee in this town. He 
still owns a part of the original land bought by 
Simeon more than one hundred and thirty years ago. 

Gilman I', has been a trader here for man;) years. 
Franklin C. is an enterprising farmer. 

'file children of Deacon John, who are the fifth gen- 
eration, were horn on the original homestead, and, 
doubtless, received inspiration from the grand and 
romantic scenery with which nature has surrounded 



their ancestral home. 


lln- 


sacred homes 


ead has 


been the birth-place ( 


f thir 


J Fletchers, t 


venty ol 


whom have died there. 








Thus we find the Fl< 


tchei 


id! utified wit] 


< rreen- 


field since the hist whi 


e mai 


made his hon 


i on hei 



Ramsey Ancestry. Captain Hugh Ramsey, oi 
Scotch-Irish descent, from the north of Ireland, part 
own. a- and captain of a sailing-vessel, sailed into !'>'»- 
ton Harbor eight or nine times between the years 
1718 and 1725, bringing main of his relatives bearing 
the name of Ramsey, who emigrated to this country 
i 'der to escape the religious intolerance of the Es- 
tablished < 'hlirch. 

They sought homes in different Stales.— in Penn- 
sylvania, South Carolina, Georgia, New York and 
Now Hampshire. Many settled in Londonderry, 
N. II.. from which place Captain John Ramsey, with 

his nephew. James Ramsey, Jr.. came to S i\ 

Land (now Greenfield) in 1771. and bought adjoining 
farms about three miles west of the present site of 
the village, where they lived and died. 

From these two were descended all the Ramseys 
of Greenfield. Captain John's children were William 
(father of John Ramsey, M.D.), Lieutenant John, 
Samuel, Ebenezer, Marj (Mrs. Boyd, of Francestown), 
Margaret (Mrs. David Parker, of Antrim), Anne 
(Mis. John Mokecn, of Deering) and .Fine, a droll 
and sarcastic spinster, stories of whose eccentricities 
have enlivened many all hour for the present gener- 
ation, while walls echoed ami re-echoed 1 e re- 
peals of laughter at the rehearsal of her quaint jokes 
and witticisms. 

( 'aptaiu John's wife issaid to have been a strict ob- 
server of the Sabbath, and whenever the children 
manifested undue levity during sailed hours she was 
accustomed to remonstrate with them in the follow- 
ing original and forceful words: " You'll he sweet 
nuts for the de'il, come cracking time;" the mere 
mention of which undesirable fate doubtless pro- 
duced the desired effect of repressing their childish 
mirth, and restoring the solemn silence regarded b) 
the ancient Puritans as necessary to the contempla- 
tion of themes naturallj suggest., I by holy time. 

James Ramsey, Jr., had several brothers and sis- 
ters, viz. ; Hugh, of llolderness, X. II. ; William, of 
St. Johnsbury, Vt. ; Matthew, of Ruinney, N. II.; 
Robert, of the State of Maine ; John, who died un- 
married in Deny; Mrs. Steele, of Walpole, N. IF: 
Mrs. Martha Boyce, of Now York: and Mrs. McGlo 
then, of Walpole, X. II. 

The children of James Ramsey, Jr., and Mary 
Nesniith, his wife, were David, who married Hannah 
Marshall ; John, who married Margaret Si. ele, of An- 
trim ; James, who married Nancj Tennej : Elizabeth 
B., who married Thomas Holmes; Margaret, who 
died at twenty-six, unmarried; Mary Nesmith, who 
married Ebenezer Hopkins, of Francestown. John M. 
Ramsey, "I Grand Rapids, Mich., horn November 



HISTORX OF FIII.I.SI'.OKorciI ('(tl'NTY. NEW HAMPSHIRE 



27, 1809, and David Ramsey, born December 27, 1*11. 
and the only remaining resident of Greenfield of the 

name nf Ramsey, arc tlif only surviving children of 
David, son of James Ramsey, Jr., the other seven 
having " passed ever theriver" at a comparatively 

early age. 

Abbott Biography. — William Abbott and his wife, 
Hannah Bailey, came to Greenfield from Andover, 
Mass., about the year 1801, and settled near the base 
of Peterborough Mountain. In this secluded but ro- 
mantic spot, partly inclosed by forests, while a gentle 
slope stretched away into meadow-land toward the 
south, the) saw seven of their thirteen childn a grow 

up t aiiliood and w anh 1, content with the 

simple pleasures afforded by the surroundings of their 
rural home and adorned with those Christian graces 
which are the fruit of early Christian training. 

Reared thus amid God's great pictures, so lull of 
beaut) and inspiration, and in air melodious with the 
sweet, liquid notes of the nightingale and the rap- 
turous songs of ecstasy the bobolink pours forth from 
his little throat in spring, it is no wonder they earl) 
manifested a remarkable loudness tor music, and that 
Mime of them developed a rare musical ability, well 
appreciated both in their native town and in [daces 
where the; subsequently lived. And no wonder they 
have since so often revisited this enchanting place 
with enthusiastic delight, and lingered with reluctant 

feet Upon the threshold where a thousand joyous 
men lories of earlier \ cars made dearer than ever the 
" home, sweet home," on the rugged mountain-side. 

(Sec Abbott history.) 

Deacon Joshua Holt, of Lndover, Mass., had six 
sons and five daughters, each of whom was baptized 
in ile Orthodox Church the hist Sabbath alter his 
or her birth. Previous to 1780 he purchased a tract 
of wild land in what was then called Lyndeborough 
Gore, and subsequently Peterborough Slip, and after- 
wards incorporated into Greenfield. For the entire 
trad he paid a pair of oxen. 

His son -Rev. Peter Holt, settled in Bpping, and 
his son, Deacon Solomon remained with him as 

home son 

Hi- other sons Deacon Joshua, Deacon John, 
Deacon Timothy and Deacon Stephen settled on the 

above-mentioned land, and became industrious, entei 
prising and successful fanners. 

They were pillars in the church, and held various 
town offices, and were prominent in carrying out ever) 
enterprise com ted with the welfare of the town. 

The) were liberal in the support of religious, mili- 
tary and educational institutions, and so educated 
their families for the various duties of life that many 
of them have occupied positions of trust in almost 
every State in the Union. Man) of them became 
prominent instructors, and their influence still re- 
mains, for the town has always furnished a large pro- 
portion of teachers. All the brothers spent their 
lives and died on their farms. 



The daughters, — .Mary, married Isaac Foster; Phebe, 
married Deacon Joseph Batehelder ; < 'bloc, married 
Captain Francis Bowers; Hannah, married Captain 
Ephraim Holt, all of Greenfield; Bethia married 
Deacon Daniel Kimball, of Hancock, Their father 
always evinced a generous interest in the temporal, 
as well as the religious, welfare of the settlement. 
He gave the church its lirst communion service. In 

1793, Ephraim Holt, of Andover, .Mass., 1 ght a lol 

of wild land in the southwest comer of Greenfield. 
His first crop was a large yield of rye, which he car- 
ried to Salem, Mass., with an ox-team, and sold for 
silver money, which he brought home in a stocking, 
and which amounted to enough to pay for his land. 

He was a successful farmer, a military captain and 
a justice of the peace. He held various offices of 
trust, represented the town in the Legislature and 
was one of the selectmen seventeen years in succes- 
sion. 

He had seven children. Himself and wife and all 

his children now repose in the same lot in lie , 

tery near the church. 

In 1789, Major Peter Peavey, of Wilton, N.H., pur- 
chased a lot of wild land near the base of South 
Mountain, in < Greenfield. 

He built a log house about eighteen feel square, 
with a huge stone chimney reaching jusl above the 

chamber-fl ', and from there it was topped out with 

sticks plastered with cla) on the outside and inside. 

In one of its three windows, about a fool Square, was 

a rude lattice covered with oiled paper; the others, in- 
stead of glass, had boards, which were removed when 
light was needed. The crevices between the logs were 
filled with moss. The door was wide enough to ad- 
mit a hand-sled loaded with logs to till the yawning 
fire-place. He moved his effects on an ox-team, and 
hi- wile rode on horseback with a pair of large saddle- 
bags, a bundle strapped to the rear of the saddle, a 

tin lantern dangling IV the saddle-horn and baby 

Peter, Jr., in her lap. Her horse walked faster than 
the oxen, and when she reached the last house she 
lighted the , audi, in her lantern, entered the forest 
and pursued her roadless way, guided by blazed 
trees, and arrived at their house before her husband, 
and kindled the lirst fire in their new home. 

Subsequently, his brother Thomas purchased an ad- 
joining lot, and both brothers carved fertile farm-out 
of the primitive forests, reared large families and 
occupied a from rank among the sturdy settlers of 
the town. 

Zebediah, son of Captain Thomas Peavey, on,' of 
the early settlers of ( ; recti lield. was born in the south- 
east part of the town in 1795, ami is the oldest person 
now living there. He was liberally endowed with 

common sense ami a discriminating judgment. 

He was enterprising, honest, industrious and per- 
severing. His occupation- were tanning and deal- 
ing in cattle and sheep, which he successfully followed, 
lie was early chosen captain of a military company, 




j3f&fr-^--<z£e^Ct^L~' C/j!^ 



GREENFIELD. 



and was often honored by his townsmen with posi- 
tions of honor and trust. His family ('(insists of two 
sons and two daughters. His SO ns follow the occu- 
pations of their father, and honor the town by devo- 
tion to its interests. 

In 1824 he married Mary B., daughter of Deacon 
David Patterson, and subsequently purchased her 
father's homestead in ( rreenfield village, which he has 
owned and occupied ever since. 

On the 24th of March, L884, they celebrated the 

sixtieth anniversary of their wedding in the sa 

room where the original ceremonj was performed. 

Friends came from far and near to congratulate the 

aged pair. Although the gr n had seen eighty-eight 

birthdays and the bride eighty-two, they were both, 
mentally ami physically, in a remarkable state of 
preservation. Their countenances retained the ani- 
mated expression of middle-life, and the) greeted 
their guests with youthful vivacity and pleasant allu- 
sions I" former days. Their cheerful rooms were 
rilled with the perfume of fragrant (lowers, the gifts 
of absent friends. After a social season, letters from 
friends (unable to he present) and a poem, written 
tor the occasion, were read. One letter was writ- 
ten by the only surviving witness of their mar- 
riage. Tin- Messing of ( hid was then invoked by 
their pastor. Rev. Mr. Partridge, short speeches were 

made, old-time songs and hymns were sung and j :d 

in by the bride, who, for threescore and ten years, 
had aided the church choir and enlivened social 
gatherings with her musical voice. 

Refreshments were temptingly displayed on tables 
loaded with wedding and other tastefully arranged 

cakes and fruits. Tea and coffee were served in the 
identical cups and saucers which the bride set before 
her guests sixty years ago. At an early hour the 
visitors retired, feeling that they had enjoyed a re- 
markable occasion, and wishing the happy pair many 
more wedding anniversaries. 

Jacob Richardson, Esq., an early settler of the 
town of Greenfield, was horn at Billerica, Mass., on 
the loth day of August, 1769, and of the sixth gen- 
eration from Thomas Richardson, who, with his two 
brothers, Ezekiel and Samuel, came front England to 
this country prior to 1740. He received a better 
education in the schools of his native town than fell 
to the lot of most young men of that day. When 
about twenty-one years of age lie came to Milford, 
X. H., or the territory which was soon after 
incorporated into the town of Mil ford. In 1793 he 
married Sarah Lewis, daughter of Benjamin Lewis, 
who then resided on the banks of the Souhegan River, 
where Captain E. P.Hutchinson now lives. He re- 
moved to Greenfield in 1798, built a house in the 
village, which is now in good condition and owned by 
one of his descendants. He followed blacksmithing 
and farming, and represented the town in the State 
Legislature in the years 1815 and 1816 ; he held other 
offices of trust ; left live sons and four daughters. 



e appoin 

i or of tl 

ring 



Jacob Richardson, Jr., eldest sou o 

named Jacob Richardson, was horn 

child horn in that town after its i 
He obtained a good education, and on 

ment of General .lames Miller as Go\ 

Territory of Arkansas, accompanied hit 
the port of Arkansas, the Governor's headquarters, 
December 26, L819. He rejected his appointment to 
the clerkship of Phillips County, because in that 
sparse settlement the fees would not pay. \ year or 

more afterward he rejected the appointment as one of 
the judges of a court, because of fever and ague and 
other malarial diseases, which had so greatly reduced 
him that he decided to return East. He arrived in 
New Hampshire in August, 1821, after an absence of 
two years. In L822, and lor forty years afterwards, 
he was connected with Barrett's silk-dyeing establish- 
ment, the latter part of which as a partner tinder the 

firm-name of Barrett and Richardson. He t iu 

lated a handsome property. Hied November 3, L864, 
from an injury received by the horse-cars in front of 
his office, 140 Washington Street, Boston. 

Colonel Lewis Richardson, s d son, was born 

there August :t, 1801. He early went to Massachu- 
setts to reside ; represented the town of .Med ford in 

the .Massachusetts Legislature in 1838 and L839, re- 
turning to Greenfield in 1840. He was selectman 
twelve years, moderator twenty years; represented 
Greenfield in the New Hampshire Legislature in lxj.s 
and 1849; was county commissioner for Hillsborough 
County for three years; died at Greenfield on the 21st 
day of August, 1S7.S. 

Albert Louis Richardson, third son, was horn at 
Greenfield October 1(1, 1803; has mainly resided in 

Massachusetts. His early occupation was that of a 
civil engineer; has been postmaster at East W'oliitrn, 

Mass., foi about thirty years. Eorseveral years prior 
to 1876 he took a lively interest in procuring, arrang- 
ing and publishing the " Richardson -Memorial," a 
volume of about one thousand pages, giving a history 

of the three brothel's first mentioned, their posterity 
and many others of that name. 

Charles Richardson, the fourth son, was horn at 
Greenfield July 30, 1809, where he resided until 
1853; in early life was prominently connected with 
the militia of the Twenty-sixth Regiment ; represented 
Greenfield in the New Hampshire Legislature in 
1850 and L851; also a member of the Constitutional 
Convention for the revision of the constitution in 
1850, and held other offices of trust; elected register 
of deeds for Hillsborough County in 1853, when he 

removed to Amherst, where he now resides, and has 
been for the last thirty yea is a successful pension attoi 
ney. 

Colonel Cyrus Richardson, the youngest sou of 
Jacob Richardson, was born there August 23, 1812 ; 



346 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY. NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



was n blacksmith by trade, and carried on largely, in 
connection with his brother Charles, the manufacture 
of cast-iron plows ; passed some time in California; 
held the office of town clerk in Greenfield in the 
years L856and 1857; was town treasurer several years, 
and commanded the Twenty-sixth Regiment of New 
Hampshire militia; died at Greenfield February LO, 
1861. 

Edward A. Richardson, son of Charles Richardson, 
above mentioned, ami of the eighth generation from 
Thomas, was born in Greenfield on the 27th daj ..(' 
April, 1843; attended the schools of Greenfield and 
Amherst; fitted lor college at Meriden ; spent three 
years at Dartmouth College; wenl to California in 
1865; about two years later was connected with the 
Hank of California, with a capital often millions, 
ami then considered the great moneyed institution of 
the West. Some years since, while there was great 
activity in mining stock, he, as dividend clerk, paid 
to tin- stockholders of two mining companies, which 
were in part controlled by the hank, a monthlj 'In i- 
dendofa million dollars to each ..1' the companies. 
He i~ still connected with the bank, and i- it- foreign 
correspondent. 

Town OFFICERS. 
-1791, Daniel Eme .n ; IT:.-, John • 



1-1'.. Ann,,) Hu.uli.im . 1M7. El.cii,-/.-r 1 .1 
Lam ; 1819, Stephen Holt . 1820 I \i.i 
John Ramsej ; 1827 29, Ephraim Holt ; 1 
1831, John Itiiii-. \ , l-:;i\ I phraiin 1 1. .It : 
' Lin i j LS35-36, Paul Cragin 1 337 

\lnlin F.urnhiilii . 1-41- Ij. Will: ,iu Whitl 
arjs..n I ..,..],-,. 

Gilin&n IV Fletcher; Ism 66, I.. „.- la, I 

. i . Henrj II Dun. Ue, . 

1878, I l.iu . H Dnm klee; 187 l -1. 4 .hi 

Hard} . 1883 84, Gilman I' Fletcher ; 1885 

Town C'i.f.kks.-K'.H-'.i.., .l,,.,.|,i, ll. , i i. i, 

I79S Joshua II. -It 1799-1800, lohn Sal 

i i - r,, 

11.41 1-1 I 1 .;, Kli.n.z.-r Farnngtun ; I 11- 

■'■■l.o II -.-y : IMlii, Paul Cragin; ls:;l, .1, 

Savag. 1833-38, John Ramsej 1839 W, 

David Ramsej Ml 17. Lewis Ri. bardsoi 

■ .:, Henrj II Duncklee; 185 

1 ■ i Ri. b irds. n 18 fa. . 

i s i ■ I' H ils. I. 

1874-70, Horace Cudworth ; Istt -I, Eds 
i 



13, Joshua 11. .li. Jr.; 1834, 
8, John Ranis, v ; 18 19 10 
lore; 1843- 14, I iris Ri b 

■ wis Ri. b irdson . 1851 , 

l -"" |M, ~ ""• -■ - 

1 7" . harlee I'. Peavej , 



I. n Ram-.y ; 18:12, Willi.-,,,, 

Hngh I, Ibb 

I84S .1,1 h, - Richard- 

50, Gilman P. Fletcher; 
Stephenson 1800-69 Gil 
es. Peavej 
n ' Richard 



.1-— -pi. H.-Ili, I.. .1 .in. - Ham ■ \ , .1 .-l.u.i H..II 

1 ■ ■ i ■ ' ■ ll I., 4.,,,,. i;,,.,, .■. .1 - On., H..|t 

: .F.shua 11..I1. F.I ..n. Farriiigt..n, Jonathan Ballard 
I —Joseph 11. ll i I I I. niamili Al.lu.tt 

..—Joseph ll.-ll i. I., .lames Rain-.y, II, n Jaliilli .M.1...H 

Eben I ■ gton Paul Cragin, Joebua Holt 

i Paul I ,_,i, i : ,. , Boll 

— Fl.nl.. F.ii i in -1. .li, t'anl . i _. i i . . , H II 

, Joshua Holt, Eben Farrington, Paul Cragin 
■ -, Isa Butman, John Dane. 

1 l.tia Holt. 
Joshua Holt, Eben Farrington, Pauli 
l. — Eben. Farringl < ,1, Richardson. 

..—Eben. Farrington, Paul Cra gin i i 



Is.., 


-Paul 


III, haid-.m 


Stephen Holl 


1806 


—Paul 


.. II. Ii J... ..I. l;,., I,,,, i. .,, 


1 -' .7 


—Joshua Holt, Pyam Herri, k, \ 


nos Whittemore. 


i-.'- Josh 


a Hull. Pyam Herri, k. A 




1809 —Joshua IF. it, iv, ,„ Herri k. \ 


,„.. u bittern 


1810 Josh 


a Hi.lt, Pyam Hen* k, \ 


toe W liittemore. 


[811 


—Eben 


.. \ ii lliun 


am, Bphraim Holt. 


1812 


—Eben 


lit I nut. u. Ann, ii Hum 


am, Ephraim IF.lt 


1813 




Farrington, Ephraim 11 


: Ja ib Richard in 



I-I4.— David Falll-e}, Kj.1,1 llllll IF. II, San. 

1-15. — P., ; ii ■ i 

1816.- -n..ii. i Ramsey, Ephraim Holt, Samuel Lewis 

1*17— David Ramsey, Ephraiin IF.ll. Samuel Lewis 
l-Is -David Ramsey, Ephraim IF. It, -..:,.u. I F. ,w- 

1819.— David Ramsey, Ephr Holt, -., I., wis 

1820.— David Ramsey, Ephraim Holt, Samuel Lewis 
ls2F — David Hanisny. E| .lu-.ii in IF.lt. Samuel Lewis. 
1822.— David Ramsey, Ephiahn H,.lt. Samuel Lewis. 



David Ramse; 
i-.i David Ramsej 

1S2.V— David Ham,.., 



I.pht 



II. .11. Sam. 



1826.— Ephn 



Full. , 






1S27.— Ephraim H. .It, -,. . i 

1828.— William - ll.u.i-. i. /...., ,' ]■ 
1829.— William s. Ramsey, Zebediah I'. 
1830.— Paul Cragin, Willi ira -.. .. H 
ls:'.l.-J..I,„ Ramsey, William Savag. i 
1832.— William Savage, Wilh.nu Cavi ad, 

1833.— W illiaiu - w i. hi, i ., , . I i| s 

1*44.— William s.v.t-.-. William Calender, Is,;,, H Fustet. 

Williams Ramsey, Zebediah Peavey, Hugh A. Abbott 
mS Ramsey, X. h. .h.,1, p. .,...,. Hugh a Vbbotl 

1837.— Zebediah Peavey, Hugh I. Abbott, Willis - i , 

. Hugh A Abbott, Jonathan Patch. 
■ Peavi i, Hugh \ Abbott, Jonathan Patch 
1840.— Zebediah Peavey, Hugh A. Abbott, David Ramsej 

Is 11. -David Rains,}, Funis R„ har.U.n, Douglass. K ll.,ul,l 
' "■'■ B — '■.' '•'. Rid u Ison, 1 glassH Id 

l-l I -I .AM- 111 I,:,, ;-..„, II,.,,,,..,, Al,|.,.,t M,,., „ i : ,,i„,,.,„, 



i-. -Hera \ .it , fie, B ,,. p, ,, , ,., , , 

i • i , u.,1 ! Richardson, P rl ■ ■ , Hii im Hardj 

■ Ri . ■ Ii i, r. |, i>, ,,. , ii,, Hardy 

l-Is -chati... ia.1,.,,,1-.,,,, p,.„, ,...,,..;' | ' 11..I, 

B irdson, Peter Peavi I braim IF, It 

'"" H " Ml-ti, . I..... I. >t M .h. ,,-„„, I, «,s Richardson. 

1851.— Hermon Abbott, Jacob Stephenson, Lewis Richardson. 
IS5 2.— Lewis Ri.hat.ls,, ii, IFiiii,,,, \u„,tt. Ephraim Holt. 
■ /• I- .huh P. -.,,.. i, \ „ Marsh. 

1854 Lewis Richardson, Zebediah Peavey, Imos M . . - 1 , 

1855 —Henrj 11. Duncklee, William I.. Savage, .l,,i u , Fht. h.u 
1856.- H.-nry 11. Duncklee, William L.Savagi I 

1857.— William L. Savage, James Sawyer, Horace Cudworth 
Sawyer, F, wis Ri, hardson, Hiram Haul, 

I-.. 1 ., A. -s.iui.u Nil. on H.u L, F|. In, im IF.lt 






1861. 
1862.— John 



i IF,. 
, M. K.o 



irdy. 



>, milium P II. ... I,,,, Fufus Hard}. 

P 1 letcher, Rufus Hardy, John B Favoi 
1864.— Hufus Hardy, George S. Peavey, John II. Reynolds 

orgi S. Pi ivey, John 11 Reynolds, Lewis Richardson 
1866.. -John H. Reynolds, F.-wi- Rtchai ,l-.,n, Henry Holt. 
1SI.7.— .F.hli Flet. ll. I. Alltel W Savage, NallUlll Russell. 

| « Savagl S .Lulu Russell. John R. Russell. 
1869 -Alfred w Savage, John R. Russell, Franklin C. Fletcher 
1870. — lohn R. Russell, Franklin C. Fletcher, Henry Holt. 
1871.— Franklin C. Fletcher, Henry lF.lt. James Sawyei 
1872.— Henry Holt, Frank Brooks, Alberts Hopkins 

1873.— Frank Brooks, Albert 11. Hopkins, Sidney II Haul} 
1874.— Albert IF Hopkins. Sidney II Hard}, .lohn R. Russell. 

In, J IF Hardy. John R. Rn-.ll, William I - 
1876.— Henrj 11 Duncklee, Franklin C. Fletcher, Charles H. 

1877.— Henry H. Him. klee, Franklin t.\ Fletcher, Charles H 





/>"> 



W<n4sz/ p&as??^J t 



^ 




j/^ fa£Z^ 



GREENFIELD. 



347 



n,l, ; 181 
Wlnlt.rn 



\V. Burnbam, John ' 

IVES E itl.M.m 

mi lini iih.un ; Isiij-: 



Lifted W S 

..hi. I VV. Burnham. 

ii. John T. I;..i" 1 1 ■■!. 

■ II, l.llm.il, V I I. :■ I., i 

:: " 1801', i ph II. r- 

II. -ii i. k . 1804 6, \i.i.- 

nWhitte re . 181 I- 1... 

... Ephraim 

... S R ■> . 1838 I". 



Gregg 


1-1 02 


John i: 


... I- . ■ I 


ll.il.lv 


1- ... . 


inn H. Fi 




fred W 


Savage 


i»;i 72, . 


■ ... i; i.- .-■ ;: 


Henrj 


i |... 


klee . 1877 


|. -■ 


1880, i.i- nli. 1. 


classed s 


iih 1'.. mi.i.i.i i, 




!--_■ 


B3, Charle 


II. Hopkins; 1- 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



.liilIX RAMSEY, M.D. 

Dr. John Ramsey was born in Greenfield, N. II., 
November 24, 1784. He was tin- son of William and 
Jemima (Smith) Ramsey, ami grandson of John Ram- 
sey, an Irish (.•migrant to Londonderry, N. II., in the 
early days of that historic colony. 

Dr. Ramsey's father was a typical Now England 
farmer, and during the years of his minority Dr. Ram- 
sey's time was spent alternately laboring on his father's 
farm or attending school, and the vigorous out-door 
exercise thus obtained laid the foundation for a rugged 
and strong constitution, which served him well in 
the arduous labors of his after-life as a country phy- 
sician, with an extensive practice, when the rigors 
of New England winters made the long and cheer- 
less night-drives over rough and lonely roads anything 
but an easy task. 

His education was obtained at Londonderry Acad- 
emy, and, being a close student, with an apt and re- 
tentive memory, ho became quite a proficient scholar. 

II.- studied medicine with Dr. James Crombie, of 
Temple, an eminent physician of his day. and after- 
wards pursued a course of study at Hanover .Medi- 
cal College, from which institution lie graduated. 

He began the practice of his professional Mo'nl Ver- 
non, N. H., where ho continued about three years, when 
he removed to Greenfield, X. II., in November, 181.8, 
and established a practice which continued through the 
remaining active years of his life, and the extent of 
which was only limited by his capacity to attend to 
it. For a period of forty-seven years he was almost 
constantly at the bedside of the sick. 

He was famous as a healer of disease, success at- 
tending his efforts, perhaps, more largelj than i- 
usual with the profession. His fame extended to the 
surrounding towns and his services were in constant 
23 



demand. Me was a man of very kindly heart, whose 
presence in the sick-room brought sunshine and 
cheerfulness. That be was generous to a fault many 
of those still living, who were recipients of his kind- 
ness, can testify. 

Notwithstanding his extensive practice as a physi- 
cian, Dr. Ramsey still found time lor the exercise of 

other duties of citizenship. He was selectman of the 
town of Greenfield many years, and was town clerk 
during more than half the many years he was resi- 
dent, there. He also did a great deal of probate 
business. He was a director of the Peterborough 
National Lank several years, and was a member of 
the New Hampshire State Medical Society. 

In religious belief be was a Congicgal ionalist, and 
a stanch Republican in politics. I le was an ardent 
temperance man and an earnest advocate of whatever 
tended to the good of his fellow-man. 

He married Ophelia Davis, of Westford, Mass., 
November, 1818. They have three children, all of 
whom are living,— John Milton, now residing in Pe- 
terborough; Mary Davis, now Mrs. Dr. Leonard 
French, of Manchester; and William Henry, now- 
residing in Grand Rapids, Mich. 

Mrs. liamsey died June 20, 1828, and Dr. Ramsey 
married, as his second wife, Janet, daughter of Thomas 
and Ann (Moore) Steele, of Peterborough, N. H., Oc- 
tober 1, 1829. By this marriage there is.no living is- 
sue. 

Dr. Ramsey died July 10, 1804. .Mrs. Ramsey still 
survives and resides in Peterborough, N. H. 

REV. SAMUEL HUDSON PARTRIDfJE, M.D. 
Rev. S. II. Partridge, M. D., was born at Dalton, 
N. H., October 15, 1827. He was the son of Lewis 
and Betsey (Fay) Partridge. He was brought up as a 
farmer's son, and fitted for college at Francestown 
Academy, but failing health prevented his entering 
college, and for a time he applied himself to study 
and teaching. Having an inclination for the ministry, 
he studied theology with Rev. Dr. Barstow, of Keene, 
N. H., and was licensed to preach by the Monadnock 
Association August 13, 1850. After preachings year 
and a half at Sebec, Me., he located at Hillsborough 
Center, N. II., where he was ordained May 10, 1853, 
at the same time uniting with the Union Associa- 
tion, of which he was a very valuable, and, at the 
time of his decease, the oldest, member. He labored 
as pastor at Hillsborough Center nearly five years, 
when he removed to Lebanon, Me., at which place he 
was acting pastor of the church .mo year. In July, 
1859, he took charge of the Congregational Church at 
York, Me., and hero ho spent ten active, useful and 
happy years of his life. But his constitution, never 
strong, finally gave way before the severe climate of 
the sea-coast, and ho was compelled to seek the in- 
terior to recuperate his declining health. He spent 
about a year in Peterborough, when, his strength in 
a measure returning, he assumed the care of the 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Congregational Church at Greenfield, N. 11.. and con- 
tinued in that pastorate until a few 'lavs prior to his 
decease. He had just resigned his charge when he 
was stricken with the illness which proved fatal. 

While in the active discharge of his duties as min- 
ister he studied medicine, and qualified himself for 
practice, and for a period of twenty-three years he 
practiced medicine, supplying the pulpit at the same 
time. Jle was a conscientious, earnest man, studious, 
intelligent and unremitting in labor, and as a physi- 
cian was very successful. One who knew him well 
says of him : " As a minister he labored arduously 
ami greatly to the profit of his hearers. As a 
physician he entered the houses of his people only 
to enter their hearts as well." The constant and ex- 
haustive labor necessarily involved in the practice of 
two professions simultaneously undoubtedly operated 
to shorten his lite. lie would often ride thirty miles 
on the Sabbath in attendance on the sick, and attend 
three services besides. It may he truly said of Dr. 
Partridge that his life was spent in doing good for 
others. He was interested, actively, in every move- 
ment calculated to benefit the community or elevate 
the mental or moral tone of the people among whom 
he lived. 

He was possessed of a high grade of intelligence, 
and mentally and morally was highly attuned. In 
the midst of the many practical duties of his more 
than ordinarily busy life he- found time to court the 
muses, and many pearls of thought has he enshrined 
in verse. Many of his productions have been pub- 
lished and some of them are of rare beauty and merit. 

He married, March 25, 1851, Elvira, daughter of 
Joel and Mary (Blakesly) Fay, a native of Dalton, 
N. H., but at the time of their marriage resident in 
Peterborough. They had three children, — Lizzie M., 
afterwards Mrs. Warren Lewis (she died August 23, 
1884, leaving three children), Abide N. and Arlena 
E., the two latter unmarried. 

Perhaps no man who ever died in Greenfield, was 
more sincerely mourned by so wide a circle of 
friends and acquaintances than was Dr. Partridge. 
The spotless purity of his lite, the unselfish nature of 
the man, as manifested in so many ways, and the 
active, intelligent interest he invariably manifested in 
all that pertained to the welfare of his people, very 
naturally endeared him to those with whom he came 
in contact. 

He died May 22, 1884. A very beautiful monument 
marks his last resting-place in Greenfield cemetery. 

CHARLES 0. FITCH. 

Charles Darwin Fitch was bom in Greenfield, 
N. H., November 29, 1815. He was the son of Dr. 

Samuel and Eunice (Perry) Fitch, and grandson of 
Samuel Fitch, of Massachusetts. Dr. Samuel Fitch 
was born in Acton, Mass., and came to Green- 
field, N. H., about the beginning of the present 
century, where he began the practice of medicine. 



In this profession his life was spent, continuing in 
the active duties of a practitioner more than forty 
years. 

His family consisted of two sons and two daugh- 
ters. One of his daughters, Louisa, afterwards be- 
came Mrs. Jeremiah I'eavey. 1'hebe, the other 
daughter, died young. Francis 1'., the elder son, 
became an eminent physician. He practiced many 
years in Amherst, X. II. Then, after a iew years 
spent in Milford and Nashua, X. II., and Wakefield, 
Mass., he moved to Yineland, N. J., where he 
died December 24, 1874. 

Charles D. was the youngest of the four chil- 
dren. After receiving instruction at the schools of his 
native town, he attended the academy at New Ips- 
wich, and also received private instruction under the 
tutelage of different teachers. He entered Dartmouth 
College when but seventeen years of age-, and gradu- 
ated in the class of 1837, and the same year we find 
him installed as preceptor of the academy at Henui- 
ker, N. H. He chose teaching as his avocation, and, 
as an instructor of youth, met with undoubted success. 
He remained at Hennikcr, as teacher, two years, and 
soon after leaving there he went to Louisiana. In 
this State — chiefly at St. Francisville— he spent four 
years as private tutor. Returning to his native 
town, we next find him, in 1846, in Castleton, Vt., 
attending a course of lectures as a student in medi- 
cine. He pursued his medical studies a considerable 
time, but finally abandoned his intention of becoming 
a physician, and returned to teaching as an occupa- 
tion. In 1S47 he was instructor in the Amherst 
High School, and he taught after this, at various 
times, several terms in Amherst. In 1850-51 he 
taught the High School at South Windsor. In the 
latter part of 1851 he taught a select school in Green- 
field, and the following winter taught the common 
school in Center District. In 1852 he taught the 

High Scl 1 at Greenfield, and 1853 and 1854 he was 

principal of the academy at Conway, .Mass. The last 
session he ever taught was at Pinkerton Academy, 
Derry, X. H. He then purchased a home (where 
his widow now resides) in Greenfield, to which he 
permanently retired. He married, March 11, 1857, 
Lizzie D., daughter of Deacon Peter and Dorcas 
(Unit) I'eavey. Two children were the issue of this 
marriage, — Frances Louisa, who graduated at .Mount 
Holyoke Seminary, spring term, 1883, and is now en- 
gaged in teaching at Temple Grove Female Seminary, 
ai Saratoga Springs, N. Y.; and Orianna P., who is 
now in her third year at Mount Holyoke Seminary. 

Professor Fitch was superintendent of public 
instruction in his native town one year, and was 
leader of the choir in the Evangelical Church many 
years; and, after the union of the churches, he was 
leader of the choir in the Union Congregational 
Church to the time of his death. He was an ardent 
lover of music-, and an enthusiast on that subject. 
Though not the possessor of a powerful voice, yet his 




s&i&jAl 




cZ£I 



^e^r 



'/ 



GREENFIELD. 



849 



hearty soulfulness gave zest to his singing and made 
him a successful leader. He was superintendent of 
the Sabbath-school many years, and continually 
sought to elevate the moral tone of his pupils and all 
those with whom he came in contact. Hewasan 
earnest friend of the cause of education, and a most 
zealous advocate of moral reforms of every kind. Toall 
kinds of intemperance he opposed himself aggress- 
ively and continually. Greenfield possessed, per- 
haps, no more public-spirited or self-sacrificing citi- 
zen. As an illustration of his deportment toward 
those under his charge, and its natural result upon 
their moral and intellectual natures, the following 



estimation in which he was held: "Never shall 1 
forget, while memory lasts and reason has her power, 
the friendly and encouraging words that occasion- 
ally, in my intercourse with you. tell from your lips. 
The impressions that I received when in your soci- 
ety seem to give more strength to my character." 
Mr. Fitch died December 19, 1877. 

DEACON PETER PEAVEY. 

Deacon Peter Peavey was bom in Wilton, X. II., 
July 29, 1788. His lather, Peter Peavey, was a na- 
tive of Andovcr, Mass , and his mother, Lucy Cum- 
mings Peavey, of Hollis, X. H. In May, 1790, the 
family, following a line of marked trees, removed to 
a tract of unincorporated land on the northern slope 
of the mountain known as Pack's Monadnock. With 
few advantages lor acquiring an education in youth, 
be succeeded in fitting himself for teaching, in which 
occupation he excelled, especially in the management 
of large and difficult schools. His pupils, now old 
and gray-headed men, are found in this and all the 
surrounding towns. His patriotism and love of mar- 
tial music anil military display was manifest at an 
early age, and culminated when a call came for vol- 
unteers from the town in the War of 1812, he being 
the first to leave the ranks of the militia, then on 
parade, ami step forward to the post assigned for 
volunteers. He was followed by his brother Jacob 
and others. 

( )n the return home, after the enlistment, when the 
tears and pleadings of mother ami sisters were threat- 
ening to damp the ardor of their patriotism, the 
father (better known as Major Peavey) exclaimed, 
"That's right boys, go! Cfiveit to //inn .' Never let 
them see your keels." 

In the autumn of 1814 he went out as a non-com- 
missioned officer in the company thus raised, and 



continued in the service till the close of the war. 
For such service he received a government pension 
during the last lew years of his life. 

In June. 1819, he was married to Miss 1 luivas Holt, 
a daughter of Deacon John Holt. They bad two sons 
and three daughters, 'fhe second daughter, named 
for the mother, died at the age of five years. The 
others are all living. This first union was sundered 
by the death id' the wife. ( (ctober i'.. 1856. 

April '.), 1857, lie married Tamesin Holt, a sister of 
ilo deceased wife. She survives him. He received 
the ordinance of baptism September 18, 1791, at the 
age of three years, Rev. Sewall < toodridge, of Lynde- 
borough, officiating. In September, 1812, at the age 
of twenty-four, lie made a public profession of re- 
ligion, uniting with the church in Greenfield, Rev. 
John Walker, pastor. At the organization of the 
Evangelical Church of Greenfield, January 8, 1834, 
he identified himself with its interests. At its organ- 
ization he was chosen one of its deasons, who, with 
an equal number of elders, chosen from the Presby- 
terian (dement, constituted the session. At a meet- 
ing of the session, held January 9th, be was elected 
clerk of the session and also clerk of the church, both 
of which offices he held until the church disbanded, 
in L867, to form the present Union < ongregational 

Church. He was leader Of the choir connected with 
the Evangelical Church during its entire history, a 
period of more than forty years. 

His relation to the Sabbath school was never 
sundered, continuing in active service as a teacher, 
with unusual constancy, till a few months before his 
death, and occasionally until three weeks previous to 
the injury that laid bini aside from all work. 

His sympathy w ith the spirit of progress that be- 
longs to the present generation was shown in bis last 
decision, left 






by the town, the remains of his first wife and "little 
Dorcas" to be removed and laid beside him. 

Deacon Peavey died on the evening of the ^lith of 
October, 1879, alter an illness of one week. 

During the eventful period of his life he was at 
different times teacher, then merchant, and later in 
life a farmer, in which calling he died. 

Of his children, Hannah, married Nelson Abbott, 
of Wilton, X. H.; Dorcas A., died in childhood; 
Lizzie D., married Charles D. Fitch, and resides in 
Greenfield (Mr. Fitch died December 19, 1877) ; 
John Peter, married Mary .1. Patch, of Greenfield, 
resides in Montreal, province of Quebec ; Charles, re- 
sides in Montreal and is unmarried. 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK. 



IIV ORLAND EATON. 



CHAPTER I. 

EANCOCK is situated in 42° 59'. and was incorpo- 
rated November 5, 1779, agreeably to the petition of 
Robert Duncan and twenty-five others. It was 
bounded north by Antrim, east by Contoocook River, 
south by Peterborough and Dublin and west by 
Paekersfield. January 16, 1794, that part of the 
estate of Joseph Putnam, of Society Land, which lay 
to the east of the river in Great Lot No. 9, was 
annexed to Hancock, and January 1, 1849, that part 
of the farm of John Flint which was situated in 
Antrim was annexed to Hancock. In 1842 Hancock 
Factory village (formerly Putnam's Mills I, with a few 
farms to the west of this village, became incorporated 
as a part of Bennington, Hancock Factory village 
being its centre. 

The west part of the town is quite hilly, the highest 
elevation in the town, Mount Ska-tu-tah-kee, two 
thousand feet high, being situated in this part. 
Miller .Mountain is also quite an elevation in its 
northern section, while Nahors Hill, near the north- 
east corner, and Norway Hill, near its centre, are 
considerable elevations. The town is generally agree- 
ably diversified with plains, hills and valleys, and 
since its recent tine railroad accommodations is be- 
coming a popular summer resort. Excellent tracts of 
intervale land are located on the Contoocook and its 
tributary streams. It is properly regarded as a good 
farming town. Lake Nubanusit, situated partly in 
Hancock and partly in Nelson, is the largest body of 
water in the town. Hunt's Pond, a little to the south- 
east of this, Half-Moon Pond, near its southern 
bonier, and Norway Pond, at its centre, are also line 
bodies of water. The first settlement in the limits of 
the town was begun by John Grimes, mar the shore 
of Half-Moon Pond, in 1764, although he returned to 
Peterborough to winter in 1764-65. Shortly after 
this, George McCloury, Moses Morrison and William 
Lakin settled near him, and a t't-w years later a i^w 
families had located near Greal Pond (now Lake 
Nubanusit) and elsewhere; but the breaking out of 
the Revolutionary War greatly retarded its settle- 
ment, until about the lime of its incorporation. 
Hancock was named in honor of Governor John 
350 



Hancock, of Boston, who was a large owner in Great 
Lot No. -1 (the centre of Hancock i at the time of its 
incorporation, and was the second incorporated place 
lo take the name of that great man, who, as president 
of the Continental Congress, was the first to affix his 
uame to our country's Declaration of Independence, 
Hancock, Mass., being its senior by three years. The 
town commenced its corporate existent') under some 
peculiar hardships, on account of the war and the 
depreciation of the Continental money. They also 
labored under disadvantages in having no place set 
apart for a centre and burying-ground, these, to- 
gether with a ministerial lot, being generally given 
to the towns previously incorporated. 1 (eacon James 
Bosley, of New [pswich, gave the town a place for a 
centre and burying-place a few years later, and the 
town bought a farm for its first minister of the heirs 
of ) rovernor Hancock. 

Hancock is justlj regarded as a healthy town, the 
only " unusual sickness" having been the dysentery 
scourge of 1800. 

Mills and Manufactures. — The streams of Han- 
cock as now constituted arc small and its nulls but 
few. During its early years these streams were more 
valuable, as the forests were in part remaining, and 
the swamps and meadows largely undrained. There 
was also a larger Local demand for lumber for build- 
ing, and more grain (especially rye) to be ground 
than in later years. The following abandoned mill- 
sites are to be found in Hancock at the present time: 

1st, Solomon W Is sawmill ; -'1. Henry Prentiss' clothing-mill; 3d, 

Edmund Davis' sawmill ; lili. Richard Band's clothing-mill ;.5th, Jamee 

' ' - . - > i .ui'i Win.l sh.ip ; ''.tli \ >.!■!, v It jMlirisMii'.s fiiniing- 

""11 Theabovewei lie Davis B I, 7th, Samuel Ames, saw and 

grist-mill, on Fergus, .n Iir....k. Mli, TliotnasSpaiiMing's grist-mill ; oth, 

II. in \ Spin!. ling's grist-mill . leih. ih 1 ,.\ I , I 

I"- Hosloj Brook, tlth, Nicholas Lawrence, saw-mill ; 12th, Jesse 

,: ' ''-' '- - "■ "'' I lth . ' * Hunt's ..ft. i « i' i- Hall 

("ill. Mill. \ CI!'- ' '.n, -', : 1 'i. M.!i i Hill's rabinet-ehop 

[6th, 1 - .\ SynHnuTE Ban and grist-mill. Thi "\. lastbeing in 

It....-.' Brook. 

We have given the original builders' n, - t., each 

of these abandoned sites. 

The dams of two other mills spanned (he river, bill 
file mills themselves were in Greenfield. 

There were manufactories of potash at the Centre, 



HANCOCK. 



first by Andrew Seaton and later by David Low. 
Samuel Bullard also carried on a lively business al 
the Centre as a hatter for several years. The mills 
now located in the corporate limits of Hancock are 
Edward Danforth's saw-mill, on Ferguson Brook, 
and John NewelPs mill on Hosley Brook, which is a 
saw and grist-mill, and also contains a lull set ol 
machinery fur the manufacture of pails, also a fine 
shingle-mill and iron turning lathe with much other 
machinery, and is operated by an extra miller. 
The sash, door and blind-shop of the late James 
M. Johnson, a little to the east of the mill last named, 
and on the same stream. The Willey Mills, so called, 
on Moose Brook, now owned and operated by Rev. 
J. W. Coolidge ; this mill, in addition to the usual 
advantages of a well-appointed saw and grist-mill, 
enjoys the advantage of a side-track on the .Man- 
chester and Keene Railroad, which gives it great 
advantage in the matter of handling grain and Other 
freights, especially since this railroad has become a 
shipping-point. The steam tannery ot' A. ( i. Foster, 
in the south part of the town, is also a well-appointed 
establishment. 

Saving noted the mills and manufactures of what 
is now Hancock, it seems proper that we should 
briefly mention a section which, for threescore years, 
was identified with the interests and included in the 
limits of Hancock, first as Putnam's Mills and later 
as Hancock Factory, bul now the centre of the thriv- 
ing town of Bennington. 

At the time of the incorporation of Hancock, Joseph 
Putnam, a native of Wilton, and of the same lineage 
as General Putnam, was a resident ot' and a miller in 
Temple; but finding his water-power insufficient, he 
soon after began to look for a better location, and 
i (ctobet 1 1, 1782, purchased a lot of land at the Great 
Falls of the Contoocook, described in the deed as 
follows: " A certain lot or tract of land lying in the 
Royial Society, so called, viz. : in lot Number 31, in 
the North range, as they are laid out and marked, 
said lot laid out on tin' original right of Jotham 
Odion, Esq., of Portsmouth, deceased." This lot 
covered and included all the east side id' the now used 
water-power of Bennington village, n l i « 1 was annexed 
to Hancock on his petition, January IT, 17'J4. lie 
soon commenced a clearing here and built a house 
where the present hotel stands, and was here with his 
family early in 1783, erecting his saw and grist-mill 

soon alter, where the present ! stands. November 

Hi, 1789, he added by purchase one hundred and 
seven acres on the opposite side of the stream, and 
owned most of what is now Bennington village for 
years. 

Mr. Putnam carried on tin extensive business, both 
;ts a miller and a farmer here, for over a score of \ ears. 
hut was unwilling to part with any of the water- 
power he did not himself use, as it would injure 
his farm, lie sold his property here to John Dustin 
in 1801, and removed to Alstead, and subsequent!) 



to Marshfield, Vt., with his son Jacob, where he died 

February 12, 1826. lie left a numerous and In. ed 

line of descendants. We are indebted to his grand- 
son, Judge F. D. Putnam, of Montpelier, Vt., for facts 

as to his residence here. 

Of John Dustin, tin' second owner of these mills, 
little is known at this writing by the writer. 

John D. Butler, a wealthy citizen of Bennington, is 
his grandson. 

Hancock Factor) was buill in this village, in 1810, 
by Amos Whittemore, Sr., Benjamin Whittemore and 
Paul Cragin. They, with help, cut and hewed the 
timber and had the frame raised in one week. Ben- 
jamin Whittemore was the fust agent. They manu- 
factured at first cotton yarn and put it out to be woven 
by hand, hut soon put in a lew 1 us. In 1825, Amos 

Whittemore, Jr., Decaine the agent, and the uext year 
built an addition to the first mill of thirty feel to the 
west, three stories high, and added some twenty-five 
or thirty looms, employing about fifty hands. 

It is said that lor a time after this nearly one-half 
of the cotton goods made in New Hampshire wee 
manufactured here. 

The next agent (who was also one of its owners) 
was Benjamin A. Peavey, who ran it for a few years, 
after which it was idle for a time. This is now Kim- 
ball's cutlery establishment. 

Chapin Kidder put in a fulling-mill in the west end 
of the Putnam Mill, (then Hurt's), in 1815, and Merick 
Wcntworth built a mill for carding and cloth-dress- 
ing, where D H. Goodell iV Co.'s works now stand, 
in 1820. This spot was occupied as a paper-mill and 
manufactory of writing and blank-hooks for some 
years by John W. Flag-, Esq., while it was in Han- 
cock. 

In 1835, Lewis Fletcher built and started a paper- 
mill where Barker >x Co.'s now stands, which was sub- 
sequently operated by Gilbert Hall and others. 

About 1820, Jeptha Wright commenced the manu- 
facture of rifles and excellent fowling-pieces here. 
He manufactured the line rifles carried by the rifle 
companies of Greenfield, Henniker ami Amherst in 
the palmy days of these fine military organizations. 
Mr. Wright subsequently removed to Hillsborough 
and died there. 

It will be seen by this sketch that mills were stand- 
ing on every spot where mills arc now operated in 
Hancock Factory when it parted company with the 
mother-town. 

Highways. Railroads and Telegraph.— The first 

important thoroughfare in Hancock appears to have 
been what is now known as the old Stoddard road. 
This road was an extension of the Windy Row road 
in Peterborough, north through Hancock and corners 
of Antrim and Parkersfield to Stoddard, and was a 
great traveled road lo Boston from the towns to the 
north and northwest of Hancock during the last few- 
years of the pasl century. 

About the commencement of the presenl century 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



the old County road, as it was railed, became the lead- 
ing thoroughfare forthe same rlass.it travel as had been 
earlier accommodated by the road first-mentioned, 

Hancock turnpike was chartered from Milford to 
Marlow early in this century : but, after several meet- 
ings of the col poration, it failed to be built, except on 
paper, the Forest road, so called, later taking its 
place as a road for trams and a stage and express 

route through the town. A g I business was done 

for many years on this road from Hancock and the 
towns above to Nashua, and later to Wilton depot. 

The building of the Peterborough Railroad, from 
Wilton to Greenfield (it never got to Peterborough), 
and the Monadnock Railroad, from Winchendon, 
Mass., to Peterborough, subsequently gave depots 
within some six or seven miles, respectively, of Han- 
cock Centre before the town had railroad facilities of 
its own. Trior to 1870 a survey of a route for a rail- 
road from Manchester to Keene had been made 
through the north part of Peterborough, and, soon 
after this, a preliminary survey was made to deter- 
mine the feasibility of locating tliis road through the 
smith part of Hancock. 

On the 25th of January, 1875, at a legal town- 

t ting, the citizens of Hancock voted a five per 

cent, gratuity to the Manchester and Keene Railroad 
if it would build a road through the town within one- 
half a mile of its town hall. Subsequent surveys 
proving this route feasible, the road-bed was located 
here rather than in Peterborough, as had hern earlier 

The first earth was moved on the line of this rail- 
road on land of Lewis Symonds, in Hancock, in the 
spring of the following year, and the road was com- 
pleted for business (from Greenfield to Keene) in 
1879. The building of the Manchester and Keene 
Railroad through Hancock seemed to render it nec- 
essary that both the Monadnock and Contoocook Val- 
ley roads should connect with it. and the Peterbor 
oiigh and Hillsborough road was soon commenced, 
crossing the first-named road at Hancock Junction. 

Hancock now has two railroads through its terri- 
tory, with depots at Hancock Centre, on the Man- 
chester and Keene Railroad, and Cavender's, on the 
Peterborough and Hillsborough Railroad, while there 
i- also a union depot at the junction. There is also a 
much-used side-track al Coolidge's mill. 

It is worthy of remark here that Bennington, Han- 
cock's daughter, is the only other town that carries 
the rails of both these roads. 

A post-office, by the name of Elmw I. has recently 

been established at Hancock Junction, of which 
Henry F. Robinson is the postmaster 

The junction, at the hour of three P.M., would re- 
mind a stranger of some smart, young Western city, 
on account of its numerous trains of cars. 

Telegraph lines have been extended along both 
these roads, with operating stations at Hancock Cen- 
tre and Hancock Junction. 



Schools. — The first appropriation for schools in 
Hancock, of which we have any record, was made on 
the first Tuesday of December, 1787, when the town 
voted to raise ten pounds for schools, and a committee 
was chosen by the town for its proper distribution; 
hut we have no record of any school-house for four 
years thereafter. 

S i after the settlement of its first minister, Rev. 

Reede Paige, the town, under his lead, took a very 
advanced position for those days in relation to its 
school advantages, and the Centre District was author- 
ized to build a two-story school building, the upper 
storj to be used as a High School room. 

It was in this upper room that Rev. Brown Emerson, 
for nearly seventy years tin- pastor of the South Con- 
gregational Church of Salem, Mass., and his brother, 
Rev. Reuben, of Reding, in the same State, obtained 
most of the higher education which fitted them for 
college anil their future usefulness. 

In later years we find as students here Hon. George 
\V. Nesmith, of Antrim, a man who for many years 
ad. lined tin- bench of his native State, and is now, in 
hi- green old age, the president of the Orphans' 
I bun. in Franklin, and, a little later, Franklin Pierce, 
of Hillsborough, who subsequently became the Presi- 
dent of the United States. This building was burned 
about the close of the first quarter of the present cen- 
tury. ( tn the 14th of June, 1836, the Hancock Liter- 
ary and Scientific Institution was incorporated, Dr. 
Jonas Hutchison and seventeen others, with their 
associates and successors, being authorized to build 
a school building and maintain a High School 
here. This school was mainly under the control of 
the Milford and the Dublin Baptist Associations, and 
was tor several years in a very flourishing condition. 

Among its eminent instructors we will name Pro- 
fessors Jones, Colcord, Burnell, Ephraim Knight and 
True. 

About the same time Hancock Academy was insti- 
tuted and a tine brick building erected, and lor several 
years two large High Schools were in successful opera- 
tion here at the same time. This was under the con- 
trol of the Congregationalists. 

Among its eminent instructors we might name 
Messrs. Rice, Scott, Gilbert and others. Among the 
eminent men who were pupils in these schools we will 
name ex-Governor William B. Washburn, of Massa- 
chusetts, who held successively the offices of Repre- 
sentative in Congress, Governor and Senator of that 
Stair, am I is now the honored president of the Amer- 
ican .Missionary Association, his father having been a 
nativeand his grandfather an early settler here; Francis 

Jewett, of Nelson, tor several years the popular mayor 
of Lowell: Professor Ephraim Knight, a native of the 
town; Rev. Daniel Goodhue, who responded to the 
sentiment of "The Schools of Hancock" at its late 
centennial; Joseph Davis, Esq.; Hon. George Stevens, 
of Lowell; Judge Aaron W. Sawyer, of Nashua; and 
we might mention many more. 



353 



The present distribution of the school fund is equal- 
ized as much as it can well he anion;; its scholars. 

The town was constituted a High School District 
in 1873. One or more terms (usually two) ol thi- 
BChool yearly have been enjoyed by all its scholars 
who choose to attend and can pass the necessary ex- 
amination. 

About the commencement of the present century 
an association was formed in Hancock which, lor 
nearly thirty years, sustained a circulating library of 
some three hundred volumes here. 

In 1860 a town library was commenced with some 
two hundred ami fifty volumes, which has now been 
many times increased. This institution has now a 
fine library building, a gift to the town by one of its 
sons, Adolphus Whitcomb, and a moderate trust fund 
from legacies of Ebenezer Hubbard and Abijah Had- 
ley. the income of which is used in flu' purchase of 
additional volumes. 

Lawyers. — Only three persons have been known 
to the writer as having a law-office in this town, 
Andrew Wallace, from Milford, who appears to have 
been an excellent man and a good lawyer, being the 
first, lie was the town's representative in 1 Sl'l!. 1823 
and 1824. Mr. Wallace returned to Milford and died 
there. 

Hon. Luke Woodbury succeeded him, beginning 
his practice of the law here, but moved his office to 
Antrim in 1826. Mr. Woodbury was long a judge of 
Probate for this county, and at the time of his death 
a candidate for Governor, with almost a certainty of 
election. The last lawyer to open an office in Han- 
cock was Hon. Timothy P. Fuller, who had been a 
lawyer of note and ajudge of the courts of Caledonia 
County, Vt. .Mr. Fuller and his wife both died here 
in 1854. Several of the natives of Hancock have won 
distinction at the bar elsewhere, among whom we will 
note Charles Wheeler, son of Noah and grandson of 
Jonas Wheeler, of this town (and an uncle of Charles 
James Fo.x, named below), who won high honors in 
the courts of Missouri. Charles James Fox, son of 
Jedediah and Sarah (Wheeler) Fox, was born in 
Hancock October 28. 1811. as appears from abundant 
written testimony (although his birth-place has been 
claimed elsewhere). Mr. Fox fitted for college at 
Fraucestown Academy, under the private tuition 
of Rev. Archibald Burgess, of Hancock, and was grad- 
uated from Dartmouth College with high honors in 
the (lass of 1831. He studied law with Hon. Isaac 
<). Barnes, of Fraucestown, and completed his law 
course at the New Haven Law School. He then 
entered the law-office of Judge Daniel Abbot of 
Nashua, whose partner-at-law he soon became. He 
soon after became treasurer of the Nashua and Lowell 
Railroad, and was for eight or nine years county solic- 
itor of this county. He also held the office of com- 
missioner in bankruptcy. He was a member of tin- 
Legislature from Nashua in 1837, and was appointed 
one of the committee to revise the Statutes of New 



Hampshire, with Judges Bell and Parker,in 1841-42, 

a rare compliment t e so young, and published his 

valuable "Town Officer" soon alter this date. On 
ace. .unt of declining health, he traveled in Egypl and 

the West Indies in 1844 -45, of which lie published 
interesting sketches, lie died, after a long sick- 
ness, at Nashua, February 17, 1846, aged thirty- 
four years. Industrious to the last, the hours 
when such exertions were possible were devo- 
ted to the revision of the "History of Dunsta- 
ble," which was published soon after his death, 
and to poetical compositions, chiefly on religious 
subjects. With all his honors he was a Chris- 
tian, and few men so young have left so glorious a 
record. Mr. Fox married Catharine Pinkman Abbot, 
a daughter of his law-partner, who, as the widow of 
ex-Governor Samuel Dinsm , of Keen,-, now sur- 
vives him ; also one son. Dr. Charles W. Fox. 

The Whitcomb biotheis- -Charles and Adolphu 

sons of John Whitcomb, torso long the postmaster of 
Hancock, went to California, where Charles soon 
died. Adolphus won distinction and wealth there. 
He now resides in Europe. It is to his munificence 
that Hancock is indebted lor its tine library building. 

Algernon B. Baldwin has won a high rank in his 
profession in Chicago, as has Charles A. Wood also, 
in Salmon city, Idaho. Edward I'.- Knight (a bro- 
ther id' Professor Ephraim Knight) has become 
eminent as a lawyer also, in Charlestown, W. Y. 

Prominent Individuals and Families.— John 
Grimes was the first person to locate in Hancock 
with the view of making the place his home. Mr. 
< i rimes was of Scotch-Irish descent, and came to Han- 
cock by way of Peterborough in 1764, locating at a 

spot near the south shore of Half-M L Pond. The 

spot of the settlement of this pioneer was marked 1 j 
its citizens with an appropriate monument in 1884. 
He remained but a few years in Hancock, and re- 
turned to the "old hive" in Londonderry, where he 
died. His widow resided in Hancock with bei son, 
William Grimes, within the memory of some now 
living. 

Moses Morrison was also of Scotch descent. Sam- 
uel 1 was driven under the walls of Londonderry in 
the famous siege of L688. All his children emigrated 
to America. John' was one of the first settlers of 
Londonderry, N. IL, his son, Jonathan 3 , being lie 
first male child bom in that town. Moses' was the 
youngest of eight children of this John', and was 
born in Londonderry, June 7, 1732. He married 
Rachel Todd, and located near Half-Moon Pond, in 
Hancock, prior to the birth of his son Andrew 4 , who 
was born here January 21, 1770. He was a great 
story-teller, and has been called the "Gulliver" and 
"Arabian Knight." of Hancock; hut we do not 
indorse the statement of the historian of a neighbor- 
ing town, that " it is for this only that his memory 
has survived him." The early records of Hancock 
prove him to have been a man of ability and useful- 



354 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY. NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



ntv-ss iii the town where he spent his latest years and 
died. A grandson of his, Samuel 5 Morrison, of Al- 
steud, has been for many years a man of usefulness 
and honor there, and has recently celebrated his 
golden wedding. He, with his brother, Benjamin F., 
of the sa town, have greatly aided iii the prepara- 
tion of facts for tin' "History of Hancock." These 
brothers are also the grandsons of Deacon James 
Hosley, of Hancock. The historian of Hancock, Rev. 
W. W. Hayward, is a lineal descendant of Moses 
Morrison. Mr. Morrison and his descendants have 
occupied the soil of Hancock for over one hundred 
and fifteen years. 

Robert Duncan was of Scotch descent. George 1 
was a native of Scotland, who emigrated to Ireland. 
George 2 was born, lived and died in Ireland. George 3 , 
with all his children, came to America. George 4 , his 
oldest son bj his second wife, Margaret Cross, was 
grown to manhood when he arrived in Londonderry. 
He married Letitia Bell and left seven children. 
Robert 5 , his second son, married Sarah, daughter of 
Colonel Andrew Todd, of Londonderry, and was an 
early settler in Hancock. Hon. John Duncan, of 
Antrim, who was the representative for years of Han- 
cock and Antrim, was his brother. Mr. Duncan was 
undoubtedly the most influential man in the town at 
the time of its incorporation. He drew up, headed 
and circulated the petition for the act of incorpora- 
tion, and was chairman of the first Board of Select- 
men chosen at an annual town-meeting, and chosen 
at the same time its town clerk, which office he after- 
wards hi Id for a time. Mr. Duncan was also chosen 
one of the first deacons of the church in Hancock, 
and held the office at the time oi his death. He was 
als.i much employed in the settlement .if estates of 
deceased early settlers. He died ill the midst of his 
usefulness, January 25, 1793, at the age of forty-nine 
years. Samuel 6 married Sarah Miller, of Peterbor- 
ough, and settled on the homestead, hut died in 
the prime of life, April 20, 1807. aged thirty-nine. 
Hiram 7 , who was only two years old at the time of 
his father's death, was the only child id' Samuel and 
Sarah (Miller) Duncan who arrived at man's estate. 
Hi settled in Jaffrey in trade, and was a man of 
great business capacity, hut died young, leaving one 
daughter, Sarah' Miller Duncan, now the wile of Hon. 
Peter Upton, of the Governor's Council, who is a lead- 
ing husiiiess man of that town, and, with their son, 
Hiram Duncan Upton, has charge of the banking 
interests of that place, Hiram D. being al-o president 
of the Northwestern Trusl < lompany ol I »akota. Mrs. 
Sarah M." (Duncan) Upton is the last survivor of 
Deacon Robert Duncan who ever bore the family 
name. Deacon Josiah 6 , of Antrim, son of Deacon 
Roberl ', of Hancock, was a thoroughly good man and 
an rider of the Presbyterian Chinch there, who is 
said to have been "a living example of Romans xiii. 
11." Deleft no sons. Deacon Robert 6 also went to 
Antrim, and married his cousin, Mrs. Naomi (Duncan I 



Newton, daughter of Hon. John 6 , and was said to 
have been one of the most efficient elders this ancient 
church ever had. They had no children. 

James' Duncan was a brother of Robert, named 
above, and seven years his junior. He came to Han- 
cock from Society Land a little later than his brother 
I;. .belt ami settled on Norway Hill. James was chosen 
a deacon of the church at the same time as his brother, 
and continued in the office until his death. He was 
also much in town affairs. He married Jane Christie, 
who was said to have been one of the smartest girls of 
her day. It is related of her that on one occasion she 
won a wager of forty dollars by reaping more grain in 
a day than the smartest male reaper <>f Londonderry. 
They had eight children. 

I. Sarah 1 ', who became the wife of Samuel Fox, and 
died in early married lite, leaving two children. 

II. Letitia 6 became the wife of Martin Fuller and 
had four children: (1) Thomas James Duncan, who 
was a lawyer of note and Representative in Congress 
from the East District of Maine for eight years, and 
was second auditor id' the treasury under Buchanan. 
(2) Lydia J., who became the wife of Rev. L. 11. 
Stone, of Cabot. Vt. (3) .Mary, who was the wife of 
Stearns Foster, of Keene. (4) Hiram, who is a promi- 
nent citizen of Hancock. 

III. George 6 , win. settled in Antrim, where he was 
a prominent citizen. 

IV. Susan 6 , who became the wife of John Brooks, 
of Hancock. No children. 

V. James'' dieil in early manhood. 

VI. ' lnist\ ' settled on the homestead, and was a 
prominent citizen of the town and a noted land sur- 
veyor for many years. He married Lois Dow, and 
they had seven children: (1) Lydia A. 7 , who was for 
years a teacher, and became the wife of Rev. Mr. Stone, 
of Cabot, Vt. (2) Sarah 7 is the wife of Rev. Daniel 
Rice, formerly the principal of the academy here, now 
located in "Minnesota. (3) James 7 studied medicine, 
hut died young. (4' Stephen D. 7 , a teacher at Wil- 
mington Del. (O) John 7 settled in Hancock, and mar- 
ried Mrs. Almira 1'. Wilkins, and has two sons, — 
< loorge i '.", a dentist and druggist at East Jaffrey, and 
Christy H. ", an esteemed citizen of Hancock. (6) 
Nathaniel 7 , who resides in North Chelmsford, Mass. 

1 7) Elizabeth G. 7 , a teacher at the time of her death. 

VII. and VIII. Rebecca' 1 and Isaac" (twins). Re- 
becca 1 ' became the wife of Hon. T. P. Fuller, of Hard- 
wick, Vt., who late in life Located here. Isaac? located 
in Stoddard and died there leaving honored de- 
scendants. 

Symonds Family.— Joseph Symonds' was horn in 
Shirley, Mass., January 30, 1740, and married Mittie 
Cuinmings, a native of Holllis. 

Mr. and .Mrs. Symonds came to Hancock from New 
Ipswich about the time of the incorporation of the 
town, locating mi Norway Hill, and they and their 
descendants have been, and are to-day, among the 
mm. -i useful and honored of its citizens. 



II WMII'k 



Mr. Symonds was a member of the first Board of 
Selectmen chosen at an annual town-meeting. He 
was often in town business, and l'"r several years its 
town clerk, and was a useful and respected citizen. 
He and his wife, Mitt ie, were among tl 'iginal mem- 
bers of its church. Their children were, Joseph', 
known as "Captain Jo," who married Hannah, 
daughter of Lieutenant Joseph Dodge, of this town, 
and lived and died here. 

Captain Joseph ' Sj m Is was a man of great busi 

ness capacity, and was honored by the town with 
most of the positions of trust within its gift. Their 
children were, — Nancy', who became the wife of 
James Bowers. Hon. S. L. Bowers, of Newport, is 
her son. Hannah', who became the wife of Rev. 
Sylvester Cochrane, of Antrim. Both Mi. and Mrs, 
Cochrane died in Michigan. Judge Lyman i lochrane, 
of that State, was their son. Amelia 1 became the 
wife of Captain Gardner Nay, and died in i lalifornia. 
Joseph 3 , who died in infancy. Joseph 3 , married 
Annais Cavender, and died in Manchester in 1849. 
Rebecca 3 , who was married to .lames I 'avis, and lived 
and died much respected in Hancock. Lewis', mar- 
ried Persis Robinson, of Hancock, and lias always 
lived in the town. 

Lewis 3 is a man much respected, and has repre- 
sented Hancock in the Legislature. William F. 4 , 
the oldest child of Lewis 3 and Persis (Robinson) 
Symonds, is, perhaps, to-day the most popular man in 
the town. He lias been seven years a selectman, and 
is at this writing its representative to the Legislature. 
He married Abide M., daughter of Elijah and Mary 
(Hills) Washburn, of this town, who is a first cousin of 
ex-Governor W. B. Washburn, of Massachusetts. They 
have three children — Henry A. 5 , Annie L.' and Her- 
bert \V . Thusit will be seen that the Symonds familj 
has been prominent in Hancock for over a century. 

Almon 3 was a blacksmith, and resided in Benning- 
ton. Mittie- liecame the wife of Peter Fox, and re- 
moved to Marlow, where their descendants are now 
living. Asa was long a deacon of the church in 
Hancock, and a useful Christian man. 1 1 is son Asa 3 
is now an honored citizen of the town. 

Mellia '■' became the wife of Captain Jacob Anus, 
and left highly respectable descendants. Henry Ames 
Blood, of Temple, the historian of that town, was her 
grandson. 

Charles '-' was married to Sallie, 'laughter of Moses 
Dennis,' Sr., December 26,1809. They had several 
children, among whom, John 3 is perhaps the most 
esteemed in Hancock, as it was through his efforts 
thai the annual Symonds reunions (which have 
grown into town picnics) were established in Han- 
cock. The recent death of Hon. John Symonds is 
sincerely lamented here. We learn that, by a provi- 
sion of his will, the city of Keene, which was his 
adopted home, is to receive a large legacy for the 
benefit of its public library. Lucy- married, but had 
no children. 



JAMES HOSLEY. — Savage says " Horsley James 1 , of 
Newton, married Martha, daughter of John Parker; 
had .lames." This Martha was born May 1, 1649, in 
Cambridge. Their son, James 2 , married Maria 

ami came to Billeriea, Mass, in 1699. Their son, 

.lames, born May 19, 1704, settle. 1 in Townsend, 

Mass. lie married Exercise , and died in that 

place when his son, .lames', was quite young, .lames', 
or Deacon .lames, as he was called here, was a re- 
markable man and one of the greatest benefactors 
Hancock ever had. He was born in Townsend Jan- 
uary 19, 1734. W the age of thirty-two we find his 
name as one of the selectmen of the place, and he 
was chosen a deacon of the church there at about the 
same date. From 1770 to 1781 he was either moder- 
ator, town clerk, one of its selectmen or on a war 
committee every year. In 177">, Mr. Hosley held the 
offices of moderator, town clerk and chairman of the 
Board of Selectmen. He was also captain of the 
Townsend Minute .Men and led them to Lexington 
at the alarm of April L 9th of that year. Being the 
" best-balanced man in all respects " (see History of 
Townsend) in the town, and needed in its civil affairs, 
and having a huge family, his only other service in 
the field was in 1777, when a company of men (most 
of them veterans with families) was raised in Pepperell, 
Townsend and Ashbj to assist in the campaign 
against Burgoyne. Colonel William Prescott, the 
hero of Bunker Hill, and two majors were in the 
ranks of this company, which unanimously chose 
.lames Hosley its captain, a rare tribute to his popu- 
larity and military capacity. This company partici- 
pated in the battles preceding and was present at the 
surrendei of Burgoyne. Deacon Hosley sold his 
farm in Townsend at about the time ol the incorpo- 

rati f Hancock, and a little later remo\ ed to New 

[pswich, in this State, where he also held the offices 
both of selectman and town clerk. While a citizen 
of New [pswich he gave, bj deed, to the town of 
Hancock the common on which its public buildings 
and Pine Ridge Cemetery are situated, and soon after 
re ved to Hancock with his family. After bee, lin- 
ing a resident of the town he held tl Mice of town 

clerk for years. \ ie who may have occasion to 

examine the records of Townsend. Mass., New Ips- 
wich or Hancock can fail toadmire his legible chirog- 
raphy. He also held the office of justice of the 
peace, and was much employed as a conveyancer 

here. He was one of tl iginal members of the 

Church of Christ here, and the first pers hosen as 

its deacon. Deacon Mo-lev died April 19, 1809, 
exactly thirty-four years from the day when he led 
his Minute-Men towards the point where "the em- 
battled farmers stood, and fired the shots heard round 
the world." The Amherst Cabinet of May 23, 1809, 
gives a short but graphic account of him ami the 
imposing ceremonies attending his interment, and 
closed the article with this adage of Pope: " An 
honest man is the noldcst work of Cod." 



350 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



His descendants (none bearing the family-name 
residing here now) are numerous and highly respecta- 
ble. Ex-Mayor John Hosley, of Manchester, who is 
a native of Hancock, is his great-grandson ; James 4 , 
Samuel 5 , Samuel 6 , John'. 

Ebenezee Ware.— It is a tradition of the Ware 
family that it is of Welsh descent. Ebenezer' and 
Esther (Hunting), his wife, were residents of Need- 
ham, Mass., where their sun, Ebenezer', was born, 
and spent their last years with their son, who was :i n 
early settler here. Ebenezer- married Alice Eaton. 
Their only child, Ebenezer 3 , has long been a promi- 
nent citizen of Hancock. He early learned the trade 
of carpenter. The Literary andScientific Institution, 
with the boarding-house connected therewith, and 
the late residence of .ledediah Fox, in the village, 
will remain as monuments of his skill. Mr. Ware 
has held nearly every office within the gift of his 
townsmen. He is a great reader, and the owner, 
probably, of the largest private library in the town. 
He married Martha E. Lakin. They have hail ten 
children, eight of whom are living. 

Physicians. — Dr. Thomas Peabody, who had been 
a Burgeon in tin Revolutionary War. was a resident 
of Hancock for a short time in its earlier history. 
|ii Ki.l. cii I'ageart came here from Hillsborough in 
August, 179(1, and Dr. William Brown, from Sullivan, 
in March, 1791, but their stay was probably of short 
duration. 

The Hist physician who practiced his profession 
here was Dr. Stephen Kittridgc. He came to this 
place from Francestown the 6th of October, 1790. 
He was a successful physician and a good man. He 
was a dcac.m of the church, anil so had double title, 
being sometimes called deacon and sometimes doctor. 
He died about 1806, leaving his practice with his 
■successor, Dr. Peter Tuttle, who was born in Prince- 
ton. Mass., April 15, 1781. Dr. Tuttle began his 
work in Hancock in October, 1806, and proved him- 
-. If to In a skillful physician. He married a daughter of 
his predecessor in 1808, and brought up a large 
familj of children. He held the office of justice of 
the peace, and was respected both as a magistrate and 
a citizen. At the time of his death Dr. Tuttle was 
vice-president of the Southern District of the New 
Hampshire Medical Society. He was Master of the 
Alteinoiil Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, and 
was buried with Masonic honors. He died March 13, 
L828 He was a genial man, always ready with a 
joke, ami decidedly popular in his profession. He 
died mourned and lamented. 

Dr. Jonas Hutchinson was born in Milford, N. H., 
June 2, 1792. He commenced the practice ofmedi- 
cim in Hancock at the age of twenty-three. He was 

ami f tine powers and great energy. He was for 

several years town clerk, and representative to the 
Legislature in the years 1833, 1834 and 1835. He 
connected himself with the Baptist Church, and was 



largely instrumental in founding the Literary and 
Scientific Institution, which for a few years was so 
prosperous. 

He remained in town until November, 1841, when 
he removed to Milford, continuing the practice Oi 
medicine until a few months before his decease. He 
died in September. 1857. 

He was an influential citizen, and his removal from 
town was a cause of regret. 

Contemporaneous with Dr. Hutchinson we find 

Drs. Rand and W 1. 1 >r. Nehemiah Band came ben 

from Francestown, and removed to Nelson aftei a tew 
years. He was considered a good physician. 

Dr. Jacob A. Wood was born in this town May 14, 
L810. lb spent his boyhood working on the farm 
during the summer and attending school in the 
winter, It the age of sixteen he went to Frances- 
town to learn the saddler's trade ; his health not being 
very firm, he remained but a short time. Some year- 
later he began the study of medicine with Dr. Crom- 
bie, of Francestown, whose daughter he afterwards 
married. Subsequently he was a pupil of the cele- 
brated Dr. Twitchell, of Keene, and attended medical 
lectures in Boston and at the Vermont Medical Col- 
lege, at Woodstock, receiving his degree in the latter 
place in 1836. He commenced practice at once in 
his native tow n. 

He soon had an extensive practice, and was highly 
esteemed ; but after some years he deemed it best to 
seek a wider field, and about the year 1851 he re- 
moved to Boston, remaining there some -i\ years. 
1 luring his stay in Boston he became so celebrated in 
the treatment of spinal diseases that his friends in 
New York urged him to establish himself in that city. 
He finally did so, and there remained until his death, 

March 21.1879. Dr. W I was a member of Dr. 

Booth's Church, of University Place, New York. He 
was a good friend and a devoted husband. As a man, 
dignified, firm and decided, yet gentle, genial and 
laddeiiing the hearts of those with whom 
he came in contact. He lived a noble and self sacri- 
ficing life, and died trusting firmly in the Master he 
had served so faithfully. 

In the year 1S4_', Dr. .lame- M. Stickney came to 
Hancock. He was a son of Dr. Jeremiah Stickney, 
of Antrim. He was a very pleasant man to meet, 
and was esteemed both as a physician and i citizen 

After remaining hen' six or seven years he removed 
toPepperell,Mass., w hen he was \ erj successful in his 
profession. 

Dr. Levi W. Wilkins spent a short time in Han- 
cock after Dr. Wood and Dr. Stickney left. He 
bought out the former. Although he made a favora- 
ble impression and proved himself to be a good physi- 
cian, he did not remain long, removing to Antrim. 

Dr. De Witt Clinton Hadlej was born in Hancock, 
June 12, L823, He was educated at New Hampton 
and Meriden, N. IL. and was graduated in medicine 



HANCOCK. 



a! Woodstock, Vt., in 1849. He practiced medicine 
eight y.ars in his native town, and died February 11, 
L859. 

Dr Hadlej was apromiaing physician, and was just 
beginning his life-work when disease laid a heavy 
hand upon him. His death was a sad blow to his 
numerous friends. 

Dr. I. Craigue was born in Troy, Vt., in 1832. He 
was graduated in medicine from the Harvard Medi- 
cal College in 1857. He was lor a short time assistant 
physician at the Insane Retreat at Hartford, Conn. 
From Hartford he came to Hancock, where he re- 
mained until 1st;;;. He then went to Chester, Vt., 
remaining there till 1875. rinding country practice 
too severe for him, he removed to Lawrence, Mass., 
where he resided until his death, in 1*77. His removal 

from Hancock was a can I general regret. He 

was a true Christian, always found on the side of 
truth ami the right. Such men are always missed. 

Dr. It. G. Mather, wdio had previouslj been a sur- 
ge >n in the army, practiced medicine in town lor a 
short time; he afterwards gave up general practice 
and gave his attention to dentistry, in which profes- 
sion he gained quite a reputation. lie was a native 
of Newport and died in Hancock. 

Dr. Albert H. Tal't came to Hancock from Nelson 
in 1867, and remained there until 1*72, when he re- 
moved to Winchester, N. H., where he has been suc- 
cessful as a physician. Dr. Taft had a great many 
friends in Hancock, especially among the young 
people. 

Dr. Horatio Mclntire, also from Nelson, was the 
physician of the place during the building of the Man- 
chester and Keene Railroad. Dr. Mclntire hail seen 
service in the army, which gave him an advantage above 
many in the treatment of cases of injury to the work- 
men. He removed from Hancock to Milford, ami is 
now in government employ in New York City. 

Dr. H. H. De I'.eek, a native of Maine, succeeded 
Dr. Mclntire, but returned to his native State alter a 
short practice here. 

Dr. A. A. Ilaig, a native of St. Lawrence County, 
N, V, commenced the practice of medicine in Han- 
cock in the early part of 1883. He has a g 1 prac- 
tice in Hancock ami Harrisville, ami is also often 
called to the neighboring towns. 

Physicians and Dentists who were Natives 
(if Hancock, but have peaticed in other 
Places.— There Lave been several physicians and 
dentists, who were either natives of Hancock or were 
brought up there, whose active lives have been spent 
elsewhere. The list we give is necessarily an imper- 
fect one. 

Dr. Jabez 1'.. Priesl was the son of Levi Priest, of 
this town, and from 1816 to the time of his death, in 
1*26, was a very successful physician in Peterborough, 
where he died of epidemic dysentery, at the age of 
thirty-six. 

Dr. John Boutelle was the second son of Deacon 



William Boutelle. He was born in Leominster, 
Mass., April 1. 1783. At the age of live years his 
parents removed to Hancock. He was a graduate of 
Dartmouth College in the class of 1808 (the first 
college graduate from Hancock). After hi- gradua 
tion he was for a time tutor in the same college, aiel 
was for some ten years engaged in teaching, when 
he began the practice of medicine at Edgecomb, Me 
where he continued to the close of his life, lie died 
April 30, 1853. He was a sincere Christian, an affec- 
tionate husband and a good eiti/.en. 

Dr. David Knight Boutelle was the oldest son of 
Thomas Boutelle, who was the fourth son of Deacon 
William Boutelle. He was born at Landgrovi Vt 
October 6, 1811. At the age of fourteen years, with 
his parents, he removed to their native town (Han 
cock), which was his home until be was twenty-one 
years of age. He bad a common-school education. 
and at the age of eighteen attended a term at a select 
school in Hancock, taught by Mr. B. Y. Wallace. 

After attaining his majority he took a course of 
study at the Teachers' Seminary at Andover, Ma.ss. 
He then taught for several years in the grammar 
schools of Warren, R. I., and New Bedford, Mass. 
He subsequently studied dentistry at Providence, 

It. I., which profession he has successful!) practiced 

in Newport, R. 1., Manchester and Peterborough, 
N. II., and Worcester, Mass. In 1869, with the hope 
of improving his impaired health, lie removed to 
Lake City, Minn., where he now (1885) resides. 

Dr. Jonathan Lee, son of Jonathan Lee, studied 
medicine with Dr. Peter Tuttle. He practiced his 
profession many years at Syracuse, N. Y. 

Dr. \dauis Knight, SOU of Deacon Aaron Knight, 
was for many years a successful physician in Spring- 
field, Yt. 

Dr. William H. Weston, oldest son of Captain 
Ephraim West was born August 8, 1849, in Han- 
cock. He was graduated at the Medical Department 
of Columbia College, in New York City, in 1878. 
Alter his graduation he associated himself for a time 
with Dr. Hovt, in Grafton, N. H. From this place 
he went to New York, and was associated with Dr. 
.1. H. Wood. Alter the death of Dr. Wood he con 
tinned the treatment of spinal diseases at the old 
office at Cooper's Institute until the spring of 1881. 
Preferring general to special practice, he removed to 
406 West Twenty-second Street. 

Dr. George Bowers, oldest sou of Mark Bowers, 
was born in Hancock, October 10, 1831. lie was 
graduated at the Philadelphia Dental College, and 
practiced his profession in Springfield, N't., fifteen 
years, removing to Nashua, N. 11., in 1x77, where he 
now (1885) resides, a successful practitioner. His 
brother, Dr. Samuel 0. Bowers, is also a successful 
dentist at Hillsborough Bridge. 

Dr. Cyrus H. Hayward, oldest son of Calvin Hay- 
ward, was born in Hancock, November 7, 1840. lb- 
was graduated at the Boston Dental College in 



358 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



March, 1870. He soon became a member of tlie 
New Hampshire Dental Society; was elected in 
1880 delegate to the American Dental Association, 
and in June, 1884, be was chosen one of the Board 
of Censors for the State. He began the practice of 
his profession in Peterborough, N. II., soon after his 
graduation, where he has remained until the present 
time. His standing in the profession is of the first 

class. 

I>r. Albert E. Ware is in the successful practice of 
dentistry in this, his native town, and Dr. Charles 
Ooolidge, is doing a good business in Bristol, V II. 
Dr. George C. Duncan is also in successful practice 
in East Jaffrey. 

Military History. -The compiler of this record 
makes no claims to accuracy in detail. It has been 
almost impossible to obtain any data, especially in 

regard to the militia of the town. 

As yet no records bave been found, although dili- 
gently inquired for. In 1718 it was enacted by the 
Legislature that all able-bodied men between the 
ages of sixteen ami sixty, with a tew exceptions, be 
held liable for military duty. Later, this law was so 
modified that the military age was between eighteen 
and forty-five. When the first company was organ- 
ized it is impossible to determine. In 1789 there was 
an article in the town warrant to have the town 
divided into two military districts, that two companies 
might be organized, but at the town-meeting the 
article was passed over. 

There was for a brief period a company of cavalry. 
Hancock Artillery was organized early in the nine- 
teenth century. Its first captain — afterwards t leneral 
Miller — was then a young lawyer in Greenfield. 

Of General Miller, Hawthorne said, " He was New 
England's most distinguished soldier." 

His motto at Lundy's Lane, " I'll try, sir." was tor 
a long time printed on the knapsacks of tin- company. 
In 1849 the militia was disbanded. After the close 
of the War of the Rebellion the old Hancock Artil- 
lery, with a new name, was organized, but it is now 
disbanded. 

Among the early settlers, William I. akin and his 
brother Oliver had served in the French war. 

There were but few inhabitants in the town until 
towards the close of the Revolutionary War; there- 
fore but lew men were actually sent from Hancock. 
The few settlers that were here were not indifferent, 
as the town records will show. They furnished their 
quota of Continental beef as best they could, and 
taxed themselves to pay bounties to those who were 
in the field. 

William Lakin, Jr., Thomas Williams and Lemuel 
Lakin were in the sen ice. 

William Lakin, Jr., was a member of the First 
New Hampshire Regiment. He was discharged No- 
vember 3, 1782, wounded in the hand and hip; ex- 
amined April I. 1789; received a pension of two 
dollars a month. 



A large proportion of the early settlers served in 
the army before liny became residents id' Hancock, 
some of them with distinction. The following list, 
made up from various sources, may be incomplete, 
but is, without doubt, correct as far as it goes. We 
onl\ give their names, without regard to rank or term 
of service, — 

Samuel Viiit-s, Ehenezer Barker, 1 »:» v 1. 1 II;, i k< i , John Mutters, William 

Boutelle, John Bradford, Sal Blodgett, John Brooks, John Cum- 

mings, Abraham Davis, l-aa. Davis, Oliver Davis, Moses Dennis, Joseph 

I' I M'l I . : . t . - 1 , . I I l.i!. .11 S: !■■) KjLti.M, Tl lit- English, 

r-i i I i.-i ■ 1 1- i .1. ■!. ■n.iiili !■',,— . .dm Hay. .loli" Gllmn, Abijah Eadli ) 

James II. .-lev. Nathaniel Hazelton, Daniel Ki ill, Simeon Lakin, 

Josiah Lakio, Oliver Lawn u, ,-, Thomas Mav, Jonathan Margery, Roll- 
er! Matthews, Al.ialiaiu .Moors, Timothy Moors, Ehenezer Pratt, Abner 
Preston, Levi Priest, Thomas Peabody, Peter Putnam, Joel Russell, 

I'avn] Sloaii. .lo-.-pli son 1-, San I Tvrr.-ll. Elijah W a- hi. urn, Joseph 

Washburn, salmon w !, William Williams, Jr, Abel Winship. 

In the War of 1812-14 quite a number of Han- 
cock men served for a short time, and a few during 
most of the war. The records do not, in every in- 
stance, .ji\c the towns from which the soldiers went, 
so that it is impossible to give i rrect list. 

Simeon l.akiu was sergeant m Captain I:, ii.iauiiri Bradford's company, 
First Regiment ; pay-roll from April 1 to May 1, 1813. 

Samuel Itehliis was corporal 111 same roin| any. 

Aliraliuni I'avi- ami Kol.ert Matlliews, Jr., wee- privates in -.on. 

M's.s t| I. akin .-nil-tod ,1m in- tin- war in Captain lien jam in Bra.lt .el's 

company, Forty-fifth Regiment United stat.-s Infantry, Denny 
yi.'Col.i., colonel, March 9, 1814 promoted to sergeant June 16, 
1814 

John V, Lakin . .a p.. nil, enlisted at lie- -am,- time. 

Plum i Wheeler, sergeanl enlisted December 15, 1813. 

Thatcher Bradford, tliir.l lieutenant in captain Hugh Moore's pauy, 

detached militia, si- ni i.. Portsmouth m an emergi acy, enlisted for 
three months, Septelnhcl Is, 1813. Willi him went Isaac Brooks, 
Benjamin Ball, Abraham Davis, John Gilson, William Qraj Jesse 
Hall, Mark Pierce and Peter Rumrill, privates. 

1 i. ... I. - Boutelle wasfifer in Captain S t'rivett' i] , . Second Regi- 
ment detached itii ste.l foi sixty days, September T<, 1814. 

Al.ijalr Hadley, i a I I, Benjamin stone, Joseph Washburn, Wat- 
son Washburn, Asa Washburn and Eli Washburn, privates, enlisted 
in Captain William Gregg's company, ..1 Antrim, Septembei 27, 1814, 
t..i sixty days. 

Samuel Matthew-. I' ,m. I I. akin an. I Benjamin Turtle served as privates 
Iron, s.-pt - i II to September 28, 1814, in Captain Alfred Smith's 

. onrpanj I arth B nenl detached militia. 

Who. ... I w.o enlisted foi sixty .lav- s. pi. , 26, 1-14. in Captain 

Josiah B.-II..W-' , pany, of tl,,- Firsl Battal , detached militia. 

John Robinson, ditto 

I I,. -i i. v.- 1 llul.l.ar.l --i v, .1 in ( a plain M. S. il - < oinpanv , Eleventh United 
States Infantry, foi two months, from July I, 1813. 

Otis Wheeler and Timothj Paige were educated it West Point Mr 
Wheeler held the rank of captain in tin- regular Dnited States army 
and served in tin- Florida Wai II.- wae also long in service in Louis- 
iana ami Arkansas, and died recently in Missouri, leaving one son a 

in, lee ami .lie a I nil,-. I States luai-lial Mr Paige -i-rveil uii,l,;-i 

General Harrison in the Indian war- He was stationed at one time 
at New Orleans, ami for a time had command at Key West Se 
held the rank of lieutenant in the regular army 
In the late Civil War Hancock bore a fair share of 

the burden. 

Sei m\i. Regiment. 

Captain Ephraim Weston i-omiiiahde,! Compan, o, Second Regiment ; 

died December 9, 1861. 
Sylvesti i i Dum klee we a private in same company . mustered June 5, 
1861 . -.-veielv wounded Julv 2, 1863 . mustered out June 21, 1864. 

His father. Sylvester J. Ihin. klee, -nl-.-pieiith enlisted as a recruit 
in the same company ; was wounded at Gettysburg, and discharged 
foi disability. 



HANCOCK. 



in A Cummings enlisted at Peterborough, but be was a son of Han- 
cock ; first li. ■in. ".i.i November30, 1861 : captain April 23, 1862 . die 

el, are.. -d I. |'I |T tii.n .major "I ■ iivulrj i April 5,1864 ; is now 

ex-mayoi ..i Summeiville, Mass. 

ink I. Gray Bnliated Novembei 28, 1861 . sei I lieutenant April 20, 

rely wounded May 12, 1864. 
irles E. Barker enlisted i-orp I Nov.-ml.oi ■_'«, I-..I drowned in the 

Potomac August [3, 1862, 
mi . li.n I., i -ii I isl.-.l Vo.inl.n ■•, l-i.l .liseliarge.l lor disability 

January 111, 1863. 
ron J. Duncklee enlisted Decembei 10,1861 died January 20, 1862 

.■•it I. Mlir[.ll\ .lllistr.l N.H. Illt.ir J^, 1SIII iv-rlllist. .1 li.-. . till..'. 27, 

His A. Nutliing ,-iili-le.l NomiuI.. r _'s, Is..] iini-t.-i.-.l ,.iit November 



il,.: i, - M Sheldi n enlisted November 28, li 
ber 27, 1864 

Harlen P. Knigl.i enlisted ..- :i i... mil iii lugust, 1862 killed at Fred- 

.. Decembei 21, 1862. 
liardner, bis l.r.itber, , iiltste.l a I th- same tune in .in N.ls.ni 

This regiment was in twenty-five regular battles, or 
forty engagements in nil. 

Seventh Rbgibist. 
Uebei .1. Davis, Becond lieutenant Company I. .Inly In, In.,;, m-t lieu 
tenant Company \ February 6, 1864 was ou the staff of General 
Hawlt i wassevi n ly wounded at Fredericksburg. 

u.l.n ^ i i,i,- 1 1, Company K, — Regiment; enlisted October 12, 
181 1 .it- I.... .1 February 12, 1863. 



THIRTE1.MII ReGI m NT, COHPANY G. 

William H. Clark, enlist.-,! September In, l.Si>2 . wounded September 

22, 1864. 
Samuel Bradley, enlisted September la, 1862. 
G. W. Matthews, enlisted September 19, 1862 , discharged November 

Mi,.!, i: Todd enlisted September 19, 1862; died Maj 18, 1863 

Portei li West 'il. enlisted September 19, 1862. 

Edwin Wan irporaJ j. .. b t to Brat sergeant and t.. lieutenant, 

enlisted Septembei 19 L8& wounded four times. 
Charles W Washburn, musi ian, enlisted Septembei 19, 1862. 

This regiment was in about fifteen regular battles, 
among which were Fredericksburg, Suffolk, Drury's 
Bluff, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Fort Harrison, etc., 
and was the first to enter Richmond after Lee's re- 
treat. 

UdenS W 1- enlisted iii-tob-r -'4, 1862 ; first s, i e. ant, Novembei 13, 

1862; mustered out August 20, 1863. 
Albert A. Buxt, n. .-uli-teil N. a ember 13, ls«; mustered out Vugu-I 211, 



. it.,1. G W 1 :klee, enlisted Octobei 

gust 2ii, 1863 

<i, tobet 



1862 . mustered out Au- 

1862; died at Baton Rouge, La., 

ii, .1 at Springfield 



lluia,,- Fairer, 
June 23, 1803. 

.lain.-- 11 .1, 1,1,-. .li, • i.li-l. .1 .'. I..I.-1 21. 1-1.2 

Landing, July 2, 1863 
Edward P Kimball enlisted Octobei 24. 1862 mustered out August 20, 

1863. 
Hartwell II Shepherd enlisted Novembei ;, 1862 .lied on his way 

David L. Wood, enlisted October 24, 1862 ; died at Baton F.ouge, La., 
July 12. 1863 

Theserviee of this regiment was short, butit suf- 
fered severely from the climate and hard man lies. 

Coryden D. Keyes and bis son. Ow 
ment. They enlisted from Wil 

Uani .... k in. I th.ii iiioiiiiin. -tits are here. The father died 1 



Franklin Hue, served 
Hampshire \,.lu 



I1..I1: 



M 1 ... ... 1 .1.. 1, 1 Regime] 






1 , toil 1 ■" 1. lb «as kill. .1 ;.t Gettysburg, July I, 1863. 

,-it Begbei was in the Twelfth Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer! 

mustered in Septembei IT, 1861, ami served marly I years. He 

wastwii wounded being in nineteen engagements, 

11 r v\ ills m- was a in. mbei ..1 th.' Thirteenth Massachusetts Batterj 

11 A. Bullard, eliliste.1 1 1.. Ill I'.tei Ugh ill tile Tbi rb 1, 11 

la 1 1 1 1. Mas ma.., \. .1- 1 , ill. I II.11.. ... k, iiiol Ma- |, 1U1 , ,| 1,,.,-,. 

ules I. Symonds wasainember of Company I. Hundred ami 

Fourth Illinois Regiment, ami died ... U..- Bert ii e 

..•rill Taft, of Nelson, but foi several years afterward: sen and 

phi ician of Hancock, was mustered into C pany E, Ninth Regi- 
ment, ascorporal, August 1>, 1862; discharged for disability Septem- 



1M.1 



regimental organi ation lanuary 6, 

the Second Company, M:i-si. Ini-iii, 
. r.ly wounded at Fredericksburg. 
t..,-i enrolled in Wisconsin, hisadopted 
"terry sergeant ol Col my II, First 



Tin- parents of Major-, ieneral John Cray Foster 
were natives of Hancock. 

li i- not necessary to give a sketch of his eminent 
services here, as there is a notice of him in the his- 
tory of Nashua, which was for many years his home 
and where he was buried. 

Several patriotic citizens of Hancock put in substi- 
tutes. Some of these " subs " served faithfully, but 

more deserted. 

Ecclesiastical History.— At a town-meeting held 
April '-!4, 1780, it was voted that the meeting-house 
and burying-place In- on Norway Plain. This was a 
little more than live months after the town was in- 
corporated. 

On the 8th of June, the same year, it was voted 
that money In- raised to hire preaching. The sum of 
money raised each year to sustain preaching was 
small, only enough for four or six Sundays. Mostof 
tin meetings, until the first meeting-house was built, 
in L790, were held at lite house, or rather the barn, of 
Mr. Joseph Symonds. 

The Congregational Church was organized in 
August, L788. It consisted of seven female and ten 
male members, — John Cuuimiii-ts, Sarah Cuinmings, 
William Williams, Mary Williams, James Hosley, 
Joseph Symonds, Mile Symonds, Joseph Dodge, 
Molly Dodge, James Duncan, Salmon Wood, Sybel 
Wood, John Bowers, Elizabeth Bowers, Samuel Tur- 
rell, Aimer Whitconib, Susanna Gates. 

The first pastor of the church, Rev. Heed Paige, 
A.M., was ordained September 20, 1791. Mr. Paige 
was bom in Hardwick, Mass., .August 30,1764. He 
was the -on of Colonel Timothy Paige (a gentleman 
of ability, who tilled a number of important stations, 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW BAMPSHIRE. 



both civil :iml military, with fidelity and honor). He 
was graduated at Dartmouth College in 1786, studied 
divinity with Dr. Emmons, of Franklin, Mas-., was a 
Hopkinsian of the straightest sect and, what was 
then very unusual among the orthodox clergy, was an 
ardent Democrat in politics. He published two ordi- 
nation sermons, an election sermon, 1805, and several 
other- on different occasions. He is described in the 
"Gazetteer" of New Hampshire "as a learned, 
pious, able and faithful minister, a good citizen, an 

h !St and upright man, a firm patriot, and zealous 

and able advocate of hiscountry's rights, which very 
much endeared him to the people of his charge, who 
frequently elected him to represent his town in the 
State Legislature, of which he was a member at the 
time of In- death.' Mr. Paige died, much lamented, 
July 22, 1816. 

During the six years alter the death of Mr. Paige 
the pulpit was supplied by different ministers. An 
attempt was made to settle some of them, but no one 
seemed able to unite all the elements in the town 
until December 25, 1822, when Rev. Archibald Bur- 
gess was ordained. Until about the year 1817 or 1818 
the town was the parish. At that time the town 
ceased to act. and a societj was organized to act in 
conjunction with the church. 

Mr. Burgess was the son of Asa Burgess, and was 
born in Canterbury, Conn., February 2, 1790. He 
was :i graduate of Yale College in the class of 1814. 
He was a strong man. and was decidedly of the 
opinion that it would be lor the best interest of the 
town to retain all the religion- element- within his 
own church. When he was aroused tew men were 
his superiors, or were more active than he. No one 
could sympathize more tenderly with the sorrowing 
and the afflicted. He died February 7, 1850. 

His successor, Rev. Asahel Bigelow, was installed 
May 15, 1850. 

Mr. Bigelow was horn in Boylston, Mass., May 14. 
1 7'. >7. He was the son of Andrew Bigelow. He 
graduated at Harvard College in 1823. Soon alter he 
went to the seminary at Andover, where he gradu- 
ated. He wa- ordained at Walpole, Mass., in 1828. 
He had then' a pastorate of twenty-one years. 

Hi- work in Hancock was eminently successful. 
Reared in tie severe school of ad \ ei-it \ .and coming 
to Hancock in the mature years of his manhood, with 
an earnest Christian spirit. In- endeared himself to all 
who became acquainted with him. August 10, 1*77, 
at the ripe age of fourscore, he passed on to the 
higher life. 

Rev. Hervey Gulick, the present pastor of the 
. butch, was horn March 27, 1846. His ancestors for 
generations have resided in Northampton County, 
I'a. He graduated from Pennsylvania College in 
i-ii- 

1 le si u lied and began the practice of law ; but find- 
ing his profession uncongenial, he abandoned it ami 
entered I'linui 'IheoWical Sewinan , from which he 



was called to preach at Hancock. He was ordained 
and installed pastor of the church November 5, 1879, 
the hundredth anniversary of the incorporation of the 
town. 

He has proved himself to be a Christian gentleman, 
and it is to be desired that his term of office will be as 
long a- that of hi- | leci ssors 

\- earl] as 1792, John Cummings asked to be re- 
lieved from his ministerial tax, presenting a- a reason 
therefor a certificate from a Baptist minister in Hollis. 

In 1798, there was in the town warrant the follow- 
ing article : 



Nine men were exempted. 

A Baptist Church was organized May 6, 1840. It 
was an offshoot from the church then known a- the 
Baptist Church of Hancock and Society Land. 

Service- were sustained till 1852, when the church 
cased to be active. 

Several pastors served the church; but a- in records 
have come to band, the compiler will give from 
memory the names of Revs. Mr, Pierce, Frederick 
Paige, Lorenzo Tandy and Mr. Guilford 

In 1822, Rev. Lemuel Willis, tin n a young man. was 
instrumental in 'forming a I aiversalist society, that 
sustained preaching at intervals for nearlj fortj years. 

About the same date Rev. Zetia- Adams, from Mai- 
low, organized a Methodist Church, which has also 
cea-ed to exist. 

Ill the interval between the [pastorates of Mr. 1'aige 
and Mr. Burgess several Unitarian clergymen occu- 
pied the pulpit of the church at different times. 
There was also growing out of the anti-slavery move- 
ment - 'inc I rouble in the church ; lift ecu or more be- 
came what were then known as "Come outers." The 
Miller excitement in 1843 had its share of attention, 
but the steady hand of Mr. Burgess guided his church 
safely through it all. 

An apostle of what was known as the " Latter-Day 
Saints" visited the town, and once, at least, occupied 
the church, but it is not recorded that lie made any 
converts. 

MEETING-HOOSES.— The first meeting house, as has 
ahead] been recorded, was built after a long struggle 
in 1790. It was a plain structure, without steeple and 
without bell. In lsl*i it was burned to the ground. 

In 1820 a new church, mole commodious than the 

first, was erected, with comparatively little effort, In 
one da\ the pews were sold for seven thousand dollars. 
In L851 this church was removed from nearly the 
centre of the common to a position deemed more suit- 
able, and repaired and modernized, having an at- 
tractive audience-room in the upper story and a com- 
modious town hall below. 
There was a small Methodist meeting-house built 

in the western part of the town some J ears ago, but 
not a vestige of it remains. 



HANCOCK. 



In 1836 the Congregational Societj erected a two- 
story brick building, the upper story of which i- used 
for a school and the lower story for a chapel. The 
chapel has within a fe« years been remodeled, and is 
at the present time one of the most attracts e rooms for 
the purpose for which it is used thai ran be found 

The sons and descendants of I Ian. -.irk who have 
entered the ministry can be counted by scores, among 
whom we will mention Rev. Brown Emerson, who, 
after a course of study with his pastor, Rev. Mr. Page, 
was a pastor sixty-eight years, most, if not all, the 
time in Salem, Mass. 

Tw ■ his brothers, Noah and Reuben, were also 

ministers of the gospel. 

Rev. William Clark, IM>. (son of John Clark of 
Hancock, and grandson of William (lark, of New 
Boston), was born September 28, 1798. He fitted for 
college at Bradford Academy, and was graduated at 
Dartmouth in 1822, and at Andover Theological 
Seminary in 1827. He was employed as an agent for 
the A. B. ( '. 1-'. missions in Massachusetts and Con- 
necticut until settled over the ( 'ongrcgational Church 
in Wells, Me., in 1829. After a pleasant and profita- 
bli pastorati of six years, he was again called into the 
general service of the < longregational ( Ihurch of New 
England. 

During forty consecutive years he acted success- 
ively as agent of the American Tract Society at the 
West District, secretary tor Northern New England of 
the American Hoard of Commissioners for Foreign 
Missions, and secretary of New Hampshire Home 
Missionary Society. 

Dartmouth College conferred the honorarj degree 
of Doctor of Divinity on Mr. Clark in 1875. On re- 
tiring from official labor, in 1876, he became a perma- 
nent resident of Amherst, N. II. 

Mr. Clark responded to the sentiment "The 
Clergy of Hancock," at the centennial of the town, 
as did also another descendant of Hancock, Rev. 
Josiah L. Seward, of I. ..well, Mass., a prominent 
representative of tic- Unitarian denomination. 

We would also mention Rev. Horace W. Warthen, 
who is now a leading preacher and worker in the 
Methodist denomination in the State of Vermont; 
Rev. Arid S., son of Jonas Lakin, presiding elder of 
the Marion I >istri't , Alabama Conference of the 
Methodist Church and Rev. F. M. Chapin, now a 
missionary of the American Board at Kalgan, North 
China, who unites in his vein* the blood of the fam- 
ilies of Wheeler, Knight and Goodhue, all belonging 
to Hancock. 

Okj.axo Eaton, Esq. 1 — The Eatons of this country 
trai.' back their ancestrj to five early emigrants,— 

I. Francis Eaton, who, with his wife Sarah, came 
over in the " Mayflower," in 1620. 

II. John and Abigail Eaton, who came in 1635, 



It. i William W. Hiiywanl, 



ami settled in Dedham, Mas.-., where members of the 

family continue to reside. John' occupies the a -nt 

homestead of his ancestors. Hon. Dorman I'.. Eaton, 
now the head of the Civil Service Commission, is of 
lliis 1. ranch. 

III. William and Martha Eaton settled in I;, ading 
Mass., about 1636. Ex-United States Senator Eaton, 
of Connecticut, represents this branch. 

IV. Jonas and Grace Eaton came to Reading, 

Mass., about 1640. The wile of Rev. Mr. Gulick, of 
Hancock, is descended from that family. 

Y. John and Ann Eaton settled in Haverhill, 
Mas-., about 1644. Among their descendants we 
notice General John Eaton, United Slate- commis- 
sioner of education. 

The Eatons of Hancock are descended from John 
ami Abigail Eaton, who settled in Dedham, Mass.. in 
1635. John 1 , John- and William 5 lived and died in 
Dedham. William 1 married Mary Starr, a grand- 
daughter of George Bunker, of Charlestown, Mass., 
who was the owner of tin top of "that hill of glory" 
(see "History of the Star Familj "l. Hi- son, Jer- 
emiah 4 , married Elizabeth W hock in 1751, and 

-riile.l in Needham, Mass., dying there aboul L800 
He had four sons and four daughters. Three of the 
daughters died young. The youngest. Alice . mar- 
ried Ebenezer Ware, of Hancock. All the sons re- 
moved to Hancock. Jeremiah 5 remained unmarried. 
Moses . Lemuel and Samuel 5 married and had fam- 
ilies; many of their descendants are now living in 
Hancock and the neighboring towns. Lemuel 5 was 
a soldier in the Revolutionary War ; be was present 
when Washington took command of the army at 
Cambridge. He was disabled from doing military 
duty in the later years of the war by the bursting of 
a gun, which tore off bis left thumb. He married 
Sarah, daughter of Ebenezer and Esther (Hunting) 
Ware, of Needham, February Hi, 1702, and removed 
to Hancock the same year, where he was a useful 
citizen. 

Hi- oldest son, Lemuel 6 , was born Octoberl7, I7'J4. 
Lemuel 6 was a man respected by his townsmen, lie 
served several years on the Board of Selectmen, being 
a member of the board « Inn the separation took place 
between the town and the new town of Bennington 
(the other members being John [. Whittemore ami 
Samuel Knight). He married Eunice, daughter of 
Isaac and Mary K lhandler) Jewett, of Nelson, June 2, 
1831. Their only child, Orland 7 , was bom Julj 11, 
1836. He is on.' of the few men in town who retain 
tl Id homestead of the first settlers of the name. 

His advantages for education were such as 
forded by the common schools and the academy of his 
native town. He earl) developed a taste for historical 
and genealogical research. He was the prime mover lor 
the celebration of the centennial of the incorporation 
of bis native town, in 1879, and as chairman of the 
tow a history committee, ami a,- it- agent, he has 
been indefatigable. Without hi- persistent and earn- 



362 



IIHToKY OF HILLSROROUGH COUNTY. NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



est efforts the undertaking would have been a disas- 
trous failure. Letters have been senl :ill river the 
country, and a rich harvest of facts have thereby been 
garnered, which, in due time, will be given to the 
world. 

Mr. Eaton served four years as oneof the selectmen 
of the town, and "in- year as its representative to thi 
Legislature. He has held a commission as justii t 

the peace lor over fifteen year-. 

Desiring railroad facilities for the town, he drew up 
signed and circulated a petition to the selectmen for 
the eall of the town-meeting at which Hancock voted 
its gratuity to the Manchester and Keene Railroad. 
which vote decided the question in regard to the locality 
of the road, not only bringing it through Hancock, 
instead of Peterborough, but also making necessary 
the Peterborough and Hillsborough Railroad with the 
junction in Hancock. 

At the age of twenty-two Mr. Eaton united with the 
Congregational Church, and has been eithei a teacher 
in. or tin- superintendent of, its Sabbath-school nearly 
every year since that time. 

He was chosen deacon ofthe church in < (ctober, 1874. 
and has been re-elected by a unanimous ballot fur 
the same position, holding it at the present time. 
He married Almeda E., daughter of Sherburn and 
Hannah I Fnddl'-lbrd i Marker, ofHancock, November 
21,1861. .Mrs. Eaton i- the seventh from Richard 
Barker, of Andover, Mass., — Richard ', Ebenezer 2 , 
Philemon 1 . Ebenezer 4 . Jessie . Sherburn 6 , Almeda 7 . 

They have no children ; an adopted child of much 
promise, Albert Orland, died dune 19, 1883. 

Rev. William Willis Hayward B.D., 1 the sub- 
ject of this sketch, was burn in Hancock, N. H , October 
17. 1834. Eis ancestors were identified with the earlier 
colonial and Revolutionary history of Concord, Mass. 
Joseph Hayward, the fifth in regular descent from 
George Hayward, of Concord (1635-71), emigrated, 
with his wile, Rebecca, daughter of Colonel Charles 
Prescott, t.i 1 'lib] iii. N. II., and settled mi the shores oi 
that most beautiful of all the small inland lakes of that 
picturesque region. At the age of twenty Charles 
Prescott Hayward. burn in Concord, son "I' the above, 
settled in Hancock, where he sunn alter married 
Sarah Mason, of Dublin. 

Charles Hayward, the seventh from George, of 
Concord, burn February l'l'. L806 ; married Ann 
Lakin, November L5, 1833. Miss Lakin, we rind in 
the record, was the great-granddaughter <>t' William 
Lakin. the third man who settled in Hancock ; also 
the great-granddaughter of Moses Morrison, the 
second settler in Hancock. We find. 'also, that both 
the father and grandfather of Mis- Lakin — the 
mother of the subject of our sketch -were closely 
identified with the interests of the town fur a period 
covering Over hall a century. 

William Willis Hayward. bom October 17. 1834, 

lb -i by Rev. S Elliott Lie.- 1. D 



is, therefore, the eighth in descent from George Hay- 
ward, " ho settled in ( loncord in a. p. 1635. 

Before proceeding, let us go back to the earlier 
periud in the history of William Willis 8 Hay waul. We 
find that George 1 Hayward- estate yielded an income 
of five hundred and six pounds. — a large amount in 
those early days. In the direct line we find the 
name of Joseph", the third child ami second sun, who 
married Hannah Hosmer in L665, who died, when he 
married Elizabeth Treadwell, in 1667. The youngest 
child of this marriage was Simeon H.\ burn in 1683, 
who married Rebecca Hartwell. in 1705. The wife of 
Simeon lived to tic greal ag< of ninety -four. She 
died in 1776, Simeon having died in 171!' at a com- 
paratively early age. In the wife of Simeon 3 we 
have a connecting link between the colonial and 
Revolutionary periods of American history, in which 
Joseph' Hayward. the fifth son by the marriage of 
Simeon Hayward and Rebecca Hartwell, became a 
conspicuous character. He married Abigail Hosmer. 
His s.m Joseph married Rebecca Prescott, a daugh- 
ter of Colonel Charles Prescott. who was the leading 
man in ('uncord during the entire Revolutionary 
War.- The social positions <>f Colonel Pre-, nit wpre 
such in those times as to greatly enhance the value 
of a family relation possessed of so much military- 
tact and dash as Joseph Hayward displayed upon 
many trying ",;,asinn-. In th. French Wai he be- 
came noted fur his courage and skill. Soon after. 
when the storm of the Revolution had burst upon Lex- 
ington and Concord, Lieutenant Hayward. by his 
undaunted bravery, captured a British soldier after 
having slain bis two comrades with his own band. 
actually seizing from one of them a gun as it was 
pointed at his own person from the window of the 

rOODl » here they were concealed. He then sei/ed l| pull 

twu chaises in Cambridge, -lay ing a hostile occupant 
in each, and brought the chaises to Concord. 3 



I, .hi I |.h Haywunl. Mt l'..iic-..rcl. 1:10- t tli it 

'•■•mil .ii \|.nl last, in the Figtal be took from the Regulars in Mod 
atomy, a Hon* mi. I Chaise The Chaise was owned b} Mi Reuben 
Brown, of Concord Whal remains in his bands ,- a mouse-colored 

U.'i-' in-iu I : 1 1 a n. I- Iii-I. ..M. | , i a. I .lull , - I 11. .1 uiiilt. Tawn- 

n\ "ii Imtli M.li-- . a u I I ami. -I Itnliiii: Ii.mi.I, I. pew I.ir ; mil- 1'illnn 

aula |n r Bed-Tick. Tlit, ..Mm a maj have them b; 

mark aii'l | ■' il.t- a.lv. a lis.an.iit.' 

Thus it will be seen that the subject of thi- sketch 
can boast of an ancestry of which any New Eng- 
land,! may well be proud. His early educational 
advantages were such as were at the time offered in 
the country towns of New England, supplemented bj 
some two years at the academies in Hancock. Peter- 
borough and Francestow ii, and one season at the New- 
England Normal Institute, in Lancaster, Mass. He 
taught in the country scl Is nine winters, and sub- 



-c.0..ii,.| I'r.s. ..tt lias tli,- am ill III l-ii.lli.il, Li.-. ■-- 

an, I was descended from sir. la - Pi n. i Standish Hull. England. 

' :|| i I" the guns aptured «... -ml ,.« I byhia 9on in 1835. See 

„,»rrf. ) 



HANCOCK. 



sequently three terms in a private school. His suc- 
cess as a teacher was marked. At the age of twenty - 
one he was chosen as a member of the superintend- 
ing committee of schools in Hancock, and at later 
periods served one year as superintendent of schools, 
in Newfane, Vt. ; three years on the School Board in 
Keene, N. H. ; and one year as superintendent of 
schools in that city. 

He spent about two years in private study with 
Rev. Lemuel Willis, of Warner, N. H. ; was ordained 
as a Universalist minister June, 1859. Subsequently 
he spent two years at Tuft's Divinity School, and took 
the degree of l'..l >. in 1871. 

He has had settlements in Ncwl'ane. Vt.; Fairfield, 

Me.; in Wakefield, Acton, Methuen, Plymouth 
and Smith Framingham, Mass., and Keene, X. 11.. 
besides several short engagements elsewhere. His 
present residence is South Framingham. < Mi Si ptem- 
ber 7. 1859, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Ellen 
Chase, of Keene, X. 11., a daughter of Mr. Hosea 
Chase, a near relative of Hon. Salmon 1'. Chase, who 
for over twenty-live years, has ever proved an efficient 
helpmeet to him, beloved by all. 

He served a few months as chaplain of the Thir- 
teenth Maine Volunteers during the late war. and 
proved himself as oue willing to share with the 
soldiers in the perils of the field, as well as in the 
comparative safetj of the camp ami hospital. It was 
during the brief experiences of Mr. Hayward with 
the army in Virginia (now West Virginia) that he 
was joined by his wife at Martinsburg, then Sheri- 
dan'- base of supplies, who was winning greal and 
constant victories in the valley of the Shenandoah. 
The little army at Martinsburg, therefore, was the 
object of repeated and untiring attacks on the part of 
the Confederates, led chiefly by Mosl.v. the noted 
guerrilla. Mrs. Hayward reached Martinsburg, to 
the surprise of her husband, by a night ride from 
Baltimore at a time when firing upon the night-trains 
over the Baltimore and Ohio Eailroad was a constant 
occurrence; and her whole sojourn with the army 
was marked by this same spirit that always captivates 
the soldier. She was a splendid horsewoman — so 
rare an accomplishment — and even appeared on the 
field. Nor did she fail to improve her opportunity 
to minister in a Christian, womanly way to the welfare 
of those with whom she met in the hospital. — writing 
letter- for the sick and wounded and taking care of 
money for their families, which she concealed in 
times of danger about her person. ' rod eared for her 
in the midst of many dangers. 

The length of this sketch only leaves room to add a 
few words as to the literary ability of the subject of 
this article as a preacher and lecturer, whose genial 
soul shows itself in all he does. With all his ability, 
— of no ordinary cast, — his heart is ever orthodox, in 
the truest sense, a- a preacher, and as a lecturer he is 
always welcome. His centennial address will be re- 
membered by all the citizens of Hancock, and also 
2i 



the beautiful lecture on Longfellow by all who heard 

it. 

Town OFFICERS. 



i. - Roberl Duncan, 
- Rob. 1 1 Duncan, 



L7S2 Joseph Symonds, townclerk. 

i .- '-. i. h ,. town clerk, 
178G.— Joseph Dodge, town clerk. 
1787.— James Hoslcy, town clerk 

17SS. — lusepli Syinonds, town i Ink. 
17-'<— .lames l.uiieali, town . I'll, 

IT'.it.— .Ian.es Iloslev, tuu II i I. i 1 

1792.-James Hosley, town clerk. 

IT'.i:;. — . lames Hosley, tou n < 1. i I. 

17'.M.— Janies Hosley, town clerk. 

IT'.O I — Jamee Hosley, town . 1. ■ r k ; Samuel (l.n.loii, iviiresentaiiv 

179G. — Ian ii'- Hosley, town clerk; Samuel Gordon, representative 

IT'.iT — .lam. - ll'.sk'V, town ■ I. rk ; Samuel Cui.Ii.ii. n|.i,— Mai i\ 

1798.— James Hosley, town clerk ; William I'. kg, representath 

IT'.I'I. — .lames llosle\. t"\Mi ■ I'-lk . U ilh. un I 1 .!,."!,-. I' I'l-fi'lilativ 

1 800. - James Hosley, town clerk William Brooki i presentath 
1801.— James Hosley, town clerk Willi." B cpreeentath 

1 sir,.— .lames Hosley, town clerk ; William Brooks, repreeentath 



I sin 



1814 


—.loll 


1 .- 1 5 


—Job 


Isle, 


-Joh 


1817 


— ,l"li 


l-ls 


Joh 



: , David Wood, town clerk; u illiam Bn oks, n pn sentative. 
L80C— Joseph Symonds, town clerk ; William Bi i iks, n pn •■ otative 

ImiT ,L.M|,li >\ m- -nds, town rh-rk ; William lln.uk-, re[,n>eiilati \>- 
1S0S. — SallllH-l G.Ueg, tnuii clerk . Willi. mi lh'ooks, IT}. I. 

L809 ■ Sa el t.;it'->, town clerk ; Reed Paige, representative. 

L810 ' wpb Symonds, town clerk ; Reed Paige, repn 

1>I i . - ,k - j.ii -\ in.-' .1- t-.\Mi i Ink ; \:<. *\ P.iige, representative. 
1812. — Joseph Syi ids, town clerk ; Reed Paige, representative. 



irt., town .'I.mU, Thatcher Bradford, representa- 

.It.liii Whit.oinh, town rink; Thatcher Bradford 

,1'iiili WhltCIIlli, 1"" li - I I k , Thatch- i i:i .-. -■( l.i 

■John Wllitn.iuli. li.un clerk; Thatcher 1'iadtoid, n pieheLila- 



IslIL',— Ji'lm Whito>nih, town ■ Icik : \:i-l[- w Wallace, nprceiiNiti ve. 
ls_':;.— Julin Whihomh. town -i.Tk , Andrew Walla..-. ... 
IsJl.— J. .li li White iiiiIi, town ■ La k ; Aiidi.-w Wallace, representative. 
1-j,' .|..|,n Wlntc.. ink. town . l-rk ; .h-e[, 1, Syrnomh i via v-.nla- 



tSliS. — J.mas Illlchiusun, town rink; Joseph S\m K i e,„ r-n:i;i- 

lhiChiti-si.il, low li i lerk , Thai. In r IJra.dl.inl. repn.-r-elita- 

1830. — Jonas Huchinson, town clerk; Jo-eph Sym-m-i 

1831.— Henry Whitcomb, town clerk ; Am..> Whitemore, repres uta- 

l.s:V_\— John Whitcnmh, town clerk ; Am- Whii.ni. n ■ 
L833. -John Whitcomb, town i li i 



: I 

r.-pie-nite.l l.y Hon. John [>mn'an, -.f Antrim, nio-r ..! the time. 
■-' Rev, Reed Paige, the representative for 1816, died during the year, and 

l>avid Nahur was chosen to nil tie 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Is.;-!. — lolin \\ * j i T ■ I', t..wi 1,-ik: ,Kiii;h Hinlim-, ,, 

» i,n in .. i ■■■!., i i ii -mi, representa- 

Isia _J,,l in W] IIt , .ml,, i,, un , p., | v T(i;i| ; , 

Is:::.— J..liu Whitcomli, town clerk 1 Kendall Gray, representative. 
Is:;*.— John Wliitcoinli, town clerk : Ken. I. ill On, v. repi 
1839.— John Whitcomb, ti wn clerk; Kendall Gray, representative 
] -1 1.— John w 'iii, mb, town Lerk David Patten, ri pi 

IMi .— G !\.' 11 I'm- i .mi l>. ii '.'I. lepiesontative. 

1 - u — i,,„„K...u ]:.,.., it, 1 .mi :.'k; ,....i-i...i- Baasett, representa- 



im:: 



—Joseph Davis, town clerk; EbeneEei Ware, representative. 

ivwn i-I.-rk ; Ahijah Hadley, representative, 
-Joseph Davis,' townclerk; Ibtfab Hadley, representative. 

—Kodney S. Lakiti, townclerk; Al.i.iah Hinll. \ 

—Joseph Davis, town 1 lerk . 'kirk C, I '...urn- 11, representative. 

1'avis, town rl.Tk ; 1 link ('. I'.ontwell, representative. 

' 111 1, town clerk; Joseph !>a\i-, representative. 

: 1, Davis, repireseiitative. 

Ambrose C. 1!1 1, town 1 lerk ; William Gray, representative 

Ambrose C. Blood, town clerk ; Willi ray, representative. 

Ambrose C. Ill i. townclerk; David ['.men, representative. 

Ambrosel'. Ill 1. l.,\\ i, , I.-ik ; HO lepi .selitati Ve. 

Ami. rose C. Bio, ..I. 1,1111 clerk : Benjamin Gi lime, represen- 






iwn clerk; Bel 



si I I'.l I. ton 11 clerk : Jos ph Knight, reprt ■.■main. 

1851).— Ambrose C Bl I, town clerk Jose] Knight, re] 

ls'.n.-Aiiii.ro.e c 1:1 1, town.-ierl Isa S repi Mutative. 

1861.— Ambrose C. Bl 1, town .-lerk; Asa Sim nds, 1 1 n sentative. 

Is.c —Anil. rose 1 111 1, t,,\\ii ,l.ik ; H Iran 1 t'nll.-i . 1 epr.-eiitativ e. 

- presentative. 

I-' 1 —An, I., I !■ ri. ; Mark X. Spal.li 1. . 



Is,,-, . 



,-rk ; Marl, N S|,.,l.lnm |. ■[.!-. - 1,1.1- 

l.-ik ; lew 1- >> ml-, representa- 



|si...,-\,|,,l 1 ,lii,. 11. Tuttle, tow 1, clerk ; LeWI. 
ive. 
18G7.— Adolphus D. Tuttle, town clerk; 11. -m. Knight, representa- 

1868.— Adolphus D. Tuttle, town clerk; Avery M. Clark, representa- 
ive. 
1869.— Adolphus D. Tuttle, town 1 lark, representa- 

18T0.— Adolphus D. Tuttle, tow sentative. 

phUS li I'm II.- town , ■ ' ■ ■ - illative. 

1872.— Adolphus I'. Tuttle, town derk : Joel Gates, represi ntative 

- , Iiiim-, 1. w 11 . 1. 1 1. : Lewi- Syim.ti.l-. leiiresentative. 
1*74.— Joseph Davis, town cleric ; Andrew 11. St. rejireseiilative. 

IsT'.. — J.'SepI '-, ii ilew B. Stone. representative. 

1876.— J .-epli Davis, town , l-.il. ... nlative. 

1877.— Joseph Davis, town 1, rk . Joshua S. I. akin, repi 

1878.— Adolphus I«. Tu i ,-, n. r, i, i,, representa- 

1879.— Adolphus 1' Tu . 

bD .- -■■ B 

1881.— Adolphus 1'. Tuttle, town clerk. 

1882.— Adolphus D. Tuttle, town clerk; Charles G Matthews, repre- 

1883.— Adolphus D. Tuttle, town clerk. 

1884.— Adolphue 1' I i, town clerk ; William I >■,,„ i-., repre- 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 



JOSEPH DAVIS. 

Oliver, David and Jonas Davis, three brothers, 
came from Leominster, Mass., and settled in Han- 
cnek, N. II., in 17H4 or 1795, being the third gen- 
eration in this country. Eleazer Davis, their grand- 
father, emigrated from England about the year 1730. 
lie served in the French and Indian War. When 
]ieaee »:i- declared, the body oftroops with which he 
was connected was discharged far away from white 
settlement, and on their way home many died foi 
want of food and clothing, subsisting for many days 
on bark, nuts and berries. 

Eleazer Davis made his way home successfully 
after enduring hardships and privations for many 
days, nearly famished, (.diver Davis, -mi of Eleazer, 
was also a soldier in the Revolutionary War. being 
mil' nl the .Minute-Men of those days. When the 
intelligence came that the British were marching to 
Concord, he shouldered his old musket, and was 
present at the battle of Hunker Hill, where, for lack 
of ammunition, they fought the red-coats with the 
butts of their guns. ( diver Davis, grandson of Elea- 
zer I lav is and son of (diver 1 >av is, Sr., was born in 
Harvard, Mass., May 12, 17(17; married Sally Pol- 
laid, l.v win. in he had sis daughters and .me son. 
After the death of bis first wife he married Relief 
Heath, by whom he had seven more children, — five 
-mis and two daughters. 

Having only a small farm ami a large family to 
support, he found it advisable to sell and buy one 
where he could farm more extensively by giving em- 
ployment to his buys and maintain his famiU easier. 
He was successful in selling his place iii Hancock, 
where he first settled, and moved to Acworth, X. H.. 
in 1822, where he lived until his decease, in 1851. 
'Idie older boys were hired out. while the younger 
kept at home to help do the work on the 
home place. He exacted all the wages for labor of 
his boys till they became of age, when be would say, 

" Now, boys, I have nothing to give you; go and do 
the best you can and be g I boys," which was one 

of the best legacies ever bequeathed to children, for 
they all knew how to work, ami succeeded in getting 
a good living. 

Joseph Davis, the subject of this biographical 
sketch, was the fourth sun and tilth child of the sec- 
ond marriage, born in Hancock, Hillsborough 
County, January 14, 1813 ; lived at home till he was 
sixteen, when he wa> let out to work for Dr. Stephen 
Carlton, of Acworth. a man of high attainments, 

sound judgment and g 1 abilities, one win, stood 

high in his profession. He represented his town in 
the Legislature the two years he lived with him. It 
was during these two years that he obtained much 

useful information from those who had received ■■• 




^ 



a. 



a>&*-^<? 



HANCOCK. 



liberal education by being in their society, observing 
their manners and listening to their discussions. 
These influences made a strong impression on his 
mind, and he determined he would some day teach a 
district school, if nothing more. The doctor had a 
large library, to which Joseph had access, and which 
he read every opportunity that presented, from which 
he received much knowledge and useful information. 
The next three years of his minority Joseph was 
hired out to Hon. Amos Perkins, of Unity, N. II., 
one of the most influential men of the town, of strong 
mind, good abilities and sound common sense. From 
him he derived much knowledge in respect to trans- 
acting business, which information he was ever ready 
to give, as he was well [posted, both in regard to men 
and parties .if that time. li<- was a gentleman of the 
old school, whom every one loved and respected. 
Therefore, being in the society and under the advice 
ami good influence of such men of business talent 
and learning, it only stimulated him to greater exer- 
tions t" procure an education as soon as he could 
obtain means to do it. His lather, being in bumble 
circumstances, was not able to educate his children 
beyond what learning they cipuld obtain from tin 1 com- 
mon district schools, which were only open six < t eight 
weeks in summer and usually the same in winter. 
The next season alter he was twenty-one he worked 
out, and earned money enough to pay his expenses tpp 
attend the academy at Cavendish, Vt., which was a 
very flourishing institution at that time. Among the 
students who attended that term was Dr. A. A. Miner, 
now of Boston. At tin' close of the term he received 
from the preceptor a certificate of recommendation as 
well qualified to teach, which was a great help to 
him in obtaining a school. He engaged a school that 
winter at ten dollars per month, for fifteen weeks, 
ami boarded around with the parents of the scholars, 
which was usual in those times. Being successful in 
his first school, he was greatly encouraged and con- 
tinued to teach, working summers ami teaching win- 
ters, earning money sufficient to pay his expenses "1 

1 ks. clothes anil to go to school spring ami tall 

terms. After the first term at Cavendish he attended 
the literary and scientific institution at Hancock, 
where be went three years at tall ami spring terms. 
After closing his studies at that institution be devoted 
his early life t. ► teaching, which was his delight, and 

the height of his ambition was t< > he in a school-ri i 

giving instruction tp> the young. He followed teach- 
ing for ovcrthirtj years, from six to eight months 
each year. Being successful in his employment, his 
wages increased from ten to fifty dollars per month, 
including board. He taught the graded school in 
Milford, Wilton and Greenfield, also a select school 
at Hillsborough Bridge. He was employed to take 
charge of the select school in South Orange, Mass., 
two years, and the graded school in Lincoln, Mass., 
one year. During the thirty years as a teacher he had 
from fifteen hundred to two thousand different schol- 



ars, who went forth t < » different parts of the world to 
play their part in the great drama of life. 

In 1X40 he married Mrs. Eliza B. Wallace, widow 
of Dr. Jiphn Wallace, of Milford, N. II. She was 
young and accomplished, endowed with a strong and 
active mind and of high moral and intellectual . pol- 
ities. She was social, pleasant and dignified in every 
position she was called t * > fill. Thesickand distressed 
were objects of her care anil sympathy, never hesita- 
ting to go, when duty called, to watch with the sick 
or assist in helping to relieve the sorrows of those 
whose friends lunl died. Her maiden-name was 
Eliza Burns. She was of Scotch descent, being the 
third generation in this country. At the time Davis 
married her she had one son, by Dr. Wallace, by the 
name of John J. Wallace, who is now living in 
Peoria, 111. By the second marriage she bad two 
children, — Charles J. and Emma C. Davis. Emma 
C. ilicpl when two years old. Charles J. married 
Sarah Twiss, by whom he bad three children when 
she died. He never married afterwards ; went tp> 
Palatka, Ela., where he died July 2, 1883. 

Soon after Joseph Davis married he settled in 
Hancock, N. H., his native town, opened a store, 
where be continued in the mercantile business some 
nil years, and at the same time continued to teach 
winters, while his clerk carried on the trade of the 
store. 

In 1850 he sold out his Mop'k of g Is and pur- 
chased a small farm, devoting bis time to agricultural 
pursuits, still continuing bis school-teaching each 
year. He was elected town clerk, to which office he 
was elected eleven years at differeut times ; was 
chairman of the Board of Selectmen three years, 
town treasurer and superintending school committee 
fifteen years, and, in 1850 and 1851, was chosen rep- 
resentative to the General Court. Such testimony t < > 
his fidelity and ability by his friends and fellow-citi- 
zens was highly appreciated. He endeavored to dis- 
charge the duties of the olfices to which be was cho- 
sen faithfully and acceptably. He was employed 
doing business at the Probate Courts for many years 
in settling and helping others to settle 'states. He 
was appointed justice of the peace in 1851, and now 
holds a commission of justice of the peace ami quo- 
rum throughout the State, 

Thus, by his own exertions, industry, perseverance 
and economy, he secured bis own education, earned 
his own money, paid tor bis mvn schooling, aid. in 
fact, be is what we call a self-made man, ever social, 
pleasant and jovial with his friends and neighbors, and 
one lor whom they show much kindness ami respect. 
By strict adherence to the discbarge of bis duty when 
business called he has been able to accumulate suffi- 
cient means to enable him to pass the remainder of 
bis life with ease and comfort at his old homi 
Hancock, his native town, with bis friends anil f'cllow- 
citizens, passing quietly down the stream of life till 
he sleeps with bis fathers. 



HISTORY OF DEERING. 



GEORGE C. PATTEN. 



CHAPTER I. 

Deering is one of the border towns in the county, 
being bounded on the north by Henniker, which 
is in Merrimack County, and also by Hillsborough, 
the most northerly town in Hillsborough County. It 
is separated from Antrim, on the west, by Contoocook 
River, while Weare and Francestown bound it on the 
vast and south, respectively. The surface, which is 
broken and hilly, is divided, topographically, into 
three sections— the westerly, central and easterly por- 
tions. The three post-offices— West Deering, Deering 
and East Deering — also mark tln.se distinctions. Each 
section is separated from the other by high ranges of 
hills, extending mirth ami south quite through the 
town, the only break in them being utilized by the 

main mad leading f te section to the other. 

About one-third of the surface of the town, including 
the entire westerly portion, is drained by Contoocook 
River, the remainder forming the water-shed of the 
north branch of the Piscataquog River, which rises in 
this town. Its sources are Dudley Ton. I, in the 
northerly, and Gregg Pond, in the southerly part of 
lie town. The Dudley Brook, Mowing from the first- 
mentioned pond, unites with the one flowing from the 
latter near the easterly line of the town. These two 
ponds have a surface area of forty ami one hundred 
acres respectively. Mud Pond, situated about one 
mile west of Dudley Pond, flows into Smith Brook, 
which, after receiving Patten Brook, forms the Stearns 
Brook, the latter uniting with the Dudley Brook 
above mentioned. The Piscataquog Water- Power 
Company have lately come into possession by pur- 
chase of the mil! at tic outlet of ( Iregg I 'mid and the 
adjacent ftowage to the extent of three hundred acres, 
and have built a dam one thousand feet long and 
twenty feet high, having a flowage capacity of 
seventeen feet, at a cost, including the land damage, 
of more than twelve thousand dollars, li is intended 
to supply water to t lie mills located on the Piscataquog 

River between North Weare and Manchester when the 
supply from the natural sources fails or runs short. 
The water-shed of the reservoir, including the drain- 
age of the Lyon and Wilkins Brooks, embraces an 
360 



area of more than four square miles. Fulton 1' I, 

located one-half mile south-west from Gregg Pond, is 

the highest elevation of water in Deering, being 
nearly one thousand feet above sea-level. Its over- 
Mow runs south into Francestown. The old New 
Hampshire turnpike passed through the westerly 
section of the town, and is still the main traveled 
road. The old hotel of that period still dispenses 
hospitalities to the traveler that passes that way, 
through its venerable landlord, James M. Appleton. 
The extension of the Northern Railroad from Hills- 
borough Bridge to Hancock Junction passes directly 
through the old Cork muster-field. Here, for many 
years, during the palmy days of the old New Hamp- 
shire militia, were mustered, in the month id' Sep- 
tember, the troops belonging to the Twenty-sixth 
Regiment, comprising those able-bodied citizens, 
between the ages of eighteen and forty, from the 
towns of Hillsborough, Windsor, Antrim, Hancock, 
Francestown and Deering, for inspection and re- 
view. From early dawn until late in the afternoon 
tic ail resounded with the strains of martial music 
mingled with the shouts of the peddlers and hawkers 
Crying their wares. Here also might be seen the 
"razor-strop man," known from Boston to New 
Orleans, always happy in his numerous sales ami in 
tie- consolation of still having a"few more left of 
sort." The speeches and address.- of the 
reviewing officers were calculated to inspire the troops 
with the impression that it was not a burden, bul a 
privilegeand right, to bear arms; but, somehow, after 
years of successful application, the old militia law did 
become a burden, and. together with Cork muster 
bus become a matter of history. 

Geological Formation. — The principal rock for- 
mation is gneiss. No granite ledges fit for building 
purposes are known to exist within the limits of the 
town. A lew granite boulders have been found evi- 
dently deposited during the glacial drift. One of these, 
found on the Grimes place, now ow 1 by Win. Mc- 
Neil, is worthy of special mention, since it furnished 
the buildingstone for several of the earlier constructed 
farm-houses in the town. These old houses are all of 



DEERING. 



:;(i7 



similar construction, as, for example, that one on the 
Grimes place; on the farm of Robert P. Cressey ; on 
the farm of Bartlett S. Brown; on the farm of Josiah 
H. Loveren, etc. A quartz ledge is developed on the 
farm of Rodney (love, and on land of Russell Tubbs, 
Esq., near the centre of the town, from which many 
fine specimens of crystallized quartz have been taken, 
A mine of plumbago on the farm of S. 8. Clement, 
Esq., was worked for several seasons ; but the vein or 
lode running constantly deeper into the hill, the en- 
gineering difficulties in working the mine became so 
great as to lead to it> abandonment. The ore was of 
excellent quality, and would have paid liberally for 
the working, had it not been for the above conditions. 
The whole, surface of the town bears marks of the 
glacial drift, the general direction of which was from 
north to south. The ridges of land extend in the 
same direction, the southerly slopes of which are 
smoother and better adapted to cultivation than the 
northerly portions of the same. The outlets or over- 
flow of all the ponds is in the same direction— from 
north to south. 

Clay-beds exist in the west part of the town, near 
the river; also on the farms oft reorge C. Patten, Bart- 
lett S. Brown and Horace 1'.. Cressey, from which 
brick were made to supply the wants of the earlier 
settlers. 

Proprietary Records.— Deering originally formed 
a portion of Society Land. This territory became the 
property of the Masonian proprietors in 1746, by the 
purchase of the Masonian patent. Previous to this 
purchase the land titles in New Hampshire had Inch 
subjected to much litigation and dispute. John Tuf- 
ton Mason, the original grantee of all the lands within 
the Province, died without entering into possession of 
them. After his death the dispute was still carriedon 
between New Hampshire and Massachusetts which 
claimed jurisdiction over the territory of the former, 
until finally settled by the arbitration of the crown in 
favor of the former province. The heirs of Mason 
then revived their claim and sold to a company of in- 
dividuals, mostly wealthy residents of Portsmouth and 
vicinity, all the right ami title of John Tufton Mason 
to the lands within the province of New Hampshire. 
The individuals or shareholders of this company were 
styled the " Proprietors." They commenced business 
in 174S by quit-claiming to actual settlers all those 
grants of" land made by New Hampshire and Massa- 
chusetts during the period of dispute, and making 
new grants in their own right. This policy secured 
to them the possession of the vacant lands with little 
or no opposition. A large territory bounded on the 
south by Salem- Canada (now Lyndeborough), Peter- 
borough and Monadnock No. 3, (now Dublin) ; on the 
north by Nos.6and 7 in the line of towns, so called I now 
Henniker and Hillsborough); on the west by Monad- 
nock Nos. 6 and 7, (now Nelson and Stoddard) ; on the 
east byWeare's Town and New Boston, was vacant land, 
— that is, not coveredby any previous grant. It there- 



fore became the property of this company, as above 

Staged. From the circumstance of its being owned 
in common, it gradually became known 
Land, and the name of Cumberland, which had been 
previously applied to it. fell into disuse. The pro- 
prietors caused a survey to be made of the whole ter- 
ritory in 1753, under the direction of Colonel Joseph 
Blanchard, and at a meeting of the proprietors held 
at Portsmouth, October 17. 17.".:;. Robert Fletcher, 
the surveyor who executed the work, made a report 
and presented a plan of the survey. The whole tract 

was divided into fifteen equal shares, corresp ling 

with the number of shares in the company. There 
were also fifteen river or intervale shares of live hun- 
dred acres each, laid out between the great tails, so 
called (How Bennington village), and Keyes Farm, (a 
small reservation of five hundred acres laid out on 
the Contoocook River, joining on the line of towns). 
The large shares contained on an average four thou- 
sand acres ; but where the land was not so good, more 
land was taken to make each share equal in value. 
The report and plan of the surveyor were accepted 
and a drawing of the lots took [dace. 

No. 1 was drawn by .Mark H. Wentworth ; No. 2, 
by Samuel Solly and Clement March; No. 3, by 
Colonel Joseph Blanchard, Nathaniel Meserve, 
Joseph Green and Paul March; No. f, by John 
Wentworth, Esq. ; No. 5, by Daniel Pierce and Mary 
Mo. .re; No. 6, by George Jaffery, Esq.; No. 7, by 
John Moffat, Esq. ; No. 8, by Thomas Wallingford, 
Esq.; No. 9, to the right of Jothara Odiorne, Esq., 
deceased ; No. LO, by Joshua Pierce; No. LI, bj John 
Thomlinson and John Tufton Mason; No. 12, by 
Thomas Packer. Esq.; No. 13, b> John Ringe, Esq.; 
No. 14, by Theodore Atkinson, Esq.; No. b\ by 
Hii hard Wibird, Esq. Nos. 1 to 7 were on the west 
side of I mtooeook River, while the remaining eight 
shares- -that is, from 8 to 15— were on the east side of 
the river. The river or intervale shares were num- 
bered with the same numbers as the large shares, from 
1 to 15, and drawn with the same number, so that 
eaili shareholder held a large lot and a river lot 
numbered with the same number. From this date 
the laud comprising those shares became the private 
property of the individuals to whom thej were drawn. 
Big lots Nos. 11, 12. 13, 11 and 15, together with the 
portions of the intervale lots lying east of the river 
opposite to the former, became the territory of 
Deering in 1771. The westerly portions of 8 and 'J, 
together with additions from Lyndeborough and 
Peterborough, became Greenfield in 1791. Easterly 
portions of 8, 9 ami 10 became Francestown in 1772; 
1, 2 and :i became Hancock in 177!»; 4, 5, li and 7 be- 
came Antrim in 1777. A small territory still re- 
mained around the great falls, bearing the name of 
Society Land until 1842, when it was incorporated 
into a town under the name of Bennington, receiving 
additions of territory from Deering, Francestown and 
Hancock. These six towns, it will be seen, bear a closer 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY. NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



relation to one another than any other towns in the 
State, with the exception, perhaps, of those that g^ew 
out of the ancient towns of Chester and Londonderry. 

First Settlement of Great Lots Nos. 11, 12, 13, 
14 and 15. — For more than ten years subsequent to 
the survey of Society Land this portion of the same 
remained an unbroken wilderness, undisturbed save 
by the hunter and explorer. Great Britain, with her 
New England colonies, were gathering their strength 
for the final struggle which terminated in the capture 
of Quebec, in 1759, forever ending the Indian depre- 
dations which had devastated and retarded the border 
settlements. In 1701 those families who had com- 
menced a settlement in Hillsborough in 1744, ami fled 
on the approach of India:) hostilities, began to return 
and rebuild their ruined habitations. Weare, granted 
by the proprietors in 174'.i to Ichabod Robie and 
others, was being settled, and in 1765, John Tufton 
Mason sold to Samuel Robie, John Webster, Robert 
Graham, Matthew Forsaith, John Shackford, William 
White, Robert Mills, all of Chester, and Robert 
Moore, of Londonderry, all his right and title to one 
undivided half of big lot No. 11, in Societj Land, 
being two thousand acres, more or less, for the con- 
sideration of one hundred pounds. The same year, 
John Thomlinson, a merchant of London, gave Theo- 
dore Atkinson and Mark H. Wentworth, of Ports- 
mouth, power of attorney to set off or divide his share 
of the same lot from that of Mason. 

The parties in Chester, together with Robert Moore, 
of Londonderry, quit-claimed the northerly half of 
the said lot to John Thomlinson, through his attorneys, 
the said Atkinson and Wentworth; while the latter, 
for the said Thomlinson, quit-claimed the southerly 
half or moiety to the said Robie and others. The lot 
was surveyed by Daniel Nichols, afterwards a settler 
and citizen of Antrim. The northerly half, as well as 
the southerly, was divided into twenty lots, No. 1 
joining the intervale lot on the west, and the numbers 
increasing in their order to 2b, which joined on 
Weare. The year 1765 is memorable in the history 
of the town as marking the date of the first settle- 
ment made by Alexander Robinson, on the farm now 
owned by William T. Smith, about two miles south 
Of Hillsborough bridge. At this period bears and 

wolves were numerous, and the hill beneath which 

Mr. Robinson selected a building spot for bis home, 
and where he lived tor many years, was the favorite 
haunt of the latter animal, and still bears the name 
of Wolf Hill. Tradition relates that a bear came 
down 'int of the forest one day and began a raid on 
Mr. Robinson's hogs. His wife, hearing the outcry, 
(Mr. Robinson being away from home), seized an axe 
and made such a vigorous onslaught on bruin as to 
cause him to beat a hasty retreat, leaving his prize to 
the weaker but lawful owner. 

William Forsaith came from Chester soon after 
Mr. Robinson commenced his settlement. He was the 
son of Matthew Forsaith, one of the purchasers of 



Mason's half of big lot No. 11. Mr. Forsaith settled 
the David Carter place, west of the David Wilson 
farm. There is good authority for the assertion 
that there were only three settlers within the limits 
of the town in 17C.7. Alexander Robinson and Wil- 
liam Forsaith were two of that number. 

Robert Mills, the son of Robert Mills, of Chester, 
who was also one of tin- grantees of the Mason moiety 
in No. 11, assisted the surveyor in subdividing the 
same into settlers' lots, marking the trees designated 
for the corners, and lor many years afterwards was 
considered as authority in settling any dispute or 
doubt that arose in relation to them. He settled on 
the Dawn Mills place, so-called, now owned by Wil- 
liam Colburn. William Aiken and Thomas, his 
brother, from Londonderry, settled on farms or lots 
adjoining the former, recognized as the Levi White 
place, and the latter as the Luther Aiken place. 
These lots are all in great lot No. 11, the three latter 
in the southern or Mason division. 

Samuel Ratten, in 17(17. commenced clearing up a 
lot in great lot No. 14, Atkinson's right or share, and. 
having erected his humble dwelling, came up from 
Marbh head, in 1768, with his wife and son, six years 
old, and made a permanent settlement, which la-ted 
without change during his lite, he dying in 1819. 
His son, whose name was Jonathan, grew up and 
served a term of enlistment in the Continental army 
during the Revolution. He died in 1832. His widow 
survived him nearly thirty years, drawing a pen-ion 
from the government. John Shearer settled a lot 
adjoining Samuel Patten's lot on the east, while Alex- 
ander Hogg settled a lot ju-t south of Patten's lot, 
in tin south range of Atkinson's right. William 
Mekeen settled on lot No. in in Atkinson's light, 
and in 1771, Elias Hassell received of Anthony 
Wibird and John Penhallow, heirs of Richard Wibird, 
who drew big lot No. 15, a settler's deed of one 
hundred acres of land in said lot 15, for tin- con- 
sideration of five shillings aud settling the lot. This 
lot was No. :: in the subdivision, and is identified as 
the farm where Alvah Gould now lives. At length, 
in 177 1, so many settlers bad c ime as to justify them 
in petitioning the General Court tor an act of in- 
corporation, aud James Betton, Esq., was chosen as 
their agent to present their petition. Their application 
was successful, and, in honor of Governor John Went- 
worth's wife, wdiose maiden-name was Frances Deering, 
the new town received the name of Deering. The act 
of incorporation is given below with some slight 
changes in orthography. 



LS. 



■ Proviii 

uf 



\.« Hampshire. ' King, Defender of the faith, &c. 

I .-II I'. ..pi,- In Ml |. .in tin — - ]...-. nt- -hall ■ m„ , T J ri ■_; : 

1 II' /,.,-. „v ,,ur li.val Inhabitants ufa Tract of Land wit hi it I'e.v. 

nee of New Hampshire aforesaid, commonly called an. I known by the 

i.e. 1 - IV I. ami. i ..htaihiu- l.v .•-tiiiiatlun about i-i\ mile- -.j.iaf. 






haohuinlilv |n-tti. .[nil ami Ki .|iu -ti-.l n-tliatth.y may I 

mmiiii i'<l into a Township, and enfranchised with the same powt 

ami privilH^c* uliidi i.tln-r Towns within ..ur ,-aii] Province bylaw Ha 



PEERING. 



ndusive to the general Good o( 



and Enjoy, and it appearing I" 

...11 -aid l*r ■ -X l n. c, as well as of thosald I tiliabitauts in particular, tiy 

mentaining g lorderand uragini tin Culture "1 tin- Land thai 

tin- same si,, .ill. I I..- done. 
"Know ye that «... ,.f..ui special : mv, .. riain kimwledgeand foi the 

encouragement and promotion of the g I purpose- I. -nds ,,i.-i. -..i.l. >•> 

and with the advice of our trusty and well beloved .hilin Wontworth. 

Esrir., our Governor and Commander-in-chief of our sai.l Provi and 

of our Council of the same, have erected and ordained, and by these pre - 
..oils. I.,i us .,11.1 our Heirs and Successors, do will and order that the 
Inhabitants of said Trad of hand and others who shall improve and in 
habit thereon hereinafter, the same being hutted and bounded as fol- 
lows, viz.: Beginning at the Northwesl Corner of Francestown, from 

thence East to thi easterlj Bide line of the S tj Land so called; from 

thence North to the Cornel of the said Societj Land . from thence by 

the Baid Societj Land west, -rl\ t.. cm k Kiv.i 1 iidine ■ partly on 

the T. .mi- ..t ll.uiiiK.i and llillshorouch : from thence, as said Contoo- 

I, |; n , : ,,, . . i., ,- that an East line shallstrike the said North- 

,,,.., Corner ofl ran i rtown . from thence by said East line to the 
Hounds first mentioned, be and they arc hereby declared to be a Town 



cup.. rat.. M the 



forever with : 



the Powers and authorities, privileges, immunities, and Franchises which 
any other Towns I said Province bj law liold and enjoy to the said 

Iiihnl.itaiits.il those v, h.. shall hereafter inhabit there and their Succes- 
sors forever, always r rving to us, our Heirs and Sui rs, all the 

white pine Trees that are or shall be found, being and growing within 
and upon the said Tract of Land fit for the use of our Royal Navy, 
Reserving also unto us, our Heirs and Successor-, the Powei ol dividing 
said Town when u shall appeal lessarj and i onvenient for the inhab- 
itants thereof, Provided, nevertheless, and it is hereby declared that this 

Charter and Grant is not intended, and shall not in any manner be i ■ 

strued, to affect the private property of the soil within the limits afore- 

" And as the several Towns within oni said Province are by the laws 

thereof enabled and authorized to assemble and by the majority of Un- 
votes present to choose all Officers and transact such affairs as in thesaid 
l.ms arc declared, We do by these presents nominate and appoint Wil- 
liam Clark, Bsqr., to call the first meeting of the Inhabitants to be held 
within the said 'town al any ti within Ninety days of the dab- hereof, 

giving legal notice of the time ■•<!<'[ design ol such meeting afterwbicn 
the annual meeting for said Town shall be held for the choice of said 

officers and the Purposes al -aid on the First Tuesday in the month of 

March annually. 

•■ ;„ T.slimoaij who I «e ha>e ■ a.l.se I Hie seal of ..in -aid Province to 

be hereunto affixed. Witness our afforesaid Governoi and Commander- 
in-Cheif the seventeenth day of January, in the t teenth year of our 

lei-ll, Anno. pie llolllilli. 1774. 



'By his Excellency's 



and with advice of ( 



"Recorded in the Hook of Charters No. I, Folios 183, 184 and Is;.." 

( lomplj ing with che above conditions of the charter, 
the first town-meeting was called by the said William 
Clark, and held at the house of Alexander Robinson, 
inn-holder. (A list of town officers is given in another 
column, to which the reader is referred. It extends 
from the firsl town-meeting in 177-1 to 1885.) It was 
voted at this town-meeting that " the Selectmen be a 
committee to settle with Esquire Betton for obtaining 
the charter of said town." It is also worthy of note 
that from this town-meeting up to 1819, which marks 
the date of the Toleration Act by the Legislature, 
money was raised at every town-meeting for preaching. 
i A short church history will be found in another 
column.) The laying out of highways through the 
new settlements within the limits of the town re- 
ceived the first attention of the selectmen. As a 
specimen of the description and form of recording the 
laying out of those primitive roads, the following 
transcript is copied from the town records, and is the 
earliest on record : 



■ [leering, April •''. '■■ ' > Trail", npl ■ I a High 
Rodswidi Beginning al Wear.- line, west of Eno. 
thence ltuimim: west Bearing smith until it comes 
land ; then... we-t a- leal .- tie .- -and will allow- 



true I! id. 



A road, the record of the hiving of which bears the 
same date as that of the above, was laid by William 
McKeen'sto Hillsborough ferry, located tiearlj op- 
posite the residence of the late Reuben Loveren, 
Hillsborough Bridge. At length a bridge was con- 
structed across the river above the ferry, when' tin- 
stone bridge now stands, and September 6, 177!', the 
town voted "That there be a Road opened to meet y' 
Road hailing from y e Bridge in Hillsborough in Ex- 
change for y" one leading to y e Ferry during the 
Continuance of said Bridge." This structure was 
called by the people who used it " the Bridge," and was 
as much used or utilized by the inhabitants of 1 Ber- 
ing as by those of Hillsborough. The name bridge 

s i became associated with the place or locality, 

which was, therefore known as "Hillsborough 
Bridge." This growing manufacturing village, which 
properly begins at Eillsborough line, on the south, 
about one-third of a mile from the stone bridge, is 
the principal market for produce and lumber of a 
large portion ofDeering at the present time. The 
war-cloud of the Revolution was gathering over the 
Xew England colonics, culminating in the battle of 
Lexington, on April 1!!, 1775. Leering, it will lie 
seen iii another place, was represented there by one 
of her settlers, and, when culled upon the nexi year to 
join the Association Test, which was virtually an act 
of Independence several months earlier than the act 

or Declaration assumed by ('enure--, n-\ led with 

the following signers: 



Clark, Aloxaii.loi Ib.bin-oii. .l.-.-ph Robinson, William Bradford. 

Thirty-three, comprising the names of all theciti; ens 
of the town tit that time not lunatics or paupers, with 

the exception of the names of two, who were report! d 
as refusing to sign, viz.: John Bartlett, Jonathan 
Straw. It is not to be inferred that these two men 
were Tories because they did not sign with the rest of 

their townsmen. They might have held c scit ntious 

scruples against bearing arms or withheld their names 
from motives of policy or timidity, although friendly 
to the American cause. The next year, 1777, on the 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY. NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



news of the advance of Burgoyne, Nenian Aiken, 
with eighteen men from Deering, marched to the relief 
or defense of Ticonderoga; but, hearing that the fort 
had been evacuated, be returned with his men, being 
absent and in the service three days, [n this cam- 
paign against Burgoyne, Benjamin Bradford, of 
Deering, served under General Stark at the battle of 
Bennington us second lieutenant. The next year, 
177s. we find Nenian Aiken serving as lieutenanl 
under General Sullivan in the defense of the New 
England coast against the British fleet. The records 
of the town throughout the war show that the in- 
habitants contributed their full share towards keeping 
the Continental army supplied with men either from 
their own borders or by hiring substitutes from other 
places — paying their war taxes in specie or supplying 
beef and grain. The depreciation in the paper cur- 
rency may be seen in a vote of the town at the annual 
meeting in 1781, at the house of Alexander Robinson, 
when it was "voted that live thousand pounds be 
raised to markeand repair highways" — in New Hamp- 
shire currency, sli;,r,i;ii.iii:-. a pound being $3,831. 

it was also vi 1, at the same time, to allow twenty 

pounds per day for men and oxen. The next year 
the price per day for men and oxen for work on high- 
ways was fixed at tour shillings per day for men and 
oxen, which indicates the return of confidence bj the 
people in the financial condition of the country, or 
under the pressure of the law which was enacted at 
this time to regulate the currency. So great was tin- 
distress for money to pay war taxes that an effort was 
made to tax corn raised on burnt ground: but the 
town, at their annual meeting, failed to sanction the 
scheme, and it was abandoned. We are not able at this 
time of writing to give a complete list of the names 
of those who served in the Continental army ; some 
of them will be found in the general genealogical list, 
— while many were hired — not citizens of I >< ■ i ing, ■ 
the agents of the town to till their 1 quota, as in the late 
Civil War. 

Captain Nenian Aiken, one of the most prominent 
citizens of the town from its earlier settlement-, re- 
moved West about the year 1 T i •« » . selling his homestead 
to Abraham I e,\ e. 

A return of the ratable polls to the General Court 
of New Hampshire, for the year 17S3, by the select- 
men, Evan Dow and Abram Gove, numbers them at 
eighty-six. The return is indorsed as follows: 

" Di i i'.iv.. Decern' y> 16, 1783. 



In 1785 a dispute between the town of Wcaiv and 
the " Proprietors," in relation to the westerly line of 
Baid town, was settled by the court in favor of Weare. 
The territory in dispute was about two hundred and 
fifty rods wide on the south end, ami three hundred 
at the north, extending the whole width of Deering, 
adjoining Weare. By the decision of the court in 



this lawsuit Deering lost from her territory about two 
thousand eight hundred acres, as will be seen by the 
following petition and certificate: — 

'• 'IV. tlit- H..iit.a- Senate An.l II. .use of Representatives in and for the 

Stat.- of Now Hampshire, lour Petit -rs humbly Sheweth. 

-' li/,. re... the Proprietors of the town ,.f Peering, in tie- County ol 

Hillsborough, have given up To the Town ol Weare a Cerl Trad oi 

Xou-lniprove.i Land, an.l said Proprietors of Peering have Denied pay- 
; i ■ I Land f,.t the year 1 7sb, And slid hand Being Inven- 
toried an.l Returned To the Hon 1 ' 1 ' General Court as Belonging to the 
town >t l'r.-i in-, as it may Appear hereafter, Therefore, we hiiinl.lv 
pray your Honours would be pleased to Al.ate the taxes for the years 
1786, 1787, on -aid Land, 01 anj part thereof, a- your Petitioners are in 
Duty Ever Bound to r....\ 

"Evan P.. w, ] Select 

"AtK.XAM.r.K-vVn.soK, \ of 

-■ Thom is Mi mala., J Deering. 
■■ Deering, June P\ itst." 

In 17!>7 a library association was incorporated by 
an aet of the Genera] Court, on the petition of Robert 
Alcock, Thomas Merrill. Thomas Aiken, Wm. Aiken. 
Wm. Forsaith, James Shearer and their associates. 
For many years the members kept up their organiza- 
tion ; but it long ago became extinct, although some 
of the books are still extant, — useful only to the 
antiquary and 1 k-collector. 

No school-houses were erected until 1806, or about 
the time the pr< sent school-district system was adopted. 
Previous to this period the schools were carried on. 
like the religious meetings prior to 1790, in private 
dwellings and barns. Money was voted sparingly 
from 17*:! everj subsequent year for schools; but 
with the proviso that, if not used, it should be turned 
into th,- town treasury. In the year 1790 the town 
voted " No more draw-backs on school money." To 
the influence of the minister- associated with the 
church formed in 1789 must be credited this change 
of feeling in the people in regard to education. The 

towi ver receded from the vote of 1790, but have 

kept increasing their appropriations for the support 
of schools to the present time. 

The prescribed limits of this paper have already 
been exceeded. The indulgence of the publishers 
only permits us to add the following memoranda of 
the weather, etc.: The history may properly be said 
to close with the year 1800. The year 1800 was 
noted as a period of heat and drought. Much 
sickness prevailed. October 7, 1804, snow fell to the 
depth of a foot. Potatoes, tipples, together with 
some patches of corn, were covered by the snow. 
Many parties picked their best, or winter fruit on the 
Sabbath, in order to save enough for winter supply. 
January 19, 1810, is noted as the cold Friday. No 
snow was on the ground; but the intense cold and 
high wind rendered it a day long to he remembered. 
The mother of the writer litis often related that she 
started for school on the morning of that day, residing 
at that time in Weare, but was soon forced to seek the 
friendly shelter of a neighboring habitation to pre- 
vent herself from perishing in the cold, her kind neigh- 
bor accompanying her back tothehon I her parents. 

\o snow fell, it is said, until the hist of February. 



The winter of 1X11-12 is on record as very severe. 
During the winter the spotted fever appeared, bul 
was said nut to be so prevalent in Deering as in An- 
trim,— the Cont wok River seeming to form a barrier 

in checking the ravages ofthe disease. 

September 15, L815, is the date of thi 
which swept over a portion of New England. Many 
of the old-growth forests, on the hills and other 
localities, exposed to the wind and rain, which were 
from the southwest, were prostrated, compelling or ac- 
celerating the clearing up of many hill-topsand slopes, 
which would other wise have remained in forest-growth. 
The year 1816 was long remembered as the cold 
season. Hardly sound corn enough was raised to 
supply the wants of the farmers, t'< »r seed to plant the 
ensuing year. The spots on the sun, it is related. 
could be seen by the naked eye. The year 1826 is 
known as the grasshopper year. A long protracced 
drought favored their growth and increase, so a- to 
cause the destruction of the grass and grain crops, 
b. iving very little for the tanner to harvest. 

August 28th a heavy rain occurred which washed the 
grasshoppers into the small streams in such quantities 
that bushels of them could be gathered on tie banks 
i.l the same after the subsidence of the flood. 1852, 
K".:; and 1854 were very dry years, the latter noted 
for hush and forest-fires. \ greal freshet in the 
spring of 1852 caused great damage to the mills, 
highways ami bridges. 

The murder of Keeland Chase, in 1860 
degn f excitement hitherto unknown to the inhabit- 
ants <>i Deering. He was found in his barn with 
his skull fractured. An inquest was held over his 
body, hut no verdict was ever rendered nor any one 
arrested for the crime. 

July 25, 1881, thunder-storms passed over the north- 
erly portion of Hillsborough County, causing the de- 
struction of many buildings by lightning. During 
the night following the barn of Carleton Clement. Esq., 
was struck by lightning and consumed, his house and 
other buildings being only saved by the exertions of 
the neighbors, who came to the rescue by dipping up 

buckets of water in the d --yard adjoining the blazing 

barn, supplied by the torrents of rain which fell at the 
same time. The lights of other tires in adjoining 
towns, which were visible during the lulls of the 
storm, together with the circumstances above de- 
scribed, rendered it a night never to be forgotten. 

The murder or assassination of Edmund Wood, on 
the 18th of August, 1883, within a mile of hi- home. 
while returning from Hillsborough Bridge, caused 
much feeling and excitement, which extended to the 
adjoining towns. Suspicion at once fastened on 
Nathan Brown, the neighbor of the murdered man, 
as the perpetrator of the foul deed, and he was ar- 
rested and tried at Manchester before a jun - 
for this special case. The jury failed to agree, sev< n. 
;• is said, ot i..' ■" ai quittal and ti- e foi com iction. 
The able counsel tor tin- prisoner, Hon. ( 'baric- Burns, 



very pointedly remarked in his plea before the jury, 
■ The |n isoner was soon to appear before a limber tri- 
bunal from which there is no appeal." This remark 

has I n verified. Nathan Brown expired June 9, 

1885, from a stroke of paralysis, making no confession 
or implicating himself in any way with i 
in the crime. 

[n conclusion we may say Deering has 
always will remain an agricultural town ; butit can 
be -aid to her credit that she has paid liabilities, in- 
cluding tl • of the late civil war, to the amount of 

more than thirty thousand dollars, raised by taxation, 
and i- to >w substantiall) out ot' debt. 

Church History. — The history of the church in 
Deering is so thoroughly identified and interwoven 
with that ofthe town, especially in the earlier portion 
of the same, that it is difficult to draw the line be- 
tween them. Deering, like many of her sister-towns, 
drew her first settler- from the earlier Scotch-Irish 
settlements of Chester and Londonderry. Not a few 
of them were born in Ireland, emigrating to the latter 
towns, and then, after a short stay, removing to settle 
in Deering. They carried with them the religious 
belief- and tendencies peculiar to those people, and 
no sooner had they established themselves in their 
humble homes than they made provision according 
to their means for having public worship. These 
meetings were held in private dwellings and barns. 
From three to six days' preaching were all the town 
was abh to pay for during the first decade in the 
historj of the town. The town voted in 177'.' "to 
settle a minister ai a convenient season." No minis- 
ter, however, was presented with a call for ten years 
afterward-. A movement was made in 1780 to erect 
a meeting-house. Nothing came about, however, 
imiiI 1786 when the town voted to build a house 
fifty-five feet lone, forty-five feet wide, two stories 
high, with a convenient porch at each end. Two 
years previous to thi- vote a dispute arose in relation 
to the location of the nieeting-hou-e, the centre ofthe 
town being found, by a committee chosen for this 
purpose, after an actual survey, to be near where the 

tild of Albert Gregg are novt located. The in- 

habitant- of the town not being aide to agree upon 
this locality to set the meeting-house, it became 
to petition, through the selectmen, Evan 
Dow and James Whitaker, the General Court lor a 
committee to locate the same. Captain Joseph Si- 
inond- John Duncan and Robert Wallace were ap- 
pointed June 12. 17*4. This committee attended to 
their duties, and July 5, 17*4. reported a- follows: 

i.e. :.] |..,i.i. ■! i 1 1 1 ..- the place to build ;. meeting-house 

insaidTown meet, and lj»-n m.-.mii- tie V 

Arguments, Report that Eastofthi eutor; about 

15 Rods South-East of James Shearei -I. use, on Elifelet Merrill's tote, 
and ab.mt tiv Rod- Suth of the Road through the Centor of Range's 
Right, said Ha. • being Marked, whii h is submitted by the Committee. 

- PH SYMONDS, , 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



The next year. 1785, the town voted to petition the 
General Court to giant a tax on the non-resident 
lands within the limits of their territory (many of the 
proprietors or their heirs still holding large traets 
which were constantly increasing in value). This 
was done through the selectmen, Nenian Aiken, 
Alexander I ircgg and Samuel Anderson. An act was 
passed November 4. 17s">, granting a tax of one penny 
per acre on all lands, except those owned by Quakers. 
The town voted in 17*7 to .dear the lot selected for 
the meeting-house, identified as the place where the 
town-house now stands, including the common above. 
At the annual meeting in March, 1788, the town 
voted to layout the certificates in the hands of the 
committee tor underpinning the meeting-house for 
Lumber, etc 

-■\.,ie,l. also, that each Surveyor >>f highways ei ■ with all his hands 

In his Districl i ..xiii- an .1 laviiii: out the atone for 

rnderpinilig the Me.'titig-h.iise. ami that the s. 1. rt M.-u appoint the 
day for each Surveyor to work in his 

"Voted, to Raise 4-i Dollars, or twelve pounds, to be paid in Grain, 
Uye at four shillings per hush., and Indian corn at three shillings per 
Imsh., to buy Nails— tin- ('..nutiil tee fur pre pat nm 1..1 i: umiu th. \|. , t- 
ing-house to purchase the same. 

At an adjourned meeting, held March 18th, the same 
year, the town voted to purchase tour barrels of rum 
tor raising the meeting-house, and the committee pro- 
meal of victuals tot spectators on the town's 

Cost. 

pa] -i\t> Dollars' worth of the Grain for Raising the 
Meeting-house by thi first day ol H;n . \t, 1 tl thcr hundred dol- 
lars voted to be paid in Grain at or before the fifteenth of August next. 

.■ii have said (.[.im at Ll. Alex', i.iv-i; -. Ml. 

Thomas Merrill's or ('apt. Robert Aim. k's." 

There not being considered a sufficient number of 
men competent to assist in the raising of the meeting- 
bouse frame within the limits of the town, invitations 
were extended to the adjoining towns for help. The 
call was responded to, and on the day appointed Un- 
people of the town assembled, together with those 
invited from outside, and the body of the house 
frame was raised the first day without accident, 
leaving the roof to be raised on the following day. 
Those from out of town were quartered for the night 
among the inhabitants, each one taking one or more 
of the strangers, accordingto their means of accommo- 
dation, and on the following day the raising of the 
frame was completed. It was not until two years 
afterwards, however. 1790, that the house was closed 
in, and the pews put in, and the whole structure 
placed in a suitable condition for religious worship. 

Rev. Solomon More, of New Boston, and Rev. Jon- 
athan Barnes, of Hillsborough, organized the first 
church in the year 17*'.'. The Congregational form 
of government was adopted. It was, as is alleged, 
constituted of nine persons, all males, — five bj letters 
from other churches and four by profession. The 
town voted to extend a call about the -anif time to 
Rev. Mr. Gillet to settle with them at ninety pounds, as 
a setl lenient, and sixty-live pounds as an annual salary. 
The call was not accepted, and after a lapse of two 



years the form of church government was changed to 
Presbyterian. 

The town also voted tit this time to give Rev. Dan- 
iel Merrill a call by a majority of two. The church 
did not acquiesce in this call; hut Mr. Merrill was 
employed for a season to preach, and under his labors 
fifty persons were added to the church, the most ol 
whom were heads of families. After five years under 
the Presbyterian the church returnedtotheirorigin.il 
( "iigrcgational form of government. 

In 1798 the church extended a call to Rev. Chris- 
topher Page to settle as minister. The town acquiesced 
and voted Mr. Page seventy pounds salary and twenty- 
five cords of wood, or eighty pounds exclusive of the 
wood. Although .Mr. Page did uol accept the call, 
he preached here for a time. 

For two years after Mr. Page removed the town 
voted, respectively, one hundred and one hundred and 
fifty dollars to hire preaching; but it is uncertain 
whether those sums were expended for that purpose. 

No steady supply of the pulpit was secured after 
Mr. Page's departure until 1800, when Mr. David 
Long received a call, which he did not accept, al- 
though he preached a lew months. 

In 1801, Rev. Mr. Sleigh was invited by the town 
to become their settled minister. 

The church was opposed to his settlement, while 
the majority of the town strongly favored him. 

Through the agency ot certain ministers, it is said, 
another church was formed, over which Mr. Sleigh 
was installed. He continued his labors with this 
church until lso7. when he was dismissed at his own 
request, and his church soon became extinct. 

Inthemean time the old orthodox church had kept 
up its organization by having occasional preaching 
and the administration of the Lord's Supper. 

The town, from thi- time up to 1819, as has been 
stated elsewhere, raised annually small sums of money 
to hire preaching. 

The year 1819 marks the date of the passage of the 
Toleration Act. 

The men who labored here alter the removal of .Mr. 
Sleigh were Rev. James Richards, afterwards a foreign 
missionary. Rev. Jabez Fisher supplied the pulpit 
for about five years. During his labors fifteen were 
admitted to the church by profession. After his re- 
moval there were only occasional and interrupted 
supplies until 1829, when Rev. Eber Chi Ids became 
pastor of the church, until dismissed, by his own re- 
quest, in 1834. 

Rev. Peter Holt succeeded Mr. Childs in 1835, con- 
tinuing bis connection with the church as pastor 
until 1840. 

After a period of three years Rev. William Rich- 
ardson was installed. He was dismissed, at his own 
request, in 1*47, in consequence of an affection of his 
eyes He removed to Manchester, N. H., and be- 
came interested in real estate, thereby acquiring a 
large property, Both he and his wife, an estimable 



DEERING. 



lady, are deceased, leaving no issue. Rev. Edmund 
Burt labored here two years after Mr. Richardson^ 
departure. 

He was succeeded by Rev.Wm. Gale, who remi I 

three years, during which period be succeeded in or- 
ganizing an academy, which has been at various 
times quite an effective means of education to the 
youth of the town. 

Rev. James W. Perkins, to whose article in the 
"New Hampshire Churches" we are indebted for 
some portions of this sketch, began his ministry with 
this church in 1854. After Mr. Perkins' ministry, 
which was closed on account of his feeble health, 
Rev. Mr. Nutting supplied the pulpit for one year, 
followed by Rev. Samuel Gerould in 1859, suo ei ded 
1 >> Rev. E. F. Abbot. 

Rev. Morris Holman preached to this church for 
Beveral years, and in 1877, Rev. A. B. rainier was the 
stated supply; in 1878, C. 1 1. Taintnr ; no meeting in 
1880; in 1881, H. C. Cowell, also in 1882; in 1883, 
Rodney ('. Cochran; in 1884, George A. Dickey. The 
organization of this old church has become extinct or 
nearly so. 

In 1829 the old meeting-house was abandoned as a 
place of worship, the orthodox society building a 
new one a few rods farther to the north, within the 
limits of the common. At this time there existed 
ipiite a numerous class of people at the easterly part 
of the town— Methodists, Free-will Baptists, eti 
who had no place of worship. They made a propo- 
sition to the town, at a special meeting called for the 
above purpose, to finish up the old bouse and occupj 
it for public worship. The town voted to relinquish 
their right to the old house and give the new society 
three hundred dollars towards the expense of build- 
ing a new town-house, provided the latter incurred 
the remaining expenditure. This proposition would 
probably have been accepted, but a new and unex- 
pected opposition now arose. Many of the pew- 
owners in the old house refused to give up their right 
and title, although no longer occupied by them. The 
meeting broke up with much ill-feeling on the part 
of both parties, ami a society was immediately formed 
at Eas1 Deering, under the name and title of tin- 
Free Salvation Society, and in December, 1829, a 
plat of land was purchased of James or Amos Peaslee 
for a church site, and the next year Mr. Reuben Lov- 
eren built, by contract, the church now standing at 
East Deering, as he had the one at the Centre the 
year before. For many years the Methodists and 
Free-will Baptists held, alternately, meetings, and also 
the Universalists, who owned a share in the house. 

The Baptist and Universalist societies ha\c l-c ■ 

extinct, while the Methodist society hold- regular 
meetings every Sabbath, A. B. Russell being the 
present pastor. 

Burying-Grounds. — On the easterly -lope of Wolf 
Hill, in full view from the little village of the Centre, 
which it overlooks, is located the old burying-ground 



which marks the last resting-place of many of tiie 
first settlers of Deering. tradition points out a spot 
in the southeast corner of the grounds where the 
skeleton of a man was discovered lying beneath a fallen 
tree. \n axe near by and several felled trees, inclu- 
ding the one which rested on the body, indicated that 
he had commenced a clearing, interrupted by the 
accident through which lie lost his life. The dei r- 
skin breeches he had worn were recognizable, but no 
trace of his identity was ever found, and his remain- 
were interred near the place where they were found. 
He was supposed to be some fugitive from justice or a 
deserter from the tinny. It soon after occurred to the 
settlers to use this locality as a burying-place for their 
dead, and on September 15, 1783, the town voted "to 
give Bray Wilkins seven dollars for Clearing and fenc- 
ingthe graveyard according to law." This old bury- 
ing-ground is full of graves, with but few headstone-, 
and the names of most of those interred there must be 
forever unknown. 

A burying-ground was laid out in the eastern part 
of the town on the south end of lot No. 13, Ringe's 
right. At the annual meeting in 1785 the town voted 
" that Nat' Cove have four dollars and three-quarters 
for clearing and fencing the same." 

In 1811, John llogdon, of Weare, gave to the 
town of Deering one-half :m acre of lam!, li 
the west part of the town, by the side of the old turn- 
pike, for to he used as a burying-ground, Ebenezer 
Gay, David Ellingwood, Samuel Morrill, the commit- 
tee chosen by the town, giving bonds to fence and 
keep in repair the same forever. These conditions 
have been complied with up to the present time and 
the area of tlie original grounds enlarged. 

In 1851 a inn burying-ground was laid out near the 
church at East Deering, and which has lately been 
enlarged. 

In 1825 the town purchased of Isaac Wilkins about 
one acre for a burying-ground. It is located on the farm 
of Andrew Wilkins, No. 7. in the south range, Packer's 
right. These ground- were enlarged a tew years ago 
to meet the necessities of the population in that part 
of tic town. 

R Ucock, about the year 1809 or 1810, laid 

out a family burying-ground near the residence of the 
late Luke Otis, giving at the same time a plot of land 
adjoining the same as a public burying-place, pro- 
vided the town would assume the expense of fencing. 
etc. The proposition was accepted, and large addi- 
tions have been made to it by private enterprise, the 
hitter additions being utilized by the population of 
Hillsborough Bridge, one-third of a mile distant. 

Notices and Genealogies of the Earlier Settlers 
of Deering.— Alexander Robinson, the first settler of 
Deering, settled on the farm now owned and occupied 
by William T. Smith. This farm is in the south 
range of Ringe's right, or No. ]::. We can find no 
trai eof hi- famih . Cut we learn from the town records 
that he offered the town his property, provided the 



374 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



latter would take car% of himself and wife. The 
proposition was not accepted. 

William Forsaith, said to be the second settler in 
Deering, came from Chester. He settled on the Lot 
west of that tit' the David Wilson farm, which is in 
the north range of the great lot or right No. 11. 
He married Jane Wilson, sister of David Wilson, who 
settled <.n the lot east of tin- above-described lot. 
His children were, — 

Mathew, win: married Jennie ^1 ' > 

\\ Ilium, w I... nmi i i.'.l ■ !;.■-..■, JiMin I,\ i,d-h,.i . .11 - li 

Maty, whn married llu.-li M..i. . ■■! I'i aiire>tou n. 

l'l Jame, 1m] -:illh, wli.. mall led Nam V ]'o|>:iilh, ,d Hi.'-LM 

10 I orsaitli main. -J \.i >in i I'mtteih, Id. ..i (;...ff-t"\v:i 

Jenniemarried Jonathan 1: ,:: ■ . ■. i 1. 'il«i..wn 

Esther married Reuben w il-.n, ,,! N. m Hilton 

Robert married Nancy I'aulwcll, <jf H.-nuiker. 

: u lied a huh in Boston, Ma>s. 

Sarah married Reuben Page, ol Wears. 

■ ■/ ,f,,„,,rl,.i„ ,,„.! \,ii,,-»i !'"< f,.uth. 

William Foi>aiil, twi .- m .omd.— first tn Lydia Downing; nd, 

rgts, Cbildr.-n l.\ tu-t mania- ,- Marill 1 

Charli - Cod man ; sec i, Ja - Richards, ol Goffstown ; Ursula married 

S Dow Wyman, of Hillsborough, tti Forsaith has resided iu Deering 
whole of his active and useful life, and, alt! 

Id, -till retains his fa- tilth a so as to relate m u.\ im idente 

win. h l.,nk pla- -■ 111 In- - ill} lit".-, aii-1 consa-.juently in tin' earlier hi>l"iy 

of the town, Herein i that his grandfather, William 1 . 1 

., < hi rti ' I- bis farm in Deering, 

a task that n. t niaiiv v«<nn- men would like to undertake even on a 



Alfred marnnl 11, Main.' .nt>i died tin 1 ■■ 
N,i,.mi married I>;i\ id ' 

■ I \\ illiam Mi_Feisi.ii. 

Woldend married in M dne 

Emiline married Jeremiah M.-nrn-r. 

J.-siah marn.il in U.ni .1 i- iil.-v ; :■■ IV;i.'. 

1/ ■ md Jt :!<"■ Forsaith 

r\ William Forsaith married 1 'a the mm K <>s< . . >f" l.\ ndehm. ■ 
\l \andria. N. H. 

Mar . iMiih.l I I « j U M"iv. ,if liancstOWli. 

David married Nairny Mill*, daughter of Robert Mills, 

1 -I Betsy Wilson, daughter of Uexandei Wilson, who set- 
tled the farm now occupied i>\ William Forsaith. 
Margaret married Samuel Bell. 
Lucinda married John Wilkins. 
Ziba removed to New Jfork 
• j rus removed w est. 

Dai i i si ttli >i in Stoughton, Mass. 
Sallj man led Hi >a. e Grove ■: 1 1 
Mathew married Elzira Wilkins. 

!:■■>"■ airi. -1 M.uv \ Fii-^ ith ; died in the war 

■■ Mini in i 'ahtoiiiia. 
.lames, mimai ri.-d . n.-si.h- 111 I ■, 

Squire uiari led I olby . residi - in Antrim. 

Warren lives in the Wesl 

Horace married a daugh ter of John Gage; resides in Manchester, 

N II. 

Samuel Patten settled the farm now occupied by 
Joseph N. Gove and Gteorge C. Patten. He bought 

three adjacent lots of land — viz., Nos. 20, '2\ and 22 — 
in the smith range of the Atkinson right, the last- 
numbered, lot 22, being his first purchase, and is 

worthy of notice a> beiny. the earliest deed to actual 



settlers found on record of land within the limits of 
the town. The date of the deed is April 10, 1770. It 
is tin- only deed of land in Deering recorded in Rock- 
ingham County. He married Pr is cilia More in Ire- 
land; came to Marblehead, Mass., in 1766, his wife 
joining him in 1768 with a child six years old, and 
removed the same year to settle on the above- 

described lot. 

Children oj Samuel Patten. 
Jonathan, born in Ireland, married Abigal Blood. 
John died unmarried. 

Samuel Patten married Hannah B ■-, »i l*><\>, of Londonderry. 

Betsy married Aaron Travis. 

Pollj died unmarried. 

Jesse married Tolly *.vw ; settled in IleimiUer, N. II. 

lil Patten. 

Esther married Hiram Ilnni ; settled in Neport, N. H. 

David married Alme Tnhh- : cftled in Hancock, X. U. 

Jo ban married Phila Hurd. 

M;.i\ mat i Led Edward Chase. 
Abigail married l>a\id Wilkin- 
Eliza married ];, v. Eh.mv.r-i ' ha- 



- uj S Im 

J. din married Mary Kimball. 
Samuel married Lydia Whitaker. 
Sophronia married Henry i odman 



r g. 



i 



Patter 



Eliza died mimai i i."l 

Alonzomarrie i I 

Mi lisBa mai i 

■ 

Priscilla married I'aniel II. -k 
Jes-i' married Sarah 1 ... > 
Samuel married Hannah Lacy. 
Mary married Caleb Philbro '■ 
Oilman married Lncretia l .row a 
Reuben married Eunice Steal as 

' 'hildren • I Jonathan ■ ' PkUa Patten 

N\ ih. mai il<-d Ji.si pb Stearn-. Jr. 

I'hila married I»a\id i'ha>e ; settled in Henniker, N. II. 
.1 Benjamin Martin d 

IM ward mat ried M n \ > ..nalit . Mim-ved West. 

Sarah married Mark Pe islet . d< o ased 
John remcved West and married there. 

i 'Im'.Im'm -•'' ,'..//» n,,, I M<<tj Putt* u. 
o'e-.r-e ('. married Lnn \ i; r ■ \ I ■ , - .■•■:■ .\vn. X. II. 
Nan.y S. mart i-. I J. dm N i nine, ; -rtll.-d in Mamliester, N. II. 

Children oj Alan o Patten. 
Edwin settled in I aliforni i 
Joseph is a physician and resides in Bethlehem, N. H. 

• >nd Lnrij A. Patten. 
William H. Patten married Vehma E. Hod-e. 
Helen L. 

Susie II. man i- .1 \ i thi n S II I, Manchester, N. H. 

Note.— The family of George 0. Patten are all that remains of the 
Pattens in Deei 

William McKeen, one of the first settlers of Deer- 
ingj was the son of Samuel McKeen, who settled in 
Amherst, N. H. His father was a brother of James 
McKeen, of Londonderry, known as Justice McKeen. 
The ancestor of the McKeens was James McKeen. 
who lived in Ireland. He was a zealous Protestant 
and took part in the defense of Londonderry. He 
had three sons, — .lames. John and William. The 
wife of John, whose name was Janet, had by him four 
children, — James. Robert, Samuel and Mary. He 
intended to emigrate with his brother James, but died 



DEERING. 



375 



before the embarkation. His widow, however, with 
her four children, came over with the other emigrants. 
Her son Samuel, as above stated, had by his wife, 
whose aame was Agnes,a numerous family. William 
was the sixth son, and married Ann Graham or 
Grimes, a sister of Francis Grimes, one of the earlier 
settlers of Deering. They had six sons and four 
daughters, — 

John married Ann RaniBy, Greentiel. I V II. 

David married Nancy Ferscn, Deering, X. II. 

Robert married Sally Barnes, I ring, N 11. 

William, Jr., married Lydia lla.ll.~k, Deering, N 11. 

Muses never married. 

Samuel never married. 

Rose married Clough, Whitefield, X. II. 

Mary married Withington. 

Betsy married William McNeil, Rockingham, Vt. 
mai I. 

Agnes never married. 

Children of Willi Jr., and Lydia McKeen. 

Walter married Leonora Gould, Hillsborough, X. II. 

Albert married Vienna Paine, r- llingbam, Mass. 

Nathan main. '.I Susan Iliil.l.aid. ' an li '. V H- 
Levi married lane- Ma— j Saahua, S II 
J. C. Dodge died young. 
Sarah married \. W. Dickey, Deering.N. II. 

Child Uberl and Vienna McKeen. 

Frank A. married Clara Bowers. 

Susie A. married G - ge H. Andrews. 

Mary E. marriedJ. N Ind) » 

If Keen. 

Leonard married vngeliue Di.-kev. I rue. N. II 

Elbridge inane- 1 Bret, Jane Colbj second, — Colbj 

Ailaline married Galusha Smith, Boston, Mass. 

Note.— The name of McKeen has become extinct in D. ei In 

William and Thomas Aiken were two of the first 
settlers of Deering. They were grandsons of Edward 
Aiken, who emigrated, like the MeKeens, from the 
north of Ireland about the year 1722, and settled in 
Londonderry. He had three sons, Nathaniel, James 
and William. Nathaniel settled on his father's farm, 
and had five sons,— Edward, John, James, Thomas 
and William. The two latter settled, as above stated, 
in Deering. William settled the farm occupied by 
the late Levi White, and Thomas settled the lot just 
west of William's. William died when about fifty- 
three years of age. rhomasdied in 1831, aged eighty-two 
years. He was a good mechanic; he made wheels for 
spinning linen, reeds, spools, etc. His old shop is 
still standing, and many of his wheels are still extant. 
William and Thomas each bad a son John. William's 
son had light hair, while Thomas' son had dark hair. 
To distinguish them, therefore, they were known re- 
spectively, as red John and black John. Red John 
had a large family, only two of which are now living, 
—Electa, widow of the late David Wilson, of Deering, 
and Joseph, who lives in Cambridge, Mass. The 
namesof those deceased were! ':il vin, William, Martha, 
Relief, Luther, Harriett, Rebecca, Jane. 

The children of Black John were Elmira, Cyrus, 
Caroline, Hermon, Fanny,. Tames. Hannah, a daughter 
of William Aiken, married John Gillis. of Deering,— 
his farm joined Thomas Aiken's on the west. The 



children of John and Hannah Gillis were William 
Aiken Gillis, Thomas, Worcester, John, David, Horace, 
Hannah, who married Reuben Boutwell, is now a 
widow and lives in Hillsborough, N. H. .Mark, James 
M. and Charles are not living. 

The name of Aiken as well as Gillis is now extinct 
in Keeling. 

David Wilson settled the farm known for more than 
a century as the " David Wilson place." The house 
now -landing on the farm was built by him in 1786. 
His children were — 

.lames married Mary Mi Neil. 
Betsy married John Grimes. 
Jenny married Josiah M. i ■ 
Nancy married Hugh Bell. 

Hammh married, first, Robert Gibson : nd, J imee ' ... hran. 

Sally married tirst. Hill ; second, Dustin 

Susan marn.-d Nathan Mi,i.l..iigh. 

David, Jr., married first, Jenny Dickey; - od, Margai I e - 






Eli/.a, who died at the age of nineteen, 

sally, who died at the age of three. 

Hannah married James l'ursaitu. 

Sarah M. married Luther Aiken. 

David l\ tnarrie.l Electa Aiken. 

Susan married George Smart. 

Mary, who died at the age of seventeen 

James, who died at the a 

William D. married Sarah !■' I hase. 



ily child of David and Margaret Wilson 
, married George A. Ramsdell, of Nas 



The 01 
Eliza D.. 
X. H. 

Reuben Loveren settled the farm now occupied by 
Robert P. Cressey. His father, Ebenezer Loveren, of 
Kensington, purchased, in 1773 and 1774, several lots 
ofland in Atkinson's right, in Deering, notably lot 
25, in the north range, identified as the lot on which 
the farm buildings now stand. Also, partoflot27 — 
twenty acres in the south range, identified as the lot 
on which the farm buildings stand on the Josiah Lov- 
erenplace. Reuben Loveren came and settled on lot 
25 about the year 1777, being seventeen years of age. 
He laid his camp bj the side of a large, boulder 
still recognizable, east of the highway leading by the 
buildings half-way between the highway and Dudley 
Brook. Although be died iii 1815, at the early ago of 
fifty-five, the hug.- bouse on the premises, and the 
massive stone fences or walls which cover this large 
and noble old homestead bear witness to his industry 
and energy. He married Sarah Hilliard, and bad a 
numerous family, — 

Dollj ma I mi l Rowell, oi Deering. 

sall> married Daniel Gove, "i Weare. 

Ebenezei married Annie Rowell ; removed to Medford, Mass. 

Elizabeth married Robert G lale . died the 

i I I., al. ['all. • I-. n. ■■! lli>i.kmt..n, X. II. 



'■'..Mi ■/ /.•-..'... 

Dani-1 married, iirst. Kl-ie I.astniali. nf Weare , i. v.d 1 

m, where married again, Mi-. Nan. y l>...lg». 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Lrried Martha Whittle, .1 l»-nn_, - til 1 : .t I.ilUK.n.u',-)! 
Bridge, N. I! 

, .iii.-.j 1,1i/;,Im il, \\ dm | ■ , ,, >i,|,.. {it HilMiuruiigh Bridge, 
N H. 

> 'hUdren of i [nnie 1 

named ' elenda ('ram, of Weare. 
Alvah married Matilda Smith, 

i;.'i.iU-n iimrrie.l Uh.-ii.' < '.«im;in. :<f Hillsbun.»uj;li. 
Kavid married . -.ettle.1 in M.-dn.rd, Mas- 
Nancy married Richardson. 

A.bram Gove, of Kensington, settled on the farm of 
Benjamin L. Bartlett in 1774. This farm is identified 
as Lot 26, in the north range of the Atkinson righl 
or lot 14; he purchased the lot settled by .John 
Shearer, known as the farm on which Charles F. 
Gove now lives, removing there the same year. He 
was a man of great energy and industry, and soon 
had his farm fenced with stonewall. He became a 
large Landholder; built a large house similar to the 
one on the Loveren farm adjoining. He had a 
numerous family, and married Mary Nudd, of Ken- 
sington. 

i 

Sarah married Nathaniel > baa 

Nanna married Juii'-s : pin-v^l WV-t 

a inathan married Roll] i 

Abram, Jr., married N ■ 

Samuel married \u_.i..: 

Mary died unmarried. 

i . Hoodj Cakin. 

P-dly married .l.>- l.-itten 

Lydia never married. 

VJn-w/.-y married \;tn. \ ll.»«i II 

r,._-nj;imin married Mary Walla, e 

.k-minm married (.anliei I "■'■■■■• I ■ 

Childri 

■ :■ 1 Hi. hard Manalian. 
\lmiia married Th<.mi»..ii M.hmI ■<■■ 
Jemima married Joseph i i 

I 
Jennie married Giles Alcock. 

' htldr, n oj Sai 1 I Ah 

l; 4n.-v married Naney Smitli. 

ae Mcock. 

Juseph marrie.l Annlla < 'rani. 

1 
Two died in infancy. 

Eliza married, first, William VVhittli - nd, Stephei Downing. 

- u .tii \ni] man Led, m ' Im Hoyet. 

lied unmarried, 

( 'hildren of B< njo 
Mary Ann married Enoch Hadley. 

linn rneld ; settled in the West 

.Maria married I'.i-r ; -Ttled in tlie \\ e-t 



Be 


lialnili 1". i 


mini Melissa Patti u; settled in the 


Wee 


Hi 

H 


zabetb. 






i h 


irlea F. ma 


ried Amelia YTordswi i-th 


l til 



old 



< »ni' 'lied in in!:i n. i 

John Shearer settled the farm now owned by 
Charles F. Gove, soon after Samuel Patten settled 22, 
which bounds it on the west. These two lots are in 
the north range- of Atkinson's right, while the Alex- 
in. I, i Hogg farm (now owned by Scott Bailey, of 
Weare) is in the south range of the same right, and is 
lot -7. It is worthy of mention that these three lots 



were measured out and sold to Samuel Patten, John 
Shearer and Alexander Hogg, respectively, before the 
survey of Atkinson's right had been completed and 
the lots numbered. John .Shearer sold his lot in 
1774. as above mentioned, receiving in exchange lot 
No. 26, of Abram Gove. A few years afterwards he 
sold the latter lot to Samuel Shearer, his brother. 
The latter built the grist-mill owned by the late 
Jonathan Runnals. Samuel Dunlap operated this 
mill for Samuel Shearer for several years. 

Ebenezer Loveren, the brother of Reuben Loveren, 
settled on the Josiah Loveren place about the same 
time bis brother came to Deering, in 1777. He built 
the large house "il the premises, -till standing, and 
the lot on which it is built is identified as lot No. 27 
(twenty acres), in the south range of Atkinson's 
right. No. 14. The land south of the buildings anil 
the highway which separates Atkinson's and Hinge's 
great rights, or lots Nos. 13 and 14. and which be- 
longs to this old homestead, is recognized as lot No. 
15 in the north range of Binge's right, while the 
land belonging to the same homestead, lying west of 
the lot 27 (twenty acres), is identified as lots 26 and 
25 in the south range of Atkinson's right. 

Ebenezer married Eunice Hadlock. His children 

were. — 

h I... ni \j>ril 'J'.. IT'.'J : died \..im_. 
John married ' lui-.i Richardson ; settled on the old hone -Oil 
Betty, died i 

Sural irried Joshua Downing : settled in Peering. 

Benjamin married Esthet Bartlett: settled in Hopkintou. \. II, 

I hildn,, ../ J,./oi ' 

J"-ia!i tried, first, Asanatli Orogg; second, Nancy I'calnxly : now 



.-.-tth-.l in Antrim, X. 


I. 


K Eunice main. -I .1 .. 


'■ ' '"ii. -.1 ll-iinik-r : -. ttled in M 


Hannah □ 


■■■I :.- ■ \ k liul- ; settled in Maine 


i lariasa marri 1 Hi 


On G IV. n ■ D . settled in Warner, X. 


Ebei .■■ i mai ried S 


-in < r.i\v ; -.Ttled in tin- West. 


Km. due- lost her li 


■ thn.iiL'h an ; i ■:■ ■ id. lit when .il>. ait 



Alexander Gregg, the son of Hugh Gregg, who 
emigrated from Ireland, settled the farm now occu- 
pied by John Wallace. His buildings were located 
near the great reservoir dam ; the old well and the 
remains of the cellar excavations are still recogniza- 
ble. He built the mill at the outlet of the pond. The 
old mill litis lung since disappeared, but the old mill- 
dam still remained until removed to make place for 
the reservoir dam. Alexander Gregg married Mary 
Cristie, who was born in Ireland. Their children 
were. — 

Jan.- died Bingle 

H 1 1 ^ 1 1 . 1 1 

i .1 Ha I tfille -. nl". I -leu, N. II. 

Alexander died single. 

i . .1 Judith Hadlock. 

Samuel married Lydia Dodge ; Rattled on the old homestead. 

\ n:i.i mat lied Kims Merrill : settled in Weare, S II 

Reuben removed West, married ; died at Honona, I. ova. in 1 370. 

tames Knlton. 
i . single 

Asenitli married Josiah I... volet] ; settled in Peering, N". II. 



DEERING. 



Samuel married Al.l.y Wyman. 

I.i, ha \ 11 1> married Umoe Fairfield : Bettled in Antrim, N. 11. 

Rebecca died single. 

CMMrm ■■: Jama and JndW ■ 
Cristie married Mary Men ill. 
Lydia married SI 

The children of Peter C. and Mary Gregg were 
David, Nancy, Mary Ann, Jane, Reuben (who mar- 
ried Catharine Gregg, of Deering), Robert, Samuel, 
Emily, Cristie. 

The brother of Alexander Gregg, Reuben Gregg, 
settled on lots No. 15 and 16, in the north range of 
big lot No. 11, the former recognizable as the 
Reuben Gregg place and the latter as the Hugh 
Gregg Place. He built the saw-mill and grist-mill, 
which supplied the wants and needs of that part of 
the town for many years. Those mills long since 
disappeared. 

Reuben Gregg married, first, a sister of Alexander 
Wilson. Their children were,— 

Hue], marrie.l Marj-aret 1 >.«!*• ; settled the farm of It F. Cleveland 
(lot No. M). 

Thomas marrie.l Mary Currier; settled en the Klijali ( l.amh farm 

Mary married Page 

■• md Betsy i 1 single. 

Reuben, for second wife, married a Miss Houston. 
Their children were,— 

Naiiey marrie.l .leiiathan Nesinith ; settle. 1 in .Vntriui, N\ 11. 

Alexander inarm-. i Kel.ee. a Wilkins. 

Harriet. 

Houston. 

Jamee married Hannah Whitaker; went West. 

John marrie.l Betsy Dodge ; died fr xposure in il pen air. 

Milton married IVasley ; settled in lletmiker, N. H. 

Thomas Bailey settled the farm of Thomas Merrill, 
usually designated as the John Wilkins farm. He 
came from Weare and married (unknown). 



N. II. 
of James md Banke Fulton. 



Robert Fulton, of Francestown. married Sarah 
Brown. He, in L786, bought lot No. 10, south range, 
Mason's big lot No. 11, of .lames Graham, and iu 
1797 lot Xo. 11, in the same. 

Children of 1 I ' S h Fallon. 

Alexander. 

samiiel iie\.-i inairie.i 1 1 . ■. .| .e ne,l the s-rond si , .iv iii Deering, in the 
vicinity of the in .lame. I ,., -a.th ],i:i ■•■ ; .lied al the residence oi hii 
brother James, on the old b -lend, in 1849. 

.1 ,.„ . nied Hannah Faiilknei ; settled mi il M homestead. 

, Bradford, N. H. 

.■ 
gle. 

I the ..id lee 



W. married, first, l.aui; 



Ebenezer Lock, son of Ebenezer Lock and Elizabeth, 
his wife, of Woburn, Mass., was horn 1734; married 
Lucy Wood. 

lie had three sons,— Ebenezer, Jonathan and Ben- 
jamin,— all of whom settled in Heeling and died there. 
Ebenezer, the father, discharged the first gun at Lex- 
ington, Mass., upon the British troops, April 19, 1775. 
working away some ten minutes before a shot was 
tired elsewhere by the Americans. He served through 
the war as a private, and some years later joined his 
sons in Deering, living with his youngest son, Ben- 
jamin, and died 1816. 

Children e. r/.. n nd Lucy Lock. 

Jonathan married Lu. v Brooks, of Woburn, Mass During thi Revo 

, D | nental i ause as ■ mariner. When he came to 

Deering he settled on the farm now owned by Albert Hadlock. His 

■ ■ I e ■ I I'M ladlock. 

li„ n .,ei married Mollii Eastman, ot Weare. Their childrren were 
I i [i e d e.im-i, Reuben and Charles. The father served in the 

Continental army and was wounded in the knee. He died fr he 

effects of this wound after Borne years of suffering, a pension helping him 
support his family Aftei his decease his widow removed with her two 
..,.,,., Reuben and Charles, to Pennsylvania. 

Benjamin, third son of Ebenezer, was born 1765. 
He married Anna Eastman, of Weare. He enlisted 
in the Continental service in 1780, at the age of fif- 
teen, and served until the (dose of the war. The farm 
finally settled upon by him is recognized astheone on 
which Wm. Whitaker now lives. 

i children of Bi rtjamin and I una I 

Ebenerei married Sarah Bartletl . Bettled in I, »ti i 



married Betsy Bartlett, of Wear. 

airied l.v.lia Johnson, of Weare. 

rued Colonel John Bartlett, still 

I Sol " Bartlett. 



<■(„/./,, 



ef II 



v, bos ly survii ing child is James 

he farm now occupied by 

illy Hop- 



Gillmai 


Whitaker ii 


1784. 


He married 


kins, ot Chariest. iwn 


Mass. 






i 


Stephi .. ' 




i single. 






Stephen 


died young. 

am.-.! M ii ' base, settled 


in Deering. 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Nancy married Christopher Simons, of Wonro, X. II. 

Lucy married Jonathan Ooodale i-tli, of I>eering. 

Stephen married Sarah IVash-e; settled "ii the mM homo-tcad. 

James married K - /i.tli l> l.:i-l. ■ 

CJiiWr. .. '< Loi ke. 

Stephen died i 

lr.-na married .lain.-- Priest, WYare. X. II. 
Sabra married Gilbert small, Weare, X. H. 
Lewis X. married Haunt C. Kendall. 
Ira I), married U..11.1L Mushier 
Nancy E. married 'oilman Clough. 
Lorinda died young 
Lavina died in infancy. 

Ki 
Levi. I., -Till living with hi- guardian, .hi.. Morrill. 
Olivet married Mary I: Porter, settled in W. 
Andrew .1. married Liz H G 
Liicinda di .1 

Lucina married .lames K. Hinkley. 
Elbridge 1.. II. died in infancy 
Alfred married Mary I. M 
Irene It. died v. .mm 
KcZiah M. died in infancy. 



Child 






Fred E. 
Arthur W. 

James Whitaker. one of the first settlers ofDeer- 
ing, lefta large familv with his wife Susannah Simons, 
of I [averhill, Mass. 

[eaac settled in Maine. 
Sarah died single. 
Jeams married Marv Chase. 
Susannah married. I -sse Whitaker, ..! Wear... 
Joseph settled in Maine. 
Mary married Samuel olcAIister. 
Peter marri'-.i s.u.,1. 

John married three wives, — first, L; Vnah Bickford; 

third, Kuth Killum. 
Bottiedied single. 

X. !i lah married Pli 

Jonathan Inane d and -'-till d In V 



Willi, 



• ,, :1, .1 . ollins. 
married Abigail Collins. 



ili.nl,.. 

I.y.ii.i died ; 

Oilman married Lydia Xeal. 

ChUdt 
Hiram inalTied. first. Kllen Monroe; second, Han el 
David settled in Lowell, .Mass. 
Susannah married s . . X. II. 

Abbie married Daniel Ihi\ton, Ilenniker, X. H. 

Aurelia, still living vvnh her 1. nailer, Hiram, OD the old homestead. 
Ophelia mart [out 1 

Children of WvUm a.i S<ir.<>, ./. fnitaker. 

John J. died young. 

The only child of .lames ami Abigail Whitaker 
living is Mary E. Whitaker. 

William Chase, from Seabrook, X. E., settled the 
farm south of the old burj ing-ground, near East 1 >eer- 
ing, l.cino- hit 14 in the south range of Ringe's 
right. Through his industry and frugality he ac- 
cumulated a large property. Besides his tanning in- 
terests, lie carried <>n the business of a banker, loaning 
money to all who gave good security. lie subse- 



quently settled on the farm now owned by James F. 
Lock, and lived there until his death. 

Children of With.,,,, and I ..... ■ 
Mat v m. ii ried James "Whitaker. 
Sally manned John DowtiJDg. 
l.vdia mai ried John U hitaker. 
Nancy married Isaac Willkins. 
Abigail married James Willkins. 
Betey, Bingle. 

Robert McFerson, of ( Ihester, settled the farm now 
owned by Augustus Wilson, recognized as No. 
15 in the north range of Atkinson's right. The 
date of bis deed is June 25, 177-"., fixing approxi- 
mately the time of his settlement. He married Mary 
Cri.-tie, of Londonderry. 

Children of Robert I Mary Ml 

Sarah never married. 

I 'I homes Mitrdough, .v. worth, X. H. 

stat sea. 

i I'avid M« Keen, settled in Antrim, X II. 

I.i i ■ , : ,. , VI ; , , |;, nn.-t. settled in P.iliei: 



William McFerson, brother of Robert McFerson, 

settled in the south part of the town, on the farm 
known as the Witter Wilson place; removed to 
Cork (West Deering).at the foot of the Falls, so called, 
and lived on the farm known as the Joe EllingwOod 
place. He married Mary Blair, and they had eight 
children, — 



Rob. n m 

New \i rk. 

Sallj -ii 



Hannah P.iilterlield , settled in New York. 

I, Bret, Sallj Will 



i, New Vork. 



t, X. Y. 

The two brothers, William and Robert, fathers of 
the above families, served in the campaign against 
Burgoyne; were at the battles of Lake George and 
Saratoga. William was left in the woods on the 
march as too sick to go on; but his brother Robert 
found and cand for him until be recovered. 

John Bartlett settled the farm now owned by 
rtlett. He married Hepzibath Stevens, in 
Chester, ami removed to Deering in 177::. 

■ . .,' .h.hn and Hepzibath BarfleU. 






ied v . i . . - 1 . . . i , - 

John. Jr.. mailed Mary Sineus : seltl.d in We 
I lam. I married, lirst, Abigail Steven 

II , . u 

Hepzibath lie 

Hepzibath married Jonathan Straw. 

Viui v married Putney. 

I iied Putney. 

Sarah married Ebenezer Lock. 

vim \ married J< ssi Brown. 

John married Sarah Sanborn, -.-ttl.-.l in Suuapee, N. II. His: 

son was ih.- Hon. Charles II. Bartlett, "f Manchester, X II. 

Solum. .ii married, first, Hannah HadlOCk ; second, Lucy Lock. 
i II- iiiamin I.overeri. 



379 



lleheeea married Jesse Oollius. 

George married Polly Simons ; settled "ii tin* i 

Irena married Stephen Lowell. 

Greeley married Sarah \nn Gove, 

Child </ Daniel Bart* 

Solomon died young. 
John married Anna Lock. 
Daniel married Anna Loveren. 
Abigail married [ie.ibeii l.oveien. 
Dorothy never married. 
Josiali married Mat) (e.ve 
Kerenhappuch married Stephen Unwell. 
Lrastns Harvev uiatried S.uah Chase. 
Elinor married Parker Bartlett. 

Children 
Enoch II. Rartl I man ii d Euldah Sleeper. 
Solomon, unmarried. 
I i.i, unmarried. 



../ J„l„, and . 



..., /:,„,,,// 



Abigail, unmarried. 
Benjamin I,., unmarried. 

ii and family, residing tin the old homestead; 
', rtlett, living on the old homestead ; Benjamin L. and Abi- 
gail Bartlett, with their mother, Anna Bartlett ; Mrs. Josiah Bartlett, 
,,,„,_,,,, it, ,1,,-i.ih l-.-i 1 1 l.-ti Linn, are the,, nly survivors of the family 



John Simons settled the farm owned by Bartlett 
Simons, lot IX in the north range of Thomlinson's and 
Mason's great lot No. 1 1. He married Lydia Bartlett. 
Their children were, — 



./,,/,/,,„ ,,i /lee,./ ,n„l Uiihlnh $nmms. 

Daniel died single. 

I,, .villa married Davis. 

N u. y Jane married Matthew Forsaith. 

■ hild i BartteU and llmira S/mo»». 

Garvin died single. 

Ellen married Samuel Sprague. 

Lydia married Bartlett S. Brown. 

Samuel Chase, of Kensington, settled on the farm 
of Alexander Wilson (deceased), in ISIS. He married 
Esther Manahan, of Francestown. Their children 
were, — 

Mary married David Bailey. 
Jonathan married Clarissa Kimball. 
Ezra married Mary Eastman. 
Samuel married Lydia llolbrook. 
Wells married Maria Bailey. 

Sarah married ErastUS II Bartlett. 
Ira M. married Josephine I.elalid. 
Betsy Jane married Theophiltis II. Kimball. 

Ezra had one son, Ezra Allen, and Samuel one, 
Samuel David. Wells has two children living, — 
Samuel Warren, married Virginia Hulth, and Charles. 

Ira has five children living, — Frederick, Edwin, 
Roscoe, Harry and Laura. 

Children of Jonathan " ■ 

Charles M married charlotte Turner. 

Sarah F. married William Wilson. 

Cleora .7. married Henry Wallace. 

Stephen K. married Martha . 

Clara Anna 111:11 lie. I John Barnard. 



•20 



Jonathan I ioodale and Stephen t > laic settled in 

Deering, the former on the. farm owned by J. G. 
Morril, and the latter on the farm of Lewis Goodale, 
Esq. Their father, Robert Goodale, removed from 
Salem, Mass., and settled in Wcare, X. II. He mar- 
ried, second, Mary Fowler. 

Citildn / Hubert I Mary (1 tale. 



Stephen null lied Mary Oieenleal 
Jonathan married Sarah Iiadlock. 
Mehitable married, first, Yonl 

Esther. 



Clnlilriii i/Wi/J«» mill Jie.;; C lute. 

|',,lh 11.11 ted . I. ■!:. nil. ' 

J, on. than married Lie V I.i.rke; seltled HI I 

I ;,,!.. 1 I 1 .1 i:i 1 Z: 1 belli Level en ; sett led oil the old lo ■ 

Stephen married Judith Lowell , settled in Vermont. 
Mehitable married Stephen Chase ; settled in Maim-. 
Nancy married John Corlis ; settled in Weare, X. II. 
Hannah mairied Hilllard L.iveieii ; settled 111 lei in 
Clarisy died singli 

Children of Jonathan ■•ml Sarah G tale. 

Levi married Mary Hewlett [settled in Uillsborough, N. II. 

Isaac died single. 

Lydia married Jabez Morrill. 

Clara null lied Hubert Cum ; settled III llillsbolollgh, N II. 

Betsy married Mark Sterrett. 

John II. married Celest in M v resides in Nashua, N. H. 

Jons IIallison G< ale, youngest son of Jona- 
than and Sarah G lale, was born October 2, 1816. He 

worked on the farm till seventeen years old ; prepared 
for college at Newbury, \'t.; graduated at Middletown, 
Conn., in 1840, taught school at Columbus, Ga., five 
years; was editor at Manchester from August, 1848, to 
November, 1860; went to California in 1864; traveled 
in Alaska and British Columbia in 1867 ; returned to 
New Hampshire in 1869; was Secretary of State in 
1S71-72; was superintendent of the public schools of 
Nashua from 1875 to 1878, and is author of " History 
of Nashua" in this volume He has a valuable col- 
lection of minerals and Indian stone relies. In 1848 

he married I lelestia S. M ley, of Northfield, N. H., 

who died in October, 1863. In 1871 he married 
Josephine B. Atkinson, of Tilton, N. H. They have 

one child, Charlotte A. G lale, who was born Mac, 

1875. Mr. Goodale resides at Nashua, passing the 
midsummer, with his family, on a farm overlooking 
Asquam Lake, in Holderness. 

Children of Hubert and Eluabet 
l ,,,,,,, manned Pete) Y.Frye; settled in New York. 

Lewi- miiriied Eninui J. Whittle . settledon tl Id b n 

Eliza Ann married Albeit Ma.lUL , -ettled on the Jonathan L» It 



Ilolyoke. Ma 



/ »e;; 



of Jui 
1 ouisa in. hi' 

Orel m, \\ I,,:,, |l, .,1 Mm lll.l I. \ Wliill. 

Libert married, first, ' 1 lestia T. Smith ; second, I ra 

Billiard I married Surah E. Tead. 
Levi W. married FrancesE, Kidney, 
James L. died single. 
Elizabeth II. married L bet I D Carr. 

Children of Steph 

Mary married Calvin M 

David man ed Ella E Bati holder. 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Sti phi ii married Abbie L. Myreck. 
Mercy II. marriedA. E. Austin. 
Clara married P. F. Stowell. 
Carolinedied in infancy. 

.TiHtin M. married Ellen Herbert 
Will, i 1 . died in int. in. -j 

Joshua Downing, from Henniker, settled on the 
farm previously owned by the Quimbys, — lot 17, in 
the north range of the Ringe right. It had been 
owned by Nathaniel Chase before the Quimby 
brothers purchased it, and still earlier bj Nathaniel 
Gove, the brother of Abrain Gove. Joshua Downing 
married Patience Chase, of Weare. Their children 



John Downing married Sally Chaa 
Joshua, Jr., man ied Sarah LoTeren. 
I. viha married William Foreaitb. 
Dai id died in childhood. 

Judith died inchildh I. 

Mary married Samuel Dunlap. 



M.ii> A 



: s.ttl.-,| in Wakefield, )h. 



Thomas Merrill settled the farm now occupied by 
Elbert Goodale, near the centre of the town. While 
clearing and preparing his land for settlement he 
boarded with Levi Ha. Hock, who lived at the east 
part of the town, at a distance of more than two miles. 
He married Lydia Abbot, of Andover, Mass. 



I D D . main [Eliza All 

Nathaniel nnurieil \i ■ \\ i i|,, 

Vima ',,.__ . -, ■] 1 1 ... i ii, \\ .., 
John manic, 1 Nancy Barnard ; settled in Wear.-, V H. 
Charlotte I. in l.-tia married Jonathan Ch-in 



iddlebury, Vt. 

.-. N. II. 



i . single 
I.y.lia married Levi II. Sleeper, n 



1/ 






■lulill W in isri-'.l Maria \ II 

W L I I 1.1311 11. Ill.llllcl I. .11 1111. 1 W 

Martha and Mary, twins. Martha mam. „1 F.l.in sunn 
Nashua, N. II.; Mary married Crist} l,iv ;: , s.-tt l.-.l m Heeling, N. H. 

Anna died single 

Charlotte I. in i.tia ,1; 
II. inn. ii. .Ii.. I Bingle. 
"I'll mi. \. married I. in an, la Will I ' , ■ ._ \ I! 

Mary .lam- died single. 

i 1 single. 

Eltea Judith died single. 

Benjamin Brown married Deborah Hadlock, who 
wu- a sister of Joseph Hadlock, who at onetime lived 
in Deering. The former settled Lot No. 7, in the 
north range of Binge's right. He was killed by the 
falling of ; i tree, in the prime of life, leaving a large 
family of young children, viz. : Stephen, married, 
first, Abigail Travis; second, Hannah Simons. By 
first marriage he had Lucretia, who married Gilman 
Travis. His children by second marriage were John, 
married Priscilla Atw 1 : settled in Concord, N. H. 

Lydia married Simon Green. 

Lewis settled in Danvers, Mass. ; married there. 

It. 'iij, mini -.-ill,', 1 in l»ai tied there. 



Frank ilieil single. 

Lli/a inani.,1 i, l: ■ ; ,d y ]{ 

M i '■' " "■ "■ ' -■ 1 ■ nii^. Com ,,i,l, N. II 

Bartlett s. Brown mauled Ly.lia Brown. 

Almira ilii-,1 simile, 

I'll, In-, only daughter ,,f Belllalnin Brnwli. mill i i.d .1 

Benjamin died young. 

!.•■! i inai i i.,1 Hannah Dow. 

.!■ ■",- lnairi.,1. til-t, .Mary ll.iitli 

Nathan married Sarah Arlin. 
David married Hannah Morrill. 

■ /,,, ..,„/ Man,,,.;, Br „. 

Syli ia \i,i married Harrison Philbrook, 

Umedia C. married Piiane Brainor.l, o,.ii,,,i,l, V II 

Mm ,li,-,l single. 

Levi Orrin died single. 

Annie died in infancy. 

Sewell I!. 

Hannah Avis i I in ,1, 11,11, 1 

Elvira died single. 

Meli-si 11. iiiarried I'hail.-s I'niikl-y, e,.inonl, N II. 

The children of Jesse and Mary Brown 

Hiram inn, .1, ,! Maltha <;,,vo. 






lea in ii.in heater, \ II ; marrii ,1 there 

Gil' - E marri l.firel I iinbeth rravii ad, Ellen Flint. . 

child by firrt in ..ii..... hi- .1 R . win. marrieil L.a.na Collins. 

Samuel Brown settled on the easterly half of lot 
No. 9, in Hinge's right, now known as the farm of 
James F. Lock. We have no record of his family. 

Hezekiah Hadlock, from Weare, X. H., settled the 
westerly half of lot No. 9, in Binge's right, in 1776. 
This farm may be known as the Dana Hadlock place. 
He married a Mi>s Fogg, of Seabrook. His children 
were : 

He/.kial, mail i.,1 | ii, y !,,„■], 
Judith married .Tames ilreng. 

• oj II. ekidh and tucjy //.„//,„ I; 
Hannah married Solomon Bartlett. 
Belinda marrii d David Rowell. 

I'hel.e inarried.Ii'Ii.it! IVa>|e,-, ot Weare, N. II 

i single. 

Judith Ann married David P. VVillkins. 

Albert married Eli/a Ann , 1,1, 

Dana li. never marrieil. 

Levi Hadlock settled on lot No. 11, in Binge's 
right,— the farm now owned by Horace 1',. Cressey. 
He came from Amesbury, Mass. He married a Miss 
Currier, and their children were, — 

Ly.lia marrieil William McKeen. 

Sarah marrieil .leiiathai i 1,1 

Eunice married Ebeni i 

Polly married Ephraim Codman, Hillsborough, N. II. 

Hannah niai , 

Levi Jr., i i, 1 w.i died single. 

Nathan married Ann Call ; settled m Bangor, Me. 

Albert and Eliza Ann Hadlock had one child,— 

Lucy -Tan,,, nil,, married \I. in Xubbs. 

Robert Gove, of Weare, purchased from Joseph Had- 
lock, in 177.S, lot No. 1(1, in Binge's right, fixing ap- 
proximately the date of his advent into Heeling. 
He married Sarah Huntington and settled on the 
above-named lot, adding, by purchase, other lands to 
his homestead. His children were, — 

Hannah, who married Hero.! Chase; settled on the old homestead. 
John man nil, first, Sarah Dunsack ; second, Mm Relief Dickey. 



381 



Herod Chase was the sun of Moody Chase, who 
married Susan Locke. The latter left a large family, 



Sarah niarn. 'I o. -or.. !' - 

Louisa niiii i L.--1 t wl.:.'. — tirst. .1 Mr. Xel-m ; second, a Dunham. 

Loi inia married a Nelson. 

Judith married Hoses Harrington. 

David married a Miss Call, oi Weare. 

Dexter married a Miss Smith. 

Two died in infancy,— fourteen in all. 

Joshua Folsom, from Epping, X. H., settled on th 
la mi occupied by the Danforth brothers, in tin- norl h 
east part oi' the town. He married Mary Braekenbury 

Children -./ Joshua .nil' Jf.ni/ Io/s..a. 

Betty diedat the age of fifteen years. 

John married Patieui - Its . im- -. -< :ti- 1 ;n san.lwi. li, V II. 



Samuel i i i"l V,i. \ 

Abigail married Moses 

Sarah and Mai\, twin- 

S'. It. ; .Mary married Tl 

l.v.lia 111 I I M- 1 1 s.Mllll.l 



l'a\ 1.1 li- .1 



i. ,1 liufns Tuth.-rly ; settled in Wea 
the age "t twelve yi ars, 

naiie-'l I I Alley; settled in Ilelllliker 



ii Claremont, X It. 
e, X. II. 



Thomas Whittle eventually setl 
stead with Mary, his wit.-. 



Thomas Pa ried M 

ace ; settled as a physil Ian i 

David F. married Charlott 
Hannah married Charles 1 
Martha A. married Reubel 



led in H.-nniker, X. II. 
d, Mrs. Sarah C. Wal- 

Hillsborough, X. II. 

Hillsborough Bridge, 



Amos Chase, from Seabrook, settled the farm now 
occupied by Henry Ashby. He married Elizabeth 
Kimball, ofHopkinton. By this issue he had seven 
children, — 



; settled the farm n.nv 

Mary married Nathaniel A\'l i lteh er, of Maine. 

Edward married Mary Ratten ; settled on the old homesteail. 

Rhoda marriedSai 1 Straw, ofHopkinton. 

I'ollv married Ahram Dow, Seabrook. 
Rachel married Enoch Gove, of Weare 

Lizzie married Klisba 1'rye, Sandwich. 

i Vol.- ■ - Chau. 

litis married I'hehe Willard. 

\ni 06 married Mary Hanson, Weare. 

Edward married Sarah I'lia-c-. 
Winslow married Hannah Dow. 

Jane-- and Moses were twins. 






James married Maria Thomson. 

.Mo.,., married Martha Bl 1. 

David married Lydia A. Chase. 

I'an.l was .howiied uli.si , i .1:1 vrar- -1 as 

Rodney died in infancy. 

Children of Edward and Mart/ '7m.. 
Eliza married, first, Daniel II. l>»w: seeond, William IS. 



Ann B. married Samuel II 
David 1'. mar 



fall. 



Childrtno} Daniel i ! 1 

Harriet married Linvi.no. K.-ilev 
A s r, married Sarah .1. Niohol-. 

Daniel G. married Jennie Raymond. 

Edward ( '. married, first, If. a 1 ('has.. ; second, EnnlyA Wi-bbcr. 

AiiiiC. Dowmarried Gilbert IV Hill. 

Eliza was the only child ..1' William 11. ami Eliza 
Walker. 

Humphrey Peasley settled the farm now occupied 
by Rodney Gove. He came from Amesbury, .Mass., 
in 1782, ami bought lol No. 1"> in the south range of 
the great Wibird lol No. 1-"'. This lot is identical 
with the one mi which (he buildings of Rodney (love 
now stand. Two years afterwards he purchased lot 
No. ltl, just east of the above-described lot. These 
two lots, of one hundred acres each, comprised the 
old Peasley homestead. He married Phebe How, of 
Weare, built a large house on the premises, which has 
been remodeled to the form of the one now standing, 
as mentioned above. He subsequently, with his son 
Jonathan, built a saw-mill, located on Patten's Brook, 
running through lot No. lo, about one hundred rods 
below the mill of William H. fatten, as it now stands. 
It has long since disappeared. 

< 1, ,],!,,,< .o Ihnuph,,,, a;i./ /'/,. . 

Jonathan married Sallie Hook 

K.-iah man i..,l Vbram I lhase. 
Vim j died single 
Stephen died single. . 

\ In siliaiu ii us! IMi.oi \|....l, , -.tt|.-.l in Manila. star, X. H 

Eliza died single. 

Humphrey married, tirst, Abigail Atwocnl ; second, It.t - 

Mary marrieil Dinll.-y ' ha-. 

Phchc niai ii..l Nathan Bailey. 

Humphrey is still living in Deering, and Phebe, 
who resides in Manchester, N. H. 

Bray Wilkins sett led on the Timothy Matthews 
farm, on the south side of Wolf Hill, near the old 
burying-ground. He married a Mrs. Blanchard. 

i 'hihlnn "/ /.'i."i and Lucy Wilkin*. 
Lucy died unmarried. 

Sally niarried Robert Fulton 

Anna main,-. I, tirst. Nathaniel Merrill ; second, Stephen Carr. 

Betty married Joseph Kimball. 

Rebecca marrieil \l.\ 

David married Abigail Patten. 
Isaac mart id Nan. y Chase. 

Jain.-- man led. first, Abigail I'lui.c; second, • . 

John married Lucinda Forsaith. 

Timothy Matthews, who married Betsy Huntington, 
lived on this old Wilkins homestead for many years 
after the death of Bray Wilkins and the removal of 
the hitter's son James to Henniker. In his old age 



382 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



In- removed with his wife, leaving no issue, to Hen- 
niker, and the buildings on this old homestead have 
long since disappeared. 

Adam Manahan settled on lot No. 14, in the south 
range of Thomlinson and Mason's great lot No. 11,— 
the Ephraim Fuller place. He married twice. By 
first marriage he had: 

Bichard married Polly Gove. 
William married Mary Bowers. 
JoBeph. 

By second marriage: 
Mary married — Bailey. 
Elvira married Solomon Bailey. 

Stephen married Xauey Bailey (above). 

Thompseli main..! Aliuira tiove. 

Mark Valentine, by profession a physician, remove,! We-t. 

Andrew Aiken settled mi the (arm occupied by 
• larlton Clement. 



Elizabeth. 

Mary. 
Margaret. 

Margaret Aiken was born in 1783, and was widely 
known as "Peggy" throughout Hillsborough County. 
She died at an advanced age at the Wilton County 
farm a i'v.n years ago. 

Samuel and William Anderson settled on farms 
adjoining. They acquired their title to their land in 
17!>4. Samuel bought, at the vendue sal.' of the land 
of Thomas Packer, Esq., deceased, lot No. 3, in the 
north range of Parker'- right, and the same year sold 
to William Anderson the same lot No. 3, which was 
bounded on tin- easl by land of Jonathan Locke, 
identified as the farm on which Albert Hadlock now 
lives. 

William Anderson married .Margaret Clark. His 
children were, — 

Margaret ma .., Weare, who settled on the old 

\n.lei -,ii leanest, ad. 
Eliza married Beul,. n I . . ■ s . ■ j . i j ,. , . , , m J w jf e . 

I !/ (fi 

Mary Eliza mane ,1 A lr i . . 1 I... I., 

William married Mary c.rirhn : settled in Somerville M.,s- 
Martha married llola i 

I'iliHiIei died V"iiii- 



William Codman settled on lot 12 in Wibird's 

right. No. 15, in 1778. lie was the first physician in 
town to practice his profession, which he did for many 
years, lie, lid in 1811. His children with his wife 
Mary were, — 

It, -my married ->.[,l,i> ana Calf,!,. 

Peter married . 

Charles married Mahala Atw 1. 

Alexander Hogg settled the farm owned by Scott 
Bailey, of Weare. The date of his deed is 1771 —lot 



:.'.. south range of Atkinson's right. He mariied 
. Their children were,— 

William Hogg married Anna Follansbee. 

Samuel Hogg. 

A daughter married a Pettingill. 

Children „/ William «>„l Anna Bogg. 
Jonathan married Rebecca Hogg. 
Priscilta married Benjamin Colby. 
William died single. 
Mary married Jonathan Kell.-y. 
Sarah died single. 

Benjamin married Catherine 111,,,.,]. 
Follansbee married Susan McCoy. 
Lucy married Moses chase as a second wife. 
John removed to Haverhill, Maes 

Thomas Hogg, George Hogg and Robert Hogg, 
brothers of Alexander Hogg, lived in Peering at one 
time, but owned no real estate as we can learn. 
Thomas had one son. Samuel Dana, and a daughter. 

1 .eorge Hogg enlisted in the Continental army, but 
soon deserted and came bark to I Coring, where he 
managed in some way to avoid the officers sent for his 
arrest. He, together with his family, lay upon Dud- 
ley Pond for many nights in succession to elude the 
officers, thereby so impairing the health of his daughter 
Molly, then an infant, as to cripple her for life. The 
records of the town shovi that his family was a public 
charge for many years. William Hogg, the son of 
Alexander Hogg, enlisted in the war, and tie ,, , ,„■,!- 
show that the town voted to give Alexander Hog-, 
his father, one hundred and thirty-six dollars in con- 
sideration of his son's going to war. The latter drew 
a pension during the later period of his life. He 
taught many of the first schools in He, ring and ad- 
joining towns. 

Parker Nois lived at one time on No.8,south range 
■>< Ringe - right. II, was thrice married, the last 
time to Dorcas McCoy. He had a large family. 
Among the rest was Russell T. Nois, who married, 
first, Mary Currier; second, Sarah .1. Forsaith. 
Parker Nois removed t,, Haverhill, his former place 
of residence. 

Robert Alcock settled on lot No. <i, in the south 
range of Wibird's great share or right, No. 15. The 
date of his deed is June 7, 1776. He was i ngaged in 
mercantile business in London, where lie was born: 
afterwards in Marblehead or Salem, Mass. ; from 
thence he removed to Weare, N. IP. where, remaining 
onl\ a -hort time, he removed to Peering. H, ,,, ened 
the first store, located on his farm, as above de- 
scribed. This farm max be identified as the Nathaniel 
Colby place. He served as town clerk and selectman 
for many years, and was chosen representative bj the 
town from 17M4 to 1805, — eleven consecutive years. 
He was then chosen Senator from his district i \,,. 8) 
for a term ofyears; afterwards appointed to the office 
of judge ,,f the court for the county of Hillsborough, 
which office he held until disqualified by age. Asa 
member of the church and a citizen of the town, in 
a private and public capacity, no man ever more drew 
the confidence and esteem of his fellow-townsmen. 



383 



He married, first, Elizabeth Marong; second, Eliza- 
beth Currier; third, Mary Currier. Children were,— 

Mansil married, first, Lucy Bradford ; - mil, unknown. 

Robert married, first, a sister of Peter Codman; second, a Miss 
Blainer ; third, a Miss Grant. 

Elizabeth. 

John married Mattie Shearer. 

.lame- married, first, Polly Stuart ; Becolld, a Mrs. Taylor. 

Benjamin married, first, a Miss Page ; second, unknown 

Joseph married Lucy Hobson. 

Samuel married Betsy Chadwick. 

William married, first, Ruth Gerry ; second, Judith Colby ; third, 
Theresa Howe. 

Betsy married a Tennanl 

Nancy married Samuel Kimball. 

Sally married a Goodwin. 



i fhUdrtn of Mansil ' Lucy I ; 

Mansil married I. my Bacon. 
Cyrus died single. 

tiara married John Tandy. 

Timothy and Robert, twins. Timothy married Kate Howe; Robert 

Luke married Maliala White 

John and Lucy, twins. John married Hannah P.aldwiu ; Lucy mar- 
ried Jonathan Ellsworth. 

Sally married Peter Whitaker. 

Baxter married . 

Alver died single. 

Frederick married Eliza Putney. 



Children of R"l<e>t 






I'-J ■■■■ ' ""■■ 

Robert married, first, Clarissa Flanders , second, Mary Tarletou. 
Stephen married, first, Sally Wilson ; second, a Mi-, Pope. 
Christopher inarrn-d a Miss Flanders. 

Children of Jama and PoUy iUoi k 
Nancy married Daniel Brown. 
Henry married Charlotte Cheney. 
James M. married I arolins Mel 03 



Joseph's children were Elbridge, Harriet, Joseph 
Samuel's children were,— 

M.iroiiy, Marony,— both died in childhood 
Elizabeth married Milton Mi Coy. 

Ira A. married Josette lAl ki Appleton. 

William's children were, — 

William H. married Alinira A. Smiley. 



'•'." 



„.,,-, 



Two died in infancy. 

lira married John EHIingw 1 

Harriet married Gideon Page. 
Jane married Wilson < 1 

B;i tliird wife 
Irene, unmarried. 
Cyrus H. married a Mi>- P.i.avn 

Note. — The descendants of Robert Alcock, under various names, areBtill 
the most numerous in Deering ot any of the tirst s.-ttlers of the town. 

Caleb Whitaker, the son of William Whitaker, of 
Weare, settled with his father on lot No. 20, in 
Ringe's right, identified as the farm of Russell Tubbs 
and that of the late Wheeler Barnes. He married 
Mrs. Nancy White. His children were.— 

Hannah married James Gregg. 



I.ydia married Samuel Patten. 

I;<i\1.i!i:i lli:,ri ied ' •■• >I'C Mn.il 1 

Daniel married Hannah Blodgetl 

Joseph Wheeler died in i hildl 1. 

i hailotte married . 

William White married Nancy Mathis, who mar- 
ried, second, Caleb Whitaker, above. Children oi 
William ami Nancy White were, — 



John Morrill served in the Continental army as a 
private soldier. It is not known from what town or 
precinct he enlisted; but after the close of the war, 
or the expiration of his term of service, he married 
Abigail Knight, of Atkinson, and after a short term 
of residence in Hillsborough removed to Deering, 
where he spent the remainder of his life, dwelling in 
various localities, finally with his son Joseph on the 
farm known as the Frank Gould place. The 
writer, when a boy, often heard him speak of his ex- 
periences in the war, especially of being in tin' battle 
of White Plains, so bloody and disastrous to the 
American army, alleging that his "right andleft-hand 
men" were killed during the engagement. He also 
spoke of seeing General Washington, lor whom he 
was detailed at one time as a servant or waiter, being 
at that time less than seventeen years of age. 

Be had seven children — 

Joseph married Catherine Smith 

Samuel married Rachel Sprague He enlisted in tic War "f 1812 as 
a soldier, and died from disease. 
Mary married Joel Heath 
Sarah married William Heath. 
Abigail married Elijah Tburson. 

Hannah married David Drown 

John married ; settled in Deerfield, X. H. 

[saac Smith, (he son of Ichabod Smith, married 
Nancy Codman, and eventually settled on the 
southerly half of No. 12, in Wibird's right, No. 15. 
His children were,— 
Isaac married Amelia Stevens. 

Catherine married Jo-r].li >1..|1 it 

Rene married a Jones. 

Agnes mar I William Campbell. 

Henry married Man Tuton. 
Turner removed WeBt. 
I.oraine married Samuel Gibson. 
Jail Smith died in childhood. 

Princess married ■ Fleb hei . settled in Troy, X. v. 

\ i, ... .. , i ,<■,.'''_ -cttled in Troy, X. i 

laniard man ied a \. nt lids ; M-ttled io St. Clair, Mich. 



childrci 



id Amelia Smith 



Matilda married Alvah Lovereii. 
Naiey S. married Robert 1 ul « 
William T. married Mary Ann Morgan. 

Calvin S. married Maria . 

[saac married Josephine w hittlfi. 
Esther married Adam Dicket 

r ■ G marrii i Mai i I 

Theresa married, first, William Dickej ; - od, 

,.u Dost. .11 , third. J..I111 McColl , Mont Vernon 

Ellen M. died in childhood. 
George D. married Margaret . 



384 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Nathaniel Colby bought the farm settled by Robert 
Alcock, removing there from Hopkinton. He mar- 
ried, first. Tatty Muzzey ; second, -Mary McKeen. 
Children by first marriage were, — 

John died unmarried. 

Elizabeth married Frank Rus>cl] ; live W.-st. 
Nancy married K11.ii.1lt._- McKeen. 
Bu .... . 
El.en marred Ella - ! 
Elbridge. 

Daniel, brother of Nathaniel, married, first, a Miss 
Emery; second, Lucy Cowen. Children by first wife 
were, — 

Belinda married Richard Clement. 

Pametiadied single. 

Charles died in the Civil War. 

Two girls died in infancy. 

Squiers. 

Samuel removed Wee! 

Diana. 

Joseph Kimball, of Weare, first settled on lot No. 
23, south range of Atkinson's right. He afterwards 
purchased the reservation given to the first settled 
minister, 1 when Mr. Sleigh, the incumbent, re- 
moved to New York. This reservation is located in 
the northerly part of No. 6, north range of Packer's 
right, and is the farm now occupied by .Mr. Fulton. 
He married Betsy Wilkins. Their only child was 
Eliza, married Francis Mitchell. The children of 
Francis and Eliza Mitchell were Charles (married 
Mahala Coburn), Sarah (married, first. Augustus 
Wilkins; second, Francis F. Fulton), James (married 
Almira Twist), Joseph (married Alice Barnes . I .eorge 
(died in the civil War as a soldier), Albert B. (died 
single). Francis Mitchell, for second wife, married 
Mrs. Charlotte Jaqueth. 

Silas Parker Barnes (or Barron, as it was once 
called) was the father of the Barnes families or races 
described below. He emigrated from England. His 
children were, — 



i s.-ttlcd on Alex 






the 



Samuel Barnes married Sally Lund. 

I Robert McKeei 
Alice, single. 

I Hannah, twin- Wli. . l.-i ,„. 1 \.,„, \ Lay ; Hannah 

married < barles craft. 

Silas married oliv.-i i . 

Rodney died single. 

Mary E. married Sanm. 1 l lutli i 

John married < l.m-- 

Harriet married Charles Martin. 

Children of Wheel* I Nancy Barnes. 



Edward died in the Civil War fron 
Frank married unknown. 
John married Arm Wilson. 



Children of John and Clarissa Barnes. 

Alice M. married Jos,.,.), Mitchell. 

King 1 died in childh 1. 

"ill" "el II. nth wile twins, — the former is single ; the l.ni u- 

ried John Olosson. 

i ied Mary v Ison. 

Muses Codman married, first, Jennie Wallace; 
second, Betsy Bennett; third, Jane Ross. He settled 
on lot 13, Wibird's right, No. 15, afterwards removed 

to West Leering. His children by first wife were, — 



l',\ >ecund wife he had,- 



, nurtli r,iu_ ! 



William and Dorcas' children wt 



Evan Dow and his brother, Stephen Dow, settled 
near the centre of the town, in Tinge's right. Their 
lather. Captain Reuben Dow, of Hollis, after the bat- 
tle of Lexington, raised a company of soldiers from 
Hollis and Pepperill, marched to Bunker Hill and 
brought away from the field on that eventful day a 
bullet in his ankle. The bullet, which was extracted, 
is still preserved; but the effects of the wound are 
said to have eventually caused or hastened his demise. 
He had three sons, Daniel, Stephen and Evan. 

( Hollis. 
Lois married I ristie Him. an, of Hancock, X. H. 
Stephen married Hall, of Groton, Mass ; settled in Weston Vt. 

Hannah married S|.aiilding : settled in Weston, \ t 

Nathaniel married Aimes ; settled in Hancock. 

Jeremiah married Sally Eastman, and settled on llo ..Id h. no -i. , 1 in 
Hollis. 

Abigail married Timothy Wmo.hi .1 , , . f Hilltborougb, X. II. 

' II -. .'-. V. // 

Sarah married Xathali Cram. 
Reuben never married. 
Hannah married Jonathan Cram. 
Lydia married Loiel Cram. 
Evan, Jr., married Nancy Balch,nfXew Boston, X. II 

Elias Hassel settled on No. 3, north range of 
great lot No. 15, Richard Wibird's right. This lot is 
a settler's lot, and given to Hassel for the sum of five 
shillings and the consideration of his settling on the 
lot. The date of the deed is June 17, 1771. It is 
identified as the Gould farm. Hannah, who married 
Samuel Morrill, and settled on the old homestead after 
Hassel removed to Hillsborough, is the only child of 
Elias and Mary Hassel. 

James White, of Framingham. Mass., settled on 
the farm now occupied by Henry Holton about the 
year 1807. He married Susannah Flint. Their 
children were, — 

Sophona died single. 

Ithoda married Moses Koaeh. 

.lames married Abigail folium. 

Artetnas married, fir-t - i charlotte Burley. 

Susan married Joel Bixby. 

ryntha married Hiram Smith. 

1'h, a \ in. irned William Brown. 

Jason man i. .1 Mai 3 1 afie 



Nathan White, brother of James White, above 
mentioned, was the son of John White, who settled 
on the farm now occupied by David McAlister about 
the year 17S7. He married Susannah Eaton. His 
son Nathan lived on the same farm with his father 
and married, first, Doreas Wilson; second, Hannah 
Ordway. His children by first marriage were — 

Ann married John Sterrett. 

Dnrca-. married Samuel Kimball. 

Nathan married Jane Smith. 
Mary married William Matten. 
His children l>y seeond marriage were, — 
Harrison married, first, Esther Burley ; Becond, Amelia Morrison. 
Nancy died in childhood. 
Harriet married David McAlister. 
Loyinadied in childhood. 
Nancy died in childhood. 

Luther Travis married Nancy .Shearer, and settled 
near the residence of John Barnes. His children 
were, — 

John died insane. 

James married i I idj o Reading, Mass. 

Levi married Anna Hall. 
William married Eliza Heath. 

The children of Eliza aud William Travis were — 

Lucinda married Albert Heath. 

Dexter died in tin- ('nil War. 

Giles died insane. 

Adam Dickey, from Londonderry, settled on lot 
30, south range of Ringe's right, about the year 17S5. 
He married Betsy Furgurson. Their children were, — 



The children of William and .Mary Wilson were,- 

lVtsy -Ian., died ill childhood. 
Alexander married Sarah Mi Keen. 
Angeline married Leonard McKeen. 
Mary married .lames S. Allen. 
Eliza .lam- died single. 

i 'aniline died in childl I 

Clara W married Gawn W. Mills. 
Adam married Esther Smith. 
Caroline died in childhood. 
William married Theresa Smith. 
Maiidana. 

Three died in infancy. 

Rolandson Ellinwood, of Amherst, settled on lot 
12, south range, next to the intervale lot, Packer's 
right, in 1793. He also purchased lot 11 in the same 
range, and the southerly half of lot 12 in north range 
of the same right. He married Abigail Hildreth. 
The children of Rolandson and Abigail Ellinwood 
were, — 

David married Alice Aik'-n. 
John married Ruth Baker. 
Abigail married Phineas Wilkins. 

He married for second wife Eunice Nichols. Their 
children were, — 

Charles died single. 

Mary .lane married Benjamin Nickerson. 

Eliza married Joseph Nickers.ni. 

Itaviil married a Miss Stetson. 

Han-iet L. married Rodney Wilkins. 



John and Ruth Ellinwood's ehildren were. — 

.bibll B. main. I, n : l.i . \] . I, , -n I, l.\atin. I'a.> 

James s. married Rachel o. Turner. 

Mary died in childl I 

Abigail died ill cliil.lh I. 

Ruth S. married Luther Cheney. 





Cliildren of James 8. and 


Frank 1'. 


married Maria 1* 


1'. i ii 


M.m - 






Flora .1. 






Clara i: 


larried Myron E 


Johnson 


Sarah Lv 


zie. ' 




Clark s. 






Scott L. 







Joseph, son of Rolandson and Abigail Ellinwood, 
settled on or near No. 1, Thomlinson's moiety in big 
lot No. 11. His ehildren were,— 

Nancy married a Mr Long. 
Il.iltii- married .b.lin Burbauk. 

Joseph settled in Grafton. 
Phineas settled in California 

I :e n moved West. 

Abbie married a Mr. Walker. 
Horace died a soldier in the Civil War. 
Mary Ann married Charles Joj 

Joseph Dow, from < roffstown, settled on or near the 
intervale lot in Ringe's right. He married Mary 
Wells, and their ehildren were, 

Joseph died in childhood. 
Benjamin died single. 
Haniel died in childhood. 
Roxunnailied in childhood. 
David mai-ried Lucretin Ui 01 I. 
Sarah married James Boss 

i ii in .hi u-il Mary Alcock. 

Lyman married, first, Eliza W 1 - ml, Esther Hadley. 

Mil I single 

Parker Morse settled on the farm just north of 
Thomas Merrill's, known as the John Wilkins place, 
Xo. 13, in Thomlinson's moiety of big lot No. 11. 
Parker Morse had the following children by Love, ins 
nil'.': Parker, Lovy, Joseph, Josiah, Samuel, De- 
liverance, Mary and Sarah. 

Francis Graham, or Grimes, from Londonderry, 
settled lot 5, Wibird's right, No. 15. He married 
Sarah Cochran. 

Children of FV .- niui Sitrali Grimes. 



Children of John and Betsy Grimes. 
Hiram married Clarissa Forsaith 
Jan.. married James Butler. 
Susan married Alden Walker. 
I -i :ii.. i- mauled, first, Mary Chase ; second, Lucinda Kgleston. 

David w. inarried. first. Harriet Tuttle . second, Elizabeth Jones. 

Sarah L'. never married 

.1. - « married Elizabeth Neally. He graduated ai college; Btudied 

law; removed to Iowa; became Governor of tin- Slab-; - rwards 

i nited States Senator ; died a i,-m years ago, leaving a large property. 

Timothy Wyman married Elizabeth Shattuck, and 
settled in Hollis, but removed to Deering about the 

year 1777 or 177*. His ehildren with Elizabeth. 
his wife, were, — 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Timothy 111.1m.Nl V . ■ ,. : n Urn) 

Nathan settled in Vermont . waa tin married,— first, to .1 Miss 

Stuart . second, unknown ; third, Patty Howard. 

>;!„ .„ ,./..i iuam.Nl. first, .M.lntal.l. < l.-m.-nr ..-.•.. n.l. Betsy Stanly. 

Sybil married Jonathan Sargent 

Reuben married Rhode Hartwell. 

Abel died young. 

Sally married Josiah Kill. .111. 

Polly, twin with Sally, mar 1 [saai Merrill 

Hannah married John Smith. 

Daniel tnarii.-.l l..nn- . 

Children 0/ Timothy in 
1 : young. 

Stephen Dow marrie.i 1 t-ula 1m.i-.miIi 

The children of Ebenezer and Betsy Wyman were 
Elizabeth, Mehitable, John S., Charles, Daniel (died 
young), Abigail Dow, Daniel. Almira, Almena, 
and Moses. 

The children of Daniel and Louisa Wyman were 
Squiers Clement, Louisa Maria, Ann Sophia, Laura 
Fidelia, Andrew Jackson, Martin Van Buren, and 
1 11a Matilda. 

Charles Butrick, from Concord, Mass., settled on 
the Robert Mills place, at the head of the (alls, so 
called. He married, first, Betsy Blake. Their chil- 
dren were, — 

Charles married I.ucm.la Whit. 

Olviu married Loisa Su.-.-t-. 1 

Elias B. died young. 

Samuel married, first, a Hiss Sweetsei ; second, a Mi*. Fuller. 

Otis 1 ied Julia A. Ill I. 

1 !.■ ..I married Lenora .1 Bryant. 

John 1! married, first, Maria Bixb) . Becond, a Miss Barker; third, 
Manila Parker. 

He married fir secmd wife Achsa VVaugh; their 
children were, — 
Betsy .li.'.l .simile. 
Robert W. 

L'riah H. died in childhood. 
Danbi i Ige mai 1 ied alartha Bumford. 

William Waugh, from Londonderry, married Sun- 
nah Walker. Their children were, — 
Nancy married Benjamin Masterman. 

I .1 lie. I Joseph Stevens. 
Susannah marrie.i . 

Joseph married, hist, Sally Kendall ; =econd, Fanny Down. 
Achsa married Charlea Butrick. 
Robert died single. 

Ezra Fisher settled the farm now occupied by Luther 
Cheney. He married a Miss Bixby, of Francestown; 

their children were, — 

Oil.'. 11. 11 1 i.-.l a 5Ilss CaliiplN-ll 
William ilieil young. 
1 ■ 1 -ingle. 

The brother of John Bartlett, Jacob, settled lot 20 
in Thomlinson's right. Jacob Bartlett married a 
Mis- Sargent, and had the following children : 

Sarah married Benjamin '.illiiiiiliatn 
St.-I.hen iiiarrieii Ph.be Whitaker 
Abigal marrie.i Samuel Raleh. 
.l..-liiia married Catty i 'ha--, 
.la. N.l. married Catherine Hall 
Martha mai ri.il I. .mil 

II id single. 



Children ... Stephen and Ihebe Harllett 
Ph. -he died single. 
P.elief married Willar.l Cory, 
Almira married Elijah Mason. 

Hannah. 

Parker Bartlett married Eleanor Bartlett 

Fanny married Hugh I rail 
Stephen married F.lua Craitr. 
Oliver H. P. marrie.i LoiBB M..r-e. 

1 fcuYn-m ■'.' Parka and Eleanor Bartlett. 
Rotheous E married Emma .1. Merril. 
I.'.isilla A married Parker Craig. 

I. la-tiis I! married Jennie Orne. 
Ai married Allie Jones. 
Sarah married Edwin Kiee. 

Hezekiah Wilkins settled on lot No. 7. south of 
Packer's right, No. 12, about the year 1800. He 
married Margaret Armor. Children were, — 

Gawn died single. 

Polly married Benjamin Huntington 

Sally married Robert 51. Fn--.11 

Isaac married Roxanna Eaton. 



Phineas Wilkins settled on No. 8, just wot of No. 
7. above described. He married Abigail Ellingwood. 
Children were. — 

. Louisa married Bcii.iainin Roberts, 
Nathan. 

James Eaton settled lot 9, just west of 8, above. 
He married, first, a Miss McClure ; second, unknown. 
The children by first wile were John, David, Samuel, 
James. Isaac, William; one son lost his life by the 
accidental discharge of a gun, Polly (married David 
Bass), Roxanna (married Isaac Wilkins). Children 
of Isaac and Roxanna Wilkins were, — 

Gawn died in cbildh 1 

Lucinda married Sewell Packhard. 

Malvina married William Forsaith. 
Elzira marrie.i Maine* Forsaith 

Andrew A, married Calista o Ihue. 

\u-u-tu- married Sarah 5Iit.li. 11. 
Frances marrie.i Charles J. Tatt. 

Carleton (.'lenient settled 
right, after Andrew Aiken 
Dow. Their children were. — 

married, first, Charlotte I.- Merrill 



lot No. 11, Wibird's 
He married Kesiah 



Jonathan 
Hanson. 
S-piiei-s S. married Hannah Gage. 
Richard married, first, Nancy lliitchins: second, P,.lin., 

Kesiah D. married Adam Dickey. 

The brothers of Carleton Clement were Samuel, 
who married Sarah Buntin, and Richard, who married 
Mrs. Carleton Clement. 

The children of Jonathan and Charlotte were, — 
Charlotte married Horace Gould. 
Jonathan Dow married Vienna Dickey. 

By second marriage he had one child, — Moses H., 
who married, first, Ora Dow; second, Eliza Dow. 
Children of Squiers and Hannah were, — 



DEERING. 



387 



Benjamin Bullard, from Oakham, Mass., settled on 
the Newman farm mow in Bennington) in 1816. He 
married Ruth Woodice. Their children were, — 



Eliza married, first, Elbridge Wilson ; second, James Wilson. 

Calvin married, first, Mary I>uu]a|i; -e. >uid, .lane Io.svi . third. 

1. 1 mi \ « ilson 

Martha man I'M thuja;.- Eaton. 
lVniainin married Kusanlia Wdiitcoiul.. 
Joe] married ' lata Alcock, 

George Sumner settled the farm known as the 
Farrington place. He twice married. By first mar- 
riage hia children were George, Charles, William, 
Eben, Thomas, Lucy, Sybil, Mary, John, Eben 
(married Martha Merrill). 

Asa (i Inow, from Sudbury, Mass., settled on the 

farm now owned by. Mrs. Wilson. He married < )rril 
Burnap. His children were, — 



Fidelia married Onrge W. Colby. 

Russell Tubbs, from Alstead, settled on lot 22, 
Ringe's right. He was a successful merchant, and 
held many places of honor and trust in the gilt of 
the town. He married Desire Healy, of Washington, 
hat left no family. 

Dr. Mieal Tubbs, brothei 
above mentioned, settled on 
Atkinson's right. His famil 
v\ ere. — 



Robert .Mills, son of one of the first settlers in 
Deering, is spoken of in another column, lie mar- 
ried twice. His second wife was Margaret Dinsmore. 
Children by second wife were, — 



Isaac married Hepsibath Whitten. 
John, William at,,! David removed West. 

\ i mat i ted David Forsaith, 

Adam and Lydia's children were, — 

Gawn W. married Clara Dickey. 
Robert married Fanny l obni n 
Five died in infancy. 

LIST OF ToWN OFFICERS FROM 1771 To 1885. 
177+. — Ninian Aiken, town rink: Klias Hassel, Ninian Aiken, .lob 

1775- Ninian Aiken, tuwn ' b-ik . Tie. mas Aiken, Hubert Mills, Wi 



Benjamin Bradford, William 

.la G] -. Bond Tattle, 



the Russell Tubbs 
24. south range, of 
h his wife Esther, 



Al married David Patten 

Mical married a Miss Stewai I 
Eben L. died Biogle 

Russell married alary Ounliai 

Desire mamed Richard CiUey. 

Russell Tubbs by this marriage hail one son. Akin, 
who married Lucy .1. Hadlock. 

Nathaniel ( rove, brother of Abram Gove, settled on 
lot 17, Ringe's right. His children with Elizabeth, his 
wife, were Daniel, Nathaniel, Jr.. Peter and Enos. He 
removed to Vermont about 1790. 

Isaac Currier married Elizabeth Hadlock, and set- 
tled in Deering, removing from Ameslmry, Mass. 
He occupied the farm known as the -Currier Farm" 
for more than a centurv. 



Children 0/ boat and n, dbtOi II * 
Polly died single. 
John settled in Sebei , Me 

t-aae man led I.vdia .1, Head 
.lames mat I led M:n\ A. Howlet 

Sarah married Daniel Cram. 

The only one of Isaac and Lydia Currier's child 
now living is John X., who married Nancy Patten: J^ 
resides in Manchester, N. H. The family name 
extinct in Deering. 



liam Forsaith, tow 

ill. .1 .1 , Selectmen 

iert Aheck, tuwn clerk; Hubert Alcm k, Joseph hulansun. 
,,-rt All oek, town clerk ; Robert Ainu k, Robert McFerson, 

„.,t m, .„■!,, town clerk Ebenezer Bl I, Levi Hadlock, 

dan Aiken, tuwn clerk ; Andrew Aiken, Nathaniel Sweet- 
lb. on 1 !-aith, tuwn clerk ; William F.usiith, William Mc- 

iliam Forsaith, tuwn clerk; Evan Dow, James Whitaker, 
.selectmen; John Duncan, of Antrim, representative. 

in Dow, tuwn clerk ; Evan Dow, .la s Whitaker, Alexan- 

|... tin. ai ; John Duncan, of Antrim, representative. 
in Dow, town clerk ; Alexander Gregg, Nun. hi Viken, Sam- 

an Dow, town clerk; Robert Ucock, Alexander Gregg, 

iker, Belei tmen 

ei Dow, town clerk : Evan Dow. Thomas Merril, Alexander 



-Evan Dow, town clerk; Evan Dow, Robert Fulton, Reuben 

, -el.'. I II 

-William Forsaith, tuwn clerk; William Forsaith, Andrew 

Phomas Bailey, side. 1 n 

-William Forsaith, tuun clerk ; Joshua Folsom, Thomas Bailey, 



lerk .lusbua Fulsum, Kva 



i clerk ; Evan Dow, Joshua Fols 



, Par- 



■ 



1799 


— Mat 


iew Forsaitl 


Morril 


.tana 




1800 


—.tub 


Clan-, tow 


Adam Dickej 


. selectmen : 


lsnl 




uel Fulton, t 



., ' . . i ■ - - . .t . i. Hue:- Whitato r, 

,,i i lerk : William Forsaith, Robert Ucock, 

;■ l . ii AT i"k, rrpn.-sciitativi.'. 

,, i, ,|, ; Uexandei Wilson, Samuel Morril, 

Robert Aleck, representative. 

tuun clerk; Alexander Wilson, Samuel 
^ tm, mi ; liubi-i't Al< M,;k, ri'pn.wntative. 
rink , N ithaniel Sweetser, Samuel Morril, 
ti.it Alfuck, representative. 
vn clerk; Robert Alcock, Jamee Whitaker, 
i ; Robert Ucoi b, representative, 
own ''l.-ik : rVii pniiii R. «ir.-, .fatii.',-. Shearer. 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



selectmen ; Robert 
town clerk , Benjai 
mi n Rotx ii View ;. 



ch-i 



Shearer, 



.lam.- Wlntakei, -.-l--. linen ; IS. malum R..lfi-, r- |-i . 
1807. — John Alcock, town clerk; Math... Forsa 

William McKeell, select Il ; It.-Iilainlli It. .lie, I epl eselitatlve 

1808.— John Alcock, town clerk; Mathew Foreaith, William Mc- 
Keen, Jr., John Alcock, Belei tmen 

1809 John Alcock, town clerk; William McKeen, John Alcock, 
.I.,,.,,- w hitaker, selei tmen I'- njai Rolfe, re) mtative. 

1810.— John Alcock, town clerk William H Keen, John Alcock, 

l-ll John Ucock, t....,, clerk William McKeen, John Alcock, 

Sainn.-l l'..ls..tn. sel.-i-lm.-n ; I:. ....uniii K-ll.-. i.-pte-eiitattve. 

1812 . 1 - -1 . 1 1 Alcock, town clerk; William McKeen, John Alcock, 
Tli a- Bail, \ . -,l> . m.. n i:> mi ii !;..it.\ i.-pn-MMitative. 

1813 —John Al. ■•■ k, town clerk . John \1 ock, II las Bailey, Alex- 

ainlel Dnnlap, sel.itin,-ji ; Bellj. Itulte, rcpi- -, htatl v.- 

1814. — IoIiti Alcock, town clerk ; John Alcoi k, Thomas Bailey, Alex- 

all'ler Ilnnlap. -ele. t I , Benjamin I(.,lle. rcpl .i.-nt.itl. .-. 

1815.— John Alcock, town clerk ; T I in- Bail. .. Math. .. l..i-.,ul,. 

Khciie/.i liay, selectmen ; .lulm \|. ...;., i.-pr. -entati .,-. 

1816. — John Alcock, [own clerk; Math.-.. l'..r-aitli, Kli.-n.-/. r Cay, 
William McKeen, selectmen : John Alcock, representative 

1817.— John Alcoi k, town , lerk ; William Mi Keen, Mathew Forsaith, 
vuuii.-l I ■ I- --I.-. tin.-n ; Ji.lin Al.-,- U. i.-pi.-.-iitatne. 

ISIS —William McKeen, Jr., town clerk; Mathew Foreaith, William 



Bailey, Robert ';■■>■•, .Ii . -, -I.-. tmi 

I- 1 Russell Tubbs, town cli 
Bailey, l{,,l„,|t ii,.,v,-, .li , select 

1822.- Russell Tubbs, town clei 
Benjamin Bullard, selectmen ; Ru 

1823.— Russell Tubbs, town cler 
Robert i, lale, 

1824.— Enoa Bailey, 



-l.i 



l'..iil,-j. 



I.,,,, McKeen, 
K, I'- 
ll <ir -. Rob- 

, John Grimes, 

Iliam Dickey, 

il„. John Wil- 



< lay. selectmen; William Malialia 
: ,1, II 'i Ill-, William Manilla 

Gaj Si ■■ I Gregg, e 



i, • I, ,k . Unbelt lale. Willi. in, 

M< keen, i:i„-ii,-/,-r I.,, \,-i, ii, selei tin, -ii ; Willi. mi \|. in ii,. ii pie-, nl- 



IS34.— William Maii.ili.ui, t....n clerk. l;.,l,,-it lale, Klu-uezer 

l.,,\, iv n, S. Ill <;.... -. I. . I i, >i I i;i, —_;, ,.- 1 i.-.-iitati\. 

lv;". — William M.iiialian, t..\. n . l.-rk ; Ebenezer Loveren, William 
Manaban, Jehu Wilkin-. ><-l>-,-tt.ieii : Salinn-I lireui', leprc.-eiitative. 

1836— William Manahan, town clerk ; J,, In, Wilkins, Robi n ■• dali . 

l-:i„-ii.-/,i M, k.-.-n. -,-le. lm,-ii ; Sainn.-l iln-i;:. i.-pi,-, nt itive. 

1837.— Robert G lale, town clerk; .lulu. Wilkins, Ebenezcr It. 

M, Kc.-n, i:i„-ii,-/.-r I.,,\,i,-n, selectmen; F.heinzer l.a,-r,i.. represent- 

1838.— William Manahan town clerk; Ebenezer LovereD, Robert 

'• I.il'-. l'a.nl l'.,isiilh. -el. , I ii. I.I,, ii,/, r l...\.i,ii. r.pr. .-eiitatice. 

I >:;'.! — W ill lam Manahan, H.vvn , li-i k . 1'aw.l l',,r-.iilli, .1,-1 in 1 lull hat, 
i:t„ n, /,-r McKe.-n, -. l.-i I , KI„n,/,-i I.,,„-i,-ii, repr.— -iit.r;.. 



]sl",— William Manahan. t....n clerk; .1,-lm Bartlett, Khelie/. ] I. 

McKeen, James Foreaith 2d), - ;■ - 1 ,,, n . l;.-i„n ii I.il.-, r.-pie-.-i.i. 

all.- 

1841.— William Manahan, town clerk; Ebenezer 1!. McKeen, James 

l',>lsailli I J.I , .luh 1 1 Wil kills, s,-t,,, tmen ; Ih-bcll la). , I. p I, -en la I I.. - 

1842.— William Manahan. town clerk : .lames Foreaith, John Bartlett, 

Samuel Gregg, select u; John Wilkins, i.pi.-.-iit.iii., 

1843. — William Manahan. tnwn , In k . .h-hn B.u ll.-tl. .lam. - I'.. i -.,.•!, . 



'.-II W I i.u.t Manaliali. 1,-uii , l.-ik . .lam, - I'm sail h, .lull 11 Haiti. It. 

s.u l'.i,_. -■ ■ w ,i,, M u.aliau, representative. 

1845.— William Manahan, town clerk; Robert Goodale, Daniel Wy- 

man. L.-,,|iar.l M, Keen, -electmcli : W illiam Manahan, represeiitalii >-. 

1>4'. — William Fursalth, town clerk ; .L.hn Bartlett. -lain,? F..:-..nli. 
I II --I. -tin. -ii ; l:.,t„ it I. >>,„lale. representative. 

1>4T -Will,.,,,, Forsaith', town clerk; Enoch Hadley, William For- 
■ Itl B G bait selectmen: Ja l.-r-aiti.. nptes, nt.iti., 

I-;- «. ..a- Foreaith town clerk; William Foreaith, Enoch Had- 

ley, II , .- • ......... I. . in,, i, .l.,n,y. K,,i-.iilh. I, I'lvM-ntative. 

l^la —Willi. ,m i.-i-aiih. town clerk Horace Gove, Freeman D ■■■ 

1850.— William Forsaith, town clerk Bora •• ve, Freeman Dow, 

r,.u!l,n >n , -,-l,-, im, ii . William I. a-. nil. i. j. tative. 

1851 —William Foreaith, town i lerk . Bartlett Simons, Enoch lla.lh-y, 
William Forsaith, selectmen; John Bartlett, rept ntative 

1852.— William Forsaith, town clerk ; William Fi.r^aiih. Leonard 
M, Kian. .1. v Kllin\v,„„l, -,-h-i tii^.ti . F. I>.,\v, n.,|>ri-<-ntativ,- 

1853.— William Forsaith, town clerk ; Enoch Hadley, Leonard Mc- 
Ki-an, .1. s Kllinw I, SL-I.-, tin, n . F. Dow, representative, 

1854.— RuSBell Tubbs, town clerk ; Enoch Hadley, Bartlett Simons, 
1 1, -i,„ I i i ,.,-.-. I,-, tin, ii . !■' man l».,\v, r.-i.ta-M-ntative. 

1855 James W Ellsworth, town clerk ; Leonard McKean, Hodnej 

Wilkins, A,1hiii 1»i< k,-> , mil. -. I, atm, n : I. Mi K- an. representative. 

!>■,,. _i i:,[v i,i, _._. t, A \n il.-tk; l.,-,n.,i,| M-K-ai, It,..lnei WilkinB, 
Ailatn Hi.-k.-v .- i.lt, ,,-|.-tin.ii . I. M K.-an, i preseotativi 



i, _.-. 



■ Gove, \ n ^ ii-l il - \\ ; 



.-■ — iii-i\ i,i,;., ii.u ii . 1. il, . H,,iai-,- iluvc, \ ii -_: ii -I ii- W'il-, n. 

i' ■ ,-, . - l,-< tin, ii . Ikiiiii-I Sum, ii-. i-.-prcsentative. 

sty Gregg, town clerk ; J S. Ellinvi 1. Samuel H. Jones, 

: Smith, selectmen ; Reuh.-n L,a,i-,-n. i, |,i,— nialn.-. 

II.— Lewis lale, town clerk ; J S Ellinw I, Samuel II .' nes 

: Smith, selectmen ; Reub.-n l...v. t.-n. r- ;,i,-,-iit.ili\,- 

i2.— Horace Gove, town clerk; !-;,.,, Smith, - II Jones, ( hestei 

3.— William A Muszy, town clerk lean m ..>ll. 



t. I. Ban 
i 1. Bai 
. Matthew 



!>■..-. >.,,,, ,i, , li. _•. t- «n derk; I \ I 

i: li II. Bartlett, selectmen ; Isaac Smith. re| 

1866.— Andrew .1 l..« ke, town clerk . lugtu 

-ailh. -iinii-l Wil-,ii. M-h-ctlni'ti ; ('. A. Applet., n, I ,pi,--.lit.,ti\ , . 

1867 ll I Locke, t,,\Mi« hi k . Anj-i-lii.- W|]-.. li, Matthew !'■ |. 

-.lith. S-iiiiii- I W i'-ii, -I,-, linen : ('. A. Applet, ,11, l,-pI.-,-,,l ,1 n ,- 

1868. IndrewJ. Loi ke, town, lerk ; Matthew Forsaith, Hiram Bt wn, 
I.'. .1. Itim-ham, M-l.-i tmen . An-ii-lii- \\ il- n. i- ||,-, ntative. 

1st,-'. — Jam. - i' lii.a---. li.wnelei-k . Matth.-u Forsaith, I; 
Dana B. II... II.., k, selectmen . Augustus Wilson, n presentative. 

1870.— Cristy Gregg town clerk ; I- I Bartl H D B Hadlock, S II 
I. i ... Belei 'in, i. : Mattle-u l-..i-..iil.. i. pi.-, ntative 

1871.— Cristy Gregg, t t clerk Samuel H Jones, R. J. Bingham, 

\n,lie\\ I I.... k. . - 1. ■ t . \| .til., i, 1 ■ -i -. ;r I .. i. pi , — -nl ,1 1 , , 

1872.— Alvin Tubbs, towncIerk;A .1.1. Royal E Otis, M M. 

I',„lmaii, -.-I,-, tin, -Il ; It,„lney.l. Panel I ,-pl, -.lilatli --. 

1873.— Henry Gove, lowiielerk ; .1. s. i;ilni«, ....:, Alm.m Putney,.!. '.. 



Putney, i. ... 

I ■ rry, W 1 

i C. Ferry, W 



lia It. Ha, II... k. I- pi,— litatl- 

.mi clerk; II. i: mi-, Han 
Dana It Hadloi k, represenl 




m «J 



^ 



7/ 



1878.— J. G. Morrill, town clerk, \V. K. Whitaker, Harrison C. Ferry, 
William T. Smith, selectmen ; Aim. .11 Putney, representative. 

187S 1 G Morrill, town clerk; W.F. Whitaker Harris ' Ferry, 

William T Smith, ■..■!.■. Imi.-ii , Union Pntii.-y, re|.r.wiitiitiie. 

1880.— Alvin Tubbs. townrlerk; M. Forsaith, B P I ■■ -•> J - l 11 "- 
« I, selectmen Chai ' otative. 

1881.— Alvin Tubbs, town clerk; 51 Forsaith, R. P. Creesy, J.S. Ellin- 



1882.— Alvin Tubbs, town clerk ; M. Forsaith, G -ge H. Sears, Wil- 
liam H. Gilmore, selectmen ; Scott F. Dow, representative 

L883.— Alvin Tubbs, town clerk; M. I aith, George H. Sears, 

Charles F. Gove, selectmen. 

1884.— Alvin Tubbs, town clerk ; M. Forsaith, George H. Sears, 
Charles F. Govi . Belei tmen : Matthew Forsaith, representative. 

1885.— Alvin Tubbs, town clerk ; M Forsaith, G ge H. Sears, Wil- 
liam H (iilm.Mv, selectmen. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SK ETC IIES. 



JAMES GREGG. 

The first name of this family of which we have 
record is Hugh 1 Gregg, a Scotchman, who had a son, 
Alexander 2 , who was born November 22 (old style!, 
174i;, and died, date unknown. He married Mary 
Christie-, who was born June 14 (old style), 17411, 
and died September 13, 1817. 

The children from this union were Jane 3 , born 
November 29, 1774, and died September 11, 1822; 
Hugh 3 , born October 14, 1776, and died April 12, 
1859; Peter C.\ horn August 26, 1778, and died in 
1869; Alexander 3 , horn November 27, 1780, and died 
January, 1834; James 3 , born March 29, 1784, and 
died July 5, 1811 ; Samuel 3 , born April 26, 1786, and 
died July 13, 1849; Anna 3 , horn August 21, 1789, and 
died February 4. 1834; Reuben 3 , horn May 19, 1793, 
and died July 7,1871. 

Samuel . who died in Deering, N. H., married, first, 
Lydia Dodge. She was born July 15, 1784, and died 
November 8, 1826. She had six children,— Eunice 4 , 
horn January 21, 1812, and married Mr. James Ful- 
ton, of Deering, whose portrait is to be found in this 
volume; James*, the subject of this sketch, who was 
born August 18, 1814, and died, unmarried, February 
9,1871; Asenath', horn September 13, 1816, and died 
September 12, 1855 ; Samuel*, born March 18, L819, 
and died February 3, 1879; Lydia A.', horn March 6, 
1822; Rebecca 4 , born April 5, 1825, and died August 
23,1850. The second wife was Mary Currier, who 
died December 1 1 , 1865. 

Another very important branch of the Gregg 
family is that of Anna ; . who was married, in 1810, to 
Enos Merrill, of Deering, and had seven children, — 
Anna A.*, born December 5, 1811, and died August 
27, 1837; Charlotte L.*, born January 20. 1813, and 
died April 29, 1861; Hannah 4 , born April 20,1815, 
and died July 10, 1834; Thomas A. 4 , born March 17, 
1817, is living; Mary J. C.\ born February 27, 1819, 
and died December 6, 1837; Lydia A 4 , born Novem- 
ber 17, 1825, and died December 30, 1864; Eliza J.', 
born August 30, 1827, and died September 2, 1854. 



Mr. Gregg was born in Deering, N. 11. His boy- 
hood was passed on his father's farm. The common 
district schools of the town were attended by him, 
and he early showed a fondness for books, and, desir- 
ing better educational advantages went to Hopkin- 
ton Academy for a time, and, later, finished at Han- 
cock Academy. He learned the mason's trade, and 
worked at it in the summer mouth- for several years, 
ami in the winter taught school in 1 leering ami in 
the adjoining towns, and was successful. Never of a 
vol. usi constitution, his health failed; and on this 
account, with a desire for outdoor work, he took up 
book-canvassing, and, for several years, followed it 
in many parts of the country, but chiefly through the 
West. He was careful and prudent in his money 
matters, and in the western country found it greatly 
to his advantage to make loans on real estate, bj 
which means he became rich. Mr. Gregg was a 
member of the Free-Soil party, entertained broad 
views on religious subjects, and was liberal in his 
contributions to the cause of religion. It was during 
his travels through the country, and from his intimate 
contact with the people, that he discovered the need 
of Ilililes among the poorer classes, which need he 
most nobly met by a gift to the American Bible So- 
ciety of twenty-three thousand dollars. 

Mr. Gregg 'lied at the residence of Joseph 11. 
Vaught, at Shopiere, Wis., where he had made 
his home for many year-, beloved by all who knew 
him. and, through the American Bible Society, his 
influence will lie felt for many years. The beautiful 
steel portrait of Mr. Gregg was donated by his eldest 
sister, Mrs. Fulton, of Methuen, Mass. 

JAMES FULTON. 

The ancestors of Mr. Fulton were Scotch-Irish, and 
came to America at an early date. The first definite 
record is of Robert 1 , of Francestown, X. H., who 
was born in June. 1752. He married Sarah Brown, 
who was horn in July, 1750. Her mother came from 
Scotland and settled in Derry, N. II. Robert 1 had 
six children, all boys, who were horn as follows: 

Alexander-, horn May 17. 177.:; Samuel 2 , born 
June 4. 1775; James 2 , horn October 18, 1777; John-, 
horn February 0, 1780; Jonathan-', horn June 25, 
1782; Robert 2 , horn October 12. 1785. 

James* married Hannah Faulkner, April 0, 1803. 
She was horn July 24. 1779, and died Dei embi 1 !0, 
is:;;;. There were ten children from this union, as 
follows: Betsy 3 , born December 30, 1803, died No- 
vember 8, 1828; James 3 (the subject of this sketch), 
born April 3. 1806; Lyman ', horn December 0, 1807, 
died December 30,1879; Jenny", horn February 27, 
l-in, died March 2-. L880; Robert 3 , horn July 2, 
1812, is living; Curtis", horn July 31, 1814, died May 
2'.'. 1850; Abiel 3 , horn September 18, 1816, died in 
infamy; Mary : , horn November 10. 1818, died May 
10. 1842; Charles ; , horn January 13. 1821, died He- 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



cember 30, 1*47 ; Hannah 3 , burn August 25, 1823, is 
living. 

Mr. Fulton was born in Deering, N. II. His 
father, James-', who first saw the light of Jay in the 
stirring times of the Revolution, was a farmer, and 
young Fulton, with his brothers, assisted in the farm- 
work, and, being the oldest boy, was a leader in the 
work as well as the -ports incident to the times. 
Hi- educational advantages were limiteJ to such as 
were obtainable in the common schools of the town. 
and his attendance there was limited to a few months 
in the winter season, as the summer months were 
given to the usual round of farm duties. The farm 
of the Fultons was one of the best to be found in 
this rugged section. At the age of twenty-two he 
left the old home and went into the machine-shop 
of John Smith & Co., at Andover, Mass., where he 
remained three and a half years, doing general work 
for a stipulated sum of money. < >wing to the failing 
health of his parents. Mr. Fulton returned to the 
farm, and his father gave him a half-interest in it. 
and he cared for them as long as they lived. Mr. 
Fulton was successful as a farmer, and, December 1. 
1-::."', married Eunice, daughter of Captain Samuel 
and Lydia (Dodge) Gregg, of Deering, by which union 
there were born live children, — Lydia A.', born Sep- 
tember 23, 1836; Joseph II'.', born September 7. 1839; 
Hannah J.\ bom August 3, 1842, died October 30, 
1881 ; Charles J., 4 born December 25, 1848: MarvE* 



born July 7, 1853. These children were born in 
Deering. 

Joseph IF.' married, first, Laura A. Harnden, who 
bore him two sons, — James Arthur"' and Warren 
l rregg 6 , — and she died February 10, 1871. His second 
wife was Lucy A. Sargent. Charles J.' married Mary 
A. Wilson, who bore him two children, — John W. 5 and 
Charles Warren 5 , who died August 12, 1879. Mary 
E. 4 was married to Irving G. Rowell, of Weare, N. H., 
and has two children, Alice M.\ born in Manchester, 
N. IL, and Charles W.\ born in Sunapee, N. II. 

Mr. Fulton : was a Whig, ami when the Repub- 
lican party was formed he joined it, and up to the 
present time has maintained its principles and exer- 
ci-cd his right of franchise in support of its candi- 
dal, is to public office. In religious belief Mr. Fulton 3 
is a Congregationalist, and has always been a liberal 
contributor to the support of, and a constant at- 
tendant upon, public worship, and his daily life has 
ever been consistent and devoted. Mr. Fulton ■' held 
a commission from Governor Hill as captain in the 
New Hampshire militia. In 1873, his parents having 
passed away. Mr. Fulton : sold the farm in Deering 
and removed to Methuen, Mass., where his two sons 
had established themselves in a successful mercantile 
business, and there, in a pretty cottage in the suburbs 
of that lovely village, he is passing his declining years, 
in company with hi- beloved wife, surrounded by com- 
forts befitting the closing years of a successful life. 







t&irrz&J J/6 



; ///v// 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH. 



REV. HARRY BRICKETT, M. 



CHAPTER I. 



The town of Hillsborough 1ms made a good record 
among the towns of Hillsborough County, to which 
it has had the honor of giving its name. It is my 
purpose to sketch briefly its history. The litera- 
ture of the town, the sources from which its history 
may be gathered, and from which I shall truly glean, 
are rich in facts— in some cases scattered very widely 
at random— and are as follows: 1. " The Annals of 
Hillsborough," by Charles .lames Smith, of Mont 
Vernon, delivered in a lecture before the Hillsborough 
Lyceum in 1841, it being the one hundredth anniver- 
sary of the first settlement of the town, rich in 
scattered material and full of genuine interest, show- 
ing commendable accuracy of research. Mr. Smith 
was then a young man, twenty-one years of age. lie 
is enjoying life at home in Mont Vernon. II. A 
very readable article in the first volume of the Granite 
Monthly, published at I loncord, from the pen of ( lolo- 
nel Franklin H. Pierce, of Hillsborough, a member 
of the bar, recently appointed judge-advocate of the 
Amoskeag Veterans, and United States consul to 
•Matanzas, Cuba. Mr. Pierce is the nephew, name- 
sake and heir of the late ex-President Franklin 
Pierce. III. Facts gathered and published under the 
title of " Early Town Papers," by Hon. Isaac W. 
Hammond, of Concord, Deputy Secretary of State. 
IV. "Military History of New Hampshire," by the 
late Hon. Chandler E. Potter, of Hillsborough. V. 
" History of New Hampshire ( 'luircbcs," by Rev. R.S. 
Lawrence. VI. The will-kept records of the town. 
VII. "Tin' Press of Hillsborough County," prepared by 
Edward D. Boylson, of Amherst, a practical printer, 
an interesting and valuable history. In addition, 
I should mention the memory of aged citizens of the 
town, to whose well-told tales of early times in Hills- 
borough I have often listened with thrilling interest: 
such as the late James Chase. Perkins Cooled ■ Ion 
athan Gould, Captain William Booth and the ven- 
erated school-teacher of the long ago, Miss Clarissa 
Stow, daughter of Deacon Joel Stow, of Stow Moun- 
tain farm. 

It will appear from the records that the first settlers 



did good, if not the best, work. They were men and 
women, too. of pluck and endurance, just the ones to 
settle in what was then a wilderness infested with 
what were objects of terror to women. — bears and In- 
dians. Their hardy frontier life titted the men to 
become good soldiers. 

In all the wars in which the nation has been in- 
volved, — the Cape Breton War, from 17-14 to 174U. in- 
clusive; the French ami Indian War; the War of the 
American Revolution ; the War of 1812; the Florida 
War; the war with Mexico, undertaken " to conquer 
a peace : " the War of the Rebellion, the fiercesl and 
bloodiest of them all, — in all these wars Hillsborough 
lias had a full part; its men have fought in the Held, 
their blood has been shed and lives have been sacri 
ficed. Hillsborough has furnished a full share of 
brave officers who led "to victory or to death." It 
will lie found that the early settlers of the town were 
simple and frugal in their habits, and in their food 
made free use of milk and broth. It was the day of 
samp and bean porridge. The forests abounded in 
wild game, --the bear, the moose and the deer. The 
drumming of the partridge was heard in all directions, 
ami the brooks and rivers afforded a plentiful supply 
of fish, — the trout, the perch and the salmon. Trav- 
eling for the most part was on foot ; the roads were 
simply bridle-paths for years, and ail riding was on 
horseback, often two on the same animal. The pil- 
lion was a well-known article, and one often used on 
Sundays. 

As it is not originality of fact-, but only their dis- 
covery, solution, right arrangement and clear state- 
ment, that is required of a historian, I shall take well- 
authenticated facts from whatever source I may 
be aide without, in all cases, statitcj tin- source. 

It will be my object to condense into the smallest 
compass that will allow the presentation of the most 
important and interesting facts in the clearest light. 
1 desire lo bring Hillsborough, past and present, its 
original settlers. it> military achievements, its topog- 
raphy, the occupations of its citizens, its corporate 
industries, its professions, its progress in social life, 
in fine, Hillsborough and all that concerns it,— into a 
full and clear view. Very likely, after the greatest 
care in sifting facts that is possible, some things, taken 
for granted because so many times repeated without 



:-;:>:! 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



contradiction, may be over or understated, and at this 
lapse of time, and especially mi account of the dis- 
appearance of several generations of actors and the 
absence of well-authenticated documents, it may he 
found impossible to get any nearer the truth. It has 
recently been stated, on reliable authority, — of Walter 
Gibson, A. B., historian of Concord, — that original 
documents ami records of several towns, including 
Hillsborough, were known to be in existenci in 
181~>, in the possession of uneSarson Belcher, a hatter 
of Boston, deceased. Mr. Belcher was the executor 
of the will of Colonel John Hill, proprietor of the 
town of Hillsborough, and for whom the town was 
named. It is is hoped, though not confidently ex- 
pected, that these papers may yet lie in the posses- 
sion of Belcher's heir-, and may tall into the bands 
of the loeal historians of the towns interested, viz. : 
Hillsborough, Bindge, >"•« Boston and Peterborough. 
They woldd hi' of great value, whether corrobora- 
tive or corrective. 

Topography.— The town of Hillsborough is in the 
northwest corner of Hillsborough ( 'minty. The original 
grant to Colonel Hill was for a section "about six 
miles square." Looking at it on a good map, it has 
the appearance of having two opposite parallel sides 
pressed a little together, forcing, thereby, an acute 
ust one of the .-ides of Sullivan County and 
the town of Washington, in that county, and forcing a 
corner of Hillsborough into that town a considerable 
distance. It is bounded on the north by Washington 
and Bradford, on the east by Henniker, on the south 
by Deering and Antrim and on the west by Windsor 
and Washington. It is in latitude i' } , '>' north and 
in longitude 5° 5' east. Its first line, beginning at 
the southeast corner of Henniker, deflects to the 
south 5° 30' from due west. The surface of the town 
is greatly diversified with hill and valley, so much so 
that it is popularly, though erroneously, believed 
that this fact gave to the town its name of Hills- 
borough. There is, however, a limited extent of 
level land along th urse of it- streams. 

Rivers. — The town is liberally, more than the aver- 
age, supplied with living streams of water. The 
largest of these is the Contoocook, an important 
river, that assumes the name Contoocook — an Indian 
name meaning a place of crows—just as it enters 
the limits of the town at the corners of Deering and 
Antrim It is formed by the union of two consider- 
able streams, called, respectively, the South Branch 
and the North Branch, forming a union near the 
corners above mentioned. 

The principal stream — the South Branch — takes its 
rise in the elevated swamps of Bindge, in full view 
from the railroad between Peterborough and Win- 
ehendon. It is augmented by streams from the 
eastern slope of the Monadnock Mountain and from 
the numerous lakelets lying at its base. It is still 
further increased by the drainage of Peterborough, 
« rreenfield in part. Bennington, Hancock and Stoddard 



in part, so that it becomes of itself no inconsiderable 
stream. But as it enters Hillsborough it is greatly 
increased in quantity of water by the confluence of 
the North Branch, which rises in Horse-shoe Pond, 
on the west side of Lovell's Mountain, in Washing- 
ton, forming Long Pond in Stoddard, flowing through 
a portion of Antrim, giving its own name to a 
flourishing village in the town of Antrim. Flowing 
a short distance in Hillsborough, which it enters on 
the south line, passing through the Lower village, it 
soon receives the waters of the Hillsborough River, 
SO called, and the united streams join the South 
Branch, and they together form the Contoocook. 
The Hillsborough River takes its first supply from 
the drainage of the eastern slope of Lovell's .Moun- 
tain, increased by a stream Mowing from the marshy 
grounds of Bradford. It runs somewhat diagonally 
through the town for a distance of about seven miles. 
It is increased also by the drainage of the ponds in 
Windsor and from the Symond meadows, in Hills- 
borough. The stream which comes from the west 
does good work in turning wheel and driving ma- 
chinery at the Upper Village, in Hillsborough. The 
Hillsborough River joins with the North Branch 
near the foundry near the residence, for so many 
years, of Major Charles I). Bobbins, now of Bradford. 
The Contoocook, thus formed, becomes an important 
river, bearing an unfailing supply of water, available 
for industrial purposes as it (lows through the Hills- 
borough Bridge village, and for its size it is doubtful 
if it can lie surpassed by any stream in New England. 
There is descent enough for all practical purposes, 
and suitable locations for mills for a long distance 
down the river. There is no reason in the nature of 
things — except distance lrom market — why it should 
not, in time, create a rival of Lawrence or Lowell. 

The town is also well watered with brooks, one 
plentifully supplied with the speckled trout, but 

which are, for the most part, anions the g 1 things 

that were, but are not. There are also three con- 
siderahle ponds in town, viz.: Loon, a half-mile north 
of the Centre; Contention, about a mile northwest 
of Loon; and Campbell's Pond, in the eastern part, 
near the Henniker line and in the neighborhood of 
Jonathan Gould. Loon Pond deserves the name of 
a lake. It is much frequented as a summer resort. 
Seekers of rest and recreation began living in tents, 
as in tin- nomadic age; now cottages are going up on 
its shores. It abounds in bass, pickerel and pouts, 
and, in their season, the water lily. 

As has been said, it well deserves the name of lake, 
for it is about two miles in length by three-quarters 
of a mile in width in its widest part. It is nearly 
surrounded with a fine forest growth. The waters 
arc clear, cool in the hottest weather, and deep, and 
tin- fish caught from it are consequently of line flavor 
and of the b.,t quality. Those who own the land 
bordering claim the sovereignty of its waters; never- 
theless it is open and free to all comers. The late 



HII.LSIiOROUGH. 



;;:):: 



John Gilbert, of Boston, who owned a summer resi- 
dence at the Centre, to which he had all his children 
and grandchildren repair to spend the summer 
months, had a well-trodden path to the harbor, where 
he kept his boats upon its cool and salubrious waters. 
A- a regular caiuping-LiTound lor spending one's vaca- 
tion, Loon Pond was first brought prominently into 
notice by Rev. Harry L. Brickett, of Lynnfield 
('.■ntre, Mass., the successful principal of Valley 
Academj and Union School, at Hillsborough Bridge, 
for three years, from 1876 to 1879, inclusive. Here 
he spent his summer vacations, in good part residing 
in camp and fishing. He entertained hosts of friends 
with fried lish and chowders which he prepared with 
his own hands, to the enjoyment of those who visited 
him, camping in the quiet and beauty of this sylvan 
lakeside retreat. Now the enterprising editor of the 
Hillsborough Messenger, Charles W. Hutchins. lias 
built a summer-house for campers upon its banks, and 
every year many are the camping-parties that make 
merry upon its pleasant shores. The writer would 
suggest that, in memory of the late John Gilbert, of 
Boston, who for many years has done so much for 
Hillsborough Centre, it be called Lake Gilbert. 
Although the surface is so much diversified with hills 
and valleys, yet its elevations are hardly high enough 
to be called mountains, and most of the land has, at 
some time, been cleared to the very top of its highest 
hill. There is, however, one elevation famous in the 
early settlement of the town, which has received 
the name of Stow's Mountain., located in the north- 
west part of the town, in what is now best known as 
the Edgar Hazen neighborhood, and in that school 
district. Deacon Joel Stow (the father of one better 
known than he, — Clarissa Stow, to whom so many 
owe their first good start in learning) lived on the 
southeast slope of this mountain. Justus Pike lived 

highest up. A fen years ago— just before the war— 
liis house was taken down, brought to Hillsborough 
Bridge, and re-erected as a tenement-house just in 
the rear of the Methodist meeting-house. 

A part of the farm of James M. Wilkins, near tin- 
Centre, — which, by the way, is made to he a very pro- 
ductive farm, — is on very high ground. As you go 
east towards Henniker from his farm the land rises to 
a great height, from which the view on a clear daj is 
extensive and grand. A lon- stretch of the White 
Mountain range is seen, and sometimes Mount Wash- 
ington itself. 

The lowest part of the town is a little to the east of 
Hillsborough Bridge. It is up-hill from the bridge 
every way. except along the river road leading from 
Henniker to Peterborough, through Hillsborough 
Bridge village. That, for the most part, is a level road. 
The land rises gradually from the valley of the Con- 
toocook, going north. A very hilly road leads from 
the Bridge village to the Centre through -one of che 
best farms in town, — Baker's, Dutton's, the Clarkes', 
Taylor's and others. Another road, ci'"ssiuj.r the road 



from Hillsborough Bridge to the Lower village, at the 
distance of one mile, at the Deacon Sawyer place, now 

owned and occupied by Gawn Mills, leads over Bible 
Hill, owned and occupied by good farmers, then de- 
scends into a fertile valley, whence it climbs the rest 
of the way to the Centre. About two miles further 
south is the Old New Hampshire turnpike, leading 
through the Lower and Upper villages and on to 
Washington. The roads through the Centre lead lo 
East Washington and Bradford. Overthese roads, and 
converging towards the same point, the Centre, all of 
the people of the town once traveled on the Lord's 
Day to the one house of worship. The Centre was 
once an important village, and had its store and 
blacksmith-shop; but these long since disappeared. 
Death and removals have thinned its population and 
weakened its strength, old and venerable men, once 
its strength and pride, have been dropping away one 
by one. and few young people are willing to stay on 
the good old farms to make their places good. The 
recent death of Mr. John Gilbert, a native of the 
Centre, a resident and business man in Boston during 
inaii\ years, has saddened the hearts of the people 
at the Centre, among whom he was accustomed to 

spend the summer months at bis residence there. 

The Soil.— Hillsborough has a strong and, for the 
most part, productive soil, complained of, however, by 
not a tew, for its rocks and for being hard to cultivate. 
It once abounded in forests, some of which now re- 
main, greatly diminished — especially within easy 
reach of the railroad station— during the last, twenty- 
five years. As a compensation for this, large tracts 
of hill land Lave been allowed to return again to 
the condition of forests. Much of the new growth is 
now large enough lor lumber. The tall and stately 
white pines that once abounded, reserved in the orig- 
inal charter for the King's navy, have now almost 
wholly disappeared, though, as it turned out, Kin- 
George had but very few of them. Most of those 
now standing are of second growth. 

The trees in the forests are of the usual kind found 
in other towns in tin- vicinity, — such as hemlocks, 
spruces (not so abundant), the ash, the oak (of several 
kinds, white and red), beech, white, red and rock or 
sugar maple, the butternut, fir-balsam (rich in liquid 
gum) and the cherry. 

The sugar maple (Acer sun-hart nam) deserves 
especial notice. It abounds in town. These Hers 
have been spared in the general demolition for their 
value as deposits from which sugar is so readily ob- 
tained at a season of the year when other kinds of 
work are not so pressing. In one section of the town 
the sugar orchards of Wilkins, Clark Brothers and 
Dr. Dutton are noted for the quality and amount of 
sugar produced. 

The Clark Brothers exhibited specimens at the 
Centennial Exhibition at Philadelphia in 1876, and 
received honorable mention, and a correspondence 
was solicited by the agent of the French government 



394 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



in regard to the subject ami was carrier] mi from the 
department at home, in Paris. The writer of this ar- 
ticle had the pleasure of reading and translating the 
letters to the (.'lark Brothers from Paris, and knows 
that they were full of valuable information on the 
subject of sugar products and highly complimentary 
to the Chirks. 

Great pains are taken by the best sugar-makers to 
keep the sap perfectly sweet and clean from its exu- 
dation from the tree to its entering the evaporating 
apparatus, s<> that it comes to market white, clean 
and pure. 

Settlements. — The first settlement in Hillsbor- 
ough, made in 1741, was one hundred and eighteen 
years after the first made in the colony, in Dover, in 
lti2:;, under the lead of Gorges & Mason, proprietors, 
by the favor of James I., of England. They sent out 
two small colonies. Their charter, embracing New 
Hampshire, included the territory lying between the 
sea and the St. Lawrence, and the rivers Kennebec 
and Merrimack. Massachusetts colony set up a claim 
to New Hampshire, in part, to all north of the Merri- 
mack, and for many years the two colonies were 
united under one government. But in 1741, the very 
year that the first settlement was commenced in Hills- 
borough (then called No. 7). a final separation was 
effected between the two colonies. The separation 
was peaceably gained. 

The first known visit of white men to I lite- site of 
Hillsborough was in that year. Before 1741 it had 
been the unrestricted ami favorite resort of Indians, 
as is known by the numerous Indian implements dug 
up in the process of cultivating the land with the 
plow anil hoe along the margins of the streams. 
Where Hillsborough Bridge village stands (a place 
where there are natural falls in the river) it appears 
that they had a common resort. It is supposed thai 
the Pennicook tribe claimed the whole region bor- 
dering the Contoocook River through its entire length. 
Traces of thai tribe have been found along the whole 
of that river and its tributaries, even to the region id' 
the Monadnock. Indian relics have been found 
through the valleys bordering the Contoocook and its 
tributaries. 

In the year 1741 Hillsborough was an unbroken 
forest; not only so, it was the part of an almost un- 
broken wilderness, extending west to the Connecticut 
River and to the north indefinitely. Here and there 
a few settlements had been commenced, — one such by 
a single family in Antrim. In that year the boundary 
line was definitely settled between the colonies of Mas- 
sachusetts and New Hampshire by a royal decree 
of Charles I., of England, and the township of Hills- 
borough (No. 7) was granted by Massachusetts to 
Colonel John Hill. He afterwards obtained a quit- 
claim from the original proprietors or their heirs. 
Gorges & Mason. He could then give an undoubted 
title to the land to those who came and bought of him. 
Colonel Hill immediately employed and sent a com- 



petent surveyor from Boston to run the town lines and 
divide it into one hundred acre lots, and at once threw 
the land open for settlement. A small party re- 
sponded favorably to bis invitation, and came on to 
make themselves homes at a great distance from 
neighbors. 
The First Settlers.— The principal of the first to 

come with axe and pick-hoe were Samuel Gibson, 
.lames Lyon. Robert McCluer and James McColley. 

Ihe new settlers set themselves vigorously at work. 
They wrought with a will in felling trees, clearing 
with tire and axe, and putting in seed so as to raise 
something to keep the wolf — hunger — from the door 
and supply other necessaries of life; tor at their dis- 
tance from any market it would not be easy to con- 
vert ready money — if they had any that was converti- 
ble — into bread, meat, garments and other necessa- 
ries. Wool and Sax, their own products, wrought 
into form by the skill and industry of woman's hands, 
milk from the home cow. bread from the growth of 
the newly-cleared fields, meat brought down by the 
trusty rifle were the means by which the early set- 
tlers lived in those early "(lays that tried men's 
souls." But not only for themselves at their homes, 
but for those, too, in the tield fighting in a common 
cause, must they make provision. They bravely met 
all these numerous demands. 

As an evidence of their good faith in starting this 
new settlement, they began from the very first to 
make provision to supply their spiritual wants which 
they regarded as absolutely imperative. They built 
a meeting-house, presumably of hewn logs, for at 
that early day. 1741 to 174f>. there were no saw-mills 
in the limits of the town, and none nearer than New 
Boston. It met their wants. In one luxury, how- 
ever, they indulged. The meeting-house was fur- 
nished with glass windows and with a bell, in use — at 
bast a few years ago — in ( iroton, Mass. This build- 
ing was located, as is believed, on the site of the 
buildings of the Clark Brothers, about half-way be- 
tween the Bridge and Centre villages. At the same 
place they erected also a parsonage. Young men 

came with their wives to create a I • for themseh es 

and families, as they hoped, for life. Itrequiredno 
small courage for tender and delicate women, in the 
freshness of their lives, to start for a howling wilder- 
ness full of terrors, at least for women and children, 
— terrors from hostile Indians, against whom it was 
necessary to keep a constant watch and guard. The 
Indian- doubtless felt that they were an injured race, 
as thc-\- saw their hunting and fishing-grounds inter- 
fered with by the pale-faces, and their forests disap- 
pearing under the blows of the woodman's axe and 
the fire. There, too. roamed ai large the bear, some- 
times exceedingly tierce when called upon to defend 
her young, provoked then to show signs of hostility. 

James McColley, of Scotch Irish descent, a native 
of the north of Londonderry, which has furnished 
men unsurpassed in noble and heroic achievements, 



HILLSBOROUGH. 



took up his place of abode at what is now the Bridge 
village, on the ground now familiarly known as the 
Gyrus Sargent place, owned and occupied at the pres- 
ent time by the Hoyts. He built his log cabin— all the 
first hi 'uses were ot'logs — beside a huge granite bi tuli ler, 
which many years ago was blasted into fragments for 
building purposes and cleared wholly away. In this 
rude cabin was horn into his family, January 18, 1742, 
the first child bom of white parents in the town of 
Hillsborough. He was named John. He grew up to 
have a history. 

At an early age John McColley became a soldier in 
the King's army against tin- French and Indians; af- 
terwards he was a soldier in the American army 
against the same King (George the Third), and was 
among those sent to drive Burgoyne out of the coun- 
try. This campaign was the turning-point in the War 
of the Revolution. 

Another event, which also proved to be historical, 
took place in No. 7, the new town just settled. 
A daughter, Elizabeth, was born into the family of 
Samuel Gibson, in another log cabin, built where S. 
M. Baker now lives, on the road from the Bridge to 
the Centre, May 19, 1742, just four months, lacking a 
day, from the birth of John McColley. In due time, 
at an early age,— early enough, twenty-five years — 
they were married in Litchfield, received a present 
of a farm from Colonel Hill, the proprietor, and re- 
moved to Hillsborough and made it their home. 

In the same year (1741 ), ami perhaps at the same 
time, came Francis Graham— a name afterwards 
changed to Grimes, as the name Graham itself has 
been changed from tin- old Scotch Graeme. Francis 
Graham was the grandfather of John Grimes, himself 
the father of a large family, a- families are now 
reckoned, — six sons and two daughters. ( Ine of these 
children died in infancy. The oldest of his sons, 
Hiram, is the father of Colonel James F. Grimes, 
whose life will be briefly sketched in this history. So 
far a- can be traced, the third child born in the town 
was Ann Graham, daughter of Francis; born in 174H; 
married Deacon William McKean and died July 12, 
1825. Deacon McKean was grandfather of Frank 
McKean, once candidate for Governor in the State. 
The name Graham, as has been stated, became, for 
some reason not now known, changed to < rrimes. 

It would be interesting to know, if we could, the 
amount of land cleared, the number and quality of 
the buildings erected and the number and names of 
the children born during this first settlement, lasting 
from 1741 to 1746. We must remember that Hills- 
borough was then absolutely new to white men; it 
was a wilderness, and a part of a still larger wilder- 
ness, with only here ami there an opening, hardly 
making a noticeable break in the mighty stretch of 
forests that covered the entire land. New Boston had 
a few settlers; Peterborough and Hopkinton a few; 
Antrim had one in the very northeast corner of the 
town, nearest Hillsborough. Neighbors were not 
21) 



near enough to annoy in times of peace, nor to aid in 
times of danger from any sudden irruption id' sav- 
ages or beasts. 
The Cape Breton War. 1744-46.— It is easy to 

conceive the alarm felt in the little settlement when, 
in three years from the time of their coming, in 1744, 
news came that war had been declared between 
France and ( treat Britain, and ilia i. in consequence of 
that declaration of hostilities, the colonists in New 
England were affected unfavorably. A war on this 
side of if.' water, called " the Cape Breton War," was 
waged with great severity. An expedition was fitted 
out, in which New Hampshire bore a large share, the 
aim of which was to capture Louisburg, on Cape 
Breton, in Nova Scotia. 'I'll,' expedition was started 
in the autumn of 1744. Louisburg fell into their 
hands in the spring of 171"'. By the fall of this fort- 
ress the French were greatly enraged. The Indian 
allies of the French were urged— nothing loth— to 
make a destructive invasion upon the thinly-settled 
towns in New Hampshire. These reports caused a 
hasty retreat of the new settlers from their rudely- 
constructed homes. They made the more haste from 
the news that came from Hopkinton, with only the 
township of Henniker between them and their treach- 
erous foes, — the distance only some twelv : fifteen 

miles. They had learned that a large body of 
Indians— they went in companies of fifty or sixty— 

wer i the war-path, and made, in the dead "I night, 

an irruption into Hopkinton on the 22d of April, 
174ii. By the negligence of one who had gone out to 
hunt, the door of the block-house had been carelessly 
left unfastened. The Indians rushed in fully armed, 
and seized and carried oil' eight prisoners. When the 
Indians were about there was no safety in isolated 
houses, for they kept themselves hid for the most 
pari during the day ; if they did not, they showed no 
open hostility ; but in the darkness of the night, dur- 
ing the defenseless hours of sleep, they made their 
attacks with tomahawk, scalping-knife and tire. 
Common prudence seemed to make it necessary for 
the settlers, few in numbers and scattered at wide 
intervals over the town, to leave. Tin' Cape Breton 
War virtually closed between France and England 
soon after the fall of Louisburg ; but the Indians were 
slow to learn it and unwilling to settle down in peace. 
The only way in which the settlers in new towns 
could stay was by converting their strongest house 
into a block-house lor a common defense. The doors 
and windows were strongly barricaded, and all the 
inhabitants brought into it for protection. All work 
outside was done under the protection of an armed 
guard, and the greatest precaution would be taken 
against surprises. The news of the attack of the 
Indians upon Hopkinton in the dead of night, and 
tin' seizure of prisoners, caused a sudden departure of 

all the original s.-ttlers from the place. So, conceal- 
ing, a- tar a- practicable, their heavier articles of 
furniture and implements of husbandry, carrying 



:i:m; 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



lighter articles by hand and driving their cattle be- 
fore them, they start for the lower towns. Indians 
had been seen lurking about the tails, where the 
Bridge village is, so they thought it prudent to Start 
at once. 

Philip Riley, the only settler at the time in 
Antrim, the one referred to as living in the northeast 
corner of the town, on what is familiarly known as 
the Whittemore place (formerly the home of Judge 
Jacob Whittemore), wont with them and acted as 
guide. They were more than satisfied with their ex- 
perience of frontier life. The first settlement con- 
tinued five years or a little more,— from 1741 to 174fl. 
Fear of the Indians drove them away. We can see 

that the first settlers did not leave without g I cause, 

I learn from the " Military History of New Hamp- 
shire," u ritten with great painstaking and accuracy of 
detail by the late Judge C. E. Potter, a resident of 
Hillsborough, that the (ape Breton War was under- 
taken mainly to wrest the fortress of Louisburg ouf 
of the hands of the French, through the New Eng- 
land troops, under command of Major Vaughn, of 
Portsmouth. 

Governor Benning Wentworth was the first < rovernor 
of the colonj of New Hampshire, and he entered vig- 
orously into making preparations for the di fense of 
the colony. In May, 1744, he sent out forty-one men 
under Captain TebbitS as scouts. These were not 

ordered to any particular place, hut to 1 i the 

lookout for the enemy, wherever they mighf be 
found. Some guards were statu 1 at the most ex- 
posed places, as at Canterbury, Contooeook and some 
other posts. Colonel Potter has given the muster- 
roll of Captain Tebbits. He has also given the mus- 
ter-roll of the men enlisted under ( 'aptain ( 'lough, as 
volunteers to keep garrison where ordered. In the 
autumn of 1744 the plan was arranged by Major Wil- 
liam Vaughn, of Portsmouth, for the capture of 
Louisburg. It was matured during the winter of 
1744-45, and the expedition set sail in March tor 
i!i< place ,,1' rendezvous. Louisburg was the strong- 
hold of the French on this continent, and from this 
place expeditions were titled out against the English 
colonies in this country. It was thought that, as this 
was the very key to the French possessions on this 
continent, nothing should lie left undone to gel pos- 
session of it. New Hampshire furnished for this 
campaign live hundred men, one-eighth of all the 
forces employed. A part of these served under Col- 
onel Moore, of Portsmouth, line hundred and fifty 
of the New Hampshire men were attached to a .Mas- 
sachusetts regiment. Louisburg fell into the hands 
of its assailants June l 7. 1745. 

Notwithstanding the tall of their stronghold, and 
perhaps in consequence of it. the French incited the 
Indians to renewed hostilities, so that they kept the 
people continually harassed, and oftentimes tilled 
with terrors at the unknown evils that might befall 
them. The people did their planting under the pro- 



tection oi a strong armed guard. Whenever a man 
had occasion to go to a neighbor's on an errand, he 
carried a loaded gun. Whenever he went to his 
bam, he went armed. While some were listening to 
a sermon inside the church, armed men walked to 
and IV.. on the outside for the s;.ke of prole, lion : and 
in case ,,(' the announcement of danger seen, the wor- 
shipers instantly seized their arms, and were ready 
for action at a minute's notice. 

As has been said, the Indians went in large parties 
of fifty or sixty. It is said that in Rumford (now 
Concord), August 10, 174U. a party was ambushed 
by the Indians; five were killed outright, two were 
taken prisoners; only one escaped. And this was 
done between two garrisons with full complements of 
men. and the most distant not more than a mile and 
a hah from the place. 

The French and Indian War, 1754r-63. — A 
greater war than the Cape Breton War broke out 

in 1754, called the French and Indian War, and 
continued until 1763, when, after various engage- 
ments resulting in great loss of blood and life on 
both sides, a treaty of peace was signed at Paris. It 
was in this war that Braddock was killed and Wash- 
ington fleshed his virgin sword in blood, and bravely 
conducted the defeated army from the very jaws of 
destruction into a place of safety. The experience 
thus gained aided Washington in after years in lead- 
ing the small yet heroic armies of the new republic 
safely on to victory and independence. 

New Hampshire bore a full share in this ill-fated 
war. — a war, forth.- most [.art. with savages, seem ing Ij 
without heart or conscience ; a war in which women 
and children wen- often the helpless victims; a war 
full of terrors, especially to the unarmed and defense- 
less. In 1763 it came to an end. In the mean time 
Colonel Hill had matured all the plans for resettling 
the town, now that danger from Indians lurking to kill 
wasover, and he was prepared, with the grant from 
Massachusetts, sanctioned by Governor Wentworth, 
and with a quit-claim from heirs of (Jorgcs & Mason, 
original proprietors, to give satisfactory titles to the 
laud. 

Resettlement.— In 1763, the year the last-named 
war closed. Colonel Hill had employed Daniel Camp- 
bell, of Amherst, a skillful surveyor, to run out anew 
the lines of the town, and divide it into one hun- 
dred acre lots. Soon settlers began to pour in who 
had come prepared to stay. The following is the list 
of those who were known to be there in 1767. One 
family came before the war closed. — in 1762, live years 
before. The rest came a few at a time, and were these, 
viz.: John McColley, Captain Samuel Bradford, 
Lieutenant Samuel Bradford, Jonathan Durant, Jon- 
athan Easty, Timothy Wilkins, John Gibson, Samuel 
Gibson, William Williams, Benjamin Lovejoy, Wil- 
liam l'ope, Jonathan Sargeant, Moses Steel, I-a.rc 
Baldwin, William Taggarl, Isaac Andrews. Ofthese, 
it will be remembered that John McColley was the 



HILLSBOROUGH. 



397 



fiist-born son and child in town. The two Gibsons 
were younger brothers of McColley's wife. The first 
settlers — who left during the Cape Breton War — 
never came backto Hillsborough to reside. Of these, 
there were eight or ten families living at the Centre, 
the Bridge and near the meeting-house which they had 
built, located between the two. On the return of 
peace everything was favorable for success. Those 
who purchased could obtain a good title to their land. 
True, they "ere not wholly relieved from anxiety from 
fear of the Indiana ; still, they knew that they had the 
protection of the militia ami every able-bodied man 
belonging to it, which could be called out for defense 
in seasons of danger at the shortest notice. The in- 
vestment in Hillsborough lands seemed to be popular. 
Lands were bought not for speculation, but tor homes. 
Men — young men — came with their wives, calculating 
to he contented ami stay. 

A won I of admiration is due to the eon rag eon- eon pie 
Daniel Murphy and his wife, who came from Chester, 
and settled on what was afterwards named, and has 
since been called, Bible Hill. They were truly 
pioneers. The traces of his cellar on the old Symonds 
place (now owned and occupied by Alonzo Tuttle) 
have been seen by persons now living. It is reported 
that at one time he left his wife alone more than two 
weeks, with no human habitation nearer than New 
Boston. Mr. Smith, the first annalist of Hillsborough, 
tells the story so well that I will quote his exact lan- 
guage— 

• 1 1., v .|. - -l..i. .,m i li:i\. I Hint siln.ili-.il in this ilroary solitude ! 

Sin- afterwards ivl.it. •.! thul ..ii mi. . ..'.... -i mi .,ver|.i.ueie.l tt'i.- sin M ;. 

sense of her Ion. -1 1 in--, ml -. ,1,.ii,.iis in h.ai the s. .iiinl ..fa lnu mm vi.i.v 
answering to her own, that at midnight, when no sound was audible 

save the distant howl of the famished wolt ami tie- .ii-ti.nt , n,.| t|., 

\v.i\i ii£ pin.', si i. v, . hi i. .it I. from In -I hut a i el .Ti.-.l . 1 1,. i i.l at the h.a-iil 

of her voire, that she mi^tit hear the res|miistv 1 - Ii n- 111 i . -n- 1 

(lie dim aisles ..t the I'.. rest.' 1 

It was through many perils, inconveniences and 
personal sacrifices that the town was reclaimed from 

it> wilderness condition and made to he. ■nine the pleas- 
ant abode of civilized life. For some time Murphy's 
family bore the strain of entire solitude. Unless they 
had become misanthropic through living a lone, I should 
think the sight of other settlers must have been a 
joy. .us one. Man was made for social life. Society, as 
a rule, is indispensable to complete development. 



CHAPTER U. 

HILLSBOROUGH- (.',./. I). 

Incorporation of Town— The Fust Town-Meeting— The American Revo- 
lution, 1775-83— Veterans in the War— The Co It Bridge- 
Witches— Legends— Wild Game. 

Incorporation of Town. — Hillsborough, having 
at the time twenty-two freeholders, was i 1 1 . < ■ t p. irate. I 
as a town in 1772, through the agency of Isaac An- 
drew-. Ks'p It is related that he seeured the- services 



..I'.'; i ■ . . i l •_ ivgational minister, Rev. James Scales, of 
Hopkinton, the first minister of the town, to draw up 
the petition. This is one of those incidental facts 
which slum- two things: first, that the clergj at that 
day were expected to know much relating to public 
business, ami, secondly, that the estimation in which 
they were held was a right one. The chartei of in- 
corporation bears the date " November 1 1. 1775," ami 
was issued in the mime of " ( teorge the Third, by the 
grace of God, of Great Britain, France and Ireland, 
King. Defender of the Faith," etc., "by and with 

the advice of our truly .and well-beloved John Went- 

worth, Esq., Governor and Commander-in-chief of 
our province of New Hampshire," etc. The bounda- 
ries of the town are recited in the charter, and are 
marked by numbers placed upon beech-trees. The 
surveyor begins at the southeast corner of the town, 

the same as the southwest corner of Henniker, from 
a beech-tree marked 7, perhaps because the township 
was originally " No. 7." From that tree is tht 
southern line of Hillsborough, south. 84 ":!()' west— 
this means that the line deflects to the south 5 30' 
from tin exact east and west lim — to another beech- 
tree marked 7, 8 and s l, till the first-marked 

beech-tree is reached. In the charter till the white 

pines in the town are reserved for the King's use. 
Colonel Hill paid a liberal fee to Governor John 
Wentworth for signing his name to the charter, viz. : 
a sum equivalent to fifty dollars in gold. But, then, h 
must be remembered he could afford to pay liberally 
to ha\ •■ bis name transmitted to posterity in the name 
ot the town; yet, strange to say, some think it is 
called Hillsborough because the land is so hilly. 
Some, more learned than wise, suppose it ret 

iiaim "Wilis Hills, the Earl of Hillsborough. 

who was one of the Privy Council of George the 
Third, and whose residence was, at Hillsborough, in 
I he county of Down, in Ireland." It is said that, it 
was originally named Hillborough, and that the s 
was inserted by a popular drift of pronunciation, 
ami is now established by the law of usus loquendi. 1 
think the fifty dollars given to Governor Wentworth 
for signing the charter settles the question that it 
was named for Colonel John Hill, the proprietor. 

The First Town-Meeting.— The first town-meet- 
ing was held on Bible Hill, at Captain Bradford's 
tavern, — the first one built in town, — November i'l 
I77i'. Captain Isaac Baldwin presided as moderator 
and Isaac Andrews was elected town clerk. At that 
meeting it was voted to accept the charter, and Isaac 
Andrews. John McColley, Daniel Mi Neil. Isaac I'.ahl- 
win and William Popi — six noblemen and the an- 
cestors of noble men— were elected -clectmen. 

First Meeting-House— The first meeting-house 

was burnt during the time, between the two set- 
tlements, wdien the town was destitute of inhabit- 
ants. Common rumor, right or wrong, fixes tin ad 
of burning upon one Keyes, of Weare, who, happen- 
ing that way after all the inhabitants had left through 



398 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



fear of the Indians, and having taken out the glass 
window-, and buried them for his own use, set 
fire to the building, Nero-like, for the wicked pleas- 
ure of -''.-111;; it burn. As relics of the red men in 
the place, there were found buried in the earth im- 
plements of their daily use, such as spoons, ladles, 
pestles for pounding grains, hatchets, tomahawks, 
hooks and various other things wrought of stone or 
bone. 
The American Revolution, 1775-83.— The second 

settlement had barely got under way when the great 
American Revolution broke out. The quarrel "as of 
long standing. Repeated acts of injustice and oppres- 

si Irove our forefathers into opposition to the aets 

of King and Parliament, and from opposition to open 
war in defense of their rights by the arbitrament of 
arms. In this war of nearly eight years Hillsborough 
bore a full share. The town of Hillsborough bore 
their part in furnishing recruits for the army. It 
should be borne in mind that the settlers forming the 
second and permanent settlement had been in the 
town but a very few years when the news of the 
battles of Lexington and Concord bridge electrified 
the whole country with a cry "To arms, to arms, and 
avenge our slaughtered countrymen !" Hillsborough 
caught the cry, and echoed it. This seems the hest 
place to insert the names of those who responded 
favorably to this appeal,— those who did service for 
the country as soldiers in some capacity, as officers or 
privates, in the War of the Revolution, some of 
whom laid down their lives on the battle-field, while 
somi bore the -cars of battle to their graves. 

Veterans in the War.— The names are as follows 
without their titles: Benjamin Pierce, Isaac Baldwin, 
Ammi Andrews, Isaac Andrews. Jr., Moses Steel. 
William Pope, Thomas Murdough, Solomon An- 
drews, John McNeil, Silas Cooledge, Samuel Brad- 
ford, Jr., John McColley. Samuel Symonds, William 
Booth. Asa Wilkins, Nathan Taylor, William Tag- 
gart, James Taggart, Archibald Taggart, Joseph 
Taggart, John Taggart, Roberl Taggart, Nathaniel 
Johnson, Jacob Flint. James Gibson, William Jones, 
Jr., Baxter How, William Symonds, Zachariah Rob 
bins, William Gammell, Nathaniel Parmenter, David 
Munroe, Timothy Grey, Thadius Monroe, Nathaniel 
Colby, Nathan Mann, and Daniel Kellom — thirty-six 
men. and six of the -ame family name. Neither is it 
likely that these are all. So many names, at any rate, 
have been rescued from oblivion. They deserve of us 
to be written in letters of gold. II every town then 
settled in New Hampshire -cut as large a proportion 
of their whole population to the war, then surely New 
Hampshire did Iter share. Some of the mimes in this 
list tire already historic names, — heroes and the ances- 
tors of heroes. Some of the men deserve special no- 
tice lor the part they took in the war and for personal 
bravery on the field of battle. It would he a grateful 
task to the historian to say something of each, did 
space permit, and recount in detail the praiseworthy 



deeds they performed at their country's call for their 
country's good. We will never forget their names, 
nor i lie on,, great act of heroism,— their going forth to 
fight for their country. We will gratefully transmit 
their memory down the generations. 

As Captain Baldwin was the first of Hillsborough's 
men to die, — killed while doing his duty on the held. 
— as well as the very fust to enlist from the town and 
secure the enlistment of others, it is proper that he 
should precede his brethren-in-arms on the histor- 
ian's page. Captain Baldwin was born in Sudbury, 
Mass., in 1736, and was thirty-nine years of age when 
the War of the Revolution broke out. He married 
Eunice Jennison, of Natick, Mass., and, as has 
been already said, had come to Hillsborough in 
ITiiT. near the time of the beginning of the second 
settlement. He was a carpenter and joiner by trade, 
and when the news of the battles of Lexington and 
Concord came he was at work at his trade in 1 leering 
framing a barn. 

Captain Baldwin was used to war, and had been, 
with Stark, of world-wide renown as a brave officer 
in the old French and Indian War, under the com- 
mand of Major Kogets. Baldwin was the hero of 
twenty I. attics— this nitty he Homeric— "in those old 
wars." No sooner had he heard the news of the 
liattles ..I' Lexington tuid Concord than he made up 
his mind to have a part in what was to come. He 
quitted his job, hastened home, collected a company 
of volunteers and, putting himself at their head. 
with their entire approbation, started towards the 
noise of the' guns. « »n their way they spent the Sab- 
bath in Billerica, and attended church in a body. 
The pastor. Rev. Cummings, preached an appropriate 
sermon on the duty of patriotism. 

They arrived at Medford June 17th, the day of the 
1. attic of Bunker Hill. The company over which 
Captain Baldwin was elected, on arrival at headquar- 
ter-, was ordered to the field of battle, which they 
reached about twelve m., and immediately went into 
action. He was hit by a musket-hall in his breast, 
and fell mortally wounded about one o'clock in the 
afternoon. He was carried to the quarters for the 
wounded by two of his own townsmen belonging to 
his company, — Lieutenant John McNeil and James 
Gibson. He livid until about sunset. After his 
death Lieutenant Ammi Andrews extracted the bullet 
and sent it to the wife of Captain Baldwin as a 
mournful reminder of the manner in which her hus- 
band met his death. 

Andrews is a heroic name in Hillsborough. Lieu- 
tenant Ammi Andrews, horn in Ipswich, Mass.. came 
to Hillsborough at an early period ofthesecond settle- 
ment, and located at what is now the Upper village, 
and, it is said, was proprietor of its whole site ate! 
much adjacent territory. Lieutenant Andrews served 
through the whole War of the Revolution, and was a 
sharer in the perils of the expedition to Quebec in 
177">. under Colonel Arnold. He was taken prisoner 



HILLSBOROUGH. 



there by the British, but soon exchanged. A story is 
related of him in connection with that expedition 
that is worth perpetuating. In the winter (if L775-76, 
as tiny lay in winter-quarters three miles from the 
city of Quebec, the commanding officer was anxious 
to gain some news of the enemy's strength and posi- 
tion, and for that purpose expressed the wish that a 
British sentinel might be captured and brought into 
Camp. Lieutenant Andrews volunteered to make the 
attempt. Sunn- one said that he ought to have the 
best gun in the army. " Look here," said the gallant 
lieutenant, "is it a dead or a living man that you 
want? Because if it is a living man that you wish 
brought in, I do not wish to he bothered with a gun." 
He reached the city of Quebec, and, scaling its walls 
in the darkness of the night, at a favorable moment 
he sprang upon a sentinel as he was pacing his beat 
backwards and forwards with a musket. The lieu- 
tenant, who was a strong, vigorous man, a powerful 
athlete in agility, seized him by the throat, and told 
him he was a dead man if he made the least outcry. 
Taking him down the steep anil dangerous mountain- 
side, leaping from one shelf of the precipice to 
another, he marched his prisoner three miles through 
the deep snows of Canada to the American camp. 
Lieutenant Andrews was distinguished as a business 
man in his day, and transmitted the same qualities to 
his descendants now living. He died in his bed 
March -'III, 1833, aged ninety-seven years. 

Captain Samuel Bradford also served through the 
war. He enlisted as an orderly-sergeant, and rose, 
for meritorious conduct, to the rank of ensign and 
also of lieutenant, performing adjutant's duty in Col- 
onel Stark's regiment for more than two years. 

The name of Benjamin Pierce, an honored Gov- 
ernor of New Hampshire of tin.' olden time, i- fa- 
miliar to all readers of history. He was bom in 
Chelmsford, Mass., December 25, 17o7. His father's 
name was also Benjamin. At his father's death, when 
he was but six years of age, he went to live with an 
uncle (Robert Pierce, of Chelmsford), who brought 
him up to work on a farm. When the news of the 
first battle at Lexington (April 19, 177o) arrived he 
was plowing. He left the field, took his uncle's gun 
and equipments and started at once for the scene of 
danger. He was one of the "irregulars" who fol- 
lowed Piteairn's wearied soldiers, retreating, by a 
forced march, towards Boston from Lexington — like 
others, loading and firing at his own order. He did 
not return to his uncle's, but enlisted in Captain 
Ford's company. He was then eighteen. He joined 

as a private, but in 1777 he was promoted t lerly- 

sergeant for securing the Hag from falling into the 
hands of the enemy. He was again promoted to a lieu- 
tenancy, which commission he bore to the close of the 
war. He removed to Hillsborough after the return 
of peace, in the thirtieth year of his age. He was 
soon appointed brigade-major by the Governor. In 
178'9, in his thirty-third year, he was chosen to rep- 



resent Hillsborough and Henniker in the Legisla- 
ture, and served in that capacity thirteen years suc- 
cessively. He had found himself poor at the close of 
the war, in which, enlisting as a private, be had risen 
step by step until, at its close, lie had the command 
of a company, and was on the -tall of Washington 
when the army was disbanded, in 1784. 

Having been employed as agent to explore a part 
of Cheshire County (now called Stoddard), and bav- 
in- finished the work, he returned to Hillsborough on 
horseback, by way of the " Branch," and stopped for 
the night at a log hut in the woods. Here he bought 
a small farm of fifty acres, and returned to Massa- 
chusetts. The next spring he returned to Hillsbor- 
ough and commenced to clear his land. For a whole 
year he lived alone in his log cabin, cooked his own 
meals and slept upon a blanket, as he had learned to 
do in an eight years' experience on the tented field. 
He was married the next year, in 17*7. In 1803, Gen- 
eral Pierce was chosen one of the Governor's I iouncil, 
and continued in that capacity five years. At the 
end of that term Governor Langdon appointed him 
high sheriff of Hillsborough County. Hewasagain 
councilor ami again sheriff of the county. In 1827 he 
was elected Governor of the State; and again, in 1829. 
He was elector of President in 1832. From 1775 to 
1830, a period of fifty-five years, be was constantly 
employed in some public office, lie died April 1, 
L839, aged eighty-one years. This tribute I find 
paid to bis memory : " He was patriotic, brave, noble- 
minded and charitable ; a benefactor to bis country 

and a blessing to his State and society ; and no one 

memory associated with the past history of Hills- 
borough brings up higher feelings of respect and 
veneration than that of General Benjamin Pierce." 
As an illustration of bis nobility of character, an an- 
ecdote is related of him while a prisoner on parole, 
having fallen into the ban. Is of the British on Long 
Island. Attending a horse-race, be offended an Eng- 
lish officer by an adverse opinion, which the English- 
man thought too freelj expressed, who thereupon 
struck Lieutenant Pierce with the Hat of his sword. 
The blood flushed on the lieutenant's faci 
quietly said : " Fettered by my parole, and unarmed, 
I cannot now resent this indignity, but the chances of 
war may yet bring us together." And so it proved. 
In an engagement between the armies ol Generals 
Washington and Howe, contending for possession of 
the city of New York, in the summer of 1776, they 
met. crossed -words, and the Englishman fell pierced 
by the young American. He had a perfect contempt 
of a coward. Just before bis death be invited his 
old Hillsborough co-patriots to a dinner, in honor of 
old times. One of the old veterans not being there, 
some one spoke of his absence, The Governor re- 
plied, "I invite no man to my table who is afraid of 
gunpowder." 

An anecdote i- related of him, when high sheriff of 
the county, that -how- hi- generosity. He found im- 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



prisoned in the jail at Amherst three Revolutionary 
soldiers, who had proved themselves good soldiers for 
their country. At the close of their service they 
were penniless, the pay which they received being 
nearly valueless, and after weary daysof travel reached 
home, only to be arrested and imprisoned for debt 
which they were wholly unable to pay. The general, 
taking the keys, paid their indebtedness, unlocked 
the prison-doors, and leading them outside, pointing 
above, lie said, "Go, breathe the free air." It is no 
wonder that Governor Pierce was the idol of tic peo- 
ple, though lacking the polished manners of his 
son, Franklin, for the people saw that he was a true 
friend and a champion for their rights. 

Governor Pierce was twice married. His first wile 
was Elizabeth, daughter of Isaac Andrews, Esq. The 
marriage was on May 24, 17X7. She lived a little over 
one year, and gave birth to Elizabeth A., who was 
married to General John McNeil, the hero of Lundy 
I. an.'. She died August 1-'!, 1788, in the twenty-first 
year of her age. lie next married Anna, daughter of 
Benjamin Kendrick, of Amherst, in 1789. They lived 
in married lite fifty-one years. She was the mother 
of eight children, among whom were Nancy, the wife 
of Genera] Solomon McNeil, a brother of General 
John McNeil ; lion. Franklin Pierce, who attained 
the highest honor in the gift of the nation, and Henry 
Dearborn Pierce, tie- father of Colonel Franklin H. 
and Kirk 1). 11, ■ was the lasl of the Governor's chil- 
dren to go. 

There are pleasant memories associated with the 

nai f Lieutenant Robert B. Wilkins, who was a 

Bunker Hill hero, and quartermaster of General 
Lafayette's brigade. He was wounded at Bunker 
Hill. While serving under Lafayette lie rendered 
at one time such signal service in taking some cattle 
from the British at Poule's II, .ok, opposite V-i\ York 
City, that Lafayette presented him with a full suit 
of officer's uniform as a token for meritorious con- 
duet. He was familiarly known in the army, es- 
imong the officers of his regiment, as " Bob 
Wilkes." At Lafayette's visit to America in 1825, 
more than forty years having elapsed, Wilkins was 
presented to his old general, but time had wrought 
such changes that he was not at first recognized. Al- 
lusion was made to some incident of the battle-field, 
which caused the Frenchman to look a little closer 
and scrutinize the features of the man before him." 

The whole at _•<• flashed upon the memory of 

Lafayette; he recognized in the changed face, bat- 
tered with the storms of life, his old companion in 
arm-, and (the tears falling freely from many eyes) In- 
fell upon Wilkins' neck, and. tenderly embracing him, 
exclaimed, " ( >. Bob Wilkes, Bob Wilkes!" and they 
both wept like children. Heads were uncovered and 
shouts arose which showed (one writer says, describing 
the scene) how "One touch of nature makes the 
whole world kin." Wilkins died in Boston in Au- 
gust, L832, aged seventy-seven years. 



The Revolutionary War came to an end, as all 
wars hitherto have done, and those who had fought 
for years in the held and had suffered many privations 
returned home to the avocations of peace. But they 
had many difficulties to contend with. The paper 
currency, known as Continental money, continued 
to depreciate through the war until it was worth only 
one per cent, of its face value. Examples can he 
given. Daniel Killom paid tor a farm ten thousand 
dollars in currency, which could have been bought 
for one hundred dollars in silver or gold; rye brought 
seventy-five dollars a bushel in currency, which three- 
fourths of a dollar in silver would pay for; it is said 
-that Rev. Mr. Barnes' salary for a year was only 
sufficient to purchase a pig. Samuel M. Baker now 
owns that ten thousand dollar faun above referred to. 

An inflated eurreuev is a inueh-to-1.. -dreaded evil. 
It disarranges all the best- laid plans of the shrewdest 
business men. However, by degrees, nun gained con- 
li'leie e again, and hu-inrvs U a- resumed on a healthy 
basis. Some manufacturing was done on a careful 
scale, farms were improved and things in general put 
on a thriving appearance. Public improvements were 
commenced and carried ,,n little by little. 

The Contoocook Bridge.—* )ne noted improvement 
was building a bridge over the Contoocook River thai 
should answer the purposes of general travel, which 
at this point seemed to be on the increase. The first 
bridge — made of wood — was erected where the present 
bridge now stands, in 1779, and was reconstructed 
seventeen years after, in 1796. The timbers, many of 
them, were beginning by that time to be tender and 
unsafe. There is an interesting note in Hammond's 
"Early Town Papers" in reference to this first bridge. 
It would appear that Colonel Hill, the proprietor of 
the township of Hillsborough, and who died in Bos- 
ton, 177il, had subscribed or provided in his will the 
gift of one hundred acres of land in town towards 
building a bridge acro-s the < lontoocook i at that time 
the settlers called the river the Connecticut). This 
subscription was made before the war; but so many 
things larking, the building of the bridge was put off, 
and in the mean time Colonel Hill died. This will 
explain a petition of the town for authority to tax 

i-residents, that would bring a tax upon the unsold 

land- in town belonging to Hill's heirs. The petition 
bears date 8th day of May, a.d, 1780. 

Correcting the spelling of the petition, which Ham- 
mond has given verbatim et literatim, it is as follows: 

St* N, « it LMPSHIBE. 

"2c iln Hon. thi Council and A»«embly of aaid Slate in general court 

" May it [.l.-asr V Iioiimi-, we. tin -. , il ,-rri t..-i .-, fn'rln.hl.Ts in the 

!■>>'. n m IMM-ni , iii -an I st.,1,., |„. L . leave t,, petition, thai wheiva.-*, Ill, 
late J, ih ii II II I. K-. | , ..I hi-t-ii. uhi.wa- -'>k pii'iuii'tni in lhi>tn\Mi. ,li-l. 

I'i'tiii' tl in lin ii >'iii' lit I Mi pi<-" i if u in [H'"lni-i In '_1M' on.' I 

ill'i-il arlcs ,'t lull. I t"\\.ii'h lniiMiii- a IhuI-v "\n ,'mii tii'iit liver, 

so called in this town, which bridge vt-e should have built four or five 

y.'.u-a^ii, ha.l ir imt 1 ii tui t!ii„ unhappy war, hut at List we have 

cornpleti'it sui.l hri.liie, at). I tin- ' shares ' of tin' sai'l .hilill Hill haw 
been solicited t" make -unit their ttth.-l - pnoni-.-s, hut refuse. We, 



HILLSBOliOriill. 



> -etnt tln- 



|i.-titi..ii. 



Signed by Samuel Bradford, Jr., and thirty-five 
others, among which are the names of Andrews, Tag- 
gart, Wilkins, Dutton and Booth. 

The cost of that first bridge, "as money waslastOc- 
tober," -viz., < (ctober, 1779, — in the words of the pe- 
tition.in currency was the sami — according to a de- 
cision by arbitration fixing the value of English 
money— as 111,118.97-rV. The granting of the peti- 
tion would be getting probably a full equivalent for 
Colonel Hill's subscription out of the parties who re- 
fused to make it good. Daniel McNeil was. employed 
by the town to rebuild the bridge in 1809. These Re- 
pairs were a great bill of expense. Squire F. 
Clement, in 1824, builf substantia] abutments of solid 
stone-work at the ends and connected them over a 
space of forty feet with wood, as before. This lasted 
fifteen years, when, in 1839,, the whole wort was ele- 
vated five feet and the wood gave place to a splendid 
stone arch, which has stood without essential repairs 
forty-six years, to the presenl time. Itis this splendid 
and substantia] bridge that gives the distinctive name 
to the growing village to which it is an essential ap- 
I i ndage, connecting the two sides of the river as 
really as if not separated by its waters. The scenery 
at this bridge is beautiful, and in time of high water 
grand in the extreme. The falls are an epitome .of 
Niagara. The writer of this article, from a position 
in the parlor of hi- house, while living at the Bridge, 
had a most enchanting view. The water falling over 
the dam could be seen under the arch, and by imagin- 
ing the scene to be carried back to some distance, it 
afforded a prospect not to be surpassed in beauty. 
The house referred to belongs to E. H. Bartlett, and 
i- located jusl west of the bakery. 

It may be asked how the people on theirfarms lived 
in those early days? How in the villages.' Where 
all were comparatively in moderate circumstances, 
none verj rich, -at least, such as would be accounted 
rich to-day,— did aristocratic feelings prevail as among 
the present generation, the children am] grandchil- 
dren of the Revolutionary fathers'.' The answer will 

be " yes," but based more upon character tested by 
trial than now, oftentimes upon the mere accident of 
wealth, oftenest wealth gained by the toil and pru- 
dence of ancestor-. Thc\ prided themselves — those 
old patriots — upon actual service rendered to the 
country, — a service of toil, danger, deprivation, but yet 
of love. A coward or a traitor was despised, no mat- 
ter how rich. 

They were devout, even though sometimes, when 
their anger was roused at some act unjust or mean 
that had been committed, they were considered rough 
and severe. Thev were in those early days a church- 



going community. They all appeared on the hill. 
The roads were dotted with travelers very many on 

foot — to the place of worship. Then each man owned 
a share in the house of God by virtue of hi- residence 
in town and paying taxes. The minister was sup- 
ported at the town'.- expense, and the gospel was liter- 
all) free to the poor as well as to the rich. No man 
who was brave and true was looked down upon because 
he was poor, and no man wanting these characteristics 
of bravery and truth was looked up to, though he 
might be rich. These thing- change. I, however, little 
by little, for the worse. 

In those early days they were not wanting in 
healthy amusements, changing with the season of the 
year, line of these was the hunting-match. The 
whole community — except the very young, the very 
..hi, the doctor and the minister, with now and then 
one who had scruple- in the matter — engaged in the 
affair. A leader li.r each side was chosen by com- 
mon consent. These chose sides, and for several days 
the crack of the musket might he heard in all direc- 
tions, rhe more obnoxious the animal, the more lie 
would count ill the game. The head- of some, the 
tails of other-, were brought as trophies of success to 
the place of count, and the umpire decided which side 
had won the game. A supper, frequently paid for by 
i he losing side, closed tin- affair. 

I here were amusements of which the young women 
had charge, others of which the men were the leading 
characters, to Loth of which both wen' admitted, and 
both considered necessary for the highest enjoyment. 
One of these was the quilting-party, the other the 

husking-bee. Apple-paring bees were also conn i. 

It ma\ lie -aid that such parties were too rude to lie 
elevating, but the ancestors of the present generation 
of refined Indies and gentlemen in society were sound 
ami true in heart and very rarely stepped over the 
hounds of propriety. Possibly the laugh was louder, 
l.nt the laugh was the whole of it and left no lurking 
evil concealed. They were days remarkably free 
from suspicions,— days of mutual tru-t in families and 
among friends. 

Witches.— Hillsborough, not to he outdone by sur- 
rounding towns, had its genuine witch-story. Aunt 
Jenny Robinson had the reputation of being a veri- 
table witch, and could, I presume, as well as any other 
witch, ride through the air on a I. room-stick. She 
had the reputation of being able to stop loaded teams 
until the drivers should go into her husband's tavern 
:ii:. I pet a drink. In this respect the spell which she 
used is not greater than is often cast over teamsters 

and those who are carried by teams. 1 "ill refer the 

readei to the story so pathetically told by the Hills- 
borough annalist, Mr. Smith, on page twenty-nine of 
his published lecture. There are so many witches in 
■'curls and hang-" in these days that I maybe ex- 
cused from giving more particulars. 

Legends of Beasts of Prey.— The early history of 
a town cannot he considered complete, especially to 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



the young folks, without its bear-story any more than 
without its witch-story. Both seem to he called for, 
and Mr. Smith, the annalist, did his duty faithfully. 
I cannot improve on his version of it, and will therefore 
give it in his language, — " Bears were frequently seen 
in town long after the wolves had been exterminated. 
Mr. James Carr, residing in the north part of the 
town, was a bear-trapper. On going to his trap one 
morning he found it gone." [I cannot explain how 
that could be, — how he could go to his trap if it was 
not there when he went, nor how he could he 
said to tind it if it was gone.] "He armed himself 
with his rifle, and after following the track about a 
mile he espied a bear. He laid aside his gun, and 

commenced an attack with a club. The m ent he 

struck at the bear it grappled him with its paw and 
seized In- left arm in its jaws. Carr. disliking so close 
an embrace, with considerable effort drew from his 
pocket a knife and compelled Bruin to relinquish his 
hold. The bear, having in tin' struggle forced himself 
from the trap, retreated to a ledge of rocks near by. 
Thither Carr pursued him, though somewhat hurt by 
the encounter, and discharged his rifle at him several 
times before he killed him." Exit the hear, dragged 
away by the trapper. As late as the beginning of the 
present century, and before that from time imme- 
morial, salmon ahounded in t he ( 'ontoocook River. 
Civilization, by damming the rivers and other streams, 
while it adds to artificial wealth, cuts off some of the 
resources of nature. 

The wolf was once a troublesome animal in Hills- 
borough. Major Isaac Andrews has the reputation 
of killing the last wolf that was killed in town, lie 
baited a fox-trap; nothing disturbed it for two days, 
hut on the third day, on visiting the [dace, it was desti- 
tute of a trap. It was in the winter and the snow was 
deep; so, taking his gun. lie followed on snow-shoes 
and killed it at the second firing. 

Wild Game. — Moose audi leer were sometimes killed 
in Hillsborough and vicinity. Aged people would 
sometimes almost scare children out of their wits by 
telling them frightful stories of wolves, bears and 
catamounts, so that when out in the dark they would 
imagine that they could often hear the tread of some 
wild animal. The generation that fought success- 
fully the battles of the Revolution, and secured inde- 
pendence for themselves anil their posterity, one by 
one came to the closing period of life, and the places 
that had known them knew them no more forever. 
One by one they had yielded in the race of life to 
younger competitors, and were contented to live again 
in their children and children's children, "let old 
age is sometimes talkative, and the veterans of the 
Revolution awakened in young minds dreams of 
glory gained on the field of battle. The eye of the 
idd man would sparkle with a new delight as he talked 
of camping in the open air and sleeping on the bare 
ground under the open sk\ ; as lie talked of evolutions 
in tin- field, marching and counter-marching in 



echelon of file and echelon of section, of the impetu- 
ous charge and the successful repulse. 



CHAPTER III. 

HILLSBOROUGH— I Continued). 

War of 1S12— The McNeils-Men in the Hanks— War of Hi' I: 

lii.hi-tn.- ..f lIill-ii.nMu^li — I TtL.ii uf Hill Farms— Forestry— Pine 

Timber— Contoocook Mil] — The New Mill— Hillsborough or Valley 
Academy. 

War of 1812. — At length the time came for this 
new generation of Americans, and of Britons as well, 
to show their hand in war. As of old, there is with 
every generation of men the time when " kings go 
forth to battle," when some cause arises that calls 
men to the tented field. Another war arose between 
Great Britain and the United States, which were once 
her dependent colonies. It was called with us the 
War of 181:2, as that was the year in which it was 
declared. It was a contest vigorously fought by brave 
men on both sides. It is difficult to state in precise 
language the real causes that led to that war, as in 
the final settlement made at Client nothing was de- 
cided except that each, by hard blows given a- well 
as received, had vindicated most fully its honor before 
the world. 

The war was fought with varying success on both 
sides by sea and by land: sometimes victory was 
claimed by each party. A treaty of peace was made 
and signed at Aix-la-Chapelle. December :>4, 1814. 
Nevertheless, our greatest victory, which secured the 
Presidency to the victorious leader of the American 
army, General Andrew Jackson, was gained after the 
treaty of peace had been signed, viz., on January 8, 
1815. In the War of 1812 Hillsborough furnished 
her quota of brave soldiers and skilled commanders, 
and was represented on many a hard and well-fought 
field. The sons of sires who fought with honor in the 
American Revolution are found fighting with equal 
skill and bravery with their fathers in the War of LSI 2. 
Lieutenant John McNeil was at Bunker Hill, his son 
at Lundy Lane. 

The McNeils. — The name of McNeil occurs fre- 
quently in the war report- of the early days of Hills- 
borough. John McNeil, who was in the Louisburg 
expedition in 17-14-4">, in the Cape Breton War, came 
originally from Londonderry to Derryfield (now 
Manchester) and thence to Hillsborough. His son, 
Daniel, moved to Hillsborough in 1771, and was ac- 
cidentally drowned in the Contoocook at Hillsbor- 
ough Bridge. His son, John, was a captain in the 
War of the Revolution, was in the battle of Bunker 

Hill and was one of the linn that helped from the 
field the fatally-wounded Captain Baldwin, the first 
of the Hillsborough men to die for their country. 
This Captain McNeil, of whom we have just made 
mention, married Lucy, the daughter of Isaac An- 



HILLSBOROUGH. 



drews, Esq. Of this marriage were four children, 
viz., Mary, bom July 6, L779; General Solomon Mc- 
Neil, born Januarj 15, 1782; General John McNeil, 
born March 25, 1784 ; and Lucy, whodied in infancy. 
General John McNeil, the third of the above children, 
was an officer in the War of 1812. At the age of 
thirty he led his regiment in the battle of Chippewa, 
being its major, and ranking the other officers on the 
field, and for meritorious conduct was breveted lieu • 
tenant-colonel July 15, 1814. In the same month 
Genera] McNeil led the Eleventh Regiment in the 
engagement at Niagara, commonly called the battle of 
Lundy Lane, July 25th, ju^t ten days alter the battle 
at Chippewa. At this time he was breveted colonel 
"for distinguished valor" in this battle. He was 
severely wounded and made lame for life in this en- 
gagement, being hit by a six-ounce canister-shot 
which shattered his right knee: yet he kept in the 
field till the close of the engagement and a glorious 
victory bad been won. Nor had his promotions 
ceased. < >n the same day of the battle, July 25th, he 
was breveted (a second time that day) brigadier-gen- 
eral. In 1830 he retired from the army and was ap- 
pointed surveyor of the port of Boston by his friend. 
President Jackson. He held this office until his 
death. He died at Washington. 1 >. ('., February 23, 
I860, at the age of sixty-five, in the full possession of 
all bis faculties. General McNeil married a daughter 
of Governor Pierce, sister of ex-President Franklin 
Pierce. Of this marriage were a son and daughter. 
The daughter, Mrs. Frances McNeil Potter, relict of 
the late Hon. (.'handler E. Potter, was born, I have 
been told, in Chicago, when it was a military post, 
when her father held command, and that she was the 
first white child bom on the site of that city. Miss 
Fanny was a brave soldier's daughter, and shared in 
his glory. .She has been distinguished for her cour- 
age, dignity of character and cheerful disposition 
under every allotment of Providence. 

A son, named John W. S. McNeil for his father. 
and also the distinguished military chief under whom 
General McNeil held a commission, fell in Florida 
while leading an attack against the Indians, Septem- 
ber 10, 18M7. He was a lieutenant in tic regular 
army, having been educated at West Point. He was 
killed at the age of twenty years and six months. 
His death closed up the line of succession in that 
I. ranch of the family for transmitting the family name 
to postl rity. Mrs. F. McNeil Potter is the only rep- 
resentative of the family. — the fifth generation from 
John McNeil of Londonderry. The historian wishes 
her a long and happy life. 

Men in the Ranks.— Hillsborough furnished men 
for the ranks for the War of 1*12. Among these were 
two well-known names to Hillsborough people, viz. : 
George Dascomb and Daniel Templeton. Mr. Das- 
comb died more than thirty years ago, a man useful 
in the church and in society greatly missed and 
lamented. Mr. Templeton lived to a g I old age, and 



died at his son's in Cambridge, Ma—., in ISM. Mr. 
Templeton was a conscientious Christian man, very 
slow in making up his mind and slower -till in carry- 
ing it out. He received government scrip entitling 
him to draw a quarter-section of government land. 
which he did in Michigan. When sold, the laud 
brings to the government a dollar and a quarter an 
acre. He employed a professional agent to locati 
his land, stating his place •<( preference. The agent. 
however, did not locate where he wished ; and then 
began his trouble. — taxes upon taxes, heavy, because 
non-resident land is taxed heavily as a rule. He em- 
ployed an agent, as 1 base said, and then a man to 
watch the agent, and alter a while, getting suspicious, 
a third to keep an eye on both to see that they did 
not conspire together. He employed me to write to 
find out concerning the whole. I do not know who 
looked after me. 

After the War of 1812 business was for a few 
years very brisk. Marcy's cotton-factory added to the 
enterprise of the inhabitants. It employed most of 



da W. 



carried on by theregular army, in which Hillsborough 

had representatives. But at length the sons of those 
who fought in the War of 1812 have work on their 
hand-. War between the United States and Mexico 
was declared to exist by the act of Mexico. Aii 
army was raised and sent into Mexico under Gen- 
eral Xachary Taylor " to conquer a peace." It was in 
this war that the gallant Hon. Franklin Pierce, after- 
wards President of the United States, fleshed bis 
maiden sword in the blood of the Mexicans. Hills- 
borough was well represented in that war. 

Iii the mean time the nation has been constantly 
growing, from a twofold cause,— natural increase lion 
births and increase from immigration. The territory 
so immense occasioned differing interests in the 
different sections. And so it turned out that a civil war 
of gigantic proportion- burst upon the nation in 1861. 
The different sections -prang to arms with different 
purposes in view. — on one side, to secure a separation 
of government, as well as of interests ; on the other, to 
hinder the separation and preserve tin- Union. In 
this terrible war blood was poured out freely as water. 
Hillsborough sent her full share of brave bow. some 
of them, alas! never to return to dear and loving 
home-. The bones of some lie mouldering in Southern 
swamps. Some dying away or killed in battle were 

brought home tor interment. 

War of the Rebellion.— Besides privates and 
non-commissioned officers, some were honored with 

commissions, and did g 1 service in the field. < me 

held a colonel's commission, — James F. Grim 
nel .lame- Forsaith Grimes was the son of Hiram 
Grimes and grandson of John Grimes originally ..I 
Deering, who removed thence with his family to 
Francestown as proprietor of the hotel in that place, 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



and thence to Hillsborough Bridge, to the place 
known long after as the Totherly place. The elder 
Grimes was a successful business man. and reared his 
family to business habits. Two of his sons went 
West, to Burlington, Iowa, and amassed each a large 
property. One of these, Hon. James W. Grimes, 
was in the United States Senate at the time of the 
Rebellion. 

At the beginning of the late cavil war Colonel 
Jam,-. F. Grimes, of Hillsborough, received a cap- 
tain's commission, and opened a recruiting 
the Bridge. Enlistments were secured, and the tap 
oi the drum was a familiar daily sound and the 
drilling of squads a familiar sight. The military 
spirit was roused in boys and men, and soon there 
began to be companies and regiments, of which the 
Hillsborough boys tonne. I a part, getting ready for 

the field. Col 1 Grimes, then a captain of the 

regular army, was constantly employed for some 
months in enlisting and drilling volunteers and re- 
cruits for the service, and "itl. excellent success. He 
went himself to the field, ami. in due process of time, 
by meritorious conduct in the field, he rose by 
d< grees, and at length wa- Inweted colonel. He re- 
in lined in the army till the close of the wai 
the battles of the Wilderness, and for several years 
after it- close doing military service in the South, 
his faithful wife sharing in camp-life. Their second 
child. John, was born in camp. 

Hillsborough did it- full -hare in the late war in 
furnishing men and money. The question is often 
asked. What did Hillsborough furnish for the defense 
of the government during the dark days of the Rebel- 
lion? The answer is ready: She furnished her full 
share. During the first part of the war there was a 
recruiting office in Hillsborough, and the waving oi 
the Union flag was a familiar sight at the Bridge 
1 subjoin a list of the distribution of men 
raised in Hillsborough who took pari in the war. 
showing the number in the different regiments and 
other military organizations in the Union army. 

The following li-t will -how the distribution of the 
men belonging to Hiflsborough who were sent to the 
War of the Rebellion : 

- nil Reia in 30 

Third Regiment In 

Fourth Regiment il 

Sixth Iti-iniri,! S 

Seventh Regiment 14 

I i.l.lh lleii LMt.-Iit 

Eighth Regiment 2 

Ninth Regiment 

I 1. venth Hi giro mt IT 

Twelfth It. ■lament 3 

nth Regiment 1 

iili Bi-L'iliient 2 

mil I : . — j n i ■ : j r _■ 

Eighteenth Regiment 3 

I iY»lrj 12 

3 



Sharped t re 1 

Thirteenth M.i«uelm-etts ll.jiiu.iit 1 

Infantry 

Veteran Reserve Corps 9 

V.t i-porte'l ami unknown 10 

Total 196 

Killed and died from wounds as nearly as known, 
forty-five. 

In the spring of L877 ureal pains were taken to 
find the grave,- of deceased soldiers who had been 
buried in cemeteries in use by the town, one of which 
was just over the line in Deering. 

I will here insert the names of soldiers whose 
graves were then found and decorated with flowers 
and a flag. It will lie seen that one was in the old 
French and Indian War exclusively, a goodly num- 
ber served in the War of the Revolution, others in 
the War of 1812, but the largest list of those now 
sleeping with the dead served in the late Civil War, 
that nearly rent our land asunder. Since 1877 others 
have joined the army of the dead, as George Pritch- 
ard, the one-armed soldier citizen, and Warren Muz- 
- i long the sole care of a loving and faithful 
wife. 

■ nine is a list of Hillsborough soldiers who 
served in the several wars of the country whose 
graves were decorated with Hags and wreaths of (low- 
ers on .May 31, 1877, and succeeding years: 



i Da I tfunroe Nathan Mann, I mothj Grey, Tbaddius Monroe, 
Lieutenant John Mi Neil, i'..l..n..-l Benjamin J ■ i . j . ■ ■, Nathaniel I'eli.y. 

- — iimon R.il.liins, Eli Wheeler, Jonathan Danforth, Da- 
vid Livermore, Luke G II- ley, Captain Rans Bi I 

Dickey, Stephen Hi. har.l-.m. William Pope, Benjamin lv ■ ■■ 

D B. i., ...... n ..I William H. 

B i. 'i i! ■-,. Murdough. 

.1 en. VI .in. ... , I u Robbins, Charles P. 

Baldwin, John 11 I li mi nt, I apt B S. Wilson i iptain - Gibson, 

Willi N I i : | . H illlaui Smith Clunk. ... II. . II. Opt. .it p..- i;,.b- 

1 ins - .1 ... II it. : 1 l: Ital . .1.. V 11. W 1, K.lw.i I 

Lewis David L wis, i harles T. Robbins, John A.l.-il, William Iiun.ll, 
Jr., Sergeant John Ree.l, Inu-al- '..uiM. 1. s. Burt, Obadiah Rnmrill, 

...1." I il..., .-ui.iu.-r M. A. lain-. 'I'll a- M . :.ti. .Im1.ii 

51 II. W ilham P . ...!.l.. . V r.ulonl,-, Itiehar.l l.l. UuuM, William 



Bui 



These foot up as ('..How-: 

French and Indian War 1 

W .... .t th<- An... in... K. v, lutioi 17 

Warof 1812 is 

Wai -I the Rebellion 32 

Total 68 

The writer of tlii- article had full opportunity to 
learn the grief- of households for " the unreturning 
brave." One case is of peculiar sadness. Some 
young men, having served their time, having been 
stationed among the deadly swamps of Louisiana, 
had at length received their discharge, and were 
about to return home the next day. Charles Mr- 



HILLSBOROUGH. 



Clintock, a noble youth, who left his preparation 
for college to serve his country, was taken down 
with malaria, and left there to die and be buried 
hundreds of miles from his waiting and expecting 
friends. Willard Templet. .11. son of Daniel Tem- 
pleton, was killed by a gun-shol at Petersburg. 
And so death came upon young Merrill, Rumrill, 
Reed and Wilson ; young Burt came home to die. 
But peace, blessed peace! came at length, thank God! 
The scars of battle have in the main been healed. 
though there are hearts that will not cease, but with 
the end o!' life. t.> feel and mourn in secret for their 
dead. We, to-day, enjoy the blessings of " the Union 
of -tates," which, by their sacrifice, has been pre- 
served. Animosities between sections are .lying away. 
The "gray and the blue " meet together to honor 
the brave men who died, some for "the cause," some 
tin- " Union." They were foes worthy of each other's 
steel. 

Industries of Hillsborough.— Since the war the 
prosperity ofthecountry ha- been unexampled. Im- 
migration has rapidly increased ournumbers. Hills- 
borough has shared in the new impetus given to bus- 
iness and in the coming in of foreign blood. The 
village at the Bridge ha- more than doubled since the 
war in its population and wealth. The principal oc- 
cupation of the town, numbering sixteen hundred and 
twenty-three inhabitants in 1860, is that of farming 
in some of its various forms. The town has a strong, 
loamy soil, admirably adapted to the small grains and 
grasses; hence hay is raised in great abundance and 

•_ 1 pasturage abounds. The land, for the most part, 

is too rough to admit the use of modern machinery. 
Most .c' the labor on most of the farm- must be done 
by hand. Still, year by year, one field after another 
is cleared of stump- and stone- to admit the use of 
the cultivator and mower, so that machinery is get- 
ting to be in quite common use in town. There is 
also along the streams some smooth ami level land 
just adapted to improved machinery, thus greatly fa- 
cilitating the work of tanning. 

The common productions of New England are 
raised. More bushels of wheat to the acre are some- 
times raised without difficulty than i- averaged in the 
great West. The advantage at the West is the illim- 
itable acreage possible in a -ingle field rather than in 
the amount on a single acre. And it is so in corn. 
At the West, cultivation of the soil is easier than in 
New England, being for the most part performed with 
the aid of horses or mules. The land in Hillsborough, 
where it is thoroughly worked, where the hay and 
grain raised on it are mostly fed out on the same, so 
that ample returns may be made for what is taken off, 
produces bountifully. True, it is hard to till in 
many parts,— perhaps this may be truthfully said of 
th.- greater part,— but it pays well for hard work; it 
rewards industry. The laud reciprocates every favor 
received. It has been truthfully said. " [f you tickle 
her with a hoe. she will laugh with a harvest." 



Desertion of Hill Farms.— A change ha 
in- on gradually which will continue indefinitely, 
viz.: a desertion of the high hills as tillage land, and 
their conversion into pasture land. This ha- alreadj 
been done to a great extent. The original settlers 
preferred the hill laud as their home. It was easier 
cleared. The timber was not so heavy, and was usually 
beech and maple. The laud was dryer than in the 
basins. The stumps would decay sooner than in wet 
land. The first crops were better, as the low land, 
in its tir-t state, needed draining to make it cultivat- 
able or productive. Hence they sought the hills, at 
least far up their sides. They could see further. 
They could signalize' each other better in case of dan- 
ger. On the whole, they chose the hill country for its 
supposed advantages. 

The ashes left upon the ground at its clearing was 

all that was needed for years to enrich it sufficiently 
t.. insure a good harvest. They were less liable to 
3I i/en late frosts in spring and early frosts in autumn 
on the hills than in the villages; hence, away to the 
hills and ply the axe. In process of time the hills, 
being bared ..I' their forests, became more dry in con- 
sequence; water sometimes is scarce or fails tor a sea- 
son ; the soil becomes thinner from one period to 
another; the rain washes .nit the strength of lie' -oil 
and bear- it to the valleys; the wind drives away 
great portions in dust: usually it is found conven- 
ient to sell some , if the hay and reduce the number of 
heads of cattle kept on the farm without returning an 
equivalent ; the result is, the farm grows poor anil the 
farmer poorer. The girls are married and go to their 
new home-. The boys, as they become young men of 
age. go West or to the villages. In process of time 

father and mother grow old and feeble, sell out to 
somebody wanting a pasture, and go to the village or 
to live with. me. if the children. And so it is that, 
farm after farm in the most hilly section of Hills- 
borough has been deserted, ami the ..ore well- 
cultivated farms are either growing up to forests 
or the process retarded by great herds of .-attic roam- 
ing over them at large. Whole school districts, where 
once was the hum of busy life, where once were troops 
of laughing children playing about the house and 
barn, are now deserted and the buildings either taken 
down and removed, or, if left, are fast falling (0 decaj 
and "cureless ruin." This process will doubtless go 
on. More than half tic inhabitants of the town are 
now living within a mil,- of the arched bridge near 
the mills, which gives its name to the village. 

These hill lands are actually depreciating in value 
every year, owing to two facts,— first, distance from 
the railroads, and, second, the natural disintegration of 
the -ml, ..wing to frosts, heat and water, and its con- 
sequent subsidence to lower lands. The writer ..1 this 
article knows from persona] observation that in cer- 
tain school districts, where once were from foi 
scholars, there are now only from ten to fifteen ; and 
other districts have been reduced from forty, some to 



40G 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



two or three, and some to nothing. Nominally, the 
town baa seventeen whole Bchool districts, besides the 
independent district at Hillsborough Bridge, formed 
in accordance with the Somersworth Act : also a half- 
district iu union with a halt-district in Antrim, unless 
very lately the union has been dissolved. But this 
half-district for a considerable time furnished but one 
scholar. Another district in town, one larger in num- 
bers, did not furnish, for several years, a single scholar 
of its own, but at length revived with one scholar and 
the teacher, sister and brother. 

From all this it can be readily seen why some of 
the best farmers in town have turned their attention 
of late in so great a degree to the milk business and. 
in connection with producing milk-, to the making of 
butter for market. The usual mode of proceeding is 
to allow the cows to run tree in the pastures during 
the summer. Coming in in the late tall, they are 
kept in stable through the winter and ted with hay 
and ground teed, ami butter is made tor the market 
and sent weekly by railroad. Usually, the butter 

from these creameries brings at that season a g I 

price and a sure sale during the winter months, and 
it is found to be more profitable than the usual way 
of making butter in the summer. The large farmers. 

after the seas f milking is over, turn the cows out 

to pasture, reserving the best milkers tor furrow cows 
or new milch cows the next winter, and selling the 
others for beef after they arc well fattened. 

Within the last ten years Hillsborough farmers 
have been coming into the foreground in the matter 
of butter-making, and do not fear now to stand in the 
market-place side by side with the famous blltter- 

inakers of Vein t, who lor many years threw them 

completely into the shade. There are many good 
creameries in Hillsborough ; many farmers furnish a 
first-class article in the way of butter. I will illus- 
trate by referring to some few individuals well known 
in town, without wishing it to fie inferred that there 
are not many others equally good, viz., Charles W. 
Conn, James Bickford & Son, Janus M. Wilkins, 
the Clark Brothers, the Gammells, Jeremiah Dutton, 
Samuel M. Baker and others for whose names I have 
nut space, but whose sweet and yellow butter I have 
often tasted and know it to be good. 

Forestry. — Another industry which furnishes 
business for many men in Hillsborough is cutting 
and drawing wood and lumber. The forests within 
three miles of the railroad station in town have been 

notably thinned; yet the w 1 i- constantly growing, 

and every year wood and lumber are drawn from 
greater and still greater distances. On many farms 
the most profitable growth is the forest growth. To 
secure in the shortest time new timber tit to be cut, 
cattle should not be allowed to browse the young 
shoots. It should be as carefully guarded from them 
as a wheat-field. In a few years— if left to itself— it 
will be large enough for the wood-pile, or even the 
saw-mill. Hillsborough, especially back on the hills, 



abounds in forests, heavily timbered. It is thought 
that with all the waste, wood grows in town faster 
than it is used tor all purposes. 

Pine Timber. — It may be interesting to the general 
reader to learn any facts in regard to the growth of 
pine timber in Hillsborough. It will be remembered 
that King George III. reserved all the white pines 
for the use of the royal navy. The settlers did not 
relish this restriction, and soon entrenched upon the 
King's prerogative and cut pirn- for home use. At- 
tempts were made to arrest men and bring them to 
justice for the crimt of stealing timber from their own 
land: but the neighbors would interfere with the tree 
and unrestricted course of Inn: and Justin-, and the 
sheriff was sometimes glad for leave to return unmo- 
lested without his man. The writer has seen pines ol 
great length drawn to the railroad for shipment to 
the navy-yard for masts, not, however, for King 
George. The pines, except very small one-, are 
nearly extinct in town. 

ContoOCOOk Mills. — A quarter of a century ago the 
old cotton-factory of the Marcys had passed into 
other hands, and about that time John B. Smith 
bought and took possession and set up the business of 
hosiery-knitting. The old saw-mill standing near the 
south end of the bridge, which had sawn boards, lum- 
bei and turned ou1 shoe-pegs bj the cart-load, passed 
into his i Smith's) hands, and was transformed into a 
large and convenient factory. For a time George i>. 
Reaseler run the south mill — the old cotton-factory — 
and J. B. Smith the newly-modeled one near the 
bridge, but at length the north factory came into his 
hands, and for several year- be operated both mills to 
thi besl advantage, and amassed a fortune. A few 

years ago the Contooi k Woolen Company was 

formed and now exists in active operation. 

In the new company by far the heaviest owner is 
the original owner. John Butler Smith, and next to 
him hi- in iphew,a sister's son, George Edward Gould, 
who is also foreman and business manager in the 
factories. Mr. Gould is a natural mechanic, a. perfect 
genius in putting wrongs in machinery to right-, and 
equally competent to manage help as machinery. He 
i- the regulator of all the internal arrangements, and 
ha- always enjoyed tile perfect confidence of tin In .1 

of the establishment. The » !ont :ook Woolen-Mills 

have a high and well-deserved reputation abroad. 
Theii _ I- -land among the first, if not the very 

tirst. in the market, ami are not excelled. They are 
exactly wdiat they are recommended to be, both a- to 
the material of which they are made and the weight 
and the work that is put into them. 

These mills employ from fifty to a hundred bauds, 
male and female, at remunerative wages. Besides, a 
great amount of work is done outside the mills,— such 
part- of the work as must be done by hand on under- 
shirts, drawers and socks. In almost every house for 
miles may be seen the inevitable garments, since the 
work is easy ; ,nd commands ready pay once in two 



HILLSB0R01 GH. 



weeks in money. The 15th of the month is a golden 
day at Hillsborough Bridge for help and the creditors 

of help. If the Cont toot Woolen-Mills should 

stop work, or should cease to give out work, many 
would l>e at a loss for spending-money. It does 
oot pay, they say, bu1 it is better than nothing. Yes, 
and it is a great deal better than making white cotton 
shirts, all told, as i- done in Boston, at the rate of six 
ctuts apiece. 

The New Mill.— The hope of Hillsborough Bridge 
and immediate vicinity ha- for many years centred 
.,-i it- excellent water-power, —on the work which the 
Contoocook might some day do tor them. I he I Ion 
toocook River has been regarded for a long period as 
the tutelary genius of the place. Only a small por- 
tion of its water-power has yet been utilized. It is 
believed that it might easily do all the work that it is 
now doing, and, in addition, turn as many spindles 
and drive as many shuttles as the Merrimack does at 
Lawrence or Lowell. It- grist-mills, -aw -mills, yam- 
factories, hosiery-mills and all the rest combined 
did not satisfy the longing mind- of the people. 
There was something not possessed that was wanted. 
The project of "The New Mill" was started at length 
—perhaps spontaneously. It was called "The New 
Mill" before even the plan of it was drawn, a -tone 
dug or a stick of timber drawn, or even cut. Shares 
were taken eagerly, money paid cheerfully, in hopes 

of having speedily a golden return. Work was i - 

menced, the money which had been subscribed all 
used, and "The New Mill" not completed. Then 
bonds were issued, and more money raised on these. 
•'The New Mill" at length was finished, from the 
water-wheel to the ventilator, — made tor no particular 
u-e. but for any use that might he needed by the pur- 
chaser or renter. " The bonds" ate up "the shares," 
and, like Pharaoh's lean kine, were still hungry. No 
purchaser, no renter that would lie accepted. " Wait- 
ing, still waiting." At length " The New Mill " was 
sold and put to use. It has added vastly to the busi- 
ness of the place by employing more hands requir- 
ing to be sheltered, fed and clothed. Hut it has not 
brought hack the first thirty thousand dollars that 
was paid out for original share-. 

Hillsborough Bridge has always been noted for 
handling "the nimble shilling." A ten-dollar bill 
started on its travels in the morning will make the 
acquaintance of a dozen pocket-hooks before night, in 
• son to get back into bank within banking hours. 
And so it has always been that a small capital at the 
Bridge has been able to do a large and legitimate 
business. The starting up of the " New Mill," about 
seven or eight years ago, awoke to full action the 
latent energies of the place. House-building became 
at once a business, and lots for building purposes — 
always high at the Bridge, proverbially so — now rose 
to an unprecedented height. SO that those who had 
lot- to sell now received a part of their loss in 
"-hares." Business of all kinds improved. 



The corporate name of the New Mill is Hillsborough 
Woolen-Mills, — Rufus F. Frost & Co., proprietors; 
John Kimball, superintendent. The New Mill, even 
if it should get old enough to demand repairs, will al- 
ways be " The New Mill." [t can nevergrow old in 
the hearts of this gi neration. When the dam was 
built tor this mill, John B. Smith, proprietor of the 
Contoocook Mills, built the north half, which he 
own-, and the mill privilege also, on the north hank 
of the river. He did this for two reasons.— on. . that 
lie might he able to control one-half of the water, it 
necessary, for the use of the Contoocook Mills; the 
other, to -cine the means of running another "new; 
mill," it he should think best at anytime to do so. In 
former years that mill privilege hail been used to ad- 
vantage; it might he of advantage to use it again. 
Mr. Smith also owns the mill, last operated a- a silk- 
mill, on the north hank of the Contoo( k, east of 

tlie bridge across the river. Factories might he suc- 
cessfully operated, if built, for a long distance down 
the river. 

The future of Hillsborough lies in the judicious 
use of the waters of the Contoocook. The river is 
better than a gold-mine, and there isan opportunity for 
great extension. The water can be conducted for a 
long distance down the river, and enough conveyed 
to carry machinery to an unlimited extent. Besides, 
there is abundant opportunity to hold water hack in 
the vast reservoirs in Stoddard and in the adjacent 
towns, against a time of need, if such should arise. 
Hillsborough village-is destined to be. at no distant 
future, a large manufacturing place. The Contoocook 
Mills, of year.-' standing, are a pledge of what it 
can do. 

Hillsborough (or Valley) Academy.— It will be 
found, on inquiry, that about the year 1820 there was 
a wide-spread fever, both in New Hampshire and 
Vermont, for establishing incorporated academies- 
Li was before the day of High Schools — with or with- 
out invested funds, a- the rase might be. Hillsbor- 
ough Academy was incorporated by act id' the Legis- 
lature in 1821. The first teacher was Dr. Simeon 
[ngersol Bard, of Francestown, a graduate of Dart- 
mouth in 1821. He came to Hillsborough directly 
after graduation. He was -mall in size, wiry, elastic 
in his movements, boyish in appearance, hut a man 
every way in mental ability and scholarship. His 
mind was keen in analysis, and he gave a high tone 
to tin- new academy. He afterwards taught in the 
academy at Francestown. So youthful was his ap- 
pearance that one of the citizens of Francestown, 

not knowing who it was, saw him as he was ■_ - to 

the academy with some large books under his arm, 
and accosted him, — ''Sonny, how do like your pre- 
ceptor?" He was followed in the Hillsborough 
Academy by Rev. William Clark. D.D., of Amherst, 
a native of Hancock, a classmate of Dr. Bard in col- 
lege, who taughl several years before going to An- 
dover, where he graduated in theology in 1827. He 



408 



HISTOKY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY. NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



is well and favorably known for work in the home 
missionary field in the State. His brother— Rev. 
Samuel Wallace Clark— took his place in the acad- 
emy in 182 year and then went with 
his brother William to Andoyer, from which place 
both graduated in theology in 1827. Rev. Jonah Pea- 
body followed, who graduated at Dartmouth in 1825. 
He wasfollowed bythe brothers fin turn) Robert Ri ed 
and Solomon Heath Reed, graduates of Dartmouth. 
Another teacher of note was Benjamin F. Wallace, 
Esq., who became a veteran in the field and is well 
remembered in Hillsborough. Rev. Ephraim Tay- 
lor. Albert Baker, Esq., and F. B. Mussey followed 
in turn. The academy was at first located in a brick 
building at the Lower village. Having at length 
done its work there, and good work, too. it reappeared 
at Hillsborough Centre under the instruction of 
Rev. Elihu Thayer Rowe, a graduate of Dart- 
mouth College in 1840, who was a practical ami 

thorough teacher, who died in 1867. others swayed 
with credit the educational sceptre on the hill, and 
the academy did good work there tin- year-. In 1864, 
taking the name Valley Academy, it reappeared at 
Hillsborough Bridge under the auspices of Rev. 
Harry Brickett, assisted by his wife. Mr. Bricketl was 
acting pastor, at the time, of the Hillsborough Bridge 
< tongregational Church. The pupils numbered about 
one hundred and twenty. 

In 1876 Valley Academy reopened with a fall and 
spring term, the winter and summer terms b< tng in 
the same building, under the same teachers, and 
known as the Union School. Rev. Harry L. Brickett. 
son of Rev. Harry Brickett. a graduate of Oberlin 
tss of 1875, was principal, and Miss Ellen 
J. Brickett, a graduate of the Ladies' Department of 
the same institution in the same year, was assistant. 
For three years, from 1876 to 1879, they taught with 
the best of succesi — the schools being crowded with 
scholars— four terms a year. In the tall id' 1879, Mr. 
Brickett entered Lndover Theological Seminary. 
They were followed by Dr. Frank 1'. Newman ami 
Mi-s Mary Ellen Whittemore, who remained one year, 
Dr. Newman being called from there to the position 
of principal of Tubbs' Union Academy. Washington, 
his native town, where he litis since taught with great 
acceptance, ami has made his school rank among the 
first. Miss Whittemore. a graduate of Bradford Acad- 
emy, Massachusetts, was called from Hillsborough to 
Bradford, N. H.. where tor several years she taught, 
with great credit, the Bradford Grammar School. 

Mr. B. F. Hurd, a graduate of Bates College, Me., 
followed, and remained three years. Miss Epps was 
for a time his assistant ; she was succeeded by Miss 
Gutterson. Mr. Hurd was called from here to Fran- 
ce-tow n Academy, where he -til! remains, doing faith- 
ful and efficient work. A primary department was 
started under his administration with good success. 
Mr. George A. Dickey, a graduate of Dartmouth 
College in ls-o .-ne ceded, and is the present principal. 



A new, commodious and elegant school-house, with 
tour department-, luts been built since Mr. Dickey's 
advent. Miss Jennie Breed. Miss Clara F. Potter and 

others are his co-laborers in educational work. Hills- 
borough may well feel proud of her schools. A S I 

education i- the best legacy for children. 



CHAP T E R I V. 
HILLSB0K01 SB ' - 

i -i. 1.1. ment— The Professions- 1 I 

l' -1. 1-11. .,1 Hl-tul.V I . ,:_.. . ,|i..,| ,i . |,„, 

is) Episcopal Church— Baptist Church— Independents. 

The Scotch-Irish Element— The inhabitants of 

Hillsborough are descendant- mainly of Puritan 
stock; hut, like other stock in good companies, it 
has been somewhat watered. It will lie found that 
no nationality can claim a decided majority. It 
is well known, how ever, that from the very start there 
has been a liberal sprinkling id' the Scotch-Irish ele- 
ment. These were men unsurpassed in decision of 
character, determination. love of liberty, even to 
license; yet of the utmost fidelityin allsocial relations. 
They may be properly styled the defenders of the 
home. 

The Scotch-Irish originally went from Scotland I 
the north of Ireland, which they made their home. 
Very likely there is, to a greater or less degree 
intermingling of Irish bl I. 

Lond lerry, in New Hampshire, attracted the men 

from Londonderry and the region round about in Ire- 
land. 

The Scotch-Irish predominated in that town, and 
sent out emigrants to help in settling other town-, 
Hillsborough among the rest. 

It is this blood that furnished most of our brave 
officers in the Revolutionary War and in the War of 
1812, and they were not backward to volunteer to. 
march in the ranks. 

It is a race that possesses in a high degree pluck 
and lire. It |„,s-e--e- the pure Scotch firmness — al- 
most obstinacy— that is determined to fight a cause 
out "on that line." to the fiery high blood of the Irish 
Soldier that would charge, without flinching or turn- 
ing aside, up to the very cannon'- mouth. 

It is an exceedingly interesting class of people, as 
studied in their adopted homes in Ireland. The. 
were zealous Protestants, and, in the days of James 
tlte Second, of England, the} adhered firmly to the 
cause- of William of Orange against the tyranny of 
James. The story ot the siege of Londonderry, Ire- 
land, in 1689, is one of tin- most thrilling in history. 
They endured the most terrible tortures of famine, but 
held out till they were relieved and saved. It is the 

tendency of such bl 1 to tone up society to a high 

level of honorable feeling. Some of the first settli re 
of Hillsborough came originally front Ireland. Their 



HILLSBOROUGH. 



descendants have-, as a rule, been men of probity and 
unblemished character. They are generous to a fault, 
and will divide the last loaf. Hillsborough has felt 
the good influence of that blood. 

The Professions.— The history of a town would be 
incompletethatleftoutmentionof its professional men, 
—those who filled its pulpits, v, ho pleaded at the bar, 
and administered the healing art,— who had to do with 
the- souls, the wills and the bodies of the people. I 
ought to add another class, much, at the presenl time, 
more than formerly a profession, thai of teachers of 
youth, — those who, while dealing mainly with the 
minds of pupils at a tender age, really lay the founda- 
tion, either well or ill, on which the superstructure of 

a life, g I oj bad, is built. It is fair to presume 

that the professions are made up of men of at least 
average ability, hut of superior mental training. 

Law and Lawyers.— Law is supposed to be the 
embodiment of justice and fair dealing among men. 
From the earliest ages of civilization there has been 
a class of men whose business is to know the law and 
be able to give sound and safe advice in regard to it. 
Hillsborough has been from the first the home of dis- 
tinguished lawj era. 

Among the first practitioners was David Starrett, a 
uative of Francestown, a graduate of Dartmouth Col- 
lege in 1798, and student of law in the office of J ion. 
Samuel Hell, of Francestown. He opened an office in 
Hillsborough in 1802. He was not regarded as a 
brilliant advocate, bu1 as a safe adviser he hail the 
general confidence of the people .if the town and was 
confidently trusted by his clients. He resided in 
town ten years. He then mysteriously disappeared, 
never to return. In Smith's annals is a long account 
concerning it. 

John Burnam, also a graduate of Dartmouth Col- 
lege, a student in the office of Hon. Samuel Bell, ami 
later of David Starrett, succeeded the latter in 1812. 

David Steele, born at Peterborough, September 30, 
17^7, graduated tit Williams College in 1810, studied 
law with James Walker, Esq., and Hon. Charles G. 
Atherton, of Amherst; married, late in life, Miss 
< 'atharina Kendall, of Amherst, who yet survives him, 
and opened an office in Hillsborough, tit the Bridge 
village, in 1813. He was a useful man, both in so- 
ciety and in the church. He died at Peterborough 
many years ago, between eighty and ninety years of 

John McFarland opened an office tit the Upper vil- 
lage in 1815, and died in Hillsborough in 1819. 

Timothy Darling graduated at Harvard University 
in 1822, opened an office in Hillsborough in 1826 and 
• remained in town just one year. 

In 1827, Hon. Franklin Pierce, of national reputa- 
tion, opened a law-office in the Lower village of Hills- 
borough, and continued there eleven years, when he 
removed to Concord. He was a graduate of Bowdoin 
College, Maine, in 1824, at the age of twenty, and 
three vears later was admitted to the bar in his native 



State. He tilled many positions of public trust with 
dignity and honor. From 1829 '.<■ 1833 he represented 
Hillsborough in the State Legislature, the last two 
years being Speaker of the House. In Is:::: lie was 
elected to Congress, where he served ably during his 
two terms till 1837, when he was elected to the 
1'nited State.- Senate. He was then tic youngest mem- 
ber of thai body, being barely of I he leu a I age required. 
In 1842 lie resigned his seat and returned to Concord, 
where he resumed his legal practice. 

His fluency of speech, his knowledge of law and his 
prominence as a public man gave him the first place 
at the bar of New Hampshire. In 1846 the position 

of I nited States Attorney-General w ;is otfeie. I I . 

President Polk, but he declined. He also declined 
to run tor Governor when nominated bj the Demo- 
cratic party in New Hampshire. 

His military record was one of rapid rise. Enlist- 
ing as a private in a volunteer company, he became a 
colonel and -oon after a brigadier-general. He took 
a prominent part in the .Mexican War. where he 
served with bravery and ho under General ^<;,u. 

At the close of the war he resumed the practice 
of law in Concord. In 1850 he presided ovei 
the Constitutional Convention of New Hampshire. 
In 1852, at Baltimore, he was nominated, after a pro- 
tracted struggle, on the forty-ninth ballot, over all 
competitors, as the Democratic candidate for Presi- 
dent of the United States. He was nominated 
in the convention by two hundred and eighty-two 
eleven for all other candidates. When the 
votes of the Electoral College were counted, Pierce 
had two hundred and fifty-four and Scott forty-two. 

After 1857, which was the close of his administra- 
tion, Mr, Pierce passed several years in Europe, re- 
turning in 1860. He die. I'm Concord. It has been 
proposed to erect a statue to his memory, to stand in 
I lie Slate-House yard. 

Albert Baker, an exceedingly popular man in the 
town ami Stale, was a native of Bow, born leoiuai . 
in, 181(1, a graduate of Dartmouth College in 1834 
read law with Hon. Franklin Pierce, and opined an 
office in Hillsborough in 1837. 

There have followed men of brilliant talents- 
Samuel II. Aver, an able lawyer, who was sometimes 
pitted against Hon. Franklin Pierce at the bar, wh. re 
he acquitted himself with honor. George Barstow, a 
native of Haverhill, a man of good mind and scholar- 
ship, a member of Dartmouth College, but who left be- 
fore graduating, lb' succeeded as a man of letter- 
rather than as a lawyer. He remained but a short 
time iii town. Francis B. Peabody was also in Hills- 
borough fora short time. Of him but little is known. 
Francis N. Blood, a Hillsborough boy had an office 
and dwelling-house at (lie Lower village. He was re- 
garded as a good lawyer, and ;m upright and honor- 
able man. He died of consumption, leaving a good 
property, which he had gained in his profession, 
11. hi. James F. Briggs, of English parentage, — a dis- 



410 



HISTORY OF HlLLSBOROlirll COUNT V, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



tinguished counselor-at-law, an ex-member of Con- 

gress, — practiced at the Bridge several years, till his 
removal to Manchester. Charles A. Harnden suc- 
ceeded Esq. Blood. He remained in Hillsborough 
but a short time alter he was admitted to the bar. 

Brooks K. Webber lias been in the practice of law 
at the Bridge since the removal of Esq. Briggs. He 
i- considered a safe adviser in law, and never counsels 
a client to incur the expense of a law-suit if he can 
avoid it by an amicable settlement. He has a good 
practice. 

A. B. Spalding, of Lyndeborough, began to practice 
law the latter part of 1876, and remained a little less 
than two years. He left under a cloud, and has since 
died. Willis G. Buxton studied law with Brooks K. 
Webber, and in the Boston Law School. He was ad- 
mitted to the bar and commenced and continued 
several years in practice in Hillsborough. lie 
early removed to Pennicook, where he now is in suc- 
cessful practice. Samuel W. Holman has been at the 
Bridge several years in tin- practice of law. He 
studied law with Hon. Mason Toppan, of Bradford, 
Attorney-General of New Hampshire. Mr. Holman 
i- rapidly acquiring a lucrative practice. The Pierces, 
Colonel Frank II. and Kirk D., brothers, ate located 
at the Lower village, and are doing a good share of 
legal work. Colonel Frank II. Pierce, one of the 
firm, has recently received the appointment of judge 
advocate of the Amoskeag Veterans. He has accepted 
the appointment of United States consul toMatanzas, 
Cuba. J. Willard Newman, son of .lame- Newman, 
prepared under Esq. Webber, and is now a practicing 
lawyer in Chicago. Others may have come into town 
and reconnoitered, hoping to find a place to banc up a 
shingle somewhere; but so Ions as the Pierces guard 
'In Lower village, and Webber and Holman the 
Bridge, interlopers may as well know that there is no 
room; they had better not unlimber. Hillsborough 
has good lawyers now, fully competent to defend the 
interests of all its citizens and others who may apply, — 
men who are good judges of law and equity and safe 
ail\ isers of their clients. 

Tin: Ministry. — In the early settlements the min- 
isters of the gospel did not stay long behind the 
B ho came with axe, saw, auger, shovel and 
pick-hoe — to be supplemented with the plow — to 
clear, to build and to cultivate. Rude homes were 
soon constructed of hewn log-. The timber stood 
everywhere, ami almost enough grew on the lot for 
buildings to make them — especially if a garden and 
small field were taken into the account — a shelter of 
logs sufficient to protect the family during the hours 
oi sleep, and serve as a nucleus for the home, the 

dearest plac i earth, whether a hut or a palace. At 

first there were no saw-mill- and no means of sawing 
lumber except by hand. The tool- most needed and 
used most were axe. saw. auger and chisel. 

First, a home for the family; the very next, the 
meeting-house — rarely in those days in New England 



called a church— and the next, a parsonage. The 
first settlement, which, on ace. tint of imminent dan- 
ger from a treacherous enemy, lasted only from 1741 
to 1746, nevertheless built a meeting-house and a 
home for a minister. As has already been said, this 
meeting-house was burnt, and, as is believed, wantonly, 
for the malicious gratification of seeing it burn. A 
man named Keyes, as appears from the records was 
at the beginning of the first settlement in 1741, joint- 
proprietor with Colonel Hill. His name does Q01 
appear in the records as connected with the second 
settlement of the town. Business troubles may have 
soured the mind of this Keyes, of Weare, and so for 
revenge he may have tired the building. It was 
burnt. This Keyes may have felt himself wronged, 
and that the glass which he took out and buried wa- 
ins. 

During the time between tin- years 17b7 and 177H 
—twelve years— public worship was held in warm 
weather in groves or in barn-, in the coldest in pri- 
vate dwellings. Colonel Hill, now the sole proprietor 
of the town (by some means he has sloughed oil' Mr. 
Keyes), gave the town ten acres of land— now occupied 
at the centre of the town for the sole use of the 
church buildings and the cemetery— for these purposes 
and also tor a common. In addition, he reserved 
from sale two whole lots of the one hundred acre lots 
and a part of another for the first settled minister. 
In the autumn of 1772 the church, concurred in by 
the town of Hillsborough, invited Mr. Jonathan 
Barnes, a licentiate, to come and settle with them as 
their minister and pastor. He accepted the call, 
came and was ordained ami in-tailed November iVi, 
1771'. 

The ordination exercises were held on Bible Hill, in 
the barn of Lieutenant Samuel Bradford. It was no 
uncommon thing in that early age, ami even later, to 
hold religious services in a barn. The writer, in his 
youthful days in Newbury, Vt., frequently attended 
meeting in barns in the summer season; indeed, 
himself and sisters were baptized in a barn within 
his personal recollection. The name "Bible Hill" 
ha- frequently been alluded to. It is a familiar name 
in Hillsborough,— as well known a- tin Bridge, Lower, 
Upper or Centre village. A road from West Deering, 
one mile west of the Bridge village, running north 
and south, passes by the "Deacon Sawyer place," 
now owned and occupied by Cawn Mills, over a con- 
siderable hill, consisting of most excellent farming 
land. b\ the Jones. Burnham and Tuttle places. This 
is called " Bible Hill," common rumor has it, because 
the only Bible in town was owned by a family living 
there. Mr. Smith, who probably sifted the rumor,* 
modestly puts it, to save the credit of the deacons of 
the church, that the only large Bibles in town were 
owned by Deacons Isaac Andrews and Joseph Sy- 
monds. I yield to that authority, and am glad to be- 
lieve -Mr. Smith the faithful annalist in preference to 
Madam Rumor, who has sometimes proved to be mis- 



HILLSBOROUGH. 



411 



taken. It is hoped and believed that there were some 
small Bibles elsewhere, and that they were read and 
obeyed. Bible Hill at that time bid fair to be the 
leading place in town, outranking the Bridge even. 
It had in it the first tavern built in town, in 1766; 
the first town-meeting was held there in 1772; the 
first ordination, in 1772 ; the first captain of the first 
military company formed in town, and its first lieu- 
tenant, lived there. 

The second meeting-house in town was built by the 
town, the same as the first, which had been burnt. 
The town passed a vote for the purpose of building 
a bouse of worship in May, 1773. It was carried 
into effect in 1779, and used thirteen years, when it 
was found to In- insufficient for the increased congrega- 
tion that was to come early every Sabbath morning 
and stay till late in the afternoon to listen to two long 
sermons, each of at least an hour's length, and 
prayers and singing in proportion. It was then re- 
moved from its site several rods, and converted into a 
school-house. As a meeting-house it gave place to 
another larger building, and better adapted to the 
wants of the town. "The new building" — they 
called it — was to lie sixty-two feet in length, fifty feet 
in width and two stories in height, with porches 
on three of the sides, each having a door lor entrance. 
The raising of this large building, lifted a broadside 
at a time, as was the custom in those days with all 
frame buildings, was no small affair. People came 
from far and near, even from distant towns, to help 
lift at tin- master-workman's call, " Heave, O heave!" 
and then to share in the inspiring contents of the 
barrel, liberally furnished for the occasion. Though 
professedly the building was fir the Holy Spirit's 
dwelling, other spirits aided at the raising. 

This building was used as a place of worship for 
twenty-eight years, with no means of warming it ex- 
cept the ladies' foot-stoves. In the very coldest 
weather worship was conducted in the pastor's 
kitchen. Before the settlement of Mr. Barnes as 
pastor, religious services were conducted by the min- 
isters of other parishes, particularly by Rev. William 
Houston, of Bedford, and Rev. Samuel Cotton, of 
Litchfield. They assisted in the organization of the 
first church, which was gathered October 12, 1769, said 
to be the tenth church formed within the present 
limits of Hillsborough County prior to 1G41, the one 
hundredth anniversary of the settlement of the town. 
At the ordination of Mr. Barnes, Rev. Josiah Bridge 
preached the sermon. 

I find the following town record of its vote in re- 
gard to the minister's support in Mr. Smith's annals. 
" Voted unanimously to fix the Rev. Mr. Barnes' salary 
That we will give him thirty pounds "—equivalent 
to one hundred and forty-five dollars and a few cents — 
"by way of settlement, thirty-five pounds ayearforthe 
first four years," — equivalent to — $169.40,—" then forty 
pounds a year, until there shall lie seventy families in 
town; and when there shall be seventy families, ] u . is 
27 



to be entitled to fifty | ids. whether sooner or later, 

until there shall lie ninety families; when there is 
ninety families, he shall receive sixty pounds until 
there is one hundred and ten families; when there is 
one hundred and ten families, he shall receive sixty- 
six pounds, six shillings and four-pence, which last 
sum he shall continue to receive so long as he remain 
our minister." This last was to be the ultimatum. It 
will be remembered (hat, in addition, Mr. Barnes was 
to receive between two and three hundred acres of 
land as the gift of Colonel Hill. Mr. Barnes, having 
sustained the pastoral relation for thirty-one years, 
becoming incapacitcd for performing the duties of his 
office through paralysis resulting from a stroke of 
lightning, resigned his office as minister and pastor 
October 19, 1803, in the fifty-fourth year of his age, 
and lived after his resignation only two years. He- 
was esteemed as a good citizen and a good friend, a 
man of respectable talents and agreeable manners. As 
a preacher, he was regarded as leaning too strongly to 
what is called "the liberal side" in doctrine. He was 
active and laborious, working with his own hand to 
supply the wants which his salary, prudently used, 
failed to do. His heirs own and occupy the home- 
stead. Mr. Barnes married a most excellent lady,— 
Miss Abigail Curtiss, of East Sudbury. Mass., in 177-1, 
who became the mother often children. She survived 
her husband thirty-three years, dying in 1838, " uni- 
versally beloved and lamented." She was esteemed 
by all her personal acquaintances as a true friend and 
a consistent Christian. Though not rich in this 
world's goods, she always gave something to the poor 
and needy, having a heart to feel for them in their 
poverty and want. She set the example in her early 
widowhooil to attend meeting constantly when cir- 
cumstances would permit. Her children called her 
blessed on account of her gentle goodness. 

Rev. Stephen Chapin followed Mr. Barnes, and as 
one extreme follows another quite frequently, it is so 
with heat and cold as regards the weather. He proved 
to be very unlike his predecessor. He was ordained 
June 18, 1805, with a stipulated yearly salary of four 
hundred dollars. You note the change. English 
money, in which Mr. Barnes' salary was stipulated, is 
followed by federal money in the case of Chapin. The 

ser was preached by the distinguished divine, 

Rev. Nathaniel Emmons, D.D., of Franklin, Mass. 
The selection of a minister to preach the sermon was 
an indication of the course Mr. Chapin would take. 
He was the orthodox of the orthodox. He was re- 
garded as very rigid in his belief, and sometimes 
preached so as to offend. It was, however, only what he 
regarded as vital truth. As he regarded Mr. Barnes 
as leaning too far towards the liberal side, he felt 
called upon to lean pretty strongly in the other direc- 
tion. His fidelity to what he regarded as the truth 
of the Bible was the cause of his dismission in a little 
more than a year. He was young and inexperienced 
full of zeal and a real desire to do good. The zeal of 



HISTORY OF IllLLSI!(>];<M<;iI COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



the Lord's house site him up. His farewell sermon, 
which was printed for distribution, was preached 
July 30, 1809. The reason for asking to have Mr. 
Chapin <liMm--.il. a.- given by the committee of the 
church before the council, was, " Incapacity from 
want of health." He and his people had not become 
acquainted with each other, and great difficulties lay in 
the way id' obtaining an intimate acquaintance. The 
people could n oi, or thought they could not. change from 
the genial ways of Mr. Barnes to tic seeming severity 
of Mr. Chapin. There is not a doubt that Mr. Chapin 
wa- a thoroughly g 1 num. aid a better acquaint- 
ance between him and his people might have endeared 
him to them and secured bis stay. The third pastor 
was another Chapin. If they could not keep the man, 
they would try the name again. Mr. Seth Chapin 
was called and ordained January 1, 1812, an unlucky 
year, the beginning of a war between the United 
.-tale- of America ami Great Britain. The ordaining 
sermon was preached by Rev. Ephraim )'. Bradford, 
of New Boston, the pastor of a Presbyterian Church. 
Rev. John M. Whiton, another Presbyterian, gave 
the right hand of fellowship. 

Of this second Chapin little has come down to us. 
The people were too busy in attending to thi state of 
the war to do much in the gospel line; so, alter the war 
between the two belligerent powers wa- settled, they 
found time, on the 26tb of June, 1816, to unsettle Mr. 
Chapin. He had become embarrassed with debt. 
While during war-time, usually, the people grow rich, 
i rer gets higher wages, the producer higher 
price-, the man who depends upon a stated salary 
often gets less in amount paid than wa- promised, 
and the currency is inflated, while the price of every- 
thing he buys is doubled or nearlj so. The writer 
know- whereof he affirms. Mr. Chapin's ministry, 
so far as appears on the record, was destitute of 
much fruit. He was a native of Mendon, Mass., an 
Andover graduate, and his wife a mosi estimable 
bnly. The fourth pastor was not called until there 
had been an interregnum of pastors of three or four 
years, during which time the church "lived from 
hand to mouth." Licentiates from the seminaries 
came and went, among these Mr. Jonathan Magee. 
He wa- afterwards settled pastor, successively, in 
Brattleborough, Vt., Nashua and Francestown, and at 
the close acting pastor in Greenfield, over the Evan- 
gelical Church in that town. Mr. Magee supplied 
the church on the hill several months in 1818, 
The writer sat under bis preaching seven years in 
Francestown, from 1844 to L851. During a few 
months in 1851 he was supplying the Greenfield 
Church. He was by no means a brilliant preacher, 
but very gentlemanly and courteous in his manners. 
On the dismission of Rev. Seth Chapin, the town 
voted to discontinue the practice of hiring the min- 
ister and paying his salary. The salary aftei that 
time, 1816, wa- raised by voluntary contribution. 

Next— to stay permanently— Rev. John Lawton 



came with his family in January. l^L'o, moved there- 
to by his own will and judgment. He was in the full 
strength of ministerial lite, just turned forty, was a 
graduate of Middlebury College, and had studied 
theology with settled clergymen of repute, as at that 
time was frequently the ease, and had been ordained 
in Windham, Vt.. in October. 1809. He was twice 
married, the last time to Miss Abigail, only daughter 
of the Rev. Jonathan Barnes, of Hillsborough. Mr. 
Lawton commenced preaching immediately on coming 
to town with his family. — he had supplied a tew Sab- 
baths previously to their coming. — and the next year 
be bad gained such a hob! of the hearts of tic people 
that the church and society gave him a call to settle 
with them as their pastor. He accepted the call, and 
was installed the fourth pastor November 9, 1821. 
Rev. Joel Davis preached the sermon. Rev. J. M. 
Whiton, of Antrim, aided in the services; the rest 
of the names of helpers would be the names of 
strangers to Hillsborough people. Rev. Mr. Lawton, 
stayed until April 22, Ls:;2, thirteen years, and at the 
end of that time asked for a dismission. He wa- at 
Hillsborough during the precious season of wide- 
spread revivals of religion, extending over New 
Hampshire and Vermont and elsewhere, which brought 
mam thousands into the churches in comparatively 
a short time. At the time he asked a dismission the 
period of great revivals wa- pa-t tor that time, and a 
period of comparative coldness and indifference was 
taking the place of it in many churches onci 
ingly active; the reaction told upon the ministry, and 
was the occasion of many vacant pulpits about that 
time, and changing of ministers. At one time Mr. 
Lawton admitted about seventy member- into the 
church as the fruits of the revival of that oue year. 
]*27. In these extensive revivals he had the help of 
Rev. Ira M. Mead, who acted as an evangelist, and 
proved to be very serviceable in assisting the pastor. 
After his dismission Mr. Lawton acted as home mis- 
sionary, and as he was only fifty-lour, or nearly that. 
be was vigorous, after resting, in prosecuting new- 
work. It is said that while out West — resting from 
his long-continued and hard labors during those years 
of revivals— he built a wind-mill for grinding pur- 
poses. The work was admirably done. Everything 
seemed to betoken success; all was completed, except 
that the brakes bad not been put on. There coming 
up suddenly a good wind, desirous of ascertaining 
whether it would run all right, he let on the wind. It 
wa- a perfect success; it went and went, round and 
round, and as there were no brake.- on to retard its 
motion or regulate it, its velocity constantly increased, 
and a- the wind kept on blowing without any let up 
for hours, the friction was so great that it wore the 
mill out. In his next mill he would be likely to put 
on the brakes before starting it. Rev. Milton Ward 
succeeded Mr. Lawton as the fifth pastor of the First 
( longregational Church in Hillsborough; commenced 
preaching in April. 1834, and was ordained July 23d 



HILLSBOROUGH. 



of the same year; sermon by Rev. Calvin Cutler, of 
Windham. Other familiar names are seen on the 
programme of exercises, such as Rev. Joseph Merrill. 
of Acworth.a nmst eloquent man in the pulpit. The 
writer sat under his preaching while teaching during 
a college vacation in Wellfleet, Cape Cod, Mass. Mr. 
Merrill made the consecrating prayer. Rev. John M. 
Whiton, of Antrim, a regular helper on such occa- 
sions in Hillsborough, gave the charge to the pastor. 
Rev. Austin Richards— who began his ministerial life 
in Francestown in the freshness of youth, not without 
his trials, some of them life-long, and who closed his 
ministerial life there in the feebleness of age after a 
long absence, supplying the church a year while 
they were destitute of a pastor— gave the right hand 
of fellowship. Rev. Daniel Stowell, then of Goffs- 
town, a man ot' ability, over whom a cloud gathered 
in after-life, made the concluding prayer, Mr. Ward 
was dismissed by mutual council on account of a 
change of his belief respecting "the nature and con- 
stitution of the ( ihristian Church." He became after 
his dismission an Episcopalian clergyman. Before 
he preached at all he was a physician, a graduate of 
the medical college at Hanover in 1829. 

Rev. Seth Farnsworth next appears on the list as 
the sixth pastor at the < lentre. He came in 1835, and 
supplied the pulpit one year, when he received and 
accepted a call to settle over the church and society. 
He was installed over the Hillsborough Congrega- 
tional Church November 23, 1836. It was an occasion 
of great rejoicing at Hillsborough Bridge, inasmuch 
as a church building had just been completed in thai 
village, and was to be dedicated the day of the in- 
stallation. A large council and concourse of people 
came togetherto attend the double ceremony, — an in- 
stallation and a dedication. There were to lie two 
sermons,— the installation sermon, by Rev. .1. M. 
Whiton; the dedicatory sermon, by the new pastor, 
Rev. Seth Farnsworth, the silver-tongued pulpit ora- 
tor, in the estimation of his new charge. Rev, Archi- 
bald Burgess, of Hancock, — a giant in those 'lav-, 
physically and mentally, among his brother ministers, 
— had an important part, the charge to the pastor. 
" It was a day of triumph " at Hillsborough Bridge, 
never to be forgotten, to be told to children's children. 
The council informally advised that Mr. Farnsworth 
should make his home at the Bridge village, though 
there was no parsonage and it was difficult to rent a 
suitable house. He secured the house now owned and 
occupied by Ammi Smith, and I have been told often 
of the delightful prayer-meetings held in his cham- 
ber-study by him and a few praying men, one of 
whom would, of course, be Deacon Samuel Morrison. 
His labors during the winter following his installa- 
tion were abundant " in season and out of season." 
He supplied the two pulpits, on the hill and at the 
Bridge, on alternate Sabbaths. He had inspired the 
people with great love and confidence in himself, 
when, mysteriously to all, in four months from the 



time of his becoming pastor by the laying on of 
hands. In' was removed l'\ death, March 26, L837,and 
was buried with great lamentations in the old bury- 
ing-ground just back of Dr. Burnham's. He died in 
the freshness of his ministerial life, and almost before 
the holy oil of consecration at the Bridge was dry 
upon his brow. The memory of the good shall live. 
The name of Rev. Seth Farnsworth still lingers with 
affection in the hearts and memories of those who 
knew him, especially at Hillsborough Bridge, lb- 
was the lirst to occupy tin- new church. He was in- 
stalled in it over the Hillsborough Congregational 
Church. He preached the dedication sermon at the 
consecration of the new building. He was the first 
minister who made his home at the Bridge village. 
When he was installed he was in full health and 
strength, and in the freshness of early manhood. He 
was born in Charlestown (X.). 4), in New Hampshire, 
June 14, 1795, so that when he came to Hillsborough 
he was but forty years of age, and only forty-one 
when be was installed. He died before his forty- 
seventh birth-day. He was brought up to believe 
that all, irrespectively, would be saved. After a long 
struggle he gave up those doctrines as erroneous, and 
became, it was believed, a truly converted man. He 
graduated at Dartmouth College in 1822, and ranked 
fair as a scholar. He studied theology under the 
direction of President Tyler, of Dartmouth College, 
was licensed, and preached at first for the Vermont 
Missionary Society. He preached in various places be- 
fore coming to Hillsborough. He was an earnest and 
efficienl worker, a zealous and faithful preacher of 
the gospel and a successful winner of souls. The dis- 
ease of which he died was called "a lung fever." 
According to the account given concerning him, both 
as placed on record in ''Smith's Annals" and in the 
reports of his associates in the church, — elderly peo- 
ple who were visitors at the sick-bed, — he died in the 
full triumphs of the gospel faith. To his wife he said 
just before his death. "T have been swimming, swim- 
ming, yea, I have been swimming in an ocean of 
bliss." For his people he sent a message by the min- 
ister who was to preach, to " receive with meekness 
the ingrafted Word, which is able to save their souls, 
and that they be doers of the Word and not hearers 
only." 

Mr. Farnsworth was followed by Rev. Samuel G.Ten- 
ney as the seventh pastor of the Hillsborough Church. 
The installation sermon was preached by Rev. Na- 
thaniel Bouton, of Concord, July 4, 1838. The next 
spring a new Congregational Church was formed, an 
offshoot from the First Church by letter, at Hillsbor- 
ough Bridge, and was called the Hillsborough 
Bridge Congregational Church. Mr. Tenney was 
retained at the Bridge. No mention is made in the 
records of an installation. The deacons were Davison 
Russell, wdio lived at the Upper village ; Samuel 
Morrison, who lived just over the line in Henniker; 
Tristram Sawyer, who lived one mile west of the 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY. NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Bridge; and Frederick W. Symonds, who lived on 
Bible Hill. Mr. Tenney was agraduate of 1 >artmouth 
College in 1823, and studied theology with Rev. Wal- 
ter Chapin, of Woodstock, Vt. He remained at the 
Bridge about four years. He was succeeded by Rev. 
Jacob Cummings, who was installed pastor at the 
Bridge November 15, 1843. He remained pastor in 
charge until May. 1857, when he withdrew without 
formal dismission from the church as pastor. He re- 
moved and died in 1866, aged seventy-three. 

Mr. Cummings was followed in 1857 by Mr. Harry 
Brickett, a licentiate of the Manchester Association 
of Congregational Ministers in July. 1854. He was 
born in Newbury. Vt.. February 1. 1818, and gradu- 
ateil at Dartmouth College in 1840. After graduating 
he taught two years in the academy in Jaffrey, at the 
same time studying medicine with Dr. Luke Howe, of 
Jaffrey, and afterwards with the medical faculty at 
Hanover, — Drs. Peaslee and Crosby. He was ap- 
pointed assistant demonstrator of anatomy and was 
also in charge of the class in dissection. He attended 
two full courses of lectures at Dartmouth Medical Col- 
lege. He went to Francestown into the academy for 
one term, to finish the year for a friend, and after that 
term stayed seven years longer as principal, and mar- 
ried, August 18, 1846, Miss Eliza C, a daughter of 
Captain Joseph < 'utter, of Jaffrey. He was principal 
of the Brown (Latin) High School, in Newburyport, 
from 1851 to 1853, and of the Merrimack Normal 
Institute, founded by Professor William Russell, at 
Reed's Ferry, Merrimack. He was invited to come 
to Hillsborough in the winter of 1857, preached a 
few Sabbaths, and came to stay permanently in May, 
1857. He received ordination, declining installation. 
in the First Congregational Church in Manchester, 
Rev. Cyrus YV. Walton then pastor, as an evangelist 
without charge. January 28, 1858. He remained in 
Hillsborough as acting pastor — made so bj vote of 
the church in 1858 — until April, 1865, a period of 
eight years. The church prospered under his minis- 
try, — nearly as many as were in the church as mem- 
bers in January, 1858, at the time of his ordination, 
were added to it while he was their minister, from 
1857 to 1865. 

Lev. Stephen Morrill followed, coming in May, 
1865. Mr. Brickett preached his farewell sermon in 
the forenoon from the text "Let brotherly love con- 
tinue;" and Mr. Morrill his first sermon in the P. M. 
of the same day. Mr. Morrill stayed as acting pastor. 
During his ministry the meeting-house was moved 
from its location in the field to the Main Street, in the 
village. The people took sides, sonic for and some 
against the project, in regard to moving it, and some 
were offended, and Mr. Morrill did not escape ensure. 
After resting on their oars after the dismission of Mr. 
Morrill at his request, the church called Rev. Henry B. 
Underwood, January 24, 1871; he accepted the call 
February 2d, ami was duly installed March 7,1871. 
July 7, 1872, he resigned, "tor want, as he assigned, 



of unanimity in the church," and was dismissed by 
i 1. ii e of council July loth of the same year. Dur- 
ing the time he remained at the Bridge there was 
quite a religious interest and a few conversions. 
Among these conversions was Ammi Smith, an aged 
resident at the Bridge. Mr. Underwood was suc- 
ceeded by Rev. John Bragdon, who came in the 
spring of 1873, and continued till near the close of 
1875. .Mr. Bragdon was an earnest worker in the 
Young Men's Christian Association, and he was skill- 
till in managing young boys and gaining their affec- 
tion. The desk being again vacant, Rev. Harry 
Brickett was recalled, alter an absence of almost eleven 
years, at the commencement of 1876, which call he 
accepted. He preached his first sermon the second 
Sabbath in January, 1876. He remained about six 
years, until August, 1881, when he resigned the desk 
to take effect the 1st of September. Mr. Brickett 
officiated in all fourteen years. Rev. Abram J. 
Quick succeeded Mr. Brickett as acting pastor of the 
church, commencing November 6,1881. He closed 
his labors July 29, 1883. 

The present minister is Roderick J. Mooney, born 
in Dublin, Ireland. February 17, 1853, where he re- 
ceived a liberal education at the Dublin University. 
He received an invitation to preach at the Bridge, 
ami came in the autumn of 1884. He is the only 
tonal minister in town supplying at the 
Centre as well as at the Bridge. He has received a 
call to settle as pastor over the Hillsborough Bridge 
tonal Church. The outlook for success is 
good ; we wish him great sueccess. 

We will now go back to the original church at 
Hillsborough Centre, which we left destitute of a 
pa-tor in 1830. On the assignment of Rev. Samuel 
Oilman Tenney to the service of the church at the 
Bridge, Rev. George W. Adams was called to be 
pastor ot the Centre Congregational Church March 
26, 184H. lie was installed October 21st of the same 
year, and dismissed January 17,1844. Rev. S. Tol- 
man supplied the pulj.it during the summer of 1S44. 
Rev. F.liliu Thayer Rowe was called February 10, 
1845, ordained May 28th of the same year, ami dis- 
missed, on account of ill health, November 30, 1*47. 
Mr. Rowe was a man of great excellence of char- 
inter ami strength of mind. He was a classmate of 
the writer in college, and from a long and intimate 
acquaintance he knows whereof he affirms. His 
memory among the people on the hill will ion- be 
cherished. 

Rev. Robert Page was acting pastor on the hill 
from 1S47 to 1851. He was an experienced and judi- 
cious man. Rev. Mr. Durgin, familiarly called, from 
the color of bis f acej caused by iodine pills, the "blue 
man," supplied from 1851 to 1853. Rev. Samuel H. 
Partridge was called .May 1, 1853, ordained May loth 
in the same year and dismissed April 16, ls".7. 
Mr. Partridge was a man with the fewest possible 
faults. 



HILLSBOROUGH. 



415 



Rev. R. B. Dennis was acting pastor over Hills- 
borough Centre Church, which name it assumed on 
the formation of the new church at Hillsborough 
Bridge, from May, 1857, to May, 1859. He was a 

man sound in the faith, from Connecticut, and about 

sixty years of age. After his ministry there was a 
disagreement among the people forming the society, 
and some were anxious to secure a Methodisl 
preacher. The result was that students from the Me- 
thodist Biblical Institute, then located in Concord, were 
employed during the succeeding two years. Promi- 
nent among these was Mr. Hatfield, a student of 
great strength and presence of mind, a good scholar 
aud a pleasing and eloquent preacher. There was 
quite an interest excited on the hill on the subject of 
religion and several hopeful conversions, the interest 
reaching out into the regions beyond the hill. It 
was learned by the Congregational Church that its 
hold upon the people was losing ground. The new 
converts were formed by Mr.'Hatfield into classes for 
instruction and preparation, to be received into the 
Methodist Society, at least, it was so understood. An 
effort was made to transfer the control of the church 
and society to a bodj of independent men, having no 
relation to the Congregationalists or responsibility to 
them, by vote of the pew-holders. This failed to be 
carried out, and a new church building was built in 
the interest of the Methodist Society. Much bitter- 
ness of feeling tor the time was excited by this sepa- 
ration. The breaking out of the War of the 
Rebellion, in 1861, tended to widen the separation 
and deepen for the time the feeling. At this juncture 
of affairs Rev. John Adams, awise and judicious man, 
of .lee]) piety and great prudence, was called to take 
the helm. He was just the man for the [dace. In- 
telligent, wise, brave-hearted, true to the Union, he 
came and brought, by his wise counsel aud action, 
pi ace to the troubled waters. The church prospered 
under his ministry, which continued from January 
1, 1861, till his death, May 18, 1879. He was assisted 
during his sickness by Hervey Chapman, a licentiate, 
a yi ting man of great zeal in the Lord's house. 

Alter the death of Mr. Adams, licentiates from the 
Theological Seminaries and others served tor short 
periods of time each, as Robert True, licentiate, 
through the summer id' 1879. 

Rev. Samuel W. Barnum, licentiate, supplied four 
weeks in the fall of 1879. 

David Judson Ogden, licentiate, supplied five 
months ending April, 1880. 

Rev. Augustus Alvord was acting pastor one year 
In.,,, Mayl, 1880. 

Rev. Harry Brickett, acting-pastor tit Hillsborough 
Bridge, supplied three months in the spring and sum- 
mer of 1881. 

Rev. Aaron B. Piffers was acting pastor from Au- 
gust, 1881, to June 1884. 

Rodney Cochrane supplied several weeks in the 
summer of 1884. 



.•ting pastor 



of 



Rev. Roderick .1. Mootiey became : 
September 19, 1884. 
Methodist Episcopal Church.— This 

the Lord's sacramental host has had a home in 
Hillsborough County for about half a century, and 
has done good work in saving souls. There are two 
societies and two church buildings,— one at Hills- 
borough Bridge and one at the Centre, with a good 
parsonage at the latter place. Owing to the itiner- 
ancj system, of course a large number of men have 
occupied the desks of the two parishes. The writer 
of this article had the personal acquaintance and bro- 
therly intercourse with the men who filled the office 
of minister during fourteen years, from 1857 to 1865 
and from 1876 to 1882, and he gladly heirs testimony 
to the personal piety and excellence of the incum- 
bents. They were, as a rule, men who were earnest 
in their labors for the good of the people. 

The place of meeting at the Bridge formerly was at 
the extreme edge of the same large field that con- 
tained the Congregational Church, out of the village, 
on the road leading from the Bridge to the Centre; 
but about a quarter of a century ago it was brought 
down and located in the heart id' the village, followed, 
a few years later, by the ( longregational Church to the 
same street. The church at the Centre was built near 
tin' beginning of the War of the Rebellion, and it is 
possible that disaffection with the Congregational 
Church among its own supporters may have had 
something to do with its erection. It seemed a pity 
that thereshotild he a division at the Centre, as really 
the people are burdened to support two ministers. 

As a rule, the two churches on the bill have wor- 
shiped side by side in peace, if not always with bro- 
therly love. It is sometimes difficult to forget the 
causes of the separation, or of the attempt to secure, 
by a majority of votes, the church building of the old 
church for the occupancy of the new. 'the genera- 
tion that were the actors in the matter are most of 
them with the departed, aud the newer generation are 
coming up with the most kindly feelings, forgetting 
the old feud that sometimes embittered the feelings of 
the former. About a quarter of a century ago the 
Methodist Biblical Institute, at Concord, was in full 
operation, and the students ably supplied the desks. 
Among these Mr. Hatfield, at the Centre, was the most 
noted there, and William Van Bensehoten at the 
Bridge. Others ranked high as men of talent. At the 
Bridge the name of Rev. Mr. Prescott is frequently 
mentioned as an aide minister. Later, Rev. John A. 
Howler, who remained three years at the Centre and 
at the Bridge, proved himself to be a man adapted to 
the place. The town showed their appreciation of 
his abilities and worth by giving him the superin- 
tendency of the schools—a work for which he was 
prepared and adapted, as he stood himself at the head 
of the profession as a teacher before be began to 
preach. Tlie Methodist Church at the Bridge is in a 
prosperous condition, and is increasing in numbers 



416 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



and in strength. The present pastor is Rev. F. H. 
Corson, who has started on his second year's labor 
under favorable auspices. 

Baptist Society and Church— Another church 
building stands between the two villages, in which 
worship, at longer or shorter interval-, is held, some- 
times for several months at a time. It is a conven- 
ient building for the purpose designed, and has been 
kept by private liberality in good repair. The sheds 
I'm horses have disappeared. It was built in May, 
1813, and a Baptist society supported preaching here 
several years. Quite a number of different persons 
acted as preachers to the soi iety. A church, at tirst 
of sixteen members, was organized. Among the 
prominent and familiar names is Rev. John Atwood, 
of New Boston, who became its acting pastor in l x '>7 
and stayed three years. In the same year an Inde- 
pendent Baptist Church was organized, and Rev. 
John Atwood became it- pastor and held the office 
some year-. 

Independents. — In addition to the churches already 

named, other classes of worshipers have occupied Odd- 
Fellows' Block more or less on the Lord's Day. The 
Catholics have meetings at stated times. Since the 
erection and starting of "The New Z\i ill a large 
number of Catholic worshipers have moved into the 
place. The Universalists also hold meetings in 
the hall. Spiritualists also ale addressed from the 
same platform. Hillsborough tolerates the broadest 
freedom in religious matters. Brethren of different 
religions live and labor side by side in the greatest 
amity. The masses of the people have but little 
choice between religious. The golden rule is very 
widely professed. 



CHAPTER V. 

HILLSBOROUGH— (CWiW./). 

ations and L"l_ I ) h\-i> i.m — l'.-uul Sin <jri v— l-Mm .1- 

li.iiiiil— <'..!,.■_ o,.,.Iii.ii. ■ II: IHIkr I'nblk Lit.rary— Valley Bank— 
- .,i;.-l;,.iil.- ;>ii-l st.ei.-I'LOHis— Stun-- ;uh] Slumps— T..« n 

oUp. .p.— i losing K,ni;tik-. 

Secret Organizations.— I can only briefly refer 
to the various lodges in Hillsborough. 

1I\i:mpp\i Lodge,No 38,01 Free and Accepted 
Masons. — I s a flourishing society. Its place of meet- 
ing monthly is in Newman's Block. W. H. Story, at 
tie- present time. Worshipful Master; C. H. Quinn, 
Senior Warden; R. C. Dickey, Junior Warden; C. 
Cooledge, Treasurer; 1 >. W . C. Newman, Secretary. 

Valley Lodge, No. 4."., Independent Order of 
Odd-Fellows, — Meets Friday evenings. Officers, — 
Noble Grand, H. Proctor; Vice-Grand, G. H.Travis; 
P. 11. Humrill ; Treasurer, I, Putney. 

Hillsborough Lodge, No. 17. Knights of 
Pythias. — Weekly meeting on Monday, at Castle 
Hall. Officers, — E. C. Black. Chancellor Comman- 



der ; C. M. Glawson, Vice-Chancellor ; .1. II. T. 
Newell, Keeper of Records and Seals ; G. W. Lincoln. 
Master ppf' Exchequer. 
Senator Grimes Post, No. 25, Grand Army of 

THE RefI BLIC— Meetings fortnightly, seepiiiil and 
fourth Wednesdays in each month. Officers, — H. P. 
Whitaker, Commander; John Buswell, Senior Vice- 
Commander; C. C. French. Junior Vice-Commander; 
J. F. Grimes, Quartermaster; J. H. George, Adjutant. 
Beacon Lodge, No. 34, Independent Order of 
Goon Templars.— Meetings in Knights of Pythias 

Hall every Thursday evening. I cannot give the 

oilip'.T-. 

Valley Grange, No. 63, Patrons of Hus- 
bandry. — Meetings monthly, on the Tuesday before 
the full moon, in Congregational vestry. Officers, 

M. M. Hadley. Master: W. E. Gay, Secretary; O. B. 
Huntley, Treasurer. 

North Star Encampment, Independent • >rder 
of Odd-Fellows. — Meets second ami fourth Tues- 
days in each month. Officers— L. (i. Pike, Chief 
Patriarch; C. H. Quinn, Scribe: W. B. Pritchard, 
Treasurer. 

Physicians. — The number of those who commenced 
"the healing art divine" in Hillsborough may almost 
be called legion. Previous to 1840 there had been 
eleven, as follows: William Little, Joseph Munroe, 
Benjamin Stearns, Joshua Crain, Luther Smith, Reu- 
ben Hatch, Ma-ppii Hatch, Thomas Preston, Simeon 
Ingersoll Bard, Nahum Parker Foster, Abraham 
Hazen Robinson. Some of these were men of ability 
and success in their profession. Dr. Luther Smith ha- 
been highly commended as a fair, honorable and lib- 
eral man in the profession. He commenced practice 
at the Bridge in 1809, ami died in 1824, at the age of 
thirty-seven. Dr. Reuben Hatch practiced in Hills- 
borough twenty-four years, and removed to Griggs- 
ville, Ills. Dr. Thomas Preston was a native son of 
Hillsborough. His father was one of the decided 
free-thinkers in town, having .aught the spirit from 
the French, who were here to hell' Us during the War 
■ pf the American Revolution. The doctor imbibed 
hi.- principles and defended them. He was a fair- 
minded, honorable man in all his dealings. Dr. 
Simeon I. Bard was one of the most learned in bis 
profession, but was fond of change. He practiced in 
town five years and removed. Dr. Elisha Hatch, a 
native of Alstead, was born July 17. 1796; studied 
with Drs. Twitchell and Adams, of Keene; graduated 
at Dartmouth Medical College; was skillful and hon- 
orable in his profession, and was accidentally killed 
by a fall from the high beams .>f his barn in 1863, 
aged sixty-six. In 1841, Abel Conaut Burnham 
opened his office in town, beginning at the Centre in 
February of that year, ami removing to the Bridge in 
October of the same. For forty-four years the >!<" tor 
has remained faithful at his post, ami seems now t.p 
have, if not all the vigipr ami endurance, yet all fin' 
enthusiasm, love of his profession ami fidelity to bis 



HILLSBOROUGH. 



trust of a young man, and certainly the ability to 
inspire. greater confidence than he could himself have 
believed at the start. He had the best of advantages 
for fitting himself for his profession. Having obtained 

a g 1 academic education at the academies of Fran- 

cestown, Pembroke and Billsborough, he commenced 
the study of medicine with tin' late Dr. Elisha Hatch, 
of Hillsborough, with whom he remained two years. 
The third year be was with Dr. Anms Twitched, of 
Keene, one of the most eminent surgeons of Ids age. 
He attended three regular courses of medical lec- 
tures, — me at Woodstock, Vt.. and two at Hanover, 
at the Dartmouth Medical College. He took his last 
course and degree iii the fall of 1839; public notice 
thereof was given by the president of the college on 
Commencement Day, 1840. The year following he 
studied in connection with city hospitals, and after- 
wards spent a season at the University of New York, 
attending medical and clinical lectures in the city 
hospitals, the Eye and Ear Infirmary, and spending 
his evenings and other spare hours in the dissecting- 
rooms. Dr. Burnham came into the profession fullj 
"armed and equipped as the law directs," prepared 
to stay, and he has stayed at the Bridge while the tide 
of medical practitioners has flowed and sometimes 
rushed by in an almost constant stream. In 1841 
only Drs. Hatch, Preston— then an old man — and 
himself were practicing in the town. He has and has 
had honorable competitors, — some noble men in the 
profession, some for a longer, some for a shorter time, — 
yet he has held a firm seat. Dr. John Goodell suc- 
ceeded Dr. Hatch in 1859, Dr. Hatch leaving his 
practice and beautiful home at his place between the 
two villages, near the Baptist Church, which Dr. 
Goodell at once occupied. It was an unfortunate 

ve for Dr. Hatch. While at the Bridge he bought 

the Esquire Steel place, into which he moved, and 
where himself and family were beginning to enjoy 
themselves when he met with a sudden death, as 
above mentioned. He lived after he came to the 
Bridge village four years. Dr. Goodell has somewhat 
impaired health, arising from injuries received from 
being thrown from a carriage. He has all the prac- 
tice he cares for, and is respected and trusted. Dr. J. 
(J. A. French came into town soon after Dr. Goodell, 
and settled at the Upper village. He has a large 
circle of patronage, extending especially into Wash- 
ington. Dr. B. H. Phillips came to the Centre in 
December, 1841, and left in October. 1842. He was 
succeeded by Dr. Swett, who died in the course of a 
year or tw... Dr. Wilkins came, and in a few months 
died. Dr. B. Lyford came in about 1848 and stayed 
a few years and went away, and has since died. Dr. 
Skinner came, went, and in a short time he also died. 
I >r. » leorge Priest, a native of the Centre, son of Ben- 
jamin Priest, once a pupil of the writer at the acad- 
emy, remained for a time after his graduation, ami i- 
now at Manchester-by-the-sea in successful practice, 
living all these years in single blessedness. Dr. Charles 



racticed a few years 



llartwvll, a native ol the 
and died. 

Dr. Charles Gould, a native ofthe town, practiced a 
c>uplc i if years at the Centre and three or four more 
at the Bridge village, and removed from town. Dr. 
Joseph Parsons came about lX.Vi, remained four or live 
years and die 1. Dr. Edward l\ Cummin- 
Rev. Jacob Cumniings. at one time pastor of the < lon- 
gregational Church at the Bridge, came about 1855, 
remained two or three years in practice, and removed 
to Franeestown and stayed two or three years. At 
the breaking out ofthe Civil War he enlisted as sur- 
geon in the navy, returned to Newburyport, his home, 
sickened and died. He was a true-hearted man. Dr. 
Constantine C. Badger succeeded Parsons, and re- 
mained for a few years, left, and died. Dr. J. P. 
Whittle, practiced a short lime in Hillsborough, where 
be married, and then moved to WYare, where be has 
bad an extensive practice tor the last quarter of a 
century. Dr. Israel 1'. Chase, homoeopathic, has 
been in town about thirty years, and has a fair share 
of practice, more than he sometimes feels able to 
do. He once published and edited The Hillsborough 
Messenger with great acceptance to the public. Dr. 
George W. Cook was in practice in town two or 
three years. He was followed by Dr. Marcellus 11. 
Felt, who came in about 1876 and has remained 
to the present time. Dr. Felt is a popular man in 
tow,,, and has gained quite an extensive practice I 
ought to mention the name of Harvey Munroe, a 
pupil of the writer, who graduated from Dartmouth 
College in 1858, from the Medical Department of 
the same in 1860, practiced some in town, but even- 
tually settled in Fast Washington, and alter suc- 
cessful work for about two years, died in 1863, aged 
thirty-one. After his death bis widow, .Airs. Munroe, 
studied the science of medicine, attended medical 
lectures and entered upon a successful practice. The 
present practitioners of medicine in town live together 

in entire harmony. Drs. Burnham. Chase. Felt,( ! lell 

and French have each a medical parish of his own, 
and there is no attempt to get practice away from 
one another. Their homes are but starting-points 
from which they ride long distances to their patients in 
town and out. 

In medicine, as in theology, (lore are distinct schools. 
The historian, as a man, may have his preferences, 
but not as a historian. The two schools — allopathic and 
homoeopathic — have lived and practiced side by side 
in Hillsborough without the local disturbance which 
is felt in some adjoining towns. In one town, within 
ten or twelve miles' ride of Hillsborough, a practitioner 

of one SCl I wanted to hire some one by the nib 

to help him hate a certain other person, wdio, he 
thought, interfered with bis business, to get his prac- 
tice for the other side, whether the patient should die 
or get well. No such wrangling in Hillsborough. Dr. 
[srael P. Chase came to Hillsborough Bridge from 
Henniker, where he had been in practice, and had 



HISTORY' OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



at one time an extensive practice both in Hillsbor- 
ough and in Henniker, from which place he had 
just conic. Dr. Chase is a genial man, especially in 
the sick-room, though bluff enough outside. 

Dental Surgery— Hillsborough has been distin- 
guished for practitioners in the art of dental surgery. 
A quarter of a century ago the forceps, drill and burr 
were skillfully handle. 1 by 1 >r. S. Ball, naturally a 
perfect gentleman, and of great skill in his profession. 
Dr. Frank P. Carey once had an office and an exten- 
sive practice in town. Dr. Frank P. Newman also 
worked here for a time, and Dr. Whittle. Dr. S. O. 
Bowers has, however, held the ground against all 
comers, and is a most successful practitioner in his 
art. Others come and go, but he — like Dr. Burnham 
— comes and stays. Dental surgery has greatly im- 
proved as an art within the last ten or fifteen years. 
The use of anaesthetics has been of great service in 
preventing suffering in the extraction of teeth. 

Educational— Dist it ict Schools.— Hillsborough, 
from the commencement of its permanent settlement, 

has paid commendable attention to the education of 
its children. At the first settlements were made on 
the hills in preference to the low lands, as the soil 
was drier and the timber more easily cleared. It 
was owing chiefly to these facts that the remote parts 
of the town, for the most part made of high hills, 
were settled SO early in its history. Fifty years ago 
the outlying districts were very large, not only in 
territory, but in the number of pupils of age to at- 
tend school. Some then contained sixty pupils, where 
now are less than one-fourth of that number; and 
others then contained from forty to fifty, where now 
not over a half-dozen are living. One district, once 
quite large, became reduced to one scholar belong- 
ing to the district ; another, called the Sulphur Hill 
District, bad for several years not a single scholar 
in it, but rallied at last with one scholar of its own 
and a borrowed one. While the schools in the out- 
districts have grown smaller and still smaller, the 
schools in the Upper and Lower Village Districts 
and at the Bridge have greatly increased in numbers. 

College Graduates. — Hillsborough has sent out, 
during its existence as a town, a goodly number of 
young men to receive a liberal education at colleges 
and higher seminaries. Not a lew also of her young 
women have gone abroad for a higher education. 
Her first graduate from college' was Abraham An- 
drews, who prepared for college under his uncle. Rev. 
Ephraim P. Bradford, of New Boston, graduated at 
Dartmouth College in 1811, and became an eminent 
teachei . 

Colonel Benjamin Kendrick Pierce, eldest son of 
Governor Benjamin Pierce, entered Dartmouth Col- 
507, a classmate of Andrews and at the end 
of his third year left college and commenced thestudy 
of law, which also he left, at the breaking out of the 
War of 1812, for the army, which he entered with the 
rank of lieutenant, in the Third Regiment of artillery. 



He was promoted to the rank of colonel in the Third 
Artillery in the regular army, and remained until his 
death. He was distinguished for bravery in the field. 

Rev. Francis Danforth graduated at Dartmouth 
College in 1S19. Studied theology at Andover Theo- 
logical Seminary, and became an efficient Congrega- 
tional minister. 

Rev. Aaron Foster graduated at Dartmouth Col- 
lege in 1822, andaf the Andover Theological Semi- 
nary in 1825, became a home missionary, and died 
November 15, 1832, aged thirty-seven years. 

Amasa Symonds entered Dartmouth College in 
1821, and died at his father's house the next year. 

Lieutenant Amos B. Foster, born July 15, 1804, 
was educated at West Point, from which he graduated 
in 1827. He entered service in the regular army and 
was brutally murdered by a private whom he repri- 
manded for disorderly conduct at FortHoward, Green 
Bay, February 7, 1832, at the early age of twenty- 
seven years and six months. It was a Nad and tragic 
event, which is circumstantially related in Smith's an- 
nals. 

The next graduate in point of time was ex -Presi- 
dent Franklin Pierce, the fourth son of Governor 
Benjamin Pierce, born November 23, 1804, and grad- 
uated at Bowdoin < lollege, in Brunswick, Me., in 1824. 
lie obtained from the college not only a good liberal 
education and the president's name to his diploma, 
but something which he regarded of vastly greater 
value, the hand and heart of the president's youngest 
daughter, Miss Jane M. Appleton, who proved to be 
both the ornament and honor of his home, whetherin 
his unostentatious one at Hillsborough or in the more 
conspicuous one at the White House, at Washington. 

Rev. Henry Jones graduated at Dartmouth College 
in 1835, and married, the next year. Miss Betsey, 
daughter of Eliphalet Symonds, of Hillsborough, and 
became a teacher. 

His brother, Rev. Willard Jones, graduated at the 
same time and place, and also from flic Theological 
Seminary at Andover. He was ordained as missionary 
of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign 
Missions, July 4, 1839, and was married at the same 
time to Miss Miriam Pratt. 

Edward R. Johnson entered Dartmouth College in 
1880, and remained two years. 

John Appleton Burnham graduated at Amherst 
College in 1833, and went into the manufacturing 
business at Manchester. 

Joel Buchanan Stow, son of Deacon Joel Mow, of 
Stow Mountain fame, graduated at the Teachers' Sem- 
inary, Andover, Mass., and became himself a teacher 
in the West. 

Rev. Levi Smith graduated at New Hampton and 
studied theology there. 

Clark Coolidge, son of Lemuel Coolidge, entered 
tin' Wesleyan University, at Middletown, Conn., and 
died during his college course, July, 1840. 

George Harvey Munroe, son of Colonel Hiram 



HILLSBOROUGH. 



419 



Munroe, who was one of the leading men of the town 
for many years and a man of strung qualities of char- 
acter, graduated at Dartmouth College in 1858, and in 
the Medical Department of the same college in 1860, 
and practicing a short time in his own town and in 
East Washington, died in the last-named place. He 
was a young man of superior scholarship and his 
prospects of success in life were very fair. 

Alfred B. Dascomh, son of George and Mary Das- 
comb, graduated at Dartmouth College in 1 858. He 
engaged successfully in teaching a few years, took a 
private course in theology and entered the Congrega- 
tional ministry, of which he continues an ornament 
and strong helper. His services in Vermont and 
Massachusetts have been and arc acceptable to the 
] pie to whom he ministers and to all who arc per- 
sonally acquainted with him. 

John B. .Smith fitted for college at Francestown 
Academy, and for a time wavered between a collegiate 
and professional life and a mercantile one ; the latter 
carried the day. 

Warren McClintock, son of Luke McClintock, grad- 
uated at Dartmouth College in 1864, and entered at 
once upon the work of teaching as a profession, lie 
u:i~ :i young man of great promise, the oldest 30n in 
the family. He tell by consumption in 1871, aged 
thirty-three j ears, 

A brother, Charles, was fitting to enter college, but 
on the breaking out of the Civil War enlisted with 
other Hillsborough young men and did good service 
in the field. Just as they wen' mustered out of ser- 
vice, and were about to start for home, he sickened 
and died from malaria, and his remains lie among the 
swamps of Louisiana. 

James Henry, a third brother, entered Dartmouth 
College and graduated in the same year that Warren 
died, in 1871, and he also died of consumption the 
same year, aged twenty-six. 

A younger brother, John ('.. a faithful and enter- 
prising fireman and engineer, avoided the classics and 
followed railroading, so as to be out in the open air; 
he, too, fell in early lite a victim tee the same fell 
disease, consumption. 

They hail live sisters by the same mother, and all 
hut one have gone in the same way. 

One sister, Abbie Sawyer Met llintock, graduated at 
the Appleton Academy, New Ipswich. 

Frank H. Pierce graduated at Princeton College. 
and was early admitted to the bar. He has been 
engaged in the practice of law since that time, at 
Concord and in his native town. 

His brother, Kirk D. Pierce, studied law and is in 
successful practice at the Lower village. The Pierce 
brothers, both young men from the best stock, are 
bound to succeed. Hosts of friends are wishing them 
long, onward strides in a high and noble career. Age 
and experience develop new and higher qualities. 
They are aiming high, and will not he hindered from 
climbing to a high position. 



Samuel T. Dutton, son of Deacon and Mrs. Jere- 
miah Dutton, graduated at Yale College. Since his 
graduation he has been a successful teacher, and is 
now superintendent of schools in New Haven, Conn. 
He married Miss Nellie North, daughter of John 
North, Esq., of New Haven. 

His brother Silas entered Yale College a few years 
later, and stood high in his class as a scholar; hut in 
his third year he succumbed to the power of disease 
and fell by the way, mourned by friends, both in and 
out of college. Their sister .Mary has received the 
excellent advantages of the New Haven schools. 

Mis. Mary Isabel Towle, nee Ward, daughter of 
George B, Ward, after attendance at other schools, 
graduated in a select school in Boston. 

Jacob B. Whittemore, son of the late William 15. 
Whittemore, graduated at Phillips Exeter Academy, 
and lor a time was a student at Yale College. 

His sister. Miss Mary Ellep Whittemore, graduated 
at Bradford Academy, Mass., and has since been a 
successful teacher at Hillsborough Bridge, and also 

Others, at about the same time, received the ad- 
vantages of a high academical education, but the 
data arc not at hand to make a correct record. 

Among those who were pupils of the writer, long 
ago, in the Francestown Academy, who have been an 
honor to their native town by their useful lives, he 
remembers the Misses Munroe, of several families, 
Miss Print, Miss Towne, Drs. Munroe and Priest, Miss 
Eliza Smith, Miss Butler, the Marcy brothers and 
others whose names it would be a pleasure now to 
write. Not a few of these are among the honored dead. 

Harry L. Brickett, son id' Lev. Harry and Eliza 
C. Brickett, graduated at Oberlin College in 1875. 
He taught from 1875 to L876 in Schroon Lake, N. Y. 
From 1876 to 1879 he was principal of Valley Acad- 
emy and the Union School, at Hillsborough Bridge. 
In 1879 he entered Andover Theological Seminary, 
graduating in 1882. While in his senior year in the 
seminary he was called to his present pastorate at 
Lynnfield Centre, Mass., where he is now entering 
upon his fourth year of active service. 

Ellen J. Brickett, daughter of Rev. Harry and Eliza 
( '. Brickett, graduated from the Ladies' Literary De- 
partment of Oberlin College in 1*75. She taught 
with her brother in Valley Academy and the Union 
School, at Hillsborough Bridge, from 1876 to 1879; in 
Deering Academy from 1879 to 1880; in Hooksett, 
N. II., in the grammar school, from 1880 to the 
present time, this being her fifth consecutive year in 
thai 3C I. 

Julia E. Brickett, daughter of Rev. Harry and Eliza 
('. Brickett, graduated at East Lake George Academy, 
N. Y., in 187.".; died at Hillsborough Bridge in 1876, 
aged -e\ enteen. 

Mary I. Brickett, youngest in the family, graduated 
at Abbot Academy, Andover, Mass., in 1884, ami 
resided with her parents in Thetford, Vt. 



120 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY. NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Ada Buxton, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel 
Buxton, graduated at Tilton Seminary in 1884. She 

has had a large and successful experience in teaching 
for one so young. 

Reuben W. Lovering, sun of Reuben and Martha 
A. Lovering, entered Harvard University in 1880. 

lie stood among the highest in scholarship and in 
manly exercises, earned Large sums of money in 
tutoring and had the fairest prospects of achieving 
the greatest success. Alas! who can read a single 
page in advance in the great book of human life'.' 
Within a few weeks of the time of graduation he 
sickened anil died, 'the only son of his mother, and 
she a widow." Frank Wyman, youngest son of Mr. 
and Mrs. S. D, Wyman, entered Harvard University 
in 1882, and has taken high rank as a scholar. Livy 
Whittle, son of Mr. and Mrs. David Whittle, is also 
at Harvard, taking a special course. < 'lara F. Potter, 
only child of Air. and Mrs. Joseph II. Potter, took a 
special course in a select Bchool in Manchester. Since 
then she has been constantly engaged in teaching in 
her own town, with marked success. Angie I. Marcy 
graduated at Cushing Academy, in Massachusetts, 
and has since had full employment, at remunerative 
wages, in teaching. ( 'olouel .T. F. Grimes lias several 
sonsaway in institutions of learning. < »f these, James 
W. is fitting for college at Phillips Andover Academy 
in Massachusetts. Marion A. Moore is at Framing- 
ham Normal Institute; Amy L. Story and her 
In-other, Frederick G. Story, Cora Peaslee and her 
sister and Cora M. Kimball are at different institu- 
tions of learning; Hammond J. Dutton and George 
Khen Wyman arc graduates of the English Depart- 
ment of Phillips Academy, Andover, Alass. ; William 
Dow, son of S. Dow and Ursula Rosette Wyman, is 
a graduate of Colby Academy, of New London. He 
is now in the insurance business in Chicago, 111. 
The Fuller Town Library.— Mark Fuller, at his 

death, left in his will to the town of Hillsborough the 
sum of two thousand dollars for the use of a town free 
library, on condition of keeping in repair, from year 
to year, perpetually, the family burial-plot in the 
cemetery between the Lower and Upper villages. 

The trustees were to be as follows: The three select- 
men of the town, ex-offieio, and two others, the 

first one to be elected lor two years and tl tiler for 

one — one going out and a new one elected each suc- 
ceeding year. The town accepted the gift on its con- 
ditions, and chose Charles W. Conn for two years and 
Rev. Harry Brickett for one year. The trustees 
organized and chose S. 1'. Wyman secretary and 
established the library ; Jacob 1!. Whittemore don a ted 
twenty-five dollars in the rent of a room lor the first 
year. 

Books were purchased and a catalogue made out 
and printed, the library-room fitted up for use and 
Willis (i. Buxton appointed librarian. The Fuller 
Town Library was duly launched, and went into 
operation as a circulating library. 



The town, at every annual meeting, has added one 
hundred dollars each year for the purchase of books. 
in addition to the income of the fund. Airs. Alark 
Fuller, at her death, left in her will a large addi- 
tional sum for the use of the library. 

I In Fuller Public Library is open every Satur- 
day from 9 to 12 A.M., and from 6.15 to 9 o'clock 
P.M., and is free to all residents of the town over 
twelve years of age. 

Valley Bank. — From a written report of the cash- 
ier, John C. Campbell, Esq., to the publisher of this 
history we learn the following facts: "1st, Valley 
Bank (State) was chartered .Inly, I860, and organized 
October 1, 1860. 2d, Directors, John G. Fuller, 
Ammi Smith, John G. Dickey. James F. Briggs, 
Joshua Marcy, S. D. Wyman, F. N. Blood. 3d, 
President, John G. Fuller ; Cashier, John C.Camp- 
bell. 4th. Stephen Kenriek was chosen president 
June 24, 1861, to succeed John C. Fuller, deceased. 
In December, 1868, the First National Bank of 
Hillsborough was chartered, and subsequently organ- 
ized by the choice of Stephen Kenriek, Stephen D. 
Wyman, James F. Briggs, George Noyes, Jonas 
Wallace, James Chase and E. P. Howard, directors. 
Capital, Bftj thousand dollars. President. Stephen 
Kenriek ; Cashier, John C. Campbell. At the death 
of Mr. Kenriek, in August, 1884, James F. Briggs 
was chosen to succeed him. Present officers, — Presi- 
dent, James F. Briggs; Cashier, John C. Campbell ; 
present Hoard of Directors, James F. Briggs, Abel C. 
Burnham, George D. Ward. Charles W. Conn and 
John F. Jones. Surplus and undivided profit-. 
$11,074.14." 

The Press. — The first newspaper issued at Hills- 
borough Bridge was called Thi Weekly News, and sent 
out in the fall of 1859 by John K. Flanders, assisted 
financially by J. II. T. Newell. Through failures and 
other discouragements the paper passed through other 
hands in rapid succession, Mr. Newell all the time 
keeping his eye and hand on it to sec that its money 
value did not escape him. In process of time it 
passed into Joe II. Potter's hands, who was a practical 
printer and did job-work. Mr. Boylston said tie 
'■ late," but he is selling furniture now at Hillsborough 
Bridge. The editor was mistaken. The following I 
quote verbatim from Air. Boylston's excellent "His- 
tory of the Press : " 

"Tfta HitUborough .T/essenjjer was commenced in December, 1867, bj 

William ll S&rgenl wb tinued its publication until June, 1875, 

whi n it pem : .i.-. n. . bands ol James P. Cbase a Co. The - ni I th, 

firm w.t- In. .1. P t'li.c-f, who in early lifv liad been a practical printer, 

and ulin-r .i.l \ [<■•■ v. ;.-.•! '-!-.■. it j'h:t Ma -.■ !■• In- ■>")]. the junior partner. 

In their hands the paper prospered and betokened success, which wae 
I., sudden decease of the junior partner, who was a great 
favorite with the community. Dr. Chase continued the paper, aided bj 
Prof, ii.niv I. Brickett, until Feb. 1. 1877, when, by sale, it passed into 
the hands of Edwin C. Holton and Edward J. Thompson. Mr. Holton 
assumed the i ditorship,— aided also by Prof. Brickett,— and Mr. Thomp- 
son, a practical printer, the direel I the office [n July, 1879, Mr. 

Thompson rWin><l,aii<l Messrs. Holton and Ferry assumed the conduct « f 

ii,. pap* i 

Soon after Mr. Holton sold out bis interest to Mr. 



HILLSBOROUGH. 



421 



Ferry, who then assumed sole control. In 1882, Mr. 
Charles \V. Hutchins, foreman of the office, bought 
out Mr. Ferry, and now successfully manages the 
paper. It takes a high rank among the local papers 
of the State. Colonel L. W. Cogswell, of Henniker, 
who well knows how to wield the editorial pen, is 
local editor of Henniker, and has added by his work 
to the circulation and interest of the paper. l>r. 
Chase struck the right key in excluding from the 
paper, when under his control, everything not suited 
for a family paper. Those who have since him 
wielded the editorial pen and scissors have imitated 
hi- example. Mr. Hutchins spares no pains or ex- 
pense in raising the character of The Hillsborough 
Messenger. Every one who has lived in the town on 
going away to live, takes with him the paper. He 
t'eels that it is a necessity, something he must have. 
Mr. Hutchins has won many true friend.-. 

Stage-Routes and Stage-Drivers.— In former years 
Hillsborough Bridge was noted for the number and 
excellence of the stage-routes starting from it and 
centering there. The completion of the railroad to 
Winchendon and to Keene has made a change. As 
it is, three, and sometimes four, lines start out from 
the Bridge, — one through the Centre to East Wash- 
ington and Bradford; one through the Lower and 
Upper villages to Washington (some of the time to 
Deering) : and one, from time immemorial under the 
care of Hatch Burnham, formerly through to Keene, 
hut now only to Stoddard. In the olden time famous 
drivers cracked the whip and held the ribbons; 
among others, the fearless Jackson, and Smith, with 
the stiff knee, but level head. 

Stores and Shops.— "Whatever is wanted for home 
consumption can be obtained at Hillsborough "at 
cost and more, too," and whatever is offered for sale 
and finds purchasers can be found in all the stores, 
and when one is out of a given article, by some 
means, in a very short time the rest are " out of it," 
too. It is a good place for trade, and there is a wide 
country from which to draw custom. There is one- 
thing to be noted, — the same firms continue year after 
year for a series of years. The oldest firms are Dut- 
ton & Morse, 1. S. Butler, Horace Marcy ami Mor- 
rill & Merrell, There are some smaller stores. Miss 
Sara Farrar has kept a millinery-shop for years, 
and Mrs. Robert C. Dickey has kept one for the last 
four years. Henry C. Colby keeps, in the Newman 
Block, the best assortment of stoves and tin-ware. 
The Kimballs and Pickering wield the cleaver and 
deal in meats, and a shop for almost anything can he 
found in Hillsborough. 

Hillsborough has been noted for many years for 
having a good assortment of drugs and medicines. 
Horace Marcy keeps a drug-store in connection with 
dry-goods. Bobert C. Dickey is known far and wide 
as one who is master of the pestle and mortar, the 
alembic, retort, and crucible. Mr. Dickey's predeces- 
sor, Mr. Goodale, was a skillful druggist. The late 



Win. B. Whittemore once dealt in medicines in the 
drug-store. Hillsborough has its silversmith ; W. H. 
Story keeps an assortment of silverware, ami does re- 
pairing neatly at short notice. l'an.\ -tores of var- 
ious kinds are kept at the Bridge village. A five 
and ten-cent counter is the attraction at William .1. 
Marsh's store, in Butler's Block. 

Valley Hotel— Hillsborough Bridge has been 
noted tor good hostelry for at least the last quarter 
of a century. Oliver Greenleaf was among tie most 
noted as an inn-keeper. He had the faculty of pleas- 
ing the traveling public in a wonderful degree. lb- 
was succeeded by others for short terms. The I Ihilds 
Brothers kept the Valley Hotel with great acceptani e 
to the public for several years. The present proprie- 
tor is Charles G. Putney. His rooms and tables are 
well tilled. Hillsborough waited a long time, some- 
times impatiently, for the " New Mill." It is begin- 
ning to wonder when tin- promised new hotel will 
take the place of the old one, with ample ace ni- 
dations for the crowd that will certainly fill it to it- 
utmost capacity. When that takes place, the new 
'■ History of Hillsborough," about to he forthcoming 
under the auspices of the town, will devote a para- 
graph in mention of it. 

"To fulfill all righteousness" to make the history 
complete, a list of the town officers is subjoined. The 
curious may read, the indifferent pass it over unread. 
It will be interesting, at least, to those whose ances- 
tors served the town in its early days. One can hut 
notice that, as a rule, the early settlers were men of 
character and general intelligence. Men who were 
lacking in noble, yea. in great qualities, rarely under- 
take so perilous a work as founding a new Stale or 
town. Very often it is the very best portion of the 
community that embark in such an enterprise. The 
"Mayflower" and its consorts of the deep brought 
over some of the best hlood in England to settle in the 
wilds of the New World. Some of the noblest men in 
Massachusetts followed, or led, rather, in the work of 
building the new town of Hillsborough from 174] to 
1767. 

low x OFFICERS. 



17v:.. Joseph Simon. Is . . 

1771'.. Samuel Bradford ! 

1777. William Pope . . . , 

177S. Timothy Bradford 

1779. Samuel Bradford, .Ir . 

1780. William Pope . . . . 

1786. John Duttou 

1793. EnosTowne! 



1835. Amos Flint 
1841 Jotham M 



I: T.iwn- died in 171C and. I.. III. M ' "ll.-> 

due of that year. 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



1774 Tim. -thy Wilkina. . . 

177"., Joseph Symondg . . . 

177' . Daniel McNeil .... 

1777. Andrew Dixhv .... 

1778. Joseph Syinonds . . . 

'■[ . .1] V 

i h Symonds . . . 
B 

1801. Otis Howe 

1802. Benjamii 

1803. John Dutton 

1805. Benjamin Pier, i . 

1772. Isaac Andrews . . 
John Mel olle} 
Daniel McNeil .... 

■ .! iwill . . . . 

William Pope . . 

William P 
1777. John Mel ollej 

Moses Steel 

177-. Timothy Bradford . . 

Samuel Bra Ifoi i. Jl 

Daniel M Neil . . . . 

James M l 
1780. William P | 

Jacob Flint 

L781 1-.'" ■■ 

John Dutton 

Archibal 

■ larj . . . 
1782. The first thr ftheS 

elei ted in 17-1 c instil 



Willcm Svl uN . . 

William Ta - \ 
Isaac An! 
PaulCooledgi 
John M :( olley .... 
John » Clary .... 

John McColl 

I: ... 'I V, I. 

.. I)- . . . 
Jl - I. It. Ill 



1811. 


Benjamin Pierce 


1-1 l. 




1815. 


John Burnam . 


1823. 


Luther smith . 


1824 


John Burnam . 


1825. 


Reuben II. it. h 


1828 


Franklin Pierce 


183i. 


Amos Flint . . 


1835 


Thomas Wilson 


1836 




1-M7 


Hiram Monroe 


1-41 





i ..'..i ge Das lb 

Silas Dutton . . . 
David Starret . . 



-in. .T.iiii. - W i 



1812. Samuel Bai m - 

■ Smiths . . . 

1-14. Samuel Gibson . . 

IS1C. .I-. 1 Stow 

Jonathan Tilton . . 

1818. G ge Little . . . . 

1821. Al.x.i. 

' -!mu . . . . 






1S24. Joel Stow . . . . 

T) i. .- w ilson . . . 

.1, Tnttle . . . 

1830. Peter l 
Isaac J 



I-;.; 



1834. Amos Flint . . 

1S36. Hans mi Bixbj 

1- ;.-. .1 

i Brown . 



.-..ii. ly Stinlli 



work to men of ability, who will have ample time to 
do their work, and no doubt ample compensation for 
the work they do. They will not have to do it under 
the blazing sun of the longest days of the year, it is 
i tn lie hoped, as the present writer is under the neces- 
sity of doing. He has given in the above enumera- 
te tion a touch of the good things the people have to 
expect, — interminable columns of names, dates and 
sums of money in the form of bounties, taxes and 
value of real estate. 



The list given brings it down to the recollectioD of 
living men and women. If any are curious to know 
more, the writer will refer them to the forthcoming his- 
tory of the town, for the writing of which the town has 
made the most ample provisions, parceling out the 



■ Cow .I. dii .1 in tli- year 17'.'::. ami John Mi i olli j 

l.-'tinati fur tlu 



ler Smith re-iL-m- i tic- ..trice ..I -.-]... .tiu.iii . .11 account of its 
11 was ' Lected 



li hi, ir..f. -si'.ti.il Im-i 
in 1,:- -t.U'l fertile remainder of the 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



FRANCIS GRIMES. 

Francis Grimes is the second son (fourth child) 
of John and Betsy (Wilson) Grimes, of Deering, 
X. H., and was born in that town October 19, 1805. 
He was reared upon the farm, receiving the advan- 
tages ol tie' common district school and a few terms 
at/the Hillsborough Academy, under the instruction 
of Simeon I. Bard. He entered the store of James 
Butler, at Hillsborough Bridge, as clerk, where he 
-pint a i'rw years, but mercantile business not being 
to his taste. In- went, in 1832, to Windsor, N. II., and 
engaged ill fanning mi a large scale, in which pur- 
suil he wa- eminently successful, and in which he 
continued until 1856, when he removed to Hills- 
borough Bridge, where he has since resided. 

Mr. Grimes was endowed with a sound judgment 
and business -agaeity, which he has carried into the 
every-day practical affairs of life. He has always 
.lone hi- own thinking; has decision of character 
and entire integrity: his word is as good as his bond. 
He has never -ought and seldom accepted office; wa- 
one of the selectmen of Windsor two years ; has been 
justice of the peace, and was, for a few years. United 
States internal revenue collector of his district. He 
was made a Master-Mason in Harmony Lodge, No. 
38, \. I'. \. Masons, in 1857, since which time he 
has taken a deep interest not only in the growth and 
welfare of his own lodge, but in that of the institu- 
tion everywhere. 

He married, first, Mary, daughter of Judge Henry 
B. .and Dorothy (Bean) Chase, of Warner, N. H., 
February :>, Is::;. Children — 

Sarah I-'., born July 9, 1838, married Alfred John- 
son May 1. 1860, ami has children —Edwin Francis 
(Johnson), horn January 20, 1861, ami Alfred Grimes 
(Johnson), burn July 7. 1867. 

John Henry, born May 4, 1840. He enlisted in the 
United States marine service upon the breaking out 
ol' the Rebellion, and was appointed second lieu- 
tenant ; participated in the first battle of Bull Run, 
where he was wounded by a Minie-ball; was on 
board the transport "Governor" at the time she 
sunk, November 2, 1861, and was the last man to 






# 



¥ ^¥ 




7 7/CL^ C ,?^^^r^^/ 





«-/ . w^>2-~>^-i_-^ , 



IIIU.si:ni;oi (ill 



423 



leave the ship, being rescued by United States frigate 
" Sabine," and was promoted to first lieutenant for 
gallant conduct on that occasion. He remained in 
the service until the close of the Rebellion. 

Mary Chase, born March 28, 1842; died, unmar- 
ried, October 17, 1875. 

Helen D., born March 4, 1844; married George B. 
Whittemore, of Antrim, > T . H., November 24, 1870. 
Children, — Francis Grimes (Whittemore), born Feb- 
ruary 6, 1872, died July 8, 1872; Henry Ernest 
(Whittemore), born February 1, 1872, resides in Bos- 
ton, Mass. 

Lissia A., born December 7, 1851. 

Mrs. Grimes died December 30, 1851, and he mar- 
ried, second, Mrs. Lucinda Egleston, duly 4, 1853. 
One son by this marriage, — 

Frank C, bom August 9, 1857; married Abide J. 
Davis, of Hillsborough, April 7. 1880. ( me child- 
Francis Crimes, born January 10, 1881; resides in 



ing; 



N. H. 



COLONEL JAMES POKSAITH GRIMES. 1 

The portrait accompanying this sketch places the 
subject in a good light before the reader. As a per- 
sonal likeness of Colonel Grimes it is good, and as a 
likeness portraying the general features of the Grimes 
family it is also good. Any one who has seen Senator 
James W. Grimes (the colonel's uncle) or Commo- 
dore John G. Walker (bis cousin) will see that the 
likeness strongly suggests each of them. There are 
indications of decision and strong will in the portrait. 

The ancestors of Colonel Grimes were Scotch-Irish, 
an ancestry of whom any man may be justly proud. 
The orthography of the name has changed from time 
to time from Graeme to Graham and Crimes. 

The first ancestor of whom we have record was 
Francis 1 Graham, who came to America about the 
year 1719, and settled at or near Boston, Mass., and 
in 1741 moved to Hillsborough as one of the pioneer 
settlers, where he remained until driven off by the 
Indians, in 174(1. While living in Hillsborough, in 
174:1, a daughter, Ann, was born into the family. She 
was married to Deacon William McKean, and settled 
in Deering, N. H., where she died July 12, 1825, aged 
eighty-two years. 

His son, Francis 2 , Jr. (whose name was later 
changed to Grimes), was born in 1747. on Noddle's 
Island (now East Boston), and later moved to Lon- 
donderry, N. H., and thence to Deering, X. 11., as 
one of the early settlers of that town, in 1765. He 
married Elizabeth Wilson, of Londonderry, N. H. 

His son, John 3 , was born August 11, 1772, in Deer- 
ing, and lived on what is now known as the McNeil 
place, and removed to Hillsborough in March, 1836, 
with his family, and there remained until his death, 
October 17, 1851. He married Elizabeth Wilson, of 
Deering. and from this union there were eight chil- 

' Bv Rl-v. Hum Brick, tt, M. A. 



ilren, the youngest of w lmm was J, nut:- ' Witmit, who was 
a gradual, of Dartmouth College, a classmate of lion. 
Samuel C. Bartlett, the present president of that in- 
stitution, and Hon. John Wentworth, of Illinois. He 
was also Governor of the State of Iowa in 1854 58, 
and was a member of the Senate of the United Slates 
from 1859 to 1869. Ee was born October 20, 1816, 
and died February 7, 1872. 

The other children of John 3 were Hiram*, Jane 4 , 
Susan', Francis*, Da\ i<l W* and Sarah ( '.' Of these 
children, Susan 4 became the wife of Alden Walker and 
mother of John Crimes Walker, who has been pro- 



through the ' 



rades of the I uiled States 



ua\ j to that of commodore. 

Hiram*, the eldest of this family, was born in Deer- 
ing, N. II.. September 17, 1798. He married Clarissa. 
daughter of James and Nancy Forsaitb, of Deering, 
December 9, L823, and settled in Hillsborough, where 
he now resides. He is a farmer, and being a man of 
frugal habits, has, by industry and intelligence, won 
from the soil a competence for his evening of life. A 
lover of home and warmly attached to his family, he 
enjoys the confidence and respect of all who know 
him. His wife, Clarissa, who died March 9, 1 373, was 
a superior woman, rearing her children with greal 
care, beloved by them and greatly respected by all. 

They had six children, live of whom are living, — 
John 1 , born February 14, 1828 ; Nancy 5 Jane, born 
June 28, 1830; Elvira' Elizabeth, bom February. 
8, 1833; James 5 Forsaitk, bornMaj 19,1835; Clarissa 
A., bom December 17, 1838. 

James Forsaitk (the subject of this sketch) 
pa— ed liis boyhood on the farm of his father in Hills- 
borough. His educational advantages were those 
afforded by the district schools of the lime, supple- 
mented by attendance at the academies of Gilmanton, 
Hopkinton and Washington. His summers were 
spent in farm-work, where he gained experience and 
vigorous health. At the close of his school-boy days 
he spent his winters in teaching in the district schools 
of his own and the adjoining towns, commencing at 
the early age of sixteen. As a teacher be was succi — 
fill, and gained a wide reputation as a disciplinarian, 
and his services were much sought in localities where 
something like insubordination had at times been 
partially established. In connection with bis school 
duties, at Hillsborough Lower village, in 1859, 
Colonel Grimes commenced the study of law with 
Francis X. Blood, Esq., which he continued until the 
breaking out of the War of the Rebellion, in 1861. When 

it became known that Sumter had been fired U| , 

he was one of the first from his native town to volun- 
teer in defense of the Union. Just at this time, 
bearing that his uncle, Sena I or ( 1 rimes, bad presented 
his name to the Senate of the United Stale- foj con 
firmation as a captain in the regular army, he placed 
himself under a private instructor to be fitted for the 
proper discharge of those responsible duties. ( 'oloiiel 
Crime-, received bis commission as captain in the 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Seventeenth Regiment of the United States Infantry 
August 5, L861, and immediately joined his regiment 
at Fort Preble, Maine, and was detailed as recruiting 
officer, first, at Hillsborough, N. H., and afterwards 
at Ogdensburg, N. Y. It was while thus engaged that 
besought the influt.-in.-roi' Senator ( mines to secure 
orders to join his regiment in the field. In answer, he 
received a letter from the Senator, from which the 
following is an extract : "A good soldier obeys orders, 
but seeks none ; I cannot agree with many of our 
public men that this war will he brought to a speedy 
close. 1 think we shall have a long ami bloody war, 
anil you will see all the fighting you desire before it 
i- over. Wait patiently; your time will come." 
Colonel Grimes soon joined his regiment in the Fifth 
Corps, Army of the Potomac, and participated with it 
in some ol the hardest-fought battles of the war. He 

was in i imand of bis regiment most of the time 

during the latter part of the war, and led it in what 
will ever he known as the "Memorable Battles of 
the Wilderness." He was wounded near Spottsyl- 
vania, Ya., and carried from the held and ordered 
back to Washington, where he was tendered leave 
of absence to return home, which he declined, and 
made application to be returned to duty, and he was 
'' returned to duty at his own request," the surgeon 
declining to take any responsibility in the matter. 
He joined his regiment at Cold Harbor, Ya., as they 
marched " on to Petersburg." May 18, 186 1. Senator 
Grimes wrote to his wife, among other items concern- 
ing the war, as follows: "J. Grimes commanded 
the Seventeenth Regiment of Infantry until he was 
knocked over by a shell." The Seventeenth United 
States Infantry suffered heavy losses in the campaign 
of 1863 and 1864, especially in the battles of Gettys- 
burg, Pa., July 2 and 3, 1863; Wilderness, Va., 
Min 5,6 and 7. 1864; Laurel Hill, Ya., Mays, 10 and 
13; Spottsylvania, Ya.. May 14; Bethesda Church. 
Va., June 1 and 2 : ' lold Harbor, Ya., June 2 and •'! ; 
Petersburg, Va., June 18 and 20; Weldon Railroad, 
Va., August 18 and 21 ; andChapel House, Va., October 
1,1864. At the close of the latter engagement the 
regiment could muster only twenty-six men able to 
bear arms, and in consequence of these severe losses 
the regiment was detailed by the officer commanding 
the corps for duty as guard at headquarters, and soon 
after were ordered out of the held for the purpose of 
recruiting, and arrived in New York about Novembi i 
1,1864. Colonel Grimes was in command of battal- 
ion Seventeenth United States Infantry, at Fort La- 
fayette, New York Harbor, guarding noted prisoners 
of war and performing garrison duty from November, 
1864, to October, 1st;.",, and after that was stationed at 
Hart's Island. New York Harbor, organizing com- 
panies and drilling them until the regiment was 
ordered to the Department of Texas, in the summer of 
1 366, which point the last battalion reached about the 
1st of October. From Galveston Colonel Grimes took 
his command of eight companies by rail to Brenham, 



and thence marched across the country, a distance of 
over one hundred miles, to Austin, Texas, arriving 
about November 1st. 

In thespring of 1867, Colonel Grimes was appointed 
judge advocate of a military commission, of which 
Major-General Alexander McD. McCook was presi- 
dent, and convened at Austin, Texas, by order of 
General Philip H. Sheridan, for the purpose of trying 
criminal cases under the Reconstruction Act of Con- 
gress, and serve-! in that capacity several months. 

Colonel Ciimes was in command of the post of 
Nacogdoches, in Northeastern Texas, from October 
1867, to April, 1868; thence proceeded to, and took 
command of, the post at Ringgold Barracks, situated 
on the Rio < trande River. 

In tin- mean time his health had become impaired, 
and his physicians advised him to go North, which 
he did, remaining during the summer, and returned 
to his duties in the fall much improved. 

Upon his return he was stationed at Brownsville. 
Texas. Here it soon became apparent that the cli- 
mate did not agree with him, and that, in order to 
prevent permanent disability, he must have a change, 
and he was again granted a leave of absence upon 
a surgeon's certificate of disability. He reached 
home about the 1st of August, 1870, and in conse- 
quence of ill health resigned from the service, to take 
effect January 1, 1871, having served nearly ten 
years. 

In the reorganization of the army, in September, 
1866, he was transferred to the Twenty-sixth United 
States Infantry, and in Hay, 1869, was transferred to 
the Tenth United States Infantry. He was com- 
missioned major by brevet in the United States army, 
to rank from August 1, 1864, " lor gallant sen ices at 
the battle of Spottsylvania, and during the present 
campaign before Richmond, Ya.," and commissioned 
lieutenant-colonel by brevet, to rank from March 13, 
1865, " for gallant and meritorious services during 
the war.'' The colonel thus came to the close of the 
war both deserving and obtaining the reward of the 
gallant and faithful soldier. His comrades bore un- 
equivocal testimony to his bravery as a soldier and 
bis win th as a man. 

At home and in the field there was an inspiring 
motive urging him on to high and noble deeds, a 
motive greater than the love of fame and glory, — it 
was the love of a noble woman. 

September 8, 1864, while at home on a leave of 
absence, I Lionel Grimes married Sarah Ann, youngest 
daughter of Eben and Mary (Carr) Jones, of Hills- 
borough, N. H., who endured with him all of the 
fortunes ami vicissitudes incident to army-life, in 
camp and upon tin- march, while he was sojourning 
in the Department of Texas. 

From this union there are seven children, the 
second of n hom was born in camp on the tented field. 
To the writer, the children, as they come around the 
parental hoard, or as they mingle in their sports or 



HILLS BOKOUCH. 



perform their accustomed work, are the most interest- 
ing sight of all the beautiful things at the colonel's 
mansion on the hill. Of such children lie maj justlj 
lie proud. They are the chief ornaments of their 
home, commanding by their courteous behavior the 
love ami respect of all who visit the family. 

Nor should their colored nurse, Kate, who bas been 
in the family for twenty years, lie forgotten,— she 
who has loved and watched over each of them \\nli 
a love second only to that of their mother. 

The children were born as follows: .lames Wilson, 
November 21, 1865 ; John Harvey, March 25, 1867; 
Warren Parker. October 12. 1868; Mary ( 'air. August 
27, 1871; Henry ('lit/., October 21, 1872 ; Clara For- 
saith, January 27, 1875; Cecil P., June 29, 1878. 

Honorably discharged from the army with a com- 
petence, a large experience as a soldier, ami merci- 
fully spared in the fiercest battles, where many a brave 
comrade fell, spared in the midst of malaria in the 
South, where he did duty for several years, Colonel 
Grimes, alter ten years of service, returned to his 
native town to enjoy life. He and his fair consort, 
HOW at life's half-way house, have the love ami resped 
Of all who know them. Thus far their ranks remain 
unbroken. Parents and children have been spared to 
each other, and Kate, of the sable face bur the white 
aoul, spared to them all. 



The first ancestor of whom we have record is 
Joshua 1 , born in Connecticut October 2. 172N ; married 
Joanna Taylor; settled in Surry in 1764--65. Among 
their children were Joshua?, killed at the battle of 
Pennington; Lev?, who settled in Surry; and Cap- 
tain David 2 , born in Connecticut, died in .lay. X. Y.. 
married i first), January 22, 17s2, Elsea Gleason; died 
May 20, 1790, leaving children, — David 3 , born June 6, 
1783; Elsea 3 , bom April 2, 1786, married Lemuel Bing- 
ham, of Gilsum. He married (second), February 22, 
1702. Jerusha, daughter of Jonathan and Hannah 
(Yemmons) Adams, born September 2-"i. 177 1, died Au- 
gust 31, 1792, married (third), Oct. 20, 1793, Orinda, 
daughter of John and Sibyll (Wright) Bingham, of 
Gilsum, born in Montague, Mass., July 1(1. 1772. 
Children.— Levi", born September :l, 1794, died Oc- 
tober 4, 1798; Jerusha 3 , born September 30,17%; 
Luman 3 , born August 25, L798; Levi 3 , born April 14, 
1801, died January 30, 1804; Orinda 3 , born July 22, 
1803, married Samuel [sham, Jr.; George W. a , born 
July 13, 1805, died July ■">. 1820; Bradford 3 , born 
July 10. 1807 ; Alvira 3 , born June 26, 1809. 

David 3 was born in Gilsum, N. H., June 6,1783; 
came to Hillsborough when twenty years of age; 
worked out on a farm for a season, and then learned 
the shoemaker's trade ; married. January 6, 1806, 
Keziah, daughter of Benjamin and Hannah (Parker) 
Kimball, of Hillsborough; removed to Francestown, 
where he remained seven vears, and carried on the 



and currying. He then returned to Hillsborough 

Lower village, established the same business there. 

in which he remained during the remainder of his 

life. His wife died Februan 23, 1864; he died No- 
vember 8, 1867. IP- children were all bom in 
Francestown, and were David Gardner 1 , born October 
27, 1806; married, April 27, 1830, Jane, daughter of 
Josiah and Sally (Dean) < lonverse, of Amherst, N. II. 
In early life lie was a noted hotel-keeper in 1'tica and 
Koine, N. Y., Washington, 1 >. C, Richmond, Va., and 
other places. Later, he did an extensive business as 
druggist in Concord, N. H. ; died in ( loncord July 10, 
1879. His children were Sarah Jane', bom in Hook- 
sett, X. II., June 25, 1836; married Joseph Harlow, 
of Plymouth, Mass.; Henry \V.\ born in Hooksett, 
X. H, June 30. 1838; graduated at Dartmouth Col- 
lege in 1857; at Dane Law School, Harvard Univer- 
sity, as Bachelor of Laws, in 1859. Upon the break- 
ing out of the Bebellion he enlisted as a private in 
the First Regiment of three months' volunteers from 
this State; was commissioned first lieutenant ol 
Company Q April 30, 1861. After the First Regi- 
ment was mustered out he was commissioned captain 
in the " Fighting Fifth." Later, was lieutenant-col- 
onel of the Fifteenth, then colonel of the Thirty- 
third United States colored troops, and finally a brevel 
brigadier of United States Volunteers. He remained 
in the service until 1866, when he settled in Boston, 
Mass. He was a Republican in politics, and took an 
active interest in public affairs, serving in the Com- 
mon Council in 1774, as a Representative in the Leg- 
islature in 1875, '70. '77 and "7'.», was a member of the 
State Senate in 1880 and 1881 and was, a few weeks 
before his death, appointed by ( lovernor Robinson as 
judge of the Roxbury court. He married, Septem- 
ber Hi, LSI'.:;, Elizabeth, daughter of Laban and 
Frances (Lewis) Beecher, of Boston, Mass., where he 
died April 7, 1885, leaving one son, Fred., born 
March 2:'., 1872. George C. 5 , bom in Lowell, Mass.. 
December 30, 1840, died in Concord, X. 11., February 
lo, L878. He married. December 31, L861, Josie, 

daughter of Joseph and (Shackford) French, of 

Concord, X. 11., where she died September, 1864. 
Ethelinda G. 5 , bom in Concord, X. H., December 11, 
1849; died there March 5, 1851. Mark W.', born 
April 7, 1808; married, November 17,1831, Sarah, 
daughter of William ami Sally (Priest) Conn, of 
Hillsborough. One daughter, Susan, born April 24. 
1840, died December 13, 1859. John Gibson* (see 
sketch). William FA born in Francestown, X". II.. 
Maj 10,1812; died in Hillsborough, N. H., Novem- 
ber 17, 1830. 

John Gibson Fuller 4 was born iu Francestown, 
N. II., April 21, 1810. He was the third son of |) ; i- 
vid and Kesiah (Kimball) Fuller, and came from 
that town to Hillsborough, with his parents, when 
three years old, where be grew to manhood. His 
only educational advantages were derived from the 



426 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



village school, at that time much less efficient than 
now. He learned the trade of tanning and currying 

of his father, with whom he was afterwards 
in business. Somewhere about 1850 a few calf-skins 
which he had tanned and sold in Boston, Mass., were 
purchased by Mr. Stephen Westcott, a leather dealer 
of that city. They proved such excellent leather 
that Mr. Westcott traced them back to Fuller's tan- 
nery, and sent a small number of green skins to Mr. 
Fuller to tan. The result was satisfactory to both 
parties, and from this small beginning was developed 
a large business in tanning of calf-skins only, the 
leather being known in market as "Westcott calf." 
He gave constant employment to from fifteen to 
twenty men. To the business of tanning was added, 
a few years later, that of currying. Mr. Fuller was 
a man of marked executive ability. He had a re- 
markable faculty for reading character and of influenc- 
ing men. His friendship meant something. If any 
person did him a favor, he never forgot it. Whatever 
he undertook to do he accomplished, if it was possi- 
ble. He allowed no obstacle to stand in his way. He 
was largely instrumental in the establishing of the 
Valley Bank (now First National Bank of Hills- 
borough!, and upon its organization he was chosen it- 
president, which position he held at the time of his 
death. In business habits he was methodical and 
prompt. In politics Mr. Fuller was a Whig and. 
later, a Free-Soiler. He hated slavery. At the time 
of the execution of John Brown he tolled the ehurch 
bell with his own hands. While he was a man of 
decided convictions, resolute anil energetic action, he 
held in high respect those who honestly differed from 
him in opinion. 

Mr. Fuller married Ann, daughter of Nathaniel 
and Betsy (bobbins) Jones, of Hillsborough, who 
was born September 27, 1814, and who died August 
22, 1865. He died very suddenly in Nashua, N. II., 
June 14, 1861, while on a business trip to that city. 

Their children were Abbie A. 3 , bom December 4, 
1834; married, in 1855, Stephen E. Westcott, of Bos- 
ton, Mass. Children,— Everett Fuller'' (Westcott), 
born in Boston, Mass., in 1S.J8. died there September 
11,1877; Edith 6 (Westcott), bom in Boston, Mass., 
December 3, 1870. Helen Marr 6 , born July P. 1836; 
died August 8, 1840. Wirt Ximeo 5 , born January 23, 
1850; was educated at Phillips Academy, Andover, 
Mass.; married, February 3,1870, Addie A., daughter 
of » 1-eorge F. and ( laroline Carter (Grant) Russell, of 
Boston, Mass., where they reside, and have children, 
—Wirt R. 6 , born January 29, 1871 ; Addie May", born 
April 28, 1874. 

ABEL ei.N \ s l BURNHAM, M.D. 1 

The Burnham family trace their ancestors in a di- 
rect line of succession to Kobert 1 Burnham, who was 
bom in Norwich, Norfolk County, England, in 1581. 
In 1608 he married Mary Andrews, and had seven 



: Bj B, 



children, of whom three sons, John-, Robert 2 and 
Thomas 2 , came to America. 

Thomas 2 was born in 162:!, and came to America 
when twelve years old, with bis brothers, in the ship 
"Angel Gabriel," which was wrecked on the coast of 
Maine. He settled in Chebacco (now Essex), Mass., 
and was out in the Pequot expedition. He married, 
in 1645, Mary Tuttle; had twelve children, and died 
in 1694. His son, John 3 , was born in 1648 ; married 
Elizabeth Wells; had nine children, and died in 17o4. 
His son, Thomas 4 , was bom in 1673; he married, was 
the father of six children and died in 1748. Stephen "', 
a son of Thomas', married .Mary Andrews, and settled 
in Gloucester, Mass. The date of his death is un- 
known. He bad thirteen children. One of the sixth 
generation, Joshua", son of Stephen ' and Mary (An- 
drews) Burnham, was born in Gloucester, .Mass., in 
1754. He had ten children, one of whom, TKomas . 
was born in Milford, N. II., in 1783; married Rachel 
Conant in 1807, and removed to Antrim in 1821, 
where be resided until 1837, when he came to Hills- 
borough, where he died in 1856. His wife died in 
Nashua in 1 TTL, aged eighty-seven years. 

Dr. Abel 8 C. Burnham, the subject of this sketch, 
was the second son of Thomas' and Rachel (Conant) 
Burnham, and was born in Amherst, N. IF. May 2, 
1812. During his boyhood he lived several years with an 
uncle. Rev. A. Conant, at Leominster. Mass., attend- 
ing school and studying at home under the direction 
ol his uncle. He acquired an academical education 
at the academies of Francestown, Pembroke and 
Hillsborough. After teaching a year at Watervliet, 
N. Y., be returned to Hillsborough, and commenced 
the study of medicine with the late Dr.Elisha Hatch, 
of this town, with whom he remained two years, teach- 
ing school in the winter. The third year he spent in 
the office of the celebrated surgeon, Amos Twitchell, 
M.D., ofKeene, N. H. 

1 1 ei e he had the best of opportunities to study prac- 
tical surgery, and when, as was often the case, the 
doctor was called to a distance to some difficult oper- 
tion, his pupil accompanied him as a trusted and 
bandy assistant. In after-years Dr. Burnham became 
himself a skillful surgeon, and was called to operate 
in many difficult cases. He had prepared himself 
for this by it thorough study of anatomy, accompanied 
by work in the dissecting-room. He made himself 
acquainted with the most modern works and modes 
of practice in surgery, and with his own eyes saw 
them carried out into actual practice. 

During these three years be attended three courses 
of medical lectures. — one at Woodstock, Yt.. and two 
at Dartmouth Medical College, at Hanover, where he 
graduated in November, 1839. At the commencement 
exercises of 184o the names of Dr. Burnham and his 
associates, who had passed their examination and re- 
ceived their degree the fall before, were proclaimed, 
in tin sonorous tones of President Lord, in behalf of 
the trustees, Doctores Medicince. Dr. Burnham, hav- 




.yfrup. fiSc-t^^A* 



ty^/z^i^t^ t*^ 




^2^C^ c^?^4 



HILLSBOIKH GH. 



127 



ing alreadj had the benefit of sinh teachers as Drs. 
Hatch, Twitchell, Holmes, Mussey and other excel- 
lent professors in medicine, went to Lowell, Mass., 
and entered the office of Drs. Kimball and Bartlett, 
and remaining during the winter, returned to Hills- 
borough in tlic spring and spent a year with Dr. 
Hatch as his assistant, and commenced practice at 
Hillsborough Centre in February, 1841, but removed 
to the Bridge village, a more central and desirable lo- 
cation, in < (etober of the same year. After practicing 
here six years he attended a course of medical lec- 
tures at the University of New York and at the hos- 
pitals of that city, after which he returned to Hills- 
borough Bridge, and resumed uis practice, where he 
has since resided and continued in active practice 
until the present time (1885), a period of forty-four 

Dr. Burnham has remarkable tact in the sick-room. 
As a rule, he is a man of few words, quiet and unob- 
trusive, and very careful of what he says in the pres- 
ence of the sick. His coming is gladly welcomed by 
his patients. He lias been remarkably successful in 
treating the diseases of children, such as scarlatina, 
measles and other like diseases, and his help lias been 
much sought for in neighboring towns. His natural 
tastes have led him in the direction of surgery, and 
he has frequentlj been called upon t" perform capital 
operations, such as amputations, also operations for 
the removal of necrosed bone, cancers, cataract, etc., 
h iili g I success. 

Dr. Burnham has remarkable self-possession in 
time uf an emergency, — good judgment, a clear head 
and a steady hand. Creat responsibilities have often 
rested on him where the safety of the patient hung 
in the balance and seemed to depend on his skill 
and judgment. His intercourse with neighboring 
physicians has always been courteous, and with the 
youngei membersofthe profession marked bj great 
kindness, ever ready to encourage and assist them 
with his counsels. 

Dr. Burnham has held, by appointment of the 
Governor of New Hampshire, through several con- 
secutive years, the office of surgeon of the Twenty- 
sixth Regiment of New Hampshire militia, and until 
honorably discharged at his own request. 

lie held the office of superintending sele.nl com- 
mittee in the town of Hillsborough four years. In 
lS4i> he was commissioned justice of the peace for the 
count} of Hillsborough, and still holds the commission. 
He has been twice elected to represent the town in 
tin State Legislature, and has been a member of the 
Hoard of Education at Hillsborough Bridge for three 

years, also lor thirteen veal's a member of the board 
of directors of the First National Bank of Hillsbor- 
ough; he is a member of the New I Hampshire Medical 

Soeiety.and in March, I860, was made a Master Mason 

in Harmony Lodge, in Hillsborough, and was for 

several years its secretary. 

For more than forty years the doctor has lived in 



the same place, practiced in an enlarging held and 
held, unimpaired and ever-increasing, the confidence 
of the community, both as a man and a physician. 
November 9, 1849, Dr. Burnham married Caroline M., 
oldest daughter of < reorge and Marj (Steele) Dascomb, 
of Hillsborough, N. II. She was horn duly 27, 182:1. 



JONES FAMILY. 1 

Among the earliest settlers of the town of Hills- 
borough, N. 11.. was 117///.;///', who eame from Wil- 
mington, -Mass. Ii is noi known at wha he 

removed here, hut his name appears upon the first 
records of the town now extant : nor is the name of his 
wife known, nor the birth-place of his large family of 
children, hut probably the most, if not. all, of them 
were horn in Wilmington. His descendants are nu- 
merous, and among the most respected citizens of the 
town, lie had four sons and rive daughters. 

His fourth son. James' 1 , was horn in Wilmington, 
Mass., and died .Inly Is. 1839, ami his wife, \iina, 
died March 30, 1841. Married Anna, .laughter of 
Nathaniel and Sarah (Parker) Cooledge. Their chil- 
dren were, 

Jonathan 3 , born September :!, 177S; died .March 5, 

1810, unmarried. 

Anna : , horn February is. 1780; married, Bret, Alex- 
ander McClintock, and, second, Asa Goodell; died 
March is, 1829. 

.lames ; , born December 9, 1782; married Sarah 
Smith, had one son, George, who died Nov. 11, 1844. 

Silas . born March 6, 1784; married Catherine Rolf, 
went to Pittsburgh, Pa., where h. died Oct. 6, 1832. 

Cooledge 3 , born February 4, 1786 ; married Pierce 
Stone ; died February !•, 1856. 

Sarah 3 , hom March 22. 1788; died Julj 3, 1788. 

Nathaniel ', born May ::, 1789; married Betsy Rob- 
bins; died August L9, 1867. 

Ebenezer 3 , born February 7, 1792; married, Mary 
'I', ('an-; died December 1. 1864. 

Parker 3 , born Februarj 13, 1794; married Judith 
Clapp; died .May 28, 1861. 

Solomon 3 , bom February 7, 1796; died in Pennsyl- 
vania, August 2:!, 1842, unmarried. 

Wa .horn February 3, 1798 ; married Thank- 
ful Dy.r; died March 21, 1868. 

Sarah P. 3 , horn dune 7, 1801 ; married Charles 
Baldwin; died November 3, 1844. 

Ebeni er 3 married Mary Turner, daughter of 
Nathan ami Elizabeth (Smith) ( 'air, October 6, 1816; 
removed to Unity, N. II., where he resided ten years, 

when he returned to Hillsborough and pun based the 
Nathaniel Johnson farm, upon which he afterwards 
resided. Their children i 

Charlotte \ born January 6, 1818 ; married Alonzo 
Tuttle, of Hillsborough ; died August 31, 1861. 

1 IniG Me, M. D, 



H> 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Nathan P. 4 , born in Unity, X. II., June 3, 1820; 
died August 4, 1820, ill thai town. 

/'■trktr' (sol- biographical sketch). 

James 4 , born in Unity, N. II., November 17. 1823. 

George 4 , born in Unity, N. 11., February In, 1826; 
married Mrs. Mary (Goodale) Smith, of Hillsborough. 

Mary E. 4 , born May 22, L828; married David \V. 
< Iri s, of Hillsborough. 

Harvey ', born July 6, 1 330. 

I beni er ', born October 24, 1S32; niarried Malvina 
Shedd, of Hillsborough ; resides on the homestead; 
has two suns, — James H., born November 25,1860; 
Parker, born October 11. 1864. 

Sarah A.', born March I'll, 1836; married Colonel 
.lames F. Grimes. 

Parker*, son of Ebenezer and Mary Turner (Carr) 

• I s, was born in Unity, N. H., July 31, 1821; he 

came to Hillsborough with his parents iu 18H0; had 
such educational advantages only as arc afforded by 
the common school; he left his home when nineteen 
years of age " to seek his fortune." and found employ- 
ment at the Astor House, New York City, then one 
of the most famous hotels in the country. After two 
years as porter, he was ottered a place in the office, 
where he was rapidly promoted 10 the position of chief 
.Ink. a position for which he was peculiarly adapted, 
and which he continued to hold until obliged by ill 
health to resign. Here he formed the acquaintance 
of aU the most eminent men in the country, which, in 
many instances, ripened into personal friendship. 

The following tribute, n ritten by one of his life-long 
friends, and published in the Home Journal soon after 
his death, gives a more faithful delineation of his 
character than a stranger can give: 

"IN MKMoKI MI 
••On Thiii>ilay !;i.|, .it tin* \-t..r Hmi — , in Mi.- hu ly--i\th \-.n nl hi- 

age, Parkei Jones departed this life, peacefully ami in the full hope of a 

iilt-ssi-.l iiiini.utnlity IVihaji- i;iti nl hi- yat -. tilling .1 similar sla- 

li.ill ill litr, was luniv wiilrh lomwii ,,| hail waitimr fti.inl- I'm n|- 

war.l nl twiiltv in- wars h- Inn I ln'-li :i i l<lk ill t! Hi.'' m| On' \sl.i| 



I 



lllllV 1 



tributors was Thurlow Weed, Bsq . who, when the subscription-list "at 

alnnuiit .■.|llal r.i ill.' L.i ■ ual il Ml \\ oil asl.-.l I- 

,-.-.■ rli«- li>i, ami. latin- up a peu, said,—' Parker is a g I boy. I don't 

hi i Hi- i loks v subscription/ ami doubled it. The late Colonel 

i ii- tii hi. ii i lade On- Astor Souse his home when in 

Niw \ ml,, Ii.ai.l ul tlu- i.i'.'.s.-iilali..ii al'trr il hail hi-i'H mail.:, ami wrutc 
., I, II,. i [,. 1'aik.T ill Mill' li li- %|.i.-~."l In.- I..-I-1 at tint liaiilu; h.'.'li 
in Mm- ril\ at tin.' lint-, 1 inclosed a check for an at Hit - qual to .ins 

" Tin- writer ..f thin Imnildi- tribute to the many xirtues. if Parker .limes 

kueu linn ii-ll I'm iir.iilv Iw-uty years liiinn- nil this I llm Ast-i 

in. re faithful Mi v.i lit a ml thr ttavrlitiL' pill. I I lei , 

in ,r- • v-ii t-iii]- i-l ami ..Mum- i.mservatur. 



■' • oh Death ! 



Tim- -h.ill -ii ik- .i .l.i 



ed -I 



nl. 



I- u i- taken -i.'k ill Auu-iist. 1-iC, U'hil- .■!! .Inly in tin- alii. - ami hit 

.... i h- -. -i ..i in. ii l. -.a attendance 

md constant and affectionate can liad no othci effect ih.ni... : .. th 

-II -in I.-. an. I w In !i In . am- hail. I. th- V.-I..I 11mu-i* from hishi.mn* 

n \ -mi-Hi. i. .-. ft pt 1 1 I. 'nt I., bis friends that 

■ \ ■ . ' i .in V". •"' ■ . .in .ii :i hnl- aft-i n .-ii- i-.i 

ii il,.-, win ii 1 1 be In 'I. I dear, al peace with all a ml . h-.i-.l hy theiuus..- 
ation nl a holy faith, In- --nil- .[liril s.ni-hi . 

" 'No farther seek his merits I 

i »i draw In- frailtii's IVnni their iln-ail aluiili- : 
Tli.ii tiny alikn in tretliUlli- Impi' ie|i,.-e, 

i' -..in of his Father and bis God.' " 

Mr. Jones married. June 14. 1859, Miss Julia < '. 

Andrews, of l'awlet.Yl., win, survives him. They 
liad no children. 



It is a well-authenticated fact that the families of 
these names in this country all sprung from a com- 
mon ancestry. At what time or why the orthog- 
raphy of the name was changed is not known, hut 
there is a tradition that three brothers, living in the 
same town, agreed to each adopt a separate spelling 
for their mutual convenience. 

Robert 1 Goodell, a great-great-grandson of KmIhti. 
was horn in 1604, and sailed from [pswich, England, 
August 30, 1634, in the ship "Elizabeth," William An- 
drews, commander, with his wife, Katherine, and three 
children, — .Mary ', lour years old ; Abraham ', iwo\ ears 
old; and Isaac 1 , six months. They .settled in Salem, 
Mass.. hut afterwards removed to what is now called 
1 l.invers. 

The son Isaac 1 ' married Patience Cook ; they had chil- 
dren, one of whom, Isaac ', dr.. was ln.ni May 29, 1670. 
He served in the expedition against Canada in 1690, 

and. after his return, married Mary , December 

3,1692. The} had twelve children, one of whom 
was Samuel ', born May S, 1694. 

Samuel* married Anna Fowler, of Saulshury, July 
4, 1717. Their children were Robert", Enoch . Bar- 
tholomew 5 , Esther 5 (Collins), Hannah ' (Mclutire), 
Mary' (married .Hide Haeket), Anna' (married Enoch 
Fowler), another daughter, who married Moses Day. 

Robert" married (1st) Lydia Wallace in 1752, and 
married (I'd) Widow Mary Fowler in L764, and moved 
from Salem, Mass., to Weare, X. II.. when' he died 
December II, 1804. He had six children, of whom 
Robert 6 , Jr., and Samuel 6 were by the first wife. His 
other children were, — 

Stephen 6 , horn September 17, 1766, at Salem, .Mass.; 
married Mary Greenleaf al Weare,N. II., ami lived al 
Deering, N. II., where he died February 18, 1832; 

Jonathan*, born August 30, 1769, at Salem, Mass.; 
Mehitable, born — ; married foung, and after- 
wards • orles, of Weare, N. II. ; Esther . 




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IIII.LSKOPvUUGII. 



Jonathan" married Sarah Hadloek at Deering, 
N. H., iu August, 1795, and resided iu Deering, where 
he died Januarj 6, 1858. Their children were, 

LeoV, born in Weare, N. H., March 7, I7'J7; [saac 7 , 
horn in Deeriug March 10, 1799, died May 15,1858; 
Lydia 7 , born in Deering July 7, 1802, married Jabez 

Morrell, died March 1, 1849; Clara 7 , born i ier- 

ing March 16, 1806, married Robert Carr.of 1 1 ilUl»..r- 
ough, N. II.; Betsy 7 , born in Deering November 15, 
1808, married Mark vStarrett ;John II T . bornin Deering 
October 2, 1816, married (1st) Celestia S. Mooney, of 
Northfieid, who died October 1863, and he married 
(2d) Josephine I:. Atkinson, of Tilton, and lias one 

daughter by second wile, — Charlotte A.(! lale, horn 

Maj 26, 1875, has residedin Nashua since 1871. 

Levi 7 G lale, the subject of this sketch, was horn 

iu Weare, V II., -March 7. 1797; was educatedin the 
common schools in Deering and Salisbury Academy ; 
married, November 6,1817, Mary, daughter of Thomas 
and Mary (Newton) Howlett, who was horn January 
28,1799; lived with his father-in-law, in Hillsbor- 
ough, till 1822, when hi' bought of Thomas Moore 
the farm in the north part of the town, now owned 
by his son Thomas. He was a laud surveyor, ami was 
better acquainted with the lines of farms in this 
ami adjoining towns than any man living. Mr. 
Goodale was much in public business, — was a select- 
man fourteen years, twelve of them consecutively ; 
was two \ cars chairman of the board as well as I own- 
clerk ami overseer of the poor; represented the 
town in the Legislature in 1844 ami 1845; was justice 
of the peace for thirty-live years ; he also adminis- 
tered "ii 1 Ired ami four estates, by which he 

acquired a g 1 knowledge of probate law, upon 

which his advice was often sought ami always given 
without fee. lie was a consistent Christian, a mem- 
ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church, ami his 
house was headquarters for the ministers of that de- 
nomination, while the poor ami distressed never went 
unaided froin his door. It was his boast that he never 
bought a pound of hay, coffee or flour, or a bushel of 
any kind of grain or of potatoes. His earliest 
political affiliations were with the Democratic 
party, hut later he became a Free-Soiler, and upon 
the formation of the Republican party he joined 
it- fortunes and continued to act with it during 
his remaining lite. Mr. Goodale was a man of sound 
judgment, sterling integrity, of quiet unobtrusive 
manners and a retentive memory, which was replete 
with knowledge of the earl) settlement of the town 

and of its history and traditions. He enjoyed a a I 

joke and always had an anecdote ready to illustrate 
his opinions. Hillsborough has had lew such men. 

His wife died November 25, 1867; he died June 
11, 1877. Children, —Thomas .V.", born in Hills- 
borough, N. H., August 24, 1819 (see next sketch); 
Marj II. . horn in Hillsborough, N. II., May 12, 1824, 
married (1st) Daniel I:. Smith and (I'd) George 
Jon,- Sarah A.\ horn in Hillsborough, N. H., 



1 >ecen 
(2d)C 



Thomas 8 Ne 

(Howlett) (I 

August 24. 181 



I Mary 
\. II. 



He 



trict-schools in this and adjoining towns with marked 
success. He was among the Erst who acquired the 
art of daguerreotyping, to the practice of winch he 
devoted more than twenty years of his life. Possess- 
ing an unusual artistic taste, the pictures whii h run, 
from his camera were among the lines! produced. 1 1, 
also, Inter, gave much attention to civil engineering 
and land surveying. He succeeded to his father's 
homestead, upon which be has erected a large and 
elegant house, and great l\ improved the Other build- 
ings, and where he dispenses an abundant hospitality. 

He has done a large prohale business since his father's 

death. Mr. Goodale is a man of pronounced and 

positive opinions; he was one of the first anti-slavery 
men in town, and has always worked and voted to 
promote the success of the Republican party. He 
has never held public offjee, 

He married, August 12, 1840, Caroline G. Calkins. 
Their children were, — 

(1) Laura" A., horn May 10. 1842, and married 
Nathaniel L. Chandler, of Sunapee, May. 1860, who 
died iii the War of the Rebellion (September 11. 
1864), leaving one daughter, Christabel, who was horn 
March 31, 1861, and married, October Id, 1881, 
CharlesS. George, of Hopkinton; two children (twins), 
Charles A. and Allison 8., horn August 29, 1882. 
Allison S. died September, 1SS2. Laura A. married, 
second, June 5, 1867, Elbert Goodale and died May 
24, 1885, leaving children,— Grace L., horn May 5, 
1868; Carl /...horn November 25, 1870; Myrtle, born 
September 19,1876; Alice, horn July L9, 1881, died 
September, 1881 ; a son, horn May 24, 1885. 

(2) Mary" C, horn March 17, 1846, married Captain 
George A. Robbins, who died October 16, 1874; has 
one son, Thomas G. Robbins, born January 16, 1X74. 

(3) Addie" J., horn March 18, 1X7,:;, married O. II. 
Warner, resides in Lowell, Mass. 

(4) Sarah" ('., horn August 12, 1855. 

Mr. Goodale's wife (Caroline G.) died October 12, 
1879, and he married, second, Mrs. Addie L. (Mather) 

Smith, of Newport, N. 11.; (hey have < daughter, 

Emilie E., horn November 21, 1884. 

He retired from active business three years ago 
(1882) on account of poor health. 



John Butler Smith is by everything but birth a 
native ol New Hampshire. Four generations of his 



BISTORY OF BILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW llAMl'SHlU 



ancestors have lived and— all hut the hist — died in 
this State. His great-great-grandfather, Lieutenant 

Thomas Smith, was an original grant f the town 

of Chester in 17l'o, and later on was the lirst white 
man to settle in New Boston. He came from Ireland 
to Chester, and was a distinguished eitizen of his 
adopted town, as its early records, by the frequent 
mention of his name, attest. 

A century and a half ago the Indians prowled 
through what are now our quiet New Hampshire 
villages; and one day Lieutenant Smith and his 
brother-in-law, while at work in the held, were cap- 
tured by them and hurried away from home and 
friends. At night they were securely hound, and 
neither was allowed to know where the other was 
secured. The second night Smith made up his mind 
he would escape. He took careful note of the direc- 
tion in which his friend was taken ; and when the 
Indians were fast asleep, he tried his extraordinary 
strength upon the cords that, around his arms and 
ankles, pinioned his body, face downward, to the 
earth. He snapped them. Then, releasing his com- 
panion, they retraced their steps, traveling by night 
in brooks to elude the scent of the dogs, and hiding 
by day in the tree-tops to escape their enraged cap- 
tors. On the night of the third day they reached 
their homes. 

About 1735 Smith, with his family, moved to 
New Boston, in this county. For a number of years 
be was the only white man in the town; and he 
fought his way against the Indians and endured such 
hardships as the pioneers of our country encount- 
ered. 

There one of bis sons, Deacon John Smith, married 
a daughter of William McNeil, by whom he bad five 
children. After her decease he married Ann Brown, 
of Francestow 11, who presented him with fourteen 
children, making a royal family even for thosi earl] 
days. Deacon Smith was a man of great force of 
character, and emphatically a pillar of the church 
ami the State. Traditions of bis resoluteness are -till 
fresh from repetition in the minds of bis kin and 
family friends. 

Among these nineteen children Was David, who 
married Eleanor < iiddings, and left thirteen children 
to perpetuate his name. 

Of tlcsc Ami, John B.'s father, was horn in Ac- 
worth, in 1800. He married Lydia F., daughter of 
Dr. Elijah Butler, of Weare. Soon alter his marriage 
he moved to Saxton's River, Vt., and engaged in the 
manufacture of woolen g Is. 

The subject of our sketch was horn there. April 12, 
1838. Nine years after this ids father moved to 
Hillsborough Bridge, where he has since resided. 
He was iii moderate circumstances, hut disposed to 
educate his children as well as these circumstances 
would permit. This for John consisted of the advan- 
tages of the public schools of Hillsborough and two 
wars at Francestown Aeadeinv, where be fitted for 



College. A term before he was to be graduated lie 
left school, and went into a store in New Boston. 
He had been there only a year, when, at the age of 
twenty-one, he entered upon business in a small way 
for himself. He tried his hand at several kinds of 
business ami in different places: at Boston, as a dry- 
goods jobber; at Saxton's River, as a tinware man; 
at Manchester, as a druggist. While in the latter 
plai c. he married Jennie M. Knowles. Experimenting 
a year in each of the aho vena inei I varieties ot 1. urines-, 
in 1864 he commenced the manufature of knit-goods, 
the business in which he has achieved great success 

and made a fortune. He carried on this bitsim >s a 
year at Washington, and a year at Weare before he 
moved to Hillsborough. But these places were not 
titled for the business he had in mind to develop; 
and late in 1865, with a capital of ten thousand dol- 
lars, that he had accumulated up to this time, be 
moved to Hillsborough and built a small mill. He 
has always kept bis business within the limits of his 
own capital; but as this has increased, he has devel- 
oped hi- operations until, at the present time, he 
owns four-fifths of the fine-water power on the river 
here, and his mills employ one hundred and fifty 
hands. 

In 1882 his business was merged in the < lontoo :ooi 
Mills ( 'ompanv, of which Mr. Smith is president, and 
his nephew. George E. Gould, treasurer and business 
manager, by whom all the stock, except a nominal 
sum, is owned. 

Mr. Smith's business makes Hillsborough the busy 
place that it is; and he is considered one of the 
keenest, as well as one of the fairest, business linn of 
the State. His shrewdness is demonstrated b) the 
tact that, by hi- own energy, with no wonderful freak 
of fortune in his favor, he has come from a poor hoy 
to be reckoned anion- the wealthy men of the State ; 
and no man with whom he has had the smallest 
business dealing will ace use him of trickery or impugn 
his integrity. His record is (dean ill his own town, 
where he has done business for twenty years. His 
employes are his friends ; this is the most significant 
Compliment that can he given a business man. 

In polities Mr. Smith has always been a stanch 
Republican. He is conversant with the political his- 
tory of the country, and entertains bis pronounced 
views for reasons that he can readily convince one 
are well grounded in intelligence. He has never 
sought political office. His party has always been in 
the minority in the town; yet be has as ardently la- 
bored io support it as many a one who has been im- 
pelled by political ambition as well as party fealty. 
The only political office he has ever held was that of 
Presidential elector in 1884, at which election the 
liomocralie majority in town was reduced fifty votes; 
another evidence of Mr. Smith's popularity among 
bis neighbors. 

He is a member of the Congregational Church in 
Hillsborough, and has been since boyhood; is a con- 








/OocZZZo 




/ Z V / < /~s & 



HILLSBOROUGH. 



stunt attendant at the church services and Sunday- 
school. He has contributed liberally to the support 
of the religious institutions of the town, especially 
his own church, and generously aids all charities 
that come under his observation, but Dever ostenta- 



Mr. Smith lias been interested in vam 
enterprises outside of Hillsborough. He was Half- 
owner of the < >|Mia-l louse Block in Mam Hester when 
it was built, in 1883, and is at present (1885) engaged 
in the drv-goods commission business in Boston, to 
which lie gives h of bis personal attention. 

During all his business career Mr. Smith has been 
an indefatigable worker, giving the strictest attention 
to all the details of his business; be has never al- 
lowed recreation to prejudice his business interests; 
he has been prudent ami frugal in his method oi 
living; he is temperate, strong and robust in phys- 
ique; he is a .lose calculator, careful investor, and 

his business judgment seld ens: these are the 

secrets of his success. 

November 1, 1883, Mr. Smith married Emma 
E. Lavamlcr, daughter of Stephen Lavander, of Bos- 
ton. .Mrs. Smith is an accomplished and Christian 
lady, with agreeable and winning manners. She has 
many acquaintances in Manchester, and a large circle 
of friends in Boston, her former home. Though she 
has lived in Hillsborougl ly a short time, her in- 
telligence and affability have won for her the friend- 
ship and esteem of all. She mingles freely in society. 
engages in all the social interests of the community, 
generously aiding, by personal work and material 
contribution, the religious and village charities. 
Her benevolence, like that of her husband, is marked 

by hearty g I- will, that makes the recipient feel her 

personal interest. 



JOHN GILBERT, 
Among the patriotic hearts stirred by the news of 
the battle of Lexington was one Joseph Gilbert, of 
Littleton, Mass., gentleman. Bidding an immediate 
farewell to his young wife, son of two years and a 
baby girl, he joined his brother's (Captain Samuel Gil- 
bert) company, under command ot' Colonel William 
Prescott, of the Seventh Regiment of Foot, and marched 
to the camp iii Cambridge. Here he received Ins 
commission as first lieutenant — now in the possession 
of his descendants — from the Congress of the Colony 
of the Massachusetts Bay, dated May 19, 1775, and 
signed by the celebrated General Joseph Warren, 
scarcely another autograph of his, to a public docu- 
ment, being in existence. A second commission was 
received January 1, 1876, from the United Colonies, 
signed by Governor John Hancock. In a blank-book 
kept by him, various items, referring to camp-life, are 
recorded. Less than a month after his enlistment 
the Committee of Safety decided to occupy Bunker 
Hill. The perilous command was given to Colonel 



Prescott; lie man lied to Charlestown the evening of 

June 16th, with his brigade of one thousand men, 
threw up his intreiichnients and the following daj 
met the British ; his men were the last to leave the 
Ibid. On the 3d of July, General Washington, hav- 
ing been appointed commander-in-chief, reviewed 
the regiments on Cambridge Common. There was 
now hard work for the men in digging the iiitrench- 
meiits, which extended from Winter Hill to Dor- 
chester, confining the British army in Boston. The 
regiments were paraded January 1, 1776, to receive 

the new llag I 'ongress had agreed upon.- the stars and 

stripes. In digging trenches and acting as sentinel 
Lieutenant Gilbert seems to have been employed till 
March 17th, when his heart was rejoiced at the sight 
of the evacuation of Boston by the British. General 
Washington at once ordered a part of the army to 
New York, and from the item " Cash lent Samuel Gil- 
bert in New York, May or June," we may conclude 
he accompanied it. June 13th finds him at Gover- 
nor's Island, New York Harbor, the garrison stationed 
there being under command of Colonel Prescott. July 
14th, William Williams signs a receipt for ten pounds, 
ten shillings, received by him, to be delivered to 
Lieutenant ( iilbert's wife. 

In August, when the American army was compelled 
to retire from New York City, Prescott attracted the 
notice and commendation of Washington by the 
good order in which he brought oil his regiments. 
Soon after, at Throgg's Neck (on which is Fort Schuy- 
ler), sixteen miles above Hell Gate, his regiment 

defended a bridge, preventing the landing of General 
Howe at that point. October 21st the army moved 
north in four divisions, and on the 28th occurred the 
battle of White Plains. Early in October, Colonel 
Prescott made a return to General Parsons, and his 
regiment in the brigade was stationed, November 
loth, at the fourth entrance to the Highland:-, beyond 
Robinson's bridge, at or above Peekskill. November 
18th, Prescott reports his list of officers to General 
Heath; among them is Captain Samuel and Lieutenant 
Joseph Gilbert, who were sick at that date. At this 
winter camp on the Hudson, December 23d, he 
balances accounts with Lieutenant Joseph Baker, 
and December 27th receipts arc signed "for serving 
and shouldering, September, October ami November, 
in Captain (iilbert's company of the Seventh Regi- 
ment," by Jonathan Phelps, Joseph and Peter Baker, 
Ephraim Proctor, Isaac Durant Downe, William 
Brooks ami others. January "',1777, Peter Cooper 
receives from him eleven dollars, which is the last 
record in his handwriting. The winter was a trying 
one; he suffered from exposure, and fell a victim to 
the fever which attacked him in the spring. The 
next entry is made by the young widow : "April 20, 
1777. — Credit the estate of Joseph Gilbert by pocket- 

1 k, not appraised, '.Is." '' Westford, < >ctober 14th. — 

To cash paid the Judge, 9s. 4</." "To going to 
Cambridge twice with bondsmen to get letters of ad- 



HISTORY OP HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



ministration, £6. I\> cash paid the appraizers, 

'.'] 16s.," etc. His willow, with baby girl and son 
John, four years old, found herself the possessor of 
a fewhundred dollars from her husband's estate. The 
boy was strong and vigorous, took to farming and 

rally 1, 'allied the blacksmith's trade, almost a neces- 
sity in those days. He grew to be over six feet in 
height, and found plenty of work for his willing 
hand.--. Having decided to accept the invitation of 
his Uncle Robbins to come to Hillsborough, he stops 
at Greenfield, N. II., on the way, and while working 
for Benjamin Pollard, of thai place, asks and receives 
the assent of his daughter, Susan, to share with him 
the vicissitudes of life. They were married in 17!»7 
or 1798. Benjamin Pollard was from Billerica, Mass.; 
he, wlih two of his brothers, served in the Revolu- 
tionary War, and he was a nephew of Asa. the first 
man killed at Bunker Hill. 

IL bought, first, a hall-acre of land in the centre 
of the town, of Peter and Samuel Robbins, for, fifty 
dollars, on which he built a house and shop, next the 
Boardman lot, having his deed from the original 
proprietor, Captain Hill (for whom the town was 
named). By degrees he added a piece of land as he 

had money to pay for it,— a meadow from the Harries 

estate, an upper pasture lot from Squire Johnson, -till 
In- secured a comfortable farm in the Centre of about 
one hundred and seventy-five acres, It was his 
custom for sixty years, on his birth-day, to make an 

inventory of his possessions, the first modest record 
reading,—" August 21, L795, -1-2 years old, worth in 

notes seventy-five dollars ; clothes, fifty-five dollars; 

total, one hundred and thirty dollars." The next year 
a gun is added to his possessions; and in 1 SI III his house. 
At the end of the first thirty years we find, " Aiii-im 
'-'I, 1825,52 years old, notes, cash, house, farm and 
buildings, four thousand two hundred and twenty-four 
dollars." The totals for the next thirty years vary 
slightly from this amount. John Gilbert was noted 
in town for his firm adherence to what he believed 

to he right, and for his strong g I sense and even 

temperament ; for a long time he was the only Whig 
in the village. He early abolished the rum-jug from 
the Held: joined and was an active member of the 
Congregational Church (remembering it in his will). 
I le was often chosen umpire and referee, being a man 
of reliable judgment, lie foretold our < 'ivil War, for 

he was a close observer of men and events. " Scott's 
Bible" was the I k he loved best to read, and the 

coming of his weekly paper, the Farmers? Cabinet, foi 

more than a score of years was anticipated with 

pleasure. Horn a subject of Great Britain, he lived 

to see the colonies a free and independent nation, 

and the Presidential chair occupied by one of his 
own townsmen (Franklin Pierce), railways and tele- 
graph introduced, the two days' journey to Boston 

shortened to live h s, the postage of twenty-four 

cents reduced to three, and the shoe-nails, so labori- 
ously produced from his forge in his younger days. 



turned out by the hundredweight. He died in 1857, 
highly respected, surviving all but one of his five 
children. 

His youngest son. John, born in 1804, with his 
two older brothers, Joseph and Benjamin, worked 
on the farm, and by turns in the shop winter eve- 
nings, while the two sisters assisted the mother 

in household duties. Every one had their allotted 

task, after the performance of which it was their 

great delight to meet the young people of the neigh- 
bor!) 1. 

When the Barnes family, the Duttons, the Lawtons 

the Simons and Julia Parker got together, bright and 
happy hours were passed. The barn-raisings and 

huskings, training ami muster-days are still fresh in 
the memory, softening the asperities of the school- 
hours; the ruler ami winter teacher were inseparable, 

both persuasion and force being considered necessaiw 

to instil into his sixty or seventy pupils a knowledge 
of the three " R's." In time Joseph goes to Boston; 

then his best friend, Oilman Karnes, follow-, ret inn- 
ing on a vacation with blue coal trimmed with brass 
buttons, ami the happy possessor id' a watch and 
pencil-case. This decided John; he is twenty-one, 
over six feel in height, active and ambitious ; Benja- 
min will stay on the farm, so he turns his face towards 
Boston, his whole capital being thirty dollars. For, 
the first three or four years he has a hard experience, 
collecting bills, distributing papers, working evenings 
for his board, after running all day, acting for a time 
as sexton of Park Street Church. His church duties, 
however, bring him to the knowledge of Jeremiah 
Evarts, Judge Hubbard, George Denney and Daniel 
Safford, who interest themselves in the hard working 
young man. In June, lS:;il, he unites with the church, 
finding ever after a Divine helper in every time of 
need. He still remains a member of this church, and 
has ever responded with willing heart and open hand 
to its needs and charities. By careful saving, through 
many discouragements, he accumulated one thousand 
dollars, which gave him an opportunity to start in 
the grocery business with Haydeu & Upham, How- 
ard Street, but dissolved in a year or two ils:;i»i t,, 
buyout the stand corner of Tremont and Bromfield 
Streets, hiring the store of Mr. John Bunstead; here, 
as in all the grocery-stores, was a bar where liquor 
was sold, and from the nearness of the Tremont The- 
atre it was considered a desirable location. This bar 
Mr. Gilbert at once abolished, though told he could 
have no trade without it, and opened a temperance 
grocery-store. The sign he put up, John Gilbert, Jr., 
& Co., has been familiar to Bostonians for titl\ years, 
and with hut one remove is still used by his nephew 
and successor in business, John ( '. I i i II nil . eldest son 
of his brother Joseph, who at seventeen entered his 
store, and when twenty one was given an interest in 
the business. This same year (October 4, 1833) he 

married Mrs. Vnn I!. Utwill, an F.nglish lad\ ami 

mother of three attractive children, the youngest of 



HILLSBOROUGH. 



business, from early morning till nine or ten :it night, 
be built up a good trade, passing without serious loss 
through the disastrous financial panic of 1837, when 

the bottom seemed to have dropped out of all trade, 
and the firsl question asked was, "Who has failed to- 
day'.'" lie visited New York frequently, buying 
directly from the manufacturers and importers ; also 
built up a large trade in butter, by going back into 
that State, where the tanners, saying there was no 
demand, were satisfied with the York shilling (twelve 
and one-half cents) offered for their host quality ; this, 
before the days of railroads, had to he forwarded by 
canals ami stages. A remunerative wholesale ami 
retail trade was thus established. 

About the year 1842, Mr. Gilbert, with others, sent 
on i a cargo of merchandise to Oregon; the vessel went 
round the Horn and reached there, fortunately, just as 
gold had been discovered. Lumber costing fourteen 
dollars a thousand in Oregon brought two hundred 
iii San Francisco, and provisions in proportion. 



agi 



the surprise of the company, of 



Mi 



Gilbert was the treasurer, in hearing they had a deed 
of nearly all the city of Portland, and soon after 
receiving the first gold, about fifty thousand dollars, 
sent from Oregon. A second vessel was sent, the 
captain of which proved dishonest. An agent built 
a vessel for them, which was wrecked. So Mr. Gilbert 

decided, having drawn one prize, he had had enough 
of speculation, and ever alter kept out of it. In 1837, 
Mr. Gilbert bought a house in Temple Street, and 
moved from there to his present residence :il the 

South End, in 1858. 

Having been troubled with deafness tor many years, 
resulting from a fever, he decided, on reaching his 
sixtieth 3 ear, to go out of husincss, leaving il with his 
nephew, above referred to, who hail been with him 
many years, and who has proved himself a most suc- 
cessful merchant. He invested his money at that time 
(1864) in real estate, the care of which has occupied 
him during his declining years. 

.Many an impoverished family and poor widow- 
have had occasion to bless his name from his for- 
bearing kindness, it having been his principle to 
suffer rather than inflict wrong. He has been almost 
daily aide to assist others, and has ever ascribed, 
with thankful heart, all his success to the loM.ind 

beneficence of his Heavenly Father. 

He sold the homestead farm, now owned and occu- 
pied by Mr. 1 reorge W. Hay. preserving the adjoining 
house, bought in 1830 by Benjamin and himself, w ith 

Orchard and wood lot, for family use. Here it has 
been the custom of all the family, by his invitation, 
to spend many pleasant weeks every summer, the at- 
tachment of all towards the homestead and church 
in the place being remarkably strong, Hillsborough 
Centre being preferred, even by the grandchildren, t<> 
any celebrated summer resort or gay watering place 
Nine months after celebrating hi- golden wedding. 



in L884, Mr. Gilbert was « 
loved partner of his lift 
daughters. On August G, I 



shire ; many branches planted in this country issued 
from this stock. The name is of Saxon origin, and 
means a bright or hra\ e pledge. 

In 1060, Gilbert de Gaunt came in with William 
the Conqueror. In 1115 a Gilbert who joined the 
Crusades was father of Thomas a Becket. In I 2 1 •"> 
one is treasurer of Lincoln Cathedral; 1240, arch- 
deacon of Stow ; 1414, bishop of L Ion. In 1475, 

an 1 Mho Gilbert is high sheriff of Devonshire. Sir 
Humphrey ( lilhert, " that high-spirited and skillful 
mathematician and hydrographer," was horn in 1539. 
Mi- early youth was devoted to liberal studies, which, 
with his brothers, — Sir .lohu, Sir Adricn and Sir 
Walter, — they pursued under one roof with the en- 
thusiasm of great minds; they became valiant and 

well experienced in nautical affairs, and to the 

lirothcrs Humphrey and Raleigh is ascribed the 
honor of laying the foundation of the trade and 
naval power of Great Britain. In 1570, Sir Hum- 
phrey proposed to Queen Elizabeth a plan for a. 
university in the metropolis. Letters patent were 
granted him June 1 1, 1578, " to take possession of all 
re te and tortuous lands for himself and his heirs for- 
ever." 1 1 is first voyage was unsuccessful ; but. Ii\ e years 
later he discovers and lays claims to (he Newfound- 
land fisheries, and- while coasting along the country 
his vessel, — the " Squirrel," — wentdownin a violent 
storm, September 9, 1583. He was last seen sitting 
in the stem with an open book in his hand, and his 
last, words were, " Wean- as near heaven by sea as by 
land." His son, Raleigh Gilbert, of Compton Castle, 
had a -on Humphrey, who, inl620, was five years old. 
That this is our ancestor i- most plausible from the 
fact thai a Humphrey Gilbert was in Ipswich, Vlass., 

in llidS, and in 1650 bought one hundred acres near 
the hounds of Wenhani ; that his age, as shown by a 
deposition of his on file, agrees with that of Sir 
Humphrey's grandson ; and that the name 1 1 iiiuphrcy 
is in no other family of (iilberts either in England or 
in this country. His will was made in 1657-58. By 
his wife, Elizabeth Kil ham, daughter of Daniel Kil- 
ham, he had one son, .lohu, and three daughters. 
The descent from this son is as follows: 

1. John ( rilbert, married Martha 1 todge ; settled in 
( Uoucester in 1704 ; had two sons, William and Jona- 
than; the filter died al 1800, aged eighty-six ; a 

son of Jonathan died in 1836, also eighty-six. Three 
of his son- were representatives. 

li. Daniel, married Elizabeth I'orter ; settled in 
Marblehead, Mass. 

::. Benjamin, married Estha Perkins; settled in 
Brookfield, Ma--. 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



1. Joseph, married \\-{) Mary Cogswell. (2d) Fliz 
abeth Whipple ; settled in Littleton, Mass., in 1748. 
His will was probated April 1,1763. The children 
..t' Joseph by his wives Mar) and Elizabeth were, - 

I John, married Sarah Cummings. 

2. Samuel, captain in Colonel Prescott's Seventh 
Regiment. 

3. Mary. 

1. Elizabeth, married Aaron Stratton. 

... Daniel. 

ii. Joseph, born 1751, died 1777; first lieutenant 
in Captain Gilbert's company; married Sarah Rob- 
bins, burn L751; died in Hillsborough, N. H., No- 
ve i 25, L828. 

7. Abigail Haynes. 

The children of Joseph by his wife Sarah were, — 

1. John, born in Littleton, Mass., August 21. 177"; : 
died in Hillsborough, N. H., March 30, L857; mar- 
ried Susan Pollard (daughter of Benjamin Pollard), 
born in Billerica, Mass., October 8, L773 ; died in Hills- 
borough, X. H., February M, 1850. 

2. Pattee Gilbert, born September 27. 1770; mar- 
ried (1st), January 15, 1801, to Joseph Harwood, (2d) 
December 16, 1819, to William Willard ; died March 
9, I860. Children — 

1. Mary Wilder Harwood, bum December 4, 1802; 
married, January 17. 1828, Steadman Willard ; died 
December 26, 1877. 

2. Joseph Gilbert Harwood, born July 27, 1804; 
married Fletcher, of Westford; settled in Cali- 
fornia ; had live children. 

3. John Alfred Harwood, born March 27, 1807; died 
August 13, L810. 

I. Nancj Elvira Harwood, born March 17, 1810; 
died July 16, 1810. 
children of Mary Harwood Willard,— 

1. Alma Harwood Willard, born August 28, 1828; 
married George Kendall, June 23. 1864. 

2. Mary Almeda Willard. born May 11, L831 ; died 
October 25, 1855. 

3. Stedmau Alfred Willard. born February 21, 1834; 
married Annette Putnam, January 29, 1865". 

4. LydiaS. Willard. born December 15, 1837 ; mar- 
ried William G. Barrows, May L5, 1862. 

The children of John Gilbert and Susan Pollard, 
all bom in Hillsborough, — 

1. Joseph, born January 10, 1799; died Septembei 
27,1836; married Alvira Moore, of Marlborough, 
Mass., bom 1800, died March 11, 1872. 

2. Benjamin, born duly 7, 1801 ; died in California 
1 (ecember, 1852 ; not married. 

3. John, born August 6, 1804; married, October 1. 
L833, Mrs. Ann Burrows Attwill, born in Wood- 
bridge, England, June 10, L802, died in Boston, July 



born Septembe 
bom Mav 31, 



1-17 



Ma 



8, 185 



, 1884. 
I, Sane 



Dutton, 



is i 



lied Dec- 25, H44. 



5. Sarah Tarbell, born 1816; died November 2, 1848. 
The children of Joseph Gilbertand Alvira Moon,— 

I. Almira, born February, 1828; died August 8, 1833. 

II. Susan Page, born January 20, 1830; married 
Rodney S. Latin, October 11,1846; died June 7, 1852. 
< Children, — 

1. Willis Gilbert Lakin, 

2. Clara Frances Lakin, 
September 7, 1851. 

3. John Clark Lakin, b< 

III. John ('lark, bom November 2, l.s:i2 ; married 
(1st), August 23, 1855, Abby .lane K.ay, born Janu- 
ary 1. 1832, died Januarj 3, 1861 ; married (2.1). Sep- 
tember 1, INIIl, Lizzie Lake 1\ cay, burn August 15, 
1834. Children — 

1. Susan Aliee, born January 16, 1858. 

2. John Clark, born November 5, I860; died dune 
8, 1861. 

3. Mary Abby, born dune 27. 1862. 

4. James Porter, born January 21. 1867. 
•".. Carrie Louise, born August 23, 1870. 

6. Bessie, born duly 29, 1872. 

IN'. Hammond Barnes (lilbert, born September, 
1834; married, in Colorado, October 28, 1869, Julia 
Etta Beverley, born in Paris, 111., daughter of John 
Randolph Beverley, a descendant of the Beverl'eys and 
Randolphs of Roanoke, Va. Children, — 

1. Joseph Beverley (filbert, born August 2, 1870. 

2. Mary Florence Gilbert, born Augusl 21. 1873; 
died February 25, 1877. 

3. Clifford Hammond Gilbert, horn May 9, 1875. 

4. Julia Gertrude Gilbert, horn April 27, 1878; 
died February 27,1880. 

The children of John Gilbert and Ann Attwill,— 
I. Elizabeth Burrows Gilbert, born in Boston, 
July 28, 1831 : married, September 4, 1860, Henry 
Frost, bom in Granby, Canada, May 18, 1832, son of 
Washington Frost and Samantha Laurence. Chil 
dren. — 

1. Henrj Gilbert Frost, born December 7, 1864. 

2. William Lawrence Frost, bom April 5, 1868. 
II. Ellen l.izette Gilbert, born in Cambridge, Mass., 

March 21,1845; married, June 9, 1869, Moses Field 
Fouler, bom in Yorktown, N. Y.. October 2, 1819. 

His lather was Henry Fowler, born dune Is, L785, 

died May 12, 1859; and his mother was Phebe Field, 
bom January 16, 1784, died November 10, 1862. 

Scarcely had the above record of Mr. Gilbert's 
life, written according to his suggestions, gone to 

press when he was called to enter his eternal home. 
The summons was a welcome one. bis last words 
being," I am all ready. 1 long to go." Thus the faith 
in an atoning Saviour, which throughout life had 
been his comfort and support, brightened his last 
hours. In peace with his < Jod and all men he closed 
his eyes upon worldly -ecu.-. May 25, 1885, 



HISTORY OF MOLLIS. 



(II A PTEB I. 



ble— Original Bo\ 



Settlements— The Pioneers 

The town of Eolli 



the 



.■.unity, and is bounded us follows: 

On the north by Milford, Amherst and Nashua; 
east by Nashua; south by Massachusetts, west by 
Brookline and Milford. 

Nearly all the territory embraced within the bounds 
of the present town of Hollis originally comprised a 
portion of the old town of Dunstable, which was 

gri id by Massachusetts October 16, 1673 (O. S.), 

and embraced the present town of Tyngsborough, the 
east part of Dunstable, a narrow gore on the east side 
of Pepperell and a tract in the northeast part of 
Townsend, Mas-., and the towns of Litchfield, Hud- 
son, portions of Londonderry, Pelhamand nearly all 
the present towns of Nashua and Bollis and parts of 
Amherst, Milford and Brookline, in New Hampshire. 

December 28, 1739, the westerly portion of Dun- 
stable was " erected into n separate and distinct pre- 
cinct " by the government of Massachusetts, and went 
by the name of West Dunstable until April 3, 1746, 
when, in answer to a petition from the inhabitants, 
about one-half of it was incorporated with full town 
privileges by the Governor and Council of the'prov- 
inceof New Hampshire, and named Holies.' 



I " I think there can be no reasonable doubt about the origin oror- 
ography "i this name. Benning Wentworth was Governor of the 
ovince, autl owed hie position to Thomas Pelham Holies, Duke of New 
utle, who wascoloni.il M-i'i'i'iiii'v It is well known thai Govei 

riiluoilli ii. i 1 man. of tin- towns in this Stair in honor ol his 

hail jn tilioiio.l to !.•■ in- oipo- 






December 13, 1763, the place called One-Pine Hill 
was annexed to Hollis, thus extending its domains 
farther east. March 30, 1769, a strip was taken from 
the west si.le of the town one ami a quarter miles 
wide, ami, with "mile slip," incorporated into the 
town of Etaby (Brookline). A small addition was 
made to the town. May 14, 177::, of land taken from 
Dunstable. 

On the 17th of February, 1786, a strip, three-quar- 
ters of a mile wi.le, the entire length of the wesl side 
of the town, was annexed to Raby. 

Under the laws of the province of Massachusetts 
(says Judge Worcester) in for, eat the lime, the twenty- 
six petitioners for the charter of Dunstable, "with 
such as might joyn with them in the settlement," be- 
came owners in fee simple, as tenants in common, of 
all the ungranted land within the boundaries ol' the 
township. In the year 1682, shortly after the close 
of Kino Philip's War. a meeting of these proprietors 
was held, who forme. 1 themselves into an association 
for the purpose of settling their several rights, of 
making .livishms of their lands from time to time 
anions themselves in the modes and proportions 
mutually agreed upon, ami also for the making of 
sales ami setting off the lands disposed of to pur- 
chasers ami actual settlers. 

The meetings of these original proprietors, ami of 
those who succeeded to their estates, afterwards con- 
tinued to he held (sometimes at intervals of many 



niln.' of Hollis 
Farmer, in Ii 



spelt 



til,' prison Ml W'llllSr hollo! tllr toWll WUS 

. 'Gazetteei >■■ New Hampshire, 1 spriis a 
with an I . and tells us thai the name was either derived from the Duke 
,1 Sew i asfle, whose family name was Mollis, or from Thomas Hollis, a 
listinguiahed benefaetoi of Harvi lollege, Mr. Farmei spelling 



inn, 



i v » I 



trl\ its dti/.rns were lo-litl. .1 III , hali-l Ir^ it P 

did to perp. tuate th, m i ol Thomas Hollis 

, liege / " H i ,«d 

I u referring to this matter, Judge Worcester says: "Within my re- 
membrance, there lias been much controversy upon the question 



in that oi the person foi whom the town was railed. In the original 
, i,l ,,i the town i barter, now at , oncord, ami in the copy ,,l tin- char- 

trr oil tlir llolli- irrol'l, tllr ,,; is sprH /M/r, | I] tie p.w, ,< j- 

to, thr twrnt.-Ilvr vrats air I I '■■ hrlmr fir' War of the Revolution the 

a., m, ITS I I oil- of t *. ami. so tar as I have seen, ,- mot lv 

spelt Holies, as in the charter, and ,- so spelt in the New Hampshire 
Laws published as late as ixl;,." 

|::r, 



IIISTOUY nF llll.LSIIOKorcil COI NTT. NKW II A M LSI 1 1 1! K. 



years) i"i more than a century, the last of them as 
lair as L816. The doings of this association, includ- 
ing the partitions and sales of land made by the pro- 
prietors, were carefully recorded in books kepi by 
them for the purpose, mm worn ami mutilated, but 
still to he found in the office "f the city clerk of 
.Nashua. 

Before the year 1729 most of the land of these pro- 
son ami Litchfield.N. II.. ami Tyngsborough ami 
Dunstable, Mass., had changed ownership, and much 
of it was then in the occupation of actual settlers. 
Previous to that year no record of any sale or grant, 
to any one of the early settlers of Hollis, of land in 
that town i- lo be found in the hooks kept by these 
proprietors. Hut in the month of January, L729-30 
(0. S.), as is shown by these records, the modest 
quantity of thirty-seven and one-half acres was set 
oil' by tin' proprietors to Peter Towers, in the right of 
John Usher. lie survej of it was made by Colonel 
Joseph I'.lam hanl, an honored citizen of Dunstable, 
ami a noted surveyor of the time, and was set ott' to 
Powers by Henry Farwell, Joseph French and Wil- 
liam Lund, as a committee acting for the association. 
This tract is described in the record as lying in that 
part of Dunstable called " Nissitissit," which was the 
Indian name ol Hollis. It was laid out in an oblong 
one hundred ami twenty rods east and west, ami fift) 
rods from north to south. Some years afterwards, as 
is shown by these records of the proprietors, there were 
set oil 1,, Powers, as purchaser and grantee, in a simi- 
lar way. sc\ eral other tracts of land in Hollis. amount- 
ing in all to nearly fourteen hundred acres, among 

which was one tract of one thousand acres lying be- 
tween Long and Pennichuck Ponds, but he is the only 
person among the early settlers of Hollis whose name 
is found asagrantee upon the booksof that association. 
Mr. Towers, afterward know n as "Captain Towers," 
and as a leading and prominent citizen of Hollis, was 
born at Littleton, Mass., in 17(17. In L728 he was 
married to Anna Keys, of Chelmsford, and the same 
yen- removed with his wife to that part of Dunstable 
now known as Nashua. I luring the summer and fall 
of L730 he made the first clearing and built the lirst 
dwelling-house in Hollis. In the month of January, 
1731, with his wife and two infant children, he made 
his way through the then dense, unbroken forest to his 
new home, and thus became the first permanent settler 
of the town. The site of this humble dwelling, no 
doubt built of logs, was about one-half mile north- 
west ol the present Mollis meeting-house, but a short 
distance from the house Conner]) owned by Thomas 
Cumings, afterwards by his son-in-law, Mr. John S. 
Heywood, now deceased, where vestiges of the old 
cellar, as is said, may be still seen. For nearly two 
years this family had no neighbor within about ten 
miles of them. < in the 9th of March, L732, their 
eldest daughter, Anna Powers, was born, who was the 
first child of Knglish descent horn in the town. 



In the summer of 17">1 I'.leazer Flagg, from Con- 
cord, Mass., settled in the soul h west part of I he tow n. 
on or near the [dace afterwards owned by his grand- 
son, Captain Reuben Flagg, and now by Tiuiothj I'. 
Flagg, Esq., about two miles from Mr. Powers. The 

house of Mr. Flagg is said to have been fortified 
against the attacks of the Indians, and was Used as a 

garrison-house. Mr. Flagg was the second settler. 
The third family is said to have been thai of Thomas 
Diusmore, from Bedford, Mas-. In the year 1736 the 

families. 

The whole of the township of Dunstable, from the 
dale of the charier till the new province line was 
settled, in the spring of 1711. was believed to be in the 
county of Middlesex, Mass., and a part of it. The 

office Of the register of deeds for that county was and 
still is at Cambridge, where, by the province law of 
the time, the deeds of all real estate within the county 
were to be recorded. Hut uo records ol deeds of land 
in Hollis, to persons known lo have been early in- 
habitants of the town, are to he found in that office 
of a date prior to 1731. 

Subsequent, however, to 1731, and before the spring 
of 17-11, it is shown h\ these records that between 
those dales a verj considerable number of deeds of 
land, now in Hollis. wen- made to the early settlers 
of the town Many of these deeds, in addition to 
their date, a description of the land sold and the 
name of the grantee, give also his occupation and 
place of former residence. Among these deeds of 
land in Hollis, made before 1741. arc to he found the 
following names of the early settlers of the town as 
grantees, viz.: Thomas Dinsmore, weaver; David 
Xevins, carpenter, and widow, Margaret Nc\ ins, all of 
Bedford, Mass. ; William Nevins, of Newton, Mass., 
husbandman; Jonathan Dan forth and Joseph Farley, 
of Billerica ; Eleazar Flagg and Jonathan Melvin, of 
Concord; Enoch Hunt and .lames McDonald, of 
Groton; Stephen Hani-, of Littleton; and Samuel 
Cumings, of • iroton. 

Dunstable, as originally chartered, as we have seen, 
was bounded on the south, in part, by the north line 
of Groton. As chart, red in 1655, Groton lay on each 
side of the Nashua River, its northeasterly corner 
being about two miles east of that river, at a place 
then and still known as Buck Meadow, now ill the 
tow n of Nashua, about one-half mile from the south 
line of that town. The original northwest cornel of 
i Iroton was in the line between the townsof Pepperell 
ami Townsend, Mass.. about one mile south of the 
present south line of New Hampshire. This corner 
is still marked by a stone monument. This, old north 
line of < iroton crossed the Nashua River and the 
present State line at a point very near the Hollis 
depot, on the Worcester and Nashua Railroad. 

The following notice of early settler- is taken from 
lion. Samuel T. Worcester'- excellent " Historj of 
Hollis:" 



MOLLIS 



C;i[it:iin I'.eiijamin Abbot was from Andover, Mass. 
His name was on the Hollis tax-lists in 1750. In 
1755 lie was lieutenant in Captain Powers' company, 
Colonel Blanchard's regiment, in the expedition to 
( 'row 11 Point, and was again in the army in 177,7. He 
was selectman in 1752, 1753 and 1754. His son Ben- 
jamin was a soldier in the Revolution. Died Januarj 
5, 1776, set. Ibrty-six. 

William Adams was in West Dunstable in 1788, 
and signed the petition for the charter of West 
Dunstable. Married Mary Spears, .May 29, 17 11. 
Was a town officer in 1746. His son William was a 
soldier at Bunker Hill and Bennington, hied August 
3, 1757, n't. thirty-nine. 

Ensign Stephen Ames came from Groton, Mass. 
Married .lane Robbins, in Groton, ill 1731. Was in 
West Dunstable in 1739, selectman in 1717 and 17 Is. 
and was a soldier in the French War in 1757. Repre- 
sentative to the New Hampshire General Court in 
1775, 1776 and 1777. His sons Jonathan and David 
were soldiers in the Revolution. 

Ebenezer Ball came from Concord, Mass. His 

name was on the Mollis lax-list in 171'.', and he was 

a soldier in the French War in 1755. in the company 
of Captain Towers. His sons Ebenezer, Nathaniel, 
William and John were soldiers in the Revolution. 

Daniel Bailcj was from Marlborough, Mass. Set- 
tled in the part of Hollis known as Monson about 
the year 1754. Himself and three id' his sons— viz. : 
Joel, Andrew and Daniel, Jr. — were Revolutionary 
soldiers. Hied January I"., 1798, set. sixty-nine. 

Henry Barton was in West Dunstable in 1738 and 
signed the petition for the (hatter. Was parish as- 
sessor in 17-11 and collector in 174:;. Died April 20, 
1760, set. fifty-four. 

Benjamin Blanchard is supposed to havecome from 
Dunstable, N. II. He was in West Dunstable in 
17 1-':. and signed the call to Rev. Mr. Emerson. Mar- 
ried Kezia Hastings, December 31, 1744. Was tith- 
ingman in 1747, and selectman in 177.il and 177,4. 

Elnathan Blood, supposed from Groton, Mass. His 
name is on the first tax-list for West Dunstable, in 
174(1. Married Elizabeth Boynton,in Groton, in 1741. 
He was a soldier in the French War in 1757, and se- 
lectman in 177.">. 

Josiah 111 1 was from Dracut, Mass. Was in West 

Dunstable in 1738, and signed the petition for the 
charter. Was a soldier in the Revolution, as was 
also his son, Josiah, Jr., and is supposed to have 
died at 'I'ii- leroga in September, 177(1. 

Nathaniel 1'dood, supposed from Groton, Mass. He 
was iii West Dunstable in l":;*, and signed the peti- 
tion for the charter, and was a soldier in the French 
War in 1758. Five of his sons — viz., Nathaniel, Fran- 
cis, Daniel, Timothy and Nathan — were soldiers in the 
Revolution, the last named of whom was killed at 
Bunker Hill. 

Deacon John Boynton, supposed from Newbury 
Mass. Was in West Dunstable in L743 ; parish clerk 



in 1744. Married Ruth J 
Chosen deacon in 1755, a 
and 1762, etc. His sons .1 
in the Revolution, the la 



acobi 



in 1745. 
758, 1761 
• soldiers 

killed al 



Bunker Hill, Died October 29, 1787, set. sixtj seven 

John Boynton, Jr., supposed also from Newbury. 
He was in West Dunstable in 1745. Married Lydia 
Jewett, of Rowley, in May, 1745. Hissons, Isaac and 
Joel, were Revolutionary soldiers. 

Joshua Boynton was in West Duustable in 1745, 
and a town officer in 1717. Three of his sons — viz., 
Joshua, Jr., Benjamin and Elia.s — were soldiers in the 
Revolution. 

Ensign Josiah Brown came from Salem, Mass., and 
was in West Dunstable in 174:;, and a town officer in 
1747 and 1748. He was an ensign in the French War 
in 1758. Removed to Plymouth, N.H., in 17(i4. 

John Brown was also from Salem, and was in West 
Dunstable in 1743, and signed the call to Rev. Mr. 
Emerson. Married Kezia Wheeler, October 9, 1744. 
Died May 6, 1776. 

Ephraim Burge was from Chelmsford, Mass. 
Settled inHollis about 1760. Was a soldier in Cap- 
lain Emerson's company iii 1777. His oldest son 9 
Ephraim I!., Jr., was for many years a deacon of the 
Hollis Church, and his sons, Rev. Josiah B. and Dr. 
Benjamin B. were graduates of Harvard College. Died 
July 21, 1784, set. forty-six. 

Josiah Conant was from Salem, Mass. Came lo 

West Dunstable in 1744. Married Catharine Emer- 
son, February, 1747,. His two sons, Josiah, Jr., and 
Abel, were soldiers in the Revolution, and Loth dea- 
cons of the Mollis Church. Died December 14, 1756, 
set. forty-four. 

Lieutenant Robert Colburn came from Billerica, 
Mass., was in West Dunstable in 1738, and signed the 
petition for the charter. Married Elizabeth Smithin 
1747. Settledin the part of Hollis known as Monson. 
His sons, Robert, Benjamin and Nathan, were Revo- 
lutionary soldiers. Died July 9, 1783, set. sixty-six. 

Samuel Cuniings, Ksip, was born in Groton, Mass., 
March (',, 1709; married Prudence Lawrence, of Gro- 
ton, July 18, 1732. Was in West Duustable in.1739, 
and signed the second petition for the charter. He 
was the first justice of the peace ill Hollis, and was 
chosen town clerk in twenty-two different years be- 
tween 174(1 and 177(1. He was sergeant in Captain 
Powers' company in the French War in 1 7-*>- ►. Two 
of his sons, Samuel and Thomas, were Loyalists in the 
Revolution, and Benjamin, his youngest son, was a 
Continental soldier. Died January 18, 1772, set. sixty- 
two. 

Jerahmael Cumings was a brother of Samuel Cuni- 
ings, and horn in Groton October 10, 1711. Mar- 
ried Hannah Farwell in 17:;b; was in West Dun- 
stable in 1738, and signed the first petition for the 
charter. He was the father of Rev. Henry Cum- 
ings, D.D., the first minister of Billerica, and of 
Captain Jotham Cuniings. a soldier in the French 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW BAMPSHIRE 



War of 1755 and an officer in the War of the Revo- 
lution. Died October 25, 1747, set. thirty-six. 

Deacon William Cumings is supposed to have 
come from Groton, and was in West Dunstable in 
1744, and chosen deacon of the Mollis Church in 
174.\ He was ensign in the French War in 1755, in 
the company of Captain Powers, and all his three 
sons Ebenezer, William and Philip — were soldiers 
in the Revolution. Died September 9, L758, set. 
forty-six. 

Jonathan Danforth came from Billerica, and was 
in West Dunstable in 174::, and signed the call to 
Rev. Mr. Emerson. He was a grandson of the noted 
Massachusetts sui veyor of the same name, and was a 
town officer in 1746. Died March 3, 1748, sat. thirty- 
three. 

Thomas Dinsmore came from Bedford, Mass. ; was 
in West Dunstable previous to 1736, and was the 
third settler. Died December 10, 1748. 

Zedekiah Drury was also from Bedford, and by 
trade a blacksmith ; was in West Dunstable in 1743, 
and signed the call to Mr. Emerson. About the year 
17iio he removed to Temple, N . II. 

Lieutenant Samuel Farley came from Bedford, 
.Mass.; was in West Dunstable in 1739, and was a pe- 
titioner for the charter. Married Hannah Brown, 
October 7, 1744. His son Benjamin was a Boldier in 
th,- Revolution. Died November23, L797, set.seventy- 

Lieutenanl Benjamin Farlej was also from Bed- 
ford. Was in West Dunstable in L738, and was a pe- 
titioner for the charter, and was the first inn-keeper 
in West Dunstable. He lived first on the farm oc- 
cupied by T. < >. Worcester, about one-fourth of a mile 
south of the meeting-house. He was parish as- 
sessor in 1740 and 1741, and selectman in 1746. Three 
of his sons — Ebenezer, Christopher and Stephen- 
were Revolutionary soldiers. Died November 23, 
1707, in his eightieth year. 

Joseph Farley came from Billerica, and was in 
West Dunstable in 174:;. Killed by the fall of a 
tier. November 24, 1762, at. forty-nine 

Eleazer Flagg came from Concord, .Mass., and was 
the second settler in West Dunstable. He lived in the 
southwest part of the town, and during the French 
War id' 1744 his house was fortified as a guard-house. 
He was parish assessor in 1742. His son John was a 
soldier in the French War, 1755, and his son Jonas 
in that of the Revolution. Died August 14, 1757, set. 
fifty-three. 

Phineas Hardy came to Mollis from Bradford, Mass. 
His name is first on the Hollis tax-lists in I7-~>2. He 
was a soldier in the garrison at Portsmouth, N. H., 
in 1776, and his sons — Phineas, Thomas. Noah and 
Jesse — were all soldiers in the army. Died March 7, 
L813, at. eighty-six. 

Stephen Harris was from Littleton, Mass., and 
settled in what is now the north part of Hollis about 
1735. He was a petitioner lor the charter of West 



Dunstable in 1738, and first treasurer of West Dun- 
stable in 1740. Died September 20, 177o, at. seventy- 
five. 

Deacon Stephen Jewett is supposed to have come 
from Rowley, Mass., in 1751, and married Hannah 
( Farwell) < lumings, widow of Ensign Jerahmael < um- 
ings, in 1752. He was chosen selectman in L766, deacon 
of the Hollis Church in 1770, and a delegate to the 

C ity Congress at Amherst in 1774 and 177o. All 

of his three sons— Stephen, Jr., Noah and Jonathan 
— were soldiers in the Revolution. Died May 2:i. 

Iso:;. set. seventy-five. 

Zerubbabel Kemp was horn in Groton, Mass., Oc- 
tober 12, 1705. Married Abigail Lawrence, in 
Groton, November 2:i. 17::7. Was in West Dunstable 
in 174:;, and a town officer in 174s. 

.lames McDonald also came from Groton and was 
in West Dunstable in L739,and a signer ofthesecond 

petition for the charter. He was a town officer in 

1 7 4 s : i 1 1 1 1 a soldier in 1777, in the company of Cap- 
tain Cos.-. Died April 11, 1801, set. eighty-three. 

William Nevins cane from Newton, Mass., and his 
name appears in the lirst tax-list in West Dunstable 
in 1740. He was selectman in 1771 and 1772. and 
moderator in 177.'! and 1774. Five of his sons \i/., 
William. Joseph, Benjamin, John and Phineas — were 
Revolutionary soldiers. Died February 1">. 1785, set. 
sixty-seven. 

David Nevins was from Bedford, Mass., and was in 
West Dunstable in L738 and signed the lirst petition 
for the charter. He was parish collector in 1741. 
Removed from Hollis to Plymouth among the first 
sen lers of Plymouth. 

Deacon Enoch Noyes came from Newbury, Mass. 
His name first appeared on the Hollis tax-lists in 
1747. He was selectman in 1751, and chosen deacon 
in L755. His two sons, Enoch and Elijah, were 
soldiers in the Revolution. Died September, L796, 
set. eighty. 

Deaeon Thomas Patch was iron, Groton. .Married 
\nna Gilson in 1741, in Groton. He was in West 
Dunstable in 1743, and was chosen deacon in 1745. 
His sons, Thomas ami David, were soldiers in the 
Revolution. Died May 1. 1754, at. forty. 

William Pool was from Heading, Mass. Married 
Hannah Nichols, at Reading, June 19, 1751, and 
came to Hollis during the French War of 17o4, his 
name being first found on the Hollis tax-lists in 1758. 
He was selectman in 1771. Died in Hollis, October 
27, 1795, set. seventy. His oldest SOU, William W., 
was a soldier in the Revolution in 177o, and again in 
1778. James, the second son, settled in Maine, and 
became a successful merchant. His youngest son, 
Hon. Benjamin Pool, born January 17, 1771, settled 
in Hollis, and was many times chosen to important 
town offices. He was justice of the peace from 1810 
to 1822, and justice of the peace and quorum from 
1822 till his decease. He was also representative to 
the New Hampshire General Court from 1804 to 



HOLLIS. 



1809, and Stale Senator in the years L818, L819, 1820 
and 1821. Beside these three suns, Mr. Pool had 
eleven daughters, ten of whom lived to adult age, and 
were all married, and most of them became the 
ilies. He died April 20, 1836, 



niutln 



la !';_;<■ 



ixtv-th 



Captain Peter Powers was the first settler in Hollis. 
Was born in Littleton, Mass.. and married Anna 
Keyes, of Chelmsford, in 1728. Settled in West 
Dunstable in 1730. He was parish committee in 
174H, and held many other important parish and 
town offices. He was the first captain of the West 
Dunstable militia, the commander of an expedition 
to explore the Coos country in 1754, and captain of 
the Hollis company in the expedition to Crown 
Point in L755. Stephen, Whitcomb and Levi, three 
of his sons, were soldiers in the French War in the 
same company; and four of them — viz., Stephen, 
Francis, Nahum and Samson -were soldiers in the 
Revolution. Died August 22, L757, set. fifty-six. 

Moses Proctor came from Chelmsford, Mass. Was 
in Wesl Dunstable in L738, and signed the first peti- 
tion for the charter. He settled in the wesl pari of 
the town, on Proctor Hill, which was named for him. 
His name is found on the firsl Wesl Dunstable tax- 
list in 174H, ami lie was selectman in 1740. The life 
of Mr. Proctor is said to have been shortened by the 
bite ol'a rattlesnake, and he afterwards waged SO suc- 
cessful a war of extermination againsl those reptiles 
that no rattlesnakes have been known in Hollis since 

his death. Hied May 21, L780, at. seveiit.y-th.ee. 

Abraham Taylor was born in Concord, Mass., and 
came to West Dunstable previously to L738, and was 
agenl of the inhabitants with Captain Powers in ob- 
taining the charter. In 174n he gave the land for 
the Hollis meeting-house, burial-ground and com- 
mon. He was parish assessor in 1740, 1741, 1742 and 
174:;. Died June 3, 174.'!, Est. thirty-six. 

William Tenny came to Hollis from Rowley, Mass. 
His name appears first on the Hollis tax-lists in 1747. 
He was selectman in 1769 and 1770. His son, Cap- 
tain William Tenny, was a soldier in the Revolution. 
Died March 22. 1783, set. sixty-one. 

Peter Wheeler is said to have come from Salem, 
Mass., and settled in the part of Hollis known as 
Monson. He was a petitioner for the charter of West 
Dunstable in 1738, and his name was on the first 
West Dunstable tax-list in 1740. lie is said to have 
been noted in his day for his exploits and success in 
hunting, especially of bears. He was a soldier in 
the French War in L755, and his sons, Ebenezer and 
Lebbeus, were soldiers in the Revolution. Died 
March 28, 1772, set. sixty-seven. 

John Willoughby came from Billerica. He was in 
West Dunstable in 1745, and was a soldier in the 
French War in the years 1755, 1757 and 1758. His 
son, John W., Jr., was a captain in the War of the 
Revolution in the regiment of Colonel Webster. 
Di.d February 2, 1793, set. eighty-five. 



Rev. Francis Worcester was horn in Bradlord, 
Mass., June 7. 1698. Married Abigail Carleton, of 
Rowley, in 172<i. Was settled a- a Congregational 
minister in Sandwich, Mass., for ten years before 
coming to Hollis. Removed to Hollis in 1750. \ i' 
terwards preached as an evangelist in New Hamp 
shire, hut was not again settled in the ministry, lie 
was the author of a small volume of " Meditations '• 
in verse, written in his sixtieth year; also of several 
moral and religious essays, reprinted in 1760, entitled 
•A Bridle lor Sinners and a Spur for Saints." His 
oldest sou was Deacon Francis Worcester. His sec- 
ond son, .lesse, was a soldier in the French War, was 
taken prisoner ami died al Montreal ill I7">7. His 
younges! son was Captain Noah Worcester. Died 
(»d,, her I 1, 1783, set. eighty-five. 

Deacon Francis Worcester was the oldesl -on of 
Rev. Francis Worcester. I'.orn at Bradford March 
30, 1721. Married Hannah Boynton, of Newbury, 
Ma>s., October 28, 1741. Came to West Dunstable 
in 1744. Was chosen deacon of the Hollis Church 
in 17 hi. He was selectman in Hollis six years, mod 
erator of the annual town-meeting eleven years, and 
town treasurer twenty years, between 1746 and 1768. 
In L768 he removed to Plymouth, N. II.. and was 

deac f the church ai l'l\ inoiiih ; representative to 

New Hampshire General Court in 1777 and 177*. and 



te Cm 
10, li 



Captain Joshua Wright came from Wol. urn, Mass. ; 
was in West Dunstable in 1739, and signed the second 
petition for the charter. He was selectman in 1710 
and 1700; a soldier in the French War in 1760, and 

captain of the Hollis militia C pany in I77u and 

previously. His sons, Lemuel ami Uriah, were -"I 
diers in the Revolution. Died August 5, 1770, at. 
sixty. 

At the date of the charter (says Judge Worcester) 
the nidc, primitive dwellings of the settlers who had 
petitioned for it, with their stump-covered embryo 

farms, were widely and sparsely scattered in era large 
pait of the new parish. Robert and William I 'olhiirn. 
David, Thomas and William Nevins, Stephen Harris 
and Philip Woolerich had located on the south side 
of the extinct town of Monson, now the north part 
part of Hollis; Samuel Farley, James, Joseph and 
Randall McDaniels, Melvin and Whitcomb, in the 
easterly part of Brookline, formerly the west part of 

Hollis. The house of Abraham Taylor was about 
sixtj rods north of the present meeting house in 
Hollis; that of Samuel Cumings about thirty rods 
west of the meeting-house ; thai of Benjamin Farley, 
the inn-keeper, on the road leading to the south ol 
the meeting-house ; Jerahmael Cumings lived on the 
same road with Farley, about one-half mile farther 
south; Josiah Blood, also on the same road, about 
line fourths of a mile from Cumings; Joshua Wright 

about one-half mile east of I'd 1; William Blanchard 

in ili, ca-t part ot the town, near Flint's Hill; William 



HISTORY OF IIILLSBOKOWiill COIM'Y. NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Shattuck still farther east, near the old east school- 
house. 

The farm of Peter Wheeler was in the northwest 
part of the town, about westerly limn Long Pond; 
Moses Proctor settled in the west part, on Proctor Hill; 
Henry Barton in the westerly part. The house of 
William Adams is said to have been upon the site of 
the present southwest school-house, about two and 
a half miles from the meeting-house. Samuel Parker 
lived in the same neighborhood ; James Whiting on 
the road to Brook line, near Whiting's Hill; Nathaniel 

HI 1 in the same part of the town ; and Enoch Hunt 

in the extreme south part, next to lYpperell. Thus 
it may lie seen that the settlers in the extreme north 
part of the settlement were from six to seven miles 
distant from those in the south part, and those 
living at the extreme east and west parts were even 
mori remote from each other. 

Many of the ancestors of the early settlers were of 
I iernian origin, who afterwards became Northmen or 
Normans, and fought their way into Britain very 
early in its history. They were a brave and resolute 
race, inured to danger and hardships; their descend- 
ants were peculiarly fitted to become the pioneers of 
New England, and many of them settled in Massa- 
chusetts some time between the years 1630 and 1650. 

One of the causes which promoted the early 
settlement in the region west of the Merrimack River 
was the fierce controversy that raged between New- 
Hampshire and Massachusetts in regard to the State 
line boundary question, that engaged the attention 
of these States from 1731 to 1741. Both States were 
using their utmost endeavors to obtain jurisdiction 
over as many towns as possible; consequently, they en- 
couraged emigration in every possible way. 

The people were told the land would be given them, 
and by this means they were induced to favor emigra- 
tion. It is at this period that we arc to look for the 
settlement at the north part of Hollis, and this was 
the cause that led to it. One of its first settlers 
was Samuel Lee man, of Heading, Mass., who came 
here in the spring of 1736, and settled at the William 
Kittredge place, so called, and was then forty-four 
years of age, having been born at Reading in 1692. 



I le became a prominent and influential citizen. It ap- 
pears from the old Monson records that he was one 
of the petitioners for the town charter, and was 
chosen third selectman at the annual town-meeting 
of March Ml. 174s, and again in March, 1749; removed 
to Hollis in the spring of 1750, where he died Jan- 
uary ^7, 1756. There is an interesting history in con- 
nection with the l.ccman family, -it is Stated thai for 
leu 'jcneral ions succeeding, the eldest son was named 
Samuel. The fourth Samuel Leeman resided at Beadle, 
England, from which place he emigrated to Charles- 
town, Mass., in 1633. His son, Samuel (and grand- 
father of the subject of this sketch), settled in < Sroton, 
Mass., shortly after its settlement, and was compelled 
to leave there in consequence of the Indian invasion 



of March 13, 1676. He returned to Charlestown, 
where he enlisted for King Philip's War, serving 
as private in Captain Samuel Mosely's company dur- 
ing the war. Mosch was afterwards employed by the 
Colonial Court of Massachusetts to guard and protect 
the settlers in Dunstable and vicinity from Indian 
invasion. 

The tenth Samuel Lccman was born in Monson 
August 7, 1749, at the William Kittredge place. Upon 
the breaking out of the Revolutionary War he enlisted 
into ( lap tain How's company, and marched with thai 
company from Hollis common, on the afternoon ol 
April 19, 1775, for Concord and Lexington. He was 
at the battle of Hunker Hill, in Captain Levi Spald- 
ing's company, Colonel .lames Reid's regiment, and 
afterwards enlisted into Captain Isaac- Fry's company, 
of Wilton, as ensign, under the command of < lolonel 
Alexander Scaminel, and was present with his reg- 
iment at the battle near Saratoga, where he was killed 
( letober 10, 1777, aged twenl\ -eight years ; he was un- 
married. 

Another of the early settlers was William Col burn, 
who came from Billerica, Mass., in the spring of 
1738, bringing his family and entire effects in an ox- 
cart, plodding their way through the Dunstable wilder- 
ness, guided only by marked trees, lie settled at 
Patch's « lorner, about one hundred rods north of the 
Silas S. Wheeler place, near the road leading to the 
North District school-house. The old cellar hole is 
still to be seen. He was the ancestor of nearly all the 
Colburns in Hollis, ami was then forty-eight years of 
age. His log hut was occupied a portion of the time 
in the spring and summer of 1747 by an Indian scout- 
ing-party, who were sent by the General Court of 
New Hampshire on petition of the inhabitants id' Am- 
herst and Monson, to guard them against Indian inva- 
sion; but no Indians appeared during that season to 
molest the settlers. .Mr. Colburn died April .", 1769, 
aged seventy-nine, leaving two sons, Robert and 
William. 

Robert was lieutenant in the militia, and built what 
has been known for a period of over a hundred years 
astheoldThaddcus Wheeler house about the year 1776. 
Mr. Colburn was a large land-owner, owning lion, 
the cast line of the Thaddeus Wheeler place to the 
top of Birch Hill. He first married Elizabeth Lee- 
man. daughter of Samuel Leeman, March 1', 1745; 
she died, and he married Elizabeth Smith, daughter of 
Elias Smith. By her he acquired a large landed estate 
that she inherited from her father. He died July 9, 
1784, leaving a large family. 

This portion of Hollis was then included within 
the boundaries of the ancient township of Monson, 
a town which had a corporate existence of twenty- 
four years, lying between Hollis and the Souhcgan 
River, in Amherst; but before 17lt', it was known as 

West Dunstable, or Dunstable West Parish. 

The northwest (or Birch Hill) portion of what is 
now Hollis was surveyed oil, in parallel lines, into 



HOLLIS. 



lots of eighty rods wide and two miles long, thesouth- 
nrsi corner being iu Rocky Pond, and running north 
iver the top of Birch Hill, the first lot being granted 
to one Wadsworth, who had fought in the Narragan- 
M't War; the next lot easl was granted to Humphrey 
Hobson, whose father, it was said, served in King 
Philip's War; the third lot was granted to one Clark ; 
the next to Joseph Lemmon,one of the original pro- 
prietors of Dunstable, these grants covering an area 
offive hundred and fifty rods wide and two miles long, 
embracing all of the northwestern section of Hollis 

The first settler within the territory above de- 

the south end of the Lemmon grain, and commenced 
a clearing, built his log hut and erected a saw-mill 
about this time, which is supposed to be the first one 
in town. The dam is still to be seen a few rods northeast 
of the dwelling-house of Daniel Bailey, apparently as 

g 1 as when first used tor a mill now over one 

hundred years old. 

Mr. Saunders reared a family of four children here, 
the births of whom are found recorded in the old Mon- 



ln the spring of 1747, fearin 

he became alarmed for his ]i 
with his family, and returned 
dition says that he thought he 
the woods lor several days befi 

bent on the destruction of i 
ow ner, ami quite a number o 



in Indian invasion, 
onal safety, and left 
Marlborough. Tra- 
w Indians lurking in 
he left ; they seemed 
rv saw-mill and its 
nills were destroyed 
about this time in various sections of the State. 
Their motive for doing this, as Dr. Belknap says, "was 
to retard the settlements, and prevent the clearing off' 
their hunting-grounds." 

Mr. Saunders sold his property here, after a few 
years, to Daniel ISailey, of Marlborough, who moved 
his family in the spring id' 1761, and the property has 
ever since remained in the Bailey family,— a period 
of one hundred and twenty-five years,— and been 
transmitted to the fourth Daniel Bailey, its present 
owner. Daniel Bailey, Sr., served in the old French 
War, and also in the Revolutionary War, and his son. 
duel Bailey, was at the battle of Hunker Hill, in Cap- 
tain Levi Spalding's company and Colonel James 
Reid's regiment. His son Andrew was at the battle 
of Bunker Hill, in the company of Captain .Moore, ol 

Groton; and his sou Aaron was also at the battle of 

Hunker Hill. His son, Daniel Bailey, born at Marl- 
borough, Mass., December 5, 1755, was also in the 
Revolutionary War ; was at the battle of Whit.' Plains, 
in Captain William Reed's company. After the war 
he occupied the old homestead, and became an influ- 
ential citizen ; was captain of State militia, served 
several years as one of the selectmen of the town, and 
represented Hollis in the Legislature of 1^1" ; he died 
in March, 1847, being then over ninety-one years old. 
Early Rules and Regulations.— Tut: Stocks and 



Whipping-Post- Ai a town-meeting in June, 1746, 

" I bted, That the selectmen provide stocks;" and at a 

town-meeting in the month of January next after, 
•'Voted, To Accept the Account of Josiah Couant 
for making the Stocks." flic town whipping-post, 
the fitting companion of the stocks, held its place near 

the front of the meeting-house, not far IV the west 



ory of persons still living, with its inseparable asso- 
ciate, the "cat-o'-ninetails." The varied practical 
uses to which the stocks and whipping-post were ap- 
plied may be readily inferred by reference to a few ol 
the cotemporary criminal laws lor the punishment ol 
minor offenses, most of which were within the juris 

diction of justices of the peace. S f these pun 

isll nts were as follows : 

Profane Cursing and Swearing. — "For tin 
fust offence, a line of one shilling. If not paid, th( 
culprit to he set in the slocks two hours. For niori 
than one profane Oath at the same lime, a line 
two shillings and to be set in the stocks not more thai 
three hours." 

Drunkenness.— " For first offence, a fine of fivi 

shillings; if not able to pay, the convict to he set ii 
the stocks not more than three hours." 

Defamation.—" If found guilty, the offender to I, 
fined twenty shillings. If not paid, the offender to h 

set in the stocks not more than three hours." 

Robbing Gardens and Orchards.— " If th 

prisoner was not able to pay his line, to he set in lb 
stocks or whipped, at the discretion id' the Justice." 

Insolence ok Violence ro Women on th 
Highway. -"For first offence, whipping not exceed 
itiL r ten stripes. For second offence, to he burnt ii 
the hand." 

Petit Larceny.— The offender to forfeit trebl 
the value of the property stolen, and to be lined in 
exceeding live pounds, or whipped not more tha 
twenty stripes. If not paid, the culprit to be sold fo 

a term of time to he fixed at the discrcti f th 

court. 



CHAPTER II. 
HOLLIS- [Continual 



Congregational Church. The church iu this town 

three years after the dale of the charter. 

Ill the mean time, however, the inhabitants had 
manifested a very commendable zeal in their efforts to 
comply with the laws in respect to the support of 
the ministry. At their first parish -meeting, a com- 
mittee wa- chosen "to provide Preaching till the 
following April." In the month of March previous. 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY. NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Samuel Cuniings and Eleazer Flagg" were commis- 
ioned "to provide Preaching and Entertainment 
ii' the minister for the nexl three months." Fn 
uly, 1741, it was "Voted that Abraham Taylor and 
'eter Powers have the non-resident monej foi the 
urrent year to pay Mr. Underwood and Mr. Towle, 
. . and p. pro. •inc Preaching till the first of January 
ext, if the money shall hold out." In September, 
7 II. ili.' first article in the warrant for a meeting then 
eld "was to see whether it be the minds of the 
'eople to do anything towards the Bringing forward 
ie Settling of a Lamed and Orther Dox Ministerin 
lis Parish." An. I in February, 1742, it was " Voted 
iai an\ Person who shall hereafter Entertain any 
' for this Parish shall have paid to him Eight 
ibbath .lav and 20 s a Week if he 



M 

Shillings foi 

stay longer." 

At a parisl 

was publiclv 



eeting held in October, 1741, before it 
own that any pall ofthe town of Old 
ni the wrong side ofthe province line, 



[ Sl,|.|n II ll.ll l I-, \ I'l :. ' I'.iVlnl A I'rlrl I'mW.'I- lir |n\ li 

with Benjamin Park 1 } .ma Samm-I innnm:- in Ink. 1 soi 
mres I., bring forward tin- si-tilm- <>l ;i l.nnie.l ami Orth 



At a parish 
..nuns pres 


-meeting IV.- 

.iil.'.l ami all. 


inli.r 28, IT 
wed were t 


, .. i,. .ai. „ Miruhani Taj Loi . 

1.-1 1 nT.-i 1. - Mnu-t.-l- ;.l 111 

l.l aiiiing Ministers Five 


Fast, :< 

Sabbaths, 2£. Oi 



The warrant for this meeting was the last in which 
the words " Middlesex ss." were written in the top 
margin. It soon became known to them that the 
parish of West Dunstable was not in the county of 

Middl. ex thai their charter, as a legal instr mi. 

was worthless, ami that there was no law bj which 
the minority of the inhabitants could he bound bj 
the votes ofa majority. Embarrassed by the decision 
in respect to the new line ami the loss of their char- 
ter, our ancestors did not falter in their effort to bring 
forward ami settle a " Larned ami Orther Dox Minis- 
ier." With this end ami others in view, the inhabit- 
ants, as we have said before, met in February, 174:!, 
ami petitioned the < leneral ( lourt of New Hampshire 

for a township charter. No other public meeting of 

the inhabitants was held lill the 17th of January, 
17 C'., near a year alter, when they came together by 
.■.iiiiiic.ii consent, and by mutual agreement in their 
personal ami individual capacity, invited the Rev. 
Daniel Emerson, tic candidate of their choice, to be- 
come their minister. The proceedings of this meet- 
in- ami of that which next followed cannot tail to 
In- ol' interest, — 



Taylor i hosen i I- 



" \|| .i m.-rlllm ,.1 ill.' [llli:ll'lt;lllt- "I III.' W' 

regular]; assembled January it, 17*2-43 

- I n.-iiinii, -ii-l.i noted an. I. I Mr Daniel B i for their Gospel 

MinUter a. ink.- the Pastoral a i the Floi I. .>t ' hrist in said Place. 



bud, I., give Thirtj I ords ..i l'i 



Brown 


Zcmbbabel Ki mp 


n Taylor 


Peter Wheeler. 


Innl. 


Josiah Brown. 


Shattuck 


\\ illiam Blanchard 




Henry Barton. 


Harris 


Nathani. 1 Bl 1 


Flagg. 


Elnathan Blood. 




lia\ i,l Lowell. 


i,l Cuniinge 


n .a- Kevins. 


Cuuiings, 


I'll as Patch. 




Natlia 1 BlodgOtl 


Wrighl 


Moses Proctor. 


tewarl 


John Browu, 


kmct 


Hi 1 Kendall. 


Blood. 


.Install Blood. 


in Blani i I 


William Kevins. 


h In nr\. 


Sa 1 Douglass. 


owcrs. 


Joseph Mi Daniels 


ii Danforth 


1. M.-llahl.-ls. 


1 .Hi. \ 


J. - Whiting 


Adams. 


Joseph Farley. 


- l-'i.-n. h 


Making in all fortj 



The parish committee were prompt in communi- 
cating the foregoing .all to Mr. Emerson, ami on the 
4th ..I' the following March a meeting was called to 
consider his answer, which was entered upon the 
record a- follows : 



,| a ,,..l.i „, 17. IT): | ;. 1 h.i..- I III. a I lak.-li lli.il llli|>.-H.nil 

lliatl.i in I- -Hi. in- -I • I -i.li-latn.li ainl lia . ,- a.-k.'l I In- I" -I :nl\nr- 

.iii.I am ...It.-I Inam 1 -cat -lllli- nil'' - i" l'i'' mil -"in- I" 'In- "'II 

ii you "ill fulfill youi Promise as i" the £400 .-.-i i !• a in old 

Tenor, only that tl ne pail ■■! il be in Fort] V reso I I aud, in ." 



Ma--a> IniM-ll- la-1 I'jnitn.ii— .\J\. 



443 



pr, tllli; the Tllll I J I '..111- ..1 W 1 — Vll.l tli:it 11 Several Mini- "I - 

be continued to me so Long ;i- 1 continue a Ghospel Minisb i itbi > - 

Always .unl in an cspetiul manner expecting that yon will I"- Il'lfl^ 

with me bj Prayer— 

-■ Now if these before-mentioned conditions be freely and voluntarilj 

acted on unl - I tome-aeyon promist in the call -then ) 

andwillingh Loceptof thi i ill md freely subscribe myBelf yours to serve 
in the work nf the Ghospel Mmi-tn During Life. 

"Dunstable West Precinct, March y»4th, 1743 

•■ Daniel Emi rson 

The record continues, — 

■ It -a a- 1 1 1. i ru | ii hi Vutei] ami a- 1 <•■■'! t , . |.t tin I run- Ml l.nn i-mi 

proposed in hisunsw.r, booth a- to settlement and sallarj M Voted 
thai Samuel Brown, Abraham Taylor, Petei Powi rs. Bleu rFla tnd 

Samuel Cuming I" i i uniniitii-r hi i oii-nlt \wth Ml. I.imt-n In 

On the same day and at the same meeting, us it 
appeal's iii the record, a mutual additional agreement 
was entered into by the tax-payers, ami signed l'\ 
most of them, with a preamble setting forth the rea- 
sons that made this new agreement necessary, tie 
important parts of which are as follows: 



nf In t* I in I lint urn h\ a inn n a 1 1. \ •■! vti 1 -. .1- the\ i.tln 1 wee nil -lit haw 

il , that .-Irml'l 1" Enectnnl t.. i.inpel IVr-mi- t |'.i\ theil Inne-I 

|'ni[.i>ltMtl ni' all -mil II. id- ami l.e.e-.sni,V 1 h. II -•- that shall nil-' in 

lallimi, settling ami maintaining a minister. 

"Xnw-, therefore, that we may Enjoy thn 1 lit 'I tin I .In .sp.l ,,nl|. 

□ances amongst us, we have c into the follow ing agreement and ob- 

The contract with Mr. Emerson is set forth in this 
neu- agreement, verbatim, ami the rem, ml then con- 
tinues as follows : 

" mi,., agreed thai in the Payment of the Minister's Settle nl .v Sal 

lnv. the a 1- hereaftei to be chosen Proportion Buch a certain part 

tin 1. nl to each Pole, that when tin- Remainder thereol shall be levied 
upon Each Person's Real ami Personal Estate, agreeable to the Rules ot 

the Massachusetts Province, that tin- highest Payel n| 1 tab hall 

be > qua single Pole. . . . 

"To the Performance "i the aforewritten agreement we hereby cove- 
nant ami oblige ourselves in the Penal sum nf turn, till sueh time as 
this society be tncoi pi'iabil a aistitict Town or Parish." 

Thirty-seven names were signed to this agreement, 
some of which were nut upon the call. This agree- 
ment, as will be readily seen, was a voluntary com- 
pact, entered into bj those who signed it as their best 
expedient for the lack of a town or parish charter. 

Some other matters suggested by this contract be- 
tween Mr. Emerson ami his society are worthy nf a 
lew passing remarks, as illustrating the laws, customs 
and prevailing sentiments of the times, as well in 
civil as in church affairs. 

First, it was agreed, in this contract, that the new 
minister, for the present, should receive for his yearly 
salary one hundred and fifty ounces of coined silver, 
or their equal value in hills nf public credit, the 
paper money of that day, and also thirty cords "I 

w 1. When the number of families in the societj 

should reach one hundred, live , unices per year were 
to be added, till the salary should amount to two 
29 



hundred ounces; ami il might afterwards be increased 
to two hundred ami ten ounces. 

The ounce Troy, used in weighing the precious 
metals, contains lour hundred and eighty grains. 
The American silver dollar contains four hundred 
and twelve ami one-half of those grains, making the 

value of the ounce of silver i oin $1.14; one hundred 
ami fifty ounces, $171; two hundred ounces, $228; 

and two hundred and tei nci - $239.40, in standard 

federal coin. 

Mr. Emerson was ordained April 20, 174:;, and he 
continued a faithful, venerated and popular minister 
,,f that society till November 27, 17!'::, a period of 
more than fifty years, without a change "or wish to 
change his place." At the latter date the Rev. Eli 
Smith, who had manic. 1 his granddaughter, was 
settled as bis colleague, Mr, Emerson retaining one- 
hall' of his .silary till his decease, September 30, 1801, 
at the age of eighty-live years. 

. I ii In 31, 1745, a church covenant was adopted, 
which was signed by the follow ing persons: 

Daniel Emerson, John Boynton, Henry Union, Sat 1 Brown, Jerah- 

in.nl Cumings, Benjamin Blauchard, Elias Smith, Enoch Hunt, Nathan- 
iel Bl I. Joseph I bo In r, Jonathan limit. nth 

'flic following were made members of the church 
prior to the Revolution : 



latum Wright 

Rev. Mr. Emerson was a man of large and active 
intellect, a convert of \V hitclield, and partaking 
largely of his spirit, he was uniformly evangelical, 
ami often a very eloquent preacher. His chief excel- 
lencies in preaching were sound doctrine, deep feeling 
and zeal at times almost overwhelming. His labors 
were by no means confined to the pulpit. He was 
interested in public affairs, serving as chaplain in the 
army and accompanj ing it to ( 'rown Point. An able 

counselor, be was often called from h to aid feeble 

churches. Interested in thecause of ministerial edu- 
cation, ami much blessed with revivals of religion 
among his own people, he animated a large number 
of young men to become preachers of the gospel. 
Very assiduous in his attendance on the meetings of 
this association, he manifested an energy like (hat of 
Baxter, whom in person he was said t<> resemble. 
From his talents and position the Hollis minister was 
for many years a leading mind in the association. 

Upon the monument erected over his grave in the 
Hollis central burial-ground is inscribed the follow- 
ing epitaph: 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



"■'"'•'Hi '!"- M..1111 i li,.. il,,- M,„tal |...rl ,,f 

Rev. Daniel Emerson. 
e was i,'>rii .ii Reading, .M.,-s , Kay 20, ITU;. 

Graduated at Harvard I „»,i.,i,, it 19 
was ordained April 20, 1743, to thi Pasta il car 
Ofthe Church and Congregation in Hollis, 

win, I, then consisted ,,) only 30 I . lie 

i> was an honest man, given to Hospitality 



A faithful Friend and Patr 

An Evaimrhr.ii. zealous and unusui 

Of the Gospel of JeBus 

Highly Estee I by his | pie, bin praii 

A D 1793, be voluntarily reUnqnish, 



Tol 



in- Sa lai \ 



Kvini-ril an uiialmtm- Int.- l.ji the caused Christ, 

Until nature failed and he foil asleep in Jesus, 

September 30, 1801, aged 85 years." 

November 27, 1793, Rev. Eli Smith was settled as 
colleague pastor with Rev. Mr. Emerson. 

Rev. Dr. Day, in a biographical sketch of Mr. 
Smith, written for the " History of the New Hamp- 
shire Churches," says of him : 
" That he was a man of strong natural talents, a firm and energetii 

defender ofthe truth and a - ssf astot During hie pastorate oi a 

ll " 1 '' than thirty seven years between four and Ave hundred per- 
sons were admitted to the church. . The great revival of his 

"•"> waB m lllr years 1801 and 1802. Ai that time one hundred and 

ii.ii.i-tu.. ii.-u in. mi,..|, «,.,,. nnit.,1 t.i tli.- . Iiimii. in isii there was 

anothei revival. ttl„i, tlmtj m Lit v I .. I ~. . f ,~ tor,. ail.li-,1 to tin- i-huri-b. 

[n 1817 there was still another, of which al t titty i -e were made 

subject* .Mi Smith was dismissed (al bis own request) in February 
1831, and died in Hollis, May 11, 1847." 

Rev. David Perry, the third minister, was horn at 
Worcester, .Mass., July 26, 1798; graduated at Dan 
mouth College in 1824, at the Theological Seminary 
at Andover in I.S27 ; and was ordained at Cambridge- 
port, Mass., May, 1828. He was dismissed at Cam- 
bridgeport, afterwards installed as pastor of the 
church in Hollis, February 23, 1831, and dismissed, 
at his own request, June 13, 1842, after a pastorate of 
more than ten years. Mr. Perry died at Ware- 
ham, Mass., August 27, 1876, aged seventy-eight, and 
was buried in Hollis. 

Rev. James Aiken, the fourth pastor, was bom in 
Goffstown, X. H., November 14, 1810, graduated at 
Dartmouth College in L839,and at Union Theological 
Seminary in 1842. He was ordained pastor August 
30, 1843, and remained nearly five years. Dismissed 
July a, 1848. 

Rev. Matthew 1). Gordon, fifth minister, was born 
at Blantyre, Scotland, December 10, 1812. He was 
ordained pastor March 21, 1849, and dismissed in 
consequence of ill health June 7, 1862. Died at 
Hoosick Falls, X. V., August 21, 1853, aged forty. 

Rev. Pliny Butts Hay, D.D., sixth minister! was 
horn at Euntington, Mass., April 21, 1806; gradu- 
ated at Amherst College in 1834, and at the Theo- 
logical Seminary at Andover in 1837; was installed 
as pastor of this church July 7, 1852. He received 
the honorary degree ofD.D. from Dartmouth College in 
1864, of which institution he was a trustee foi several 
years previous to his death. He died at Hollis July 
6, 1869, aged sixty-three. 



The published writings of Dr. Day are " Letters 
from Europe," 1851 ; ■'Two Sermons," the Sabbath 
after his installation, 1852; "New Year's Address," 
L854; "Sermons:" at the funeral of Benjamin F. 
Nichols, 1854; al the funeral of John H. Cutter, I860; 
"Farewell to Soldiers," 1861; in memory of John H. 
Worcester. 1864; "Victory and its Dangers," 1865 ; 
in memorj of Abraham Lincoln, 1865; at the funeral 
of Benjamin M. Farley, 1865. Dr. Hay was also a 
valued contributor to the Congregationalist and Con- 
gregational Journal. 

Rev. -lames Laird, seventh minister, was born at 
Huntingdon, Canada Fast, September 4. 1833. Hied 
at Hollis May 2-3, 1870, aged thirty-six. 

Rev. Hiram L. Kelsey, eighth minister, was horn 
at Win cl,,ck. Vt., August 31, 1835; was installed 
pastor of the church and society at Hollis June I. 
1875, and dismissed (at his own request) March 1 
1878. 

Rev. 1 1. B. Scott, in the fall of 1878, was engaged as 
minister of the society, and remained until January 
1, 1885. 



Will,.,,,, 



died Septeml 



aged forty- 



Josiah i 

\i,.| Co 



'I'll-, mas Pat h, chosen 174", . died May I. 1754, aged forty fears 
Francis Worcester, chosen 1717 ; died October 10, 1800, aged si venty- 

(rears 

Eno, h Noyes, chosen 1760 died Septembi r, 1790, aged eighty years. 
Jolm Boynton, chosen 1755 , died o, tober 29, 17-7, aged Bixty Beven 

Stephen Jewett, i I ,i 1770 , died May 23, 1803, ag, 

Daniel Emerson, Jr., chosen 1775 ; died October 4, 1820 i 

lugust 21, 1807, aged sixty-one 

May '_'. l^IJ, aged i ighty eight 

Ephraim Burge, chosen 1803 i I Man b 3, 1843, aged seventy-eight 

Thomas Farley chosen 1803; died March 17, 1832, aged sixty-three 

Stephen Jewett, Jr., chosen 1808; died February 22, 1829, aged 

Benoni Cutter, chosen 181 1 i I January 17 1816, aged forty tout 

Enos Hardy, , In,- n 1816; died May 18, 1857, aged eighty-five 

Phillips Wood, chosen 1820; died January 14, 1858, aged seventy six 

William Emerson, chosen 1832 ; died December 3, 1873, aged ei i,u 

1^74. aged ninety 



Isaac Farley, chosen 1832; died IV 
John B. Hardy, chosen I s ',s 



Jewe 



1841 di, .1 I 



try M. Farley, chosi n 1875 
orgs M Bradley, chosen 187 i. 
Nathan Willoughby. 

The first meeting-house was built in 1741. li 
a one-story primitive structure. 

The second church edifice was erected in 1 
June 13, 174ti, the town voted,— 



HOLMS. 



445 



•■ I,, ., ,. | I ||m |..\\ II Will I <lll I. I .1 II. nw I.. I III. I'll 1.1 I. VV..|\sl|i|l i>l I.. "I 

" rosee 1 1 the town will Accepl the Tiinbei whii h ia hewu and drawn 
lm.tli.-i t.. Ijui 1.1 :i lions.' with, anil .In. -<■ u I'm ■ » t • -• - I. . Ink. , l.;i iu. ,,! 

said Work. 

"To if the town will accept the ac i (.and thai was given the 

Parish to Sett the Meeting House on and foi .> Burj ing Plai e 

■• To ii the town will vote that the raonej due fr. apt. Powers 

" To see if the Tow a will provide a Pound and Stocks." 

At this meeting, also, the town voted,— 

"l-i, Tobuilds Housefol the Pnblii Worship of God. 

I n.,l., . .... | ■ T ■ ■ 1 -. I l"i - ii' I II-.' In I'llll.l s;ii.l 

II. hi-, with, 

i: njamin Farley, Benjamin Blanchard and Capl Powers 

.nun. . i. i.l.. ■ are and Bee thai -..i.l II Is I. mil 

"4th, T )ii Hi.- Laud ll... i waagivento the Parish to >■ n tin 

sleeting; Hous i and for a Burying <l I 

After the meeting of the 13th of June, such progress 
was made with the new meeting-house thai a special 
tow n-meeting was called mi the 28th of the following 
July, at which ii v, r as"Voted thai y' Meeting House 
lie raised mi tin- 13th of August next (174(i)." "Also 
Voted thai y' Com"" provide Victuals and Drink tin 
y c People mi Raising Day, and bring it to the Fraim 
at noon. II' they Can't Get it among our Friends, to 
Provide it Themselves." 

The third and present house of worship was erect 
in 1S04, ami remodeled ami enlarged in L849. 

Baptist Church. —A Baptist Church was formed in 
this town as rally :is 1791. This was soon after dis- 
solved. There was also a church in existence Inn 
about 1822, Imt there is no record of it. 

Mar. Ii 31,1836,a new society was formed, and Juno 
6,1837,the First Baptist Church in Hollis was organ- 
ized with twenty-eight memhers. A i^ the clergy- 
mi ii u I (ficiated lor this church were the following: 

Revs. P. Richardson, D. 1'. Deming, II. W. Dalton, 
B. Pease, G. \'. Bills. A church edifice was erected 
in 1838. It was sold in 1869 and removed. The so- 
ciety is dissolved. 

The Hollis Mutual Fire Insurance Company was 
organized Augusl ::. 1846, with the following officers: 
President, Ebenezer Fox; Secretary ami Treasurer, 
Edward Emerson; Directors, Leonard Farley, David 
.1. Wright, David W. Sawtell, William I'. Saunder- 
siin, Joel Hardy ami Ambrose II. Wood. 

The Social Library was incorporated .lime 11. 

L799, ami is one of tlm oldest in the State. 

Physicians.— Tim following physicians have prac- 
ticed in Hollis: Jonathan Fox, Jonathan Pool, William 
Hale. I'.. i lutter, Peter Manning, < )li\ er Scripture, O. M. 
Cooper, J. L.Colby, L. B. Farrar, W. A. Tracy, Henry 
Boynton, II. W. Willoughby, G. B. Greeley, E. C. 
Clarke, S. Brinton, A. W. Howe, C. C. Corey. 

Postmasters.— A inlirose Gould, from L818 to is:;ii ; 
Bcnoni G. Cutter, from 1830 to 1835; Moses Proctor, 
from 1835 to L836; William Butterfield, from 1836 to 
1840; Franklin Wright, from 1X40 to L845; Edward 
Emerson, from 1845 to 1854; Reuben Baldwin, from 
1854 to 1856; William VTeiiney, from 1856 t.. 1858; 
David W. Sawtell, from 1858 to 1862; Ebenezer T. 



Wheeler, from 1862 to 1867; William A. Trow, from 
1SC>7 to 1875; Henry N. Smith, from IS?:, to IS77; 
George A. Burge. from 1*77 to L885. 

Population.— 17 He 53; 1 7".o, 77 ; 1755, 107; 1760, 
117; 1765,131; 1771,231; l77o(at the beginning of 
the wart, 279; 1783 (at the end of the war), 293; 
1783, 1392; 1790, nil; 1800,1557; 1810,1529; 1820, 
1543; 1830, 1501; 1840, 1333; 1850, 1293; 1860, 
1317; 1870, 1079; 1880, 1080. The population in 
1767 included one male ami our female slave 



CHAPTER III. 

HOLLIS -{Continued). 

CIVIL hist, n: v 

orporation of Town— First Town-Meeting— Town 
Representatives. 



Tin; town was incorporated, as before mentioned, 




Town Clerks- 


The loll 


clerks from 174H to 1885 : 


San 1 Cumin ; 1740 t 


1TTH..N- 


, epl 1753, '1 and ',•• 




St 1 i. Mi". 1 . i :. 


4. 


John Hale, 1760. 




William Cumings, 1TTI 


11, iiml 


1782 to!788. 





. 1836, '37, 
ls:i« :.,,.] is: 



Benjamin M. Farley, 1820 to Is... 

Selectmen. — The following is a list of the select- 
men from 174(1 to 1885: 



SiiiiiiH-l I 'inning-. IT!'. I.. 177... ia 
cept 17:.::, 1771 .iii.I 1700. 

Benjamin Farley, 1746, '17 and 
171s. 

Francis Worcester, 1746, 17. Is, 
'62, '63 and 1766. 

Stephen \ s, 1747, i- 



1771. 



N. ill.. in. I T..u ..-. ... l. 



Samuel Brown, 1 7 1 s. 

Klias Smith, 1 7 1 s . 

B Ii Hunt, 1749. 

.I..-I w right, 17 in mi. I 1707. 

Moses Proctor, 17tn 

l: I. KFoyes, 1749, 1751 t.. 17 

17 ... 1.. 1700, 177- 

Samuel Goodhue, 1750, '7,1, \ 

.71 ainl 177i,. 

Benj. Blanchard, 1750 and 17 



11ISTOKY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



/ ichariab L iwrence, 1 i54 .< 
1757. 

John I '11 i L751 

Josiah Conant, IT il and L755 
Benjamin k-bbot, 1752, '53, 

60andl761. 
John Boyi I 

tnd 1781 
John li lie, 1761, '64 and 17CC. 
m„ ■[ W. bster, 1761 
Stej i„ a Wi bster, 1762, '63 i 

i • 
Samuel Hobarl 
Stephen Jewett, L766 

ro - . 1766 

Cal b i arley, 1767. 
Jonathan Philbrick, 1767 

1768. 
Noah Webster, 1769, '75, '76, 



H..W, 



i Tec 



Willis 

l un, . i. iv, it. 1769 
William Brown, 1771, '72, '! 

I .■■. 
William Pool, 1771 

l i li ndall, 1771, '72 

William I'u 



Daniel Kendrick, 177"., 

1777 
i diver I. .in rence, L775, 

177H 
Daniel I mi re 






m. 



B 'I M i 

i- •■ i 



Christopher 1' I url 1814 



Ralph W, Jen 

.iii.l 1824 

i. i, ii r "ri-ht, 1823 to 1829, 

and 1- 15 
William Em. i 
I; ilph I Ti mi. ' L826 27 28, 



Benjamin Earlc 



II. in 



is: :n 



Jonas Willongbby, 1789 

Solol Wheat 1789 to 17''-. 

1-"", '01, ", '11, II, 15 

I 16 

Jonathan Danfortb, 1789 

William T i. .Ii , 171H. '112. 



Pool, ism to 1-"- I- '.v. 



09, in, n.i' and 181 

\u,,- Eastman Ii 1806 

Samson Powers 1 301 md 

1809, '10, 

1819 
li,,. ,1 Hale i.-i i 



Willi. ii 1". i- >' II, 12 

Joseph 1. Smith, 1832, », 

'4i'i, '17. and ls.lt" 1859. 

William Merrill l A 

M - Proctor, i- .i ad 

i ..i- 15, 36, 39 
\\ illil ■ Mil li II 17 

'in. '41, ii l 

\ i Marshall IS 16, 37 

Phillips W I, l- 17 - 

i.i,' \ Worcester, 1838 

I dv. n.i I I .",,1 '52. 

I I |, 1 M II, I 

James Wheeler, 1840, •«. 
Samuel Little, 1841. IJ 
John Farley, 1842 i I 
Reuben Baldwin, 1843, 1-1, ' 

i,l. 62 
John I. Pool, 184 I to i' 
William r Saunderson, 1-17, ' 

\ - Hardy, 1844, 45, '46 

,.. 1847 
,. 1848 
David .1 Wright, 184 19 
w ,i • ,,,, S I', aney, 1848, '49. 
I nth,., Proi lor, i- ■ ' i 
'60, '70. '71 

well, 1850. 
Noah Johnson, 1851. 
\ ,i m lim , I- . ' 3, 

Stillman Spaulding, 1853 

i., ,ii. - « H beeli 

' - I, 1855 

H. 1 Baili : i 

Warner Read, 1856, '57 
Edward Hardy, 1858, '59 
Bbenezi i I. fl heeler, 18 ■ - 

lost pi D I'.i'i., i. 18£ 

David M. Farley, I 360 
John ''I war, Is., I 

Enoch Farli f,1862,'i 
William \ T. ... 1863 64 

,,!,, , r l ,. i, ii. hi. 1863 ',1 
i barli • \ Read, 1865, 66, '61 

I cam , \ u I. is.,-,. 

Enoch I ' "li' "in. 1866. 

John W Is. 1866 to 69 

Frederick A. W I, 1867 to ' 

Charli - II Won estei I 368 
George Moore, I-"'', 70 

n. I a Smith, 1870, 71 

i. . . 1-71 i 73 



Silas M Spaulding. Is72 to '7.. 
.lani.s I. Hill-, 1S72 t" ls7:, 
Vlkin- J, Turner, 1874, '7.'.. 

1 tin E Flags 1876 to '7-. 

John \ ' ,i,ni ii i-7'. to 78 
CharleB W. Hardy, 1-7'. to 7'' 
Charles S Spauldin 

I bail.- M Sttatton, l-7'i, so. si. 



Andrew .1. 

Charles \ 

1885. 
James E Hills, 1883 
Ralph E Ti am j 1884 
Truman Hnnl, lss4 
George 11 blood, lssl 
James D Hills, 188 
Charles ] 



Hal.-, I--: 






Henry X. Smith, 188(1, '81. 

Representatives.— The following i- a list of the 
Representatives from 1739 to 1858 : 

17 ;i -Abraham Taylor and I'eter Pow.-rs were delegates of the set- 
tlers in West Dunstable to the Massachusetts General Court upon their 
petition foi a i hartei 

1714 -.lam.- >t. wait \va- ,1,1, ...it-' ,,!' the mhal.ltarits of West Dun- 

Btable to the New Hampshire General Court, to present their petition for 
-arn-, ,n- and soldier- for protection against the Indians. 
1746 -Stephen Ai was delegate, of the settlersin the wesl partol 

Hullis, to the New Hampshire General Court, upon their petition lor a 

,. nt..,- to locate ili- new l tin 

1717 Sat I i mi, in.- wa- .1.1,-ate of the town to the Xew Hamp- 
shire General r.'iirt, upon its petition for an a.t lor taxing the land of 
non-residents for the support of the ministry, and also upon the petition 

ofthetownfoi -,,iit-t,,i |,i,t, , tim a-ainst the Indians. 

Dt rohn Hale, representative to the New Hampshire Gen- 
eral i ' t six ye h- from 1762 to 1768. 

17HS-74 — r,,l..u. ! * ,ii,u... II , but, lepr—, [italic., t,, the New llamp- 
-hir.. General I onrt -.x \--ar-, from I7'.s to 1774 

1774.— Stephen Ames, Reuben Dow and Stephen Jewett, delegates to 
the I .1-1 ' • ,ii i . t \ Congress, ai \inli.-i-t, Novembei -. i T ~ t 

177". -Stephen Jewett and Enoch Xoyes, delegates to the Second 

William Nevins, Jeremiah Ames and Samuel Farley, delegat 3 to the 



I'ol IJ. .hi. Hale, I- pi. - ill. ilii.'toth .•...,„, ;,|, ,„„ 

i ,i,i,,, 1 1 j.;.. 177.:,. 

i'oi,,ti.i Sainu.i H.ii.art, .1.1, --ate to the Provincial Congreas,"at Exe- 
ter, \pril, l"" : ' 

I'oloiiel John Hale and Deacon Enoch Xoyes, chosen del.-ates t" the 
l-i ,.% in. ial » on-i.-s- t., in, .t at Exeter. Ma 1'.. 177.. i olonel Hale not 
being aide to attend, I'oloiiel llol.art was elected in hi- pla, . Maj 21-1 

\,,i , ml.,., L2 Stephen Vines chosen r.-presriilativc t,, il,,- i ,, to i ,1 
Court for one year 

I77C, N..\.nil..-i 2n st.-pheti \uic- a-ain . hosen representative to the 

177: \,.\,inl".| 2". —Stephen Ames c hi. -ell 1 opt .-s.-ntatlve for the thud 

i: - |. • ,,i ]: i ,,[,! !;, ul„ a. Ice ,1 n r. presentative to 



177'' An-n-l 12 —I'.. 1 1 T.diii Hal.- chosen delegate to the conven- 
tion held at loncord, September 2:'., 1779, to " -tat.- prices 

December 2.— l'..l. an 1 John Hale chosen representative to the General 
i'.. nit 

1780, November 23.— Colonel Hale again chosen representative t. the 
General Court. 

1751, Xoveiiib. a 21.— Captain Daniel Emerson chosen representative to 
il, ,., aeral Court 

1752. iirtobci - Ki, 1,, n.i i mis shannon i presentative to the 

General ' lour! 

1791, August 28.— Captain Daniel Emerson chosen del 

i ,• ■ r-ai-iiint ,.l I'oiivention. 

Captain Daniel Emerson, 1783 to Daniel Bailey, 1-1; 



1801, 02, 03, 09, 



11. 



I, I. ,1. \mes, 17:12 to ''17 and 

1800. 

Benjamin Pool, i-"l to 1808 
Nathan Thayer,1812 i 



M Farley, Isllto 1818, 

1-21 to 1829 
Ralph W. Jewett, 1822 and '23. 

J itl.an T. Wrighl i- . • 

Kalph E. Tenney, 1832, '33, '34 

and I-. 
Moses Pro. I 



HOLLIS. 



Joseph K. Smith, DOS and ':)». 
Leonard Farley, 1840, '41, '42. 
William Merrill, 1843 and 'II 
William I' Hal.-. ls-HI. '47 ami '4s 
John L Poole, 1849 and 'SO. 
Almon I 1 Marshall, 1851 and '52 
John Farley, 1853 and '54. 
John S. Haywood, 1855. 
Major James Wheeler, 1856 and 

'57. 
John H. Cutter, lS.'.S and '59. 
Minot Farley, 1860 and '01. 
Luther Proctor, 1862. 

Reuben Baldwin, lsiO and •■! 



J. ,1,1, I ',.1, in n, ISIm and '1)6. 

I thj E. Flagg, 1867 and '68. 

ii. I B Richardson, 1869 and 






181 



John W Is, 1-7 I and 71 

Charles A. Reed. 1875 and '76 
Franklin Worcester, 1877 and ' 
Charles Richardson, 1879 and 

i ., i . M 1881 and '82 

Sila- M. Spaulding, 1883 and '8 
Frederick Worcester, 1886. 



Oil A I'TER IV. 
HOLLIS— (Continued). 



MILITARY HISTORY. 

The Heroes of Four Wars— The French and Inilian War— War of tin 
Revolution— 1812— War of the Rebellion— Soldiers' Monument— Joht 
11 Worcester Post, G. A. R. 

In the regiment which was raised in New Hamp- 
shire for the Crown Point expedition, in 1755, Rev 
Daniel Emerson was chaplain, Dr. John Hale sur 
geon's mate, and Jonathan Hubbard (Hobert) adju 
tant, all ot'Hollis. 

Nearly two-thirds of the Third Company of this 
regiment were also Hollis men. Of this company, 
Peter Powers was captain : Benjamin Abbot, lieuten- 
ant ; William Cumiugs, ensign; James Colburn, 
clerk; David Hubbard (Hobart) and Samuel Cum- 
iugs, sergeants; Jonathan Powers, Enoch Noyes, 
Stephen Hazeltine and James Brown, corporals ; and 
Samuel Brown, drummer, all of Hollis. Among the 
private soldiers, or sentinels, we recognize the follow- 
ing Hollis names, viz. : Jacob Abbot, Ebenezer Ball, 
Samuel Barrett, Jabez Davis, John Flagg, Jonathan 
Fowler, Josiah French, John Goodhue, James Hill, 
George Lesley, Christopher Lovejoy, Levi Powers, 
Stephen Powers, Whitcomb Powers, Isaac Stearns, 
Nathaniel Townsend, T>aniel Wheeler, James Wheeler, 
Peter Wheeler and John Wiloughby, making in all 
thirty-four Hollis men in this regiment. 

In August, 1757, after the capture of Fort William 
Henry by the French and Indians, a battalion of two 
hundred and fifty New Hampshire troops was raised 
for the defense of Fort Edward, near Lake George, 
commanded by Major Thomas Tash. In the First 
Company of this battalion there were eleven Hollis 
soldiers, viz. : Benjamin Abbot, Jacob Abbot, Stephen 
Ames, Ephraim Blood, Klnathan Blood, Robert 
Campbell, Timothy Emerson, John Hale, Samuel 
Hobart, (Sergeant) Jonathan Hobart and John Wil- 
loughby. 

In 1758 a regiment of New Hampshire troops was 
raised, commanded by Colonel John Hart, of Ports- 
mouth, a part of which was ordered to join a second 
expedition against Louisburg and the remainder to 
serve on the western froutier. Of this regiment 1 



Rev. Daniel Emerson was chaplain, and l>r. John 
Hale surgeon. Of its sixth company, Ebenezer 
Jaqnith was second lieutenant and Josiah Brown 
ensign. Besides the foregoing, there were also in the 

si company sixteen Hollis soldiers, making in all 

twenty Hollis men in this regiment, viz. : Nathaniel 
Blood, Joseph Easterbrook, Jonathan Fowler, .lames 
French, Samuel Hazeltine, James Hubbard (Hobart), 
Thomas Nevins, Ebenezer Pierce, Whitcomb Powers, 
Thomas Powers, Isaac Stearns, Samuel Stearns, James 
Taylor, Abel Webster, Peter Wheeler and John 
Willoughby. 

In 1750, the year of the capture of Quebec, a Nevi 
Hampshire regiment was raised and put under the 
con ind of Colonel Zaccheus Lovewell, of Dun- 
stable, with its rendezvous at that place. With the 
exception of two com], anies, the rolls of this regi- 
ment are lost; but as it was made up of drafts from 
the militia regiments of the whole province, and its 
headquarters being in an adjacent town, there can be 
no reasonable doubt that the Hollis soldiers were 
well represented in it. 

In 1760 the vear oi the final conquest of Canada, 
\,u Hampshire furnished its last regiment of eighl 
hundred men for this war, of which John Goffe was 
colonel, having its headquarters at Litchfield. This 
regiment marched to its destination In the waj oi 
Monson, Keene, the Green Mountains, ami thence 
to Crown Point, [ts adjutant was Samuel Hobart, 
and on the roll of .me its companies I find the follow 
ing names of Hollis soldiers: Joseph Taylor, lieu- 
tenant ; James Taylor, sergeant ; and among the 
privates, Jotham Cumings, Francis Towers and 
Joshua Wright. 

In the foregoing lists there will be found sixty-one 
different names of men who, as private soldiers or offi 
eel's, in the several years of that war, went into the 
army from the territory now or at that time embraced 
in Hollis. 

War of the Revolution. -The first reference on 
the town record to the War of the Revolution is 
under date of November 7, 1774, which was a meeting 
called to choose delegates for the County Congress, to 
be held on the following day at Amherst. Deacon 
Stephen Jewett, Ensign Stephen Ames and Lieutenant 
Reuben How were chosen.and the following preamble 
and resolution adopted 

. Preamble.— we, the inhabitants oi the town of Holies, having taken 

int., our most serious considV ration the precarious and most alarming 

affairs of our land at the present day. do firmlj enter into the following 

resolul i, ,11 

'•Tli.n we will at all times endi avol to maintain our liberty and priv- 

il and sacred, .on ..1 tin- ns,|ii, ,,l .,111 livesand fortuli, s. 

and \wll not only disapproxe, but « In, IK . i . — | - 1 — I, 

I,,,,,, jnsl and solid reasons to tuinl ev, n wish us in any measure to be 
deprived of them." 

Iii 1774, £2716*. 3d. was assessed upon the inhabit- 
ants for ammunition. 
On December 30, 1774, it was 

l,. i. .,', that .v- a rdiallj a I" to the iusl Btate 

■ f the British i olonies and thi measures adopted and 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



a. ii. Dea John B .yn 



April 28, 17 



le-hall sent to [he army, ind Hi.-t I. all i.. I.. .n-r ■ ii.nt.-.l t,. th.. 

May 11, 1775, il was 

■' I W-.l, .iii.l . Ii.im i'..l .I..I111 llal. in.! 11. a. ..il V. 1 1 N.n.. 1 i.l. -.il.- 

llir Provincial Congress t t at Exerei he 17th ol May, inst 

-.., \ oted .ii i' I mil in ted oui deli gatea to join the other Governments 
raising and paying theil proportions in men and ney, in the defence 

Province of New Hampshire, i Special town meeting Ma) 18, 177.^ 
Hillsborough County, SS [Ensign Noah W.Tia^t. a-, in.. ilinatur. 



-i c a I' 

Vgn r-IHi'lii i.t I 



. delegate to the < ingress ..i 



' MIllUi, Ml., 1 ,.|, L |, .- 

"Colonj ..I Nevi Hampsl i S 

Hillsborough County, ss. I 

" f.. /.■./, ami L'li.i.1 l-aisii:ii Strplm 
Assembly at Exetei rors year. 

">/./, .. r,,.',s- \ dispute arose respecting s votes which were 

brought in writing .>! persons gone into the army, which being put to 
vote iin ) were allowed as if the a were present them i Ivi 

ft a)i/ n'.aitaai (Ii.ii-'ii Coiiqmmj -a M,„„t. M, n who 

marched from Hott ttk, lath o) IpriJ, 1 7 7 -. 

Reuben Dow, captain; John Goss tii-t lieutenant ; John Cumings, 

second lieutenant ; Nathan til I, Joshua Boynton, William Kevins, 

M i I ■. i. - a. .■ai, i,-. Sams a I' a- .1.. ■ Mi tntosh, James Mc- 



Tliirty-niiic of the privates of the company, after 
an absence of from five to twelve days, returned to 
Mollis. Tlic remaining fifty-three, with but few, if 
any, exceptions, stayed at Cambridge and volunteered 
in other companies, to serve lor eight months. Much 
the largest part of those who remained at Cambridge 
re-enlisted lot- right months in a new company under 
Captain Dow, of which John Goss was also first lien- 
iriiant anil .John Cumings second lieutenant. This 
company was afterwards mustered into the Massachu- 
setts regiment, commanded by Colonel William Pres- 
• "ii. ilo' hero of Bunker Hill, who. at the time, lived 
mar the north line ol' tin- adjoining town of Pepperell, 
a large part of his farm being in llollis. Thomas < !ol- 
1 .ni-ii and Ebenezer Youngman, two of these Minute- 
Men, enlisted in the company of Captain Moor, of 
Groton, Mass., in the same regiment, ami were both 
killed in the tight at Bunker Hill. Job Bailey, 
Ephraim How and Samuel Leeman, three others of 
them, joined the company of Captain Levi Spalding, 
..I Nottingham West (now Hudson), in the New 
Hampshire regiment that fought at Bunker Hill under 
Colonel Reed, and were all present in the battle. Six 
others of them — viz., Joel Bailey, Richard Bailey, 
Nathan Colburn, Aimer Keyes, David Wallingford 
ami Bray VVilkins — volunteered in the company of 
Captain Archelaus Town, of Amherst, N. H., after- 
wards mustered into the Twenty-seventh Massachu- 
setts Regiment, commanded by Colonel Hutchinson. 
t if this company Wallingford was second lieutenant 
and Wilkins one of the sergeants. 

ALPHABETICAL LIST OF HOLLIS SOLDIERS,* SHOWING 1\ 
WHAT YEAH THEY ENLISTED, WHEN \M' now LONG 
THE} w i:i;i i\ nil -I i:\ hi; 

[•'177"> I. " .1. in.t.-s .:-nlist<?.l April la. 177., f.n LexinLrtaii anil I'ain- 
bridge; "Cam., ' iridgi B H.," at the battle of Bunkei inn ; 

■T. \ ,' i'iiiiIiiii lital aim\ ; '-I'lirl," 111 garrison at Pin tsln. mill, 

N. II. ; "Wh.P.,"at White Plains; " Ti.," Ticonderoga ; "1777 Al T.," 
Ticonderoga alarm, June, 1777 ; "Ben.," in the company of Captain 

Goss, ai II ilngton, July, 1777; " w l'i,'' West Point; "K. I .," 

Rhode Island; "G K.'i.a s in the return of Captain Goss 



Benjamin Abbot, '75, L . '7S, I!. 

I., 22 .1. 
William Vdams, '75, Cam B n 



Joseph Bailey, '75, L. 
Joel Bailey, '75, Cam., 8 m , '80, 
W. 1't.. ;; in. 

I i. a. - ' Hill. '7"., Cam., II. II , 
s a, , '70, Port, and X- V . L2m. 



.I.il. ii Hall, '7U, Ti., I', 



Jonathan Ames, '75, 1, , 7.. M T 


Nathaniel Ball, Jr., '75. 1,. 


John Uwell, '76, 1... '76, Port, 


William Hall, '77, Al. T. 


3 in.. '78, Il 1 . JJ il 


Joshu ' Blanchard, '75, Cam., 3in. 


.inlm luld, 78, C. A '' 


Abel li' 1, 80, i' K ,i. in 


Andrew Bailey, '75, Cam., It H , 


Daniel III 1, 7ft. ram.. 3 in., '77, 


s in.. -711, Port. 3 iii , 77, C \ . 


. \ . I > 


8 in , '78, 11 1 22 d 


Daniel in 1, 2d., '70, L.,'75, Ti., 


Daniel Bailey, '75, Cam., 3 in ,'77. 


i; in 


Al. T , '78, II. [., 22 •!., '79, II. 


Elnathan Bl 1, '76, Ti., G. It 


1., ft in. 


i phraim Blood, '75, ram., B. 11., 


Daniel Bailey, Jr., '76, Wh. P., 


s mo. 


.". in. 


l'i in i- in 1, '75, Cam., n II., 


fob Bailej 75, Cam , B II , 8m 


- in 



HOLLIS. 



Josiah Bl I. '76, Ti., 6 m. 

Josiah Blood, Ji . '77. u T SO, 

\\ I'l In 

Le I HI I, '80, C A . 6 in. 

Nathan Blood, '75, I. , 7.7. Cam., 

n II . 8 in 
Nathaniel Blood, 7-. R. 1 , 22 d., 

'80, C \ , 

Nathaniel III I. Jr., '78, K. [., 

22 .1. 

'"Hi- !'•! I. '75, L. 

Reuben 1:1 1. '77, 11. T , 78, C. 

A., 'J v., 'mi. i \ . 6 .ii 
sin i 111 I, '77, Ben , '78, C. 

A., 2 v., '80, N. Frontier, 6 .... 
Timothj Bl I, 70, Wh. P., 5 ... , 



., 22. 



ll.M.i \ Bow. re, i'i 

.1. rathmael Bow. re, 79, C \ I \ 
Olivei Bowers, 77, Al. T. 
Samuel Boyd, 78, C \ . I y., 80 

C A ,3 v. 

Benjamin Boynton, 7.7. I,, '71',. 

« b I- . m 
Eliae Boynton, 7:., Cm, , B II 

s m.,'76,C. \.. 1 v., '78, R, I .. 

22 .1. 
I ., . Boynton, 77, C \ I y. 
■ I... ..I. Boynl '75, Cam., li II., 

Joel Boynton, '75, Cam., 3 m . '76, 

Wh. P., 5 mo. 
John Boynton, :; .1 , 77, C. A., 

Jo bus l; i. oton, 7 ,, Cam., li. II.. 

John Brooks, '77, O. A.. 8 in. 

I.l. William II ks, 7s. I; I , 22 

d . 81,3 in 
Abel Brown, '75, Cam., B II , 8m 
William Brown, '76, Ti , .. I; 
Eliphalet Brow ... '75, < lam., 3 ... 

'77, Al. T.. '77, Ben 
r. 9. i I. Brown '76, X Y., 2 m. 
i — i .1. Bruce, '75, Cam., 8 in, 
Ephraim Burge. '77, Al. T. 
John Campbell, '75, Cam . I; II , 

8 in.. 77, Ben. 
Edward I alter, 76 » P 

77. C. L, 3 j 
Thomas Carter, 7s, li I , 22 .1 
\ ., i Ihambei lain 31, 3 m 
Samuel I hi ■ i lain, 11 S 7 

Wilder Chambei lain, . ., * am B 

II , Sin 

ini.. i. . lark, 81, .'. A , I j 

ll'ii). iinin . 'oil. in li. '77. Al T . 7\ 

li. I . 22 .1 
i. - . kilbui ii. 77. i am ,3 m., 

77, C. \ .sin 
Nathan Colburn, '7.7, L ,'77 1 7,in . 

- in . 76, Wh. P . ". ,,, 
Robert Colburn, '75, i7.n. . .; m. 
Thomas Colburn, '75, I,., '77. 

Cam.,B. II.. 8 m. 
Abel Conant, '75, Cam., B. II., s 

m. 70. C.A., 1 > , '7s, R. I, 

22 .1 
.Insiah Conant, 7.7, Cam., :; in , 7s, 

K. 1, 22,1 
Robert Connick, 81, 3 m 
William Col k, 76, W I. P., 5 

m„ '77, c A , ; ,.. j(] , \ , 



William Cow.ii, '7s, C. A., 2 y. 

17 in. ii tilings, 75, I . 75, 

.'in.... B II ,8m., 76, ■' \ Lj 

John Conroy, "7.7, Cam., :'. in., 'Sll, 

W. l't.. 3 m. 

1 I J . -ll . 7s, C \ . - % 

- t Conroy, i, l '75, ' lam 

B. II., s m. 

Stephen Conroy, '7.7, C. A , I y., 

K I \ '. SO, C. A 

Kl.oniv.'i I niniii--, 77.. \ . 7 \ 

Ell John i oi _-. '75, L., 75, 

.'.no II II, S |„ 

Larnar.I i'ninin^s, 70. I',,, i ,,,,1 

N. Y., 12 in. 
Petol Cnmings, '75, Cam , B II , 

Philip 'in gS, 77, Can, . II. II, 

William Cumings, 70, N Y.,2 m , 

•77, ALT 
Jai ,7, Danforth, 76,1 !. A 1 y.,'77, 



77, Al T. 
,, I, . 77, 
li I , 22 

II., 8m., 



Evan Dow, 75 Cam.,B 

'78, R. I .22,1. 

StO] li Hon. 77. \1 '1' 



I'., ■ , i ., 1 1 1 1 1 1 I., i ley, 7.,, I. , 
Benjamin Farley, Jr., '76, Ti , 

in. 

I.l Caleb Farley, 76, Port and 

N f, 12 m., '78, H. I . 22,1 
Christopher la. I, \ , 7,., foil ;,n,| 

Ebenezer Farley, 7.7, I.. 70. 
N. V.. 2m. 

Joseph Farley, '75, C ., 1 m. 

Stephen Farlej . ,, Cam . 1 ,0 

Minot Fartnei, 7.7. 1,,, '77, Cam , 

B. H., 8 m., '76, C. A , 1 j . 
David Farnsworth, 75 1 

Cam., B. II . 8 11. 
James I'isk, 7",. I, ,7",, Cam . 8m 

Josiah Ki>k, 7.7, Cam., B. II.. Sin. 
.loo.,- II ,2L\ 7-, K I . 22 ,1 , BO, 
U I'l . 7, in 

mi Foster, '79, '7 A,. 1 y. 

David 17, -0,1, 70. Port and 

N V 12 „| 
1 I "7,. ; ,,, 

Wh. P., 3 in. 
Jonathan French, 77, lien., 7s, 



Joseph Fren, i, 1 

V'i.,1,0.,1, 1 I,, 

'77, ll T 
Timothj French, '70, 
\\ illiam Flench, 7 .. 1 
Ebcnozei Gilsou 1 1 

•1-1 01 

C I., 3 3 
Samuel lime, 77. 

John Mo,, ,0 p 

Capt. .i,,i 1 



John Bale, .li , 70, N 1,71 

'78, R I . 22 d. 
Dim, I Hale, '78, R I , 22 ,1 
W illiam Bale, 77, C V., 3 y, 
laroti 1 1.. 1 v 75, 1 
Jesse llai.lv. so, W. Ft , .". in 
Lemuel Hardy, '77, Al. 'I'., 

u l't.,.; ,„ . 
Joseph Bardy, 7 1 ., Port, li m 

.Noli, nn.ih II.,,. I, . 1 

N01 ardy, 77, ALT., '7s, R, 

22 ,1. 
Phineas Hardj 7,., Port, 3 m 
Phineas Bardy, Jr., '75 Cam.. 
,3. 



Caleb Eastman, '75, Cam., 1'.. II.. 


Silas Manly, 79, Port . 




Thomas Hardy, 75, Cam., 1; II 


William Elliot, 75, Cam., B II , s 


Indrev. Henderson, '82, N 1 - 


in , 7.,, 1' L, 1 jr. 


tier. 11 III. 


.7.1,1 Daniel Emerson, 76, Ti . 

m. '77. AL T, 78, R. I . 22,1, 


Samuel Hill, '75, Cam., ll 11 , 8 

0, .', 17 1,..., '77. . . 1., 3 J 


7», R. I , , in. 
Dr. Peter Emerson, 79, R. 1 5 


rsaac Hobart, '75, Cam B 11 , - 


0, 1,', 2. Surg. 
1; , Iph Emerson, 7, , Ti 6m , 77, 


Isaac Bol , ,1 . SI, C. A., 3 3 

1.,. ,,o global 1 -11 \ : \ 


. \ . 3 ) 
Samuel Emerson, '79, HI. i ni. 


John Hobart, 77. Ml 19 1; 1 


I'l i.'- Emerson, '76, Ti . in 


Jonathan Hobart, '77. Cam., 3 m. 



Col. Sain'l Bobart 7 1 Payrnan 
Solomon 11,7 , 77, Al. T., 

II. I.. 22 ,1 

c,i met 1 Hon, r, '75, Cam 
Richard Bopkins, 70, Port 

N. V,, 12 in. 
Samne] 11,-1, \ , 7 i, Cam 1: 

Ephraim How, '75, Cam , It. II 

1,1 77 B, o 
John How, 76, Ti., 6m., '78, 1: 

Ebenezer Jai , 75, Cam , 3 



Jan lewetl 1 Pi., G. R. 

.I,,,,. ,11, .10 .o wetl 7.-. 1,7 I , o ,„. 
n. ., Nathani. 1 J. wett, '70, 'I'i., 



Jonathan Lovejo3 Jl ,, 1 ., 

Ephraim Lund, . 1 am I m 

.1. 11 , 77,, .7,1,1., 

II., sin. 
■ I., - 71, Run, I . . I- 1 

Randall McDauiels, 75, I. 
.1,0,,, 71, Hendl, y, '81, C. A., 3 

An hibald Hi I,. 77, Ben 

James Mcintosh, 77, < am . B 

Daniel .Mr, nil re I'i G 1: 



w illiam Neviu 75, L., '75 Cam 

11 11.- .,„ re, c 7.ii 

li .0,,, 77, M 17, 78, 1,7 I , 

17 7, Noyc ii 70. Pi . o ,, 

U Parker, si, ; m. 

Jon ,11, '.ni.. 'i .0, i' \., I y., 

17, .7 \ , s ,„ , 7-, i: I "7 

Stephen Parker, >,', W I'l In,, 

- 1 , \ 13 

David Patch, 70, C I., 1 y. 
Daniel Patch, 7.,, Cam., :; in. 
Phomas Patch, 75, *L., 76, Ti., 



BISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Nathan Phelps, 76 I 7 • Cam 

- uuuel I'll' Ips, T6, Ti., 6 in. 

John Philbrick, '75, L. 

I pi , lini Pi, i , I .. 76, Wh 

i 
i, I \ lj 
Null, uiiuli Pii leu, 75 > urn . U 

Solomon Piei 

'76, Ti., 6 in. 
Richard Piero ri PI G R 
John Platts, 78, Cam., B. II., 6 

in . 71 Wh P., 

1>I. .lullalll.lll l',».|, \,,lstallt Mil- 



ivt, i Pooi : i Ci i ii 

Thomas Powell, 81,3 m. 
Fran, is Powers, '75, Cam., I! II., 
8 in, '77. Ben. 

I'l.lll, |, I. l\,\\, >-. 7 '. I \ . I \ 

Ml, W. PI .. . Ill 
.lull. llll. HI t 






Wei Fi , Poi ' and 



IIm. in. i- Pi. ill : 1 ■ , ' mi 

P. H.,Sm Jli, I v l i - 

. wai 

: i . , .mi 



11 « ! Pro toi .. tl l 

Jacob Reed, ; l . • 

.'.■in, i;. .,.| ; ■, , .,,,1 .i ,,, 7,., 

i in, 

V.-|,li. 11 Hi, li.ii-l-.,,. ,,.. , \ i 



i -in . li. ii . 

g in . 77, B, n i; l 

James Rolfe, 81, i \ , 
Stephen Runn, lis, , B, u 

B, I.. 22 d 
.limatliali IJuss, 75, I "5, i in, 

3 m., 77. Ben. 
Benjamin Saunderson, 7-,. I... 7,., 
V 

\ S 
mi . 77, C v. 3 v . SO, foi the 



Robi , , Seal ■ , 7 ■ 1 , . 

11 r 

ick, 7". Port and N 

^ , 12 iii. 

I, ' i.i 'I, Sllillliivk.' ..■, i 'am., s in, 

William Shat«ck. 7".. ra,,, ,:; m 

.i ii, I 15,1 ..in . . in 

Jonas Shed, 77. Ben. 

Ephraim Smith, '75, Cam., B II . 



.1, .,liiu Smith. Ti., Wh. P.,5 in. 

i:,i.,. I. Spaulding, 76, Pun. and 

N. V , 12 in . 78, R I . '■ in 

Hiding, 7"-, I.., '75, 
Cam . B II.. - in 77 41 T . 
7- R I ,22 d 

Isaai Ste ■ I 75, I am 

B.H., 8 m , '77, A! P 77 B, ii 
I | , ', in., '77, 

II Ii 7i. Ti 6 in. 

. \ I i 

CalebStiles, .1. 79, C A, 1 y. 
Eli Stiles, 76, C \ . I v., '77, C. 

A , mii „ 80, c \ , lui the war. 
\,i,.., T ij I-, 7.1 75, I am . 

B. II , 8 m. 
DanielTayloi 75, I.,, 75C. B. H., 



Samu, I w right, '75, Cam., 

s in., '77, Ben. 
1 mil. Wright, 75, 1... '76, 



1 I | .7 1 \ ., Hi 

) Jl 75, 1. 
, am I m , 76, Wh. P., 5 m 
Hoses Ti, n,-i i i 



ssatael Twist Jl, C. A I j 

Lieutenant |ia\i,| Wallimit'xnl, "7",, 
Cam., 8m., 77. Al. 1 . 77 lien 

Joseph Wheat, 77 U. I ;• R 

I 22 d ,'79, C A., I y , BO, foi 

thi wai 
Nathaniel Wheat, 7.5, L., '75, 

, am , 3 in 
Solomon w heal 7', Ti , G. B 
TI in- Wheat, '76, Port, and N. 

1 12 i" 

II l.l, H Ii. Ml, Jl . I 

, am . B. 11 . 8 in. 

lei :; mi 77 
Ben. 

. 75, I. . '76, 
Wh P , . in 

'.' w I '■', Ji . Cam., i 

Lebbeus H ler, I ,, I 



tsrai 1 u ilkins, 7 .. I, 

T"lin^ \\'ill"iii:lil>.v .-_' V li.'ii- 



lonas \\ I 77, \l T , 77. Be 

78, K. I 22 d 
Nehemiah Woods, 77, U. T 

' 'pi. MM N.Mll W ,l.'l, 

\ Worcesti - Ii i 

li II , hi 77. Ben 

less H itei i 

P ;- R 

22 ,1 , 80, C. A, 6 m 

Si 1 w orcester, '76, Port a 

N ) . 12 m. 

ii" in W right, '75, I.. '76, 



Benjamin Wri 

l.ii T fl n In ,'li 

A I T, 



-lal,,./ Vn, lli-liiaii, 'SJ, 'lining war. 

John Youngman, '76. T.,6m . '77, 
C. A.,::y , „,,,' A , foi Hi - wai 

\i holae \"",,iijin.in ' i i . I. 
Tin. ma, Vi.iili-m.iii '7i'. ' ', A . 1 

v., '77, C. a , I i 80, N I ton 
tier, ii m. 



Biographical Sketches of Some of the Hollis 
Revolutionary Officers and Soldiers. — Nathan 

l!l 1, smi of Nathaniel Blood, wits born in Hollis, 

April 4, 1747; married Elizabeth Xoyes, daughter of 
Deacon Enoch Noyes, April 16,1772; enlisted April 
19, 1775, ami was first Bergeant in the company of 
Captain Dow, at Bunker Hill, where he was killed 
dune 17, 1775. 

Lieutenant William Brooks came to Hollis about 
1757; married Abigail Kemp, in Hollis, March 29, 
1759; enlisted in 1778 in Captain Emerson's rum. 
[•any to Rhode Island, in which he was second lieu- 
tenant; enlisted again in 1781, in the company of 
Captain Mills, regiment of Colonel Reynolds; re- 
moved from Hollis after the Revolution. 

Deacon Josiah Conant, son of Josiah Conant; bom 
in Hollis, October 17, 174ii; enlisted December, 1775, 
in the company of Captain Woreester, for Cambridge: 
enlisted, again, in 177S. in the company of Captain 
Emerson, for Rhode Island, in which he was ser- 
geant; deacon of the Hollis Church in 1787. till his 
death, in Hollis. August 21, 1807, aged sixty. 

Deacon Abel Conant, son of Josiah Conant; born 
in Hollis, October 3, 1755; enlisted April 19, L775, 
and was in the company of Captain Dow al the bat- 
tle of Bunker Hill; enlisted in 1776 in the Conti- 
nental army for one year, and in 1778 in Captain Em- 
erson's company for Rhode Island; married Pegga 
Jewett, in Hollis, November 20, 1781; chosen a dea- 
con of the Hollis Church in 1787 ; removed to Hard- 
wick, Vt., in 1813, where be died May 2, 1844, aged 
eighty-eight. 

Ensign John Cumings, born in Groton, Mass., 
March 16, 1737. His name was on the Hollis tax- 
lists in 1758; enlisted April 19, 1775, and was ensign 
,it second lieutenant in the company of Captain Dow 
at Bunker Hill ; removed after the war to Hancock, 
as is supposed. 

( laptain Jotham Cumings, son of Jerahmael Cum- 
ings, and a younger brother of Henry Cumings, D.D., 
of Billerica, Mass.; born December 19, 1741. He was 
a soldier in the French War in 1758; married Anna 
Brown, of Hollis, April 27. 1763; removed from Hol- 
lis to Plymouth. X. H., in 17(14: was lieutenant in a 
company of New Hampshire rangers in 1775, and 
was for manj years a deacon of the Plymouth Church ; 
died at Plymouth, April 1, 1808, aged sixty-six. 

William Cumings was born in Groton, .Mass., Oc- 
tober 2. 1741; came to Hollis about the year L760; 
married Mehitabel Eastman, of Hollis, June 28, L768; 
was master of the Hollis Grammar School in 1775 
and for many years after; was town clerk and first 



gelectman in Mollis In 1771 and L772, and again 
from 1782 to 1788, inclusive; enlisted in the army in 
1776, and again in 1777. About the year 1790 he 
removed to Hebron, X. H., where he died 0< tobei 2, 
1831, aged ninety. 

Captain Reuben Dow came from Salem, N. EL, and 
was in Hollis in 1761, and selectman in 1769 and 
1770; lieutenant of the Hollis militia company in Jan- 
nary, 1775; chosen captain of the Hollis company of 
Minute-Men that went to Cambridge, April 19, 177"'; 
commissioned as captain of the Hollis company in 
Colonel William Prescott's regiment, Ma) 19, 177".; 
wounded at the battle of Bunker Hill, and was after- 
wards a United States pensioner for life. He was 
chairman of the Hollis Committee of Safety in 1776, 
and representative to the New Hampshire General 
Court in 1778. His two sons, Evan and Stephen, 
were Revolutionary soldiers ; died February 11,1811, 
aged eighty-one. 

Lieutenant Amos Eastman was a son of Amos East- 
man, Sr.; born in Pennacook (now Concord), N. EL, 
April 28, 1751, and came to Hollis with his father 
about the year 1759; married Ruth Flagg, of Hollis, 
January 6, 1774; enlisted April 19, 17.75, and again 
in 1776, in the regiment of Colonel Gilman. He was 
for many years a justice of the peace, and town clerk 
and first selectman in 1806; died August 2, 1832, 
aged eighty-one. 

In the year 1752 his father, Amos Eastman, Sr., 
then living at Pennacook, being on a hunting expedi- 
tion in the northerly part of New Hampshire, with 
General John Stark and others, was, with Stark, 
taken prisoner by the Indians, and both of them 
taken to an Indian village in Canada. On their ar- 
rival at the village both the captives were compelled 
to run the gauntlet between two tiles of savages, each 
armed with a switch or club with which to strike 
them as they passed between the lines. Stark, as is 
said, escaped with but slight injury, but Eastman was 
cruelly beaten, and was afterwards sold to a French 
master, kindly treated by him, and soon after re- 
deemed and went home. 

Captain Daniel Emerson, son of Rev. Daniel Em- 
erson, born in Hollis December 15, 1746. Married 
Ama Fletcher, November 17, 1768. Chosen deacon 
of the Hollis Church in 1775. Appointed coroner 
and high sheriff of Hillsborough County in 1776. He 
was captain of the Hollis company that went to 
Ticonderoga in July of that year, and was also cap- 
tain of the company enlisted in Hollis in June, 1777, 
upon the Ticonderoga alarm. He was also, in 1778. 
captain of a mounted Hollis company that went to 
Rhode Island in the summer of that year, and also of 
a company in Colonel Mooney's regiment, raised for 
defense of Rhode Island in 1779. Captain Emerson 
was town clerk and first selectman in 1780 and 1781. 
A member of the New Hampshire Council in 1787, 
of the New Hampshire Constitutional Convention in 
1791, and a representative to the New Hampshire 



General Court in nineteen different years, between 
1780 and 1812. His two oldest sons. Rev. Daniel 
Emerson, Jr.. and Rev. Joseph Emerson, were grad- 
uates of Harvard; his third son, Rev. Ralph Emer- 
son, D.D., of Yale. His youngest son, William, 
was colonel of the regiment to which Hollis was 
attached, and was for many years a deacon of the 
Hollis Church. 

The following epitaph is inscribed on the tomb- 
stone of Captain Emerson in the Hollis central burial- 







•-ii. 



Asa Defender "t Fl I<>m, 

As a Magistrate and Legislator, 
Asa friend of the Pour 
And asa Zealous Promoter of the Redeemer's Kingdom, 
He rested from liis labors 
o, tobei i, 1820, st, 11 

Dr. Peter Emerson, second son of Rev. Daniel 
Emerson, born in Hollis November 30, 1749. Ap- 
pointed surgeon of the regiment ot Colonel Mooney 
in 1779. Settled as a physician in Hillsborough, 
X. II., and died at Hillsborough in 1827, aged seventy- 
eight. 

Lieutenant Ralph Emerson, son of Rev. Daniel 
Emerson, born March 4, 1761. Enlisted July, 1776, 
at the age of fifteen, in his brother's company for the 
defense of Ticonderoga. In April, 1777, he enlisted 
in the Continential army for three years. Married 
Alice Ames, May 13, 1784. On his tombstone in the 
Hollis burial-ground is the following inscription: 
- Kir, ted to thi Mr > "I Lieut. Ralph E reon, 

W 1im v..ls in-talitly lollr.l 1>\ tin- ar< i.l.'liral diseharyr 
ol a raniiuii whih- . \r!< i-liil; the niatross. 
October 4, IT'."', in the aiith yeai "1 his a-e 
w . drop apace, 

And some 'he -n>l^ of fortune sweep away. 

Captain Caleb Farley was bom in Billerica, Ma-., 
October 19, 1730. Married Elizabeth Farley, October 
11, 1754. He was a soldier from Billerica in the 
French War of 1755, and came to Hollis in November, 
176."., and was selectman in 1767. He enlisted in 1776 
in the regiment of Colonel Pierce Long lor New 
York and Canada, and in 1778 he was lieutenant in 
Captain Emerson's mounted company, enlisted in 
Hollis for the defense of Rhode Island. Died in 
Hollis, April 5, 1833, aged one hundred ami two 
years, five months. 

Minot Farmer, son of Benjamin Farmer, born 1750. 
Enlisted April 19, 1775, in the Hollis company of 
Minute-Men, in which he was a sergeant, and he was 
also a sergeant in the company of Captain Dow at 
the battle of Bunker Hill. Married Abigail Barrop, 
September 15, 1775. In the fall or winter of 1775 he 
enlisted in General Arnold's expedition to Canada; 
was taken prisoner in the attack on Quebec, and died 
in captivity, May 9, 1776, aged twenty-six. He is 
supposed to have held the rank of ensign. 



452 



HISTOHY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Captain John Goss was born at Salisbury, Mass., 
February 13, 1739. His name firsl appears on the 
Hollis tax-lists iii 1770. Married Catharine Conant, 
of Hollis, February 10, 1774, and was selectman in 
Hollis the same year. He was lieutenant in the Hollis 
company of Minute-Men that went t < > Cambridge 
April 19, 1770, and also in the Hollis company at the 
battle of Bunker Hill. In the year 1777 he was the 
captain of the Hollis company that went to Benning- 
ton. About the year 1805 he removed with his 
family to Hardwick, Vt., where he died September 
26, 1821, aged eighty-two. 

Colonel John Hale was bom in Sutton, Mass., ( >C- 
tober 24, 1731. Settled as a physician in Hollis at the 
age of about twenty-four. He was assistant surgeon, in 
1755, in the regiment of Colonel Joseph Blanchard, in 
the French War, and surgeon in Colonel Hart's reg- 
iment, in 1758, in the same war. He was representa- 
tive to the New Hampshire General Court from Hollis 
and Dunstable from 1762 to 1768. In 1767 he was 
lieutenant-colonel of the Fifth Regiment of the New 
Hampshire Militia, and colonel of the same regiment 
in 1775, aud the same year he was representative from 
Hollis to the New Hampshire General Court, and 
also to the New Hampshire Provincial ( longress. He 
was surgeon of the First New Hampshire Continental 
Regiment from 1776 to 1780, and a member of the 
New Hampshire Council in the year last named. 
After the war was ended he continued in the practice 
of his profession in Hollis, in which he was distin- 
guished till his death, in 1791. His three sons— John, 
Jr., David and William — were all soldiers in the war. 
The following epitaph is inscribed on his tombstone 
in the central bun irig-ground : 

" Erei ted 1- the Memory ol 

1'.. John Hale, 

u i,.. wae born 0ctober2l, 1731, 

Died October 22, 1791. 

How mioii ,,ni new -I i li-lil attain- I., lull a-cl ' 

And that UOW BOon tn -rav-liailr.l li-M ' 

w c spring, v\ . ■ bud, we i>i"-s md we blast 

lav u, ran count "iir -lays, they t1\ sn la-t. 

Dr. William Hale, son of Colonel John Hale, born 
in Hollis July l'7, 1762. Enlisted for three years in 
the Continental army, April, 1777, when in his fif- 
teenth year. After his discharge from the army he 
studied medicine with his father and succeeded him 
in his practice. He was a man of great energy, and 
had a large practice in his profession. Hied October 
10, 1854, aged ninety-two, and he is said to have been 
the last survivor of the twelve hundred men whose 
names are found on the rolls of the First New Hamp- 
shire Continental Regiment. 

Colonel David Hobart, son of Peter Hobart and 
grandson of Gershom Hobart, the third minister of 
Groton, Mass., born in Groton, August 21, 1722. 
Settled in that part of Hollis known as "One-Pine 
Hill " about 174*. ami was a sergeant in the company 
of Captain Powers in the French War in 1755. He was 
one of the grantees of Plymouth, N. H., and oneof the 



first settlers of that town. His name last appears on 
the Hollis tax-lists in 1765. In 1777 he was colonel 
of the Twelfth New Hampshire Regiment of Militia, 
and had command of a New Hampshire regiment 
under General Stark at the battle of Bennington, 
where he greatly distinguished himself for his gallan- 
try and good conduct, for which he received due eom- 
mendation from General Stark in his report of the 
battle. In that battle Colonel Hobart, with Colonel 
Stiekney, led the attack against the Tory breast-work 
on the right, where the contest was most desperate, — 
the Tories, it is said, "lighting like tigers," and neither 
asking nor giving quarter. Colonel Hobart, having 
lost his wife, after the war removed to Haverhill, 
Mass., married a second wife, and died soon after at 
Haverhill. The name of this heroic officer is erro- 
neously spelt "Hubbard" in Belknap's "History of 
New Hampshire," as it also was said to have been in 
General Stark's report of the battle. 

Colonel Samuel Hobart, a younger brother of Colonel 
David Hobart, born in Groton August 11, 1734. 
Settled in Hollis during the French War of 1755; 
was a sergeant in that war in 1758; adjutant of 
Colonel Goffe's regiment in 1700, and an ensign in 
1761. In 17H7 he was major of the Fifth New Hamp- 
shire Regiment of Militia; representative to the 
Genera] Court from Hollis for six years, from 1768 to 
1774. In the year hist named was appointed colonel 
of the Second New Hampshire Regiment ofMinute- 
Men, ami was a delegate from Hollis to the New 
Hampshire Provincial Congress. Upon the organiza- 
tion of Hillsborough County, in 1771, he was a] 'pointed 
register of deeds, county treasurer and one of the 
justices of the County Court. In 1775 he was appointed 
muster-master and also paymaster of the New Hamp- 
shire regiments at Cambridge. In 1777 he contracted 
with the State government to manufacture gunpowder 
tor the State, and removed from Hollis to Exeter. 
Was representative to the General Court from Exeter 
in 1777 and 1778, and a member of the State Com- 
mittee of Safety in 1779 and 1780. Anna Hobart, the 
fust wife of Colonel Hobart, died in Hollis May 20, 
177". A Iter he removed from Hollis he continued to 
reside in Exeter for several years after the war; mar- 
ried a second time, and finally removed to Kingston, 
N.H., where he died June 4, 1798, aged sixty-three. 

Lieutenant Ebenezer Jewett, son of Deacon Na- 
thaniel Jewett, horn 174:!, enlisted in June, 1777, in the 
company of Captain Emerson, on the Ticonderoga 
alarm, and in 1780 in the company of Captain Bar- 
ron, regiment of Colonel Nichols, for the defense of 
West Point, in which company he was lieutenant. 
Was selectman in 1782. He married Mary Rideout 
in 1793. Died October 6, 1826* aged eighty-three. 

Deacon Stephen Jewett, Jr., son of Deacon Ste- 
phen Jewett, born in Hollis October 4, 1753. En- 
listed in 1775 in the company of Captain Worcester 
for ( Jambridge, and in 177li in the company oft 'aptain 
Reed for White Plains. Married Elizabeth Pool, 



HOLLIS. 



453 



November 16, 177-;. Chosen deacon of the Hollia 
Church, 1805. Died February 22, 1829, aged seventy- 
five. 

Captain Daniel Kendrick, born 1736, son of Daniel 
Kendriek. Selectman in 1777., 1776 and 1777. Mem- 
be) of the Hollis Committee .if Safety in 1776 and 
1777. Enlisted in Captain Emerson's mounted com- 
pany for Rhode Island in 1778. Married Mary Pool, 
February 13, 1782. His eldest son, Daniel, was a 
graduate of Brown University. His youngest, Wil 
Ham P., of Harvard. Died May 20, 1790, aged ftfl j 
three. 

Ensign Samuel Leenian, Jr., son of Samuel Lee- 
man, born in Hollis August 7, 1749. Enlisted April 
19, 1775. Was at the battle of Bunker Hill, in the 

company of Captain Spalding, regiment of Col 1 

Reed. Enlisted in 177*1 in the Continental army, and 
again in the Continental army in 1777, in the com- 
pany of Captain Frye, First New Hampshire Regi- 
ment, in which lie was ensign. Killed at the battle 
near Saratoga, October in. 1777, aged twenty-eight. 

Ensign William Nevins, Jr., son of William 
Nevins, born in Hollis July 2(1, 1746. Married Re- 
becca Chamberlain, March 24, 1768. Enlisted April 
19, 1775, and was sergeant, and also a sergeant in the 
company of Captain Dow at Bunker Hill. Enlisted 
in 1776, for one year, in the Continental army. Died 
in New York, 1776, aged thirty. 

Dr. Jonathan Pool, son of Eleazer Pool, born at 
Woburn September 5, 1758. Studied medicine with 
Colonel John Hale, in Hollis. Was assistant surgeon 
in the First New Hampshire Regiment from 1776 to 
1780. Married Elizabeth Hale, daughter of Colonel 
John Hale, December 7, 1780, and settled as a phy- 
sician in Hollis, where he died July 25, 1797, aged 
thirty-eight. 

Captain Robert Seaver, born 174:1; name first on 
the Hollis tax-lists in 1767. Enlisted April 19, 1775; 
was lieutenant in Captain Worcester's companj for 
Cambridge in 1775, and also in Captain Emerson's 
company in June, 1777. Died November '■'<. 1828, 
aged eighty-five. 

Captain William Tenney was the son of William 
and Anna Tenney, and was born in Hollis March 17, 
1755. April 19, 1775, he enlisted in the company of 
the Hollis Minute-Men; and in December, 1775, in 
the company of Captain Worcester, for Cambridge ; 
and again, in 1776, in that of Captain Reed, for 
White Plains. Married Phebe Jewett in 1776, by 
whom he had ten children, — five sons and five daugh- 
ters. His Bons Caleb Jewett and William were 
graduates of Dartmouth. Died June 16, 1806, aged 
fifty-one. 

His youngest son, Hon. Ralph E. Tenney, born 
October 5, 1790, settled as a farmer in Hollis, upon 
his paternal homestead. He was for many years a 
justice of the peace and quorum, and was frequently 
elected by his townsmen to offices of honor ami trust. 
For his first wife he married olive Brown, of Hollis, 



November 12,1812, by whom be bad one daughter. 
After her decease be married, August 14, 1818, for 

his second wife, Miss Phebe C. Smith, bom in Dra- 
cut, Mass., June 2, 1790. At an early age Miss Smith 
went to Merrimack, N. II., to reside with her step- 
father, Simeon Cumings, Esq., upon whose decease 
shecame to Hollis with her mother, to care lor her in 
her declining years. She was afterwards, in her ear- 
lier years, widely known in Hollis as an excellenl 
and popular school-teacher, and as an assistant of Mr. 
Ambrose Could in bis store. 

She bad by Mr. Tenney a family of nine children, 
ami upon her marriage became an honored wife and a 
devoted, faithful and beloved mother. She was also 
a kind neighbor and an efficient and cheerful helper 
in works of benevolence and charity. 

War of 1812.— The following from Mollis were in 
this war: Jacob Hobart, Benj. Ranger, Abel Brown, 
William X. Lovejoy, Isaac Hardy, William Emerson, 
Daniel Lawrence, Jr., Phineas Cumings, Leonard 
Blood, I. Butterfield, John Butterfield, John Crew, 
II. Kendall, David Powers, E. Burge, Jr., and N. 
Hobart. 

War of theRebellion.— The following enlisted from 
Hollis during the War of the Rebellion: 

First Rebimi v i . 
William F. French, enlisted Company F. May 3, 18G1 ; mustered out 

lilgusl 9, 1801. 
Asa \\ Jaquith, enlisted Com) v F, May 3, 1861 ; mustered out \n 

Second Regiment. 
SamuelJ. Beard, enlisted June 5, 1861, Company G ; wounded at Fair 

Oaks, Va., .luue -Ja, IKI',J ; ihsrlnir|;eil fur disability I lube. '' 



1, 1861 ; mustered out June 



1862 



<; ge Worcester, enlisted Compai 

21, 1864, 
. . G ley, appointed h Want surgeon May 3, lwa i-. -- .i - n.-. I 

June 3, 1861 ; appointed assistant surgeon F th New Hampshire 

Regiment August 1. 18G1 ; i ted to surgeon October 8,1862; 

honorably discharged October 23, 1864. 

Third Regiment. 

The Hollis soldiers whose names appear below 

enlisted in Company F of this regiment, August 23, 

1861 : 

Stillman Bl I, re-enlisted February 13,1864; mustered out May 15, 

lieutenant Third South Carolina 
Volunte. i- 

Ji - L. Chase, wounded .1 15, 1862 : i nlisted I • bruary i I, 1864 

Leonard Conroy, mustered out August 23, 1864. 

Caleb Davis, wounded August in, isr.l ; mustered ""l Anun-l 2:1, lsi',4. 

.I,.l I >..licrty, discharged fur disability Sc[iloiiihei I."., I r.j 

Fourth Regiment. 
PerleyJ Jewett died of disease at Morris Island, S. C, 1 

William Mah-lieM, mustered (Mil September 27, ISI'.t. 

Seventh Regiment. 
This regiment was enlisted and had its rendezvous 
at Manchester, and was mustered into the United 
States service December 14, 1861, under Colonel 
Haldimand S. Putnam, of Cornish. Colonel Put- 
nam was killed July 18, 1863, in the assault on Fort 
Wagner, and was succeeded in the command by Colo- 
nel Joseph C. Abbott, of Manchester. 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



m-d captain of ' oiiipauv II I) mber 14, 

bin, sergeant December 14, 1861 ; mustered 
26, 1862. 



Nathan M Ames, ci 
1861 ; mustered 

Mark J. Austin, promoted 
out December 22, lsi',4. 

Henry Ball, accidentally killed himself at Beaufort, - 
George 11. Bartemus, mustered out December 22, 1864. 

John P. Hills, killed at Fort Wagner, July 18, 1863. 

John F. Boynton, wounded at Olustee, Fla., February Jl, 1SU4 ; re-en- 
listed February '2s. lsoi, promoted to corporal ,1am,. 
promoted to sergeant June V.',, isijo ; mustered out duly 20, 1S65. 

i harles II Burge dis harp ■•! t.u disability at st \i u;U stine. I la , Janu- 
ary 4, 1863. 

George \ Burge, promoted t irporal May 25, 1862; promoted to ser- 
geant December 'J, lsii:; ; mustered out December 22. l-'l 

John A. t'oburn, promoted to fourth sergeant December 14, lsi',1 ; Inst 
sergeant December28, 1863; re-enlisted veteran February 28, 1864 ; 

promoted t.i captain Company E I> •ruber 12. lsii. mustered out 

July 20, 1865. 

Edward S. Colburn, transferred to Invalid Corps Man h 29 1864 

Jodab I o li.u in. wounded at IVi mu.i.. linn I Va , May 2d, 1864; mus- 
tered out Decembei n. 1864. 

Daniel \v. Colburn, promoted to corporal Decembei 14, Isoi ; died ol 
disease, at Hollis, Febrna: f, 28, 1862 

Henry M. 11. Pay, promoted to corporal December II. IS01 ; wounded 
at nin. lee, Fla., February 20, 1864; mustered out December 22, 
1864. 

Kli.ne/.i P [iun.klee.ili-. haige.i t,.r disability February, 18112. 

Benjamin L. Farley, discharged for disability at Fort Jefferson Fla., 
June 26, 1862. 

I hall..- II tarlev. promoted to til -I set geanl Decemb. r 14. 1S01 ; see.uul 
lieutenant June 3i>, lS',2 ; tiret lieutenant August I'., lsii:: ; wounded 
mortally at Olustee. Fla., February 20, [sill 

Charles H.Fletcher, died of disease at Beaufort, S I Ugusl 10 1862 

Iianiel \V. Heyden, promoted t . . corporal Decembei 5, 1862 ; wounded at 
Fort Wagner July IS, 1*113; promoted t.. -eigeant February 3, lso,4 . 
wounded at Olustee, Fla, February 20, 1864; discharged lor disa- 
bility April 2'.'. 1864. 

John w llay.leti, promoted t.. corporal December 1 1. 1 36] died ot dis 

,,,.,. at Ne„. York City, February s . 1862. 
I Newton Hayden, wounded May 14, 1861 ; mustered out December 22, 



l.stll 



Olustee l'i' i.'.niMi. 






-lied ot . 



John II. Worcester, pr ted to sec 

to first lieutenant. hue lo.lM.J; i,,..| tally u, allele, I .1 uly 18, 1863, at 

Foit Wagnei died o( wounds July 26, 1863, 

William Worcester, mustered out December 22, 18114. 

EzraS. Wright, mustered out December 22. 1864. 

Nathaniel H.Wright, died oi disease at st. Augustine, Fla., Novembei 
27, 1862. 

Eighth Ri 

Albert S. Austin, Company E, enlisted December 2oth ; transferred to Vet- 
eran Reserve Corps April IS, 1864. 

Andrew [[. tenant, Company E, enlisto.l Decembei 2"th : promoted to 
corporal February 14, ISO:; : re-enlisted January 4, 1st,; Hi,-, I at 
\,,l. hi .'. ttiss., o.tober 10, 1865. 

Freeman Elkins, Coiupanv F. enlisted Decembei 20th; discharged lor 
disability at Ship Island, Miss., April 111. 1862. 

James W. D. Jones, Company A, enlisted October 25th ; diedal Camp 

Kearney-, la . Octoh I 26, I 562 

Joseph T. Patch, i' pany A. enlisted ' ictober 2ath ; .liseharge.l for di-a- 

bility : died at Nashua July 18, 1863. 

Fifteenth Regiment. 

This regiment was raised lor nine months, ami was 

mustered into service November 12, 1862. The names 

of the Hollis men are presented in the following list : 






Uberl F Hills, wounded 

out Decembei 21, 1864, 
Alfred F. Hills, mustered out Decembei 22, I set. 
Jonathan B. Hobart, die.! of disease at \].e it.- Man. I, si, \ujrust 23 

1863. 
Frank I'. 11 1, wounded at Fort Wagnei July, I- 

accouni oi wounds Sovi mbei 
.in,,.- i Howard, wounded at Fat Wagnei Jul) 

out December 22, ISi'.l. 
Norman K. Howe, promote.lt rporal De,eml„,| I 

ease at Beaufort, S. ('., August [5, L862. 
George D. Jaquith, mustered out Decembei _•■>, ls.1-1 

Flail, i- I.ovclov, plolllote.1 to third -ergealit Dec. mber 14. 1S01 ; to 

second lieutenant August 6, 1863 lorablj discharged April 28, 

1864. 
John Lund, discharged foi disabilitj at Fort Jefferson, Fla. June 20. 

1862. 
William Lund, transferred to Veteran Eeservi Corps March !9, 1864; 

mustered out Heeembei 22, 1864. 

Stephen II 1'ie I la] December 14, lstll ; re-enlisle.l 

veteran February 2S, lsi'.l ; mustered out July 2D, Is,'.:. 
Charles G. Rideout, mustered out Decembei 22, 1864 
Freeman II. Smith, discharged for disability at Fort Jefferson, July 20, 



Winslovv J. Spalding, pr led to c..r|...ri! October 1'C 1 

to sergeant ; captured at Fort Wagnei July 18, [863 
[anual | .'1, 1864 . mustered out 1 mber 22, 1864. 

Nathaniel L. Truell, promoted to corporal December 14, Isu] : muster,-, I 
out December 22. 1S04. 

Charles II. Wone-toi, pi te.l I Ijioial I cnibei 14, lsi'.l ; to ser- 

•.■ant October 'J, ISO:'.; wounded near Richmond, Va n. tot. i 

1 1.SC.4 ; milSlele.l ..111 I leCCIl |] .e | 22, 1 Sill . 



Charles F. Idi 
burn CharlesS 

Hardy, Samuel 
Pond, Frank E 
Smith, John C. - 
F. Teiiney , [saa 



GeorgeH \n 



,, Caleb W. Chamberlain, \i c 7,1- 
Haii-com, Isaac Hardy, John H. 

Hull, Granville I'. Patch, Aaron 
David J Rideout, Freeman H. 

it Hollis August lo. I-. : ■• 

U Will, .to. nine, II Willoby, 



I i.hi. i. V. \\ 1 SI 1 belli, .cot 

OTHER HOLLIS SOLDIERS ENLISTED 1\ 1862 

HenryG. Cameron, enlisted Company I, Thirteenth Regiment. Septem- 
ber 2o, lsi.2; promoted p, sergeant . dwharged for disability at Fal- 
mouth, Va, Januarj 14,1863 

Frank N Chi I., ring, - olisb .1 I omp my B, Second E i , August 21 

|M,e; promote. 1 to sergeant, WollleleJ JllOe ',, |>l,4: 1 1 1 11 ste|o, I oil t 

liioe'., 1865. 
John G J oh. eiiii-t. .1 company H, Seventh Regiment Mai b 11 

lsi; _• . niuMeio.I out \pril -I I- 1 
Haii.1T. Roby, enlisted Company I, Tbirleeiith Regiment, September 20, 

Is,;.; Wolllale.lSeptenibel ill. [Sot. 1 1 n 1-te I e, 1 out J ,1 1 e I. ■ 

Peter Smithvvick, enlisted Company E, Thirteenth Regiment, S. pi 

20, lsi.2 ; 1 1 .u.-i; t i.-.l i.. Veteran Reserve Corps March 31, 1864. 
Joseph Sullivan, enlisted Company 11. Tenth Regiment, vvugusl 25, I -<2 

mustered out Maj 16, 1865. 
John L. Woods, enlisted August 21, 1862, Companj B, Second Regiment ; 

I,., harged foi disability Junt 

ENLISTED \ND DRAFTED IN 1863. 
PatiickBakei enlisted Dece i 7, 1863, Company 11, Seventh Regi- 

i a.. i-t. red . hi Jul) 2". 1865 

Joseph Bus., eiiliste. I Decembei 7, lsn.;, i oinpauy \, Twelfth Regiment ; 

.b, -l..t diseaa at Fori Moi Va., 0. tobei 1.:. 1st. I. 

Jason w. Hills, enlisted lugust 14, 1863, Companj \. Heavy Artillery ; 

Charles A. Hal. . ub-i .1 n.o is is,, :. Company ll.Seveiui 

wounded Jul] 18, [863, at Fort Wagner; May 1'). 1864, at Drurj - 
Bluff, Va. . June 10, lsol, at Bermuda Hundred, Va. ; mustered 
Out July 20, 1865. 

Harvey M. Hall, enlisted Novembei 4, is. i.c.mpuiiy c. Ninth Regi- 
ment ; di.,1 ..I disease at Washington, D. C, Septi mber 1, 1864. 

Hiram R. Kendall, drafted September 1, 1S03, Company G. Eighth Regi- 
ment; died of disease at Matches!, Miss., Novembei ;, isut 

John F. Boynton, John A. Coburn and S. H. Price 
re-enlisted in 1864. The following also enlisted this 
year: C. S. Hamblet, Aaron Pond and Charles F. 
• lhase. 

Soldiers' Monument.— The soldiers' monument 
was erected at a cost of $2120.77, ami was dedicated 
May 30, 1873. It is twenty-two and one-half feet in 



HOLLIS. 



455 



height. On the west side is the following- inscrip- 
tion: "In honor of the Hollis soldiers who fell in the 
Wars of 1775 and in 1812;" and on the east side are 
inscribed the names of the Hollis soldiers who lost 
their lives in the Rebellion, as follows: 



1st Lieut. Julu: 
1st Lieut. Chas 
i 'urp. Webster 

Corp. John W. 
Henry Ball. 



.1 .1. 



.Mil 



Bills. 



James W. D. Jones. 
Hiram R. Kendall. 
Joseph T. Putcli. 
John C. Smith. 
-.; i.i r Wheeler. 
Nathaniel H. Wright. 



John H. Worcester Post, Grand Army of the 
Republic, was organized April 1, 1875, in 
Lieutenant J. H.Worcester, who was mortal!; 
in the assault on Fort Wagner. July 18, 181 



Hindi' 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKET< 3J I . 



JOSF.PII K. WOHCKSTEH, I, I, .11. 

Joseph E. Worcester, LL.D., son of Jesse and 
Sarah (Parker) Worcester, was born in Bedford, 
N.H., August 24, L784, and in 1794, when in his tenth ! 
year, came to Hollis with his parents. His youth, 
till the age of majority, was passed in agricultural 
labor on bis father's farm in Hollis; but he early 
manifested an ardent love of knowledge, and availed 
himself of every attainable means for mental im- 
provement. After reaching his majority be pre- 
pared himself for college, partly at the academy in 
Salisbury, N. II., and in part at Phillips Academy, in 
Andover, and entered the sophomore class at Yale 
in 1809, and graduated at Vale in 1811. After leaving 
college he was for several years employed as a teacher 
of a private Bchool at Salem, Mass.; he afterwards 
passed two years at Andover, Mass., and in 1819 re- 
moved to Cambridge, where he devoted himself to 
literary pursuits and to the preparation for the press 
of bis numerous and valuable publications, till bis 
decease, October 27, 1865, aged eighty-one years. He 
was married, June 29, 1841, to Amy Elizabeth Mc- 
Kean (who still survives), daughter of Rev. Joseph 
McKean, D.D., formerly professor of rhetoric and 
oratory at Harvard College. 

The first literary work of Dr. Worcester was his 
" Universal Gazetteer, Ancient and Modem,'' in two 
volumes octavo, of near one thousand pages each, 
published at Andover in 1817 ; the next, a "Gazetteer 
of the United States," one volume octavo, of three 
hundred and seventy-two pages, published in 1818. 
This was followed in 1819 by his " Elements of Geog- 
raphy, Ancient and Modern, with an Atlas," a work 



Wnn.-t.r'- llw-n >.t ll.illi- 



that was received with such favor that it passed 
through several stereotype editions. In 1823 this 
geography was succeeded by an illustrated work, in 
two volumes duodecimo, entitled " Sketches of the 
Earth and its Inhabitants." In 1825, upon being 
elected a member of the American Academy, he 
communicated to that association an elaborate essay 
entitled "Remarks upon Longevity," which w:is pub- 
lished with the memoirs of the academy. His " Ele- 
ments of Ancient and Modern History," with an 
" Historical Atlas," appeared in 1826,— a work from 
that time to the present very extensively used as a 
standard text-book in our public High Schools and 
academies. 

His first work in lexicography was an edition of 
"Johnson's Dictionary, combined with Walker's 
Pronunciation," an octavo volume of eleven hun- 
dred and fifty-six pages, first published in 1828. In 
1829, against bis own inclination, be was induced, 
through the persistent urgency of the publisher of 
■ Webster's Quarto Dictionary " (who was his personal 
friend), to prepare an abridgment of that work, a 
task to which he was strongly averse and at first re- 
fused, a refusal to which he afterwards regretted that 
he did not adhere. This work appeared in 1830 in 
an octavo volume of one thousand and seventy-one 
pages, into which he incorporated much valuable 
matter which he had prepared for bis own diction- 
aries. The same year he published the first edition 
of his "Comprehensive Dictionary," a duodecimo 
volume of four hundred and twenty pages. This 
work was the first of bis own dictionaries, and at once 
had an extensive sale and soon passed through many 
editions. 

In 1831 he made a voyage to Europe, where he 
spent many months in visiting places of interest and 
in the collection of works in the departments of 
philology and lexicography, for use in his future pub- 
lications. 

Upon his return from Europe he became the editor 
of the "American Almanac," a statistical, closely- 
printed duodecimo annual, each number containing 
. about three hundred and fifty pages, which he con- 
tinued to edit for eleven years with his accustomed 
care and fidelity. In 1846 his " Universal and ( Irit- 
ical Dictionary " was first published,— a large, closely- 
printed royal octavo volume of one thousand and 
thirty-one pages, and also, the same year, his "Ele- 
mentary School Dictionary." 
: In 1847, Dr. Worcester was threatened with total 
loss of sight. His eyes had yielded to his long, un- 
broken intellectual labor, and for two years he was 
nearly blind. In the meanwhile three operations 
were performed on his right eye, which became 
wholly blind, and two on the left eye, which was 
happily saved. Afterthe partial recover} ofhissighl 
Dr. Worcester published the following works: 

1850, ' Primary Dictionary for Public Schools," 
16mo, 384 pp., revised edition, I860. 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



L855, "Academic Dictionary," tor High Schools 
and academies, duodecimo, -"• t ; -~> pp. 

1857, "Pronouncing Spelling-Book," duodecimo, 

180 it- 

1859, "Quarto Dictionary of the English Language," 
with 1000 illustrations, 1284 pp. 

1860, "Elementary Dictionary," revised edition, 
duodecimo, 400 pp. 

|si;o, "( 'oiii[ireliensi\e Dictionary," revised edi- 
tion, duodecimo, 612 pp. 

1864, " i lomprehensive Spelling-Book," duodecimo, 
156 pp. 

From a memoir of Dr. Worcester, read before the 
American Academy by Ezra Abbot, LL.D., libra- 
rian of Harvard College, a few lines are here trans- 
cribed, presenting an estimate of his literary labors 
by one who was familiar with them, — " All the works 
of Dr. Worcester (says the author of his memoir) 
give evidence of sound judgment and good taste, 
combined with indefatigable industry and a con- 
scientious solicitude for accuracy in the statement 
of facts. The tendency of his mind was practical, 
rather than speculative. 

"Asa lexicographer, he did not undertake to re- 
form the anomalies of the English language. His 
aim was rather to preserve it from corruption. In 



regard to both orthography and pronunciation, he 
took great pains to ascertain the best usage, and per- 
haps there is no lexicographer whose judgment re- 
specting these matters in doubtful cases deserves 
higher consideration." 

Dr. Worcester was a member of the Massachusetts 
Historical Society, of the American Academy, of 
the American Oriental Society, and an honorary 
member of the Royal Geographical Society of Lon- 
don. He received the honorary degree of LL.D. 
from Brown University in 1847, and from Dartmouth 
College in 1856. 

In a biographical sketch of Dr. Worcester, by Hon. 
George S. Hillard, it is said of him, — " His long and 
busy life was passed in unbroken literary toil. Though 
his manners were reserved and his habits retiring, his 
affections were strong, and benevolence was an ever- 
active principle in his nature. . . . He was a stranger 
to the impulses of passion and the sting of ambition. 
His life was tranquil, happy and useful. A love of 
truth ami a strong sense of duty were leading traits 
in his character. Little known, except by name, to 
the general public, he was greatly honored and loved 
by that small circle of relatives and friends who had 
constant opportunities of learning the warmth of his 
affections and the strength of his virtues." 



HISTORY OF HUDSON. 



CHAPTER I. 

Boundaries— Tn|io|;rapli.v — Forests— Wild Animals— Ponds and Streams 
—Employments— Dunstable— Settlement of Londonderry — London- 
deny Claim— Hills' Giant— Joseph Hills— His Will— Samuel Hills- 
Hills' Garrison— Blodgett's Garrison— Taylor's Garrison-Fletcher's 
Garrison. 

Hudson is situated east of the Merrimack River, 
and borders upon the Massachusetts line. 

It is bounded north by Litchfield and London- 
derry, east by Windham and Pelham, south by 
Tyngsborough, Mass., and west by Nashua and Litch- 
field. 

The Merrimack River — a beautiful stream, from 
three hundred and fifty to five hundred feet wide- - 
separates it from the city of Nashua and forms its 
western border from Litchfield to the Massachusetts 
line, a distance of about six and one-half miles. 

Its extreme length from north to south is a little 
more than eight miles, its average width about three 
and one-half miles, and contains seventeen thousand 
nine hundred and fifty-one acres, exclusive of water. 

The Merrimack at this point is raised from four to 
six feet above its original level by the dam at Paw- 
tucket Falls, at Lowell, which causes a flowage as far 
north as ( Iromwell's Falls, a distance of about twenty 
miles, and covers all the falls between those two 
points. 

The surface of the westerly part of the town is com- 
paratively level, and bordering upon the Merrimack 
are some very fertile and productive intervale lands, 
where, especially at the northerly part, the Indians 
cultivated small fields of corn before the first settle- 
ments were made by the whites. 

Some of the land along the river is sandy and less 
productive, and other sandy plains abound to some 
extent. 

The easterly part of the town is hilly, rocky and 
hard to cultivate, yet in the valleys and upon the 
slopes of some of the hills are good, strong, productive 
soils and many excellent farms, which are especially 
adapted to the production of grass, the apple ami 
other fruits. 

The sandy soils and rocky hills, many of which are 
entirely unfit for cultivation, are very productive in 
the growth of wood and timber, which, being near 
market, long have been, and for generations to come 



probably will continue to be, a source of considerable 
profit and income to the inhabitants of Hudson. 

For many years past the white pine has been the 
most profitable timber, and naturally thrives best and 
makes the most rapid growth upon sandy soils; yet 
some of the best pine timber in town may be 
found growing among the rocks. 

The hard pine is also a common forest growth on 
the plains, but, as compared with the white pine, is of 
but little value for timber. 

Oak of several kinds, walnut, soft maple, gray birch 
and poplar thrive on the hard, rocky soils, ami some 
spruce and hackmatack may be found in the swamps. 

About forty per cent, of the area of the town is 
covered with forest growth, much of it young, and 
very little that has been growing more than fifty 
years. 

The first settlers found here an almost unbroken 
forest of a heavy growth of white and pitch-pine, oak, 
maple, walnut and other species, which was long 
since cleared away. 

Some of the early settlers were engaged for many 
years in collecting turpentine, by " boxing " the large 
pines, which, after being put into barrels, was floated 
down the river and shipped to England. 

The moose, deer, wolf, beaver, otter, mink, musk- 
rat, squirrel, wild turkey, partridge and other wild 
animals were found here, and salmon, shad, alewives 
and lamprey eels were abundant in the Merrimack. 

" Deer- Keepers " were elected as late as 1784, and 
bounties of six pounds each, for killing wolves, were 
paid in 1752. 

The last moose known to have been in town was 
killed by Asa Davis, Esq., in Moose Swamp, at the 
east end of Hill's meadow, some time, probably, about 
the beginning of the present century, although the 
exact date is unknown. One of the horns of this 
animal is still preserved by the descendants of Mr. 
Davis. 

Barrett's Hill, in the northeast part of the town, 
is the highest elevation, being about five hundred feet 
above the sea-level. Three ponds are within the limits 
of the town. 

Little Massabesic, in the northeast part, and until 
1778 in Londonderry, covers a surface of about one 
hundred acres and empties into Beaver Brook. 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



» Itternick — more commonly called " Tarnic " — lies 
about one mile east of the Merrimack, contains thirty- 
eight acres and empties into the river by Otternick 
Brook, about eighty rods below Taylor's Falls bridge. 

Several mills have been built upon this stream at 
various times, from its outlet at the pond to near the 
.Merrimack. 

The first saw-mill erected in town is said to have 
been located at the outlet of Otternick Pond as early 
as 1710. There is now on this stream a saw and grist- 
mill and a file-shop. The name was derived from an 
Indian name, variously given in the ancient records 
as Wattannick, Wataanuck, Watananock, Watana- 
nuck, Watannack, etc. 

Musquash is a small pond in the south part of the 
town, out of which Hows a stream of the same name, 
which empties into the river below the State line in 
Tyngsborough, Mass. This stream has furnished 
power for a saw andgrist-mill from the time of the early 
settlements to the present. 

The water-power in this town is very limited, and 
no extensive manufacturing interests have ever been 
located within its borders; consequently the inhabit- 
ants of Hudson have always been, and are still, 
principally engaged in the pursuit of agriculture. 
It is essentially an agricultural town, and while, 
perhaps, it would not lie classed among the lust in 
the county, it is as good or better than the average. 

The city of Nashua furnishes a very convenienl 
market for much of the surplus products of the town, 
while Lowell, Mass., with a population of more than 
sixty thousand, is but about live miles distant from 
its southern boundary. 

The grant of the old township of Dunstable by the 
Genera] Court of Massachusetts, October 16 (Old 
Style), 177:'.. included all of Hudson. 

Londonderry was settled by Presbyterians of 
Scotch origin, from Ireland, in April, 1719. A tract 
of land not to exceed ten miles square was conveyed 
to them by a deed dated October 20, 1719, from John 
Wheelwright, grandson of the original claimant of 
the same name under the famous " Wheelwright 
Deed." The General Court of New Hampshire incor- 
porated the town of Londonderry, July 21, 1722. The 
boundaries of the town, as described in this charter, 
brought the southwest angle of Londonderry within 
less than two miles of Merrimack River, at a point 
about northeast from Taylor's Falls bridge, and 
from there the line ran due north by the needle 
eleven and one-half miles. 

This covered nearly ten thousand acres within the 
lines of Dunstable as granted by Massachusetts forty- 
nine years before, and about four thousand six hun- 
dred acres of this land are within the present limits of 
Hudson. 

Some controversy followed between the proprietors 
of Dunstable and Londonderry in relation to the 
ownership of the land included in both towns, and 
long known as " Londonderry Claim." 



This controversy did not reach a final settlement 
until the province line between Massachusetts and 
New Hampshire was finally established, in 1741, 
when— as these lands all fell within the limits of 
New Hampshire — the original boundaries of Lon- 
donderry were recognized and sustained by the Gen- 
eral Court of that province. 

The first and only grant of land within the present 
limits of this town, made prior to the incorporation 
of Dunstable— so far as I have been able to learn— 
was five hundred acres laid out to Joseph Hills, of 
Maiden, and surveyed by Jonathan Danforth in 1661. 

This survey was not acceptable to the court by rea- 
son of its being " in three places, and so much length 
on the river." 

This grant was made, as stated by Mr. Hills, in his 
request lor a second survey, " on a double considera- 
tion, for £33 6s. Sd., laid down in England, and for 
services to the country." 

A second survey was ordered by the General Court, 
and a return made, of which the following is a copy : 

v i ordinf to tin ler of the General Court, tin- 14th Daj • >! the itl, 

month, 1662, There is added tmto the farm of Mr. Joseph Hill, of Mai- 
den, One hundred Arres of Ian. I joining tu the former Parcel, Back- 
ward from the Kiver : thence the Huttings and Boundinga of his farm 



"I.aye.l out to 


Mi. Joseph Hills, of Maiden, oiH'aei .-s ol Land in tin- 


Wilderness, On il 


. Easterd Side ol Uerri 


nack River. 


■on,/ Pars. 1 ..I 


i 


i Acres, Joiuetb to Said Rivei 


Beginning at W; 




gainst the Island which Lyetb 


al Hi.- i Hi -I & 


uhuaySii 1;: 


up Merrimack 450 Poles by the 


Rivei in. n, i B 


r : : :']<;;: >\:\ 


tard mi The Bast 148 Poles, cut- 
it on the North, near M-.ni- 
-t 106 Poles unto a Pine Tree 
to Merrimack is 106 poles, all 


of which is Sufri 


iently Bounded by Ma 


feed Trees, the form <<( which 


DoesBettei Appeal bj a Plat Taken oi tl 


■ Sann 


\1 te Other Pan el of the same, ah 


ut50 Acre* of Meadow, Lyetli 


South East of tin 


former Parcel, about 2 


Miles Distant from it, Lying 


under the North East end of a great In] 


nil 1 !'i- overy hill. Also 


Bounded by othe 


-Pat hill.- mm lh.' \ 


ith West and North Eas1 , A 


Brook Running t 


i rough the Sanir. 




"Also there is 


VlluthlT Mr.ul"\V mlilfil 


into this Parcel. 



"Jonathan DaNFORTH. 
•'Surveyor." 

The first tract of this land, containing four hundred 
and fifty acres, commenced on the river about sixty 
rods above Taylor's Falls bridge, and extended up 
the river to the little brook on the farm now owned 
by Tyler Thomas, and included the best intervale 
lands in town. 

The second tract, of fifty acres, was in the large 
meadow known as " Hills' Meadow," and the last 
tract was on the brook east of Otternick Pond. 

This Joseph Hills was from .Maiden, Essex « 'otinty, 
England ; was in Charlestown, Mass., in 1638; removed 
to Maiden, where he was freeman in 1645 ; was Rep- 
resentative for Maiden 1647, 1650-56, and Speaker 
of the House in the earliest year. 

He was a lawyer, leader of the militia of the town 
and a man of much note; his descendants in this 
town at the present time, under different names, may 
be numbered by hundreds. 



HUDSON. 



459 



He was married four times, ami died in Newbury 
February 5, 1688, in the eighty-sixth year of his age. 

In his very lengthy and explicit will, dated Sep- 
tember, 1687, lie disposed of his "farm" in Dunstable 
in the following manner: 

To his daughter Hannah, the wife of Abial Long. 
he gave ninety acres of upland at the south end and 
ten acres of meadow. 

To his son Wait he gave forty-live acres of upland, 
next to that he gave to Hannah, and live aires of 
meadow, with the little island at the mouth of the 
Nashua River, and his six-aere piece of meadow. 

To his grandchildren, Hannah and Elizabeth 
Blanchard, he gave forty-five acres of upland and five 
acres of meadow ground, next to that he gave to 
Wait. 

To his son Gershom he gave a like quantity of 
upland and meadow, next to said Blanchard's. 

To Hannah Vinton and Samuel Greene, his grand- 
children, he gave each forty-five acres of upland and 
five acres of meadow, next to that he gave his son 
i rershom. 

To his granddaughter, Elizabeth, daughter of Ger- 
shom, he gave forty-six acres of upland ami live acres 
of meadow, next to that given to Vinton and Greene. 

All the remainder of his farm in Dunstable, both 
upland and meadow, he gave to his son Samuel. 

This Samuel Hills, son of Joseph by his second 
wife, and father of the first settlers of this town, was 
born in Maiden July, 1652; married, May 20, 1679, 
Abigail, daughter of David Wheeler, and had chil- 
dren in Newbury, — Samuel, born February 16, 1680; 
Joseph, July 21,1681 ; Nathaniel, February 9, 1683; 
Benjamin, October 16, 1684; Abigail, September 2, 
L686, died young; Henry, April 23, 1688; William. 
October 8, 1689; Josiab, July 27, 1691; John, 
September 20, 16°3; Abigail, June 27,1695; James 
and Hannah, twins, February 25, 1697 ; and Daniel, 
December 8, 1700. 

Three of these sons, according to tradition, were 
the first settlers in what is now Hudson, but from the 
records two only can be traced, — Nathaniel and 
Henry. They built a garrison and settled on the 
north part of the "Joseph Hills' farm," willed 
to their father, Samuel. This was known as the 
"Nathaniel Hills' Garrison," and for nearly twenty 
years it was the extreme northerly outpost, it being 
an unbroken wilderness between here and the Canada 
settlements. The exact date of this settlement is not 
certain, but the best evidence now to be obtained 
places it in 1710, which cannot be very far from 
correct, 

The garrison stood about twenty-five rods east of 
the Litchfield road, on the farm now owned by 
( flifton M. Hills, oneof the descendants, about twenty 
rods east of the house, where a depression in the 
ground records the location of the first settlement in 
Hudson. 

The original farm, as willed to Samuel Hills, con- 



tained about eighty-nine acres, and included the- north 
part of the Pierce farm, the C. M. Hills farm and 
the south part of the Tyler Thomas farm, to near t lie 
mouth of tin- little brook at the river 

Nathaniel Hills also bought of Jonathan Tyng 
nine hundred acres of land between the north end of 
the Joseph Hills farm and the Brenton farm, on the 
north, which extended east from the river more than 
two miles. 

This included "Hills' Row," and this last tract 
was all in Litchfield -as incorporated in 1734, unless, 
as seems probable, the east end extended into Lon- 
donderry—until Nottingham West was incorporated 
by the General Court of New Hampshire, July 5, 174(1. 
These lands have always been known as "Hills' 
Farms." 

Captain John Lovewell and his party spent the 
first night at "Hills' Garrison" when on their march 
to Pequawket. 

Nathaniel was the only one of the brothers mar- 
ried for several years after they settled in the garri- 
son, and bis wife, Sarah, was the only white female 
resilient. 

Traditions have been handed down showing the 
heroism and bravery of this woman, and that once, at 
least, in the absence of all the men, the garrison was 
saved from falling into the hands of a party of hostile 
Indians by her fearless courage and stratagem. 

She lived to a greal age, and died in 1786, aged one 
hundred and two years. 

Nathaniel Hills died April 12, 1 748, aged sixty-five. 
Henry Hills died August 20, 17o7, aged sixty-nine. 

Another brother, James Hills, removed from New- 
bury to this town in 1737, and from these three 
brothers — all of whom left children — the numerous 
family of Hills of this town have descended. 

Two other garrisons were built at or before the 
time of LovewelPs war,— Joseph Blodgett's and John 
Taylor's. 

The Blodgett garrison was located about two and 
one-half miles below the mouth of the Nashua River, 
some distance west of the present River road, on the 
farm now owned by Philip J. Connell, which is a 
part of the original Blodgett farm. 

We have it from tradition that the first white male 
child born in town, was a son of Joseph Blodgett. 

Joseph Blodgett was one of the first settlers, if not 
the first, after the Hills. 

We find recorded upon the old Dunstable records 
the following births: Joseph Blodgett, born February 
9, 1719 ; Ebenezer, January .",, 1721 ; Rebecca, Feb- 
ruary ", I 728 ; Jonathan, December ■'>, 1730. And on 
the Nottingham records: James Blodgett, bom Feb- 
ruary 17, 1734,— all children id' Joseph and Dorothj 
Blodgett. 

Joseph Blodgett died December 3, 1761, in the 
seventy-fourth year of his age, and his widow, Doro- 
thy, died March 6, 1778, in the eighty-fourth year of 
her age. 



lilt) 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



The descendants of Joseph Blodgett are •mnierous 
in this town. 

The John Taylor garrison was on that part of the 
Joseph Hills farm willed to Gershom Hills, now 
owned by Charles W. Spalding, and was located j 
between the present Litchfield and Derry roads. 

The exact spot where it stood is still known, and 
pieces of timber which entered into its construction 
are preserved by Mr. Spalding. 

But little is known of this John Taylor, and none 
of his descendants arc supposed to he residents of this 
town at the present time. 

His name docs not appear upon the town records 
later than 1742. 

It is recorded in the Dunstable records that Eliza- 
beth Taylor, daughter of John and Sarah Taylor, was 
born December 10, 1710, ami that they had a son born 
January 10, 1720. 

It has been thought that the tails in the Merrimack, 
about eighty rods I., 'low Taylor's Falls I. ridge,— now 
covered by the tlowage from the dam at Lowell. — 
derived the name from this John Taylor. 

Another, the Fletcher garrison, was located in 
wdiat was the town of Nottingham, a short distance 
south of the State line, now Tyngsborough, .Mass. 



CHAPTER I I. 
HUDSON"— I Continued). 

The Charter of Nottingham — Firsl Town-Meeting and Town Officers- 
Short Biographical Sketches— The First Med nj lion-... Mill- I'.nm- 
Meeting-House— Incorporation of Liti tvfield — Boundaries — Settlement 
of Rev. Nathaniel Merrill. 

Ix 1731 the inhabitants residing on the east side of 
the Merrimack petitioned the town of Dunstable to 
be set off from that town as a separate township, and 
by a vote of the town of Dunstable, March 2, 1732, the 
petition was granted, to take effect " when the < rene- 
ral Court shall judge them capable." 

Leave was obtained from the Assembly of Massa- 
chusetts, and the new township was incorporated Jan- 
uary 4. 1733, under the name of Nottingham. 

The township of Nottingham, by the terms of this 
charter, included "all the lands on the easterly side 
of the river Merrimack belonging to the town of Dun- 
stable," and extended from Dracut line, up the Mer- 
rimack, about seventeen miles, and included Litch- 
field, about one-third of Pelham, nearly all that 
part of Tyngsborough on the east side of the Merri- 
mack and all the present town of Hudson, excepting 
that which was included in the " Londonderry Claim," 
already mentioned. 

The charter required " that the inhabitants of said 
town of Nottingham arc hereby enjoined and required, 
within the space of three years from the publication 
of this act, to procure a learned orthodox minister, 
of good conversation, and mate provision for his com- 
fortable aud honourable support." 



If, by the conditions of the charter, it was under- 
stood that the town was enjoined to settle a minister 
within three years, those conditions were not strictly 

complied with. 

But Rev. Sampson Stoddard was employed to 
preach soon after the charter was granted, for which 
services he was paid, March 18, 1734, £35 I 11 *<< 
and he received nearly as much more during the same 

year. 

An oriler from the General Court of Massachusetts, 

dated April 4, 1733, directed to ''Mr. Robert Fletcher, 
one of the principal inhabitants of Nottingham," au- 
thorized him to "assemble and convene the Inhabit- 
ants of said Town, to choose Town officers to stand 
until the annual meeting in March next." A war- 
rant was accordingly issued by Mr. Fletcher, and the 
first town-meeting was called to meet at the house of 
Ensign John Snow on the 1st day of May. 1733, ai 
ten o'clock, A. M. 

The following is a full list of officers elected at this 
meeting : 

Captain llol.ert Fletcher, I leratol ; Henry Baldwin, town clerk: 

Henry Baldwin, Captain Robert Fletcher, John Taylor, Joseph Snow. 
John Butler, selectmen ; Joseph Haiul. lei, eonstahle ; Nathaniel Hills, 
tithingman ; Joseph Perham, Joseph Winn, Eleazer Cummin^-. -nr\.v- 
... II .- ...ll.nrn. Jonathan Perham, tiel.l-.triv.'rs ; Pliineas Spald- 
ing, John Hamhlet, hog-reeves. 

The first tax-list, for 1733, was composed of the 

following names: 

Captain Robert Fletcher, Ezekiel Fletcher, Daniel Fletchei Joseph 
Perham, Jonathan Perham, Jeremiah Colhurn, Zaccheus Spalding, 
Deacon Joseph Perham, James Perham, Captain Joseph Butter- 
tiel.t, Hugh Richardson, Samuel ll,.nl.l, Ensign John Snow. Pliineas 
h;.i- 1...V.-W.11, Thomas 1'ollar.l, Eleazer Inmlnings. 
William Cummings, Eleazer Cninmings, Jr., Ebenezer Spalding, 
Nathaniel Hills, Ephraim Cniimnnus .i.™-].h Snow, Thomas Ool 
burn, Joseph Blodgett, Nathan Cross, John Tax I.... Jab. i Davis, Henrj 

IH11-, I .h..n.l sp.i|.,in ■■. 1',. n.iaiuiu Vlaln-, A.jmlla I uderwood, Samuel, 
,,..- Wartels, Captain II..I..U Richardson, El.cn./.i 

Wright, Edward Lingfleld, John , John Butler, John Butler, 

Jr.. Samuel Butler, Joseph Hiinihh-t, Jr., .lo-iali Winn, Henry Baldwin, 

gs, Joseph Wright, James Walker, Joseph Kamblet, 

Joseph Winn, John Hamhlet, Jonas Proctor, lleii.iainiii Ila-.-l, William 
ll.H v. i. Samuel Murdough, Robert Walker. 

This list contains fifty-five names, of which the first 
twelve all lived in that part of the town which is now 
in Tyngsborough, eight, beginning with Benjamin 
Adams, in wdiat is now Litchfield, and the seventeen 
last, commencing with the name of John Butler, were 
all, or nearly all, residents in what is now Pelham. 

Thus it seems that the tax-payers then residents 
within the present limits of Hudson numbered only 
about eighteen. 

Joseph Winn soon after settled near the river. 

Space will not admit of giving any lengthy account 
of these early pioneer settlers ; yet, as their descendants 
comprise a very large percentage of the present 
population of Hudson, a brief sketch may prove of 
interest to many of the inhabitants of the town. 

Thomas Colburn was son of Thomas and Mary 
Colburn, of Dunstable, born April 28, 1702. 

Samuel Sewell, of Boston, conveyed to him, April 



lnnsuN. 



21, 1726, three pieces of land on the east side of Mer- 
rimack River, containing in all seven hundred acres. 
The first tract described contained about two hun- 
dred acres, bounding on the river, about three miles 
below the bridge; it was the one on which he settled, 
and a large part of it is yet owned by his descendants. 



■('apt. 



Oolburn died Aug. 30, 1 Tiio, in the 64th ; 



"Thomas Colburu, Jr., sonofCapt. Thomas Colburn and Mary, his 
wife, died Aug. 30, 1765, in Ins 4th year. 

•■ H...tli killed l.\ lightning." 

Children of Thomas and Mary Colburn,— Thomas, 
born November 12, 1761; Isaac, January 25, 1763; 
Zaccheus, February 1(5, 1765. 

Thomas Pollard also settled upon a farm bordering 
on the river, about one-half mile above the Colburn 
place. 

He was son of Thomas and Sarah Pollard, of Bil- 
lerica, who had ten sons and five daughters. 

Children of Thomas and Mary Pollard, — John, 
horn September 20, 1727; Ebenezer, December 4, 
1728, was at the battle of Bennington; Thomas, Sep- 
tember 17, 1732, died [September 7, 1756; Dorcas, 
January 12, 1735, died young; Amos, March 2, 1737; 
Rachel March 26, 1739; Mary, June 10, 1741, died 
young; Samuel, duly 10, 174:'.; Timothy, August 24, 
1745, a soldier in the Revolution. 
Thomas Pollard died July 23, 1769. 
Joseph and John Snow lived at the south part of 
the town, and, as is supposed, about two miles from 
the river. 

Joseph Snow was chosen constable for the east side 
of the river March 2, 1724. (Dunstable records). 

John Snow was the first town treasurer, and died 
March 21, 1735. 

Joseph Winn was from Woburn, and a descendant 
of Edward Winn, an early settler of that town. 

He bought land on the river upon which he settled 
between the farm of Thomas Colburn and that of 
Thomas Pollard. 

A part of the original farm is now owned by Paul 
T. Winn, one of his descendants. 

He had several children, and died August 25, 1781, 
in the eighty-fourth year of his age. 

His wife, Elizabeth, died September 17, 1778, aged 
seventy-three years. His descendants are numerous. 
Nathan Cross and Thomas Blanchard were taken 
prisoners by a party of Mohawk Indians wdien em- 
ployed in getting turpentine north of the Nashua 
River, and about three-fourths of a mile west of the 
Merrimack, September 4, 1724. 

They were taken to Canada, where they remained 
in captivity several months, when they effected their 
release and returned home through the wilderness in 
the spring of 172-i. 

After his return Cross found his musket in a hollow- 
log, where he had placed it with his dinner on the 
day of his capture. 

This musket has been preserved by the family, and 



not long since was presented by one of the descend- 
ants to the Nashua Historical Society. 

Mr. Cross had but a short time before come to this 
country. 

April 22, 1724, Joseph I'.utterfield conveyed to him 
forty-five acres of land on the east side of Merrimack 
River, two pieces of meadow and the little island at 
the mouth of Nashua River, it being the same land 
willed by Joseph Hills to his son Wait. 

Soon after his return from Camilla he built a house 
and settled upon this farm. 

The children of Nathan ami Sarah Cross, as found 
recorded, were Peter, born September 28, 1729; 
Sarah, June 26, 1731; ami John, son of Nathan and 
Mary Cross, bom October 9, 1735. He died Septem- 
ber 8, 1766. 

This family became numerous in this and the ad- 
joining towns. 

The names of Eleazer Cummings, Eleazer, Jr., 
William, Ephraim and Thomas appear in the list. 

They were all descendants of John Cummings, Sr . 
of Dunstable, who was son of Isaac Cummings, an 
early settler from Scotland, in Topsfield, Mass. 

John Cummings was one of the proprietors of Dun- 
stable, was elected one of the selectmen April 7, 1680, 
.and was one of the founders of the church in the same 
year. He was one of the selectmen and town clerk 
for many years. 

He married Sarah Howlet, and had children, — 
.Iolm,2iatihjiiiiel, Sarah, Thomas (born 1(35;)), Abra- 
ham, Isaac and Ebenezer. 

William Cummings w as son of Johu Cummings, Jr., 
horn April 24,1702; married Sarah, daughtei of Wil- 
liam Harwood. 

He settled on that part of the Joseph Hills farm 
willed to Hannah and Elizabeth Blanchard, next 
north of the Cross farm. 

His children were Sarah, born November 10, 1728; 
Ebenezer, January 29,1730; John Harwood, April 
24, 1733 ; and Dorcas, December 18, 1737. 

He was a deacon of the church, and died Septembei 
'J, 1758. 

Ephraim and Thomas Cummings were brothers, and 
sons of Thomas Cummings. 

Thomas did not long remain in town. 
Ephraim Cummings was born March 10, 1706, and 
married Elizabeth Butler. 

He lived on the Pelham road, on the south side of 
"Bush Hill." 

His children. —Peter, born December 8, 1733 ; Sarah, 
Maid, 12,1736; David, May 20,1738; Elizabeth, 
October 26, 1740 : Ephraim, April 9,1743; Hannah, 
April 2!', 174". ; and Priscilla, July 7, 1747. 

Eleazer Cummings, Jr., as he is recorded, was the 
son of Abraham Cummings, born in Woburn April 
9, 1704; married Rachel Proctor. 

He lived on the south part of the ninety acres i if tin- 
Joseph Hills farm, willed to Hannah Vinton and 
Samuel Green. 



4t>2 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



The house in which he lived was at the foot of the 
hill, east of the causeway, on the farm dow owned by 
Josiah K. Wheeler. 

He had two children, — Eleazer, born December 15, 
1730, and Abraham, .Tune 1. 1734. 

He died in 1735, and it seems that his wife died 
before, and that he married a second time, as the name 
of his widow was Mary. 

Eleazer Cummings was a son of Nathaniel and 
Elizabeth Cummings, born October 19, 1701, and from 
him all now living in this town by the name of Cum- 
mings have descended. 

By deed dated August 1,1728, Benjamin Long and 
Hannah Rogers conveyed to him all that part of the 
Joseph Hills farm willed to their mother, Hannah 
Long, containing ninety acres, at the south end, below 
the Cross farm, anil extending to within about sixty 
rods of Taylor's Falls bridge. 

He soon after erected a two-story frame house, in 
which he lived. 

He married. July 28, 1734, Mary Yarnum, of Dracut. 

About that time be established a ferry across the 
Merrimack, and opened a tavern. 

It was said by his son Eleazer, who died December 
I. 1843, that this was the first tavern in town, and the 
first regular ferry between this town anil Dunstable. 

His wife died September 17, 1759, aged fifty-three 
years. He married again. July 12, 1764,Phebe Rich- 
ardson, of Litchfield. Their children,— Eli 
June 16, 176">, and Phebe, July 8, 1768. 

He died December 8, 1780, and his wife died De- 
cember 7, 1788. 

The Spaldings were descendants of Edward Spal- 
ding, of Chelmsford. 

Zaccheus, who lived south of the State line, and 
Phineas were brothers, and nephews of Ebenezer. 

Phineas probably lived in the north part of the 
town. 

Ebenezer, who was the ancestor of all the Spal- 
dings now residents in town, and Edward, his son, 
lived upon that part of the Joseph Hills farm willed 
to Elizabeth, daughter of Gershom Hills, containing 
forty-six acres, and it seems by deeds that he owned 
another piece north of it, or all of what is known as 
the " Pierce farm." 

He was ason of Edward Spalding, and born in 
Chelmsford January 13, 1783. 

He married Anna and had children, — Edward, 

b,,rn March 8,1708; Bridget. December 25, 1709; 
Experience. March 22. 1711 ; Reuben, March 27, 1715 
(died young) ; Stephen, May 28, 1717 ; Sarah, Novem- 
ber 27. 1719; Esther, February 22. 1722; Mary, May 
4. 1724; Reuben, July 26, 1728 ; and Anna, November 
30, 17"4. The majority of these children were born 
in Chelmsford. 

Zaccheus Lovewell was a brother of Captain John 
Lovewell, and lived near tlie river, a little north of the 
State line, until 1747, when he removed to Dunstable 
(now Nashua.) 



Jabez Davis was a Quaker, and is supposed to have 
li\cd on that part of the Joseph Hills farm next north 
of that owned by Eleazer Cummings, Jr. 

Within a tew years after the town was incorporated 
other families settled here by the names of Greeley 
and Marsh, from Haverhill ; Merrill, from Newbury; 
Wason, Caldwell, Chase, Hale, Hardy, Burbank, 
Burns, Hamblet, Page, Frost. Barrett, Kcnney, Rob- 
inson, Seniles, Burroughs, Carkin, Nevens, Houston 
and others, many of whose descendants are now resi- 
dents. 

Very soon after the town was organized, as was 
common with other new towns, the question of build- 
ing a meeting-house engrossed the minds of the in- 
habitants ; but a serious difference of opinion existed 
in respect to a location. September 11, 1733, the town 
instructed the selectmen " to measure from the lower 
end of the town, so up the river as far as Natticook 
line, ami soarround the town ; and also to find the 
centre of the land." 

No\ ember 5th, " Voted, that the meeting-house -hall 
stand the east side of Littlehale's meadow, at a heap 
of stones at the root of a pine tree." 

At a town-meeting December 26th, the last vote 
was reconsidered, and a location farther north was se- 
lected, and it was " Voted, to build a meeting-house 
forty feet long and thirty-five feet wide and twenty 

tret between joints." 

A committee of five was chosen to "set up the 
frame," and it was " Voted, that the meeting-house 
shall be raised by the first day of May next." 

[t was also voted at this meeting to raise forty 
pounds to pay for the frame. 

March G. 1734, the town voted to raise one hundred 
pounds to hire preaching, and titty pounds more to 
finish the meeting-house. " Voted, to board, clap- 
board, shingle and lay the lower floor," and a com- 
mittee was chosen to finish the meeting-house, with 
instructions to "accomplish the same by the last day 
of September." 

The location was again changed at the same meet- 
ing. 

May 27th, "Voted, to reconsider the former vote lo- 
cating the meeting-house, and voted to build a meet- 
ing-house on land of Thomas Colburn, at a heap of 
stones this day laid up, not far from said Colburn's 
southerly dam." " Also voted to raise the same on 
the first day of June next." 

This last was the final location, and it appears that 
the eon mi it tees carried out their instructions, as a town- 
meeting was held in the meeting-house October 3, 
1734. 

All the town-meetings prior to that date,— nine iu 
number,— with one exception, were held at the house 
of Ensign John Snow, one at the house of Ephraim 
Cummings. This was the first meeting-house in town, 
the exact location of which is not known, but it 
stood on the east side of the road, as then traveled, 
north of Musquash Brook, and is said to have been a 



463 



little north of the Nathaniel Merrill house, which oc- 
cupied the same spot upon which Benjamin Fuller's 
house now stands; but tradition aside, it would look 
more probable that it stood between the Merrill house 
and the brook. 

Tradition has long pointed to the Hills Farms 
meeting-house, that stood on the east side of the Deny 
road, some distance south of Alden Hills' house, as 
having been built at an earlier date. 

The following extracts from a petition to theGeneral 
Court, in 1742, signed by John Taylor and fourteen 
other inhabitants of the north part of Nottingham, 
and Nathaniel Hills and sixteen other inhabitants of 
the south part of Litchfield, proves the tradition to 
be erroneous. 

The petition represents — 

" That your petitioners, after a meeting-house was built in Nottingham, 

ami before any was built in Litchfield, everted a -ting-house for the 

public worship .it < ;.■■]. where both we and our families might attend 



onsiderable 

vorship of God among us at c 



,n,l „ince that another meeting-house lias I 
set up in Litchfield. . . . 

"And your petitioners have for s 
and supported the public 
charge. . . . 

" Your petitioners therefore do humbly pray that we may be erected 
intoa township, there being a sufficient tract of land in the Northwest- 
erly part of Nottingham and the Southerlj part of Litchfield to make a 

r pact Town, will i any prejudice to the towns „t Nottingham or 

Lit. 1, field. ..." 

Litchfield, which had been known as Natticook, or 
Brenton's Farm, was incorporated by the General 
Court of Massachusetts July 4, 1734. 

Under this charter the town of Litchfield was 

bounded, — 

'■Beginning at Merrimack Liver, half a mile south of where Nat- 
ticook south line crosseth said river, run ion- from then, e west t.i, miles 
and a half, then turning and running northerly the general course of 

Merrimack River to Sow! g (Souhegan) River, making it a straight 

line, then running by Sowbeeg (Souhegan). Eivor to Merrimack River 
again two miles and a half. 

'•Also, that the bounds dividing between N'alti k and Nottingham 

begin at the 1 






gallery doors, build stairs to the galleries and a gal- 
lery rail. 

July 6, 1737, " Voted and made choice of Mr. 
Nathaniel Merrill for their gospel minister to settle 
in Nottingham, and voted him £200 settlement in 
case he accepts the call, and those Captain Robert 
Fletcher, Ensign Joseph Snow, John Butler and 
Henry Baldwin to find his terms how he will settle." 

September 19th, the town voted to give Mr. Merrill, 
in case In- should accept the call, two hundred and 
fifty pounds, bills of credit, old tenor, as a gift, and 
to give him one hundred and twenty pounds, annu- 
ally, in bills of credit, silver money twenty shillings 
to the ounce, an addition of ten pounds annually to 
be added after five years from settlement, and an ad- 
dition of ten pounds more annually after ten years 
from settlement, and to give him a sufficient supply 
of litvw 1 brought to his door annually. 

The call was accepted, and the Rev. Nathaniel 
Merrill was ordained November 30, 1737, and a Con- 
gregational Church was founded the same day. 

He was the son of Abel Merrill, of West Newbury; 
born March 1, 1712, and graduated at Harvard Col- 
lege in 17:12. 

lb bought land of Thomas Colburn for a farm. 
built a house near the meeting-house, where he re- 
sided until his death, in 1796. 

In front of the house an aged elm is now standing, 
which is said to have been planted by Rev. Mr. 
Merrill. 

li.- had nine children, all born in this town. 

Children of Rev. Nathaniel and Elizabeth Merrill — 
Nathaniel, bom September 25, 1739; Betsey, Septem- 
ber 6, 1741; Mary, August 28, 174::, died young; 
John, October 26, 1745; Abel, December 2:!, 1747; 
Dorothy, February 10, 1749; Olive, December 1, L751, 
married Isaac Merrill, February 25, 177'.'; Sarah, Oc- 



of Nathaniel Hills' lands on 
Merrimack Liver, so extending east l.v his south line to the south east 
corner; so on ea.st to Nottingham east line ; north two degrees east, about 

half .. mile, to a pine tie,- u it 1 1 -ton.- about it. -tin.liii" within sight of 
Beaver brook, marked with the letter F: from theme North North west 

by a line of marked trees, lettered with F, al t six miles to Merrimack 

River, near Natticook corner ; Southerly by the Liver Merrimack to the 
mouth ..f the Sou! - s...ili..-,iiii Li\.-r, b.-loie iicnti 

Litchfield, as then bounded, extended south at Mer- 
rimack River nearly a mile farther than tit present, 
and about one-half mile south of the Brenton line, 
and included the nine hundred acres of land Nathaniel 
Hills bought of Jonathan Tyng, leaving all. or nearly 
all, of the Joseph Hills farm in Nottingham. 

The Hills Farms meeting-house, built soon after, 
was in Litchfield, near its southern border, as the 
town was then bounded, and so were all the houses 
and farms in Hills Row, which farms were parts of 
the Nathaniel Hills "Tyng" land 

December 3, 17o-">, the town voted to build a pulpit 
and a body of scats, leaving room in the middle of the 
meeting-house up to the pulpit, and leaving room 
around the outside to build pews, and also to lay the 



CHAPTER III. 

HUDSON— {Continued). 

Settle nt of the Province Lim Chartei ii Nottingham West- Bom 

daries— Second Sieetii H Sort! Hi n 3om i: ■ i i I I 

-io I.- Petit! - i thCumn Bounty. " ilTe — Higli- 

ti ii i co ■ - Mi Herri!] - Salarj Pn Ay* rians— Si ttli rt with 

Lev. Mr. Merrill. 

The province lim- between New Hampshire and 
Massachusetts, about which there had been a long 
and bitter controversy, was settled and established in 
1741. 

The new line divided the town of Nottingham, 
leaving about four thousand acres of the south part in 
Massachusetts and the balance in New Hampshire. 
The meeting-house was within less than two miles of 
the province line; the inhabitants were dissatisfied and 
•' Voted to send a petition to England to be annexed 
|o Ma--achu-ctts Hay." 



464 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



The petition did nol Bucceed, and Nottingham. 
north of the line, remained a district about five years, 
subject to the jurisdiction and laws of New Hamp- 
shire. 

March 10, 1746, at a district meeting, it was voted, 
by a rote of thirty-two yeas to twenty-one nays, to be 
incorporated into a " Distinct Town," and "Thomas 
Oage, Ephraim Cummings and John Butler were 
chosen a committee to treat with the Courts Commit- 
tee." 

A charter was granted by the General Court of New 
Hampshire, .Inly 0, 1746, and the name of the town 
was changed to Nottingham West, then beingalready 
a Nottingham in the east part of the State. 

Under this charter the town was bounded, — 

" Beginning at the River Merrimack, on the east side llioeol, wlim- 
the line that parts the I'mviiio. ..t Ma.-sachusetts Kay ami Xew Hamp- 
shire crosses the sai.J river, and runs from sad 101 
south, hy the needle, two miles ami eighty rods : then nortli, twenty de- 
-i.,seast. foe miles -Hid eighty rods to Londonderry south side line, 
then hy Londonderry line uc-t northwest to the southwc-i nun.i ..t 

Londonderry township : then math on Lund Icrrywest side line one 

nil. -i, ! , i .hi v i,. -is ; tli eii we-l t ■ > tic needle to yi.-inmai k River : then 
on said River southerly to the j.l li.-_.ni .it." 

The charter contained the following reservation : 

" Always reserving to us. our loirs and sueressors, all white pine trees 
growing and heing, or that shall hereafter grow and lie on the said tract 

of land, tor the use of oui Royal Sat v 

These boundaries excluded all of that part of Pel- 
ham — nearly one-third — formerly included in the dis- 
trict of Nottingham, with about twenty families by 
the names of Butler, Hamblet, Baldwin, < rage, < ribson, 
Nevens, Douglass, Richardson and Spalding, and in- 
cluded a part of the south part of Litchfield, as before 
bounded, about one mile wide on the Merrimack, but 
less at the east end, with Nathaniel Hills, William 
Taylor, Henry Hills. Joseph Pollard, James Hills. 
Ezekiel Hills, John Marsh. Jr.. Thomas Marsh, Henry 
Hills, Jr., Samuel Hills, Nathaniel Hills, Jr., and 
some other inhabitants. 

In apetition to the Governor and Council, by Nathan 
Kendall, in behalf of the inhabitants of Litchfield. 
August 22, 1746, it is represented, — 

'•That hy -nine in istak misrepresentation, the hound. -ion n 

said charter are different from what the intention was, n tin v \. , 

for part of that which was called Litchfield on llm , .,-1, i I i ,,i. ,1 -,1.1 
river is, in fact, taken into Nottingham and incorporated a- parcel ,,t that 
town, and what is left of Litchfield is much to., .mall for a town and 
ali't possihlv snhsisl as such, and there is no place to which it can he 
joined, nor from which anything can !>■■ taken to ml. I to it " 

The first town-meeting under the new charter, 
called by Zaccheus Lovewell, was held tit the house 
of Samuel Greeley, July 17, 1740, at which Zaccheus 
Lovewell was elected moderator, Samuel < .reeley town 
clerk, George Burns treasurer, and Samuel Greeley, 
Zaccheus Lovewell and Eleazer Cummings select- 
men. 

August 20th. " V'lteil to move the preaching to Mr. 
Benjamin Whittemore's house." 

October 20, 1740. a committee was chosen to find 
the "centre up and down of the town;" and at an 



adjourned meeting, November 20th, the "committee's 
report is, that the centre up and down of this town 
is on the northeasterly side of Mr. Benjamin Whitte- 
more's lot, and on the east side of the way that leads 
to Litchfield." 

"The town viewed the said place, and marked sev- 
eral pine-trees on said spot, and voted said place to 
erect a meeting-house on." 

It was also voted, at the same meeting, to "pull 
down the old meeting-house," and a committee was 
chosen to effect the same. Lite committee 'lid not 
" pull down the old meeting-house," as it appears 
Utter that no satisfactory arrangement could be made 
with those people of Pelham and Tyngsborough who 
helped build and owned pews in it. 

January 12, 1747, the town voted to build a meet- 
ing-house forty feet long and twenty-six feet wide. 
and a committee was chosen to effect the same. 

The meeting-house was not built by that commit- 
tee, and June 1, 174*. the town " Voted to purchase the 
upper meeting-house in said town, at a value of eighty 
pounds, old tenor ; " and a committee was chosen to 
"pull down and remove the said meeting-house, and 
to erect the -time at some suitable and convenient 
place, and to effect the same at or before the first day 
of July next." 

This was the Hills Farms meeting-house, before 
mentioned, and it appears that the committee soon 
ai'ter effected its removal, as the next town-meeting, 
August 31, 1 748, was held at the meeting-bouse, and 
it was " Voted to lay the lower floors, hang the doors, • 
underpin the frame, board up the upper windows, 
and to remove the seats out of the old meeting-house 
and place them in the new house, and put up some 
of the old glass windows, and to have a tier of pews 
built in the front of the meeting-house." 

October 20th a committee was chosen by the town 
"To pull up the floors in tile old meeting-house, and 
the breast-work, and take out the rails; and to put up 
stairs and put in slit-work ; lay the gallery floors, and 
bring the slit-work, old floors and breast-work to the 
place, and put up the breastwork ; all to be done this 
fall, and to allow horse-shelters to be built on the 
town's land, near the meeting-house." 

April 24, 1740, " Voted, to clapboard the meeting- 
house and put up the window-frames anil the old glass 
this year." 

July 7, 1751, " Voted, to have two seats made and 
set up around the front of the gallery, and to call in 
and put up the old glass so far as it will go." 

This house occupied nearly the same position where, 
forty years ago, stood the old school-house in Dis- 
trict No. 4, near the Joseph Blodgett place, in the 
margin of the old burying-ground and near where 
the gate now stands. 

It was the last meeting-house built by the town, 
and was occupied as a place of public worship until 
March, 1778, when the town voted to sell the "old 
meeting-house." and, February 1, 1779, " Voted, that 



HUDSON. 



the money that the old meeting-house sold for should 
be turned into the treasury by the committee who 
sold it," 

The record does not inform us to whom the meeting- 
house was sold, but it is reasonable to suppose that it 
was bought for Mr. Merrill by his society and t'riends, 
and removed to the south part of the town, as there 
was at about that time, and for many years alter, a 
meeting-house on the east side of the Back road, south 
of Musquash Brook, in which Mr. Merrill continued to 
preach until near the time of his death, in 17%. This 
house was called "Mr. Merrill's Meeting-house," and 
later, the "Gospel-Shop." 

It was located east of the mad, on the high 
ground nearly opposite the old burying-place, and 
was not — as has been supposed by soim — the first 
meeting-house, which, as has been mentioned in a 
former chapter, was on the north side of the brook, and 
about half a mile distant from the location of this one- 

And further, if we suppose an error possible as to 
the location of the old meeting-house — after the town, 
in 174S, had removed the seats, pulpit, deacon-seats' 
windows, floors, breast-work and rails, and put them 
into the new house, it was voted unanimously. January 
30, 1749. "To give the old meeting-house all that is 
remaining, excepting window-frames, casements and 
glass and pews— i.e., all their right and interest in 
and to the same, excepting what is before excepted ) 
as a present to the Rev. Mr. Merrill." 

Mr. Merrill preached in the second meeting-house 
for nearly thirty years after he was presented with 
the shell of the old one, and it would not be reason- 
able to suppose that he would preserve and keep the 
old house in repair for that time, when he had no 
use for it. 

The old North meeting-house, at the Centre, which 
stood until the present town-house was erected, in 
1857, was built by the Presbyterians, probably in 
1771, as a town-meeting held October 7th of that year, 
was called at the old meeting-house. 

The land upon which it stood was conveyed, Decem- 
ber 15, 1770, by Deacon Henry Hale, to Captain Abra- 
ham Page, David Peabody, Hugh Smith, Joseph 
Wilson and Asa Davis, "as a committee appointed 
for building a meeting-house on said premises." 

This building, which was the cause id' several very 
bitter controversies, was repaired by the town in 1792, 
deeded by the proprietors to the Baptist Society No- 
vember 26, 1811, and by that society to the town of 
Hudson March 1, LS42. 

The town-meetings, with a few exceptions, were 
held at this meeting-house from 1779 until the pres- 
ent town-house was erected to supply its place. A 
few were held at the house of Timothy Smith and 
other private dwellings. 

November 19, 1764, the town voted to build a 
meeting-house, and several similar votes were passed 
at later dates, but as a location could not be agreed 
upon, the object did not succeed. 



March 9, 1747. ■'('hose Edward Spalding and 
Benj. Frost to take care that the deer are not chased 
around out of season as the law directs." 

In 1747 the selectmen laid out a road from Litch- 
field to the province line, which the town voted not to 
accept, and it was laid out by a "Courts Committee" 
the same year. Nine other roads were laid out b\ the 
selectmen and accepted by the town. 

September 21, 1747, " Voted to erect a pair of stocks, 

and voted three pounds, old tenor nev.to erect the 

same. John Marshall was chosen to build said 
stocks." 

December 7. 1747, Josiah Cummings, Klea/.er Cum- 
mings and several other residents of the north part of 
the town petitioned the General Court, praying, 
"That they might be discharged, both polles and es- 
tates, from paying anything towards the support of 
the ministry at said Nottingham, so long as they at- 
tend elsewhere. ..." 

March 7, 174s. Deacon Samuel Greeley and John 
Marshall " were chosen to go to court to answer a 
citation. ..." The prayer of the petitioners 
was not granted. 

October 1">. 1749, a road was laid out from Rev. Mr. 
Merrill's to the meeting-house, beginning near the 
Rev. Mr. Merrill's orchard and running northerly, 
through land of Roger Merrill, Ebeneze'r Dakin, Heze- 
kiah Hamblet. Gerrish, Joseph Blodgett, Deacon 
Samuel Greeley and Benjamin Whittemore, to the town 
land appropriated for the use of the meeting-house. 
This is the same road now known as the Hack road. 
or Burns road. 

March 2, 1752, a bounty of six pounds was voted for 
every wolf caught and killed. 

Thctirst tax for mending the highways was in 1753, 
when two hundred pounds, old tenor, was raised for 
that purpose, and the price of labor was established at 
fifteen shillings a day for men, one-half as much for a 
pair of oxen and four shillings for a cart. 

As the currency continued to depreciate, Mr. Mer- 
rill's salary was raised from year to year, until 1759, 
when he received twelve hundred pounds, old tenor, 
at six pounds per dollar. 

September 2<l. 17C4, " Voted, that those Presbyte- 
rians who attend Mr. Kinkaid's meeting in Windham 
be excused from paying towards the support of Rev. 
Mr. Merrill." Much trouble had already arisen in 
relation to the collection of the minister taxes from 
the Presbyterians, of which there was a considerable 
number in town, which continued many years later, 
and at times was carried into the courts for settle- 
ment. 

At the annual meeting, 1772. "The town chose 
Deacon Ebenezer Cummings to see that the fish are 
not obstructed in their passage up Wattannock Brook, 
so called, this present year." Alewives in large quan- 
tities made their way up this brook until the dam at 
Lowell obstructed their passage up the river. 

In March, 1773, a vote was passed against raising 



466 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



any money to pay Rev. Mr. Merrill, and in June fol- 
lowing it was " Voted to call a council to settle the 
difficulties now subsisting between Mr. Merrill and 
his people upon such terms as maybe reasonable and 
agreeable to the word of God." 

It does notappeai that this council was ever con- 
vened. 

September 27th the town " Voted to dismiss all 
those that are uneasy with Mr. Merrill from paying 
any rates to his support." 

The contract between the town ami Mr. Merrill was 
dissolved, as the following receipt will show: 



r, for ami in consideration uf tin- sum ol -i\i\ pounds, 
lawful money, to me in baud |>:tii], ..r secured to he paid, do therefore 
acquit and discharge The Inhabitants of the Town of Nottingham west 

for all demands 1 now have, 01 y have hereafter, upon them as a Town, 

by virtue of any former agreement or agreements, vote or votes made or 
v 1 I" t ween tl i md in. : s 1 1 le i r minister ; As witness my hand, 



■ \, ttii 



CHAPTER IV. 

HUDSON- {Conth I). 

A Part of "Londonderry Claim" Annexed to Nottingham West, 177s— 
Name Changed .to Hudson, 1830— Taylor's Falls Bridge— Post-Offlces 

and I'ostma.-teis— Nottingham West Social Library— llud-mi social 
Library— Schools and School District — Population— Physicians- 
Nashua and l;.s In -ler Kailroad— Employments. 

In 1754 a petition was presented to the General As- 
sembly, signed by twenty-seven of the inhabitants of 
the southwest part of Londonderry, praying to be 
taxed in Nottingham West, which petition was dis- 
missed. 

As early as 1768 some action had been taken by a 
number of the inhabitants occupying the south part 
of" Londonderry Claim," in Londonderry, to be an- 
nexed to this town, and in March of that year the town 
voted to hear and answer their request. 

February 3, 1778, a petition praying to lie annexed 
to Nottingham West was presented to the Honorable 
Council ami Assembly, signed by Levi Andrews, 
Josiah Burroughs. Simeon Kobinson, John Marshall, 
William Hood, Joseph Steele, Philip Marshall, Moses 
Barrett, Daniel Peabody, John Smith, Ebenezer Tay- 
lor, Simeon Barrett, James Barrett, W. Elener Gra- 
ham, Isaac Page, William Graham, Ezekiel Greeley, 
(Icni'.'c liurroughs, David Lawrence, Richard Mar- 
shall, Hugh Smith, Thomas Smith, Sampson Kidder, 
Benjamin Kidder, William McAdams, Joseph Hobbs. 

The petition was granted by an act of the General 
Assembly, passed March G, 1778, annexing the south- 
west part of Londonderry to Nottingham West, with 
the following boundaries : 

" B.-iniiiiig in tin- South boundary of Londonderry, a1 the North 

EiM 'mi net ,t Nottingham west, Them e nilmin-s North .", de-lees East, 
!i i. —i' _ l)i eve! Itroolv, -U4 rods to a l.Ho' 1' 1 1 . .- tnoi k.-.l. 



'• 'Ilie, i, e North eighty degrees west, coo rods to the East side line of 
Litchfield, to a Poplar tree marked, standing in the edge of Fine meadow, 
and im hiding the houses and lands belonging to William Graham, William 
Steele, William McAdams, Simeon Kobinson and Ebenezer Tarbox, lying 
to the East ward and Northward of said tract, according to the plan there- 
of exhibited with said petition, and e\i biding any hinds lying contiguous 
to said North and East Bounds, belonging to Samuel Andrews ;i i,d 
Thomas Boyd, lying within the same. 

"Thence from said Poplar tree South in the East Bounds of Litchfield 
and Nottingham west about two miles and three-ijtiai'ters to a corner of 

"Thence East South East in the South Bounds of Londonderry and 
North Bounds of Nottingham west, two miles and three-ijuai ters of a 
mile to the place began at." 

Only two minor changes have since been made in 
the boundaries of the town. 

The first by an act of the Legislature, passed June 
27, 1857, establishing the northeast corner of Hudson 
and the southeast corner of Londonderry about one 
hundred and twelve rods farther northerly on Beaver 
Brook than the old corner, and running from there 
north, 27° 12' west, six hundred and ninety roils to the 
original corner established in 1778, and from that to 
the corner at Litchfield line, as before. 

Also providing that these lines should be the boun- 
daries between the two towns. 

Prior to 1862 the line between Hudson and Wind- 
ham crossed Beaver Brook several times. July 2d of 
that year tin act was passed by the Legislature estab- 
lishing the line in the centre of the brook, from the 
northwest corner of I Villain, about three hundred and 
twenty rods, to the southeast corner of Londonderry, 
as established in 1857. 

The tract annexed in 1778 included nearly twenty 
families other than those whose names were upon the 

petition. 

March 9, 1830, "It was voted to request the select- 
men to petition the General Court to change the inline 
of the town, and Moses Greeley, Colonel William 
Hills, Deacon Asa Blodgett and .Limes Tcnney were 
chosen a committee to report a name." 

At an adjourned n ting, March 13th," Voted to 

accept the report of the committee to designate a name 
for the town, which name was that of Hudson." 

The name of the town was changed from Notting- 
ham West to Hudson at the June session of the Leg- 
islature of the same year. 

In L826 a charter was granted to several individuals 
of this town and Nashua, by the mime of the Proprie- 
tors of Taylor's Falls Bridge, for the purpose of build- 
ing a bridge across the Merrimack. 

At that timetherewas no bridge across the river 
between Lowell and Amoskcag. The bridge was com- 
pleted and opened as a toll-bridge in 1827. 

Previous to that time people crossed by ferries, 
there being three, — Hamblet's ferry, formerly called 
Dutton'sand for many years Kcllv'sferry, was located 
near where the bridge was built. 

Another, about two miles above, always known as 
Hill's ferry ; and the third about three miles below, 
first ("tiled Hardy's and later Pollard's ferry. 

Taylor's Falls bridge remained a toll-bridge until 



HUDSON. 



1855, when a highway was laid out over it by the 
county, and it became a free bridge. 

It was a lattice bridge, built of the best of old 
growth native white pine, and remained until 1881, a 
period of fifty-four years, when it was replaced by a 
substantial iron structure. 

Post-Offices and Postmasters. — Prior to 1818 
there was no post-office in this town, and letters and 
Other matter sent by mail, addressed to Nottingham 
West people, were sent to the post-office at Litchfield. 
which was established as early as 1804. 

A post-office by the name of Nottingham West was 
established at the Centre July L2, 1818, and Reuben 
Greeley was appointed postmaster at the same time. 

The name was changed to Hudson June 9, 1831. 

It was discontinued March 3, 1836, and re-estab- 
lished A,,ri! 25, is:;-".. 

The office was removed to Taylor's Falls bridge Sep- 
tember, 1853, and was discontinued again April 13, 
1868, and re-established September 21. 1868. 

Hudson post-office remains at the bridge. A daily 
mail is carried between this office and the Nashua 
post-office, the distance being less than one and one- 
half miles. 

November 1, 1876, another post-office, called Hud- 
son Centre, was established at the station of the 
Nashua and Rochester Railroad at the Centre, and Eli 
Hamblet appointed postmaster. 

The following list exhibits the names of all the 
postmasters from 1818 to 1885, with the time for 
which they severally held the office : 

Reuben Greeley, from July 12, 1818, to April IT. 1829 
Jame9Tenney, from April 17. \'~: to M in h .;. 1835 
Elbridge Dow, fi im April - ■. 18 15, :•■ Novembei 13 1-1 
Reuben Greeley, from November 1 :. 1849, to Septembei 15,1853 
ThomaaH. Ewins, frrnu s.-pt.-ml.. i I.-., l-.v;. io 1 nibei :, Is;,:, 



Eli Hamblet, at Hudson Centre, appointed No- 
vember 1, 1870, continues to hold the office. 

Paul Colburn was appointed postmaster October 
27. 1863, but failed to qualify or enterupon the duties 
of the office, and G. W. Hills was continued in office 
until 1868. 

Nottingham West Social Library.— In 1 7'.»7, 
Samuel Marsh, Joseph Winn, Phineas Underwood, 
Eleazer Cummings, John Pollard and Joseph Greeley 
petitioned the General Court for the incorporation of 
a library, and December 9th of the same year an act 
was passed incorporating the -aiue by the name of 
Nottingham West Social Library. 

The proprietors of this library were very fortunate 
in the selection of books, many of them being of a 
high order, and it continued in active existence until 
after 1840, when it was dissolved and the books 
divided among the proprietors. 

Soon alter the first libran association wa- dissolved 



the Hudson Social Library was organized, but it 
was dissolved and the hooks divided in L857. 

Schools and School Districts.— Prior to 1754 no 

money had been raised for the support of schools. 

At the annual meeting of that year, " Voted, to 
hire a school-master the ensuing year, and to raise 
one hundred and twenty pounds, old tenor, for the 
support of said school, wdiich shall be proportionated 
between Hills' Farms, liush Hill and the lower end of 
the town." 

No further action was taken in relation to schools 
until 177>9. 

The law in force in New Hampshire prior to and 
for some years after the Revolution required towns 
having fifty families to support a public school for 
teaching children in town to " read and write," and 
towns having one hundred families or more to main- 
tain a grammar school. 

These schools were sustained by an annual tax, 
voted by the town, and were wholly under the charge 
and control of the selectmen. 

This school law remained in force without material 
change till 1780. 

The following exhibit presents the yearly amount 
of the school-tax voted from 1754 for the following 
thirty-five years : 

In 17o4 one hundred and twenty pounds, old tenor. 
In 1755, 1756, 1757 and 1758, no school tax. In 1750 
three hundred pounds, old tenor. From 1760 to 1765, 
inclusive, no school tax. In 1700 and 1767 fifteen 
pounds lawful money or silver each year. In 1768 
four hundred pounds, old tenor. In 1700 and 1770 no 
school tax. In 1771 and 1772 eight pounds lawful 
money each year. In 177-'! and 1774 sixteen pounds 
lawful money each year. In 177"> eight pounds, and in 
1770 twelve pounds lawful money. In 1777 twenty-four 
pounds in Continental paper money. In 1778 no 
school tax. In 1770 three hundred pounds. In 1780 
four hundred and fifty pounds, all in Continental 
money. In 1781, 1782, 1783, 1784, L785, 1780 and 
17*7 thirty-six pounds each year, lawful money. In 
1788 forty pounds, and in 1789 thirty-six pounds law- 
ful money. 

An act of the General Court, passed in 1789, re- 
pealed the school laws till that time in force, and 
made it the duty of the selectmen yearly to assess 
upon the inhabitants of each town forty-five pounds 
upon each twenty shillings of the town's proportion 
of the public taxes, lor teaching the children and 
youth of the town " reading, writing and arithmetic." 

The first school tax assessed under this law, in 17011, 
was forty pounds. 

Since the law of 17.S9 was passed very little money 
has been assessed lor schools in addition to the 
amount required by law. 

School Districts.— In 1785 the selectmen were 
chosen a committee to divide the town into school 
districts and number the same. The committee made 
no report to the town until 1700, when a report was 



468 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



submitted, which was adopted, dividing the tow 
into nine school districts and establishing the boun 
daries of each district. 

In 1805 a number of the inhabitants of District No. 
9, petitioned for a new district, which petition was 
granted by a vote of the town, and School District No. 
10 was set off from the westerly part of No. 'J as a 
new and separate district. 

In 1835 a committee was chosen to "take a view of 
the town in respect to school districts and report." 

March 14. 1837, the committee madea report giving 
definite boundaries of each of the ten school districts- 

With one minor amendment, the town " Voted, that 
the. report fixes the school districts in this town with 
regard to hounds and limits." 

But few changes had been made in the boundaries 
of the districts since 1805, and, with the exception of 
the new district made in that year, the limits of the 
several districts, as established by the last committee, 
were substantially the same as the,-,- made by the 
committee chosen in 1785. 

The districts remained with no material alterations 
from 1837 to 1885, when, at the annual March 
meeting, the town voted to abolish the school districts 
and adopt the "Town System," under section 2. 
chapter SO, of the Genera] Laws; and Kimball Web- 
ster, David O. Smith and Daniel Gage were elected 
a Board of Education. 

Population. — By the provincial census taken in 
17ii7 the town contained a population of five hundred 
and eighty-three, with two slaves. 

In September, 1775, a second census was taken by 
the New Hampshire Convention, when the town was 
credited with a population of six hundred and forty- 
nine. Men in the army, twenty-two ; slave-, four. 

\ ccording to the several censuses taken in different 
vears since, the population was as follows: 1 7!" i, 
1064; 1800, 1267; 1810, 1376; 1820, 1227; 1830, 
L282; 1840, 1144; 1850, 1312; 1860, 1222; 1870, 
1066; 1880, 1045. 

Physicians. — I have been unable to obtain data 
sufficient to give as full and accurate an account of 
the physicians who have been residents in this town 
as would be desirable, yet the following exhibit is 
believed to contain the names of nearly all those who 
have practiced their profession here as resident phy- 
cians. 

Dr. Ezekiel Ciiase. probably the first, removed into 
this town as early as 1741. He was a]. pointed a 
justice of the peace about the year 1747. did much 
official business and was a very prominent man in 
the affairs of the tow n. 

His wife, Priscilla (Merrill), died February 22. 1768, 
in her fifty-ninth year. 

His death is not found recorded, but it occurred 
not earlier than 1780. 

Dr. John Hall was a resident in 177'.' and 1780, 

Dr. Joseph Gray removed into this town about 
1 7*2. and remained until 1790. 



j Dr. Apollos Pratt resided here in 1803 and 1804, 
and possibly later. 

Dr. Paul Tenney, bom in Rowley, Mass.. April II. 
17ii"., married. November 2. 17!'0, Sarah Gibson, of 
Pelham ; removed into this town as early as 1789, 
where he practiced his profession for more than thirty 
years. He resided at the Centre, where he built a 
tomb, the only one in town, and died April (i, 1821. 

Dr. Daniel Tenney, son of Dr. Paul Tenney, bom 
June 15, 1795, practiced his profession for a few- 
years in this town, and removed to Deny. He died 
November 7, 1840. 

Dr. Dustin Barrett was also born in this town 
was a very skillful physician and practiced here for 
several years. He died June 1, 1831, aged thirty- 
seven years. 

Dr. Henry M. Hooke removed into the town a few 
years after the death of Dr. Barrett, and remained 
until about 1S47, when he removed to Lowell. Mas-., 
where he died a U-k years later. 

Dr. James Emery commenced the practice of his 
profession in Hudson about 1847. 

He acquired an extensive practice, and remained in 
town until the time of his death, which occurred 

September 30, 1880. 

Dr. David ( ). Smith, son of Alvan Smith, bom in 
this town, commenced the practice of his profession 
here May 1, 1850, since which time he has been an 
actB c and industrious practitioner, and is now ( I 885 
the only resident physician in Hudson. 

Nashua and Rochester Railroad.— One railroad 
only intersects Hudson. The Nashua and Rochester 
went into operation in the fall of 1S74. It crosses 
the Merrimack from Nashua about sixty roils below 
Taylor's Falls bridge, and follows a northeasterly 
course through Hudson Centre to Beaver Brook, a 
distance of about four miles, where it enters Wind- 
ham. 

There is but one railroad station in town, and that 
at Hudson Centre, where Eli Hamblet is station- 
agent and postmaster. Under an act of the Legisla- 
ture, passed June session, 1883. this railroad has been 
consolidated with the Worcester and Nashua Railroad, 
which consolidated road i> called the Worcester, 
Nashua and Rochester Railroad. It forms a con- 
tinuous line from Worcester, Mass., to Rochester, 
N. II., where it connects with the Portland and 
Rochester. 

The inhabitants of Hudson are and always have 
been principally engaged in agriculture, no extensive 
manufactories ever having existed in town. 

Some twenty or more of those residing near the 
Bridge are employed in the manufactories and upon 
the railroads in Nashua. 

In 1820 Hudson contained two meeting-houses, 
one tavern, three stores, tour saw-mill-, four grain- 
mills, two clothing-mills and one carding-machine. 

There are now (1885) in town two grist-mills, two 



saw-mills, one drug ami spice- 



file-shop 



409 



three meeting-houses and ten school-houses. At the 
Bridge is one store, two wheelwright-shops and 
two blacksmith-shops, and at the Centre one store 
and a blacksmith-shop. 

Deposits in the savings-banks in the State, one hun- 
dred and forty-two thousand and twenty-nine dollars. 



CHAPTER V. 

HUDSON— (Continued). 

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 

Congregal a] and Presbvt.-nan ehm.l. I;. > Nathaniel Merrill— 

N'nrtli M<.tiii-lt"ii-— Smith M<'.titjL'-Ihm-,- : Mini-r. i- .1- . 

tional Meeting-House ; Member — The Baptist Church and Society ; 

Ministers— Baptist Mr.ting-tluust- ; lir.i. .ui-, Mriuhers— Mettanlist 
llpisrnp.tl Cliur.li an-l Society; Met titi^-llouses, Ministers, Mouthers. 

Ix former chapters I have already given an account 

of the organization of the Congregational Church, 
November 30, 1737, and tin- ordination of Rev. 
Nathaniel Merrill as pastor on the same daj : ofthe 
building of the first and second meeting-houses by 
the town; and of the building ..('the North meeting- 
house by the Presbyterians. For the first fifty-eight 
years of the existence of this church no original 
records are now to be found, other than such as are 
contained in the town records. 

Mr. Merrill's relation- as pastor to the church con- 
tinued till very near the time of his death, in 1796, 
although his civil contract with the town was dis- 
solved July 11, 1774. 

He continued to preach in the second meeting- 
house until it was sold by the town, in 177*, and 
later in the meeting-house in the south [tart of the 
town, which probably was the same building, boughl 
and removed by the Congregational Church and 
Society, and called " Mr. Merrill's meeting-house." 

He was son of Abel Merrill ; born in West New- 
bury, Mass., March 1, 1712, and was graduated at 
Harvard College in 1732. 

He seems to have been a man almost universally 
loved and revered by his chinch and people, as his 
long-continued services as pastor, extending over a 
period of nearly fifty-nine years, will attest. 

For a tew years preceding 1774, the time of his dis- 
missal by the town, some trouble occasionally arose 
in relation to the payment of his salary, which be- 
came largely in arrears, owing to the Presbyterians 
voting against raising money for the purpose, and re- 
fusing to pay such taxes when assessed against them. 

It is a singular fact that no record of his death can 
be found, and that among his very numerous posterity 
the exact date is unknown. 

A headstone — erected by his grandchildren many 
years alter his death — marks his grave, and dates his 
death in 1796, but the day or month is not given. 

It will be remembered that Londonderry was settled 
by Presbyterians, and before a portion of that town 



was annexed to Nottingham West, in 1778, a large 
number of families of that denomination were resi- 
dents in this town, who, joining with others of the 
south part of Londonderry, a Presbyterian Church 
was organized, probably before the North meeting- 
house was built, or as early as 1770. 

No records of this church are to be found earlier 
than 1816, the date ofits union with the Congregational 
Church. 

Its first minister of whom we can find tiny record 
was Rev. John Strickland. 

The exact date at which he commenced preaching 
here is uncertain, but the town records Ineidentallj 
show that he was paid a salary by the Presbyterians 

Mr. Fox, in his historical sketch of Hudson, says, — 
"July 3,1774, Rev. John Strickland was ordained, 
but after a I'rw years was dismissed by the town." 

That he was ordained as pastor of the Presbyterian 
Church July 3, 1774, is probablj true, but the town 
records do not show that as a town it had anything 
to do with his settlement or dismissal. 

He probably remained here until 17S4, as In- nami 
appears for the last time in the tax-list for that year. 

For several years the town assessed a minister tax 
of sixty pounds, twenty-five pounds of which was 
to be paid to Mr. Merrill, and the balance laid oul 
for preaching at the North meeting-house. 

In 17(12 the town entered into some agreement with 
the proprietors, ami repaired the North meeting- 
house. 

It appears that Rev. Matthew Scribner preached 
hereabout 1790, and Rev. Mr. Parrish soon after, 
but no minister was settled until 1796, when, on the 
24th of February, Rev. Jabez Pond Fisher, a Congre- 
gational minister, wits ordained at the North meeting- 
house. 

Mr. Fisher was graduated tit Brown University in 
1788, and was voted a settlement by the town, under 
protest ofthe Presbyterians against paying any part 
ofthe same, or of his salary id' four hundred dollars. 
and an annual salary of three hundred and ten dollars 
so long as he should continue as pastor. 

As early as 1790 an unsuccessful effort was made by 
the town to purchase the North meeting-house from 
the proprietors, and in 1 7'.*7 a like attempt was made, 
with no better result. 

The town, having repaired the house, claimed to 
own a part in common with the proprietors ami pew- 
holders. 

Many ofthe Presbyterians declined to pay any tax 
for the support of Mr. Fisher, and the proprietors 
refused to permit him to preach in the North meet- 
ing-house. 

This led to a very bitter controversy, in which a 
committee chosen to open the house on the Sabbath 
used axes upon the doors to effect an entrance, but 
without success, its the resistance by the proprietors, 
led by Asa Davis, Esq., upon the inside. «;,- so greal 



470 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY. NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



thai the attempt was abandoned, and the meeting for 
that day was held in the open air upon the common 
in a drizzling rain. 

Alter this Mr. Fisher preached in the meeting- 
house already mentioned, in the south part of the 
town, in private houses, hams and in the open air. 
until the South meeting-house was built, in 1798, by 
proprietors connected with the Congregational Church 
and Society. 

At the time -Mr. Fisher was ordained the members 
of tin- Congregational Church numbered a little more 
than fifty, and while he was pastor, about live years, 
thirty-six were admitted. 

From obvious reasons, the town failed to raisi the 
money to pay Mr. Fisher as had been agreed, and in 
consequence of his salary being largely in arrears, in 
1801 he called for a dismissal, which was granted by 
an ecclesiastical council, to take effect June 4th of 
the same year. 

He afterwards brought suit against the town to re- 
cover a balanc f sloi:;.ii2 due him, which amount 

was allowed and paid in 1802, — members of the Pres- 
byterian and Baptist Churches being exempt from 
paying any part of this tax by a vote of the town 
passed I >ctober 30, 1797. 

For about fifteen years after Mr. Fisher left, the 
church remained in a very weak condition, and the 
records show of but little as having been done and 
very tew new members added. Preaching was sustained 
but a -mall part of the time until 1816, when, on the 
loth of October of that year, the Congregational 
Church united with individual members of Presby- 
terian Churches and organized a Presbyterian Church 
under the Londonderry Presbytery. 

At the date of the union the church was very small ; 
only eleven Presbyterians and thirteen ( ongn gation- 
alists are given as uniting to form the new organiza- 
tion, but many members of the old churches and new 
converts were admitted soon after. 

After the organization of the new church preach- 
ing was maintained nearly all the time, it being di- 
vided between the two meeting-houses, — twenty-four 
Sabbaths in the year it was at the North meeting-house 
and the balance of the year at the South meeting- 
house, — but no minister was settled until 1825. 

During this period the pulpit was supplied by Rev. 
Mr. Wheelock, Rev. Samuel Harris, Rev. Mr. Stark- 
weather and others. 

November 2, 1825, Rev. William K. Talbot was 
ordained, under an agreement that he should remain 
as pastor lor live years, at a salary of four hundred 
dollar- annually. 

At this time tin 1 church had a membership of about 
ninety, but during the four years that Mr. Talbot was 
pastor more than one hundred new members were 
added. 

In February. ]S21 i, owing to arrearages being due 
him. Mr. Talbot requested a dismissal as pastor at the 
end of four years, instead of live, a- had been agreed. 



The church refused to comply with this request, but 
upon an appeal to the Presbytery he obtained a dis- 
missal and soon after removed from town, anil a lew 
years later was deposed from the ministry. 

In an appeal to the Presbytery by a committee 
chosen by the church to oppose the dismissal of Mr. 
Talbot, that committee gave among other causes for 
his salary being in arrears, — "That many have died, 
— out of the town sixty deaths occurred in one year, 
and ten or more of the best families have providen- 
tially removed to other places of residence, five of 
whom were elders, or elders elect." 

The church had no settled minister for the next 
fifteen years, but the pulpit was supplied a part of the 
time by Rev. Samuel II. Tolman, a Methodist min- 
ister, Rev. Samuel Harris, Rev. Mr. Wheeler, Rev. 
Mr. Lawrence, Rev. Willard Holbrook and others. 

At an ecclesiastical council composed of ministers 
ami delegates from several Congregational Churches, 
convened at the South meeting-house September 29, 
1841, the Presbyterian Church organization was dis- 
solved, and the members were organized into a Con- 
gregational Church, railed the Evangelical Congre- 
gational Church of Hudson, which adopted the 
articles of faith of that denomination. 

The names of twenty-six members were enrolled at 
the time of its organization, and sixty others united 
within the next two years. 

A iii-v, meeting-house was built in 1842, fifty by 
forty feet, located about one-half mile east of Taylor's 
Falls bridge, near the Methodist house, which had 
been built two years previous. 

Soon alter, the Rev. William Page was engaged to 
supply the pulpit, and in 1844 an invitation from the 
church and society to settle as pastor was accepted by 
him, and be was ordained August 24th of the same 
year. 

His pastoral relations continued until 1852, when 
his request for a dismissal was granted by an ecclesi- 
astical council June 28th of that year. 

During about eight years of -Mr. Page's labors after 
he was ordained about thirty members united with 
the church. 

The next minister was the Rev. Daniel L. French, 
who was hired to supply the pulpit soon after the dis- 
missal of Mr. Page, and remained till the time of his 
death, which occurred July 20, 1860. 

For the next eight years the desk was supplied by 
Addison Heald. Rev. Austin Richards, Rev. S. D. 
Pike. Rev. Benjamin Howe and Rev. Silas M. 
Blanchard. 

For about eight years prior to October, 1876, no 
preaching was sustained by this society- 
Rev. John W. Haley commenced to supply the 
pulpit October 2, 1876, and soon after many were 
united with the church. 

In November, 1878, Mr. Haley closed his labors 
here, and preached his farewell sermon on the 24th 
of that month. 



471 



The Rev. S. D. Austin, of Nashua, has since sup- 
plied the pulpit the most of the time and is the 
present minister. 
The number of members is now about sixty. 
The Baptist Church and Society.— The Baptist 
Church was organized May 1, 1805, with sixty-five 
members, who had been dismissed from the Baptist 
Church in Londonderry, of which they constituted a 
branch for several years, acting in harmony with 
said church, but sustaining preaching and the ordi- 
nances of the church. 

The church was organized by an ecclesiastical 
council upon the above date, and took the name of 
the Baptist Church of Christ in Nottingham West. 

For several years after its organization the church 
did not enjoy the labors of a settled pastor, but the 
pulpit was supplied by Eev. Thomas Paul (colored), 
Rev. Robert Jones, Rev. Samuel Ambrose and John 
Young. 

The labors of Rev. Thomas Paul were especially 
effective, and many united with the church under his 
preaching. 

The first pastor of the church was Rev. Ezra Ken- 
dall, who assumed his charge November 3, 1808, and 
resigned March 5, 1810. After Mr. Kendall resigned, 
the pulpit was supplied by Rev. Isaiah Stone, Rev. 
John Perkins and others, until 1814. 

June 19, 1811, the church was incorporated, and all 
the right of the proprietors to the North meeting- 
house, and Jhe lot of land upon which it stood, was 
conveyed to it November 26th of the same year. 

Rev. Daniel Merrill, who had several years previous 
preached in town as a Congregational minister, was 
invited to the pastorate of the church in May, 1814, 
and accepted the invitation in August following. 

Mr. Merrill was a very radical man in his beliefs. 
After he renounced the Congregational creed he was a 
very zealous advocate of the sentiments of the Bap- 
tist denomination. 

One of his successors in the ministry, in writing a 
history of the church, says, "That it was not difficult 
for a stranger, after hearing him preach one sermon, 

to decide with what Christian den ination he hail 

cast his lot." During his ministry, which continued 
about six years, seventy-five were baptized and re- 
ceived into the church. 

He resigned in September, 1S20, and during the 
next two years the pulpit was supplied a part of the 
time by Rev. Isaac Wescott, Rev. Otis Robinson and 
others. Rev. Joseph Davis was ordained June 18, 
1823, and resigned November 5, 1*24. 

There was another interim of about three years and 
a half, during which time the church did not have 
any settled minister, and the desk was supplied by- 
Rev. Otis Robinson, Rev. George Evans, Rev. Samuel 
Elliot, Rev. John Peacock and others. 

The next pastor of the church was the Rev. Benja- 
min Dean, who commenced his labor- in April, 
1828. Mr. Dean's connection with the church 



terminated June 26, 1830, under circumstances of a 
painful nature. He was deposed from the ministry 
by an ecclesiastical council, and excluded from the 
fellowship of the church. 

The church remained without a pastor for nearly 
foin- years, but the pulpit was supplied a part of the 
time by Rev. Otis Robinson, Stephen Pillsbury and 
others. 

The Rev. Bartletl Pease assumed charge of the 
church March. ls:;4. and his pastoral labor- termi- 
nated in April. 1839. 

The next pastor was Rev. John Upton, who i i- 

menced his labors November, 1839, and 
August, 1841. 

The attention of the church and society had for 
several years been turned to the object of erecting a 
more convenient house of worship than the old one 
they occupied ; but a difference of opinion respecting 
the location, together with some other circumstances, 
had prevented any decisive action on the subject. 

In 1841 a location near the old meeting-house at 
the Centre was agreed upon, and anew meeting-house 
erected, which was completed and dedicated the same 
year. 

In September, 1841, Rev. Jonathan Herrick as- 
sumed the pastoral care of the church. He was a 
very zealous laborer in his profession, and many 
united with the church under his ministry. 

Mr. Herrick was dismissed, at his own request, 
September, 1843, and the desk was supplied for a few 
months by William H. Eaton, a student connected 
with Brown University. 

Rev. Joseph Storer supplied the pulpit in 184 I, and 
assumed pastoral charge January 1, 184"). 

During this year a parsonage was built by a stock 
company for the accommodation of the pastor, which 
was a few years later presented to the society. 

Mr. Storer was a very zealous and faithful minister, 
loved by all connected with his church and society, 
and universally esteemed and respected by bis towns- 
men. He was retained in his office as pastor until 
May, 1855, longer by nearly five years than any 
other pastor of this church, when he was compelled 
to resign in consequence of failing health. 

Rev. W. II. Dalrymple began to supply the pulpit 
in June. 1855, and assumed the pastoral care in 
August following, which relation he held until March, 
1858. 

Rev. George L. Putnam, the next pastor, was or- 
dained June 15, 1858, having previously supplied 
the desk about three months, and was retained as 
pastor until November, 1863. 

In l si ;n the parsonage, built by a stock company in 
ii.^i presented to the society, and extensive and 
substantial repairs and alterations were made upon the 
meeting-house the same year. 

A bell was presented to the society several years 
before by Deacon Moses Greeley, which is still in 
use, and the only church bell ever hung in this town. 



472 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY. NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Rev. Bartlett Pease, who was a resident minister, 
supplied the pulpit for about a year after the resigna- 
tion of Mr. Putnam. 

Rev. Henry Stetson was pastor from October, 
1864, to June 1, 1868, when he was dismissed at his 
own request. 

November 1st of the same year Rev. A. W. < 'hat- 
fin accepted an invitation to become the pastor, and 
appropriate services were held December --'id. 

In 1872, Mr. Chaffin became very feeble physically, 
and his mental faculties were mucb impaired; but 
he was retained as pastor until April, 1873, though 
he was unable to preach for several month-. He 
removed from town, but his health continued to de- 
cline, and he died soon alter. 

Rev. George A. (dines held (the relation as pastor 
from Septemher 1, 1873, to April, 1875, when he re- 
signed. 

Rev. S. VY. Kinney, the next pastor, assumed his 
charge January 1, 1876, and resigned in 1879,after 
which the pulpit was supplied by several ministers 
until May, 1881, when an invitation was extended to 
Rev. William P. Bartlett to become pastor, which 
was accepted, and he was ordained June 28th. 

Mr. Bartletl tailed to gain the love and confidence 
of his church and people to a degree that would 
make a long stay profitable or desirable, and he was 
dismissed, at his own request, in March, 1883. The 
present pastor. Rev. T. M. Mcrriam, assumed that 
relation in May, 1883. 

Deacons of iiii: Baptisi Church.— Thomas 
Senter and Nathaniel Currier, chosen May 7, 1805; 
Mosi - i rreeley and David Burns, chosen October 30, 
1816 ; Enoch S. Marsh ami Benjamin Kidder, chosen 
April 1, 1838 (Deacon Marsh died December 19, 
L865); Hiram Cummings and John M. Thompson, 
chosen October 4,1866; Lewis L. Fish, chosen in 
place of Deacon Cummings, October 12, 1881; Fli 
Hamldet. chosen April, 1 382. 

The original number of members of this church in 
1805 was sixty-five. 

The largest number at any one time was in 1S2S, 
when it was 167; in September, 1847, the number of 
members was 139; in February. 1878, 117; and Janu- 
ary 1, 1885, 125. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church and Society 
of Hudson. — Prior to 1830 a considerable number of 
persons in this town had embraced the religious opin- 
ions and sentiments of the Methodist denomination. 

Soon after the dismi-sal of Mr. Talbot by the Pres- 
byterians, in November, 1829, the members of that 
society, to receive material aid from the Methodists 
in the support of a ministry, entered into an agree- 
ment with them, and hired the Rev. Samuel H. 
Tolman, a minister of the Methodist persuasion. 

Mr. Tolman preached here in 1830, and possibly 
later, and may have been instrumental in laying the 
foundation of the Methodist Church organized ten 
years later. 



J ii 1 839, Rev. Jared Perkins, the Methodist minister 
in charge of the Nashua station, came to Hudson, and 
lectured in the school-house in District No. 4, and 
held meetings in other parts of the town, assisted 1>\ 
others from Nashua and Lowell. 

An interest was awakened, and several persons 
were desirous of having the regular service of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church established among them. 

The Annual ( inference of 1839 appointed Abraham 
Folsom pastor in charge of this station. 

Mr. Folsom was a man of energy and zeal, and so 
lain, led as to establish a church. 

The chief effort of this year was to raise funds for 
the building of a house of worship, and twelve hun- 
dred and fifty dollars were subscribed and collected 
for that purpose, a meeting was called, trustee- ap- 
pointed and the society legally organized. 

Cyrus Warren, Nathaniel M. Morse, David Cle- 
ment, Ethan Willoughby and John Gillis constituted 
the first board of trustees. 

The meetings for the first year were held in the 
South meeting-house when not occupied by the 
Presbyterians, and in school-houses and private 
dwellings. 

A plain meeting-house, fifty by forty feet, was 
erected in 1840, on the south side of the road, about 
one-half mile east of Taylor's Balls bridge, and was 
dedicated December I'd of the same year. 

In 1877, the Nashua and Rochester Railroad having 
been previously built, and passing between the meet- 
ing-house and the highway, which rendered the loca- 
tion very inconvenient, the building was removed to 
the north side of the road, and near the parsonage, 
which was built a number of years before. 

The meeting-house was raised and enlarged by an 
addition in the rear, a vestry constructed beneath the 
auditorium, forty by fifty feet in size, and other ex- 
tensive alterations and repairs made. The expense 
of this change and repairs was fifteen hundred dol- 
lars. 

On Sunday, August ■'!, 1879, immediately after the 
close oi the services, the stable connected with the 
k tire, and, together with the meeting- 
house and parsonage, was totally destroyed. 

The buildings were insured for a moderate amount, 
and this loss seemed a severe blow to the society. 

In 1880, a lot having been purchased by the church 
near Taylor's Falls bridge, a meeting-housi built 
of brick and wood, fifty by seventy feet, with a tower 
and spire at one comer, was erected at a cost of about 
seven thousand dollars. 

This church contains an audience-r i and vestrj 

of ample size, and is one of the most convenient and 
neatest country churches to be found in the State. 

Tin' members of the church contributed liberally, 
and many other citizens of Hudson and Nashua fur- 
nished substantial aid in paying the expense of its 
construction, so that the debt upon the society was 
not burdensome. It was dedicated December 7, 1880. 



it:; 



The present number of members of the church is 
seventy, forty-eight of whom are residents of Hudson. 

The names of the ministers who have been stationed 
here as pastors of this church, and the time of their 
services, as near as I have been able to ascertain, are 
as follows: 

1839, Abraham Folsom; 1840, Charles H.Chase; 1841-42, Moses A. 
Howe; 1843, \ II. Wuilhinir ; 1S44. John Boyce; 1846-46, Matthew 
Newhall ; 1847-48, Jonathan Hall ; 1849-50, Isaac \V. Huntley ; 1851, 

George F. Welus ; 18J2, fathers; 1853, Kimball Hadley ; 1854-56, 

supplied bystudents from Biblical Institute at C rd; 1857, K. C 

Danforth 1858-59, J. W. Johnson, 1860-61, I.. W. Frescotl IS 12 63, 

William Howes; 1864-65, B. \v Chase; 1866-67, Samuel B He : 1868- 

70, Otis Cole ; 1871-7 1, C \ Cressey ; 1874, V . W, Smith ; 1875-76, J. 
». Foteoni ; 1877-79, A. F. Baxter; 1880-82, C W.Taylor; 1883-84, 
William w I , 1885, Frederic* C Pillsbnry. 



(II A PTEB VI. 

HUDSON— (Continued) 

N ittinghain West Soldiers in 1748— Soldiers in the French and Indian 
War of 1754-60— Nottingham West in the Revolution— Committees 
of Safety and Inspection— Test Oath— Bounties Paid by the Town— 

Captain Samuel Greeley's Company — Nottingham West Soldiers in the 
Revolution. 

[n volume two of the Adjutant-* reneral's Report for 
1 -idtj, in the muster-roll of Captain John < jotl'e's com- 
pany, employed in scouting and guarding the Souhe- 
gan, Monson and Stark garrisons, in 1748, I find the 
names of John Bradbury, John Carkin, Samuel 
Houston, John Hewcy, Isaac Page and John Pollard, 
all being names of persons then residents of this 

Nottingham West Soldiers in the French and 
Indian War of 1754-60. — In Captain Joseph 
Blanchard's company, doing duty on the Merrimack 
River in the fall of 1754, — Peter Cross, Isaac- Waldron, 
Stephen < lhase and John Carkin. 

In Major Bellows' company, doing duty on the 
Connecticut River at the same time, — Amos Kenney 
and Henry Hewey. 

In Captain James Todd's company, .Second Regi- 
ment, 17oi, — James lilodgett, John Carkin and Jere- 
miah Hills. 

John Pollard was also in the army (he same year. 

In 1757, James Wason, Micajah Winn and Tim- 
othy Emerson; and in 175S, Amos Pollard, Asa 
Worcester, Ensign John Pollard, Joshua Chase, Eli- 
jah Hills, Joseph Lowell, Jonathan Hardy, Samuel 
Houston, Nathaniel Haseltine, John Catkin and 
Thomas Wason, 

In Captain Noah Lovewell's company, in 1760, 
— Amos Kenney and Samlets Bradbury. 

The foregoing names are all found in the report he- 
fore mentioned, but it is not supposed to be a full list 
of the names of all the men from this town who were 
soldiers in that seven years' war. 

It is believed that all those whose names are given 



above were men from this, town, as men of the sain, 
names were residents here at that time; yet we have 
no positive evidence that such is the fact. 

Nottingham West in the Revolution.— April 2... 
177-', Abraham Page was elected to "join with the 
Congress at Exeter, to act upon such matters as shall 
be thought proper and expedient for the public 
good." 

May 7th, he was again chosen to "join the Conven- 
tion of Delegates., to meet at Exeter .May 17th." 

At the same meeting it was " Voted, Thai the per- 
sons who shall inlist, to be ready on any emergency 
when called for, shall have forty shillings per month 
for their wages.' 

At a special town-meeting, June 12, 177o, — " ( hose 
Moses Johnson, Samuel Greeley, Elijah Hills, Tim- 
othy Smith, John Haseltine, Deacon Ebenezer Cum- 
mings and Alexander Davis a Committee of In- 
spection." 

In April, 177-"), the following Test Oath was sent 
out to each town in the State: 



i i>\ .-i. mnlj engage and promise that w. 
will, to the utmost of our power, at the risque of our lives and fortunes, 

with ones oppose the Hostile l'loreeilm;^ nt the Uritish Fieri, aiel 
\ 1 lull's -i -aili-1 Ih- r nil. .1 \ in. 1 i. ;ui CImIij....' 

Every person was required to sign this tesl or be 
regarded as an enemy to the country. 

In this town one hundred and nineteen signed tin 
pledge, and one only. Captain Joseph Kclley, refused 
to sign. 

Captain Kclley at that time owned the ferry near 
where Taylor's Falls bridge now is, kept a tavern neat 
the same, \\as a man of had repute and feared by the 
inhabitants. He afterwards removed to Wentworth. 
in this State, where he became a pauper. 

At an adjourned town-meeting, September 30, 1776, 
" Voted to allow Major SamueK irceley and the select 
men, viz: Asa Davis, John Haseltine and William 
Burns, for expenses on their march to Lexington 
fight, five dollars— CI 10s. 0d." 

At the annual meeting March 10, 1777, " Voted to 
choose Lieutenant Ezekiel Hills, Captain JamesFord 
and Lieutenant David Cummings, a committee ot 
inspection and safety." 

April 7th, " Voted to raise eighty dollars for each of 
those linn that should enlist into the Continental 
army for three years." 

April loth, " Voted to raise twenty dollars for each 
ofthose men that should enlist into the Continental 
army as an additional bounty to what has been already 
raised." 

July 1 1th, " Chose Deacon Ebenezer Cummings 
and Scth Wyman in addition to the committee of safety 
and inspection last elm-en." 

Annual town-meeting March 16, 1778, " Chose Jno. 
Caldwell, Captain Marsh, Deacon Ebenezer Cum- 

ininos. Thomas Smith, George Burns as a c aittei 

of safety and inspection for this present year." 

Special town-meeting June 24th, "The towu voted 



474 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



to choose a committee, viz. : Asa Davis, Esq. .William 
Burns, Timothy Smith, Ensign David Lawrence, Dea- 
con Ehenezer Cummings, Ensign Daniel Hardy, Lieu- 
tenant John Hazeltine, Jr., and empower them to 
hire and agree with any men or number of men, and 
what sum of money they will give, provided at any 
time the militia should be called upon to march, in 
order to stop our enemy on any sudden emergenc; 

At a special meeting November 2d, " Voted, that 
what was formerly Nottingham West should pay the 
six hundred dollars that was paid by subscription to 
Richard Cutter and John Campbell for service in the 
war this present year." 

•■ Voted to give those families (viz. : 5) whose hus- 
bands are in the Continental army two hundred 
dollars- £36." 

Annual meeting: March 1. 177H, "Voted, that the 
selectmen take care of the soldiers' families this 
year." 

April 5th, "Chose a committee, viz.: Timothy 
Smith, Samuel Pollard, Captain Moses Barrett, Daniel 
Marshall, Deacon Ehenezer Cummings, William 
Burns and Samuel Wason, ami gave them discretion- 
ary power to hire and agree with men as they think 
proper, in order to stop our enemy on any enier- 

June 21st, " Voted to give the selectmen discretion- 
ary power to hire and agree with the remainder of our 

present quotaof men, for the Continental army during 
the war, in behalf of the town." 

March ti. 1780, " Votedto allow the present select- 
men the interest money they have paid in procuring 
soldiers for the army in the year 1779." 

July 3. 1780, at a town-meeting held at the house of 
Samuel Greeley, inn-holder, " Voted,aa a town, to hire 
six soldiers for the term of six months, to join the 
Continental army, and chose a committee to effect the 
same, viz. : Asa Davis, James Ford and David Law- 
rence, and likewise gave said committee discretionary 
power to hire and agree with any men, or number of 
men, upon any emergency in behalf of the town, for 
the present year." 

February •">, 1781, " Voted to raise our quota of men 
tii till up the battalion in the Continental army, and 
chosea committee in order to procure and agree with 
the men in behalf of the town, namely, — Timothy 
Smith, Captain Samuel Marsh, Daniel .Marshall, 
Lieutenant Ezekiel Hills, Lieutenant David Cum- 
mings." 

March 5th, " Fbfedtogive thecommittei last chosen 
discretionary power to agree with the soldiers for 
young cattle, and to give their ..1. ligations for the same 
in behalf of the town." 

Two beef-rates were assessed in 1781, amounting to 
six hundred and eight pounds " in bills of the new 
emission, or in the old hills at forty to one." 

The corn-rate for 1780 was four hundred and thirty- 
four bushels, and for 1781 five hundred and sixty- 
four bushels. 



July '.i. 1781," Voted, that the former committee 
still stand good and have discretionary power to hire 
anl :!_[• e with soldiers in behalf of the town, as oc- 
casion may require." 

July 30th, " Voted to choose a committee to raise 
soldiers that i- and may be called tor this present 
year, and give them discretionary power to give their 
obligations in behalf of the town." 

" Voted, that said committee consist of three nun, 
viz. : Captain Peabody, Lieutenant Peter Cross, En- 
sign Elijah Hills." 

" Voted, that the obligations which the committee 
has given to the soldiers for corn, in behalf of the 
town, that the rate therefor be made in corn only, 
without mentioning money." 

December, 1781," Voted to approve of the select- 
men selling of the old paper money, eighty dollars 
for one of the new emision." 

April 17, 17S2, " Voted to choose a committee of 
three, namely,— Joseph Greeley, Lieutenant Reuben 
Spalding and Ensign Nathaniel Davis, as a commit- 
tee to hire seven Continental soldiers for three years, 
or during the war, and give them power as they shall 
see tit." 

May 13th, " Voted to choose a committee to raise 
the Continental soldiers called for, namely, — Major 
James Ford, Captain Cummings, Ensign Elijah Hills. 
Jeremiah Hills, Joseph Blodgett, Ensign Simeon Bar- 
rett, Lieutenant Ezekiel Hills, Seth Hadley. Henrj 
Tarhox, Lieutenant Benjamin Kidder and Seth Wi- 

colil." 

'• Voted, To impower this committee, in behalf of 
the Town, to give their private security tor to hire 
sai.l Soldiers, not to exceed 100 dollars for each 
soldier yearly, for three years." 

It is a matter of regret that a complete list of the 
names of all the soldier- who served their country, 
from this town, in the War of the Revolution, cannot 
he given. 

No town documents to show wdio they were can he 
found, and a i'vw of their names only are incidentally 
mentioned in the town records. 

Ho,,. Isaac W. Hammond, Assistant Secretary of 
State, has kindly furnished some valuable informa- 
tion, some has been gathered from the Adjutant- 
General's Reports, and some names have been ob- 
tained from other sources, 

Within the limited time given to complete this his- 
tory it has been impossible for me to make an ex- 
haustive research for all the names of those patriotic 
soldiers possible to be obtained. 

The following names are given as a partial list of 
the men from Nottingham West who were soldiers in 
the War of the Revolution. 

Nottingham West Soldiers in the Revolution. 
— The following was copied from the original paper in 
the possession of the New Hampshire Historical So- 
ciety, by Hon. D. F. Secomb: 

"A muster-roll .■! Ciqit. S;imiii.-1 Gic-l.-y's c..in|.aiiy, who turuol out ,i- 



475 



volunteers from Nottingham west, in New Hampshire, at the time of 
Lexington tattle, on the 19th day of April, 1775." 

Samuel Greeley, captain ; .lolin Kcllcy. lieutenant ; John Pollard, 
ensign ; James Ford, clerk ; William Merrill, sergeant ; William Burns, 
sergeant ; Ebenezer Pollard, sergeant ; Justus DaUiu, corporal ; Simeon 
Barrett, corporal ; Jonathan Bradley, corporal ; John I ollard, corporal ; 
Benjamin Marshall, lifer ; Samuel Currier, ftfer ; Samuel Mareta, Reu- 
ben Spalding, Peter Cross, Ebenezer Cummings, Kbetie/.er Perry, Elijah 
Hills, Ezekiel Hills, Jeremiah Hills, Samuel Hills, Richard Marshall, 
Daniel Hardy, Seth Hadley, Abijah Reed, Richard Cutter, Nehemiah 
Winn, Benjamin Whittemore, Abiathcr Winn, Stephen Chase, Jr., 
Joshua I hase, John Haseltine, David Glover, Oliver Hrlls, Page Smith, 
Samuel Campbell, Samuel Smith, Moms Barrett, Etichard Hardy, Jona- 
than Blodgett, Joseph Greeley, Samuel Durant, Samuel Moore, Andrew 
Seavey, Stephen Chase, James Pemberton, John Osgood, Nat. Hardy, 
Benjamin Marshall, Daniel Marshall, John Walker, Joseph Gould, Ji , 
John Merrill, David Cunrmings, Thomas Wason, Alexander Caldwell, 
Thomas Caldwell, Asa Davis, Samuel \\ ason, tchabod Eastman, Abraham 
Page, Nat. Davis. 

The "muster-roll " also gives the number of days 
each man served and the number of miles travelled ; 
also, the number of pounds of pork furnished and the 
number of gallons of rum. Of pork there were four 
hundred and twenty-four pounds, at sixty (?) cents per 
pound ; rum, twelve gallons, at twenty-two cents per 
gallon. 

The following Nottingham West soldiers were 
known to have been in Captain Walker's company at 
the battle of Bunker Hill, June 17, 1775 : Joseph 
Blodgett, Stephen Chase, Joshua Severence, Joseph 
Greeley, Nehemiah Winn and Abijah Reed. Joseph 
Greeley was severely wounded in the ankle. 

By the provincial census taken in September, 1775, 
Nottingham West was credited with having twenty- 
two soldiers in the army. 

The following is a list of Nottingham West soldiers 
who enlisted for three years to fill up the Continental 
Battalions, April, 1777 : 

In Captain Emers.oi'b Company, OVM/'s Iujimeiit. 
Sanders Bradbury, sergeant ; died of disease, 177', 
Amos Kinney, killed. 
Nathaniel Hardy, discharged April 10, 1780. 

/„ Captain F. .11. BeU'i Company, Halt' « Begimmt teredMayl, 1777], 

Daniel Wyman. Epliraim Jones. 

Elijah Gould. Samuel French. 

John Seavey. James Eastman. 

Enlisted, at York. 
JoBeph Severence and Samuel Kinney ; Thomas Perry, enlisted April 12, 
177"; discharged April 10, 1780. 

"New Levies." 
Abel Sargeant, Isaac Foot, Asa Hamblet and Thomas Cutter enlisted 
June is, 1780; discharged December, ITsu 

Aaron II 1, enlisted February 28, 1781. 

Ezra Carlton, enlisted April 23, 1781. 
Joseph Marshall, enlisted February ■•:*, 17s], 
Eliphalet Brown, enlisted April 6, 1781. 

Enlisted for Si' Months, July, 1781,«/or West Point. 
Jonathan Farwell. James Pemberton. 

Daniel Pierce. Timothy Smith. 

Abel Sargent. 

Enlisted for Six Month* May U, 1782. 
Jonathan Farwell. Daniel Pierce. 

James Pemberton. Timothy Smith. 

Abel Sargent. Abel Merrill. 

Samuel Brown. Joseph HobbS and Simeon Butterfield were mustered 
by c 1 rye, June 16, 1782. 



Upon the " Ticonderoga Alarm," in June, 1777, a 
company of twenty-four men was raised in Notting- 
ham West and vicinity, commanded by Captain 
James Ford, of this town. 

They marched as far as Dublin, where an express 
met them ordering them home. They returned the 

5th of July, and the next, day were "ord I out 

again, and went as far as No. 4, where they heard of 
the evacuation of Ticonderoga and returned." 

Captain James Ford commanded Company 3 of 
Colonel Nichols' regiment at the battle of Benning- 
ton, August 10, 1777, where he was wounded in both 
thighs, from which he suffered a lameness through 
life. 

Names of other soldiers who are known to have 
been in the army, — Ebenezer Pollard was at the 
battle of Bennington ; Seth Cutler enlisted in Stark's 
regiment May, 1777 ; he was in the battles of Ben- 
nington, Trenton and Princeton, and several others 
of less note. Richard Cutter was in the army from 
June 10, 1778, to January, 1779. John Caldwell, 
1776, Timothy Pollard, Gideon Butler, John Camp- 
bell, Roger Merrill, Jonathan Perry, James Brown, 
Jonathan Marsh, Theodore Merrill, Robert Bettys, 
John Haseltine, Jr., William Merrill, Isaac Merrill. 

The account of Nottingham West for pay-roll on 
alarm at Cambridge was fifty-six pounds. 

At a town-meeting, October 9, 1777, — 

" Voted, to choose Lt. Ezikel Hills, Jno. Caldwell, Jno. Hale, Lt. Wil- 
liam Merrill and Samuel Wason a committee to set a valuation upon 

what had I n >\n\o- towards can vine ,,,, the present war, and to make 

report thereof to the Town." 

The committee made a report at a meeting, Decem- 
ber 22, 1779.— 

" It was put to vote to see if the Town would accept of the report of 
the committee that wa- hoseu to settle what each man hath done in 
this Town in this present war. 

" Votfl ill tile llee;tti\e. 

" It was put to vote to see if they would accept any part of the report 
of the above committee. 
" 1 olid in the affirmative " 

The report is not recorded, but upon a tax made by 
the selectmen, December 29, 1778, " to hire schooling 
and defray town charges," the following persons, in 
addition to names already given as soldiers, have 
credits placed against their names, in most instances 
the whole amount of their tax. 

There is good reason for supposing that a majority 
of these men, but not all, had been in the army. 
Some may have been credited on account of their 
sons. 

: .v, Stephen Chase, Jr., Ensign Nathaniel Merrill, John 
Walker, Benjamin Marshall, John Pollard. Jr.. Ju.-eph Winn, Jr., 
Joshua Chase, Asahel Blodgett, Joseph Blodgett, Justus Dakin, Moses 
Barrett. Jr., Stephen Hadley, Eliphlet Hadley, Jr., David Glover, Samuel 
Caldwell, Samuel Wasoll, .lames Caldwell, Thomas Caldwell, Nathaniel 

Haseltine, Thomas Hamblet, George Burns, Jr., John Merrill, William 

Bums, Si. nine! Smith, .It , l',i-f Smith, John Hah-. Peter Cross, Isaac 
Barrett, Caleb Seieivnee, r ; llM e, Elijah Hills, William Hills, David 
Marsh, Richard Marshall, Thomas Marsh. 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Credits were also allowed to many of the same per- 
sons upon tax-lists made November 8, 177!', and 
January 19, L780. 



CHAPTER VII. 

HUDSON— {Continued). 

Hudson in the War of the Rebellion— Names "f Hinlsun Soldiers-Boun- 
ties Paid bythe Town— Drafted Men who Furnished Substitutes— 

other Men who Furnished Substitute — Keliel of Soldiers Families- 
Soldiers' Aid Society. 

A> in the War of the Revolution, so in the late 
Civil War, the quota of soldiers allotted to the town 
by the State, on the many calls for troops, was 
promptly rilled. 

The names of the Hudson soldiers, with the date of 
their enrollment or mustering, time of service and 
regiments and companies in which they served, are 
presented in the following lists. 

The First New Hampshire Regiment was raised in 
answer to the call of President Lincoln, of April 15, 
1861, for seventy-five thousand men for three months. 

It was under the command of Colonel Mason W. 
Tappan, and was mustered in at Concord on the 4th 
of -May. left for Washington ou the 25th, and, upon 
the expiration of its term of service, returned and was 
mustered out at Concord ou the following 9th of 
August. 

Three Hudson men enlisted in this regiment,— 

William I. Walker, Company K, mustered out August9th; re-enlisted 

i'i tie- Seventh New Hampshire Regiment. 
\i. . i ... | , t r.\ K mustered out August 9th; re-enlisted in 

l J t V llainp-hiie Regiment. 
Eben Cuttle, I impanj K, mustered out August 9, 1861. 

Third New Hampshire Regiment enlisted for three 
years; colonel, Enoch Q. Fellows. 

This regiment was mustered in August 20th ; left 
Concord September 3, 1861, and on the following 19th 
of October was ordered to the seat of war in South 
Carolina. 

The Hudson soldiers in this regiment were, — 

>., i_ ]' i arr. Company F., wounded and captured at James Island 
June 10,1802; died in the hand; of the enemy, at Charleston, 
s c., June 28, 181 2, 

p. to ll.oinessey, Company K, i nlisted Fehruary 10, 1804. 

\\ illi mi F. Millett, Company E, mustered out August 23, 1864. 

Georgt W. Miller, Companj F, wounded severely (left arm ampu- 
i ., .,- ,! , ... Moid June 16, 1862; discharged fol disability 

Nathan i al IweU, ' ompanj I , nlisted February 22, L864. 

Charles A. Wyman, Company F. mustered out August -';. 1864. 
William F. Hardy, uin-i. i.-d ■■m \u-u-t 23, 1804. 

The fourth New Hampshire Regiment was mus- 
tered in Manchester in September, 1861, and left for 
Washington on the 27th, under the command of Colo- 
nel Thomas J. Whipple. 

The Hudson men in this regiment, enlisted for three 
year-, in Company li, were, — 

Caleb; Marshall, discharged to, disability at Beaufort, S i , Mo 1,11, 



Charles A. Rohinsoii, discharged tor disability at IVaiiloit, > i , o, 

toberl'.', 181 l. 
Hugh Watts, discharged for disability March 12, ls,,;l. 

In Company K, — 

Samuel T. Coffin, musician, discharged for disability February 11. 

1864. 
Israel W. Young, discharged for disability at DeCtUnp Hospital N ^ 

June 4, 1804. 

Company G, of the Second United States Sharp- 
shooters, enlisted in this State for three years ; was 
mustered in December 12, 1861. 

The Hudson men in the company were, — 

Harvard I' Smith, sergeant; promoted t ■ second lieutenant October ]' 

1803; promoted to captain November 1,1862; grounded May 6, 

1H0J; mustered out December J I, 1.- 1 
Nonas Smith, promoted to sergeant; re-enlisted December 24, 1803; 

wounded May ill, 1804 ; promoted to first lieutenant January 10, 

1805; honorably .lis, barged. 
Joseph G. Winn, killed at Antietam, Md„ September 17, lsoj. 
Dustin B. Smith, re-enlisted February IT, 1804 ; transferred to Filth New 
Volunteers January :lu, 180> ; mustered out June 28, 



Alien Steele, died of disease at W.i s|, i ngtoii, D. I'., January 22. I-OJ 

Dura 1'. Dow, promoted to corporal January 14, 1800 ; died ot dis.-a-.- 
February 20, 1803. 

Job F. Thomas, wounded slightly at Antietam September 17, 1st, j ; dis- 
charged on account of wounds December 14, 1863. 

William H. Thomas, discharged for disability February 13, 1863. 

Charles H. Hopkins, wounded severely in the arm at Antietam Septem- 
ber IT, 1862 ; discharged on account of wounds Januai 

Henry Taylor, died at Washington March li, 1802. 

Joseph S. Floyd, enlisted as a recruit February 12. 1804 ; killed at the 
Wilderness. Va., May 0, 1804. 

Charles B Osgood, enlisted as a recruit February 25, 1864; wounded 
Haj 16, 1864; transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps January 311, 
lsi,5 ; honorably discharged. 

The Seventh New Hampshire Regiment was en- 
Listed lor three years; mustered in at Manchester 
December 2-t, 1861, and left for Florida by the way of 
New York, under command of Colonel H. S. Putnam. 
January 14, 1862. 

In Company 15, of this regiment, were the following 
Hudson men : 

Leander II. Cummings, promoted t -poral May 0, 1802 : wounded and 

captured July IS, 1803 ; died of wounds at Charleston, S. C, July 
28, 1863 

Albert i ampbell, discharged by civil authority January T. 1 B62. 

William J. Fifleld. 

William I.. Walker, re-enlisted from First New Hampshire Regiment ; 
promoted to sergeant August 1, 1864 ; mustered out December 22, 

1804. 
Otis A. Merrill, Company H, enlisted August 21, 1802 ; promoted to -> i - 

geant; mustered out June 20, 1865. 
Andrew J. Berry, Company II, enlisted August 21, 1802 ; killed at Fort 

Wagner, S. 0., July 18, 1863. 

The Eighth New Hampshire Regiment was also 
enlisted at Manchester for three years, commanded 
by Colonel Hawks Fearing and mustered in Decern- 
ber 23, 1861. 

It left Manchester for Ship Island, Miss., by way 
of Boston, January 4, 1862. 

The following Hudson men were in the Eighth 
Regiment : 

Levi F. Cross, Company A, discharged for disability at Carrollton, La., 
October 27, 1862; re-enlisted in the Eighteenth New Hampshire 

I: 
Robert D. Caldwell. Company A, mustered out January 1-, lsc", 



Abel F. Gould, Cmnpaui \. 1.--.-HH-.I.-.I fl"in Fn-l V-u 1 l.i]n].>h ii .■ lb-gi- 

ment ; drovi 1 at Alexandria, La., May 1", 18G:}. 

James Hales, Company D. 

Aims M. Young, Company I>. re-enlisted Januarj 4, 18l'.4 ; transferred 
to Company A, Veteran Battalion, Fighth New Hampshire Volun- 
teers, January 1. i M > ; -- 

John P. Young, C panj V, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps May 

1, 1S64. 

Charlee A. Russell, Company E, killed at Georgia Landing, La., Octo- 
ber 27, 18G2. 

John Smith, Company F, mustered out Octob.-l 24, lsi',4. 

The Ninth New Hampshire Regiment was organ- 
ized at Concord, and left the State August 25, 1862, 
under command of Colonel E. Q. Fellows. 

The Hudson men enlisted for three years were, — 

Jesse S. Bean, corporal I'umpany I, wounded slightly December 13, 
1SG2 ; transferred to Veteran 1;. -serve Coil's January 1."., 1 so 1 ; mus- 
tered ..in Julj :.. 1865. 

Kill- I. Foot.-, I '..mpany F, died .-I di.-.'ase at Alitl.-taiii, Md., 1 '< tober 

:., 1862. 
Thomas P. Ornery, CompanyC, captured May 12, 1864 ; died of disease 
at Andersonville, Ga., August 28, 1864 ; grave No. 7072. 

Prior to August, 1862, no bounties to volunteers to 
till the quota of Hudson in the war had been offered 
or paid by the town. 

At a meeting held the 12th of August of that year 
the town " Voted to pay a bounty of two hundred 
dollars to each person who will enlist into the sen ice 
of the United States as a volunteer for three- years, or 
during the war; until the last day of August, unless 
the quota of the town is sooner filled." 

Another town-meeting was held September 11th, 
at which it was voted to pay a bounty of two hun- 
dred dollars to each volunteer for three years, not to 
exceed twenty, and one hundred dollars for nine 
mouths' volunteers. 

The Tenth New Hampshire Regiment was mustered 
in at Manchester September 5, 1862, and left for the 
seat of war on the 22d. 

The Hudson soldiers enlisted in Company I'. for 
three years in this regiment were, — 

Charles H. Kershaw, corporal. 

John D. Farriuin, corpora], transferred t.. Veteran Iies.r.. - 

ustlo, 1m;::. 
William H. Durant, discharged for disability May 20, 18G3 ; enlisted in 

Invalid Corps September2, 1864 no. tered out November 15,1865. 
Joseph French, mustered out June 21. 1865. 
Francis Tetro, mustered out June 21, 1865. 
Robert French, Company C, mustered out June 20, 1865. 

The Thirteenth New Hampshire Regiment enlisted 
for three years, left Concord October 6, 1*02, under 
command of Colonel Aaron F. Stevens, of Nashua. 
In Company I of this regiment eighteen Hudson 
men enlisted September 20th, whose names are given 
below, — 

James M. Greeley, ,-,-rge.int, .lis. barged t..i disability at Washington 
February 25, 1SG3 ; enlisted in Heavy Artillery September 6, 1864. 

Nathan M. Pd..dg.-tt, corporal, .iis.liaig.-d !.\ order, at Portsmouth, Va., 
November 30, 1863. 

Reuben Cummings. musician, must. -red out June 21, 1865. 

Alden M. Jones, musician, mustered out June 21, 1st:,,-,. 

George W. Batch.-l.ler. .-aptur-1 o, r.-t- i _-7, lsi:,4: died of disease at Sal- 
isbury, N. ('., February 12, 1865. 

Henry Butler, wounded December 13, 1862 ; promoted to corporal April 
1, 1863; mustered out June 21, 186... 



lira. It.. id < 'alnpl.ell, iiioleie.l .Mil .Inn,- 21, ISii.V 

Henry T. Colburn, discharged for disability ai Concord, N. H., July 13, 

I-.,.;. 
Oilman F. Chas.-. t ran -1.- led I. < .iu|.an> I ', Sept.-inl.ei -\ 1>'.J . Iiaus- 

f.-rr.-d I-. brigade Land .l.iuuan -' -, !-•:: : muster.-.l .-at June 21, 

18G5. 
Rufus Fletcher, mustered out June 21, Is.",;.. 
Lorenzo Fuller, mustered out .Inn.- 17, 1865. 
Frederick Hiccox, mustered out May I - 1865 

Napol E. Jones, must red out June 21, 1865. 

Willi. mi l: 1.,-ni-, PI--IO-.I.-.I i p..r.il \piill 1863 wounded Blightly 

May 10, Is. ,4 ; pr..iuol.-.l t.. M-igeaiit .tune 7, Isi.l , iiui-t. red ..lit 

Jon.- 21, 1865. 
-la.ob Maisliall, died of disease at P. .1 Niii-.iilli, Va., August 21, 1863. 
Otis R. Marsh, wounded severely Octobei -'7. i-- 

May 28, 1865. 
Andrew -I. Smith, killed at Petersburg, Va., June 26, L864. 
JamesG Smith, died ..t disease at Portsmouth, Va., October 3, 1SG3. 

The town continued the bounty of two hundred 
dollars to men who enlisted for three years, and De- 
cembers, 1863, " Voted to assume the State and gov- 
ernment bounties, and add thereto the sum of three 
hundred dollars to each volunteer." "Voted to pay 
the men who were drafted September 2, 1863, one 
hundred dollars each in addition to the two hundred 
already paid them." 

" Voted to pay a bounty of two hundred dollars to 
men who enlisted in 1801, and who tire now in the 
service, they having received no town bounty." 

At a meeting held June 18, 1804, it was voted to 
pay a bounty of three hundred dollars to volunteers 
for three years, or to drafted men; and August 29th 
the town " Voted to pay each soldier who shall enlist 
and lie mustered into the service of the United States, 
who shall have been for three months previous a res- 
ident of this town, for one year eight hundred dollars, 
for two years nine hundred dollars, for three years 
one thousand dollars." This included the State and 
United States bounties. 

In Company F, of the First Regiment New Hamp- 
shire Heavy Artillery, sixteen Hudson men enlisted, 
September 0, 1804, for one year, whose names are 
given below, all of whom were mustered out June 15, 
1865,— 

Samuel M. Walker, corporal. 
James McCoy, corporal, reduced t. 
George W. Berry, appointed 

Lucius T. linker. 

James s. Blodgett. 

Albert A. Campbell. 

James N. Corliss. 

Join. W. Fletcher. 

Frank J. Fuller. 

Sai 1 A. Greeley. 

The following is a lis 
enlisted into the service : 

John H. Phillips, enlisted for tb 



it., .line- I, 1865, 
December lit, 1864. 

James M, Greeley. 

Horace J. Hainblet. 

George S. McCoy. 

Austin T. M.-rrill. 

Frederick F. Smith. 

WillardO. Winn. 

if other Hudson men who 



lid i September, 1863; discharged foi disability January 27, 

I,.. i 
Warren Smith, enlisted in Troop A, First Regiment, New Hampshire 

Cavalry ; mustered in March 24, 18G4 ; promot.-d t | I u..-. 

1864; wounded severely August 25, 1864, and died of wounds soon 

after. 
Jonathan Burbank, enlisted f..r nine months in I'.-mpany F. 1 7th N,-\v 

Hampshire Regiment; mustered in October it, ISG2 ; mustered out 

at Memphis, T.-nu., August 1:, Is.,;:, .i, k ;,t Memphis and died 



478 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



The following enlisted for one year in Company E, 

Eighteenth New Hampshire Regiment; mustered in 

September 28, 1864 : 

Levi E. Cross, corporal, mustered out June 10, 1365. 

Cyrus Cross, mustered out .Tun.; 10, 1865. 

The following Hudson men were in the United 
States navy : 
James 11. Shaw, enlisted in the navy April 19, 1861, and was 1 ably 

discharged April 19, 1865. 
Thomas M. Senter, enlisted for two years June, 1862 ; ro-cnlistcd for two 

years February 27, 1S63. 
, _. I, -, nter, enlisted as acting master's mate June, 1862 ; resigned 

June, 1803. 
Joseph W. Wallace. Michael Harney and .Samuel L. Bevel 

listment unknown. 

The following are the names of Hudson men who 
enlisted in Massachusetts regiments : 

Almon S. Senter, enlisted in Sixth Massachusetts Regiment for nine 
months; afterwards in Massachusetts Heavy Artillery, andserved 
through the war. 

Aaron B. Frost, Twelfth Massachusetts Regiment. 

Jamison Greeley, Company M, Fourteenth Massachusetts Regiment. 

Samuel M. Walker, Company C, Sixteenth Massachusetts Regiment. 

William Livingstone, Thirty-sixth Massachusetts Regiment. 

The following enlisted in unknown Massachusetts 
regiments : 

George McQ -U"" 8 Baker - 

Henry H. Dane. Patrick Bradley. 

JameB 0. Dane. 

The following enlisted in a Maine regiment : 

Myron W T . Harris and Henry Harris. 

The following are the names of men drafted in 
1863 who furnished substitutes : 

John B. Marshall. E. Wesley Hill. 

Willard 0. Winn. Augustus i Blodgett, 

IraTempleton. Obediah F, Smith. 

Nehemiah H. Gage. 



Kidde 



John C. Smith. 
Charles H. Gra 
Edwin S. Gowil 



The following is a list of men not draftei 

ished substitutes : 



David 0. Smith. Jimery ranter. 

Franklin A. Hill. Augustus II. Morrison. 

Willard H. Webster. Kimball Webster. 

Alfred C. Ripley. Daniel M. Greeley. 

Alphonso Robinson. David Clement, Jr. 
Charles St. i 1 

The names of these twenty-four substitutes, to- 
gether with thirteen others furnished by the town, 
all being non-residents and principally aliens, are 
omitted. 

In giving the names of the soldiers, it has been my 
purpose to give the names of those who were resi- 
dents of this town, a few of which were credited to 
other towns. 

At the close of the war this town was credited at 
the adjutant-general's office with twelve men more 
than its full quota under all the calls for soldiers 
during the war, ami it was claimed that twenty-one 
men more than its quota had been furnished, after 
allowing all due credits to other towns. 

The whole number of enlistments credited to Hud- 



sou by the adjutant-general was one hundred and 
thirty-rive. 

Amount of bounty paid by the town to soldiers, a 
part of which was afterwards reimbursed by the 
State and United States, thirty-six thousand seven 
hundred and twenty-five dollars. 

October 14, 1861, the town elected Hiram Marsh, 
Gilman Andrews and Stephen D. Greeley a committee 
to relieve the families of soldiers, and instructed that 
committee to pay not exceeding one dollar a week 
each for the wives, children and parents dependent 
upon soldiers serving in the army from this town or 
such as may hereafter enlist, 

This committee paid for the relief of such families 
during the war upwards of seven thousand dollars, 
which was reimbursed by the State. 

At the beginning of the war, April 24, 1861, at a 
citizens' meeting, held at the town-house, the amount 
of two hundred and twenty-three dollars was sub- 
scribed and paid for the purpose of furnishing volun- 
teers who had enlisted with necessary outfits, in addi- 
tion to such as were furnished by the government. 

On the 29th of October of the same year, at 
another meeting of the citizens, the Hudson Soldiers' 
Aid Society was organized, and was continued in 
active and successful operation till the close of the 
war. 

The president of this society was Addison Heald ; 
its secretary, Mrs. Nancy B. Merrill; and its treas- 
urer, Mrs. Addison Heald; with an executive com- 
mittee composed of ten ladies, one from each school 
district,— Mrs. Thomas Gowing, Mrs. Luther Pollard, 
Mrs. Samuel Morrison, Miss Mary Buttrick, Mrs. D. 
M. Greeley, Mrs. Oliver Hill, Mrs. David Seavey, 
Mrs. Robert A. Andrews, Mrs. J. E. Greeley and Mrs. 
James M. Greeley. 

This society contributed, collected, bought material 
and manufactured and forwarded to the soldiers, in 
large quantities, articles of necessity and comfort, 
such as comfortable clothing, bedding, lint, bandages, 
dried fruits, comforts for the sick and wounded in the 
hospitals and necessaries for the use and convenience 
of the men in the field and camp. 

These contributions were greatly appreciated by 
the soldiers at the front, and did much to relieve their 
sufferings and add to their scanty comforts. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

HUDSON— (Continued). 

First Town Officers, 1733— Moderators ot Annual Town-Meetings, Select- 
men and Town Clerks of Nottingham from 1734 to 1741— Moderators 
of Annual Town-Meetings, Selectmen and Clerks of the District of 
Nottingham from 174:1 to 174:.— Moderators of Annual Town-Meetings, 

Town Clerks and Selectmen from 1740 to 1SS... I >o|, •■., t.-s to 1 n.ral 

Court, etc , from 1733 to 1885— Representatives to the General I ourt 
front 177o to lss— Votes for State resident from 1784 to 1792— Votes 

foi Got i from 1793 to 1884. 

The first election for the choice of town officers 



HUDSON. 



479 



for the town of Nottingham was held at the house of 
Ensign John Snow on the 1st day of May, 1733. 

The following is a full list of all the officers chosen 
at that meeting, and who held their office until the 
annual meeting in March. 1734: 

Captain Robert Fletcher, moderator; Henry Baldwin, town clerk; 
Henry Baldwin, Captain Robert Fletcher, John Taylor, Joseph Snow" 
John Butler, selectmen; Joseph Hamblet, constable ; John Snow, town 

treasurer ; Nathaniel Hills, tithingman ; James Perham, Joseph Winn. 
Eleazer Cunimings, surveyors; Thomas cUim-ii, Samuel Butler, fence- 
viewers; Edward Spalding, Jonathan Perham, field-drivers ; Phiueas 
Spalding, J. dm Hainldet, bug-reeves. 

The following is a list of moderators of annual 
town meetings, town clerks and selectmen of the 
town of Nottingham from 1734 to 1741 : 

MODERATORS OF ANNUAL TOWN-MEETINGS. 

Henry Baldwin, 1734, 37, '38. 

John Butler, 1735, '41. 

Joseph Snow, 1736, '39. 

Thomas Colburn, 1740. 

SELECTMEN. 

1734.— Henry Baldwin, Robert Fletcher, Zacchens Lovewell, John 
Butler, Eleazer Cumminga. 

1735.— John Butler, Robert Fletcher, Thomas Colburn. 

1736. — Daniel F^tcher, William C rings, John Butler. 

1737.— Henry Baldwin, Joseph Hamblet, John Butler. 

1738.— Henry Baldwin, John llutler, Joseph Hamblet, Joseph Winn, 
John Baldwin. 

1739.— Eleazer Cunimings, Zaccheus Lovewell, Jonathan Sn..w. 

1740.— Thomas Colburn, /.accbeus Lovewell, John Stow. 

1741. — Homy Baldwin, Joseph Hamblet, Thomas Gage. 
TOWN CLERKS. 

Henry Baldwin, 1734, '37, 38, 41. 

John Butler, 1735, '36. 

Jonathan Snow, 1739, '40. 

Until 1741 the town was supposed to be wholly in 
Massachusetts, and was under the laws and jurisdic- 
tion of that State ; but upon the settlement of the 
province line in that year, the town was divided, and 
the greater part fell within the limits of New Hamp- 
shire, and Nottingham in this State became a district, 
and remained as such until 174G. There is no record 
of any town or district meeting from November 22, 
1741, to August 9, 1743, at which last meeting the first 
district officers were elected. 

MODERATORS OF ANNUAL MEETINGS. 
Henry Baldwin, 174:!, '44. 
Thomas Colburn, 1745. 
Tb- mas Gage, 1740. 

SELECTMEN. 
171:; Zh.v1i.mi- Livowell, F./oki.d Chase, Samuel Greeley. 
1744.— Ezekiel Chase, Joseph Hamblet, John Marshall. 
1745.— Zaccheus Lovewell, Samuel Greeley, Samuel Butler. 

Samuel Greeley was elected district clerk at the first 
meeting, and was re-elected each year afterwards as 
long as Nottingham remained a district. 

The charter of Nottingham West as a town, as we 
have seen, was dated July 5, 174ti, and the first meet- 
ing for the election of town officers was held July 
17th. 

The following lists present the names of the persons 
who have held the several offices of moderator of an- 
nual town-meetings, town clerk and selectmen from 
the year 174(3 to 1885, with the years in which they 
were respectively chosen : 



MODERATORS I iF ANXr.U, TOW N MEETINGS FROM 1740 To 1 
Zaccheus Lovewell, 1740. 
Thomas Colburn, 1717, '48, 'I 1 ', '50, '51, '53, '58, 
Ezekiel Chaa ,1 I, '65, '66, '67. '68, '70. 

Abraham Page, 1759, '60, 71. 72, :.:. 71. 7."., '77, '7-. 
Daniel Merrill, 1761. 
Ephraim Cunimings, 170-', '0.;. 
Henry Hale, 1769. 



Tn, 



•S4, '87, ''.is, 



88, 'KO, 90 



.Mar- 



Phineas Underwood, 1791, '02, ':<:;, '.'I 
Moses Johnson, 1700, '07. 
.less.. Davidson, 1802, '03. 
Isaac Merrill, 1804, '05, '06, '07, '08, '10, '11. ' 
Robert Patterson, 1809. 

Caleb S. Ford, 1S13, '14, '15, '10, '17, '19, '21, 
JO, '32. 
Noah Robinson, 1818. 
Joseph Greeley, 1820, '2:'.. 
Thomas Ii. Wason, 1830, '31, '33, '34, '3o, '36, 
Jabez P. F. Truss, 1840, '41, '42, '43, '44, '45, 
Jeremiah Smith, 1840. 
Ethan Willoughby, 1850, '51. 
James Emery, 185:1, '54, '59, '60, 66, 



For the years 184!) and 1852 the election of mode- 
rator is not recorded. 

TOWN CLERKS FROM 170. I'" I--'.. 
Samuel Greeley, 1746. 
Samuel Greeley, Jr., 1747. 
Doctor Ezekiel Chase, 1748. 

Samuel i; ley, Jr., 1740 to 1781, except 1777. 

Samuel Greeley, Jr. (son of the last Samuel;, 1777. 

Timothy Smith, 1782 to 1784. 

Asa Davis, 17S5 to 1705 and 1801 to 1807. 

Joseph Greeley, 1700 to 1800. 

James Gibson, 1808 to 1811. 

Joseph Greeley, Jr., 1812 to 1815. 

Joseph Pollard, 1816 and 1817. 

Asa Blodgett, 1818 to 1825. 

Foster Towns, 1826. 

Reuben Greeley, 1827 to 1S::7. 

James Pierce, 1838 and 1839. 

Henry M. Hooke, 1840. 

Daniel McCoy, 1841. 

Dustin B. Faruum, 1842 and 184:;. 

Paul Colburn, 1844 to 1856. 

William II. ilia.--, 1*57 and 1858. 

John i Webster, 1859. 

Eli Hamblet, I860 to 1868. 

Josiah K. Wheeler, 1S09 and 187o. 

Waldo P. Walton, 1871, '72. '74. 

.lames Emery, 1875 and 1S77. t 

James G. Walker, 1870. 

James B. Merrill, 1873 and 18So, to 1885. 

•SELECTMEN FROM 1740 To L885. 

1740. — Samuel Greeley, /.accbeus Lovewell, Elea/.er Curnmings. 

1747.— Ezekiel Chase, John Marsh, John Marshall, Samuel Greeley, 
Jr., James Wason. 

174S.— Thomas Colburn, Samuel Greeley, Ezekiel Chase, William 
Cunimings, James Hills. 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



ige Danii I Merrill. 

mining-, Saiiiu.-I Mar-h 



1749.— John Marshall, Stephen Chase, Joseph Winn, II. 
Samuel Greeley, Jr. 

1750.— John Marsh, Samuel Greeley, Jr., George Burns. 
1751.— Samuel Merrill, Eleazer Oummings, Samuel Greelej 

1752.— George Burns, S.nuti.l Cre. ■!'■>. .li . J..-1.1I1 Cummin 

17.".:'.. — Samuel Mm-h, vi.ialiam Pag , Sura Greeley, Ji 

1754.— Thomas Colbuni, Samuel 6i lej Jr James Hilla 

1755.— Ezckiel Chase, Roger Chase, Samuel Greeley, Jr. 

1766-57.— Ez.-ki.-l Chase, Samuel Greeley, Jr , Ephraim Cu 

1758.— Ai.rali.iin Page, '•■ ■ rge Burns, James HUH 

1759. — Ai. nil.. mi Page, Samuel Greeley, Jr., Rogei Chase. 

1760.— Daniel Merrill, I tekiel Hills, Henrj Sno-- 

1761.— Samuel Greeley, I] I '■ ■ 

1762-63.— Samuel Greeley, Jl . E| 

1764.— Ezekiel Chase, Gem Buna, Ass Davis. 

1765.— Henrj Hale, Urn sal PS I ekiel Hill-. 

L766.— Sa 1 Greeley, Ji I ■ Mel Chase, Ephraim Cummings. 

1767.— Ahrah Page, Nathaniel Davis, A -si Davia 

1708. — George Burns, Nathaniel Davis, Ezekiei Hills. 
1769.— Abraham Page, Henrj Hale, Asa Davis. 
1770.— George Burns, Samuel Moor, Nathaniel Davis. 
1771.— Abraham Page, Nathaniel Davis, Nehemiah Hadley. 
1772-74.— Abraham Page, Nathaniel Davis, John Haseltine, Jr. 

1775.— John Haseltine, Jr.. A -a [(avis, William Hums. 
1776.— Samuel Marsh, John Caldwell, William Burns. 
1777.— Samml Marsh, Timothj Smith, George Burns, Jr. 
1778.— John Haseltine, John Caldwell, Andrew Seavey. 
1779.— Samuel Marsh, David Lawrence, Moses Johnson, S 
Wason, Samuel Greeley. 
1780.— Asa Davis, James Ford, David Lawrence. 
1781.— Samuel Marsh, John Hale, Isaac Merrill. 
1782 and 1784.— Timothy Smith, John Haseltine. Jr.. Samite 

1783.— Timothy Smith, Nathaniel Davis, Samuel Burbank, Jr. 

1786— 1788.— Asa Davis. John Haseltine, Ji . [suae Merrill. 

1789.— Asa Davis. John Haseltine, Jr.. Phineas Under* I. 

1790-92.— Asa Davis, Phineas Underwood, Thomas Hills. 
1793-94.— Asa Davis, Samuel Marsh, Phineas Underwood. 
1795-96.— Samuel Marsh, Page Smith, [saac Colburn. 
1797.— Samuel Marsh. David I » i- i ■ Merrill 

1798.— Asa Davis, Thomas Senti r, Jonathan Burbank 
1799.— Jonathan Burbank, l-...e Merrill, Thomas Hills 
1800 and 1804.— Asa Davis, Isaai Merrill, Page Smith. 

ism— Asa Davis, Pag! Smith, i i. ...... i ci .- 

[802 03 — Asa DaviB, I'.. • Smith, J Davidson 

[80S 06 -Asa Da>,. l-.,.„ Merrill, I all b S. Ford 
1807.— Asa Davis, Calel.S, Kor.l, James Gibson. 

1808.— Caleb S. Ford, Ja B Gibson, Jeremiah Smith. 

1809-10.— Caleb S Ford, J isGibson, Noah Robinson. 

1812.— Jonathan Burhank, M Gn ■ ley, Reuben Sargenl 

1813-14.— Moses Greeley, Joseph Greeley, Ji . Ji remiah Smith. 

1815-16.— Moses G ley, Bi njai M 1. William Hills. 

1817-19.— Caleb S. For.l. Thomas It. Wason, Jacobl base. 
1820.— Caleb S. Ford, Reuben Sargent, David Burns. 
1821.— David Burn-, William Hills. Noyes Tenney. 
1822.— David Burns, Ja. ob I has. , Noyes Tenney. 
1823.— Noyes Tenney, William Hills, Oliver Pollard. 
1824.— Oliver Pollard, Noah Robinson, Reuben Greeley. 
1825.— Oliver Pollard, Noah Robinson, Ebenezer For.l. 
1826.— Reuben Greeley, James Pieree, William Hills. 

1827-28.— Reuben Greeley, James Pieree, J; i Im-i-. 

1829. — Caleb S. For.l, .lalur- Pi. re, John Puruham. 

1830 James Pieree, William Hadley, Joseph Blodgett, Jr. 

1.8.11.— James pierce, William Hadley, Tl as B. Wason. 

1832.— Caleb S. For.l, Jeremiah Smith, Noah It. .bins. .(I. 
1833.— X. .ah Robinson, Tine .thy For.l, Jabez P. F. Cross. 
L834.— Noah P. .bins., n. .lab./ P. F CroBB, James Wilson. 

1835.— Reuben Greeley, Noah Robins labez P. F. Cross 

1830.— Reuben Greeley, Thomas B. Wason, David Robinson, 
1837— Thomas It. Wason, Reuben Greeley, Paul Hardy. 
1838.— Thomas B. Wason, Paul Hardy, Dustin B. Farnum. 
1839.— Paul Hardy, Dustin It. Farnum, Jabez P. F. Cross 
1840-41.— James Pier..-, William Hadley, Warren Pollard. 
1842.— Thomas Marsh, Greet, li. .f B. Farnum, i.ilmau Andrews 
1843.— Thomas B. Wason, Amos Hills, Paul C..lburu. 
1844.— Thomas B. Wason, Am..- Hills. Oilman Aiultow-. 



1845 JabezP. F. Cro 

184C. — Oilman Andrew 
1847.— Paul Hardy, Jal 
1848.— Paul Har.ly, .!■■ 



-James Pierce, George W. 
-Stephen D. lire. ley. Hire 
-Benjamin F. Chase, Luthi 



Al van Smith, 
mil Morrison. 
ben D. Greeley 
i-u D. Greeley. 
inF. Chase. 



Robins.. n. 



1861.— Eli Hamblet, Samuel Gowiug, Daniel T. Gage. 
l8i;j — Daniel T. Gage, Samuel Cowing, Caleb Richardson. 
1863.— Daniel T. Gage, John Chase, Al.l.n Hills, 
lsi.i. — Eli Hamblet, Alden Hills, Benjamin A. Merrill. 
1865-66.— Stephen D. Greeley, Benjamin F. Chase, Josiah K.Whee 
1867-68.— Stephen D. Greeley, Benjamin F. Chase, Benjamin A. 1 
ill. 
1869 Ell Hamblet, Joseph Fullei John M. Thompson. 

1870.— Eli Hi det, John M Thompson, James B. Merrill. 

1-71 .h.lii, M Tl...iii[,-..n. .bun.-- I'. \|. : till. Augustus F. Hloilge 

187! fames B Merrill, K all Webster, Otis B Marsh 

1873.— Kimball Webster, Otis 1: Marsh I bail.- W. Spalding. 



el, ill u. 



i ... i, Spalding, Chart* Steele. 

1871,.— Josiah K. Wheeler, John M. Thompson, George W. Trow 

1877.— John M. Thompson, Charles Stei I. G ge W. Trow. 

1878.— John M. Thompson, Lucien M Tolles, William F. Winn. 

1879.— Lucien M. Tolles. William F. Winn, Charles W. Spalding, 

1880.— Lumen M. Tolles, Charles W. Spalding, William S. Weston. 

1881.— Charles W. Spalding Mark Batchelder, Arthurs. Andrews. 

1882.— Josiah K. Wheeler, William F. Winn. Clifton E. Buttrick. 

1883.— Josiah K. Wheeler, William 1". Winn, Robert A. Andrews. 

[884 William F. Winn, .1 b F. Wilson, Daniel \. Colburn, 

1885.— James F. Wilson. Daniel A. Colburn, George G. Andrews. 
DELEGATES TO THE GENERAL Ci (I [IT, Etc., FROM 17:::: Ti ( 1885, 

1733.— Captain Robert Fletcher and ZaccheusLovewell, delegates to the 
Massachusetts General Court to get the non-resident lands taxed for 
the support of the ministry, ami to get s proportion of the lands foi 

lb.- ti.wn, given to the town ..!' Dunstable by the proprietors or others. 

1734, March.— Zaci bene Lovewell, delegate to the Massachusetts Gen- 
eral Court to procure the passage of an ai t allowing the town to a a 

tax often shillings each upon all .attle driven into the town to pasture 
in addition to the usual rates. 

1734, June.— Captain Robert Fletcher, Henry Baldwin, Joseph Snow 
and Joseph Humbler, delegates to the Massachusetts General Court to 

answer for the town in all matters relating t.. the petition of the | pie 

of " Natti k "' to be incorporated as « separate township. 

17:54, November.— Captain Robert Kb -b her, delegate to the Mas-ai liu. 
sett- General Court to procure a grant of province lan.ls b. aid the tow n 
to maintain a public school. 

1741.— Captain Thomas Colburn, delegate to the Massachusetts Genet il 
Court to procure the abatement of the county tax, in consequence of the 

town being divided by the new province line. 

1747. — bjhii Marsh, delegate to the New Hampshire General Court, 
upon a petition of the town, for Hie passage of an act for taxing the 
lands of non-residents. 

1748.— Deacon Samuel Greelej ami John Marsh, delegates to the New 
Hampshire General Court t.. answer t.. ■■< citation in relation to a petition 

,,f Josiah Cm iugs and other inhabitants of the town to be released 

from paying taxes f..r the support ..f Ibv Nathaniel Merrill. 

1760, March 17.— Ephraim I'll ling- chosen delegate t.. lb.' X. w 

Hampshire General Court to make application to have the lands of non- 
residents laid under a tax. 

171,2. January 15.— Captain Samuel tire-ley chosen Representative 
for Nottingham West and Litchfield to represent said towns in the Gen- 
eral Assembly. 

Captain Samuel Greeley was re-ele< ted March 4. 1762. 

Captain James Ford, delegate to the Provincial Convention at Exeter, 

January 25, 177*.. 
Captain Abraham Page, delegate to the Provincial Congress al I 



Captain Abraham Page, delegate to the Proi incial Convention at Exeter, 

May 17, 177.*., and to art for the town fur six months. 
John Hazeltine, Jr., delegate to the Countj Congress at Amherst, 

177s, May 30.— William Burns ch a delegate to the convention to 

i t at Concord, -inn.' 10th, to form a new plan of government. 

1781, May 8.— Timothy Smith chosen to represent the town at a con- 
vention to be held at Concord, on the first Tuesday of June, to form a 
new plan of government. 

L786, I " tober 30.— Reuben Spalding . h.-.-n delegate to the convention 
"to make a general plan for Paper money." 

17ss, January 2*.— Ebenezer Cumminns ehos,!i -1. legate "to sit in the 
convention at Exeter, on the seeoiai Wednesday of February next, in 
order to consult ami examine the Federal Constitution." 

1850.— Ethan Willoughby, delegate to the convention to revise the 
constitution. 

1870.— Dana Sargent, delegate to the convention to revise the constitu- 



Representatives to the General Court from 1775 
to 1885. — Prior to October, 1780, this town was classed 
with Litchfield for the election of .Representatives. 

Those elected from this town arc given in the fol- 
lowing list- 



William Warren, is:,-, ';,:; 
dames Kmcry, 1854. 
Hiram Marsh, 1855. 
Benjamin F. Chase, 1850. 
Paul Colburn, 1857. 
Luther Pollard, 1858. 
Granville Hill, 185 9. 
Samuel Morrison. I860, 
William II. Chase, 1861. 
Addison Heald, 1862. 
Samuel Covins, Is.,:: 
Stephen D. Greeley, 1864. 
Eli Ilaml.let, 1805. 
Isaac Colburn, 18G0. 
Benjamin Kidder, 1867. 
Thomas Gowing, 18G8. 
Daniel M. Greeley, 1869. 
Daniel T. Gage, 1870. 



1-71. 



Samuel Greeley, 1S7-. 
liana Sargent, 1874, '75. 
■ lames It. Merrill, 1876. 
Lueicn M. Tolles, 1877. 
Waldo P. Walton, 1878. 



captain Abraham Page, 1775, '76. 
\ .., Davis, 1777. '7'', '92, '93, '94, 

'99, 1800, '01, '02, '03, '04, '05, 

•00, '07, '08. 
Captain Samuel Marsh,1784,'85,'86 
Ebenezer Cumminga, 1788. 
Colonel Joseph Greeley, 1795, '96, 

'97, '98, 1811, '15. 
Robert Patterson, 1809, '10. 
Isaac Colburn, 1S12. 
Isaac Merrill, 1813, '14, '10, '17. 
\,.ah Robinson, 1818, '20, '21. 
Tla.mas P.. Wa.son, 1819, '28, '30, 



Reuben Greeley, 1829. 
Joseph Greeley, Jl , 1837, 
David Burns, 1838, '39, '47. 
Jabez P. F. Cross, 184o, '41, '42 
William Hadley, 1843, '44, '46. 

I.i lames, 1848. 

I mm... I'i. rr. ., 1850. 

.... |,l. -i., i, a, 1851. 

The following were elected under the revised con- 
stitution providing for biennial sessions of the Legis- 
lature : 

John M. Thompson, elected November, 1878. 
Justin E. Hill, elected November, Issu. 
Nathan P. Webster, elected November, 1882. 
William F. Winn, elected November, 1884. 

No Representatives were elected for the years 1787. 
'89, '90, '91, 1832, '34, '45, '49 and '73. 

VOTES FOR STATE PRESIDENT FROM 1784 TO 1792, INCLUSIVE 
17s4 — Mescherh Weare, 45, all cast. 
1785.— George Atkinson, 42 ; John Langdon, 5. 
178G. — John Langdon, 00, all cast. 
1787.— John Langdon, 86 ; John Sullivan, 7. 
1788.— John Langdon, 33 ; John Sullivan, 9. 
1789.— John Pickering, 78 ; John Sullivan, 2. 
1790. — lohn Pickering, Ss, all cast. 
1791.— Josiah Bartlett, 80, all cast. 
1792.— Josiah Bartlett, 72, all cast. 
VOTES FOR GOVERNOR FROM 1793 To 1884, INCLUSIVE. 



1795.— John Taylor Oilman. 117, all . .-I 
1790.— John Taylor Oilman. 56, all cast. 
1797. -John Taylor Oilman, 57, all cast. 
1798.— John Taylor Oilman, 71. all cast. 
1799.— John Taylor Oilman, 19, all cast. 
lson._.l„l,n Taylor Oilman, 49 ; Tun. .thy Wall 
1801.^Iohn Taylor Oilman, 51, all cast. 
1802.— John Taylor Oilman, Id: Jol 
1803.— John Taylor Gilman, II . John Langdon 
lso-E— John Langdon. 7:; , John Taylor Gilmar, 
1805.— John Langdon, 72; John Taylor Giliuai 
1806.— John Langdon, 90; Timothy Farrow, 1. 

Isn7.— Juhu Langdon, 90 ; Justus I'.iUn. 1 

ISiis.— John Langdon. 69; Thomas Senter, G. 
Isn't.— Jeremiah Smith, 111 ; John Langdon, 5 
181".— Jeremiah Smith, 115; John Langdon, I 
1811.— Jeremiah .Smith, 111 ; John Langdon, 6 
1812.— John Taylor Gibuan, 112; William Clue 
Isl :;. — J, ,1,11 Taylor Oilman. 11..; William Phi, 
1814.— John Taylor Oilman. 1 .• . William Plm 
1815.— John Tin lor Oilman. 1J1 . William Plun 
1816.— James Sheafe, 114; William Plniuiuer, ! 
1817.— James Sheafe, 106 ; William Pliiiuni. r, 
1818.— William Plummer, 97 ; Jeremiah Smith, 
1819.— William Hale, 74; Samuel Bell, 82. 
1820.— Samuel Hell, 95; Jeremiah .Mason, 70. 



1821.. 



Bell, 



1822.— Samuel Bell, 131 ; John E 
1823.— Levi Woodbury, 106; San 
1824.— David L. Morrill, 152, all 
1825.— David L. Morrill, 158, all 
1820.— David L. Morrill, 182 , P.. 
1827.— Benjamin Pierre, H I'.,. 
1828— John Bell, 103: Benjamil 
1829.— John Bell, 95 ; Benjamin 
1830.— Matthew Harvey, 115 ; Ti 
1831.— Samuel Dinsmoor, Ins ; tc 
1832.— Samuel Dinsmoor, 111; 1. 
1833.- Samuel Dinsmoor, 135, al 
1834.— William Badger, 132, all c 
1835.— William Badge, . lie Jos 
1836 — Isaac Hill, 120, all cast. 
1837.— Isaac Hill, 77 ; Jeremiah 
1838.-Isaac Hill, 139; James W: 



.1" 'a 



I 12 



Anthony Colby 






1840.— John Page, 138 Enos Sti 

1841— John Page, 157 ; En,.- St, 

1842.— Henry Hubbard, l.l'i En 

1843.— Henry Hubbard, I 12 An 

1S44.— John II. Steele, 132 : Ant 

1845.— John H. Steel,, 91 : Auth 

1846.— Jared W. Williams, 125 
Berry, 20. 

1847. -Jared W. Williams, 141 ; Anthony Colby, 75; Nathaniel S. 
Berry, 17. 

1848.— Jared W. Williams, 153 ; Nathaniels. Berry, 93. 

1849.— Samuel Dinsmoor, 157 ; Levi Chamberlain, 07 ; Nathaniels. 
Berry, 12. 

1850.— Samuel Dinsmoor, 144 ; Levi chamberlain, (.2 ; Nathaniel S. 
Berry, 7. 

1851. — Samuel Dinsmoor, 105 ; John Atwood, 104 ; Thomas E. Sawyer, 
31. 

1852.— Noah Martin, 135 ; John Atwood, 04; Thomas E. Sawyer, 37. 

185:;— Noah Martin, 135; James Bell, 12; John II. White, 30. 

1854.— Nathaniel B. Baker, l::5 ; Jared Perkins, 53 ; James Bell, 34. 

1855.— Ralph Met. alt. 115 ; Nathaniel S. Baker, 119 ; Asa Fowler, 5. 

1856.— Ralph Metcalf, 147 ; John S. Wells, 138 ; Austin F. Pike, 2. 

1857.— William Haile, 152 ; John S. Wells, 120. 

1858.— William Haile, 150 ; Asa P. Cate, 124. 

1859.— Ichabed Goodwin, 133 ; Asa P. Cate, 125. 

I860.— Asa P. Cate, 152. Ichabed G Ivvin, 150. 

1801.— George Stark, 152 ; Nathaniel S. Berry. 151 ; Levi Bartlett, 1. 

1862.— George Stark, 135 j Nathaniel S. Berry, I ;i ; Paul J. Wheeler, 



1805.— Ira A Ea-tinat. 1 ; 



1804.— Joseph A. Gil 



Joseph \. oil,, 



, 97 ; Walte 



lani- 



Ivvard W. Hariington, 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



1805.— Frederick Smytho, \"A ; Kduanl W. Harrington, 90. 

1866.— Frederick Smythe, 130 ; John G. Sinclair, IIS. 

180".— Walter Harriman, 144 ; John G. Sinclair, 132. 

lsos— Walter Harriman, 1.1s ; John G. Sinclair, 140. 

1809.— Onslow Stearns, 139 ; John Bedel, 114. 

1870.— Onslow Stearns, 133 ; John Bedel, 93 ; Samuel Flint, 31 ; Lo- 
renzo D. Barrows, 3. 

1871.— James Tike, 147 ; James A. Weston, 112 ; Lemuel P, I kjoper, 7. 

1872.— Ezekiel A. Straw, 139; James A. Weston, 123 ; Lemuel P. 
Cooper, 14; John Blackmei, 6. 

187:'..— Ezekiel A. Straw, 125 : Jas. A. Weston, 103 : John Blackjner, 4. 

1874 James A. Weston, 14s ; Luther McCutchens, 128; John Black- 



It. Kohi-its, 149 ; Pearson C.Che 



128 ; Nathaniel 



Vl:„ 



187',.— Pearson C. Cln-ney, lis ; Daniel Many. 112. 

1877.— Daniel Marcy, 144 ; Benjamin F. Prescott, 130. 

1878.— Frank A. McKean, 146 ; Benjamin F. Prescott 137. 

1878, November.— Natt Head, 150; Frank A. McKean, 130; Warr 
G. Brown, 10. 

1880.— Charles H. Bell, 101 ; Frank Jones, 14(1. 

1882.— Samuel w. Hale, 129 ; Martin V. B. Edgerly, 121. 

1884.— Moody Currier, 161 ; John M. Hill, 135 ; George Carpenti 
11 ; Larkin D. Mason. 3. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

KIMBALL WEBSTER. 

John 1 Webster, of Ipswich, Mass., is supposed to 
have emigrated from Ipswich, England, county of 
Suffolk, in the year 1634. He was a freeholder in 
1635, and died about 104:.. He had eight children- 
John, Mary, Hannah, Elizabeth, Abigail, Stephen, 
Israel and Nathan. 

Stephen' 1 was born in Ipswich, Mass.; removed 
to Newbury ; from there, in 1653, to Haverhill. He 
was a tailor by trade, a man of influence and 
one of the selectmen in 1669. He married, first, 
March 24, 1663, Hannah, daughter of John Ayer, 
of Salisbury; second, widow Judith Brown, His 
children, all by his first wife, were Hannah, John, 
Mary, Stephen 3 , Nathan and Abigail. He died Au- 
gust 10, 1694. 

Stephen 3 , horn in Haverhill January 1, 1672, mar- 
ried widow Mary Cook. He was one of eight men in 
the garrison of John Webster, March, 1690. He 
died March 9, 1748. He had six children,— Samuel, 
John, Stephen, William, Ebenezer and Mary. 

Ebenezer 1 , born September 20, 1711, married Me- 
hitable Kimball, of Bradford, Mass. Their children 
were Lydia, Isaac, Mary, Ebenezer, Jonathan, Ste- 
phen, Moses, John. 

Ebenezer 5 , born in Haverhill, Mass., February 1, 
1744, settled in Pelham, N. H., was married three 
times. His third wife was Elizabeth Bradford, of 
Beverly, Mass., by whom he had Rebecca, Nancy, 
Moses, Simon, Isaac, Asa, John, Benjamin and Betsy. 
Ebenezer Webster was a quiet, industrious tanner in 
Pelham, and enjoyed the universal respect and es- 
teem of his townsmen. He died in Pelham March 
13, 1823, aged seventy-nine years. His widow sur- 
vived him twenty-two years, dying at Amherst March 
27, 1845. 



John 1 was born in Pelham, December 25,1791. He 
married, August 22, 1815, Hannah, daughter of Elea- 
,. i and Sarah (Hale) Cummings, of Nottingham 
West (now Hudson), and great-granddaughter of 
Deacon Henry and Mary Hale. (The Hales and 
Cummings were noted families in early New England 
history. Mr. Cummings combined the vocations of 
farmer and school and music-teacher. 

Mrs. Sarah (Hale) Cummings, born April 20, 
1767, was a very remarkable woman in physical 
strength and endurance ; while her husband was ab- 
sent from home, occupied in teaching, she performed 
her household duties, which were many and arduous, 
having a large family of children, and also took 
charge of a stock of cattle. She was a woman of 
sterling worth, a member of the Congregational 
Church for many years. Her Christianity was a part 
of her daily life, not an adjunct, and she obeyed truly 
the golden rule. She died May 7, 1852.) 

John Webster lived upon the old homestead in Pel- 
ham, excepting one year in Meredith and one in Hud- 
son (formerly Nottingham West), until 1841, when he 
sold his farm in Pelham and purchased one in Amherst 
where he resided until 1840, when he returned to 
Hudson, and buying a farm upon Bush Hill, he lived 
there twenty years ; then resided with his daughters 
(Mrs. Titcomb and Mrs. Baker) until his death, 
March 1, 1883, of old age. Mr. Webster was a man 
of great energy and unremitting industry, and it was 
only by hard, unceasing toil that the rough and rocky 
soil of the old homestead, at Pelham, could be made 
to yield a remunerative crop ; but perseverance and 
patience conquered, and Mr. Webster was able to 
provide for his large family of children and insure 
himself a comfortable living for his old age. He was 
drafted in the War of 1812, and served in Captain 
Haynes' company of New Hampshire militia at Ports- 
mouth, where he obtained an honorable discharge, 
and received for his services a pension from February 
14, 1871. He was a loyal citizen, a good husband 
and father, a kind and attentive sou, supporting his 
aged parents until their death, doing his duty faith- 
fullv in every position, and for many years he was 
universally called "Honest John Webster." 

Mrs. Hannah (Cummings) Webster, although a 
woman of small stature and delicate health, performed 
faithfully her part in life as wife, mother and Chris- 
tian. Industrious and frugal, she cared for her 
children, physically, morally and religiously; not- 
withstanding her weakness, she was a tower ot 
strength to lean upon, and her children learned from 
her daily, by precept and example, the force of the 
words, a good Christian mother. She united with the 
Congregational Church in Pelham, and was an 
esteemed member of other churches of the same 
denomination wherever she resided. She died in 
Hudson February 3, 1871. The children of this 
worthy couple were Elizabeth B. (Mrs. Warren 
Blodgett), Moses, Sally Hale (Mrs. Simeon C. Tit- 



f m&$ ^ 




- 



i-L^^^e^s^ y^y^j^^/^c^-. 




rt.Jt* 



^1^£^ /(/,>/' I 6* 



comb), Eleazer C. (deceased), Louisa U. (Mrs. John 
H. Baker), Lucy Ann (Mrs. Daniel B. Cluff), Kimball, 
Hannah J. (deceased), John C, Nathan P., Willard 
H. (deceased), Milton E. (deceased), Orrin P. (de- 
ceased). 

Kimball Webster'', son of John and Hannah (Gum- 
mings) Webster, was born in Pelham, N. H., November 
2,1828. His education was acquired at the common 
schools of his native town and Hudson. While a boy 
he worked upon a farm in Hudson, and for a short 
time in the quarries in Pelham. He was one of that 
historic, heroic and truly illustrious band, the old 
"Forty-niners," which has furnished so much 
material for story and song. Before attaining his 
majority, in April, 1849, when the news of the dis- 
covery of gold in California had reached New Eng- 
land, he started and traveled across the country, 
arriving in the Sacramento Valley in October, six 
months being passed in reaching the golden West. 
He remained thereabout two years, engaged in mining 
and other pursuits ; then went to Oregon, where he was 
a deputy-surveyor upon the government surveys, 
and returned home in the fall of 1854. In 1855 he 
was employed by the Hannibal and St. Jo Railroad 
Company in Missouri. In 1858 he resided in Vinal- 
haven, Me. ; since that time he has been a resident of 
Hudson, where he owns and occupies a portion of 
the land purchased by his great-grandfather, Eleazer 
Cummings, in 1728. 

Mr. Webster married, January 29, 1857, Abiah 
Cutter, daughter of Seth and Deborah (Gage) Cutter, 
of Pelham. Their surviving children are Lizzie Jane 
(Mrs. Horace A. Martin), Ella Frances (Mrs. Frank 
A. Walch), Eliza Ball (Mrs. Charles C. Leslie), Latina 
Bay, Julia Anna and Mary Newton. 

Mr. Webster is a quiet, unostentatious man, of ac- 
tive temperament and of great executive ability. 
He has a marked power of making friends, and 
enjoys a high degree of popularity in a very large 
circle of acquaintance. He is a worker and does his 
work conscientiously and thoroughly, and as a sur- 
veyor of long experience he has a wide reputation as 
being one of the most accurate and reliable in the 
county. He is a Democrat in politics and an active 
believer in the Jacksonian theory that ''The blessings 
of government, like the dews of heaven, should fall 
unseen, alike on the just and unjust." He has been 
the standard-bearer of a minority party in his town 
and county in many elections, and has generally 
polled more than the party vote. He was selectman 
for four years and chairman of the board. He has 
been justice of the peace since 1859, and is a trustee 
of the Mechanics' Savings-Bank, Nashua. 

He is a member of Rising Sun (Nashua) Lodge 
of F. and A. M., Hudson Commandery, U. O. Golden 
Cross, and has been largely identified with the history 
of the Orderof Patrons of Husbandryin Hillsborough 
County. He was the first to petition for the establish- 
ment of a grange in Hudson, and upon its organiza- 



tion, December 8, L873, was chosen its presiding 
officer, which office he held three years. He was one 
of the few to organize the New Hampshire State 
Grange, December 'J.'i, L873, and also Hillsborough 
County Council, March 1, 1874, of which he was 
master two years, ami secretary from December, 1876, 
until the organization, April 17, 1883, of its succes- 
sor, Hillsborough County Pomona Grange, when he 
was made secretary of that body and is now holding 
that office. He has been an active and valuable 
member of this order from the first, and stands high 
in the regards of the fraternity. 

He is much interested in historical matters and 
ancient landmarks. He has done much to preserve 
the latter by careful and creditable copies of many of 
the much worn and injured plats of portions of lands, 
old grants, etc., in ''Old Dunstable." 

Mr. Webster is a safe counselor, a good representa- 
tive of New England's intelligent fanners and busi- 
ness men, an honest man, and worthily stands high in 
public esteem for his hearty co-operation in every- 
thing tending to the elevation or improvement of the 
community. 



JAMES 15. MERRILL. 

Among the families of New England who should be 
recorded in history, the one bearing the name of Mer- 
rill lias a high claim, ami many of its representatives 
have been good and faithful ministers of the gospel. 

Nathaniel Merrill 1 was one of the first American 
ancestors of this numerous family. Emigrating from 
England to America in 1634, he settled in Newbury, 
Mass., in 1635. His wife was Susanna Jourdaine. Their 
children were Nathaniel, John, Abraham, Susanna, 
Daniel ami Abel. He died March 16, 1655. Abel 2 
was born in Newbury, February 20, 1646 ; settled 
there; married, February 10, 1671, Priscilla Chase. 
He died at Newbury, October 28, 1689. His oldest son ' 
Abel 3 , was also born at Newbury, December 28, 1671. 
He moved to West Newbury, married, January 19, 
1694, Abigail Stevens, and died February 6, 1759* 
He was a man of note, a deacon in the church, and 
left property, which, by will mad.' October 21, 1752, 
and proved March, 1759, was divided among his sons 
and sons-in-law. His children were Samuel, Abel, 
Thomas, John, Nathaniel, Abigail (Mrs. John Kent), 
Martha (Mrs. Joshua. Marsh), Priscilla (Mrs. Ezekiel 
Clark). 

Nathaniel*, youngesl son of Abel and Abigail 
Stevens) Merrill, was born in West Newbury, Mass., 
March 1. 1712. was graduated at Harvard College in 
1732, and was pastor of the Congregationalist Church 
in live, \. II. When the Congregationalist Church 
was formed in Nottingham West (now Hudson), No- 
vember 30, 17::7. lie was ordained its pastor, and 
continued in tint relation until his death, in 1796. 
The minister was settled by the town, and his salary 
raised by a special tax. There being many opinions 



434 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



in the church, some claiming to he Presbyterians, 
others Baptist and Methodist, the people protested 

against being compelled to pay outside of their own 
denomination; therefore the civil contract was dis- 
solved in 1774, but Rev. Mr. Merrill's connection 
with the church as pastor did not cease, his salary 
being paid voluntarily by his congregation. He was 
a man of great decision of character and love for his 
chosen profession; of acknowledged ability, both 
natural and acquired, he possessed excellent judg- 
ment and sterling integrity, and secured the respect 
of all men. He married Elizabeth Sarjeant. They 
had twelve children,— Nathaniel, Betty B., Mary, 
John, Abel, Dorothy, Oliver, Sarah, Benjamin and 
Ruth (twins), Molly and Theodore. 

Nathaniel Merrill 5 (Tertius) was born September 
25, 1739, at Nottingham West; married, February 25, 
1767, Olive Lund, of Dunstable (Nashua). They had 
three children, all of whom attained maturity,— Ben- 
jamin, Oliver and Asa. Nathaniel held an ensign's 
commission from King George III. before the Rev- 
olution, but supported the cause of the colonies. He 
inherited a portion of his father's estate, which, just 
previous to the war, he sold and purchased a mill, 
where he manufactured machinery for cider-presses, 
etc. The parties to whom the farm was sold did not 
pay for it until Continental money was so depreciated 
as to make it valueless to Mr. Merrill. His death 
occurred in 1785. His wife survived him, dying in 
1820, aged seventy-nine. 

Benjamin 1 '' was born January 24, 1768. His father 
dying soon after the loss of his property, when Ben- 
jamin was seventeen years old, it was only by his 
indefatigable industry and energy that his mother 
was enabled to keep the family together. He worked 
early and late, and provided a home for his widowed 
mother during her lite. He married, July 25, 1820,Mrs. 
Sarah Caton, whose maiden-name was Plummer. 
They commenced house-keeping in the house which 
he had built in 1810, on the farm in the south part of 
Hudson, where he ever after resided, and which is 
flow owned by his descendants. Their children were 
Benjamin A., Ebenezer B. (deceased), .lames B. and 
William T. 

Benjamin Merrill was prominent in town and 
church affairs, was at one time a member of the Board 
of Selectmen, was a deacon in the Presbyterian 
Church and familiarly known as " Deacon Ben." A 
man of good judgment, honest in character, faithful 
in duty, of a kind ami social disposition, he possessed 
many friends, and few, if any, enemies, preferring to 
bear an injury rather than to resort to any unpleasant 
measures. He never had a lawsuit, but his services 
were often sought as referee, and his wise and friendly 
counsel made him a peace-maker. Politically, he was 
a Whig. He died April 25, 1849, aged eighty-one 
years, leaving a record of a life well spent. His wife 
survived him but a few years, dying October 25, 1853, 
aged seventy-one years. 



James /:. Merrill 1 , son of Benjamin and Sarah 
(Plummer) Merrill, was born in Hudson, X. II., May 
6, 1824. His education was gained at the schools of 
his native town. He remained with his father, work- 
ing on the farm, until he was twenty-one. He then 
learned the carpenter's trade, and carried on the 
business id' carpenter and builder for about thirty 
years in Lowell, Nashua, Hudson and elsewhere, but 
of late years has been mostly occupied in farming. 
He married, January 2:i, 1857, Persis A., daughter of 
William and Persis G. (.Mo,, re) Winn, of Hudson. 
They commenced house-keeping in the house where 
they now reside, and which Mr. Merrill built before 
his marriage. Their children are A. Gertrude, .1. 
Everett and George A. 

Mr. Merrill's affiliations are with the Republican 
party ; yet be never allows himself to be governed by 
partisan bias. He represented Hudson in the State 
Legislature in 1876. He has taken an active part in 
town affairs, having been a selectman for several 
terms, town clerk in 1873, and appointed to fill a 
vacancy in same office in 1879, to which he has been 
re-elected annually ever since ; he was town treasurer 
for the years 1873-74, and now holds that office, 
which he has had since 1879. He was a charter member 
of Hudson Grange, No. 11, and its first secretary, and 
has held nearly all the offices ; has been its master and 
is now its overseer. He is also a member of the order 
of Golden Cross. In bis religious preferences Mr. 
Merrill is a Congregationalist, being a member of that 
church in Hudson and president of the society. 

Mr. Merrill stands high in the esteem and regard 
of his fellow-townsmen, and in the discharge of the 
various offices entrusted to him he has acquitted 
himself honestly, conscientiously and creditably. 
Honorable in all his dealings, of exemplary character 
and habits, the reliance of home and friends, he is in 
all respects an estimable citizen, and is one of Hud- 
son's representative men and a worthy descendanl of 
the early minister. 



ELI HAMBLET. 

Eli Hambletj son of Thomas and Tamar (Gilson) 
Hamblet, was born in Hudson, (then Nottingham 
West), May 12, 1810. We find, from early genealogical 
records in Massachusetts Historical Society's collec- 
tion, that William Hamlet (or Hamblet), bom 1611, 
emigrated to America about the middle of the seven- 
teenth century. Hewasa freeman in Cambridge, Mass., 
in 1651 ; removed to Billerica in 1658, and was a sub- 
stantial citizen of the town, and was one of the first 
Baptists of that place. He married widow Sarah 
Hubbard, who died at Woburn in 1689. His oldest 
son, Jacob, was three times married, — first to Hannah 
Parker in 1668, next to Mary Dutton, third to Mary 
Colburn. His children were Joseph, William, Jacob, 
Henry and others. It is not definitely shown, but 
probably his son Joseph's three sons,— Hezekiah, 



111 nsoN. 



4S5 



Joseph and Jacob,— were the ones who respectively 
settled in Dracut, Mass., Hollia and Stratham, N. II. 
Joseph, great-grandfather of Eli, was a farmer and 
miller in Dracut, Mass., on Heaver Brook; settled on 
lands which he conveyed, March 4, 1773, to his sun. 
Joseph Hamblet, carpenter, and by him deeded to 
his wife in 1774, as he was in ill health. He died 
soon after. His sun Thomas was probably born after 
his father's death, ( >ctober 27, 1775. He was brought 
up as a farmer by Isaac Colburn (grandfather of 
Isaac Colburn, missionary to Burmah), a resident o;' 
the south part of Hudson. Thomas worked at farming 
and in various mills, particularly in Hale's mill, 
Chelmsford, Mass., for a number of years. His dil- 
igence, industry and economy raised him to a solid 
financial standing for those days. He married Tamar, 
daughter of Solomon and Tamar (Lawrence) Gilson, 
October 21, 1806. The young couple came to Hudson 
and settled at Pollard Mills, in which Mr. Hamblet 
purchased a hall-interest ; but, in a few years after, the 
mill was carried off by a freshet, and he exchanged 
his interest in the mill property for a farm of sixty 
acres in the south part of the town, where he resided 
until his death, November 9, 1850, being about seven- 
ty-live years old. His wife survived him, dying March 
5, 1S66. Their children attaining maturity were 
Eli, Drusilla (Mrs. Joseph Phelps, deceased), Dorcas 
S. (married, first, Reuben Frost ; second, Joseph Skin- 
ner), Alvan (deceased), Joseph and Gilbert. Mr. 
Hamblet was a hard-working, economical and prudent 
man, a good, honest citizen, social friend and kind 
neighbor. He was an Universalist in his religious 
views ; politically, a Whig, and held some town offices. 
Eli passed his boyhood's days, and until he was 
twenty-one, on the farm, aud was early taught to 
know the value of good, honest labor, which he has 
never ceased to appreciate. His opportunities for 
early education were limited to those attainable in 
the old red school-house in Hudson, and studying at 
night, after his farm chores were finished, by the light 
of a pine-torch, thus gaining the knowledge which 
has been of so much practical value to him in later 
years. At the time of his majority Eli left the farm 
and went to Charlestown, Mass., where he engaged in 
brick-making; he worked at this business for ten 
years, slowly, surely and steadily accumulating the 
wages so hardly earned, and at the end of that time 
his savings amounted to one thousand dollars. About 
this time, however, he was prostrated by illness, which 



incapacitated him for hard labor for nearly a year, 
and, with his capital somewhat retrenched bj this 
sickness, he returned to Hudson, and purchased the 
place, of sixty acres, which has since been his home, 
lie married, first. Lucy Frost, of Tyngsborough, 
Mass., June 30,1839; she died September 24, 1840 ; 
second, April 2, 1844, Rebecca, daughter of Enoch 
and Susan (Marsh) Butler. She was born in Pelham, 
February 13, 1819. They commenced house-keeping 
in the house where they now reside, and which they 
have occupied over forty years. Their children are 1!. 
Souvina and Arvilla, both living with their parents. 
About thirty yens ago .Mr. Hamldet's residence was 
struck by lightning. The shoe was torn from Mrs. 
Hamblet's loot, ami from the shock she then received 
she has never fully recovered. 

After his return to Hudson, Mr. Hamblet devoted 
himself to agriculture, and has been a faithful, dil- 
igent worker, ami by industry, frugality and judicious 
judgment, has acquired a comfortable home. For ten 
years he has been agent of the Worcester, Nashua and 
Rochester Railroad at Hudson; selectman for six 
years, having been chairman of the board for most of 
the time; he has served on committee of mails anil 
bridges; as town clerk lor nine years, and treasurer 
for the same period ; he has been postmaster at Hud- 
son Centre since the office was located. lie has also 
been appointed administrator on several estates, and 
has done considerable probate business. Whig and 
Republican in politics, he represented his town in the 
State Legislature of 1865. He was enrolling officer for 
Hudson during the Rebellion, and was appointed by 
the Governor recruiting agent to fill the quota of 
enlistments for the town. He is a Baptist in his 
religious opinions, and has been deacon in that 
church for the three past years, and is a prominent 
teacher in the Sunday-school. 

Mr. Hamblet is a strong temperance man, is a good 
member of society, unostentatious and esteemed in 
church and social circles, and favors everything 
which advances honesty, sobriety and the education, 
improvement and elevation of his native town. He 
is one of a class now, unfortunately, passing away, — 
the pleasant, social, unpretentious, and yet well- 
informed New England farmer of the last generation. 
He has worthily and honestly filled his place in life, 
conferred honor on all stations to which he has been 
called, and in his old age is the warm friend, trusted 
confidant and aide adviser of a numerous circle. 



HISTORY OF LITCHFIELD. 



BY E. F. M'oTESTEN, M.H. 



CHAPTER I. 

Litchfield, essentially an agricultural town, is 
situated upon the left bank of the Merrimack River. 
It is bounded on the north by Manchester, east by 
Londonderry and Hudson, smith by Hudson and west 
and northwest by Merrimack. It is small in territory, 
containing about eight thousand five hundred acres. 
The surface is level ; the soil of the arable land is 
strictly alluvial and rich, producing excellent crops 
of grain, vegetables and grass. In the eastern section 
of the town the soil is light, unsuitable for cultiva- 
tion; but it yields heavy growths of wood and tim- 
ber. A public road extends through the town a 
distance of nine miles, leading in one direction to 
Manchester, and in the opposite direction to Hudson 
and Nashua. This mad was admirably located through 
the farming district, in close proximity to the river, 
as early as 1734, and along it nearly all the people 
of the town reside. Three reads lead to Londonderry 
and two via Thornton's ferry and Reed's terry 
to Merrimack and stations upon the Concord Railroad. 

In point of wealth, Litchfield ranks among the first 
farming towns in the State. In late years many of 
the farms have been seriously impaired by the inun- 
dations of banks during the annual rises of the Mer- 
rimack. Nearly one-halt of the territory is well 
timbered, pine predominating, witli oak, birch and 
maple in abundance. The timber trade is extensive. 
The greater portion cut during the winter is lor the 
Lowell market ; it is hauled to the river's hank during 
the winter and ratted in the spring. There are two 
steam saw-mills manufacturing for other markets. 
Log- valued at $21,000 were cut in 1884. The inven- 
tory for 1885 shows the following values: Real estate, 
$177,130; bank stock, $17,800; money at interest, 
$22,388; horses, $5915 ; cattle, $7848 ; stock in trade, 

$20,515; deposited in savings-banks, $94, I; total 

valuation, $261,365; total tax, at forty cents on a 
hundred dollars, $1359. The town is free from debt. 
and has a surplus of $567.32. 

I ENSI S EEPOBTS IX 1767 AND 177.-. 

176" Unmarried men from sixteen to sixty 27 

Married men from sixteen to sixty 20 

Boys, sixteen yean* of aire and under 17 

Men, sixty years of age and over 13 

Females, unmarried 74 

480 



Male slaves 3 

Female slaves 9 

Widows 3 

Total 229 

I770 Males under sixteen years of age 62 

Males between sixteen and fifty 44 

Males over fifty years 19 

Persons in the army 13 

Females 136 

Negroes and slaves for life 10 

Total 284 

The population at various periods since 1800 has 
been as follows: 1800, 372; 1820, 4(35 ; 1840, 481; 
1850, 447; 18(30, 352; 1870, 345; 1880, 291; 1885, 
281. 

The Brooks. — All the streams in Litchfield are 
tributaries of the Merrimack River. There are three 
of considerable size, viz.: Great Nesenkeag, com- 
monly called Brickyard; Little Nesenkeag, also 
known as Chase's; and Reed's. The first-named 
originates in Londonderry, and flows across the cen- 
tral part of Litchfield ; it has a rapid current, and a 
sufficient fall at several points for improvements. 
The water supply is good all the year. Upon this 
stream the early settlers located their corn and saw- 
mills. The grain-mill was rebuilt and operated until 
1830, when it was removed. Mills tor the manufac- 
ture of powder were built in 1820, but they were 
shortly after converted into carding-uiills ; there are 
no mills at present. 

Little Nesenkeag rises in Hudson, and is fed 
along the course through the southerly part of Litch- 
field by numerous ponds. Grain and lumber-mills 
have been in operation upon this stream for forty 
years past ; it now furnishes power for the only grist- 
mill in town. 

Reed's, in the north part of the town, also has good 
facilities for milling, which for a time were partially 
improved. There are several ponds in the eastern 
section; Darrah's and Half-Moon are the only ones of 
extensive area. 

Ferries. — The first ferry was established by the 
town in 1740. The landing on the east side of the 
river was in the centre of the town, on the river line, 
and near the meeting-house. This ferry was leased 
by several parties until about 1790, when it was pur- 



LITCHFIELD. 



487 



chased by Hon. Matthew Thornton ; it has been 
called successively Curumings's, Lutwyche'a and 
Thornton's. At the animal town-meeting in 1779 it 
was voted "to join with the town of Merrimack in 
prosecuting in the civil law any person or persons 
who doth or may presume to carry over the river for 
pay any person or persons at the place where the said 
towns improve their ferry near Lutwyche's." 

Within fifty years a great change has taken place 
at this ferry and in the immediate vicinity. More 
than forty rods of the Litchfield shore have been 
washed away by the freshets, aud the sites of the old 
church and burial-ground are submerged. A broad 
alluvion of recent deposit on the Merrimack shore 
makes the change in the river's channel apparent. 
The charter for Reed's ferry, in the north part of the 
town, was obtained in answer to the following petition: 

PETITION FOR A GRANT OF A FFRRY. 
"To His Excellency, John Wentworth, Esq.. Captain-General, Governor 
and Commander-in-Chief in and over His Majesty's Province of New 
Hampshire, In Council : 

"The humble petition of Lucy Read of Litchfield, in the County of 
Hillsborough and Province aforesaid, Widow. 

"Sheweth that your petitinnei's late husband. Capt. William Read, 
was in his lifetime seized and possess' d of a Considerable tract of land on 
the Eastward side of Merriinae River in Litchfield, aforesaid, aud did 
(without any Grant from His Majesty) improve a Ferry about three 
miles and half Above Cob' Lutwyches, called and known by the name 
of Read's Ferry, for about twenty-five years before his death, which 
happened about four years ago. 

"That the said William Read, in hie lifetime, and the said Lucy, since 
his death, have turn at a t tonsiderahle Expe in Bonis and attendance 

I.. Kxpeillte the sal nr IVu V :uel make it c. .[ .<!;< n-. ., : , . ■,■;,). I ... L.e.v 

" Notwithstanding which premises your I'.-t i t i . .o.-i is advised That the 
B d title under the said William is precarious, and sho 1 Any stranger ob- 
tain a Grant thereof it \\" ' Embarrass and ^really hurt v. mi Iviitietier. 
who has also six children by said William, all now under age, to main- 

" She most humbly intreats your Excellency wise tender regard of the 
premises to Confirm unto her the aforesaid unproved and accustomed 
Ferry by Grant from His Majesty. 

" And your Petitioner, as in Duty bound, will ever pray, etc. 



"Litchfield, 18th May, 1772." 

Trade and Manufactures. — Before the completion 
of the Concord Railroad, in 1842, Litchfield had a 
prosperous trade. Two stores of general merchandise 
supplied a large country around. A fleet of twenty 
canal-boats carried its productions to Lowell, and via 
the Middlesex Canal to Boston, returning with mer- 
chandise for all points along the river as far as Con- 
cord. These boats gave employment to a large num- 
ber of men, who were famous for their jollity and lib- 
erality. Nearly every man in the town was a " cap- 
tain," by reason of having at some time been in com- 
mand of a boat; sobriquets were common, and the 
river-man who failed to possess one had cause for 
congratulation. The selection of the west shore was 
a severe blow to the industries of Litchfield, which 
might have been prevented; with the thrift of its 
people, together with its rich farming districts, tim- 



ber and abundant water-power, the town lacks only 
access to the business world to make it eminently 
prosperous. 

The following comprises the traders for the last 
fifty years : 

George Griffin, 1834 to 1850; Leonard Moore, L851 
and 1852; Moore (Leonard) & Kennard (Samuel), 
1853 and 1854; Chase (Samuel) & MeQuesten (Isaac), 
1855 to 1858, also dealers in lumber from is Hi to 
1860, when the firm was dissolved and Misiness con- 
tinued by Isaac MeQuesten till 1878; White (John) 
& Lydston (George), 1859 to 1862; John White, 1863 
to 1865; George H. Lamprey, 1866 to 1868; George 
B. Griffin, 1868 to 1X77; Norris C. Griffin, 1878 to 
1885. 

The following are now (1885) engaged in business : 

Lumber merchants: MeQuesten (F. H.) & Chase 
(John F.), Charles MeQuesten, Read Brothers (Wil- 
liam T. and i reorge S. . I larpenters: Rufus Saunders, 
Nathan H. Bulloch, German Kendall. Blacksmith : 
Rufus Saunders. Grist-mill : Frederick L. Center. 

Brick was formerly manufactured in large quanti- 
ties. The following is a partial list of the sons of 
Litchfield now engaged in business elsewhere : 

Samuel Kennard & Sons (Perley and Walter), shoe 
manufacturers ; Jonathan A. Griffin, shoe manufai - 
turer, Cleveland, 0.; James Kennard, John Kennard, 
Diamond Kennard, Joseph F. Kennard, capitalists, 
Manchester; Charles II. Bixby, John MeQuesten, mer- 
chants, Lowell, Mass. ; George MeQuesten, lumber mer- 
chant, East Boston, Mass. ; J. B. MeQuesten, grocer, 
Nashua, N. H.; Simeon Bixby, boot and shoe merchant, 
New York City; Samuel J. Lund, restaurateur, Nashua, 
N. H.; George B. Griffin, grocer, Merrimack ; Most 9 
H. Chase, grocer, Boston, Mass.; Samuel C. Lum), 
grocer, Boston, Mass.; Frank Kendall, grocer, Bos- 
ton, .Mass.; Freeling Tufts, civil engineer, Kansas 
City, Mo.; Benjamin MeQuesten, trader, Pelham; 
Samuel Center, appraiser, San Francisco, Cal.; 
Samuel Center, mining, San Francisco, Cal.; Samuel 
Kendall, mining, Oakland, Cal.; Stephen C.Richard- 
son, Haverhill, Mass.; Alfred Campbell, Manchesti , 
N. H. ; Arthur S. Campbell, Manchester, N. H. ; James 
Parker, Washington, D. C. 

Schools. — Prior to the Revolution money was voted 
annually for the support of a school for two or three 
months at the centre of the town, in which the 
children were taught to "read and write," as the law 
then required. From 1790 to 1825 the town raised 
about one hundred and seventy-five dollars annually 
for school purposes. During this time three school- 
houses were erected. In 1823 the selectmen, who had 
heretofore had the management of the schools, re- 
ceived the following petition : 

"We, v ,,ur fellow-townsmen, find tment in trans- 

:" ho- business relative hi -el ]. in Hi,, town of Litchfield on account of 

the town not being regularly established into districts. We therefore 
wish you to warn a meeting in said town to see if the town will alter, if 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



neeii be, and define the limit, of the districts, that everv m 

be judiciously acted upon, as in duty bound we will ever ] .j a v 

"Signed by 

"Abzl G. (.Hi...;. 

" JoSIAH HlCIIAKl.S'js 



"Litchfield, N II . De 

Pursuant in the foregoing,a warrant was issued for 

a meeting to lie held January 22, 1*24. A plan to 
divide the town into lour districts was presented by 
the petitioners, but the town rejected it. Joseph 
Chase, Jr., Thomas Bixby and Stephen Moor were 
chosen a committee to report at the next annual 
meeting upon the expediency of dividing the town 
into school districts with fixed boundaries. As a re- 
sult of their labors, the committee submitted a report 
giving the boundaries of three districts. The report 
closed as follows : 

"And your committee believe that tic- district, are a. nearlj equal in 
point of valuation as tl is possible to make them without dividing farms ; 
they have f-.un.l it impossible !.. take the l.-nu'tti "1 f tails into view in 
connection with the valuation : hence some districts where tli habit- 
ants liv- remote from each other have a greater length of road than 
Could he Wished."" 

Subsequently the number of districts was increased 
to five by the sub-division of Nos. 1 and '■'). 

At present there are only four schools. These are 
under the direction of a superintendent elected an- 
nually. The yearly appropriation for school purposes 
is about seven hundred dollars. The school property 
is valued at two thousand dollars. 

Graduatesof Dartmouth College.— Edward L. Parker, 1807; William 
Claggett, 1808 ; William Mc. st , 1821; Bufus Claggett, 1826; Wil- 
liam Claggett, l.vjt; ; David oui— . 1-v, : .loliu N. Griffin, 1869 : Alfred 
H. Campbell, 1ST7 ; John N Center, 18S2. 

Graduates of Yale College. — Simeon chase, 1821; Benjamin chase, 
1821. 

Church History. — Through the generosity of the 
proprietors of Naticook lands, the inhabitants secured 
the benefits of the gospel at an early date. At a 
meeting held in Boston, December 5, 1773, Mr. Dan- 
iel Dwight was allowed forty-five pounds, ten shil- 
lings "for his preaching at Naticook from the twen- 
tieth of September to the twentieth of March next." 
August 19, 1734, the town voted to build a meeting- 
house forty-five feet in length, thirty-five feet in 
width and twenty-five feet stud, on the east side of 
lit.. Merrimack River, near Cummings' ferry (now 
Thornton's ferry). The house was completed in 
1736 under the direction of Captain Joseph Blanchard, 
( Ihristopher Temple, Benjamin Blodgett, Robert Rich- 
ardson and Samuel Moor as building committee. Mr. 
Josiah Brown and Mr. Isaac Merrill were successively 
called i" settle in the ministry, and declined. In 
1741 the town extended a call to Rev. Joshua Tufts, 
of Newbury, which was accepted, and he was ordained 
December 9th. Mr. Tufts' salary was fixed at one 
hundred and forty pounds (old tenor) per annum. He 
was dismissed in 1744. 



Following the dismissal of Mr. Tufts, an unsuccess- 
ful attempt was made to establish a union church in 
Merrimack. The town of Litchfield voted to join 
with the town of Merrimack in settling a minister, 
provided Merrimack built a meeting-house within 
forty rods of the Merrimack River, between Thornton's 
ferry and the mouth of the Souhegan River. Annual 
appropriations were made for the support of the gos- 
pel ; but no settlement was effected until 1764, when 
the Rev. Samuel Cotton, of Newton, received a 
unanimous call. He was ordained in January, 1765, 
and received eighty pounds sterling for settlement ; 
his salary was forty pounds sterling. During his 
pastorate he was commissioned chaplain of the First 
New Hampshire Regiment, Revolutionary soldiers. 
Mr. Cotton, although of ecceutric habits, was brave 
anil generous, and known all over the country as the 
"jolly clergyman.'' He was dismissed in 17S4, but 
retained his Litchfield residence for a number "1' 
years. His death occurred at Claremont in 1819. In 
August, 1800, the town voted to build a newmeeting- 
house. At an adjourned meeting, in October, the 
vote was rescinded, and five hundred dollars were ap- 
propriated to repair the exterior of the old one. 
Captain Daniel Bixby, Colonel Samuel Chase and 
Lieutenant Simeon Kendall were appointed a com- 
mittee to superintend repairs. The following month 
an appropriation of seven hundred and fifty dollars 
was made for the interior of the church. Major 
Francis Chase was awarded the contract for repairs. 
In November, 1801, the committee reported an ex- 
penditure of $178.83 in excess of the appropriations. 
The town accepted the report, and voted to sell the 
pews by auction, the proceeds to be placed in the 
hands of the committee. The sum of one thousand 
and ninety-eight dollars was realized from the sale of 
pews. Mr. John Davies supplied the pulpit in 1806. 
He was invited to settle, but declined. February 25, 
1809, it was voted "to give Mr. Nathaniel Kennedy a 
.all I., settle in this town in the work of the gospel 
ministry, on a salary of five hundred dollars annually 
for four years, and four hundred dollars annually 
after the expiration of four years during the time of 
his ministry in said town.'' Mr. Kennedy was or- 
dained by the Presbytery April 12, 1809, and contin- 
ued his pastoral relations until April, 1812, when he 
was dismissed. Mr. Kennedy was succeeded by Rev. 
Enoch Pillsbury, who was ordained in October, 1815. 
Mr, Pillsbury died in February, 1818, at the age of 
thirty years. 

Rev. John Shearer was pastor for a number of 
years subsequent to 1825. From 1833 to 1845 the 
church was without a pastor, but had stated supplies 
for the most of the time. A new meeting-house was 
built by the society in 1844; the old house was the 
property of the town. At the time of dedication the 
Londonderry Presbytery established a Presbyterian 
Church. In 1845 the church and society united in 
extending a unanimous call to Mr. William H. Por- 



LITCHFIELD. 



489 



ter to become their pastor. He was ordained and 
continued in charge three years, when he was dis- 
missed. Rev. S. N. Howell supplied in 1852 and 
1853. Rev. Ebenezer Newhall accepted a call made 
him in June, 1854; he was installed the September 
following. Mr. Newhall was advanced in years when 
he commenced his labors, yet his ministry was suc- 
cessful. He resigned in 1862, and removed to Cam- 
bridge, Mass., carrying the confidence and affection 
of his people. He was the last settled minister. 
Rev. Luther H. Angier supplied for two years, 1870 
and 1871; Rev. L. Parsons in 1872; Rev. William 
Hart in 1873 and 1874; Rev. B. F. Emerson for three 
years, from 1875 to 1878; and Rev. Charles Scott 
from 1879 to 1882. Rev. Henry C. Robinson was en- 
gaged in September, 1884, to supply for one year. 
Among others who have labored in the service are 
these, whose terms of service cannot be definitely 
stated : Rev. Messrs. Wood, Miltemore, Fuller, Page, 
Blanchard and Tattle. 

The following is a list of the deacons whose terms 
of service continued several years: Joseph Barnes, 
Thomas Bixby, Joseph Chase, Clifton Claggett, John 
Underwood, Matthew Parker, William Read, John 
Parker, Andrew Lydston and Moses Chase. The last- 
named is living at the advanced age of eighty-nine. 

The society owns a good parsonage and a circulat- 
ing library. James Parker, a native and resident of 
Litchfield during his lite, died November 11, 1860. 
He bequeathed nearly all his estate as follows: "For 
the support of the preaching of the Gospel in the 
town of Litchfield, according to the wishes and for 
the benefit of the Presbyterian society and church in 
said town ; the increase, interest, gain or profit only 
is to be used for the purpose aforesaid, and the prin- 
cipal is to remain entire." This fund amounts to 
eighteen thousand and twenty-five dollars. Rev. Abel 
Fletcher, a minister of the Christian denomination, 
resided here many years, devoting his time to the 
educational, moral and spiritual welfare of this com- 
munity. 

Rev. Edward L. Parker, pastor of the Presbyterian 
Church in the neighboring town of Londonderry for 
nearly forty years, and Rev. Benjamin Chase, who 
died in Natchez, Miss., some years ago, were natives 
of Litchfield. 

Pioneer History. — Litchfield and Merrimack 
represent the area known to the Indians as Naticook. 
It was the home of a tribe of that name, or Nacooks, 
one of the many divisions under the rule of the great 
chief Passaconaway. From accounts of the early 
.settlers, these Indians were comparatively industrious, 
and were engaged in hunting, fishing and the culti- 
vation of corn, beans, melons, etc. The Naticook 
lands were especially favorable for agricultural pur- 
suits. There are no evidences of their being other- 
wise than humane in their treatment of the first 
settlers. This peaceful disposition was probably due 
to the former sufferings of the Indians in the Merri- 



mack Valley, through wars with the Mohawks, or 

"Man-Eaters of the West," famine ami disease, all of 
which resulted in great loss in numbers and powers, 
One of the residences of Passaconaway, and his last in 
this section, was upon Cecil's Island, which he called 
"my beautiful island of Natticook." His sale of land 
to Wheelwright, and the rapid settlement of the 
Merrimack Valley by Massachusetts parties who led 
extensive grants, obliged him to petition to the Legis- 
lature of Massachusetts for a grant of land for a resi- 
dence. In answer to his petition, the government 
allowed him and his associates a tract "a mile and a 
half on either side of the Merrimack." 



"To the honerd John Endecot, Esqr., together with the rest of the 

honerd General Court now Assembled in Boat the petition ol papii 

connew&in the behalf of himself, as also "f many other Indians who aow 

I'm a lull-.- t i in. - or selves ,,', [.I . .— '■ iclT . irs -oated upon a trait of taint 
.alt. it Natiiut, ami is imii m the pussi ssioli i if Mr. William Brenton, ut 

Kode Island, marchant, ami is firmed to thesaid .Mr. Brenton, to him 

his heirs an.l assigns, according t.. the Laws of this Jurisdiction, by 
reason of which tracts of land beinge taken up as a foresaid and thereby 
vr pore petitionr, with many others, is in an onsettled condition ami 
must be forced in a short time to re ve to some other place. The Hum- 
ble in si of yr petitionr is that this honerd Courte woulde phase to 

grunt unto us a parcell of land lor or comfortable cituation to lie Mated 
for or Injoymeiil. as also for the comfort of others after us, as also that 
tic- honerd Court woldpleasto take into yr serious an. I graye con- 
sideration the condition and al-u the nipieste of yr p,, r ,. Suplialit and to- 
il po\ lib' tw. . m t! pel sons as a i 'oinmittee to arrange with sum one or 

two Indians I,, vew and delermil I some place and to lay mil the same, 

not further to trouble this honerd Assembly, humbly cravinge an ex- 
pectedanswei this present session I shall remain yr humble -■ i i int 



The order of the 
follows, viz. : 



upon this petition is as 



i.lgoth i 



■• In answer to tin- petition ut l'api-soooiiaway, this 
meete to grant to the said I'apissei onaway and bis n 
about Xntioot, aliovc Mr. Itrenton's lands, where it is tree, a mile and a 
half on either side Merrimack liner in breadth, three miles on either 
side in length; provided he nor they do not alienate any part Of this 
grant without leave and License li this Conn, first obtained." 

John Parker and Jonathan Dauforth were ap- 
pointed surveyors to lay out this township for Passa- 
conaway and his associates. 

During the progress of King Philip's War the 
Indians departed from the Merrimack Valley. 

Civil History.— The beginning of the settlement 
and the names of the first settlers in Litchfield can- 
no. 1" ascertained. In 1656, Massachusetts granted 
the greater part of Naticook to William Brenton, an 
explorer and fur-trader. It was known as " Brenton's 
Farm " until incorporated as a township. From 1659 
I.. 1662 several Massachusetts parties procured grants 
of Naticook lands on the east side of the river ; but 
it is not known that any of them became actual set- 
tlers. These grants were till included in the town- 
ship of Dunstable, incorporated in 1673. In August, 
1728, the owners of "Brenton's Farm " (then sixteen 
in number, and all non-residents) made application 
to one of His Majesty's justices for the county of Mid- 
dlesex for a warrant to call a meeting to make a divi- 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



sion of the property according to their several inter- 
ests. This meeting was held in Charlestown on the 
23d day of the same month, and organized by the 
choice of Francis Borland as moderator, and Jacob 
Holyoke clerk. A committee, consisting of Robert 
Richardson, Joseph Blanchard and Stephen Richard- 
son, was appointed 
"T.. survey and take a Plat particularly of the enter™] of the 

meadow- a nl til.' olhel la li i Is lying ,\ ' olit.iili.il m til.- a I -aid I la. I ..I 

landoi Fannewith the quantity of each, &to notifj Sjoiu with the 
Proprieton claiming the land joining to the aforesaid tract of common 
land or Farme in Running the Lines according to Law, and to make re. 
port thereon, with their opinions on the most Proper way and method for 
the Proceeding in the dividing the aforesaid land or Farme to & among 
the said Proprietors, at the text Pi. .pi i.t..i-' Meeting rail'' for that pur. 

The next meeting was held by virtue of a warrant 
from Jacob Holyoke, clerk, in Charlestown, Septem- 
ber 26th. The committee reported that Mr. Samuel 
Danforth, surveyor, whose services they had secured 
had surveyed the lands and made a plan of them. 
The report of the committee was accepted, and it was 
voted : 

"That the aforesaid Ian. Is on each side of the Merrimack River be 
equally divided int.. sixteen pan-, allowing Quantity for Quality, the sit- 
uation of the land to he duly considered." 

Benjamin Prescott, Esq., of Groton, Eleazer Tyng, 
Esq., of Dunstable, and Mr. Joseph Richardson, of 
Woburn, were selected to lay out and divide the 
lands. This committee was also instructed to lay out 
roads and highways, and to select a suitable location 
for a mill, reserving one hundred acres for that pur- 
pose. Captain William Richardson had already im- 
proved a tract of land, which was ordered to be con- 
tained in one division. January 2?,, 1729, bills of 
credit to the amount of one hundred and sixty pounds 
were ordered to defray charges upon the property. 
Jonas Clark and Joseph Blanchard were appointed 
assessors, and Captain Robert Richardson collector. 
The following is a list of the proprietors and their as- 
sessments : 

" Jahleel Brenton, of Newport, Colony of B. 1 26 n 

Joseph Blanchard, of Dunstable 3 1" 

William Lund, of Dunstable 3 

Thomas Chamberlain, of Dunstable 2 

Mary French, administratrix, .1 Dunstable . - . 1 10 

Joseph Thompson, of London 20 

John Smith, of Boston 1" 

Jared Elliott, of Killingsworth, Conn 2 111 

John Stall, of Conn ... 2 to 

Augustus Lucas, of Newport 1 5 

Barsheba Lucas, of Newport 1 5 

Joseph w Ibridge, ol Conn 2 10 

Martha Church, of Newport Ill 

Samuel Brown, of Salem 10 li 

Nathaniel Cotton, of Bristol ' 

Nathaniel Cotton, adni'r estate of Peleg Sanford . .20 

Robert Richardson, of Chelmsford 11 10 

Francis Borland, of Boston 20 

Eli/al.eth Burton, "f Mar-litiel.l 2 10 

Jonas Clark, of Chelmsford 5 II 

£160 o" 

The one hundred acre mill lot was located on the 



Great Nesenkeag stream. It was granted to Jona- 
than Richardson in 17211 upon condition that he erect 
corn and saw-mills, and constantly maintain the 
same in good repair. While it would be interesting 
to know the population of " Brenton's Farm" at this 
date (1729), there are no means of determining even 
the family names. Massachusetts was encouraging 
emigration to the Merrimack Valley in order to 
strengthen her claim to the territory ; the proprietors, 
that their property might be enhanced, were offering 
inducements to actual settlers ; but the fertility of the 
Naticook lands was the principal incentive which 
swelled the numbers of the settlement to quite a 
colony in lour years' time. Most of the families 
came from Massachusetts and were of English origin. 
A few Irish emigrants became permanent settlers. 
The colony was unembarrassed by land title contro- 
versies and held peaceable possession from the start, 
— an experience unlike many of the settlements in 
Southern New Hampshire. 

The next step was to procure a charter for a town- 
ship, and in this the settlers had the co-operation of 
the proprietors, for, March 20, 1733, they voted, 
"... to join with such other persons as may 
lie inclined to make application to the Towns of Not- 
tingham and Dunstable to give their consent for their 
being set off a distinct Township." The petition to 
the General Assembly of Massachusetts for incorpora- 
tion, dated May, 1734, was signed by Aquila Under- 
wood, in behalf of the petitioners. 

The Legislature passed the following order : 

"In the House ..f Representatives. July 3, 17:;4. 

" Ordered,— That Mr. Aquila Underwood, ..ne of the principal Inhab- 
itants oi y* nevi Township at Naticook ami Ian. I- adjoining, be and here- 
by is fully authorized and impowere.l to assemble the freeholders and 
other inhabitants of s« Township Lawfully qualified to choose Town 
officers to stand until the annual meeting in March next. 

"Sent up for concurrence. 



•J. iic 



I council, July 3, 1734. Read and .eiininol. 



i copy. Attested, per 



•Thai. Mi 



!',,,!. .Sec'. 



The first meeting was held pursuant to the follow- 
ing warrant : 

"Middlesex ss., July 20, 1734. 

"Pcrsuant toanactof y« Great and General Curt or Assembly, July 
4, 1784, I, y< subscriber, Do in his Majesty's Name Require all y° f lc e- 
ither inhabitants of thi Town of Litchfield lawfully 
qualified to vote in Town-Meeting, to meet and convene at y° bouse 
..f Aquila Underwood, in Litchfield, on Monday y« twenty ninth 
Day of July, current at one of y« clock in y« afternoon, then and 
there to choose town officers, to stand until y« anniversary meeting in 

" Per order of the General Court, 



Aol- 



I'm.kku 



For a period of twelve years Litchfield included 
the Naticook lands on both sides of the Merrimack 
River. The management of town affairs was undei 
one organization until about the time the boundary 
question between the provinces of Massachusetts and 
New Hampshire was settled, in 1741, when a division 



LITCHFIELD. 



into districts (east and west) occurred. The town- 
meetings wen' usually held in the meeting-house on 
the east side. From 1741 to the date of the Merri- 
mack charter, April 2, 174o, each district managed 
its local affairs. Although the records show that 
contentions frequently arose during this primitive 
government, the public interests did not sutler. 
Highways were laid out, the streams were bridged 
a ferry was established, pounds, one on each side, 
were built, and a house of worship erected. To-day 
we arc in the enjoyment of direct fruits which the la- 
bors of these hardy pioneers produced. Their pre- 
science was marvelous; their mads and bridges have 
from time to time undergone repairs, the boats at the 
ferry been renewed and the church rebuilt, but the 
changes in location have been slight, and the inhab- 
itants for a century and a half have reverenced the 
wisdom of thr firs! settlers. 

The following is a list of the resident taxpayers in 
Litchfield in 1736 : 



Ruber 



Wi. 



Jacob Hildreth, Jonaa 
Nathaniel Hills, Enoch 
Nathaniel Curtis, James 
Benjamin Hasol, Christ 

I. inn!. .luliu tinstone, Ja: 



!'.,« 



, Joseph Smith, Simon Cook. 



Only sixteen of the above were taxed for real 
estate. 

PETITION FOII A PARISH ON THE EAST SIDE OF THE RIVER. 
"To His Excellency, Benning Wentworth, Esq., Capt. Genera] and' 

C.imnali.hr-lli (ln.f in ami over t li * - pimiu. .■ .it" NVw I l;uu pshhv 



petitionei - I» 


porated w 


th the Injoymeut th 


"ii the Easl -I.I.- of si River 


and tu be Iiiv.-s 


Privilidge and Immunities 


s other towns in s'' Province a 


Petitioners, as in Duty Bout 


.1. -hull E 


•r pray. 


" Patrick Taggart. 




u illi mi (Jesteo 


Pari : Richardson. 




John Questen 


Hugh Xalior. 




James Nahoi 


John Butterfield. 




i bj '[.hi 


Jacob Hildreth. 




John Orr. 


William Richardson. 






Nathan Kendall. 




Robo t hi. hards. 


Peter Ruse] 




■llillll lllll llllMlll 


Robeart Darrah. 




William B ler 


Alexander Parker. 




James Nickols. 


Robeart McKeen. 




James Darrah. 


Robeart McKeen, Jr. 




James MLcKnigh 


Alexander Cahvell. 
Thomas Karr. 




Garel Rowan. 
David Whittento 


John McAllester. 




Daniel Kendall. 



In answer to the foregoing and another petition 
for additional territory north of Brenton's Farm, dated 
May, 1746, the following charter was issued by His 

Excellency, Governor Wentworth: 



' I'i;m 



H.mishm:.;. 



' George the Set ond, by the Grace of God, of Great 1 

Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, &c 

'• 'I'- all t<> whom these presents shall come Greetin 

of our Loyal subjects, Inhabitants oi t Tract oi Land 

Ruundarys of a Town Called old Dunstable, in ob 



ll.ui 



' th.- Inhabitants -I the dif.tri.-t of Litchfield 
Petitioners art- ahuui forty familys, being a 



part of Dunstable old grant, living on th-- North Kastei h ■ ■ 
Grant; That the center of our town being about eleven miles from the 
Province Line, we had nut the least apprehention of our being affected 
by the fixing of Towns near said Line, and that your petitioners have 
I'aid alioxe tun-thirds towards the support of the Gospel fur many years, 
and that we are nut only forty families upon the Easterly side of the 
Kiver, but that we have Land to accommodate a considerable Number 
nii.i-.-; rliat He Inhabitants of Litchfield, on the West side of the Kiver 
don't exceed thirteen or fourteen familys, who u<- are wry willing 
-h-.nld o.- di-autiexed from us. In regard to 1 1 1- - great danger and Deffi- 

culty, which we know they are Exposed to In Crossing the Rivei in 
order to attend the Publicb worship f God, K >ti ritl ri I I tig I all 
which Either, by our having been Inadvertantly over lookMor forgot 

when Instruction- were gi\en to the < ■ •tiiiuit t ■-•- ■ t tin* llon..io.i!.|e As- 
sembly for settleing the In-tint- m the-e parts, o: by ->.m<- other means 
unknown to us, we understand thai it is Intended that we be annexed to 
that District upon the west side of the Kiver, and that our Center and 

place of I'liUick Worship he on the Westerly side, which would oblige 
Above forty familys i instantly to cross the River, to our great and un- 
speakable danger and difficulty, In order to meet witli about thirteen or 
fourteen famelys. May it please your Excellency to take the difficult 
case of your Petitioners under your wise consideration, and go to fia 
things that we may not be obliged to Cross the River ; for although we 
have Lost a number of famelys on the Westerly side of the River, we 
have accommodations on the East side that is now unsettled that is 
Likely in a few years to Regain the Number Lost on the other Bide, so 
that, Considering the Difficulty and Danger we musi he at in case we 
were obliged to < r-- -■' river to attend puhlii-k worship, we think that 
we can be much better ae.ommodated to be Erected int.. a town on out- 
side, and much greater satisfaction to the inhabitant-. Therefore, your 

32 



the 



irticular, by maintaining g I < trder and en, ■„„; 

■ Land, that the. same should be done; 
ye, therefore, that \\ . • ■ 1 oui .->].<, ia I Crae,.. , ertaiu knowled 

■ i ragein the I I pui poses md ei 

by and with the advice of our trusty and u. I!- i . ; i , ,,,,i 



Goi 



: lore 



dain that the Iuhabita 

lows, viz : Beginning i 

of Londonderry Tow n: 
from thence North, on 
seven furlongs and 



ideda.sfol 



Hav< it i Incorporated ai 

ii' tract of land aforesaid, hoi 

.md Eighty rods North of the south i orner 

the Wesl Bide Of said Town, and to nu, 

st side of said Londonderry, five nubs and 
rods and a half; then North twenty-om 

degrees West to Merrimack River ; tlnn down said river till it 
meets with a west line by the needle that comes fr.»m a place 
m, and that shall inhabit the ^,me, be and by these pres- 
ents are declared and ordained to be a Town Corporate, and are hereby 

erected and incorporated into a (tody Politick and a Corporation to have 
tinnan. e forever by the name of Lytchtield, with all the i-w.as and 

Authorities, privilidges and Immunities and Franchises, which othei 
Towns within said Province or any of them by Law have and enjoy. To 
have and to Hold the said powers and Authorities. Immumi n> and 
Franchizes to them, the said Inhabitants, and their sin , 
Reserving to us, Our Heirs and successors all white pirn ■ 

and being and that shall lien alt. i jr„« and lie on s' 1 Trad ot Land, for 
the u.-e ,,t .an Royal Navy, reserving also the power of Dividing the said 
Town to US, out -I ■ when it -hall npp. .1 

convenient for the benefit of the Inhabitants thereof; An. .. 
Towns within our said Province are bj Laws thereof enabled and au- 

thori/.ed to a-semble and by the majority ..l \ .^-s to , I >,• ,,|[ officers 

■1 in the said laws,. . . . We do by thesi pn ■ 

nate and appoint John Mr Murphy, L-.p., to call the first meeting of the 
said Inhabitants, to be held within the said town at any time within 
thirty days from the date hereof, .ning legal Notice of M 
and design of holding such meeting. 

whereof, we have caused the Seal of our -aid province to 
to. Witness, Renning Wentworth, Es.jr., our 1 iovei noiir 

q- chief of our said province, the fifth day of .Lin., m He 



■ affiV'd hep 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



hundred ami forty-i 



The warrant issued by John McMurphy for the first 
town-meeting under the new charter was posted by 
John Harvell, June 15, 1749. The meeting was held 
on the 3d of July following, and chose Nathan Ken- 
dall, James Nahor and Jacob Hildreth, selectmen; 
Jacob Hildreth, town clerk ; Jeremiah Cotton, con- 
stable; William McQuesten and Robert Darrah, tith- 
ingmen ; Josiah Richardson, Peter Russell and Alex- 
ander Parker, surveyors of highways. Peter Russell, 
Joel Dix and Jacob Hildreth were constituted a com- 
mittee to examine and adjust the accounts of the 
selectmen and constable under the old organization. 
The sum of forty pounds, old tenor, was appropriated 
to pay for the charter, for running town lines, and Mr 
McMurphy for attending the meeting and adminis- 
tering the oath of office to the several town officers. 
At the first annual March meeting in 1750 the follow- 
ing town officers were elected : 

Hildreth, town clerk; Jacob 

Hildreth, Jol hran and John Parker, selectmen ; Samuel Chase, 

constable; David Whitte -e, treasurer; Nathan Howard and Arthur 

Darrah, door-keepers John McQuesten and Amos Chase, surveyors of 

highway- . Willi. .in l;. i 1 ml \1. -xan'ler Parker, ti.-l.l-iJi-iv.-i-- ; William 

M.vii.---[.ii :ui. i li.oi-l i' |.l„-ll, t,-u,-<--\ i.-w.-i- ; liavi,] Whitt.-in.>re 

sealer of leather; Nathan K.-mhill, poun.l-keer.oi ; Uexandel Colvrel 

:iTil -:. in i ;-- 1 Gil, -on, titliin-iii.-ii ; .lulin M, ou.-sten iiii-l .l-.-.-pli Chase 
: 

It was voted to raise one hundred pounds, new 
tenor, to hire preaching. John McQuig, "William Pat- 
terson and William Read were chosen a committee to 
procure a minister. 

Duties of Town Officers pkeviotjs ro mi. 
Revolution.— The moderator then, as now, presided 
at the town-meetings. The duties of the selectmen were 
similar to those in towns at present date, excepting 
that iii colonial times they had charge of the schools. 
Constables levied and collected the taxes in addition 
to the duties at present performed by constables. 
Town i-h-rks and treasurers were the same then as now. 
Field-drivers impounded all horses and cattle found 
running at large. Tithingmen preserved order in 
church and tit public gatherings. Hog-reeves enforced 
tin- law which required hogs running at large to be 
yoked. Fence-viewers inspected fences, to see if they 
were sufficient in law. 

WARNING. In order to protect itself from pauper- 
ism, the town often took advantage of a law requiring 
new and doubtful subjects to leave within the time 
specified in the warrant. The following, served upon 
( Isezar Porter, is one of the many recorded : 

, ,„', ., ......(.il./,-/.., the t""" "/ Litchliflil for »,<•;»•..)• 1785 

1 i. ,.i- luT.-liy iiuth..ri7..-.l iiml re.|uiiv.l I" v, ' ..n CH.i.a 

negroman, and Phillisee, his wife, and family, Now residing in Litch- 

ii. 1 1 .•■-,■ i l .11 r m.t I--III- ii.ii. mi- tin r, that tli.-y do depart the 

said I ■ i within fourteen days, as they will answei the contrary in the 

ma!,:., i ilia: ili<- Law ,liie, Is, am! make return li,i,-,,l v> illi \ ■ o u |),.in-s 
III, -lv, ,n t > us, the subs, rila-is, within I.- ml,-, -n ilays. 



nn.l.-r ourhamls ami scat at Litehfi.-l.l, this nineteenth I>a\ -,f 
a. i,. ..tie thousand seven liiimlr.-.i ami eighty-siv.. 

"Daniel Bixby, . Selectmen 
o Davit. Model.;, V o/ 
" Hubert I'ARKEIl.J Litchfield. 



'] Litchfield, January 27,1786. 



"State of New Hampahil 
Hillsborough, as. 

" Pursuant t., tin- precept, I have warned Ca-zar Porter an.l Pliilhs.-e, 
his wit'.,, ami family, to depart tin- sunt town as 1 am commanded, » In, li 
i- n„. return ol Samuel Cent, i Constable 

"per Daniel Bixby, Town Clerk. 

( Isezar is said to have been a native of Boston, and 
in his youth was brought to Litchfield as a slave; he 
lived witlt Mr. Jonathan Parker, and on this account 
he took the name of Csezar Parker. He continued to 
reside in the town, and afterwards moved to Amherst, 
N. H. In his old age he went to Rhode Island, where 
he died in the neighborhood of Newport, in 1858, at 
tin' advanced age of one hundred and five years. 

The growth of Litchfield from the date of its incor- 
poration to the close of the eighteenth century was 
steady and propitious. Notwithstanding their many 
trials, the inhabitants were resolute and courageous; 
feu of them had the benefit of an education, in the 
technical sense of the term ; but their varied experi- 
ences developed physical and intellectual forces which 
were the foundation of their continued prosperity. 

Of the early families, the descendants of the Parkers, 
Bixbys, Tuftses, Chases, Barneses, Reeds and Mc- 
Questens have continuously resided in the town, and 
the several generations have distinguished themselves 
in the various positions of trust and honor to which 
they have been called. 

The Moors, Hildreths, Underwoods and Da traits 
have, by removals and death, become extinct. 

Since 1800 the only marked public improvement is 
the town hall which was built in 1850. This building 
litis an elevated location in the centre of the town ; it 
is two stories in height, with halls and ante-rooms 
in each for town purposes. 

Among those who have contributed to the business 
and financial success of the town for the past fifty 
years may be mentioned .Moses Chase, Warren Good- 
speed, Isaac McQuesten, Simeon D. Leach, Isaac N. 
Center, John Goodspeed, Phineas Reed, J. A. Marsh, 
Warren M. Barnes and John White. The first five 
of the foregoing have resided and pttid taxes con- 
tinuously tin- the last half-century. 

TOWN CLERKS. 

17. .1 15, \,|iiil,i I ii-l-iw 1. 1730, Nathaniel Curtis; i, 

Richardson; 1739-40, Jacob Hildreth ; 1741, Samuel Cochran ; 1742, 
John Bradshaw ; 1743, Samuel Cochran ; 1744-48, Thomas Parker; 
1749, Jacob Hildreth ; 1750, Thomas Parker; 1751-53, Joel Dix; 1754, 
V, il.i..:., r :!.- !.,■ I 1, -in. is Parker ; lTt'.l Milt, . tames Underwood ; 

it, ; J.., ,i, Hil retl L7I I , Ji I nderwood; 1770-75, William 

McQuesten ; 1776-77, Timothy Kendall; 17,s-sn, Jonathan Parker; 
I, i I, I nderwood; 1782, Jonathan Parker; 17--::. .tames Under- 
wood; i. ! i, Daniel Bixby; 1786, William McQuesten; 1787-95, 
Samuel I hase, .n. ; 1796-98, James Parkei ; 1799-1803, Samuel Chase, 
,l, . 1804 6, Robert Parker; 1807-11, Samuel Chase, Jr. ; 1812-15, 
Simeon Kendall ; 1816, Thomas Bixby ; 1817-18, Samuel Chase j 1819 

Joseph Chase, Jr. ; lsj-t-.".. >!...-. - i I,.,-- Ik-ji. J7. Joseph Chase, Jr.; 

1828-34, Joshua Harsh ; 1835-36, Abel G Quigg; 1837-38, Joshua 
Marsh ; 1839, George Griffin ; 1840, Muses Chase; 1841-42, Isaac Mc- 



UTCHFIiai). 



Questeu: 1S43-17. Isaac N. Center; 1 
Samuel Chase : 1852 >3, [saai N < enl 

Moses ("has.. . h'.T .. Jonathan A. < 
l..i. ; 186-2-64, Benjamin L. Pike; 186 

H M . 1867 69, George B Griffin 

Horace Cento] . 1873, Frank Kendall 
BO, N . .i , i - , ..i, '!■,. I--1 83, Alpli 



I -T4-T-, tsaac V Centei . 1879 
his.. II. Powers; 1884, Morris C. 



SELECTMEN Wl' ISSKSSORS. 

1734.— Aquila Underw I. Christopher Temple, Nathi I Hills 

1735 \ i'"l.. I fnderv. 1, Christophei Temple, Josiah Cu lings. 

1731 —Josiah c„„,i ,,,,,_.. |i. ni. .nini 1;. ..■!.:. it. Bbenezer Taylor. 

1737. — J"Siah Hi. Ii.ii.I-.,ij, .lo.-iah li tigs, Khotie/or \\ right. 

1738.— Josiah Cummings, Christopher Temple, Ebenezet Wright, 
Josiah Bj. har.I.son, Jonathan Powers. 

17 ;■.. —Josiah Cummings, Ja. ob Hil.lr. Hi, < l.i i~i..j.I..i Temple, Josiah 
III' hanlsoii, Jacob Kendall. 

1740.— Jacob Htldretli, Josiah Cummin--, Alexander Parker, J,-iah 
J.'i 1 1 1-11. Jam.-. Nnhor. 

1741.— Samuel Cochran, Joshua Converse, Jacob Hildroth, Christopher 
Temple, .).. Nahoi 



1751.— Joel lh\. .la Nahor, \ti-li. w f.„ hlan 

1 T."t2 . — Thouias Parker. Jan..- N.1I1..1. J...-1 Ihx. 
1753.— .lam.H Nahor, Joel nix. John Harvell. 
1754. — losiah Richardson, William Parkei, Jam.-- Na)i..r 
1755.— Thomas Patk.r, James Nahor, John Harvell. 

1756. — Th ls Parker, Andrew Cochran, .l..lm Haw. II. 

1757.— Thomas Parker, John Harvell, James Nahor. 

rh ...s Parker, Jacob Hildreth, James Nahor. 

17C.U. — Tames I'lnli-iu 1, William M. t.iiic-teii, Joseph Bnii.s 

1761-62.— James 1 mien I. William McQuesten, William Reid 

1 "'■ ■ -I.' -I- llil.li. 1I1. .l-ilin I'aik.-t, .I..I111 Co. Iiran. 

1704-67 James Undera 1. Roberl Darrah, John Harvell 

17tis.— 'Willi, ill. M.a.lii.-.I. -li, Saiuu.-I I 'lias.-, James Nali.a, .li 
1769. -James I ml.ru I. l!..l.eil Man ■.,!,, Samuel Chase. 



K.-i 



..—Robert 



, su.oi. I . !i .... Tim . 1 1 1 v Kendall. 

1777. — lames lii.lcrw I. Samuel Chase, Ti thy Kendall. 

1778. — John Harvell, Uul.ert Bauali, Jonathan Parker. 
177'...— John Parker, Jr., Daniel Kendall, John Parker. 
178(1.— Jonathan Parker, John Parker, Jr., James Nahor, Jr. 

1781.— James Underw I. Joseph Barnes, Daniel Bixby. 

17s..— Jonathan Parker, Robert Hurrah, Timothy Kendall. 

1784-85.— Daniel Bixby, David V Qnij Roberl Parkei 

1786.— William McQuesten, Tii In Kendall, Simon McQuesten. 

1791-94. — Samuel Chase, Jr., Roberl Parkei David McQuesten 

1795.— Samuel Chase, Jr., I! ,bort Parker, Sim 1 Kendall. 

1790-98.— Timothy Kendall, Hugh Nahor, Jacob Cobum 
1799-1800.— Samuel Chase, Jr., William Parker, Matthew Parker, 
ls.il-3.— Samuel Chase, Jr., William bixby, Matthew Parkei, Jr. 
1804-6.— Robert Parker, Simeon Kendall, Hugh Nahor. 
l.s. 7-11.— Samuel Chase, Jr., John 1 ml, nv 1, Thomas Bixby. 

1812-15.— Si n Kendall, Si n M cQuesten, Jr., Jonathan Abbi 

1S10.— Thomas Bixby, John Rollins, John Goodspeed. 
1*17-18.— Samuel Chase, William Bixby, Josiah Richardson. 
l.sp.,-20. —Joseph Chase, Jr.. Jonathan Abbott, James Mei.in. ■st.-n. 
1821-23.— Joseph Chase, Jr., James McQuesten, J„|,n White. 
1824-25.— Jonathan Abbott, John White, Moses Chase. 

1826-27.— Joseph Chase, Jr., John G (speed, Abel G. Quigg 

1828-31.— Joshua Marsh, John White, Simeon Harvell. 

is ;j. — Joshua Marsh, Fichu ick . !u-. Park,, I'oxl.v 
1833-34— Joshua Marsh, Paiker Bixby, Samuel Center. 
1835^36.— Abel G. Quigg, John White, Warren G 
1837.— Joshua Marsh, George Griffin, Jabez L. Manter. 
1838. — Joshua Marsh, Daniel McC'uosten, Samuel Center. 
1839.— Daniel McQuesten, Samuel Center, George Griffln. 



l-ll - Is..:,. X i , nl.i. Samuel CI,.,-,-, Willi.,,,, I ■,-,,«.. 

i ■■ V Center, Samuel Chase, Horace Center. 

; - '■■ I" Isaac N. ( enter, II j i nter, John White. 

IMs-pi |..,.,, m, ,_,„,,,. :,. r, ,,..,..,. |,,„|..,. Willi. mi r 



I- '9-60 Jonathan A Griffin 
1861.— Andrew J. Pike, Zachi 
1862 . i I-.,.,. Mi Queeten, I 
1865.— Isaac McQuesten, 1- , u 

I M ■■ I 



1-a... McQuesten, 
■ Vlexandei Tagga 



1 ■■■ .c..:. \ Griffin. 

Audi, w J Pike, /a. haiiah W bittern,,: 
nib Whitt,., ,„„,■, Plnn..,- || Reid. 

irbert Chase, S. I . Rii hardson 

N Com. r. /a, hariiih Whittemore. 
in. .mill 1 ',,,|ge, Zaohariah W'hntem..! 



1*75 


— Samuol cl,.,..,., E| 




P. 


■. Norris ■ .. ml, ii. 


1-:.. 


Samuel Chase, N 


rria 




iffin, t.- M. Read 


I-. . 


—Isaac McQuesten 


Job 


i w . 


■ John 1,. tenter. 


1878 


■ !-..... Mi Questeu 


Job 


I w 


Goodspeed, George 11. Goodspeed. 


1879 


-Frani i- II McQi 


istei 


Ge 


1 -■ H C.. !-p. ,,1, S.IU|,|,-| , ■.■|lt,;| 


1880. 


1 ran. is 11 Mi Qn 




1 ,. 


eri l ■ nter, Elbridge Pike. 


1881. 


- It . .1.-, i. I. , . ,,|. 


i 




•■ Pike, David s Leach 


1882 


-Alphonso II P.-» 
- Alp -, 11 !■..« 


., i 




s I., a, h. I'n.leiii k M,(;uest,n. 
" k M. '. -(■ ii. (i.-orge c. Ilant'orth 


■■' lohi .. 


■to 


c 


aiiforth. Alex.imlei Tag-art. 


Iss". 


-John F. chase, Alexander 


'aggart, Orville D Annis. 




TOWN 


TBI 


\-i PI RS 


n is 


Samuel Moor . 1: 


'l'. 






18 i. 




..—•u n • ci ,i ,i i i t 



David Whitte 

v.-l I: 177". Nalh. 
Parlor ; 177.. 77, 

1785, William a 



■on Kendall . I 

I ' .... |s... 

. Jonathan A 



, \i ill,., ' ■ i .than A. (.rutin . I-.. I, An.li.u I 

I'll..- . 1862 67, l-ao M... i . \ ■ :.■. , i-:| || 

ace-.Center; IsTj, J i,' Whil l ■ I . H Questen ■ 1-7' 

Charles McQuesten; 1-7- 79, I-... McQuesten; Iss.. s ., Norris I 
Griffin. 

From 1820 to 1872 the chairman of the Board of 
Selectmen ijualifieil as town treasurer. 

REPRESENTATIVES CO THE GENERAL COURT FROM LITCH- 
FIELD FROM 1775 TO 1885. 
[Note.— Litchfield was classed with Nottingham West until 1780, then 
with Derryfleld until 1816, when a special act of the Legislature gave lie 

annually until others 
I'll.- apportionment "t lssi authorizes th.- town to elect a representativi 
-n. 1, proportionate part of the time a- it- number of Inhabitants (census 
i to six hundred.] 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



March, lTi'.J, Captain Samuel Greeley; 17(18, James Tn.i.-i -\voo,l ; 
A].nl. ITT .., Wiseman Clag-rtl, Samuel Chase ; May, 1775, John Parker; 
December, 1775, Wiseman Claggett 1775, Jamee Dnderwood for Litch- 
field and Hudson; 1770, Wiseman Claggett; 1777, '7", lea Davie Ibi 
IIu.ls.iu and Litchfield; 17-". Samuel Chase; 1793,1 John Webstei : 
1794, 1806, Etobert Parkei . IT'... 1807, Isaac Huse; 1800, '02, Clifton 

Claggett; 1804, Samuel Ch , Jr. j.1805, s. p. Kidder; 1801, 'OS, Sim 

eon Kendall; 1809, Joseph Moor; 1811, '13, '16, Samuel M I i 

Thomas Bixby; 1816, '17, '18, '24, '25, Joseph Chase, Jr. ; 1819, '20, 

Sl i Meouest.-u ; lsjl-j::. J,„ w tliaii Alii. .11; Is-,, _T, N:j :;::. 1-1 , 

T>l..se. Chase; ls'js-;il, J,,-,.ph In.li.ni- ■,. ... Samuel Corning, 

Jr. , 1837-38, M.ei G Quigj 18*1-42, Parke! Bixbj ; I I 

Isaac M.. hi. -ten; 1846-47, 1870-71 W Ispeed; 1848-49, 

George Griffin ; 1850-51, I-...e N Cent.-, : ls._- -.;;. Samuel Chase: 1S.4, 
1872-73, John G Ispeed; 1-.. G Samuel S aid ; 1857, Daniel Mc- 



DELMJATES Ti 1 THE Ci INSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION KROM 
LITCHFIELD. 

Jonathan Parker, 177s ; 1 ielBixby, 1788; Robert Parker, 1791-92; 

Isaac N. Center, 1850 ; Samuel Chase, 1S77. 

Military History.— In the- different wars Litch- 
field has furnished her quota of troops for the service. 
During the French War one of the regiments (Colonel 
Ooffe's) rendezvoused in this town. Timothy Barron, 
William Barron, Simon McQuesten and Samuel Chase 
enlisted for the campaign. 

The following list of Revolutionary soldiers is 
probably incomplete: 

David McQuig, Sergeanl Harry Glover, drummer, 
Edward Bieksby and .lames Gibson were members of 

( !apt. John Moore's up any in Gen. Stark's regiment, 

and were present at the battle of Hunker Hill. John 
Parker commanded a company in Colonel Timothy 
Bedi I's regiment of rangers, Northern Division, Conti- 
nental army, under General Montgomery in 1775. 
William Darrah, John Thompson, Joseph Harvell, 
Stephen Lowell and John Loring were privates in 
Captain Parker's company. They enlisted July 6, 

1775, and were discharged December 31, 1775. In 

1776, John Loring (second enlistment) and James 
Butterfield enlisted in Massachusetts for three years. 
William Darrah (second enlistment) and John Lare 
were attached to General Washington's Life-Guard. 
Hon. James Underwood was commissioned adjutant 
of Colonel Joshua Wingate's regiment, raised to re- 
enforce the Northern army in July, 1776. For the 
First New Hampshire Continental Regiment (Colonel 
Cilley), raised in 1776, Litchfield furnished the follow- 
ing-named officers and privates: 

Rev. Samuel Cotton ; First Lieutenants, Nathaniel MrCauly 

and Moody Dustitl ; Private-. .Inn,- Mm; i Thompson, Obed McLain, 

Samuel Smith, Joseph ilaselton, John Stone, Thoma- . ..]. i.iuii aiel 
Joshua Blodgett. 

At a special meeting of the legal voters held April, 

1777, the town voted a bounty of fifty dollars each to 
those who had enlisted in the Continental army. 

William Peed commanded a company in Colonel 
Nahum Baldwin's regiment, raised in September, 



1776, to reinforce the army near New York City. 
Dr. Joseph Barnes was commissioned surgeon of 
Colonel David Gilman's regiment, which was raised 
in answer to a requisition from General Washington, 
in December, 1776, for service at Fort George and 
Fort Ticonderoga. In the "Great Return" of 1782, 
the following soldiers were credited with bounties: 
Robert Cunningham, Samuel Chase, Jr., William 
Whittle, John Williams, Stephen R. Youngman, 
Thomas Coleburn and (Hied McLain. It is not 
known where the first five of the foregoing list 
served, but from the amounts paid to them, they are 
supposed to have been in the service a considerable 
time. 

In June, 1777, a party of sixteen men, including 
Major Samuel Chase, Captain Samuel Cochran and 
Ensign Daniel McQuig, marched from Litchfield for 
Ticonderoga, upon news of General Burgoyne's ad- 
vance upon the fort. On reaching Charlestown 
(No. 4) they received news of the evacuation, and 
returned to their homes. In 1779 the sum of one 
thousand dollars was appropriated for the purpose ot 
raising men to till the town's quota for the army. 
The Committee of Safety for 1775 and 1776 consisted 

of James Underw I, Robert Darrah, John Harvell, 

John Thompson and Daniel Kendall. 

During the War of the Rebellion the town paid 
seven thousand five hundred dollars for bounties to 
soldiers, besides liberally caring for their families 
during service. 

The following are the names of the soldiers in the 
War of the Rebellion from Litchfield: 

James Aiken,- David L. Annis, Calvin ii. Blodgett, John G, B ise, E 
Boynton, George Brown, John D. Buckham, Jonathan Burbank,* 
Rufus Butterfield, Patrick Casgroye, Jonathan Crane, Franklin I ross, 

Thomas Donahue, James Duffie, William Flanders, Thorn;, 
Elias Foot, John ... Oiaham ... i II 1 1 .,. , ,, ,|, Frank Jones, Hiram 
.loyal, Joseph l.aeham .,'-' Charles Low, Langdon C. Lydston 
Lydston (navy), Charles H. Marsh, Joseph Manning, James F McQues- 
ten, Henry W. Moor, William II. Parker, Fernando Parker,' Jamee F. 
son Page, William Patrick, Hiram Pierce, Stephen Rolfe, 
William E. Ituss.-ll. Harrison Seavey, Edwin Seavey, John E. Seavey, 
Daniel Scott, Albert St Cloud, Jeriah Tufts,' Thomas Tayloi James 
Wilson William Wallis. 

Biographical Sketches— Captain James F. Mc- 
Questen was the third son of Henry McQuesten and 
Eliza (Chase) McQuesten, and was born iu Litchfield 
March 7, 1835. During his boyhood he attended the 
district school in his native town, and was afterwards 
a student at the academy in Derry, where he prepared 
himself for the United States .Military School at West 
Point, entering that institution as eadct in 1857. 
He graduated with honor in May, 1861, as second 
lieutenant of the Second United States Cavalry, and 
immediately entered the service at the outset of tin- 
War of the Rebellion. He was soon promoted to first 
lieutenant, and in February, 1863, to a captaincy, and 
served on the stalls of Generals Buford, Fitz-John 
Porter and McClellan. At the time of his death be 



■ 



LITCHFIELD. 



was assistant adjutant-general on General Merritt's 
staff. ( aptain McQuesten was present in more than 
thirty engagements, and was killed at the battle of 
Winchester, September 1 9, 1864. 

Such was the brief but brilliant career of one of the 
noblest souls and bravest officers that fell during the 
late Civil War. 

From youth he was fitted, both by nature and his 
own great energies, for a soldier. His physical devel- 
opment was faultless ; his height was something more 
than six feet, with full chest and ruddy complexion. 
His presence was commanding, and his character 
unexceptionable. 

Captain McQuesten married Miss Marcia V. Mc- 
Questen, daughter of Edward and Harriet (Colby) 
McQuesten, September 23, 1863. The mortal remains 
of Captain McQuesten rest in the cemetery of his 
native town. His only legacy was his noble example 
of devotion and loyalty to his mother, his country 
and his friends. 

Wyzeman Claggett was born in Bristol, England, 
in August, 1721. His father was a barrister-at-law, 
and educated his only son liberally for the same pro- 
fession. Wyzeman, after graduating at the Inns of 
Court, was admitted a barrister in the Court of the 
King's Bench. He was subsequently appointed a 
notary public. In 1748, Mr. Clagett sailed for the 
West Indies, where he devoted ten years to the prac- 
tice of his profession in the island of Antigua. He 
was secretary of the island for a number of years. 
An annuity of fifty pounds sterling was settled upon 
him during life by John Weeks, Esq., of Antigua, a 
gentleman of means, who highly esteemed the friend- 
ship of Mr. Clagett. This annuity was paid regularly 
till his death, ami was a source of consolation in his 
declining years, when his professional income was 
meagre. From Antigua he emigrated to Portsmouth, 
N. H., where he soon became the chief magistrate. 

In 1765 he was commissioned King's Attorney- 
General by Governor Benning Wentworth, and was re- 
appointed, in 1768, by Governor John Wentworth. In 
1771, Mr. Clagett purchased a valuable farm in the 
centre of Litchfield, and removed there in 1772. He 
was a member of the Council in 1775 and 1776, and 
one of the members of the Committee of Safety for 
Hillsborough County during the Kevolution, and 
solicitor general until the new form of State govern- 
ment was established, in 1783. He was a member of 
the Legislature several years, representing Litchfield, 
Nottingham West, Derryfield. Merrimack and Bed- 
ford ; although a resident of Litchfield, the last two 
towns, classed, returned him to the Assembly, much to 
his delight and satisfaction. Mr. Clagett was married 
August 14. 1859, to Miss Lettice Mitchell, of Ports- 
mouth. This lady afterwards became the wife of 
Simon McQuesten. 

Mr. Clagett was very severe as a magistrate; the 
very name Clagett was a synonym tor " prosecute." 
He was very eccentric and overbearing, and many 



anecdotes are told of his peculiarities. It is related 
of him that at one time, while he was judge at Ports- 
mouth, being too ] ■ to buy a load of wood, he sent 

his servant out to insult a farmer who was passing 
with a load. The countryman swore at the servant, 
and Judge Clagett had him arrested and fined him 
just the load of wood. 

He died on the 4th of December, 1784. One of 
his sons, ( llifton Clagett, studied law with his father, 
and began the practice of his profession in Litchfield 
in 1787. He removed to Amherst in 1811. During 
his residence in Litchfield he represented the town in 
the General Court for several years. In 1810 he was 
appointed judge of Probate for Hillsborough County, 
and held the office until he resigned, in September, 
1812, having been appointed one of the judges of 
the Superior Court; upon the reorganization of the 
court by the Federal party, he was removed from the 
Superior Court, and again became judge of Probate, 
holding the office until his death, January 26, 1829. 

.lames U. Parker, son of Deacon Matthew and Sally 

(Underw 1) Parker, was born in Litchfield, July 

28, 1797. He fitted for Dartmouth College, and was 
graduated from that institution in 1820. He read 
law with Hon. James Parker, of Bedford. Artemas 
Rogers, of Henniker, and Hon. Joseph Gilbert, ol 
Hanover. After admission to the bar he began prac- 
tice at Litchfield; thence he went to Merrimack, but 
returned to his native town in 1847. In connection 
with his brother Nathan, he established the Man- 
chester Bank, and was its president while it eon- 
tinned a State bank. His brother, who still survives, 
succeeded him when it became a national bank. 
James U. was also the first president of the Lawrence 
Railroad. He represented Merrimack in the Legis- 
lature in 1844 and 1845, and was president of 
the New Hampshire Senate in 1846. In 1850 he 
moved to New York City, and from 1857 to 1859 he 
was a resident of New Jersey. In 1859 he returned 
to New Hampshire, settled at Manchester and re- 
sumed the practice of law. He married, first, Miss 
Mary Hawkins, of Hanover, N. H., February 25, 
1829. After her decease he married, in January. 
1835, Miss Rebecca J. Lund, the daughter of Deacon 
Augustus Lund, of Merrimack, by whom he had 
several children. He died in March, 1871. His 
eldest sou, James U., is a resident of Manchester; 
his youngest son, Charles A., resides in Lynn, Mass. 

Dr. Jonathan Parker, a graduate of Harvard 
College, and a physician and surgeon of eminence, 
was a native of Litchfield. 

Dr. Parker had an extensive practice in his native 
town and also in the surrounding towns, being often 
summoned from a distance as a consulting physician. 
He died in September, 1791, leaving a family of ten 
children in destitute circumstance-. 

William McQuesten emigrated to this country from 
the north of Ireland about 1735, and settled in 
Litchfield. He was a descendant of the Mcl'isthons 



4! If. 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



who emigrated from Argyleshire, Scotland, near the 

close of the seventeenth century. William married 
a Miss Arbuckle, by whom he had eight children, — 
three sons (William, John and Simon, all of whom 
settled in Litchfield) and live daughters. 

Besides holding other positions of responsibility, 
he was town clerk for many years, and the records 
bear witness of his faithfulness. He is mentioned 
by the early writers as a man of "sterling sense and 
integrity ." 

Captain Isaac McQuesten, one of the oldest in- 
habitants of Litchfield, has led a useful and laborious 
life from his boyhood. He was the fust child of 
Robert H. McQuesten and Lydia (Barrett) McQues- 
ten, and was born October 18, 1X1 1. His only oppor- 
tunity for education was the district school for a 
term of eight or ten weeks yearly, until he attained 
the age of fourteen years, when he was hired out as 
a farm-hand; therefore, his success in life is due, in 
a great measure, to his own exertions. His parents 
were poor, and his great aim in early life was to pre- 
serve the homestead; this he secured at his majority, 
and he has since resided upon it. 

In 1X40, Captain McQuesteo and Captain Samuel 
Chase formed a copartnership which continued 
twenty years. They were extensively engaged in the 
lumber trade, and for several years were proprietors 
of the store at the centre of the town. Owing to 
the removal of Captain Chase to Nashua, the firm 
was dissolved in I860, and Captain Met ^uesten con- 
tinued the business till 1878. Under the old State 
militia he held a commission as captain in the Fifth 
Regiment. 

In politics he has co-operated with the Democratic 
party ; he has represented the town in the Legislature 
four years, and was elected road commissioner for 
Hillsborough County in 1x40: from time to time he 
hits held various offices of trust under the town gov- 
ernment. From 1862 to 1868 he was first selectman 
and town treasurer, and discharged the duties of 
these offices (which were greatly increased on ac- 
count of the Civil War) with fidelity. In L868 and 
1869 he was his party's candidate for State Senator. 
He has been a justice of the peace, county since 
1845, quorum and State since 1870, the principal 
magistrate of the town, and often employed in writ- 
ing deeds, wills and other instruments. 

Isaac McQuesten and Margaret A., daughter of 
Major Francis Chase and Dorothy (Bixby) Chase, 
were married December 29, 1X42. They have three 
children,— Eugene I''., a practitioner of medicine and 
surgery for eighteen years past in Nashua, N. H.; 
Francis H., lumber merchant and Jennie F., wife of 
Frederick L. ( 'enter. Since 1851, Captain McQuesten 
has beeu clerk of the Presbyterian Society, and for 
the past ten years superintendent of the Sabbath- 
school. 

Dr. Joseph Barnes, who died October 29, 1781, at 
the age of fifty-five years and ten months, came from 



Lincoln, England. For about twenty years he prac- 
ticed medicine in Litchfield, and, as had already 
been stated, was Burgeon in Colonel David Gilman's 

regiment during the Revolutionary War. He was 
elected delegate to the County Congress, which as- 
sembled at Amherst. 

Among his descendants is Royal D. Barnes, son 
of Warren M. Barnes, of Litchfield. 

Royal 1». was born in Litchfield June 18, 1854. 
After fitting for college he commenced the study of 
law, in the winter of 1x74, at Nashua, N. H. He was 
admitted to the Hillsborough County bar in January, 
1878. Since his admission he has been located at 
Nashua, and has been three times elected city sol- 
icitor. 

Lawyers who have practiced in Litchfield: Wv/.e- 

man Clagett, Clifton Clagett, James Underw 1, 

JamesU. Parker. 

The following physicians have practiced in Litch- 
field: Jonathan Barker, Joseph Barnes, Nathan Ken- 
dall, David Campbell, Samuel Dodge. For many 
years the people have been dependent for medical 
aid upon the physicians located in Nashua, .Man- 
chester and Merrimack. 

Dr. Arthur G. Griffin, port physician of Boston, is 
a native of Litchfield. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 



GEORGE GRIFFIN. 

( ieorge ( Iritf'ui was the son id' Kbene/.er and Betsy 
(Carter) Griffin, and grandson of James and Phebe 
(Abbot) Griffin of Wilmington, Mass. 

The ancestry of Phebe Abbot may be traced to 
George Abbot, who came from Yorkshire, England, 
and settled in Andover, Mass., in 1043. In common 
with others who left their native isle and kindred for 
the enjoyment of religious freedom in the wilderness 
id' America, he realized that with enlarged liberties 
came increased responsibilities, which could lie wisely 
met only by the exercise of cultured intellectual 
faculties. The trio of noted educational institutions 
at Andover, which have and will continue to bless a 
nation, is but one grand ultimatum of this idea, 
and with their history the name of Abbot is associ- 
ated either as a beneficent founder or distinguished 
educator. 

Ebenezer, the eldest son of James and Phebe 
(Abbot) Griffin, married Betsey Carter, of Leominster, 
Mass., August 11, 1702. She was the third of eighteen 
children born to Josiah Carter, Jr., each of two wives 
being the mother of an equal number of offspring. 
The family of which Betsy Carter was a member, 
descended from Rev. Thomas Carter, whose early 
home was in Hertfordshire, England. He sailed 
for the New World in 1635, and eight years later 
was pastor of a church in Woburn, Mass. 



4*H**r 








LITCHFIELD. 



The parents of the subject of this sketch resided in 
Leominster for a time, but previous to the birth ol 
George, which occurred July 28, 1811, had removed 
to Chelmsford, Mass. if.' was the tenth of a family 
of twelve children. A few years later circumstances 
favored a residence in Litchfield, and here George 
spent his life. His early educational advantages were 
such as were afforded by the district school of that 
time in a small country town. These limited privi- 
leges weregreatlj abridged tin- George, when twelve 
yearsof age, by a serious illness occasioned by bathing 
in the Merrimack when heated, which resulted in a 
disfigured limb. Had this physical infirmity been 
tenfold more afflictive, it would not have modified his 
determination to make his way in the world. As a 
means to that end, he earned money boating wood to 
Lowell, which was then an incipient manufacturing 
place, to defray the expense of a term or two at Dem- 
and one at Bradford Academy, the latter then under 
the principalship of Benjamin < ireenleaf. This com- 
pleted his school education, terminating in his eigh- 
teenth year, and he returned to bis former occupation 
on the Merrimack. 

When funds were accumulated, Mr. Griffin engaged 
in the lumber business tor a while, and then opened 
a general store in Litchfield. February 24, 1844, the 
store, dwelling-house and other buildings connected. 
of which Mr. Griffin was proprietor, were burned. 
Trade was continued near the old stand, until build- 
ings were erected on the former site. But mercan- 
tile life had bo told upon Mr. Griffin's health that 
he felt compelled to relinquish trade and engage 
in some occupation that necessitated an out-of-door 
life to some extent, and he accepted the office of 
deputy sheriff, entering upon its duties in 1848. This 
work proved disappointing in its recuperative effects, 
and he soon resigned the office and gave his atten- 
tion to the lumber business and the supervision of 
his farm. The characteristics prominent in the busi- 
ness operations of Mr. Griffin were sagacity, energy, 
and fidelity, — the foundation stones of a successful 
career. 

Politically, he affiliated with the Democrats, and by 
the suffrages of his townsmen he held the office of 
town clerk in 1839, selectman in 1839 and 1840 and 
representative in 1848 and 1849. While in the Legis- 
lature he served on the judiciary committee. He 
received the appointment of justice of the peace July 
7, 1849, ami the same year and the following served 
in the position of superintending school committee. 

While George Griffin's generous nature gladly 
aided all movements that promised a public benefit, 



the cause of education enlisted bis deepest sympa- 
thies and heartiest -up]. on. The exercise of keen 
powers of observation strengthened the opinion that 
the path to honorable success, especiallj to lie- boj 
or girl dependent upon the labor of hand or brain 
for advancement, was over the stepping-st mi ol 
knowledge, and better than all accumulation of riches 
for children was the discipline of good schools. The 
exemplification of that deep-seated convict ion accom- 
plished a good work 

In private life Mr. Griffin was the genial, courteous 
gentleman; a kind husband, indulgent father, help- 
ful son and brother and generous friend. Children 
delighted in his presence, and those now in middle 
life wdio met him in childhood, recall with pleasure 
that " ( ieoi'ge I iritlin always shook hands with them.'' 

When twenty-six years of age he married Clarissa, 
the eldest daughter of John and Susannah (Dickey) 
White of Litchfield, who inherited from her English 
and Scotch-Irish parentage those strong traits of char- 
acter that mark the efficient, self-sacrificing woman. 
Eight children were the fruit of that union,— Jose- 
phine, Mary White, Susan Grace, George Byron, 
John White, Nonas Clement, Orville Carter and 
Arthur George. Orville died in infancy, and John 
passed away at Leavenworth, Kan., in 1878, aged 
thirty-two years. 

With a large family growing up which needed his 
protecting arm, a devoted wife in whom he found a 
helpmeet, prosperous in financial matters, a popular 
citizen, there seemed much to make life sweet, not- 
withstanding physical suffering; but the all-wise 
Lather had better things beyond, and, December 13, 
1853, the spirit left the feeble frame through which it 
had bravely met life's trials for forty -two years. 
The aged Christian mother survived her dear son 
several months, but was an invalid after hi- di cease 
His father died five years previous, at the age of 
seventy-eight. 

The wishes of Mr. Griffin in regard to the educa- 
tion of his children were faithfully observed by his 
widow. Each child that reached the period of youth 
received academical advantages to a greater or less 
extent. Mary W. was graduated at the Salem, Mass. 
Normal School; John W. at Dartmouth College, and 
was a member of the Legislature his last college year. 
Arthur G., who was but six weeks old when left an 
orphan, was educated at New London Literary Insti- 
tution, Brown University and Harvard Medical Col- 
lege, and is now port physician at Boston Harbor. 
The quiet, beautiful town of Litchfield is still the 
home of Mrs. Griffin. 



HISTORY OF LYKDEBOROUGH. 



];v i'A\ id c. 



CHAPTER I. 
Lyndeboeotjgh is bounded on the north by Fran- 
cestown, east by New Boston and Mont Vernon, 
south by Milford and Wilton, west by Temple and 
Greenfield. A part of all the surrounding tow as ex- 
cept New Boston has been severed from Lynde- 
borough. The mountain range nearly divides it 
from east to west, rendering it very inconvenient for a 
justcentral place for tin' accommodation of all; hence 
came the divisions. The soil for the most part is 
rough, hut fertile beyond the most of the neighbor- 
ing towns, affording the best grazing lands in the 
State. Situated upon the first range of highlands as 
the traveler passes from Massachusetts to New Hamp- 
shire, about midway between the Merrimack and Con- 
necticut Rivers, the view from the mountain is rarely 
surpassed by any mountain view in New Hampshire, 
ami is of easy access from the railroad station at 
Lyndeborough or Greenfield. The Pinnacle Moun- 
tain is about fourteen hundred feet above the level 
of the sea. In the eastern part of the town is a 

remarkable gulf called Purgatory; over the s ,th 

rock-bed from above, the waters of a considerable 
stream rush down a rough narrow chasm with the 
force of a miniature Niagara to the great basin below. 
The first mention of Lyndeborough as a township 
is found in the records of the General Court of .Massa- 
chusetts. It is dated June 19, 1735, and is a vote 
upon a petition of Captain King and fifty-nine 
Others, who were in an expedition to Canada in 
the year 1690, and the descendants of such of them 
as are dead, praying for a grant of hind for a 
township in consideration of their and their ances- 
tors' sufferings in the said expedition. Massachusetts 
at the time of the date of this petition included 
within her territorial limits the present State of New 
Hampshire. 

In accordance with the prayer of the petitioners, 
the General Court of Massachusetts ordered a com- 
mittee to he appointed to layout a town, six miles 
square, under the name of Salem-Canada, and to di- 
vide it into sixty-three shares, reserving on, share for 
ili" first settled minister, one tor the ministry and one 
for schools. The grantees were required to set- 
tle a learned orthodox minister and build and finish 
a convenient meeting-house for the public worship of 
498 * 



God, and that on each of the other sixty shares the 

petitioners do, within three years from the confirma- 
tion of the plan, have settled one good family, who 
shall have a house built on his home-lot of eighteen 
feet square and seven feet studs at the least, and 
finished. That each right or grant have six acres 
of land brought to and plowed, or brought to Eng- 
lish grass and fitted for mowing ; provided, that in 
case any of the lots or rights are not duly settled 
in all regards, as aforesaid, then such lots, with the 
right- thereof, to revert to and he at the dis- 
position of the province. The committee, accord- 
ing to instructions, laid out the township west of die 
Narragansett town (No. 3). 

How faithfully, with what energy, with what zeal 
and determination the grantees entered upon their 
part of the contract can now only he seen by the 
imperfect record. The early landmarks have disap- 
peared, and it is not possible to reproduce tin scenes 
in which they planted their habitations. To men 
employed in subjugating the forest, clearing lots, 
making roads and rearing log houses there was 
no leisure and little disposition to make careful 
records. 

At a meeting held <m the 3d day of February, 1736,— 

"Chose Daniel Eppa moderator, Daniel Kpps. Jr., clerk and Benjamin 
Lynda, Treasurer. 

"Voted to ass.-* ,..„ i, hi^hi i„„ r pounds to defray expenses of sur- 
veying. 

"VoU&io Paj Capt John Stephens 88 pounds 13 shillings. 

"Also cofed to paj Dauiel Epps, Jr., £602«.; Major Blaney, £13 4«. 
3d.; Cornelius Tarbell, E13 2» Rogei Derby, £13 5«. lid.; John Gar- 
dener, £13 13». ■i.i. 

•'Vole.l to have two more lots t.. eacli proprietor of 130 acres each. 

'■Voted to pay John Gardner one hundred and fifty pound 

•Hi.- hmi.ln-,1 and t\v.-nty~ix lot- ..f l:v act,- rach : a]-.. Inn aer.-1'..i 
a mill lot. 

" Voted that it be done before the first day of June next. 

-Y,.i,,l that nntitii-atiotisof future meetings to he |.,„|,,l tv,.. in Sal-in, 
tu> in Maiblehead and one in Wobura." 

From the above votes it appears that they pro- 
ceeded with all the dispatch that was possible in a 
new country so far separated from them. The first 
division of lots was drawn February 3, 1 737, at the 
house of Margaret Pratt, inn-holder, in Salem, Mass., 
where all the early proprietors' meetings were held. 
The second division lots were drawn June 2, 1737, 
On the 28th day of November, 1737, Cornelius Tar- 
hell and Joseph Richardson were authorized to clear 



LYNDEBOROUGII. 



499 



a road from Narragansett (No. 3) to near the centre 
of the town, for which they be paid fifty-eighl 
pounds. At a meeting held on the 20th day of 
December, 1738, " Voted, that Mr. John Cram have 
twenty pounds in bills of credit and the lot No. 39 
in the second division of lots if he build and keep 
in repair a good and sufficient saw-mill for fifteen 
years, to be finished before the last day of August 
next." At the same meeting, " Voted, to give ten 
pounds towards building a bridge over the Nashua 
River." On the 7th day of March, 1739, Cornelius 
Tarhell, John Fowl and Joseph Richardson were 
chosen a committee to locate a spot for the meet- 
ing-house and clear a road to it. On the 28th 
day of May the committee reported. They voted to 
build a house forty-five feet long, thirty-five feet wide 
and twenty feet posts. These dimensions would 
seem quite large for a new town. It appeared to be 
much easier to vote to do than to do. As the com- 
mittee reported at the next meeting that they could 
not find any person that would undertake to build 
the meeting-house, in 1740, June 9th, they voted to 
alter the dimensions. On the 24th day of September, 
1741, the committee were ordered to raise the house, 
and Lieutenant Cornelius Tarhell, to furnish the 
necessary articles for the raising. Amonir the arti- 
cles furnished were twenty-one gallons of rum, two 
hundred pounds of fish, two bushels of meal and 
bread, twenty pounds of butter. 

The separation of New Hampshire, in 1741, from 
Massachusetts caused much anxiety and did much to 
retard the settlements on the lands granted by Mas- 
sachusetts. That the proprietors of Salem-Canada 
were not exempt is evident by their vote on the 
2d day of October, 1741 : " Voted, that a humble 
petition be presented to his most excellent majesty 
on account of the difficulties that may arise on 
the settlement of the northern boundary of this 
province; that Benjamin Lynde, Joseph Blaney 
and Daniel Epps be a committee to draft the same." 
Yet, with all these discouraging events, they made 
some progress, and in the space of five years no less 
than two saw-mills had been built and many set- 
tlements made. The proprietors worked with a will 
and determination known only to the first settlers 
of New England. The nearest grist-mill was at 
Dunstable, Mass., to which the first grain that was 
raised was carried on horseback or by hand-sleds in 
winter. The roads were little more than foot-paths 
marked by "spotted" trees. For a long time there 
were apprehensions of danger from Indians. Lvnde- 
borough seems never to have been a fixed residence 
for them, but merely a hunting-ground. They lived 
along the Merrimack and Connecticut Rivers, and in 
times of -hostility, or when hostility was feared, the first 
settlers went into garrison. This continued for ten 
or twelve years. They built a garrison near where 
the first meeting-house was built, not far from where 
E. H. Putnam now lives. 



Yet so slow were the settlements that the pro- 
prietors, at their meeting on the 20th day of May, 
1741, voted, as a further encouragement to settlement 
according to the conditions of the grant, that they 
would give them out of the treasury ten pounds. 
This will explain the delay in executing the earlier 
votes, — the way was not prepared; openings must 
be made in the forest, the soil broken and crops 
raised before many families could safely enter this 
vast unbroken wilderness. The meeting-house, which 
it had been voted to build in 1 73i>. dimensions altered 
in 1740, raised in 1741, remained unfinished in 1 743. 
At a meeting held on the 23d day of August, 174:;, 
"Voted, to finish the meeting-house; chose a com- 
mittee to do the same ; chose Deacon Putnam, • lorne 
lius Tarhell, Daniel Eps, committee ; also chose John 
Cram, Jacob Putnam and John Deale to hire a min- 
ister to preach ; and that there be allowed three 
pounds per day, old tenor, for as many days as 
they shall have preaching lor the next six months," 
— being the first provisions for preaching. This must 
have been a day long anticipated by these devoted 
men. We can raise no question as to the genuine- 
ness of their faith and of the sincerity of their love. 
A people moving into the forests to clear for them- 
selves homesteads in the solitudes of the wilderness 
do not take upon themselves the burdens of building 
meeting-houses and sustaining ministers without deep 
convictions of the value of the gospel. It would 
gratify our curiosity to know more exactly how these 
men felt, what operated to cheer and depress them, 
what books they read, what tunes they sung, how 
they passed their Sabbath days without the regular 
service. But the records are very scanty. Their 
public acts are recorded but of their own toils, their 
prayers, their self-denials and their achievements 
they say nothing. The strength of their devotion 
may be inferred from their sacrifices to maintain 
worship, and their belief of the truth from their 
unfaltering purpose to train up their children under 
the instructions of a learned orthodox ministry. 
'■ Ani'iim tins noM'-lioirtol lianil 

She came to cheer and refine the rude settlers. She 
bravely dares the terrors of the wilderness to share 
a home in the log cabin. She forded rivers and pene- 
trated forests to come hither. She came to dwell under 
the shades of the vast, savage woods. Her employ- 
ments were humble, but her aims lofty, — "She looked 
well to the ways of her household, and ate not the 
bread of idleness." Through long days and sleepless 
nights she watched over her tender children; and 
when distant labor or, what was still worse, the 
trumpet of war summoned her husband away from 
her side, she steadily plied her lonely task, watching 
his return, or learned dreadful news of his return 
no more forever. We have often read of the horrors 
of the wars of that period. It would be unjust to 
forget that those who stayed at home often endured 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



tar more than those who braved the flaming lines 
of battle, — more in heart-sickness, hope deterred, hope 
destroyed and all the nameless haunting terrors of 
the deep woods, where the wild beasts and the wilder 
Indiana were their only neighbors for miles and miles 
away. 

The history of Mary McFarland, the wife of John 
Badger, who died in Salem-Canada in the winter of 
174o, is a good illustration of the courage, the devo- 
tion, the patience and perseverance of the women of 
that day. Following her lover across the ocean and 
joining him here, they were married, and after a few 
years moved into Salem-Canada. lie died suddenly. 
The night in midwinter she lelt him in her cabin with 
her little children, and went on snow-shoes three or 
four miles to her nearest neighbors, the return, the 
rude coffin, the burial of that dear one— who can de- 
scribe the impulses of that devoted heart'.' Our 
limits will not admit of further remarks. There does 
not appear from the records that there was much to 
disturb the prosperity of the town until 1749, when 
the heirs of Mason, by their agent, Joseph Blanchard, 
Esq., to form a town called No. 2 (afterwards named 
Wilton), took away nearly one-fourth of the land and 
annexed another piece on the north equal thereto. By 
this movement it changed the centre, and the first 
meeting-house was never finished. On December 5 
1753, the township was granted to Benjamin Lynde 
and thirty others, as it was after the Wilton lands 
had been taken away, and named Lyndeborough. 

The town was incorporated April 23, 1704. In 1791 
the northwest part of the town was set off to form a 
part of Greenfield, ami all that was added in the 
north in 1753, to Francestown. In June, 1796, the 
town lost another piece, which was annexed to 
Temple. In 1853 the town was divided and annexed 
to Mont Vernon, and again, in 1873, a small piece 
annexed to Milford; and we now stand like a plucked 
goose, picked of our most valuable part, yet alive and 
not discouraged, performing our part in the great 
family of towns, and supporting two churches and ten 
district schools. 

From 1753 to 17<>S the vexed question of the right 
place for the meeting-house (as in many other towns i 
was the most difficult one to he settled. After many 
attempts had been made, the town could not agree. 
But at a special meeting, held on the loth day of 
April, 176S, John GofT, of Bedford, Samuel Barr, of 
Londonderry, and John Hale, of Hollis, were chosen 
a committee to locate the meeting-house. The com- 
mittee reported on the 27th of April, 1768, that the 
most suitable spot was near when' our present town- 
house now stands. Here ended a difficulty that had 
existed about fifteen years. From the records hut 
little can he learned of great interest to the present 
generation. The building of the church, the settling 
of the minister, Rev. Sewell Goodridge, the opening 
of roads, improving their lands, building school- 
houses and th lucatioti of their children appears to 



have been sufficient employment until 1774. October 
17th a warrant was issued by the selectmen tin- a 
meeting on the 31st instant, to choose delegate- To 
meet with delegates of other towns in this county, to 
consider the best method for the county to come into 
on account of the difficulties the country labored under, 
" Chose David Badger and Joseph Herrick delegates." 
" I oted to purchase 1 barrel of powder, 100 lbs. of lead, 
5 dozen Hints; chose Ephraim Putnam committee 
to purchase the same." January 20th, " Chose Dr. Ben- 
jamin Jones delegate to meet with other delegates at 
Exeter." On the 3d day of May. 177->. " Voted to 
raise ten minute-men to he ready at a minute's warn- 
ing to meet their enemies." " Voted, the selectmen t • > 
take care of their farms if suddenly called away." 
" Voted, to purchase 40 hhd. of salt, 5 hlid. molasses, 
1 of rum for the use of the town." We have been 
unable to find a list of the names of the men that 
were enlisted. By the census taken on the 19th 
day of December, 177o. there were twenty-seven men 
in the army. Our population was seven hundred and 
thirteen at that time. A special meeting was warned 
after services on Sunday, the 27th of October, 177"'. to 
convene the next day, at which it was " Voted to pur- 
chase a barrel of powder." On the 6th day of May, 
1777, "Voted to pay a bounty of 100 dollars to each 
of 16 men called for at that time. Also voted to give 
20 shillings per month to every man that had served 
in the army to that time." On the 9th day of Feb- 
ruary, 1778, the articles of confederation and per- 
petual union were read and unanimously passed. 

On the 27th of September, 1770, a committee was 
chosen to set a value upon the necessaries of lite and 
the various products of the farm. " Voted, the Rev. 

Sewidl G lridge. his salary, 66 pounds, 13 shillings, 

and 4 pence in Corn. Rye. Wool. Flax, Beef, Pork 
or Labor, at prices such articles sold for before the 
war. in 1774." March 14, 1780, " Voted to allow 
Nehemiah Rand, on Account, as Delegate to Exeter 
and Concord to form a plan of government, 22 bushels, 
3 pecks, of Indian Corn, or money enough to buy that 
amount." On the loth day of July, 1781, " Voted to 
receive no more Continental money alter the 12th 
instant." In 1784 three hundred and fifty Continental 
dollars were burned up by the committee chosen to 
settle with the treasurer. 

At a special meeting, held on the loth day id' 
August, 1782, " Voted to have stocks built for the 
correction of disorderly persons." " Voted, the selei t- 
liit'ii be a committee to build the stocks." Whether 
this old Roman engine of punishment was ever built, 
or used if built, the historian has left us no record; 
hut if any one was so punished, he would undoubtedly 
think of St. Paul eighteen hundred years ago and of 
the un justness of his punishment. From the above rec- 
ord- we can form a very good history of the early 
settlers of Lyndeborough, maintaining the same fixed 
purposes, uncomplaining, enduring all the toils and 
hardships incident to the early settlement-. And 



LYNDEBOROUGH. 



what has the harvest been? The children and chil- 
dren's children are scattered far and wide, and can be 
found in almost every Statu and Territory throughout 
this broad land, aiding and upholding our free insti- 
tutions, establishing churches, schools and Sunday- 
schools. 

Thelasttown-meetingheld in Lyndeboroughthat was 
called in "His Majestye's name'' was called March 
14, 1775. (Recorded in vol. ii. p. 3, town records.) 

Representatives.— The following is a list of the 
men who have been representatives from Lynde- 
borough ' : 

David Badger : Joseph Herrick; Dr. Benjamin .' -. I; Neheiniah 

Rand, 4 ; Francis Epps, 2 ; in 1777, classed with Wilton, chose major 
Abial Abbott, 1 ; also in 1778, Nathaniel Batcheldor, 1 ; Peter Clark, -1 ; 
Levi Spalding ; Ephraim Putman, 2 ; Joseph Eppe, 1 Jacob Dascomb, 

2; Daniel Putman, PJ i Noheminh Boutwell. :; ; I ". d-.n-'l limothy I'nt- 

man, 1; Joseph .lour;., : : Saniuel Hartshorn, - uumel Putman, -'- 
Samuel T. Manehan, _ ; lV-ii.iamin Jones, J: Datn.-l V Bor.hnaii, -1 : 
Asa Manning, 2 ; Peter Cram, 2 ; Jesse Clement, I . Dei I', d Put- 
man, 1; Jotham Hildretb. Jr., :: : Shereliiab M.a.tm,;. 1 ; Ebenezer 
BusseU.l . William H. Grant, 2 ; Charles Parker, 1; Israel Herrick, 3; 
Jolin Richardson, J ; Jonathan St.-phen.-on, J ; Julio i C... . In L.-, J 
Timothy T. Putman, 2; Luther Cram,2; George A. Putman; Dr. Wil- 
liam A. Jones; Eli C. Curtis, 2 ; William W. Burton, '-' ; Franklin Sen- 
ter, 2 ; John 11 Goodridge : I harles Tarbell, 1 ; Daniel It, Whittemore, 
1; Gaylord Smith. 

Justices of the Peace.— No complete list of names 
can now he furnished; hut. almost without exception, 
every representative of the town was cum missioned jus- 
ticeof the peace, and quite often many others. Among 
the- names found not written above are Andrew Fuller, 
David .Stiles, David C.Grant, Joel H. Tarbell, Charles 
F. Tarbell and Joseph A. Johnson. 

Jonathan Cram died January 23, L790,aged eighty- 
two years. 

Selectmen. — The following is a list of those wdio 
have held the office of selectman during the one 
hundred ami twenty-one years of its incorporated ex- 
istence : 



Daniel IS. Whitte ,,-, charlo, II. s.-nter, Kvret K. Low. ib„il. -I.. 

Perham, David G. Dickey. 

Military.— Lyndehorough is noted for ii 
spirit, having supported two organized companies for 
many years The Light Infantry was for some years 
considered the best-drilled company in the old 
Twenty-second Regiment. The Lafayette Artillery 
is noted as the oldest military organization in the 
State, being organized in 1804 tinder the name of the 
Artillery; being assigned to the Twenty-see 1 Regi- 
ment of the New Hampshire Militia, with head- 
quarter- at Peterborough. The roster of officers that 
year was, — James Wilson, captain; Nathaniel Mori- 
son, lieutenant ; Jonathan Mitchell, ensign. In 1833 
their headquarters was moved to South Lynde- 
borough. In 1841 it was incorporated under the 
name of the Lafayette Artillery. In 1864 it was 
mustered into the service of the United States, and 
did garrison duty at Portsmouth, X. II. Tin- roster 
of officers that year was,— Joel H. Tarbell, captain ; 
Eli C. Curtis, first lieutenant; Charles H. Holt, 
second lieutenant; John Gage, orderly. The roll 
contains at date (1885), the names of twenty-eight 
commanding officers and six hundred and thirty-nine 
enlisted men. 

Revolutionary Records.— I find in the doings of the 
selectmen (page :.!<)), 17sn, the following copies of re- 
ceipts, worded as follows : 

" V memorandum of tlie rerei[its reeeived of those men that ildisted in 
the Continental army for what money and notes of hand they re- 
ceived of the selectmen. 
• Maj y 9th, 1777.— William 1 , Lii utenant, rei eii i d i teol band 

for one hundred and Twenty Pounds t Money, for procuring I pay- 

" April II, 1777. — I. Jin siioiii i in .1 a in in- -J I ;.i ie I lui si\n pounds 

£ ney, foi Li- two Sons doing three yi are' service. 

" April 11, 1777.— James Campbell reeeived one hundred dollars fur 



doing iln ee j 
"April 11. 


777 


-Nathaniel 


Batchelder 


rece 


ved a note 


baud for 


thirty pounds 


En 


Timi iln M< 


g Iln 


i-i.-i 


ed a 


vice in the army. 

aote - i i 1 to thirty 


pounds t. 






,1 hi- 


sell i 


e thi 


ee vears in th 


army. 






J 1 ■ i; 




vedi 


note 


,t band for 01 


hundred 



N'athain-1 Phelps, l'.-t.-i Clark, Jeremiah Carlton. Daniel Gould, Nathanic 1 

Bateh-ldor. Dr. II- in J I... In nun, . tonus Kidder. Jonathan Butler, 

Joseph Batcheldor, Ujial «i - Bamuel Hueston, Wm. Button, Aaron 

Lewie, Jacob Das.-,, ml-. John Woodward liiahCi , Kliphlet Badger, 

William Clark. Daniel Putman, Oliver Whiting, Edmund Perkins, Caleb 
Huston, Nathan Wheeler, Benjamin Go b Ige, Jotham Hildreth, Gideon 

Oram, Joseph Jones, William Jones, Jacob Fliim, J. II ». li'iilc, \-:t 

Manning, Joshua Atwood, Oliver Bixlvy, Oliver Whitin-. Henry Cram. 
Daniel X. Bordman. Jam.-. I, Clark, Kl.ene/er Russell, David Putman, 
-tames cram, Samuel T. Manehan, Israel Herriek. Jacob Butler, Benja- 
min Jones, David Stiles, Samuel Jones. El.cii./.-r Fi-k, Ivt.-r Cram. 
Dexter Burton, Amos Pratt, Jonathan St.-ph.-iiM.ii. Jonathan Hildretb, 

Jr.. David K. ll.lt, K/ra ham-, l.uther Cram, Daniel w Iward, Jr., 

Sherebiah Manning, Howard S. Blood, Joseph Chamberlain, Jr., Rufus 
Chamberlain Davli .no, Eli C. I artto, John Hartshorn, John 

t. ltoll, I lb i ■ i II it Wo n . W II -.-. .ii.'. I :-.- .-1 i I '. Spielill no, .!. ., I 

II. Tarbell, Nathaniel T M.lnnr-. tarbell Harvey Perham, 

Join i II Goodridge, Charles II Holt Ge rge 1. Spalding, John Rich- 
ardson, E.J.Parker, D. l; I'm. tor, Andy Holt, Jonathan Dan- 
forth, Wilks H. Hadley, George Rose, Adoniram Russell, John M. 
Emory, Erwin L. Wilder, Levi I' Hadley, Jason Holt, Albert Cram, 



1 The tlL-u 



. n-|,r.-si-iit 



the number of v 






" Julv --, 1 77'. c — Israel Hutchinson, John Durpt, Isaa. Calkin, Wil- 
liam Burnham received m cash ami notes of hand the sum of sixty 

Pound - ..- ii a- -. I". mill t.,i doimj .,,, v. ,,-' s-iui i- in ll \. 

" Maioh _', 177- .l.-i, .li Mil ii I-.,, Lieutenant, reeeived a Not- of hand 
for thirty pounds £ Money, tor pi ■-. iintjo :lll ,l pay mo a imm l.-i .loin- -J 

three years' service. 

A town-meeting held I (ctober 28, 1776, was worded 

as follows : 



A I the a hove meeting the follow inn- vote was passed : 
- 1,1. I .,-..', io Purchase one Bbl. of Powder for a town Stock." 

At a meeting held November, 177H, warned the 



,,! II,.- toll I. StOI B. of 

hinges lot the door in 



same way. the following vol,- was passed 
o Voted, to impower James Boutwell to take care of t 
Powder, balls and Bints, and pro. are i 
th.. meeting-house loft." 

April 8, 1777, '' Voted to give each man that is to be 
raised to make up the sixteen men that are now called 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



for, one hundred dollars, and that they shall have the 
interest of the money until paid." 

"The committee oh.i.s.n .hi the tii^t .l:iy of Deeeiuher. 1777, in accord- 

.111 f a vote of the town t.» allow each man who had served in tie \i.ir 

from the commencement tn tie- pres.nt tune, twenty shillings per month, 
Reported on the 25th Inst a reward of t7,".7 13». lid. 

" N VIII 1SIIL BaTCUELD 

"Reuben Spalding, 
" David Badoer, 



Mm-., 



Ill 



" I'.liM uiih Jones, j 

The following are the names of those men thatwent 
and returned with Lieutenant Barron on the alarm 
April 20, 177."». 

Samuel Barron, John Reyu.dds, .lohn Savau'., Sanne'l Stephens, Peter 
Russell, Philip Fletcher, Nathaniel Rurnliam, .Joseph Merrick, Andrew 
Johnson, Daniel Gould, Ehelie/.er Gardner, John Thompson, Andrew 
Thompson, Reuben Batcheldor, ^mqs Whitteniore, John Carkin, Na- 
il, I Phelps, Lieutenant Spalding 

The following are the names of those that engaged 
in the service for tie- year 1775, at Winter Hill, their 
time being eight months: 

Captain Spalding, Lieutenant lie-,,.,- Boffee, Ensign William Lee, 

Joseph Elenv 1 Jess Lynd Nehemiah Hutchinson, Samuel McMhs- 

t,-r, Nathaniel Hat. uelder, Jai oh Dutt m Ezra Dtntton, Edward Beviugs, 
Jr., John Smith. Jacob Wetman, Elisha Wilkins. Daniel Cram, John 
Hutchinson, David Putman, Benjamin Bevinga, Phineas Barker. 

The following are the names of those that went from 
Winter Hill to York in 1776: 

Adam Johnson, John Jnhnson, Thomas Pringle, Edward Bevi i\-.->y. 
The names of those who went from Winter Hill to 
Canada and to Trenton in 17713, were: 

Captain Spalding, Thomas P., , ]!,-,■, William I.ee, Jaeoh Dutton, Samuel 
-Ml. b, tfehemiah Hutchinson, Jolin Woodbury, James Campbell. 

The names of those who w.ut, in L776, to Ticonder- 

Oga, Well' : 

Captain Barron, John Sh-ple-nson, John Ki,l,ler,.l,>hn Reynolds, Aaron 
Lewis, Nathan Pals,,ii-, !>.■., ,i Putman. Daniel Putman, David Badger, 

l;..i...it 1 :. i . 1 u . - r . o -g. il 1 leu. a ' o.eiM. l;. iii..n itatehetder, Joseph 

Batchelder, Peter Russell, Joshua Had , Wi ,, il trson, John Savage, 
Esq. Fuller, Lieutenant Kill-'. I. I, u I'lliov, l-aa, Day, Lieutenant 
linest ,n, Amos Whittemore Simeon Fletcher, Captain Cram, Asa Stiles, 
Ephraim Putman, Jr., John Boffee, Samuel Stephens, Jonathan Chamber- 
lain, Ensign Phelps, Jeremiah r.ulimi 

Those that enlisted September L'ti. 177H, and went to 
New York, were : 

Nathaniel W I Only, .1 —i.ilt \V 11 any, Khenozer Gardner, P.- 11 Jamil) 

Senter, Hezekiah Duncklee, Vsa Dutton, [thamer Woodward, Amos 

Whitte ,', Ezra Dutton, Joseph Wilkins. Jr., Jess.. Piitiii.ii,, ...ill Nich- 
olas IL MS.. III. 

Those that went to Fishkill, N. Y., in the year 
1777, were: 

Samuel Chamberlain, Richard Battin, Andrew- Creasey, Daniel Cram, 
Aaron putman. 

Those who went to Tieonderoga, July 1, 1777, 
wen- : 

Samuel Hf.est.,li, Aar.ui l.eu I-. .1,1 .luiah Carlton, ,1 ithan Chamher- 

lain. Jonathan Chamberlain, Ji . ■' -ha Beasom, William Holt, Aaron 
Putman, Timoth] Parsoi Hat tnic Hut h u n Edward Bevens, John 

11 in. h. us, ,ii, 1 1, mi,. I I'raiu . I. .Iin i .ok in, I ti. .in.,- Parsons, Joseph Abbott, 
Siin Fletcher, Joseph Bat, b ;i1 -' Bent* u Spal ling, John Boffee. 

Those win. went to Bennington, July 21, 1777, 
were : 

Peter Clark, Stephen llurnliam, Nathaniel ltiirnhaiu, Grengawn 0s- 

g..o.l. I'aniel lierrick, George Parsons, John Mead, Aaron Whittemore, 



John lint, henson, Amos Wilkins, John Stiles, Walter Ross, Benja- 
lniti Cram, Jr., Benjamin Dntton, William Holt, David Stratton, Reuben 
Spalding, Jaeoh Cram, Edwin Biokf'.rd, David Cram. 

The above men went or furnished substitutes. 

Sixteen men also were at Saratoga, (having enlisted) 
September 29th : were also at the surrender of Bur- 
goyne, October 16th ; and were in the service twenty- 
six days. 

Sixteen men were in the service on August G, 1778. 
in Rhode Island. 

The records also furnish the names of many that 
did some service daring the war; butthe above gives 
thr names of those who rendered the most of the ser- 
vile during the great struggle. 

War of the Rebellion.— The following is a list of 
the volunteers belonging to Lyndeborough, who were 
mustered into the United States service during the 
War of the Rebellion : 

FIRST REGIMENT (Three Months). 
Asher Curtis (2d), Alden It. Bennett, William Ordway, Hiram F.Cur- 
tis, William Langdell, Hiram M. Tarhell, William R. Duncklee, Harvey 
M. Newt. ,ii, Martin Hale. 

SECOND REGIMENT (Three Years). 
Harvey Holt, Jr., killed at the battle of Bull linn. July 21, 1861. 
i' up.. rat J,,hii A. Hartshorn, killed al the hattle of Williamsburg, May 

.lames M. W'elliuaii, discharged January, 1863. 

FOURTH REGIMENT (Three Tears). 
Edward K. Marsh, discharge, 1 Eehruary, LSf.2. 
Martin Hale 

FIFTH REGIMENT (Three rears). 
Fred. S. Manning, died at Richmond, Va., January, 1863. 

JohnS. Stephenson. 

SEVENTH REGIMENT [Three Tears). 



Hi 



Sage. 



EIGHTH REGIMENT (Three Years). 

C.rporal Jos.-ph Plan, 'hard, Joihain P. Draper, Samuel A. Conant, 

George i: Follensl (died at ship Island, summer of 1862), Samuel A. 

I il, >,| j.-, Hit A/lo 1). Irani, Lewis W. Smith. Klliallian 1 1. ..Igliian, 

John Benton Dolliver, Andrew J. Marshall, Hiram M. Tarbell, William 
in inn discharged), Sergeant G ge E. Winn, Nathan A. Fish (dis- 
charged), Edward Ross, Benjamin 8. w is 

NINTH REGIMENT (Three Years). 
William Juslin and Edward K. Marsh. 

ELEVENTH REGIMENT. 
Howard B. \ -. 

THIRTEENTH ItEGIMI- N't .Three Years!. 
I, untenant Nathan P.. F...U1 v\ . 11 i '. .1 p. u.il IVnialllin J. Boutwell, David 
1 , .. poral George T. Woodward,' Henry E Spalding, William 

T. Boutwell. 

SIXTEENTH REGIMENT , Nine Months). 

Captain G ■-,■ W li.,-w..rlli, s.ig.a ul G....rge T. Jones, Sergeant Anda 

IP, It, Corporal Ehen .1. Palmer, William P. Steele, John 0. Carkin, John 

H. Karr. Nathan S. Harris, William H. Ordway, Benjamin . I. Clark, 
Abraham Boutwell, Michael Ford, Charles R. Bacon, George B. Ray- 
mond, John C. Ordway, J soph Kaaon, William Plan, hard, James Bout- 
well, John A Franklin, Re hard Batten, John R. Butler. 

Surgeon Alfred F. II, .It. First Texas Cavalry. 

Isaiah B.Curtis, Illinois Cavalry. 

George F. Johnson, Illinois Cavalry, 

William Langdell, Fourteenth Regiment United States army. 

1 David E. Proctor and George T. W Iward were captains of colored 

o.inipauii.s during the latter part ot llu war, and were discharged with 
rank of colonel. 



LYNDEBOROUGH. 



Jonathan II. Stephenson, Fourteenth Regiment United States army. 
Gorham B. Clark, Fifth Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers. 

i ,|;. ][,,, v.,.. I, - ■. .., k hi I! l.i . \ ..' i.:. 

Whole amount of bounties paid volunteers from 
Lyndeborough, three thousand dollars. 

Harvey Holt Post, No. 15, G. A. R., was organized 
September 22, 18G8, by C. Henry Holt, W. P. Steele, 
W. W. Woods, J. Blanchard, C. F. Tarbell, A. Holt, 
F. A. Nourse, G. T. Jones, J. C. Carkin, .1. H. Good- 
rich, M. C. Fuller, W. X. Cheever, E. A. Cram, as 
charter members. 

The first officers of the post were,— Post Com- 
mander, C. H. Holt; Senior Vice-Commander, A. 
Holt; Junior Vice-Commander, G. T.Jones; Ad- 
jutant, C. P. Tarbell ; Quartermaster, F. A. Nourse; 
Sergeant-Major, J. Blanchard; Quartermaster-Ser- 
geant, J. H. ( roodrich. 

The membership was soon increased to thirty. 

It was voted to name the post after Harvey Holt, 
the first soldier who was killed from this town and 
State, who fell at the first battle of Bull Run ; he was in 
the Second Regiment and on the skirmish line. D. G. 
Dickey, of this town, was beside him when he fell, 
Holt was killed by a piece of shell which burst near 
him. 

In 1871 the post voted to appropriate all the surplus 
funds in their treasury, which were one hundred and 
thirty dollars for a soldiers' monument, and placed them 
at interest until they could obtain enough to purchase 
one. In 1879 the town voted two hundred and fifty 
dollars to assist the post in the purchase of a monu- 
ment, which was erected that year in the South 
Cemetery, with all the names of soldiers from this town 
who were killed or died of disease and not brought 
home. 

INSCRIPTION. 



East Face. 

1. Harvey Holt, Co. I. 2d Regt. V II V Killed at tsl Battle of Bull 

Run, July21, 1861. 

2. George K. ETollansbee, Co. B, 8th Regt., N. H. V. Died oi disease at 

Ship Island, Miss., May 1, 1862. 

3. Corp. John A. Hartshorn, Co. G, 2d Regt., N. H. V. Killed at 

Williamsburgh, Va., May "., 1862. 

4. Walter Chamberlain, Co. G, I'.th Regt , X. II. V. Died "I disease at 

\,« Orleans, La,, Maj 7. 1863. 

Nobth Face. 
.5. Frederick S. Manning, Co. I, 5th Regt., X. II. V. Killed at GettyB- 

burgh, Pa., July L', 1863, 

0. NathanS. Harris, Co. G, 16th Regt, V II V Drowned near mouth 

,,f White River, Ark., Aug. 6, 1863. 

7. John H. Karr, Co. G, 16th Regt.,N II. \ Died of disease at Vicks- 

burg, Miss., Aug 10, 1863. 

8. Corp. Austin Blood, Troop C,lst N. H. V. Cavalry. Died of Wounds at 

Win, hester, Va., Dec. 10, 1864. 

9. Elnathan Hodgman, Co. E, 8th Regt., X. II. V. Died of disease at. 

Baton Rouge, La., Jan. 9, 1865. 

West I\i i . 

10. EdwardT. Ross, Co. I:, Bth Regt., V II. v. Killed at Tort Hudson, 

La., Jan. 1 1, 1863. 

11. JothamP. Draper, Co. E, 8th Regt., v II v I lofdiseasi il 

Batou Rouge, La., May 10, 1863. 



1,'eel 



II \ Died 
■J.s, 1863. 



13. Corp. Eben J. Palmer, Co. i : , nth Regt., N. II. V. DiedatBaton 

Roug . I.:. .1 

14. Sergt. William Langdell.Co. A, 14th V. S. Infantry. Died in Ander- 

soriville prison, (la., Sept. 2.",, 1*64. 

Every year since organized the post has placed ever- 
green crosses at the graves of all soldiers buried in 
thistown; there are 18 soldiers of 1861, 12 of 1812, 
and 17 of 177ti, which makes 47, and 14 on the monu- 
ment, — total, 61 . 

Number of soldiers living in town at this time that 
have been in United States service, 41). 

Pinnacle Grange was organized December 26, 
1873, with a charter membership of seventeen. An 
interest in the order of Patrons of Husbandry had 
been developed among the citizens, and at a meeting 
held December 9th of that year, Eben Thompson, a 
deputy of the National Grange, explained the object . 
of the order, and the benefits to be derived from a co- 
operative association among the farmers. C. C. Shaw, 
of Granite Grange, Milford, was its first installing 
officer, and was much interested in perfecting its or- 
ganization. The growth of the Grange for a number 
of years was slow ; some prejudice and much doubt 
as i" the advantage of membership was encountered. 
Andy Holt was the first Master, holding the office 
until 1875, and again in 1877. David ( '. Grant wielded 
the gavel the nexf year, being installed in the office of 
Master by C. C. Shaw. January, 1876, Martin Whit- 
ney was elected Master, and also in 1878. From 1879 
until January, 1883, Benjamin G. Herrick was its pre- 
siding officer. During this bitter period Grange in- 
terests all over the country were in a depressed condi- 
tion, and Pinnacle Grange was no exception. Much 
credit is due Mr. Herrick for his abiding faith in the 
aims of the order, and his sturdy courage and faithful 
attendance during those five years when it seemed as 
if the Grange must go down. In l.ss:;, Jacob A. 
Woodward was chosen Master, holding the office until 
1885. About this time a change was made in Grange 
methods. The social and educational features of the 
order were brought into prominence, and the business 
or financial part eliminated. The result was a rapid 
increase in membership, and new life and energy in- 
fused into the organization. Its meetings were held 
at the town hall and Armory Hall alternately during 
the first years of its existence, but the meel ings at the 
latter place were finally given up. Pinnacle Grange 
is well represented in the county organization of the 
order. Aiming to promote better methods in the 
management of the farm, to encourage the adorning 
and refining of the home, taking a warm interest in 
the welfare and education of the young, cultivating 
the social relations of a community isolated, in a 
measure, upon scattered farms, Pinnacle Grange is a 
potent factor tor good in the town of Lyndeborough. 
Eli C. Curtis is the present Master, being elected to 
the office in 1885. It is in a very flourishing condi- 
tion financially, and numbers among its members some 



504 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY. NKW HAMPSHIRE. 



of the best-known and enterprising farmers and 
fanners' wives in town. There is a large element of 
young people connected with this srrange, and their 
presence and interest give abundant assurance that 
when the older Patrons shall have passed away, the 
order will still prosper in Lyndeborough. Its regular 
meetings are held on the Tuesday on or before the full 
of the moon; special meetings every two weeks. 
James H. Karr has been its trusted treasurer sine, its 
organization, and John H. Goodrich its efficient 
secretary since 1878. Its present membership is over 
one hundred, having doubled since 1883. 

Alfred F. Holt was born in Lyndeborough, 
N. H., December 16, 1838, and lived here until nine- 
teen years of age, working on his lather's and the 
neighboring farms during the busy parts of the year. 

He attended the district school until fifteen, and 
after a few terms at the academy of Mont Vernon. 

When about nineteen years old he commenced the 
study of medicine, spending the first year with Dr. 
W. A. Jones, the physician of the town, the next two 
years with Dr. Woodbury, of East Boston, attending 
courses of medical lectures at Harvard University 
in the winters of 1858 and 1859, and 1860. In the 
spring of I860 he attended a course of medical lectures 
at the University of Vermont, where he graduated as 
a Doctor of Medicine in June of that year. 

In August, I860, he commenced the practice of 
medicine in Cambridge, Mass. 

On the evening of the 16th of April, 1861, he joined 
a company of volunteers, and early on the morning of 
the 17th started for the South. This company was 
the first one raised in the United States for the War 
of the Rebellion. It was attached to the Third Reg- 
iment Massachusetts Volunteer Militia as Company 
C, and sailed for Fortress Monroe the evening of 
April 17, 1861. 

During the voyage Dr. Holt was made hospital 
steward of the regiment, which position he held 
during tin- three months of service. 

This regiment assisted in the destruction and burn- 
ing of the great navy-yard near Norfolk, Va., April 22, 
1861, the second great event of the war; its service 
after this was at Fortress Monroe anil Hampton, Va. 

Returning from the three months' service in August, 
Dr. Holt at once sought a position in the medical corps 
of the army. 

In November lie went to Camp Chase, Lowell, 
where General Butler was organizing his force for 
service in the extreme South, and a few weeks after 
was made assistant surgeon of the Thirtieth Regi- 
ment Massachusetts Volunteers. 

January 2, 1862, this regiment embarked on the 
steamer ".Constitution," and a few days after sailed for 
Ship Island. During the bombardment of Forts 
Jackson and St. Philip this regiment was on ship- 
board a few miles below, and after the surrender of 
tin- torts it was one of the first to enter New Orleans. 
For the next few months Dr. Holt was in active 



service with his regiment, first in front of Vicksburg, 
Miss., digging the cut-oft', and later at Baton Rouge 
and ( larrollton. 

At the battle of Baton Rouge Dr. Holt was especi- 
ally mentioned in general orders for humanity and 
bravery in giving aid to the wounded as they fell. 

In December, 1802, he was promoted to surgeon of 
the First Texas Cavalry, a regiment made up largely 
of Union men that had been obliged to leave their 
homes on account of their Union sentiments. 

In December, 1863, he left the medical department, 
and was made the senior major of the regiment. 

A few months after, he was promoted lieutenant, 
colonel of the same regiment, which position he re- 
tained until his final muster-out, in October, 1865, at 
San Antonio, Texas, commanding his regiment almost 
continuously from the time he was made field officer. 
During this service he took part in nearly all the 
campaigns, battles and skirmishes that occurred in 
the Department of the Gulf. Returning to Cambridge 
early in the year 1866, he again commenced the prac- 
tice of medicine, and has remained in that city since. 
Ilf i- now a member of the Cambridge Medical Im- 
provement Society, the Massachusetts Medical Soci- 
ety, the American Medical Association and the Amer- 
ican Association for the. Advancement of Science. 

In June, 1879, Dr. Holt was appointed one of the 
medical examiners tor Massachusetts, and in Janu- 
ary, 1884, he was appointed surgeon-general of Mas- 
sachusetts, with rank of brigadier-general, a position 
he now holds. 

He is also the health officer of Cambridge, a posi- 
tion he has held for the last five years. 

Enoch Lynue, grandfather of Benjamin Lynde, 
was a merchant in London. Simon Lynde, father of 
Benjamin, was born at London in 1624; was appren- 
ticed to a merchant when a boy ; first went to Hol- 
land, but afterwards removed to Boston in 1650, where 
he was much respected as a merchant and a magis- 
trate for the remainder of his life. He died at Bos- 
ton in November, 1687. 

Benjamin Lynde was born in Boston September 22. 
1666. He was prepared for college under the tuition 
ni "Mastej Cheever," a famous teacher of tlmse 
days, and graduated at Harvard in the class of 1686. 

In 1692 he went to England to complete his educa- 
tion as a lawyer, and became student at the Middle 
Temple, where he remained until he was admitted as 
a barrister. Receiving from the Lords of Admiralty a 
commission as advocate-general of the Court of 
Admiralty for the provinces of Massachusetts, Con- 
necticut and Rhode Island, he returned to Boston in 
1697. 

He removed to Salem in 1699, where he resided 
the remainder of his life. About this time he married 

the daughter of William Brown, of Salem. 01 f the 

wealthiest and most influential men in the province. 
Brown had been a judge of the Court of Common 
Pleas and a member of the Council. His son 



LYNDEBOROUGH. 



.Samuel was afterwards chief justice of the same 
court, and William Brown, judge of the Superior 
Court at the time of the Revolution, was his grand- 
son. 

In 1703, Judge Lynde entered public life, and ever 
afterwards continued to take a leading part in public 
affaire. He represented the town of Salem several 
years in the General Court, after which he was elected 
to the Council, of which body he was a leading mem- 
ber for nearly a quarter of a century. He was ap- 
pointed to the bench of the Superior Court of Massa- 
chusetts in .luly, 1712. when Judge Sewall, who tried 
the witches, alluding to his appointment, remarked, 
" That he hoped they would hereafter have the bene- 
fit of Inns of Court education superadded to that of 
Harvard College." 

There had been twelve judges appointed to this 
court previous to Judge Lynde, not one of whom had 
either studied or practiced law. He was, therefore, 
the first lawyer elevated to the bench in Massa- 
chusetts, and probably in New England. 

In 1720, Chief Justice Sewall resigned, and Judge 
Lynde was appointed his successor, and filled the 
office until the time of his death, which occurred 
January 28, 1745. The Boston Evening Post, noticing 
his death, briefly closes the record of his life as fol- 
lows: 

"Inflexible in-ti.-.--, mi-li.itt.M ■■<] ini-iiiv, liability an-1 humanity 
were ever conspicuous with him. He was a sinc.it- frien.l, most :iti<<- 
tionate to his n-btwns ami th«.* uVlii;ht uf all wlm wvui honored with 

Lyndeborough : Its Past and Present— Dr. Her- 

rick's Poem.— In the Canada expedition of L690 were 
a large number of Massachusetts men. mostly from 
Salem, that State. To fifty-nine of these Salem men 
and Captain Samuel King, Massachusetts, for their 
services, -ranted a tract of land, which they called 
" Salem-Canada," the first name being in honor of 
the town from whence they came, the second in re- 
membrance of the expedition in which they joined. 

The grant of Salem-Canada was six miles square. 
Had it been kept without mutilation, it would have 
been one of the best townships in the county for farm- 
ing purposes. Its south line came as far south as the 
meeting-house in East Wilton, and thence west, by 
the needle, until it struck "province land," or, as it 
was afterwards called, " Peterborough Slip," southeast 
of the County Farm. It appears from the record- 
book of the Salem-Canada proprietors that, about 
the year 1750, Joseph Blanchard, Esq., of Salem, 
Mass., was appointed agent for the heirs claimants of 
Tufton Mason. It also appears that there was a mis- 
understanding between him and the Salem-Canada 
proprietors, which was brought to a settlement in the 
following manner: The Masonian claimants of No. 2, 
(now Wilton) were to take a strip from Salem-Canada 
four hundred and ninety-eight rods wide and five 
miles long, and the said Salem-Canada was to receive 
-of " province lands," on the north, equivalent to make 



up twenty-eight thousand acres, which was the orig- 
inal Salem-Canada giant. 

"The effect of this," writes Dr. Herrick, in L858, 
"was a lingering curse for Lyndeborough." It car- 
ried the centre almost two miles farther north than it 
was located, near what is now Smith Lyndeborough. 
It shoved the north line the same distance farther 
north, which brought the mountain almost in the 
centre and opened the way for a series of depredations 
(.n our territory from thai day to this." 

Eighteen years after the grant, Benjamin Lynde, 
Esq., purchased the gram and considerable of the ad- 
joining territory, and gave it the name Lyndeborough, 
which it has carried just one hundred and twenty-five 
years. 

The first settlers in what is now Lyndeborough were 
Cram, Putnam and Chamberlain, descendants ofw horn 
now reside in town. But the first settler in Salem- 
( lanada I now Wilton) was John Badger. He pitched 
his camp in the spring of 1738, and died the next 
winter. His nearest neighbors were those by the 
name of Cram. It was to them that the wife of 
Badger took her lonelj way, in the night-time, on 
snow-shoes, the distance of over two miles, with no 
guide but marked trees, to get help to bury her hus- 
band, leaving her little children in bed with the in- 
junction that they must keep quiet while she was 
gone, so as not to wake their father. The fact that 
he was dead she wisely kept from them. 

( >ne hundred and twenty-one years ago, on the 23d 
of April, the town was incorporated. The town is di- 
vided by mountain and hills from east to west, and has 
no large streams; the soil is deep and strong, the pas- 
turage excellent and the farms well adapted to fruit. 
It is sixty miles from Boston, on the line of the Boston, 
Lowell and Greenfield Railroad, being first greeted by 
the regular locomotive's shriek on the morning of 
January 1, 1874. The advent of the locomotive was 
heralded by the ringing of bells and cheers of the 
citizens. Previous to the railroad the south village 
was connected with Wilton by a daily stage line. 

A small Baptist society was organized about 1829; 
meetings had previously been held in a school-house. 
The first clergyman of this society was Rev. Joseph 
Elliott. Seven members constituted the first organi- 
zation. Deacon David Putnam, Moses Pearsons and 
Benjamin Holt were the first male members; they 
were strictly devoted to their cause and creed. Fol- 
lowing them were Micah Hartshorn, Thomas Kidder, 
Joseph Chamberlain, Elijah Upton, Albert Hardy. 
1 >eacon John Hartshorn and others, all of whom ha: e 
passed away. The present church building was soon 
erected and partially finished. Services were held for 
years with no pews; but, by the energy of the church, 
from time to time pews were put in. Public donations 
provided the organ, cupola, etc. By private contribu- 
tions Luther Cram provided lumber for the belfry, 
J. H. Tarbell & Son the church-bell ; the latter par- 
ties also put up the horse-sheds near the church, do- 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



nating them to the public. The elegant vane was 
given by E. B. Badger, who is a friend of every g 1 

For only a short period was there but one regular store 
in south village at one time, though a tew minor ar- 
ticles are now kept tin' sale at the post-office. The 
store has been kept by several parties. The lust pro- 
prietors were Holt & Hard) ; second, Hardy & Stephen- 
son; third. Cram A Daniels; fourth, Burns Wallace; 
tilth. Peter Smith; sixth, G. P. Fletcher; seventh, 
J. H. Tarbell; eighth, William W. Young; ninth, 
J. H. Tarbell & Son; tenth. C. F. Tarbell, the 
present proprietor. The first store was moved 
from across the street to the place where the 
store of C. F. Tarbell now stands; it was then oc- 
cupied by Holt & Hardy, who built the present stun-. 
To make room for it, the original store buildings were 
moved across the street to where the church now 
stands; il was subsequently moved near the four cor- 
ners; it was afterward moved on to the Forest load and 
is now occupied by W. X. Cheever, the blacksmith, 
who has been knight of the anvil in South Lyndebor- 
ough for seventeen years. He remembers when he 
had seventy-five yoke of oxen to shoe, but i'vw oxen 
are now owned in town. 

Among the important industries of South Lynde- 
borough is the glass-works, which employs forty-five 
men. All kinds of bottles, from the common ounee 
bottle to the carboy containing fourteen gallons, are 
made here. The silex from which the glass is made 
is taken from a ledge about a half-mile distant. The 
wares manufactured here are sent all over New 
England and the Canadas. 

North Lyndeborough is a small village connected 
by stage with Milford. It has a post-office. John H. 
Goodrich, the postmaster, was born in Lyndeborough 
.March 28, 1835; always a farmer, was appointed post- 
master when the office was established. May 17, 1857, 
twenty-one years ago, probably the oldest postmaster 
in office about here. Has been selectman, collector 
of taxes in town, also is secretary of the Grange, of 
the Town Insurance Company, of the Town Library, 
school district and Republican Club. His father was 
grandson of the Re\ Sew all ( ioodrich, one of the firs; 
ministers of the town. 

The first clergyman of the place was Rev. John 
Rand (Congregational i, who was >cttled in 1757 and 
was dismissed in 1763. In 1768, Rev. Sewall Good- 
rich was settled; be died in 1809. 

After Rev.Sewall Goodrich, Rev. Nathaniel Merrill 
officiated until 1835; then Bey. Jacob White; then 
Rev. William Richardson, one year; then Rev. Ivory 
Kimball, a k'\\ years; then Rev. Erastus B. Claggett, 
twenty-four years; then Revs. Smith, Jones and Har- 
low, for a year or so each. Rev. W. L. Clark ac- 
cepted an engagement, and moved to the Centre, but 
died, about one week after taking up his residence 
there, of pneumonia. 

There is a post-office at the Centre, kept by 1'. .1. 



Boutwell. There are two libraries in town, — the 
Franklin, having five hundred volumes, and the 
South Lyndeborough, containing about four hundred 
volumes. 

At present Lyndeborough has no physician, though 
the memory of Dr. Israel Herrick is still cherished. 
He was born in Wilton July 9, 1794; was fitted for 
college in Tamworth, V II., but never entered; studied 
medicine with Dr. John Wallace, in -Milford, and Dr. 
Asa Crosby, in Gilmanton, and graduated at Dart- 
mouth Medical College December, 1820. Commenced 
the practice of medicine in Lyndeborough February 
11, 1821, and remained there until March 20, 1828, 
when he moved to Milford and practiced there almost 
two years. From thence he went to Mason village 
(now Greenville) and stayed two years. From Mason 
village In 1 went to I leering, and practiced there until 
the fall of 1834, when he returned to Lyndeborough 
and practiced until he died, February IS, 1866. Dur- 
ing the last twenty years of his life he was a faithful 
adherent to the homoeopathic law of cure. He was a 
conscientious and successful physician, and an upright 
anil honorable man. He always did what he thought 
was right, regardless of what others might say. The 
physician now having the leading practice in this 
place is a native of the town. He is a skill ttil physi- 
cian and is deservedly popular. We refer to Dr. W. A. 
Jones, who was born in Lyndeborough January 19, 
1829. He received an academic education in Fran- 
cestown; studied medicine with Dr. Israel Herrick ; 
attended two full courses of medical lectures at the 
Cleveland Homoeopathic College, from which he re- 
ceived his diploma in February. 1854. He commenced 
the practice of medicine in Wilton, May 4. 1854; stayed 
there three years, then he removed to Lyndeborough, 
where he remained until 1871. He then returned to 
Wilton. 
Si RAPS LB0UT LYNDEBOROUGH, I!Y Hit. HERRICK, is 185S 

•' I Mil- tow n IS ;i regular . res, out-like swell, 
Made up uf moinit;iui, unit lull, ami il.ll, 
With here and there a small level spot, 

suth. n nl to build a Ming, l.iiml.lt- cot. 

A barn an.l a shed, with a yard f..r the kine, 

A p l.ii the hens, ami a pen for the swine. 

i- stonj . and haul, ami rough, 
Thetilling of which I- r . .. I -■ - r . . . - an.l [..iiji, 

Discounting to man. and t.. rsI In- food 

If only the proper lals.r is lua, I,-. 
With plow ami barrow, shove] ami spade, 
Crowl.ar, Lu-h-li ,■!.. .. \ a a ! i . . 
Laid on smart by a freeman's blow. 
Our ancient domain was ample and bold, 

Such as Yeomen dolighl t. . j.ni. tin-.- ami hold, 

And build upa home for themselves and tin- brood 
Very soon to come forth, for thi 

Thirty-six s.|uare miles, with a southern decline, 
Well timbered ami watered. Ultli prospect sublime, 
Was tin- price paid King, with his bold soldier clan, 

To hunt and sh low u his red fellow-man, 

Ami Frenchmen to hoot ; 'twas a Sov'rcign say. 
And flunkeys, as now, were .piite sure to obey. 

But this goodly -inn! u.i, - i I., lie luarr'd 

P.\ g...!]y neighbors; and hackled and scarred, 
That they might enlarge tleil o-ality dominions, 

And gratify will, a- well as ..pinions. 



LYNDEBOROUGH. 



First, Wilton i 



.1 two-mil -i" e 
To make up a town, so snug and so nice, 
"Willi Mansonian lands, whii b tbey had on band, 

And then take a notable public stand. 

Next Temple presented a Bl l-yi request, 

And after - ontentton, 'twas thought to be best 
To lei them take on" a three-cornered bite, 
And keep it, rather than quarrel and fight. 
NYvt i.iv.niirhi n-.piested a rather lai-e strip, 
To make up a h>\\ u with their barren old slip, 
And rather than see them look meagre ami sullen, 

\,,\ g, i theii subsisted •■ from sorrel and mullein, 
We granted their prayer, a- is plain to be seen. 

\uu I. I them have lands that looked health\ ami -i.-n. 

To make her phylacteries come snug to a tit, 
Ami ;_:iv.- her proportion, as plump ami as fair 

\- the maiden 3 whose name they bo i heerfully bear. 

\\ ln.'li -poke iath-1 ptain it vva> trouble,] with fear, 



Had oonfereni e m< el ings ■■ ere anxious in i I, 

And put up a prayer, pel ailveiitui r tu liml 

Ef General Court, then Hunkerdom's god, 

Would just condeaceud to put forth a nod 

Of grai loiu consent , j ■ rouls ! not to know 

That favours like this would readily flow 

From Buch a high source ; pshaM ! it never said nay 

To the meanest short prayer, w ben the Dei il's to pay 

Th'-ii . ill- w <■[■>' Ml an-weid . they -..( vmir . Mm, -■ plat-, 
Where Hunkers ;iiv hr.'.l as iialnr.il as i:it- ; 
And yet they may tin.l, in time- of helearter, 

i ; i ..-.-. iii.\ only caught a Tai tai , 

Thus we have been pinched and hackled all raw, 



With this slight digression, w< 11 pickup our traps. 
And hasten along with th. rest oi out s raps 

Greatly deficient for driving of wills, 

And then you maj hear the clatter of saws 

l iilliu- up 1 u ml mi, y.M, tiii_.i- .hi 1 paws; 

Yet, not a spoonful oi meal's to be had, 

Though bens, dui ka and turkeys, yi a women, run d 

And cackle, I -■ old, quack, gohble ind quail 

For grain can t be ground, the stream 

Chun bes We v.- tu,., an. I preacher- the same. 
Where -iniuT ami -aint, the hliml, halt ami lam.-. 

May go and get ■_ I to theii souls, if they will, 

to ivoid the eternal down hill : 

Wh.-ir ..Id ■ Ni. key l'..-n, that lam .us .,1-1 up, 
Stands ready h> Live them a > ia- k with his whip. 

!><» tor ! l 1 lurk ' now I'm !■■ 

Were there none, few would die, except of old age. 
No Lawyer :: save one e er yet had the pride 
To think lie safely our yomen - ouW ride ; 



1 The late General 111 i. with hi- wMbkiiowu shu-wiUm-.-, ^,-t up a 

petition, put it through th. I.e-i-datni e, ami pro' aired tie- -rant. 

-S."i.u.-' hand u;i- originally a large -rant of laml, fruin which 
i I'. ■ ■ 't,,i, w.-re made tip. It is said that 

air -tii, pr.-pri. ■(,.!- ..! S< ..-i.-ti.-.' Land tlmi .■ >\ : i - . . t , . ■ by the name of 

Peering, and that lu' had a I ■ -:mi t it'ut , hiiL'l it or hy tin- name of Frances; 
and in , ompliment to hei the two towns were named, h is not known 
to the writei that this i rcumstance was ever on record. It was related 
to him many years ago by the late Russell Tuhbs, Esq., of Peering. 

3 Ah. oit f.rry-h\e vars a-.. K-ij. K y opened :i n < »tri. ■-■ in this place ; 

had no business and went to niakin„ ■! 

that; for m th-- granaries .if man\ of our careful fariuei- .\ , , .. rind 

Sets of measures made hy this wise lawyer. 

33 



Should learn tos 



Haifa century gone by, or nearly that space, 
California fever broke out in this place ; 

Py -mie - antiip.-Iield. the fa. t had hern told. 
That Scattaquog's* bowels were filled with gold. 
So at it they went, to digging and Mowing, 
T.i , .nun- and wheeling, shov'lil.g and hoeing. 

From Winter to Spring, through Summer and Fall, 
\nd .ill that they go1 was just nothing at all. 
So many who now are ravin- for riches, 
i rom Mexican hills, w ill return poor as witi ties 
\ lid wish they had staid on their own native soil, 
I o gather their gold by Blow, patient toil. 
The i-r.i man free .-lire ran-.M our hills 
To -h >o1 down th. deer, oi fish in our rills; 
I,n tie dreaming that In- and his Moral must give place, 
With hie land and his hut, to a white, selfish race, 
And turn their sad fai e to the West for to roam, 

Ni <■ to return to their sweet, native home. 

Near i Mir sp.-v k ..fa pond was his .summer retreat, 

Where he feasted on fish, it the chase gave no meat, 

And gathered the ^rape, the wild p.-ar and cherry, 

That he with his friends mi^ht he joyful and merry, 

'Twas here, too, he Bickened and died, 

And here he was buried, ■'■ . lose down hy the side 

Of this little pond, and the tall, waving trees 

San -j hi- le.piieni, niov'd hyllm soft Western breeze. 

Fain here would out n hei wing, 

Nor 'tempt furthermore to Mutter oi sing,— 

fea, rain would avoid the sad task to fulfil, 

Bui oh ' the vile Berpent, the " worm ol the still." 

That reptile's heen ln-re. with his poisonous breath, 

Beguiling its vi< tun- to premature death , 

Gentlj and softly the heart he coils round, 

"Till all the affections forever are hound. 



* The name of tin- eastern spur of our mountain. A I ■ ■ 

mencement of the present century a company was orgs 

town, through faith in th< i ■ for silver. Much time 

and i i «'■!'■ ..■-, pend. i i ;i i avation, though now 

partly filled up is plain t be i a 

.' In the fall of 1S48, as workmen v. i ■ mound at the 

west end of ■■ Badger '" V ■■■ ■ •■ cm were dis- 

niteir.-d. nthers may yet re-t there. The hrsi settler- ol this town 
found around this pond many domestic and oilier implements ,.t Indian 
construction. I : hat they e\er made this region a 

■ inting-ground 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Fail- 



fond 1 



■ been pained, 
To see their loved offtpriug so foolishl} chained ; 

e wept foi a Brothel 
Who fain would avoid, whan, alas ! 'twas too late. 
The place where Iliis lepllle was kept !u decoy 

The dooni'd htm- li urine. In. nor and |..y, 

ALas:..h, alas! in . t. -ugue ran e'er tell 

The sorrows that How from this offspring of hell ; 

If once lie succ 1 hi wounding the brain, 

The dooni'd one will .seek him again and again ; 

Will sacrifice freely companions of youth, 

Probity, honor, religion and truth. 

Father and Mother, health, children and wife, 

Sister ami brother. Via, e'en his own life. 

Ala>: he will peril Ins own i recious soul 

If he but for once can .piatl I'r..m the l...wl 

The poisonous liquid so Bure for to kill, 

That comes from that reptile, the "worm ol lie still." 

Our muse is a blunder in a;, careless .Id jade,— 

The fact is, she never yet half learn'd the trade. 

W lilt dumb! have i ..in., til -I is left until HOW ; 

W -■ i ,.■ I,. .hi 1. 1. iii a w , .ii I oa.w I up il • 

We have lots ..! Hem le I c.— sa.Ine young and Borne old, 
Some handsome, somi h ely, somi rnodesl - me hold, 

They all are ad. .puna; the modern plan, 
When illes-'ii, t.. lesemlile a 1.1. .ad, open fan. 

Or rather a tut 1, with atelier. . ns ciep 

At the nose, an.l .. ~- 1 1 1 i in, : 

in say they do let, 
But till- : i a grot, 

Jfol want t.. '-"i married ! I'd just as soon think 
A miser would Ilee from the rattle of chiuk ; 
Or our little pond, with all its live stock, 

Should start up the m lain, t<> take a sle.rt walk. 

Live single 1 when Wi. hovers, Hacheiors alel llealis 

Stand ready and tix'.l in lien I.. -I -mai.ia 1. ,! h. .,, 

To give ill. in a i all, and make .plite a sl..p. 

Yea, e'en I, lot h up. and the .jUestion I 

Not wain 

They just kind i.' sa> SO, tlnai object tn gain, 

And then. ..li. ' Ov . m I , . ■ v In \ 'I , n i h , hp., 

And make ye stiind round 111..- a l.a-ket ..I , Inje 

That J' 

Was liev.-i lesign'.l, in N. L |u|. - 

And so they an willing I.. e .in in and go 

Through Time's little joiimev ot sorrow an.l woe ; 

With him they ha\.- pi.unis'd to love from the heart, 

Till death the fond union asunder shall pari. 

Then ho ! ye single ..1.1 scissors, d 

But lift up your beads, y.-ui redemption is nigh ; 

Another good half you can get without fail, 

And then cut like something, -so hi re ends our Tale." 

John Badger, the subject of this notice, was born 
in England, ami with two of his brothers, Joseph ami 
Eliphalet, came to America nut far from the year 
1728-29. His father was wealthy, and a year or two 
before ho came to this country he was sen! to Scotland 
to collect demands there due. It was here that he be- 
came aquainted with Mary McFarland, whom he 
eventually married. When he related to his fatherthis 
circumstance of his attachment, lie forbid his son to 
form any such alliance, on account of a strong preju- 
dice which then prevailed between the English 
ami Scotch. To put his son outside of such an in- 
fluence, he sent him with his brothers, as abovc- 
\meriea. They first located themselves for 
a time at Nottingham. 1 This wise plan of the father, 

' The p Us. ui Irniu vale in tle.se fad.- weie derived used the name Not- 
tingham, with. ait designating whether it was the town in Rockingham 



however, was soon frustrated. There was an under- 
standing between him and his Scotch Mary, ami -he 
soon followed him to this country and landed at a 
settlement near the Kennebeck River. He soon net 
her there, and it is the belief ot' a granddaughter of 
his, now living in Lyndeborough, that they were 
there married. In the course of a year they came 
back to Nottingham, where they remained a number 
of years. From here they migrated to that part of 
Salem-Canada township which afterwards became 
Wilton. He located his cabin about one hundred 
rods ea-i ..I' that ancient duelling, the first framed 
house erected in Wilton, which was occupied for three 
generations by the name of John Dale, ami is now 
owned by S. 11. Dunbar, Esq. The swell of land on 
which he settled has ever since borne the name of 
"Badger Hill." 

He moved into his cabin in April, 1739, and died in 
February, 174n, of consumption. Though the 
plowshare has passed over the spot where his cabin 
stood, there are many now living that can point it out. 
His family was composed of his wife and four chil- 
dren. The names of his children were, David, Robert, 
Mary and Betsey, who was the youngest, and died 
young, in consequence of injuries received by tie 
burning of a house in Nottingham. 

The mother and children, after the death of the 
fuber, moved back to Nottingham, where the cliil- 
dien were put under the guardianship of a Judge 
Batten, or Patten. David and Robert both settled in 
Lyndeborough, a little north of the pond which now 
bears, the name of " Badger Pond." Mary married 
David Cram, whose father was one of the Hist settlers 
of Lyndeborough. and where liadger's wife went to 
get help to bury her husband Those three lived to 
a great age, and reared large families, the descendants 
of whom, of the fourth, fifth and sixth generations 
from John Badger, are widely scattered over New 
England and many of the Western States. 

The following anecdote is related of Mary Badger: 
She came from Nottingham to Lyndeborough when 
eighteen or nineteen years of age, with her brother 
David, to make him a visit. When passing the set- 
tlement of Mr. Cram she got a sight of David, a 
young man of some twenty years of age. As they 
passed along she said to her brother, "I mean to set 
my cap for that fellow." 

He told her she better not, for he was a " lazy 
dog." 

She disregarded his admonitions, and they were 
eventually married. It, however, has been surmised 
by some that there was a smattering of truth in Da- 
vid's advice, from the fact that something strongly 
resembling his suggestion has occasionally manifested 
itself even down to the fifth generation. 

Joseph Badger, brother of John, eventually settled 
in Meredith, or Gilmanton, and ex-Governor Badger 



County or what 
stances, that it wa 



Hudson, It is 



a belief, from other 



LYNDEBOROUGH. 



509 



was one of hi- descendants. Eliphalet, the other 
brother, settled in thesouthpart of Massachusetts or 

Connecticut. 

The wife of John Badger was a true woman. She 
followed him three thousand miles across the ocean 
to a foreign laud to become his, and share with him 
the joys and sorrows of life. She went with him far 
away into the howling wilderness, where, as a faithful 
wife and mother, she watched over him ami his through 
a long sickness to his death. 

AM this, with the trying scenes through which she 
passed in procuring help to lay him in the grave, was 
too much tor her constitution. Her nervous system 
was crushed down, reason tottered on its throne, ahe 
soon became insane, and in a lew years terminated 
her existence by suicide. 

Thus the writer has attempted to gather up a few 
fragment.- of history connected with "the first settler " 
of his native town, from a source which will soon be 
removed from the earth, viz., Sarah Badger, a grand- 
daughter of the said John Badger, and who now re- 
sides on the same spot where David, the son of said 
John, lived and died. He believes the substance of 
it truthful and correct. 

It has been a matter of surprise to him that Bad- 
ger was not recognized as " the first settler " in the 
published doings of the centennial of Wilton. His 
death, with the circumstances connected, was alluded 
to, and that was all. In a note in that pamphlet 
John Dale is named as the first settler, which cannot 
be correct, which we will undertake to show. From 
the record-hook of the Salem-Canada proprietors it 
appears that the first drawing of rights in said town- 
ship took place February 3,1736, and that Daniel 
Epps, Jr., of Salem, drew rights Nos. 10, 22, 51 and 
53, and it also appears from said records that Epps 
sold John Badger right No. 10, which was the terri- 
tory on which he settled and died. It also appears, 
from a controversy that took place after the sons of 
came of age, that Dale occupied this territory after 
their father's death; and it was adjusted between them 
and Dale by said proprietors giving them lot No. 117 
"in lieu of the whole right No. 10, which their 
father had of Epps." Again, there is no evidence, 
either from record or tradition, that the first John 
Dale ever located on the territory of Wilton a1 anj 
other place except where that ancient building already 

referred to now stands. If Dale had 1 n located 

then- at the death of Badger, that wife would not 
have gone three miles north to the " nearest neigh- 
bor's" for help, when she could have obtained it by 
going one hundred rods west. 

In this matter there was probably an unintentional 
neglect, or at least an oversight, as the chairman of 
the committee had in his possession the substance of 
the fragments above noticed, and from the same 
source. He also had in his possession for many 
months the record-book of the proprietors of Salem- 
Canada. 



The centennial celebration of Wilton was go1 up 
in good and splendid style in all its parts, and its ex- 
ercises were performed by the first of abilities, and 
gave general satisfaction. 

It reminded the writer, however, of a cin 
that once occurred in the court-house in Amherst, at 
the time that Richardson was chief justice. A boy 
was put on trial for his life. His connections being 
I r, the court appointed one of the most able advo- 
cates oi the Hillsborough bar to make the closing 
pica lor the defense. At the closing up id' the term 
an older was drawn on the treasurer for the lee al- 
lowed by the court for the defense, which had been 
very able and successful. The advocate rather de- 
murred at the smallness of the fee. Judge Richard- 
son, in his good-natured, otl'-hand manner, answered, 

"Well, Mr. A , perhaps the fee is comparatively 

small; but I think you ought to be satisfied, for you 
ably obtained the cause, and, what was still more, you 
embraced the opportunity of showing off the glory of 
your own sectarian belief." 

William T. Boutwell, son of Nehemiah and 
Elizabeth Jones Boutwell, was the fourth of eleven 
children, born February 4, L803 ; fitted for i 
Exeter Academy; graduated at Dartmouth, 1828; at 
Andover Theological Seminary, 1831 ; ordained at 
Wobiirn, Mass., June, 1831, as missionary of the 
Board of Commissioners for Foreign .Missions to the 
Chippewa Indians of the Northwest. He left Boston 

• li L2, 1831, for Mackinaw, Mich., where he arrived 

after a journey of five weeks, where he remained 
during the winter of 1831-32, teaching Indians 
and half-breed children, and acquiring the language 
preparatory to future labors in his chosen field. In 
1832 he accompanied Hon. Henry R. Schoolcraft, 
Indian agent, on an expedition to visit all the bands 
of Indians on the borders of the British possessions. 
During this journey he visited and ascertained the 
highest sources of the Mississippi River, which was 
named Itasca Lake. In his letter referring to this 
expedition, he says: " Scores of visitors, since 1832, 
have found a higher source in the marshes west and 
south which feed the lake, and scores more will find 
a higher source, till the last man finds a pool in the 
marshes large enough for him to bathe in." Beyond 
all doubt, Itasca is the true source of the Father of 
Waters. Returning from the expedition, he spent 
the winter at La Pointe, on Lake Superior, having 
charge of the Indian school. In the fall of 1833 he 
returned to Leach Lake and spent the winter in the 
families of the fur-traders, for the purpose of ascer- 
taining what encouragement there was for extending 
the work by opening another station. He found the 
chiefs kindly disposed and gave their consent to open 
a school. 

September 11, 1834, he married Hester Crooks and 
returned to Leach Lake, opened a school and began 
house-keeping in a bark lodge while he built a log 
house. Alter sixteen years of hard labor there and at 



510 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Pakagama, he was obliged to abandon his work in 
consequence of the liquor traffic. In 1837 the treaty 
a1 Fori Snelling opened the pint- region to the white 
man. He came md brought with him his whiskey, 
which hegave to the Indian, although strictly forbid- 
den by law. •'What will not the white men do for 
money?" Mr. Boutwell writes. "The traffic increased 
from year to year, and all five of of our stations closed 
their work." Its influence will bo seen in the following 
incident : Curiosity often brough men to the mission 
to attend the Indian service on the Sabbath. He often 
preached, by request, at their camps on Sabbath 

evenings. One Saturday afteru 1 he left home to 

spend the Sabbath at three camps on the Upper 
Snake River. At dusk he arrived at the hist camp, 
where he spent the night, and during the evening the 
trader was in the camp, whom he invited to come 
in at ten a.m. the next day. He said he would be 
glad to ; but if the Indians should return from their 
hunt, he could not leave his store. The next day he 
held his service, but his friend, the trader, was not 
present, lie passed on to the next camp, and still 
on to the next. In the night he was called in great 
haste to come at once, for the trader had been shot 
by a drunken Indian. Before he arrived the man 
had died. On reaching the scene of distress and 
confusion he found forty men armed with weapons to 
kill every Indian they met; but the Indians had tied. 
Alter the excitement was over I was requested to take 
the body to the station for burial, with four men to 
dig a grave and make a coffin. The rest would 
come the next day in a body. After the body was 
deposited on my team, the store was cleared of furs 

andg Is and two barrels of whiskey were burned 

up. The next day forty men came to the mission, 
twelve miles, to bury their dead. After the funeral 
all signed a resolve that they would visit every In- 
dian trader, demand and destroy his whiskey, which 
was carried out the nexl day; and they ceased not un- 
til they had accomplished their work. But the trade 
revived the next year, and it was found useless to 
spend time and strength with a people given to 
drunkenness, and the mission stations were all aban- 
doned. In 1S47 he removed to Stillwater, then a vil- 
lage of two hundred souls; began preaching in a 
dining-room of a boarding-house; from this place to 
an upper room in a small building, still standing and 
occupied as a meat-market. After a time a small 
church was erected. His time, for years, was divided 
between Stillwater, Marien Mills, Taylor's Falls, 
Cottage Grove and Point Douglas, establishing 
church.- ami Sabbath-schools. 

In a review of his life and labors. Mr. Boutwell 
savs, — 



i. h they 
ot gives 



i ■ ' "- .»■■ •' i ■:■■ away; v..ii will n„i live ...it half 

>■"" "■'• " • , "" v " todeath.oi tin Indians will ticalpyou.' Fitly 

years ago all that > dw.-i.-i Michigan to thi Pacini .-..., -i was terra 

■ ■ . pied by wild animals and wild 

mi a, oil 1 Indiam .n war to oxter ate eai I, other. There were no 

traces ,.| . ivih/.it Tl ly available railroad I'm- mo to get hero was 

Irom Boston to Providence To-day it spans the continent ; to-day I can 

n 'i. i" •< pali .11 hundredsol mil ver ...man where I once drove a 

dog-team oo snow-shoes To-day the gove in has located eserva- 

tionsthe drunken Indians we were compelled to leave, provided them 

with machines, farms, schools, teat hers, teams, 4c. Expelling whiskey, 

tl.. -\ i. ii-.. wheat instead of liuiitiiigniuskriits. The missionary »n, tile 

e that let tin- first dawn of light into Western darkness " 

"It \va* thus the li-lit mei.-a-.-.l l.\ ,,ur . oinmiiliicatiun with the 

Eastern world ; i limate, soil, resources of thecountrj been known. The 

lumbermen came ; the fanner, followed. The man that opened the first 
lam, in Minnesota, forty .-., ■ ago, if iliv, to-day I iftj .- in igo the 
missionary would freeze to death or die by the scatping-knife of the In- 
dian—so thought Ins friends. 
"Com] what then was with what now is,— then a wilderness with 






les- wlient-helds. -e| I-. , Inn I,.-. a-\ linn- for lli-alie, deaf, diiinl. and 

blind,a college in its teens. .. nniversity open to both sexes for equal 

h ; ' "'" " handol God in sending the first man to light 

tin- torch that has illuminated the land? sure their labor will be in 

vain, thought the world ; not BO, thought Oo.l. It is God that duetli won- 
ders, and we stand silent and adore. 
" Nearly all my old co-laborers sleep with the Father. My eyes have 
for Thy call that I may praise Thee 

Mr. Boutwell was the first man, a native, that 
secure. 1 a college education, and his great desire to do 
his whole duty to his fellow men, to his God, appears 
to be the great aim of his life. The writer has visited 
him in his Western home; he is one of the most 
honored and respected of Minnesota's first settlers. 

" r "'" -"l"'-' 1 ' "1 tl Id meeting-] , with it- high pulpit, its 

deacon-seats, Its sounding-board buns by an iron rod its -lip- for the 

I r.Hssquan pews, its seats hung on hinges, which were turned back 

during prayer, its capacious galleries s ted by huge pillars. In that 

house was I baptized and publicly consei rated to God. There I vied with 
other boys in making a loud . latter in throwing down my hinge seat at 
""' ClOS ' i. layer. And there t suffered with cold feet on winter Sab- 
baths before tin- introduction ..i Btoves. Freezing did not prove a means 
"' grace t-. me. In that house I preached my first sermon in Lynde- 
borough. As inconvenient as that place of worship was, in it the gospel 
was effectually proclaimed by the godly Merrill ; and there our fathers, 
d-.ul.tl.-s-. i.-ii lere.l n.-eeptaMe worship. I well remember the excite- 
ment produced in that old house,,,, the fast day in April. 1827, a few 
days before I left my home with Palmer and Woodward for East Teu- 

1 ""■ Instead ol a sen i, Mi Merrill read tl lebrated lecture 

bj Kittredge, oi Lyme, on temper which contained the statement 

". ;l1 gallonol ni -- I as a bevel - h town of Lyme was just 

1 ""i quarts I.--- inn- h The _ I "1 I men of the church, including my 

ho -i-.I father, went oul of i li.it house vexed, if not mad. Vly father 

said 'Why did Alt . Merrill rend that foolish lecture . we cannot gel our 
hay without ruin. It will rot in the field.' 

"When I returned, in 1837, I found all those g I mi n pledged to 

total abstinence. They ackm wledged thai haying and all other farm 
woil; could l.e Letter done without rum than will, n 

" w h,-n a si,,,, ii boy, I n-'-i to walk t-. church in company with -ilia 
an, I women, whom I have often seen step into tin- bushes in the Bii hard- 
son pasture, and exchange their thick shoes and soiled stockings for 
'I,. -I, mor and 

•"Ih, -,,|,l meeting-house was furnished with horse-blocks tor the ac- 
commodation of women and infirm men, from which to mount their 

holses. Hiding ,,i, I,,,,-, -!,.„ k wa. II lily mod" .1 "in. cure to - Imr, h 

in si, none. When I was a hoy I hay,- lieipiently seen a man in the 



By l: 



. F. Chirk- 





■&+. 



f^fa^st 



LYNDEBOROUGH. 



5] 1 



saddle, a woman 1 ■• 1 1 1 1 1 I on th. -am. h..i-.-, and a child in the la]. ..1' 
each. I distinctly rcinenil.cr the first une-horse »:.»ni in Lyndeborough. 
It was wholly dcstit t springs : \.-t it w a- called « Ifankee pleasure- 
wagon. It was the property of Israel II. (i lnd-e, r,-.| utei my return 

f i . .mi the West I pi -a. he. I iii I.\iel.l~.i.ii-li, I i. ue .-t..»ii and Mont Ver- 
non. Since that time great changes have taken place. 1 know, while 
I was acting-pastor in Lyndeborough, I prea. lied to a large i lassoi aged 

persons, all of whom have gone on the returnlese way, i panied by 

many of my own age mel younger, all >f the .lemon- ami many which 
I 

"I will here put my testimony on roe. .1.1 that tie- povn ua- then 

temperate ami r.il. as a whole. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



JOE 



The name of Tarbell is not frequent in this country. 
It does not appear in the long list of those who took 
the freeman's oath before 1669, nor is the name men- 
tioned in the early Genealogical Register, only that 
of Thomas, Sr., and Thomas. Jr. It is from these that 
all of the name in Massachusetts and New Hamp- 
shire are descended. Captain Thomas Tarbell was 
one of the original proprietors of "No. 1" (Mason), 
and named as such in the giant of the Masonian pro- 
prietors. He was one of the first settlers, was clerk 
of the proprietary, first chosen in 1762, and continued 
in office until the last meeting of that body, in 177:;. 
ami was. one of the most active and leading men in 
all affairs of the township prior to incorporation. 
Six of his sons settled on farms near him. He was 
a native of Groton, Mass. Thomas Tarbell, his 
ancestor, was one of the original proprietors ol 
Groton in 1661. His name also appears as town clerk 
of i rroton. In the list are the names of Thomas Tar- 
bell, Sr., and Thomas Tarbell, Jr.; one instance rel- 
ative to the family, of alarm, attack and suffering 
from a savage foe, was the capture of two lads (John 
and Zachariah), brothers and sons of Thomas Tarbell, 
by the Indians. They were carried to Camilla about 
the year 1705, the younger from four to six years of 
age, so young that he lost his native language en- 
tirely. Some years after, they both came to Groton ; 
but having 1 n accustomed to savage life, no per- 
suasion prevailed on them to remain with their friends 
and relatives; their descendants are among the In- 
dians. Truly, those were days that tried men's, souls, 
and could not have been endured had it not been 
for their untiring fortitude and persevei 
well as muscular powers. One instance, as related, 
was that of John Tarbell, noted for his great 
strength, equal to that of three ordinary men of 
thi.r day. He expired suddenly at the door of the old 
meeting-house in Mason, Sunday, August 20, 1 7117. 
We are not gratified to relate that among them was 
one Judas, — that of Captain Samuel Tarbell, whose 
property was confiscated for Toryism ; he i 
Groton, his native place, lived and died in poverty 
and wretchedness. 

Thomas Tarbell. thirdson of Captain Thomas Tar- 



bell, Jr., was born October 8, 1751; in his youth he 
received but limited education, remaining at home 
rendering good service in clearing up and cul- 
tivating the lands for the sustenance of the family. 
July 8, 1778, he married Sarah Barrett, retaining a resi- 
dence on the homestead of his father, which has been 
occupied by family descendants to the fifth genera- 
tion, but has now passed iuto outside hands, with but 
little improvements from originality, almost forsaken 
and nncared for. On apart of the premises is lo- 
cated the Iturying-ground donated to the town in 
1797, where rests the dust of our sires, their descend- 
ants and many neighboring citizens. 

The children of Thomas Tarbell and Sarah Barrett 
w.re Sally, born November 6, 1778; Esther, born 
August 11, 1780; Thomas, bom August 17, 1782, died 
January 17, 1785; Reuben, born duly 19, 1784; 
Lemuel, born February II, 1786; Thomas, born Octo- 
ber 19, 1788; Eunice, born April 24. 17M1 : Joel, born 
July 9, 1793; Lydia, born March 21, 1797. 

Joel Tarbell, the younger son, married Betsej Shat- 
tuek, daughter of Jonathan Shattuck, a worthy citizen 
of Pepperell, Mass. ; continued a residence in Mason, 
in the occupation of boot and shoemaker of the old 
styleof hand- work; noted as master-workman in sewed 
boot making, in which occupation he continued in 
support of his family, being in limited circumstances. 
Their children surviving were Joel I larr isotl, born 

tit Mason February 6, 1816; Mary Elizabeth, born 
February 2, 1820; William, born July 4, 1824. Joel 
II. remained tit home until about twelve year- of age. 
attending the shorl terms of district school. At this 
ag. he went to reside with I>r. Amos Parker, of Bol- 
ton, .Mass., having care of the stable and performing 
such part as callable in the drug-store ami post-office; 
while here he received five weeks of schooling at a pri- 
vate Quaker school, kept by Elder Frye, in Berlin, 
Mass., walking to and from school morning and eve- 
ning, this being the onh educati ver received ex- 
cept from the common district school, [t was while 
residing here that his mother died, October 29, 1829, 
leaving him without a parental home. Returning to 
New Hampshire at the age of fourteen years, he went 
to labor on a farm for Ebene/.er Stiles, in Temple, at- 
tending short terms of winter district school. In this 
family he received good precepts and formed habits 

for life. He remained in this family until about 
twenty years of age, one year alter the death of Mr. 

Stiles, after which he labored in Pepperell, Mass., one 
season and in Lyndeborough until marriage. 

In 1831 his father, Joel Tail. ell, married Mary 
Mansfield, of Temple, for a second wife; their chil- 
dren surviving were. Charles, Solon, Hiram, Alon/.o 
and Joseph, till residing with families in this county. 
Joel Tarbell died at Lyndeborough, September 18, 

1851; Mary M., his wife, died I ember 6, 1873. 

January 15,1839, Joel II. married Esther Putnam, 
daughter of Ephraim Putnam, a highly respected 
ciii/.i it, resident on the homestead of his father, in 



512 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Lyndeborough, (descendants from ancestors in Dan- 
gers, Mass. i. At marriage Mr. Tarbell located in 
Lyndeborough (Putnam Corner), so styled, now Smith 
Lyndeborough, assuming the business of a country 
hotel with farm connected. Shortly after marriage he 
was appointed postmaster, which trust he held for 
twenty years. At the time of his location here there 
were but few settlements in the immediate vicinity, 
and those of not modern style. With his business grew 
a strong desire to make home and surroundings 
pleasant and build up the place, and he has lived 
to witness the contrast from what was styled "Slab 
City " to that of a respectable little village and com- 
munity, greatly through his instrumentality. In 
this enterprise he took no active part financially, 
previous to the organization of the glass company 
in 1866, the history of which is too well-known for 
comment. After about fifteen years in hotel business, 
when railroads became more desirable than high- 
ways for public conveyance, he changed his business 
to that of a general variety retail store, which, by him- 
self and in connection with his son, has been retained 
for over thirty years, the son now conducting the 
same as principal. In his business he formed a de- 
termination to deal honorably, pay all bills promptly 
and cultivate a kind and generous disposition, which 
has bei d carried out to a permanent success in bis 
social aud business life. His children were San- 
ford P., born July 5, 1839, deceased; Charles F.. 
born November 19,1843; Sarah Adaline, born Feb- 
ruary 24, 1850, deceased. She married Byron Staq ; 
died leaving one daug hter. 

As to his religious views, they wire more those 
of conscience than of creed, though he rendered 
continual aid in support of the gospel at the 
chapel established in the place a short time prev- 
ious to his settlement, contributing with his son in 
the remodeling of the house to a more modern struc- 
ture, and placing in the tower a church-bell, fur- 
nished gratuitously to the citizens. In politics firmly 
Democratic, although decidedly favorable to union 
ia offices of town trust. Held the office of selectman 
several years, and town clerk seven years in succes- 
sion, from 1850 to 1857, and for many years was a jus- 
tice of the peace. Highly respected by the citizen-, he 
ne\ i I connected himself with any secret organization. 
In the Rebellion he was in command of a military 
company of State volunteers, known as tin' Lafayette 
Artillery. Their services were offered and accepted, 
and they were mustered into United States service for 
ninety days, and stationed at Fort Constitution. Ports- 
mouth, X. H. His subalterns were Lieutenants Eli 
C. Curtis and Charles H. Holt, both of Lyndeborough. 
After fourteen years in command he resigned; his 
resignation was accepted with high commendations to 
himself and command by the Governor. 

The following was taken from a historical sketch of 
Fort Constitution and Walback Tower, Portsmouth 
Harbor, hv a student of Dartmouth College: 



i tin- UhI day of August, 1SI.4, tlir Lafayette i.uards, under com- 
mand of Capt. .loci it. Tarbell, arrived at this fort, to which they were 

ordered by the Governor. This company was coinjHjsed of a tin.- class, 
of men, ami the citizens of New Castle respected them much. 1V1 ng- 

. : under the guidance of a celebrated 
Carl krclis. Their strains of music imparted much anima- 
tion tu the island, and tin- monotony of L.irrison life was greatly less- 

i h .on.o i t ilicn presence. They returned home a few 

wo.l,. before the expiration of their term of service, to Lyndeborough. 
Capt. Tarbell was an amiable man ot ronw t habits, aid .o,. :. \ 
is command." 



JOTHAM HILDRETH. 

Jotham Hildreth was born June 25, 1807,in Lynde- 
borough, X. II. He is the sou of Jotham anil Abigail 
(Sargent) Hildreth. Jotham Hildreth. Sr., was a na- 
tive of Amherst. N. II., where he resided till his 
majority, when, with his entire worldly possessions 
tied up in a bundle and thrown across his shoulders, 
he started out to seek his fortune in the world. He 
came to Lyndeborough, where he found employment 
making shoes, and meeting with a measure of success 
in this business, he made it his chief vocation through 
life. In addition to shoemaking, however, he soon 
possessed himself of a small farm, to which original 
tract he added by purchase at different times up to 
the time of his death. His life was one of constant 
labor and frugality. He would work at farming dur- 
ing the day and tit the shoemaker's bench tit night, 
and by this course of persistent industry lie finally 
became a fairly successful man. He married Abigail, 
daughter of Joshua Sargent ; they had five children, 
only two of whom tire now living, — Jotham, and 
Abigail, now the widow of Jacob Crosby. Mr. Hil- 
dreth died December 8, 1850, his wife having died 
August preceding. 

Jotham Hildreth, whose portrait appears in connec- 
tion with this sketch, has followed in the footstl ps oi 
his father. He was brought up to the same occupa- 
tions, farming and shoemaking. At agriculture he 
has done much more than his father, and for many 
years has been considered one of the best farmers in 
his town. Brought up in ti school of rigid 
with a full appreciation of the value of labor and 
money, he litis been frugal, industrious, and, as a 
natural result, successful. He has never married, 
and his widowed sister now finds a home with him. 

M r. 1 1 ildreth litis been honored by his fellow-towns- 
men by being elected to the State Legislature in 
1850, and again in 1855. He has been selectman of 
his town several years, surveyor, etc., and litis done 
more or less at settling estates. 

Mr. Hildreth was a Democrat in political creed 
until some years prior to the war, when he became a 
Republican, and litis affiliated with that party to the 
present time. 

In religion he is a Congregationalist. He has so 
deported himself through a long and active life that 
in hi.- old age, he litis the happy consciousness of 
possessing the confidence and respect of his fellow- 
citizens. 




^ ',YrAe/L 



HISTORY OV MASON. 



CHAPTER I . 

The town of Mason lies in the southern part of 
the county, ami in bounded as follows: North by Wil- 
ton, east by Brookline, south by Massachusetts, west bj 
New Ipswicdi and Greenville. 

The township was granted, November 1, 1740, by 
Joseph Blanchard, as agent for the Masonian pro- 
prietors, to William Lawrence and others, and was 
called No. 1 until, in answer to a petition, it was in- 
corporated with town privileges, August 20, 170*, and 
given its present name in honor of Captain John 
Mason, the original owner of that tract of land, 
known as " Mason's patent." 

At a meeting of the inhabitants, June 22, 1768, 
they voted to have the town calledSharon, butGovernor 
Wentworth named it Mason. The town includes 
that portion of the town of Townsend, -Mass., which 
was uorth of the province line as established in 1741. 
June 28, 1872, the northwest part of the town was 
setoff ami incorporated as Greenviile. 

By the terms of the charter incorporating the town, 
Obadiah Parker, "Gentleman," was appointed to call 
the first meeting of the inhabitants as a town. For 
this purpose he issued his warrant in due form, under 
dati of September 5, 1768, for a meeting to be held 
September 10th, at which Obadiah Parker was chosen 
moderator; Josiah Wheeler, town clerk; Josiah 
Wheeler, Obadiah Parker and Joseph Bullard, select- 
men ; Reuben Barrett and John Swallow, constables; 
Nathan Hall, treasurer; John Asten and Jonathan 
Winship, titliiiiirm.-ii : Thomas Barrett, Enosh Law- 
rence, Jr., Lemuel Spaulding and Josiah Robbins, 
surveyors of highways; Captain Thomas Tarbell, 
sealer of weights and measures; John Asten, sealer 
of leather: Richard Lawrence and Joseph Blood, 
fence-viewers : Samuel Lawrence anil Joseph Lowell, 
hog constables: Aaron Wheeler and (diver Elliott, 
deer officers. Thus the territory formerly known by 
the name of No. 1 became legally a town, and, with 
some additions of territory subsequently made, has 
remained a town to the present day. 

One of the first incidents attendant on arriving at 
the condition of a town was found to be taxes. To 



facilitate the collection of taxes, the town was divided 
into the west and east -ides. This division was made 
on the road leading from Townsend to the north part 
of the town, by what was then the residence of Dea- 
con Nathan Hall. All east of that road and north 
of the centre of the town on that road belonged to 
the east side; all west of that road and south of tin' 
centre to the west side. A list of taxes was made 
out, amounting to €17 16*. 0'/. 2'/., and committed to 
John Swallow, constable, lor the west side, and a 
similiar list, amounting to £17 IDs. 7<l. !■/., was com- 
mitted to Reuben Barrett, constable for the east side, 
for collection, by warrants each bearing date Janu- 
ary 28, 1700. 

These documents show who were then inhabitants 
of the town, and the rate of taxes, and their relative 
wealt h or means. < hi the west side were Josiah Rob- 
bins, Ens. Enosh Lawrence, Samuel Lawrence, John 
Swallow, Isaac Holdin. William Badcock, William 
Barrett, Nathaniel Barrett, Jonathan Foster. Stevens 
Lawrence, Thomas Robbins, Enosh Lawrence, Jr., 
Aaron Wheeler, Nathaniel Hosmer, John Dutton, 
Widow Burge, John Elliot, Moses Lowell, Richard 
Lawrence, Joseph Merriam, David Lowell. David 
Lowell, Jr., Nathan Whipple, John Jefts, John \s- 
ten, Joseph Barrett, Nathan Procter, Lieutenant 
Obadiah Parker, Joseph Bullard, Zachariah Davis, 
Reuben Tucker, Joseph fucker, Amos Dakin, Thomas 
Barrett, Joseph Lowell, Benjamin King, Edmund 
Town, Cornelius Cook and Dennis McLean. 

On the east side the names were Captain Thomas 
Tarbell, Elias Elliot, Jason Russell, Nathaniel Smith, 
Joseph Ross, Nathaniel Tarbell. Edmund Tarbell, 
Jonathan Williams, Reuben Barrett, Hannah Elliot 
(widow), Samuel Scripture, James Weathee, Lemuel 
Spaulding, Elizabeth Powers (widow), Joseph Blood, 
Abel Shedd, George Woodard, Jabez Kendall, Oli- 
ver Elliot, Daniel fish, Mary Jefts (widow i, Thomas 
Jefts, Jonathan Jefts, Nathan Hall, James Hall, 
Patience Fish (widow), Eleazer Fish, Ebenezei Blood, 
Jason Dunster, Joseph Herrick, Jonathan Winship, 
Samuel Tarbell, Nathaniel Barrett, Jr.. John Leonard, 
Jonathan Fish. On this list I do not recognize any 
non-residents. The highest tax on this list, ami the 



514 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



highest in the town, was paid by Captain Thomas 
Tarbell. Of the persons named in these tax-lists, 
there are many who have descendants now residing 
in the town, and many of them upon the farms then 
owned bj their ancestors. 

As to the places of worship, one of the conditions 
of the grant of the township by the Masonian pro- 
prietors was, that the grantees "build a convenient 
house for the public worship of God, at or before the 
last 'lav of May, 1753, for the use of those who shall 
then or afterwards inhabit there." In 17-">1 a vote 
was passed to build a house thirty by twenty-four I'eet. 
The dimensions were afterwards changed to forty by 
thirty feet. This house was erected about three rods 
northeast of the place where the second meeting- 
house stood. The first house was never finished, 
but was 80 far litted tor use that it served tor public 
worship and town-meetings till the see. .ml was built, 
having, by a vote of tin' proprietors, been made over 
to the town. The second bouse was raised in 1789. 
It was so far finished that it was used for the cere- 
monies of the ordination of Rev. Ebenezer Hill, 
November 3, 17!>0, but was not completed and dedi- 
cated till November 2i>, 1 "7; »">. It continued to be 
used for public worship and town-meetings till the 
third house was built, not by the town, but by a 
religious society in connection with the Congrega- 
tional Church, in November, 1837, and afterwards 
for town-meetings till the town-house was built, in 
November, IMS. It was then sold at auction and re- 
moved. The Baptist society built a bouse, but there 
are no means of ascertaining in what year it was 
built. It was never finished outside or in, and could 
not be occupied in cold weather. It was sold and 
removed in 1812. The brick meeting-house in the 
village was built in ] Sl'7 by a new Baptist society. 
and has been occupied to the present time. The 
meeting-house of the Second Congregational Society 
was built in the village by subscription of individuals, 
and dedicated in December, 1849. The Christian 
Chapel was erected in 1835. 

The Congregational Church was organized October 
13, 1772. It consisted of twenty-one members, — twelve 
men and nine women. On the same day Jonathan 
Searle was ordained pastor of the church and min- 
ister of the town. Disagreements soon arose between 
him and tin 1 church, and between him and the town, 
which, as time went on, became more perplexing and 
unyielding. The result was bis dismissal by the 
church, May 4, 1781, and by the town, August 14, 
1781. Mr. Searle was bom in Rowley in 1744, and 
graduated at Harvard College in 17(i4. He held the 
Office of justice of the peace many years, but did little 
business as such. Indeed, little in that line iu his 
day and region needed to be done by any one. He 
died December 7, 1812, aged sixty-eight years. No 
monument marks the place of his burial. He and his 
wife were buried by the side of the monument of 
B. Witherell, his son-in-law. His successor in office 



was the Rev. Ebenezer Hill. He was born in Cam- 
bridge in January. 1766, graduated at Harvard 
College in 1786, pursued his professional studies 
under Dr. Seth Payson, of Rindge, was licensed to 
]. reach October 28, 17*8, and was employed by the 
people of Mason to preach for them early in 1789. 
11 is services met with such acceptance that the church 
and town united in a call for him to be their minister. 
He accepted the call, and was ordained November ■':. 
1790. He remained minister of the town till Decem- 
ber 19, 1835, when he was. at his request, released by 
the town from the contract on their part. He con- 
tinued in office as pastor of the church till his death, 
May 20, 1N">4, in the eighty-ninth year of his age 
and the sixty-fourth of bis pastorship. In 1791 he 
bought the farm, and on it, in 1800, lie built the house 
in which, and on the farm, to which he made some 
additions, he passed the remainder of bis days. Upon 
this farm, with the pittance of two hundred and fifty 
dollars for a salary, he brought up his numerous 
family of fourteen children, only one ot whom died 
in infancy. Order, economy, and industry were the 
rules of bis household. Abundance of plain fare, 
coarse, strong, but decent raiment, were provided fir 
all. Two of his sons graduated at Harvard Uni- 
versity and one at Dartmouth College. Rev. Andrew 
II. Ke.d was ..•tiled as colleague pastor with him in 
November, 1836, and remained till he was dismissed, 
at bis own request, December 11, 1839. Mr. Hill 
then resumed the pastoral duties of the parish, and 
performed the labors of the station till August, 1840, 
when the Rev. Joseph 1'.. Hill was employed to assist 
him. He was settled as co-pastor October 20,1841, 
and remained till April, IN 17, when he was, at his 
own request, dismissed. The Rev. J. L. Armes was 
settled as co-pastor in 1851, and remained till after 
Rev. Ebenezer Hill's death. 

In 1839 and 1840 be represented the town in the 
Legislature of the State, but weary of public life, and 
longing for the quiet of home, he declined further 
service in that line. From the time of the settlement 
of .Mr. Reed, Mr. Hill continued to devote his life 
and labors to the business of his sacred calling, as 
opportunity presented in the neighboring towns, 
until the infirmities of age, wasting his energies 
and strength, compelled him to retire, and pass the 
evening of his life in the quiet of bis household and 
fireside. 

Rev. Joseph B. Hill, after leaving Mason, took 
charge of the church in Colebrook, N. H., where he 
remained ten years, and then removed to West 
Stewartstown, an adjoining town, and remained in 
charge of the church in that place five years. In 
1862 be purchased a small farm in Temple, N. H., 
and removed and settled bis family there. In .March, 
1864, be accepted an appointment in the Christian 
Commission, and in that capacity joined the army, 
and, witli fidelity, industry and zeal, gave himself to 
the duties of that office, in the Armv of the Cumber- 



MASON. 



land, until, at Chattanooga, lie met with an accident 
on the railroad so severe as to terminate in his death, 
June 16, 1864. Mr. Anno was dismissed, at his own 
request, May 13, 1857. Immediately after Mr. Amies 
left, the Rev. Daniel Goodwin commenced preaching 
for this church, and continued in that employment 
till he was installed as pastor. April 18, I860, and 
remained until 1873. The succeeding pastors have 
been : Rufus P. Wells. Febiuary, 1874, to April, 1877 : 
W. R. Tisdale. April. 1877, to April, 1881; II. 1'. 
Leonard, July 1, 1881, to present time. 

War of the Revolution.— The r -ds of the first 

town-meeting show that the citizens were expecting 
and preparing for this conflict, and when war actually 
came they were ready to meet it. Captain Benjamin 
Mann, with Ins company, marched to Cambridge and 
joined the patriot army, and took part in the battle 
of Bunker Hill, in which one of his company, Joseph 
Blood, is known to have been killed, and one other, 
Ebenezer Blood, Jr., 1 was probably killed, as he was 
never heard of after that day. His name is not found 
on the roll of the company. Undoubtedly he joined 
it only on the time of the battle as a volunteer. The 
evidence of hi- service and fall in the fight rests only 
on tradition ; but that ha- been uniform and uncon- 
tradicted. Ninety-one inhabitants of the town served 
in the army or navy in the War of the Revolution, 
most of them on behalf of the town, but some for other 
towns or places, as follows: 

LIST OF SOLDIERS. 
J. Ill] Adams, Simon Aims, Samuel Abbot, Ebi-iiczi-r Abb.it, Abrl Adams, 
i. Joaepli Barrett, Joseph Blood, Nathaniel Barrett, Jr., Jos- 



frt.-r. Zebnloli Il.»l^-', olj\.-r Eli, at, Asa K l-on, llaviil Kliot. Ilta.'oli 

Andrew Eliot, Abijab Eaton, Jonathan Foster, Simon Fish, Isaac Flagg, 
Jonas Fay, Jonathan Foster, Ji Nathan Foster, Ezra Fuller, James 

Uol.lnll, Reub>'ll Hnsln.-r. Timutlo lb "Ionian, llavnl I b,.l-,, ,.,,,, .1. ,-..|.|, 
H...l_'inaii, .b.s.(.li Ilrrnik, .1 1 , .b.-rpb Ho'l^lnan, Jr. Jolili Hlul- 
li-rt. Zadinis Ilo.luniaii, Am... Ib.l.leu, Willi:, m 11.. mi,.. i, Joh Hodgman, 
Henry Hall, John Hall. Davi I Hall, Nathan 11 dgmal .Josiab Hurlbert, 
Am.. H'-rrirk. .1... |,li 1...W.1I !• I in .tb\ l...u. 11, .b.-.j.b M-iiiam. K/ra 
Merriam, Benjamin Mann, Al-iali.e,, M : \.« \l--m,,., -ila. 

Merriam, Abraham Merriam,Ji .Ephraim Sutt g, W • mli P urers, 



The number of inhabitant- of the town was about 
five hundred ; so that nearly one in live of all the in- 
habitants of the town, including men, women and 
children, old and young, took part in the strife of the 
battle-fields. It is impossible to make out. with any 
satisfactory certainty, the amount of pecuniary bur- 
dens borne by the citizens in that war. That their 



1 His name appears in the "List of Killed" in Swt-tt's Bunker Hil 

Appendix, P- '-> ' I. '- '.'. Haml-lni ■■ 1' M"'' - 



energies and mean- were taxed to the utmost is appar- 
ent, and that the demands upon them were promptly 
mil is al-u shown by their records ; but the fact, that 
all the sums paid and burdens borne are not fully re- 
corded, and the more important tact that alter the 
1777 the currency was continually depreciating, ren- 
der it hardly possible now to ascertain what was the 
true value of the sums assessed and paid as taxes. In 

this war the town was united in the prosecution of 

the contest. There was hut one Tory in the town, 
and he was soon driven away. His property was con- 
fiscated, and his land sold by the authorities of the 
State, and he ended his days in Groton, his native 
place, in poverty and wretchedness. No Slate in the 
Union was so thoroughly loyal to the patriot cause 
and so free from Toryism in those days as the State 
of New Hampshire, and no town in the Stale was 
more patriotic and unanimous in prosecuting the war 
to the end than the town of Mason. 

War of 1812.— In the War of 1812 a very different 
state of feeling existed in the town. Many thought 
the war was needless, and that it was brought on not, 
by any worthy cause, but by party management. The 
politics of the town, as indicated by the choice of 
representatives in the years 1811, '12, '13, '14 and '15, 
showing a change from one party to the other each 
successive year, prove that tin- parties were very 
evenly balanced. The only call for soldiers from the 
town was made by the Governor for the defense of 
Portsmouth. 

War of the Rebellion.— The War of the Rebellion 

found much less unanimity of sentiment among the 
people of the town than that of the Revolution; but 
still a very decided majority was in favor of support- 
ing the "old flag," and in this majority was to be 
reckoned a large number "I the Democratic party. 
The purpose to make the burdens and expenses of the 
military service a common charge upon the town was 
very generally resolved upon and acquiesced in. The 
whole number of men from this town was one hun- 
dred and twenty-one. The amount of money paid by 
the town for bounties and hiring soldier- and other 
expense- of that war was ¥L'd,474 44, as follows: 



Expi I. .■ 



The following is a report of the number and names 
of soldier- furnished by the town of Mason for the 
suppression of the Rebellion, a- made out February 
29, 1866, by Charles II. Prescott : 

'll„. i, i.i- E. M.ii-ball, Company G, - I Regiment, Jul I 61; 

wounded July 2, 1863 ; promoted to second sergeant ami then 
through every grade up to captain ; re-enlisted January 1, 1864; in 

. ::i . ..mm.. n I -,i .. ■■..,; Me. 

era, in v. I,:, b he - nred till i 1 f the war. 

i ■,.,,], . n ;, • , ■ ,■ ,. - , l ftegimi ni Jun, ,,1861 

Charlee I I ister, I impanj G, Se I ' >, 1861"; re-en - 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



186] ; pn ted 



Levi .1. .Insslin, Cunpauy G, Seioiid Regiment, J 

corpora) ; mustered out June 21, 1864, 

John Kelihey. I' pany G. Soruhd lb -ginielit. June .">, ISO] 

nut June ill . L864 

Augustus G. Nutting, Company G, Second Regiment. June 1861 
rauBtered out 21, i->.i 

Andrew Corbit, Company II, Sir I Regiment, June 5, 1861. 

Michbell Haley, «' pany II. ml Regiment, June 5,1861; pro- 
Da I corporal ; mustered nut s.pt. ini.-r :i. l>r.;t. 

Manpiis L. Holt, Company E. TInr.l Regiment, August _.: Isnl, pi, 
Ilioteil lorporal ; re-enlisted I ebmaiy 1 ., l-n| 

Epbraim Crandell, Company c, Fourth Regiment. septembei Is, Isi'.l ; 

died "t disease .hue- 23, l-< 1 
Romango L. Nutting, corporal, Company E, Sixth Regiment, Novi mbi r 

28, 186] , 1 1 ■ >t offii (ally accounted for. 

Henry A. Jones, Cinpaiiv K, Sixih Regiment. Vo. ml.i i js, lsni ; re- 
enlieted I' mli.-i j:., 1m;:: 

SethPreston, Company B, Eighth Regiment, D mbet 20,186] n en- 
listed January 4, 186 ! 

Henry Shattuck, Company I!, Eighth Regimenl I imbei 20, 1861; 

died at Camp Parapet, I.a.. Anmist e, 1--.J 

RobertlJ. Pliinney. Company K, Eighth Regiment. Hereinboi in, lst',1 ; 
promoted corporal July, 1862; wounded October 27, 1862; promoted 
sergeant February II, 1- , . I,-, l,.u .1 l.. Ii-i|.;lu\ November 27, 
1864. 

i.i'oi-.- I'liMin^, , ,,i jh.ml, Fust Light Battery, New Hampsbire Volun- 
teers, Septembei Jo. Is,,!; re, lined to the rank- ; mi 

tember 25, 1864. 
Willanl C. ISnrdi.k, l'ii-t Li-hl I'.attery. New Hampshire \ olmiteeis. 

Georgoll lux. New llaniiishin- P.allalloli. iil-l New Inn', .n.i'iy 

Octobi i 24, 1861 missing tob r 12 1863 

I'a\id Mmnii, New llalnpshile II, Hale n. loo New I 

I 1 ml.- 1 24, 186] , re-enlisti I i 364 

Enoch Leavitt, N, w Hamps 1' tali i fin Xev, England Cavalry, 

I'- - i 24 186] i. i Q] si d J. v '-. 1864. 

Patrick O'Briet New H pi Bat .1 : Si b England Cavalry, 

Milton II Hardy, sergeant, Company G, Thirteenth Regiment, New 
Hampshire Volunteers, Septembei L9, i-',J ; eoi issionej a- lieu- 



John G. Bio 
shire \. 

1 E. Boyi 

Voluntas 
William W. 

Vol, ml. 

William I>. i 

Volunte 



rteenth Regiment, New Hamp- 
h Regiment, New Hampshire 



Md .1 



Ivlw-.u.j \\ Havi-, Company t.. Thirteenth Kemiuetit, New Hampshire 
\ .ilnniei i-, September III, l.so': w on ndei I September 'J'.', 1SI',4 ; ilieil 

of w ids al II .I'm \ .i Octobi i l: 1864 

Charles II. Russell, < p :U i\ G. Thirteenth Regiment, New Hampshire 

i in. 1862. 
GeorgeD. Reed, Company <., Thirteenth Regiment, New Hampshire 

Volunteers, - pti I I dischat ■ 

Ralph Weston, Company i., Thnte.-ntli |:.-:ii,ihii. New Hampshire 

Volunteers, September hi, lSI'i'J; died of disease Mai.h _' I , ISO:'., 

Ira M, Whittaker, Company G, Thirteenth Regiment, New Hampshire 
Volunteers Septembi i IS, 1862; died ol a,., a-,. January 15, 1863 

Charles A l»i.-;,n. ioi,,,.,,i.\ I I In: I, . iiTn 1;, _-i,m lit N.w Hampshire 



.1"-. I'h I' I' •! i : i; , • I, I'l i : 1 1 ■-. lit] i I;. - 1 unlit. New Hampshire 

M V. II. Elliott, Company I, Thirteenth Regiment, New Hampshire 

Vol eers, Si ptemb 

Frnstus E lilb.itt. I pany i, Thirteenth Ue-imetit, New Hampshire 



Hani, I Pari,. 



P .nil, I: j ,,l, New Hampshire V. 



Joseph F. O'l'oluiell. seeolnl lieutenant. Sixteenth Regiment. New 
Hampshire Volunteer Infantry, Company C, November 4, IS62 ; 
mustered lugusl 20 L86 I 

Heiirv H. Stevens, sergeant Company c, sixteenth Regiunii, V v 
Hampshire Volunteer Infantry, October Is, 1862 ; mustered out An- 

, I.-,',.:. 

John K. Stearns, sergeant. Coinpanj < ', Sixteenth Regiment, New 
Hampshire Volunteer Infantry, ri.tober IS. lsC' : mustered out An- 
gusl .'" 181 

Harris.in Livingston, corporal, C pany C, Sixteenth Regiment. New 

Hampshire Volunteer Infantry, Uetoher Is, ls,,j ; mustered out An- 
gus! 20, 1-e.:. 

■ I h or- Company C, Sixteenth Re-llnent, New Hampshire V,,liiu- 

teei Infantry, October 18, 1862 ; died Ugusl I", 1863. 

Geoi-e |,. Adam-, Company C, Sixteenth Regiment. New Hampshire 
Volunteei Infantry, Octobei 18, 1862 died August 19, 1863 

Cliauno.y A. Ailaiu-, I'oinpaiiv c. Sixt.-. nt I !:.•_ ,, N.w Hampshire 

Volunteer Infantry, October Is, 1862; mustered out August 20, 
1863. 

No VI. i in-. Comiiaiij c. Sixteenth Iti-imeiit, New Hampshire Vol- 
unteei Infantry, net il.et _'7, lso-j : mustered out August 20, LSI I 

Albeit A. Austin. Company c. Sixteenth Regiment, New Hampshire 
Volunteer Infantry, October Is, IstVj ; died August 1, lb63. 

Charles P. Baldwin, Companj C Sixteenth Regiment, New Hampshire 
Volunteer Iiifantia October 18, 1862 died i i, 1-, 

Sydney A. Barrett, Company C, Sixteenth Eegiment, New Hampshire 

\ i.lllllteel I llfallt I \ . I li L.l.el i S , l.-OJ , , 1 ] -e I , . , l -, . , I 1' 

1862. 

I ' ■ m| \ c, sixteenth Regiineiit, New Hauip-liiie 

Volunteei [ntantry, n. t..bei I.-. Isoj diseharged for disability, 
chailes I'. Gnihaiu. Coinpany c. Sixteenth Regimenl, New Hampshire 
Volunteer Infantry, (lelnbei Is, isi.O; mustered out August _o. 
1863. 

I'll I- -Lei,,,, |i, I i.lnj \ I. S| X t,.,nth lb gillient, N e W Ha 111 p>ll i 1 ,' 

Volunteei Infantry, October 18, L862; mustered out August 20, 

I 
Marshall Kimball, Couipaiiv c, sixteenth Regiment. New Hampshire 

Volunteer Infantry, October Is, 1862; mustered out Vugnst 

l-i;:;. 
Benjamin G. Livingston, Company C, Sixteenth Reg mt, Sev Hani] 

shire Volunteer Infantry, iietober Is. lsi',2 . um-i, ,. ,i 

[863 
David Robbins, Company c. Sixteenth Regiment, New Hampshire 

Volunteer infantry, October is, 1862; mustered out August 20, 

I si;:;. 



Nail iel Smith. Cmpanv C, sixteenth Regiment, N.w Hampshire 

Volunteer Infantry, October Is, 1862 : died May 1l\ ISO.: 

Lyman Sander-. Company c. sixo-enth i;. _mi. hi, N.-w Hampshire 
Volunteer Infantry, iietober Is, J62 died March 21 LS63 

Samuel H. Wheel, r. Company C, Sixteenth 10 giment, New Hampshire 
Volunteer Infantry, Octobei 28, 1862 mustered out August 20, l sl ;. 

Thomas B. RuBsell, Company la Sixteenth Reginu lit. New llaiup-liii e 
Volunteer Infantry, Nnvenihei I:;. 1-J imi+iel .nit \hl;ii-i j, 
I- : 

Thomas R.Clement, assistant Burgeon, Tenth Regiment, V „ Hamp- 

.|,ii. \ oluntei , I,, I:,,,,,, .,,,., ably disi hargt d 

Septembei 1". 1-1,1 

James s. Maiilnve, Coiupauy K. sixth Regiment, \„, Hampshire Vol- 



William 



Regiment. New I] 



Volunteer Infantry, Oi tob I ,1863 
George Beford, Company K, Eighth Regiment, New Hamps 
tee. Infantry, September 1. is,.;, kill..! .n Bayou L) G 

May 17. 1S04. 

William Hum, Company c. I.igluli lb- nt. New Hampshire Volun- 
teer II mtry, September l. is,, ; 

Madison Colby, ipanj I 

UUP > i li.l.n.M > I lib, : I J. 1-' : 



MASON. 



AK'ii/" < alter. Compain D. Eleventh Regiment, New Hampshire Volun- 
teer Infantry, Derehih. r 11, 1 --+ . '. : wounded .July '-". IS64. 
Flan, i- P.. in. II. I. Companv I. Twelfth Regiment, New Hampshire Yob 

unteer Infantry, December 11, 1863. 

John Grant, Company K, Twelfth Regiment, New I l.iiiip-hu . \..lun- 

teer Infantry, December 11, Is-;;;; transferred t.. 1 nited States 
navj \ i.r-il 29, 1864. 

Thomas Gaiiigan, Company K, Twelfth Regiment, New Hump-hire Vol- 
unteer tnfantrj , December 11, 1863. 

James M. Howard, C pan} C, Twelfth Regiment, New Hampshire 

\ olunteer Int. mm. Dei .-nil., r 10, 1 36 ! 

William Kingsland, Company I, Twelfth Regiment, New Hump-hii- 
Volunteer Infantry, 1 imber 10, 1863. 

George Lansing, c pan\ Iv, Twelfth Regiment, New- Hampshire Vol- 

unteer Infantry, December 11, 1863. 

William Meaney. Company 10, Twelfth Regiment, Sew Hampshire Vol- 
unteer Infantry, 1 iel II. 1863 wounded Waj 6, 1764 

George Nichols, Company D, Twelfth Regiment, N'ev Hampshire Volun- 
teer Infantry, December 11, 1863 ; transfeiTed to United states navy 
April 29, 1864 

Louis Schafft, Conipahv < ', Twelfth Regiment, New Itnuipshii o Y. .|un- 
teer Infantry, Decembei 12, 1863; wounded June 3, 1864. 

John Tupper, Company E, Twelfth R.gi nt. New Ilauip-lurc Volun- 
teer Infantry, December in, It"".:; 

.In M.l.tl. T p i., t'ii-t Regiment, New Hampshire Volunteer 

Cavalry, April ."., ISH4 ; missing November U, l.sc.4 

Charles S. Cheeney, Troop G, First Regiment, New Hampshire Volunteer 
Cavalry, March 31, 1864. 

Louis Curtois, Troop G, Firsl Regiment, New Hampshire Volunteer Cav- 
alry, March 31, 1864. 

James Dailey, Troop I', First Regiment, New Hampshire Volunteer Cav- 
alry, June 25, 1864. 

James Eastman, Troop 1'. First Regiment. New Hampshire Volunteer 



. Conant, furnished substitute 

rhittaker. furnished substitute. 

Adams, tin hi-hcd -iih-ti! nte 
1 H. Nutting, pan! commutation. 

II -in.. i, discharged fot disability or othet i . 
- M 1 1 i.uii, discharged for disability or other i 

B Ni well, discharged tor disability or other i 
i Hut. hinsoii, ilisrliarge.l lor dlsahilll \ or ..Hi. I 
n 1'. March, ilis.baig.il for disability or other c 

arrett, discharged for disability ther causes 

Ganey, discharged t..i disability or othet cause) 



.Mar- 



First Regiment, N. w II m|.-hn. 
list Regiment, New Hampshire 
Regiment. New Hampshire Vol 






airy, March -J."., 1864. 
Henry G iwin, C panj A, Eleventh Re| nt. Vpril 5, 1864. 

John Staw, Company I, Seventh Reg D1 Septentbei 22 I > 

Thomas Eletchet Company I Seven! Regit ent, September 22, 1864 

K.lwanl Trial, Company A, N nth Regin \n_u-i J.. I SI 1 . missing 

Peter Baker, ( ..iiifsm c. Ninth Regiment, \iieu-l :•:, Is.u. 

John L. Blance, Company F. Fifth Reg nt, Septembet 13, 1864. 

Charles H. Dogberty, Company It, Filth Regiment, .September 17, 1864. 



- . ..,,,|.. - i I ., 1864. 

Edward McGwire. C [...in I I'll;...,' V t . ' ' > 1-' I 

Thomas McCnue.c,,,,, pan, I I iftl Regit • -. !'■ ibel 2, IS.14. 
John Muholiey, Company 1", I nth lb— in,, ni >■ pt. ml. i ';, lsi',4. 

John Mountain, Company K, i ftl Rt - it - pi mbei 19, 1864. 

William H. Rand, Company 1 l fth B imi I in a I 25, 18G4. 
John Sweeney, Company F, Filth Regiment, lugusl II, 1864. 
Sydney A Barrett, veteran, regnlar army, Angus* 31, 1864, 

.!.. .. veteran, regular army, Septemhei I'.',. Istll. 

Thomas Dunham, veteran, regular army, Septembel -'I. 1864. 

.lam. - smith .v. t.ian. ,.■■_, ,1a, ai me. Sepliin I. ei I I ->.| 
.I......I, .l,,lin-oii. V.I. rail, roeular army. Spread,,., J" I -' I 

Morton In-all-. ,-nli-ted in the navy, but fell -iel, an. I .In. I Match 
1862, befori j. .nun rbi 



Nelson l. Bat ret! 



.lames P. Nutting, ll- I,.,,..-.! I. a .li-al.ibl \ 



ir other causes 
ib.-i causes 



NAMES OF THOSE Wlln Fl RNISHED SIBSTITI TES INDER 
THE CALL OF JULY IS, 1864. 



N t'll.s ni' Pl,l;-i,\s |,R M'TFI) FUtiM M.' 



Jerome Davis, furnished substitute. 
un- Walt.,-, furnished substitute. 

Morton I. Barrett, furnished sub-titute 
Horace E. Davis, furnished substitute, 
Joseph McGovven, fiirnislie 1 -ub-titut.-. 



SEPTEMBER -1, 



I - I. i haiiiberlain 

ihaile- P. Ricliardsoii 
.lames Taft. 

\h, I I. \,l;uns. 
Sewall 1' Adams. 

lniville .1. 1. , 

Edwin L. Nutting 
Charles E K, v. - 

Rufus 1' Boynton. 

■ lane- Russell. 
Anson d. Rideout. 

I ,'ge W. S. I iptllle. 

Barnard Lamb. 
Joel H. Elliott. 
William A Adams 

- nptiire. 
John.L. Taft. 
A - A. Smith. 

Alvah Eakin. 

George 1.. Id 1. 

Horace K. Hodgeman. 
Nelson I„ Barrett. 



'I I .,- lb i. mi 

Edward McGuire. 

John Main y. 

Thomas Florence. 
Joseph Marshall. 
Joseph Freni h. 

John L. Blame. 

Jacob Johnson. 
James Smith. 
Thomas Fletcher. 
David Finn. 
Peter Baket 
i harles Barli -. 
Thomas Dunham. 
.1, - Gilson. 

John Mountain. 

Edward Prial. 
John .Sweeney. 

William II. Rand. 

CI, arlr s II Dough, 

\1 all. i .1 e. 



Amount paid tin- substitutes, $22,455 ; 
amount paid, $1225; lowest, $900. 



State bounty, - « tov n i m . 86 













It appears by it report made 


IV till' -elect 1 1 1 1 ■ 


tin- town that bounties were pai 


In. follows: 


To three years' n, [862 


52,551 


■ ..in- n. isi;j . . 

To conscripts, lsil.'i 


. . 2,'ioo!oo 


Toconscripts, 1864 







!)93 15 


K ived from the gove tent . . 


""'.Moo 



HISTORY OF GREENVILLE. 



;. F. MEEHIAM. 



CHAPTER I. 

The town of Greenville is a rectangle in form, 
about four miles in length, by one and one-half miles 
in breadth, cut from the northwest corner of Mason, 
and otherwise bounded north by Temple and Wilton, 
and west by New Ipswich. 

Its outlines are from the original survey, on the 
cardinal points of the compass "by the needle," as 
was said in the grant, except the north line, which 
include- a gore of more than a hundred rods in width, 
hut is also given in the old charter as " running east.'' 

Its surface is quite undulating, rising into several 
hills of considerahle height and attractive prospects. 
< >f these the nmst prominent are the Adams, Bellows, 
Campbell, Dunster, Lawrence, Merriam and Barrett, 
the hitter reaching an altitude of twelve hundred and 
seventy-one feet, and affording a valuable peak for 
the observations of the United States Coast Survey. 

Its chief stream is the Soulie^an Itiver, whose de- 
scent is quite rapid, furnishing valuable mill sites, 
which are as yet but partially improved. Of these 
High Falls is deserving of special notice for it- scenic 
grandeur and favorable circumstances for utilizing a 
great water-power. The other water courses are but 
trout brooks, having their source in the immediate 
vicinity, and known by the names of the early settlers 
near Davis, Hill and Shattuck. 

The -oil was originally a rich mould, and while 
most of the pastures have suffered from long grazing, 
the fields of the hest cultivated farms still yield rich 
returns for careful tillage. Along the meadows and 
up the hillsides, near the river, the subsoil is largely 
clay and has to a considerable extent been wrought 
into brick- of the best quality and various articles of 
pottery. Beneath tin- a- a foundation, cropping out 
in frequent ledges, suitable for quarrying, or scattered 
in broken masse- upon the surface, is" an inexhaustible 
supply of gneiss or granite. 

The great forests of the past, as well as the younger 

wing in their place, are for the most part 

deciduous. A lew acre- of pine, with an occasional 

group of hemlock and yet rarer spruce, may still be 

found, but the maple-, red. rock and white predomin- 

518 



ate, while the birch, beech, oak, ash, elm, ha— and 
cherry abound with a sprinkling of chestnut and 
hickory near the southeast corner of the town. 

The first New Ipswich grant included the most valu- 
able portion of Greenville, but subsequent charters 
gave this territory to No. 1, afterwards incorporated 
as Mason, with which parent town its history for 
more than a century was merged. 

The earliest settlement seems to have been in the 
southwest corner of the town and the pioneer settler, 
Obadiab Parker, who soon built a frame house, "a 
good house and about two acres cleared" the pro- 
prietors' committee report to the proprietors' meeting, 
in Groton, Mass., October 25, 1752. On the 5lh of 
January, 1 70S, this same Lieutenant Obadiab Parker, 
as with the nice regard of the day for military rank, he 
was called, was chosen to go to Portsmouth to secure 
the Mason charter "and distribute the money there- 
for." His success appears in Governor Wentworth's 
charter, dated August 6th of the same year, author- 
izing Obadiab Parker, gentleman, to call the first 
town-meeting, which he did by his warrant of Sep- 
tember 5th. At this meeting, on the 19th of the same 
month, he was elected moderator and one of the board 
of selectmen; and it may be- added that in personal 
presence, business capacity and Christian character 
he seem- to have been a lather of whom no town need 
be ashamed. 

It is said that the first house erected in the village 
stood near the site id' the town-house. It is worthy of 
remembrance as the birth-place of one of the noblest 
men that ever honored the history of the town . Deacon 
Merrill C. Podge: and after removal the structure i- 
still standing on TempleStreet opposite the residence 
of James Taft, Esq. It seems also from obscure 
records, that a mill was very early built at one of the 
tall- of the Souhegan hard by. Certainly the pro- 
prietors voted November 4, 1867 ami chose a com- 
mittee to view the roads to accommodate Slipton 
with power, if judged best, to lay out the road- by 
Mr. Barrett's mills; and in the warrant of the first 
town-meeting after incorporation was an article "to 
see if the town will, accept the road lately laid out by 
Mr. Thomas Barretts and Amos Dakins mills and, 



GREENVILLE. 



519 



build a bridge over tbe river now the water is low." 
And the record tells us, " Voted, to accept the mad. 
Voted, to build a bridge." A.bout this mill and the 
subsequent industries which took their motive power 
from the several falls of the Souhegan grew a thrifty 
village, known as Mason Earbor, Mason Village and 
sometimes Souhegan Village, until its incorporation 
June 28, 1*72, with some of the territory naturally 
clinging to it and the name which it now bears. 

The citizens of the « Ireenville district were always 
prominent in the history of Mason, furnishing its first 
representative, Deacon Amos Dakin, when classed 
with Ualiy (now Brookline), also when Joseph Mer- 
riam led the list of town representatives. The organ- 
ization of the Second (.'ongregational Church in Mason, 
afterwards the Congregational Church in Greenville, 
took away the three deacons of the old church, — 
Nathan Wood, Franklin Merriamand Simeon Cragin. 
And so the whole secular and sacred life of Mason 
before division is one in which Greenville shares 
most honorably. 

The distance of the village from the centre of 
Mason in time produced the same results as have so 
often appeared in the change of town lines to accom- 
modate business centres. As usual the first impulse 
came from the conscience. The Baptists were the 
pioneers in this movement, erecting a meeting-house 
in the village as early as the year 1827 and or- 
ganizing a new Baptist t Jhurch the year following. 
Thenceforth, the interest and worship of the denomi- 
nation centered there, and the previous organization 
and services at Mason Centre were discontinued. 

Time passed, and the lathers and mothers of Puri- 
tan faith and order could get only a part of their 
families and friends to their church three miles 
away; hence, the organization of the Congregational 
Church June 3, 1847. 

Nearly twenty-four years afterwards, the convenience 
of the manufacturing population led to a proposition 
on the part of .Tames L. Chamberlin, Esq., to buy the 
old town-house at the centre of Mason and build in 
its stead, at the village, an attractive edifice, fitted up 
for all requisite town purposes and to he freely used 
for them, upon conditions which were regarded by his 
neighbors as generous, but which those near and be- 
yond the old town-house were naturally reluctant to 
accept. Out of this difference of opinion and conse- 
quent excitement of feeling an amicable way of relief 
was found in division, citizens on one side giving the 
requisite legal notice and those on the other urging 
the matter to a successful issue. 

By the terms of its charter Greenville was to as- 
sume thirteen-twentieths of the liabilities of Mason. 
prior to separation and take besides its share of 
the north gore, forty-five of the two hundred eighty 
acre-lots laid out in the original survey of the parent 
town. 

Samuel Haines, James L. Chamberlin and Amos 
Scripture were empowered to call the first town- 



meeting, and upon their warrant the town organiza- 
tion was perfected. July 17, 1X7J. 

Some unfortunate litigation ensued with Mason 

concerning the Boynton common scl 1 fund which 

was decided in favor of the latter town, ami also as 
to the south line of Greenville which resulted in es- 
tablishing the full claim of the young town. The 
most harmonious relations have ever since existed 
with the mother-town and the citizens of Greenville, 
beyond all others, rejoice in her prosperity. 

During the first year- of independent town history 
all public meetings were held in the Congregational 
vestn and the selectmen had their oflice in Mr. 
Chamberlin's building on the site of the town-house. 
The desire for a town-home soon began to express 
itself. The Columbian Manufacturing Company 
made a generous oiler of a gratuitous lot, near the 
junction of Main and New Ipswich streets, and it 
was once voted to accept the offer and build thereon, 
but the town afterwards decided to purchase land of 
Mr. Chamberlin and built there, in the year 1876, 
the present town-house. It is a substantial brick 
structure, secular Gothic in style of architecture, u ith 
basement and lower story for store, post-office and 
selectmen's room, while above are main and banquet 
halls with ante-rooms. It was dedicated near the 
close of the year, — cost, including land, about thirty 
thousand dollars; building committee, James L. 
Chamberlin, Franklin B. Heald, George C. Bobbins, 
Henry I. Whitney and Milton H. Hardy. 

The population of Greenville at its census in 1880 
was ten hundred and seventy-two. Its valuation by 
the selectmen for the year 1885 was six hundred thou- 
sand tour hundred and ninety-four dollars. 

The principal town officers have been, — 

MODERATORS. 
David Millikin, 1872. 
James I,. Chamberlin, 1st:;, '71, '7.:., 76, '77, '7s, 79, '80, '82. 

' L'f II Livingston, lssil. 

Stephen H. Bacon, 1880, '82, '83, '84, '85. 
Thomas Hays, 1884. 
.lolin Kenney, 1885 

TOWN CLERKS. 
James Taft, 1872. 
Eben F. Pierce, 1873, '71, '77. 
G 1 Herriam, 1875, '76. 

Frank E. Pierce, 1878, '80, '81, '82, '83, '84, '85 
Charles E. Marsh, 1879 

SELECTMEN. 
1872.— Andrew Henry, John Kenney, George M. Farrar. 

1873.— Henry J. Whitney, Samuel Haines, Ja s L. Chamberlin. 

1S74. — Henry J. Whitney, James I., t 'hamberlih, Marshall Kimball. 
1ST;".. — Henry .1. Whitney, James L. Chamherlin, James Taft. 

1876.— James L. Chamberlin, Franklin B. Heal. 1, Milton H. Hardy. 
1877.— Franklin li. Heald, Janes Taft, Samuel E. Adams. 
1878.— Franklin B. Heald, Ji - Taft, Nathan P Farrar. 

tsT'i.— Stephen II. 1'ao'ii, Nathan P. Farrar. Thomas Hays 
1880.— Stephen H. Baeou, Nathan P. Farrar, i.ie..r-e ' la.hhins. 
1881-82.— Charles E. Hall, Nathan P. Farrar. George c. Robbins. 

1 arles E. Hall, Nathan P. Fanar, Milton II. Hardy. 
1884.— Nathan P. Farrar. Milt,. n II. Hardy, Bronson r Lamb 
Iss;,._o„.,,rL'e 1.'. R,.bl.ins, William II. Sanborne, James Taft. 

REPRESENTATIVES 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



nry, L878. 
I iiarles ] Marsh, 1880. 
Stephen B I 

hi i EG VI I. TO CONS1 I'll TIOM \l. CONI ENTIOK. 
J. I. Chamberlin, IS76. 

I 1:1 USURERS. 
J. L. Chamberlin, 1872, '73, 7). '75, '76, '77, '7s. 
SI. C. Dodge, 1879, 3i 

P Lamb, 1882, '83. 
I I. Ball, 1884. 
Orin D. Prescott, 18S 

-i ll RINTENDING SCHOOL COMMITTEE. 
M. C. Dodge, 1872, '73 74, '78 
I i ll.. !. 1876, 77. 79, '81, '82, '83, -1 
I ... ey, ls7s 
I I,. Marsh, 1878. 
F. A. Newell, 1880. 
nsey, 1885. 

Illonw w SURVEYORS. 
Elisha B. B.. . . 
H. J. Whit . 

M. H. Hardy, 1-7... '79, '80, '81, '82, '83, '84. 
H. M. Livingston, 1877, '78. 

SI PERVISORS. 
1878.— Andrew Henry, John Janes, George H. I.i\ ih--i..ii 

IvMi.—Oeorge H. l.iuit^.l Harrison II. Sliuuiway, Charles E. 

Marsh. 

1882.— Harrison II. Shumway, Charles F. Smith, George I. Bl 1. 

ISM.— Fntnk I. IYabo.lv, Harrison H. Slumnvav, Sila- A. Hays. 



Business History. — In the original "rant of the 
Masonian proprietors mention is made of two lots for 
encouragement of building mills. At the first draft 
it seems that neither of the lots selected t'<>r this pur- 
pose were within the bounds of Greenville, but the 
superior advantages of the waterfall of the Souhegan 
River were soon recognized and the needful arrange- 
ments made for building saw and grist-mills there. 
From Hon. J. I!. Hill's - Hist. try of Mason " it ap- 
pears a committee was appointed at a proprietors' 
meeting in 1751 to make a contract for constructing 
mills on this privilege, the saw-mill to be completed 
by the 25th of May, 17~>2, and the corn-mill in a year 
from that date. This was done, but the contractor 
failed to fulfill hi- bond and a suit tit law followed. 
The mills, however, were soon built by Thomas and 
Charles Barrett. At least the latter sold his interest 
to Deacon Amos Dakin and moved to New Ipswich, 
according to some authorities as early as 17<>4. Dea- 
con Dakin soon aftei became sole proprietor and con- 
tinued so until his death in 1779, when the property 
passed to his son, Deacon Timothy Dakin, who re- 
built the mills in a very substantial manner and 
remained the owner until 1*14, when he sold them 
with the privilege to Major Seth King and John 
Stevens, Esq. From these owners they passed in 
time to William Durgin and were directed bj John 
Felt until September 18, 1854, when they were pur- 
chased I.-, the Columbian Manufacturing Company, 
to give place to one of its large factories, called No. 1. 
The first dam above the bridge was made by Deacon 
Amos Dakin about 1788. Below this .lam, on the 



south side of the stream, a carding and fulling mill 
was built by John Everett about the beginning of the 
century. It was occupied by him, afterwards by 
isbj and others for the same purpose until 
the year 1829, when it was removed to give room for 
the present No. 1 factory building of the Columbian 
Manufacturing Company. 

The water-power opposite on the south bank of the 
river was first used for a blacksmith's shop, in which 
was a trip hammer for the manufacture of scythes 
and axes. This business was conducted by Ezra 
Newell, and at the commencement of the century 
cut-nails were there made. Not far from the year 
1813, a new building was erected for the manufacture 
of various woolen fabrics under the direction of 
Major Seth King. This too, afterwards passed into 
the possession of the Columbian Manufacturing Com- 
pany, and the site is now occupied by its planing- 
mill and repair-shop. The three mill privileges 
immediately below those already mentioned early 
came into the hands of Roger Chandler and associ- 
ates, who soon improved the two lower ones with the 
requisite dams and buildings for manufacturing pur- 
poses. Roger (.'handler'.- contract with Timothy Dakin 
and Joseph Sanders for the building of the principal 
dam " and to set up a building for a cotton -factory " 
bears date of June 22, 1 ^ 1 1! , and pledges them to 
complete it all by the middle of November, while he 
binds himself to pay therefor at specified times one 
thousand and fifty dollars, the major part in cotton, 

yarn, or cloth, or store g Is, as they may choose, at 

cash prices, also to furnish them with gla-s. nails and 
lime, ."i stipulated terms, and one barrel of New 
England rum at cash price. The exact date of build- 
ing the lower factory is uncertain, but under the 
names of Roger Chandler & Co., Isaacs, Taft & Co., 
and Mason Cotton Factory, the manufacture of yam 
and cloth was here continued for many years. 

In the year 1818, Luammi Chamberlin bargained 
for water-power of this Mason Cotton Factory Com- 
pany, at its upper fall, and there built a machine shop 
where be carried on quite extensively the manufac- 
ture of cotton and woolen machinery, machine tools, 
etc. He gave special attention to the making of 
power-looms and originated a valuable improvement 
on those in previous use. About the year 1840, in 
company with Captain Thomas Pierce, he secured 
and fitted up the mills below for the manufacture of 
satinets and other woolen goods. The buildings 
were also extended for the 'lying and finishing of 
cloth by Captain Josiah Heald. Besides, Mr. Cham- 
berlin erected and operated a lumber mill further 
down the river, while he conducted the business of 
blacksmithing and other important industries. 

After a season the manufacture of woolen fabrics 
passed into the hands of Patterson, Noone A: Clark. 
When the other partners retired John Clark con- 
tinued the business alone until his removal to Bos- 
ton left Mr. Chamberlin to resume it again. His 



QBEENVILLE. 



521 



enterprise and mechanical skill made him a conspicu- 
ous figure in the early history of the village. He 
came to it in his early manhood and by his business 
ventures did much to quicken the life and build up 

the material interests of the community. For years 
before his death, November 24, 1853, his affairs were 
directed by his son, James L. Chamberlin, who 

afterwards, through his own active career, developed 
a like executive force and versatility of talent. Beyond 
the business responsibilities thus devolved upon him, 
he proceeded, in 1857, to build a more reliable dam 
upon the lowest mill site of Roger Chandler & Com- 
pany with substantial brick buildings on the cast side 
nt' tin- river for a flouring mill. This he managed 
most successfully and afterwards made large additions 
to the mills themselves, introducing the manufacture 
of furniture, which grew under his care to large pro- 
portions and gave him all enviable reputation for 
excellence of workmanship, until just as he was ar- 
ranging for yet further expansion of the business, 
when he was suddenly checked by untimely accident 
and death May :.;, 1883. 

The making of twine was very profitably com- 
menced in the chief building of the Mason Cotton 
Factory during the year 1856. John Barker and the 
firms of Barker & Lynch, Barker & Nichols and 
Barker Brothers, and finally W. Jaquith, continued 
the business for several years. ( )ther enterprises, at va- 
rious times, have taken theirpower from these several 
falls, as the manufacturing of chairs by George Kim- 
ball, lead pencils by Aaron Heywood, extens 

tal.lcs by Willard Jefts, boxes by Gray & Fuller, 
and brackets at the lower mill by John M. White. 
Then, without the use of water-power, there has been 
the manufacture of potash by Timothy Dakin, pot- 
tery by Rue) Richardson, bricks l.y the Chamberlins, 
boots and shoes by Wilson cV Taft, tinware I.\ Scrip- 
ture <S \n.is. Daniel Felch ami also by Nathan P. 
Farrar, furniture by William Saw'tell, and outside 
tin.- village l.y Nathan Woods; while at Davis village, 
in tin southwest corner of the town, there has been a 
lumber-mill at different times under the care of Cal- 
vin Davis and A.Iron Winship, with an interval, 
.luring which its power was used by Leonard Morse 
f.r the making of printers' supplies. Want of space 
forbids much further detail except to remark the 
early thrift of small industries and enterprises of 
those with limited capital. From the busy hive went 
forth many who have won distinction and wealth by 
the skill and character here developed. Abner 
Chickering, Isaac Kimball, Asa Webberand John R. 
Lynch have long been at the bead of prosperous 
blacksmiths' shops. Benoni C. Kimball, Sullivan 
Howard, Thomas Hays and Frederic Mansfield have 
been successful builders, and Benjamin Livingston & 
Sons have won special reputation as stone-masons. 
So of others if space permitted the mention of their 
many names. 

Shortly after the death of James L. Chamberlin 



his lumber-mill was lea.-ed to Isaiah Wheeler, who 
has since managed it with great efficiency. The 
flouring-mill is now conducted by Orin D. Prescott, 
Thomas D. Bennett superintendent. The furniture 
factories are again in full activity, operated l.y A. 
Wright & Co., L. C. Farwell resident and managing 
partner, with some forty workmen in their employ. 

But the chief impulse in the upbuilding of (liven- 
ville has come from the Columbian Manufacturing 
Company. This corporation was chartered by the 
New Hampshire Legislature June, 1*26, as the lien- 
Ben Manufacturing Company. "Silas Bullard aud 
Associates and Successors" were incorporated with a 
capital of three hundred thousand dollars, " for the 
manufacture of cotton, woolen and other goods, and 
such other branches of trade and manufactures as may 
be usefully carried on." The next year the corporate 
name was changed to that which has since I, ecu 
borne, and authority has subsequently been given 
to increase the capital stock. The company now owns 
six factories within reach of about two miles, five of 
them in full operation. Of the two running in New 
Ipswich the upper one, at Bank village, variously 
called Waterloom, Mountain Mill and No. 3, is on the 
site of the first cotton factorj in New Hampshire. 

The "Mice of the company is at Greenville, and its 
three large factories there with all their drying and 
finishing attachments occupy all the ground and use 
all the power before distribute. 1 : ing tin-smaller in- 
dustries above the furniture and flouring mills. 

The first agent was < harles Barrett, the builder of 
the upper or No. 1 factory, which he put in operation 
in the year 1830. Upon his retirement Messrs. Dakin 
and Daniels here manufactured for thecompany under 
a contract by the yard. The agents since this time 
have been Leonard Dakin, 1837-39; John E. Bacon, 
L839 ll; Willard Daniels, 1841-43 ; Stephen Smith, 
1843-57; (/harles P. Richardson, 1857-70; Samuel 
Haines, 1870, who is still in charge Factory No. -1 
was erected in 1856 by Stephen Smith, and Factory 
No. li in 1S7^ by Samuel Haines. 

These buildings are all of brick, stoutly built and 
fully equipped with boilers, engines and all requisite 
means for operation by steam as well as by water. 

Of the 566 persons in the employ of this company 
390 reside in Greenville. The average pay-roll of 
be companj is about $11,000 each month. Number 
of spindles, 22,000; number of 1 is, -'.US, trans- 
forming monthly l'J7,000 pounds of cotton into 624,- 
000 yards of cloth, mostly colored shirtings and den- 
ims. The company has been eminently -< 
Its stock commands a high premium and can rarely 
be obtained. Its buildings are patterns of neatness, 
its grounds tastefully ornamented with choice shade 
treesand its powerful influence ever felt upon the 
side of temperance. 

Its present offici • Fabyan, treas- 

urer, Boston, Mass; Samuel Haines, agent at the 
works; Bliss, Fabyan & Co., selling agents. Boston. 



522 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Wi 



W. Stevenson, 



New York and Philadelj 
paymaster. 

"The first merchant who kept an extensive stock 
of goods for sale at the village, if not the first in point 
of time, was Isaiah Kidder, son of Reuben Kidder, 
of New Ipswich. He commenced trade in 1799. 
By his enterprise and fair dealing he soon won the 
confidence of the community; and as his was then 
the principal store in Mason, Temple and Wilton, his 
trade was extensive and lucrative. On closing his 
business, at the expiration of six years, he declared 
that thirty dollars would coverall his losses by bad 
debts, a fact that speaks well both for the people and 
the merchant." So says Hill's History, and that of 
New Ipswich is even more emphatic in its eulogy of 
his after career. " No man was ever more popular in 
the town or more interested in its history. Mr. 
Kidder has closely examined thesubject and foretold 
that the manufacture of cotton into various fabrics 
was to be a great interest in New England. With a 
sanguine spirit he soon began the manufacture of 
stripes, checks, ginghams and velvets and for this 
purpose procured various fixtures, till then unknown 
in this country, and as no persons proper to carry on 
these projects were to be found, they wen- procured 
from England and Scotland. It was left to later 
time and other persons to mature and carry out such 
enterprises successfully and to reap the fruits of 
which he had planted the seeds." In the midst of the 
grandesl manufacturing schemes and with every 

prospect of ultimate early success, he was eut oil' by 
fever at the early age of forty-one years. 

Roger Chandler ami associates seem to have kept 
goods for the public, as well as manufactured cloth, 
if we may judge from their invoices. One of June 
22, 1812, the very day of the contract for building 
their new dam and factory, gives quite a stock of 
groceries, but reminds us of the temperance progress 
since, in its leading articles, — 

$1.10 -n 



1 ltli.l. Rum, 109 Knls., 
1 Hhd. i. in, 122 gals., <£ 
1 BM. Brandy, 30) _, galB., 



Or $222.16 for spirituous liquors, while only $429, 

was allowed for some twenty of the necessaries of 
life including powder and shot for those iii a new 
country and in time of war. 

Of those who afterwards for a long time accommo- 
dated their neighbors with the various supplies of a 
country store two figures are conspicuous, — James 
Taft, by trade a tanner, upon coming to Mason vil- 
lage a manufacturer, afterwards a man of affairs in 
the skill with which he conducted several branches 
of business at the same time with uniform success, 
and George Elliott, a son of poverty and a frequent 
sufferer from fire and other losses, but a gentleman of 
rare suavity and indomitable perseverance. Their 

1 1. . - r-. like them, have generally been financially 

successful, but thej arc still living, and the words of 
eulogy however richly earned must be deferred. 



It is difficult to learn the exact date when the vil- 
lage was deemed worthy of a post-office. Probably 
about the year 1830 George Elliott received the 
appointment of postmaster. Following him have 
been George Taft, 1845-49; Lucius A. Elliott, 1849- 
54; .lames Taft. Jr., 1854-61; Merrill C. Dodge, 
1861-65; Franklin B. Heald, L865-77; and Milton 
II. Hardy, 1877, the present incumbent. 

'I'm: Peterborough and Shirley Railroad, 
now the Greenville Branch of the Fitchburg Kail- 
road, was put in operation as tar as the Souhegan 
River, or about a mile from the village, November 11, 
1850, and two years after the road was completed to 
its present terminus. This delay was caused by the 
labor requisite to build the bridge for the river cross- 
ing, which has been called one of the greatest works 
of art in New Hampshire. It is mainly of wood, 
hut stoutly trussed with iron, six hundred feet in 
length, and where it crosses the stream in its reach 
from bluff to bluff about one hundred feet above it. 
Two massive piers of granite masonry, one of them 
some eighty feet in height, beside the terminal abut- 
ments', support the structure, from which the tourist 
has a most interesting view of the ravine below, with 
its wooded sides and winding waters. The original 
project of continuing the mad through New Ipswich 
to Peterborough has not yet been carried out on ac- 
count of the cost of construction and the extension 
of other mads. Its management gives superior mail 
accommodations and traveling facilities to the citi- 
zens. Station agent, Ambrose G. Stickney; conduc- 
tor, Leonard Felch ; engineers, Andrew Henry, John 
Allison ; road-master, William E. Ames; express- 
men, E. P. Sherman and < '. A. Scripture. Regular 
stages also connect with the adjoining towns of New 
Ipswich, Temple and Wilton. 

The Mason Village Savings-Bank was chartered 
July 1, 1870, and organized July 30th of that year. 

Presidents— Hon. Thomas II, Marshall, 1870-72, 
and Samuel Haines, Esq., 1872 until the present 
time. 

Vice-Presidents. — Amos Scripture, Dexter L. Bur- 
ton. Jonathan Russell i 2d ), Sumner B. Nichols, El- 
bridge G. Cutter, T. H. Marshall, G. F. Merriam, J. 
I.. Chamberlin, Isaiah Wheeler, Eli Foster, M. C. 
Hodge, Samuel E. Adams, Beniah H. Savage, S. H. 
Bacon and John Kenney. 

Secretaries.— Otis F. Packard, 1870-77; W. W. 
Stevenson, 1*77. and is still in office. 

Treasurers.-F. B. Heald, 1870-77 ; M. II. Hardy, 
1*77. and is still officiating. 
Clerk.— Charles F. Marshall. 

The largest deposit has been about one hundred 
and seventeen thousand dollars. Twenty dividends 
of two and one-half per cent, have been paid, six of 
two per cent., and two extra dividends. 

Educational History.^! he fust school-house in 
the village, at the junction of Main and Pleasant 
Streets, was a present from two of its public-spirited 



GREENVILLE. 



citizens, Timothy Dakin and Jason Dunster. With 
the increase of scholars ami consequent need <it' better 
grading and more extensive grounds, came the im- 
pulse to rebuild, and the present more commodious 
edifice upon the hill was erected, it has stood some 
thirty-five years, and its first masters, Hon. Timoth) 
Perry ami Judge Levi Wallace, suggest the excel- 
lent management which has generally characterized 
its schools. These are of three grades, and ansvi er to 
the same bell, the gift of Samuel Haines. The Bul- 
lard school-house is in Greenville, and the old dis- 
trict continues its individual, life though cut in twain 
by the line of division between the old and new towns. 
The districts south were united about forty years ago, 
and their two dilapidated school-houses taken to con- 
struct a new one in a new location between. Theold 
corner school-house, though more than a mile from 
the village, was the place where its first generation 
was educated. Many a sturdy disciplinarian there 
wielded the rod, manya saintly mistress there taught 
the young idea how to shoot, many pleasant recollec- 
tions are connected with its weather-beaten exterior, 
and ceiling crayoned with charcoal from the hands of 
athletes, who there Struggled together to register the 
farthest leap. The long benches carved with all sorts 
of designs by the penknife, the many tokens of 
the stress of earlier times, might contrast painfully 
with the more elegant accommodations for the rising 
generation ; but it will be well for them if they do as 
good practical work, in proportion to their opportu- 
nities, as did their forefathers and mothers. The stock 
of the pioneers is suggested by the names affixed to 
the quit-claim deed of the spot after the old school- 
house was removed— William Lawrence, Amos Law- 
rence ami Abb.it Lawrence. Son f the obstacles in 

the way of culture in those days appear in these lines 
by one of the boys there taught, Rev. Edwin E. Mer- 
riam, of Salem, Pa. — 

"THE SCHOLAR'S LAMENT. 
■■\.i longer, as m daysof yore, 

That ancient 1 1 1 house stands ; 

Within its hallowed walls no m 

Scholars their minds with learning store, 

By studying I ks which teach the lore 

Of this and other lands. 
" v. more upon the window pane 
The 'school-marm V rap I hear, 

To call us tu our work again, 

Aftei .1 ran upon the plain, 

And never did she rap In vain, 
For all wouldsoon appear. 

"Tin- Summer's storms would enter there 

Through cracks am] openings ^v i , I . , 

And rats would < ]<>ss the rl • in fear, 

Lest danger Bhould to them he near, 
And squirrels, too. would thereappear, 

And lain from Bide to side. 
" 'Twas there I learneil to lea. I and write, 

Within those time-worn walls; 
When Summer's sun was shining flight, 
For Winter in his power ami might, 
A] rayed in garb of snowy white 

The benches, Booi ami walls. 



Alel J..ys I.. I. o i g,.,M 

As a musical director, Professor Elisha B. Barrett 

has won a wide reputation during nearly fifty years 
service at the head of the church choir, anil in 
the conduct of more than one hundred and eight} ses- 
sions of the singing-school. 

The Greenville Town Library had it.- origin ma 
gift of one thousand dollars for that purpose by 
James L. Chamberlin. This primary donation was 
made in L876, and has been supplemented with gilts 
from others, as well as town appropriations, until the 
present number of volumes is about sixteen hundred. 

The < irrriirill,' A<i 'n-rtisrr was first issued in the 
year 1876; Dr. C. E. Hall, local editor for the first 
five years. Upon his retirement C. F. Marshall ac- 
cepted the trust and still retains ii. 

The list of college graduates from Greenville in- 
cludes the following names, — 
Samuel Dakin, Esq., Dartmouth, ITnT . Obadiah Parker, Harvard, 



• "I' Veil t. 1st:: , Key. Jesse Elllol, 

leiriam, Amherst, 1858 . Rei Geoi ge 
iklin .1. Clark, Harvard, [86V , I:. % 
s.'-i ; James \V. Henry, Dartmouth, 
rd, 1881 ; Elmer E. Kimball, Hart. 
is, 1885. Undergraduate, Henry A. 



entered the leal 



1799 ; Rev. Israel Elliot, Dnivei 
Hamilton, L826 . & i I. Iv in I 
F. Merriam, Amherst, 1-' I 1 
H. .Martin Kellogg. Dartmoutl 
1-7- Howard P. Haines. Ha 
tfabel Haines, si 
McGown, Amherst, 1886. 

( Ithers from the tov 
follows : 



Iter. William Elliot, Ue\ . Joseph Elliot, Rev. John Earrar, Rev. M. 
I.. Holt, Dr. Moses Dakin, Hon Joseph E. Donnell, M H, Herbert .1. 
Taft, Esq . Prol I larence A.Taylor. 

Military History.— The military history of Green- 
ville is necessarily merged in that of the parent town, 
as the years since incorporation havi been, happily, 
tho e ol peace. it would appear that tit least twenty- 
five soldiers went from our sparsely-settled six square 
miles to serve in the war of independence. It is 
but a lew years since the last pensioner of the War of 
1812 passed away, ami in the struggle for the main- 
tenance of the L'nioii tit least fifty from this district 
answered loyallj to the government call in person or 
by substitute. They were in all arms of the service. 
They fell in battle, died with disease, star\ ed within the 
Southern prison, returned to find tin early grave or 
survived with the sufferings oi long martyrdom. 
Captain Thomas E. Marshall, Lieutenants M. 11. 
Hardy, M. L. Holt and J. E. Donnel returned with 
commissions. Lieutenant Henry A. Cragin led :i 
C panj oi the famous Now York Seventh to the de- 
fence of the national capital. Frederick Kimball, one 
of the Free Soil pioneers in Kansas, was killed in Quan- 
trell's raid through Lawrence. Several veterans ol' 
the war have become citizens since their return ; 
among the number Captain tiurts, Lieutenants C. I-;. 
Marsh and C. E. hers.,,,. Herman Shedd Post, No. 
■1~ , G. A. R., named from a stanch patriot, who went 



524 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



four factories to lay down his life at 

Fair Oaks, was organized June 28, L870, and now 
contains thirty-six members from Greenville, New 
[pswich and vicinity. In Past Commanders have 
been Captain T. E. Marshall, G. II. Livingston, G. A. 
Hartshorn, Captain M. P. Donley, A. C. Fowler and 
John Kenney. Present Commander, Charles F. 
Smith. 

Social History. — < hganizations musical, social and 
benevolent have found their place and dune their 
work here as elsewhere. Brass and cornet bands, led 
by William Elliot and Albert F. Walker, have lived 
their lives of harmony tor the public good. Literary, 
lecture and agricultural societies have contributed 
their part to the general improvement. Engine com- 
panies have been sustained to protect fromfire. A lodge 
of the Sons of Temperance, and at different times 
two lodges of G 1 Templars, have t . . r a season di- 
rected attention to the reform with which they are 
connected. A generation ago a lodge of Odd-Fellows 
nourished for a time. Souhegan Lodge of Ancient 
and Accepted .Masons has shown greater vitality and 
is still flourishing. It was chartered June 3, 1859. 
Charter members,— E. Scofield, A. D. Taylor, L. J. 
Spalding, W. W. Prichard, W. Jefts, A. Henry, J. L. 
Chamberlin, ('. Baldwin, G. Taft, E. A. Larkin, E. 
K. Hardy and L. W. Kingsbury; Present Master, 
Leonard Felch. 

Ecclesiastical History.— A Baptist Church was 
formed in Mason September 25, 1S7U, a part of whose 
members resided in whal is now Greenville, and from 
this parent church twenty-four were dismissed, De- 
cember '-'4. 1828, to form the Mason Village Baptist 
Church, for the last thirteen years known as the 
Greenville Baptist Church. They chose for their 
first pastor Rev. Bela Wilcox, who held his sacred 
office until the year 1831, when he was succeeded 
in the pastorate by Rev. John Woodbury , 1831-34 ; 
Rev. Joel Wheeler, 1834-35; Rev. Benjamin 
Knight, 1835-36; Rev. A. I.. Mason, 1836-44; 

Rev. D. F. Richardson, 1845-48; Rev. J. W 1- 

bury, ls4*-le; Rev. Isaac Woodbury, 1849-51; Rev. 
D. P. French, 1851-52; Lev. A. H. House, 1852-54; 
l,v.. George W. Cutting, 1855-61; Rev. Enville J. 
Emerv, 1861-65; Rev. 1.. C. Stevens, 1865-70; Rev. 
W. II. Walker, 1870-73; Rev. A. M. Higgins, 1873-74; 
Rev. K. Holt, 1S74-7I - , ; Rev. J. D. Graham, 1876-78; 
Rev. 1.. C. Barnes. 1878; an ,l R ev . Jesse M. Coburn, 
wdio commenced his labors with the church in 1878, fol- 
lowing a line of able ami excellent men with a most 
wise ami devoted ministry. 

The deacons of the church have been Abel Adams, 
Jonas Adams, Amos Elliott, James Barrett, Benjamin 
Robinson, Samuel Hartshorn, Calvin Boynton, Ben- 
jamin 14. Dix, Eben Tilton, Sewall F. Adams and 
Milan E. Sargent, who still retain their office. 

There have been added to its membership since its 
organization about live hundred. The present mem- 
bership is eighty. Connected with this church is an 



active Sabbath-scl 1 of over one hundred, under the 

care of Deacon M. E. Sargent, superintendent. It is 
free from debt and has a good parsonage, the gilt of 
Lucius A. Elliott, Esq. It has also an attractive 
house of worship and enjoys a general healthy pros- 
perity. 

The Congregational Church was preceded for some 
I inn In regular social meetings and a Sabbath-school. 
At a public meeting, February Is, 1X47, it was voted 
"that the time has come when the spiritual interests 
of this community require that a Congregational 
Church should be established in this place." In fur- 
therance of this vote, an ecclesiastical council was 
convened and a church organized. It was called the 
Second Congregational Church in Mason, and con- 
sisted of eight members,— Stephen Smith, Maria E. 
Smith, Joseph McGown, Elizabeth McGown, Henry 
McGown, Elizabeth McGown, George Kimball and 
Lydia Warren. In the same month fifty-eight more 
were added from the first church and live from other 
(bur. dies. The first pastor was Rev. William < Hmstead, 
ordained April 11, 1849, whose enthusiastic ministry 
was greatly blessed, and under whose lead the present 
commodious sanctuary was erected. His death, June 
6, 1852, was a great loss to the young church. He 
was followed in his ministerial work by Rev. Erastus 
M. Kellogg, 1852-55; Rev. Samuel J. Austin, 1857-59; 
Rev. I leoige E. Fisher, 1859-62; and Rev. M. N. Root. 
M.D, 1863-64. All of these, with their various gifts, 
staved the church efficiently, and were scholarly, de- 
vout men. On the 27th of August, 1864, a call was 
extended to Rev. Andrew Jaquith, but it onlyreached 
him on the eve of his summons to the church tri- 
umphant. The present pastor, Rev. G. F. Merriam, 
first entered In- pulpit I Ictober 15th of the same year. 
He was ordained March 9th succeeding. His ministry 
has been amid all the obstacles and advantages 
which must needs be found in the place of one's na- 
tivity. It has had the support of many win. wen 
worthy of being called saints, and are now numbered 
with the sainted dead. It has witnessed great change-. 
but some other pen must write its history. 

The other officers of the church have been, — Dea- 
cons: Simeon Cragin, 1847-58; Stephen Smith, 1847- 
57; Nathan Wood, 1847-50; Franklin Merriam, 1847- 
49; M. C. Dodge. 1857-83; < lharles Baldwin, 1859-82; 
Charles Wilson, 1859-72; M. Kimball. 1858; and 
Ambrose G. Stickney, the last two being now in office. 
The clerks of the church have been S. Smith, M. Kim- 
ball, J. K. Mills, M. C. Dodge and G. F. Merriam. 
Superintendents of the Sabbath-school: S. Smith. 
Hcrvey Tufts, M. C. Dodge, C.Wilson, E. B. Barrett, 
M. Kimball, G. H. Livingston, E. W. French. F. P, 
Bacon, .1. II. Martin and A. (i. Stickney. 

The church has also a parsonage, the generous gift 
of George D. Cragin, Esq., to promote the spiritual 
interests of his native village. It has also some per- 
manent income from a bequest by one of its deceased 
members, Isaac Russell. 



GREENVILLE. 



r.23 



The Roman Catholic Church first held regular pub- 
lic religious services in Greenville during the year 
js.")i;. Since the building of a town-house it has wor- 
shiped in the town hall, and held its meetings at 
least <mce each month. Recent arrangements have 
been made by which the priest in charge will have more 
time to devote to this parish, and services will lie more 
frequent, or twice a month. The congregation gathers, 
in part, from the adjoining towns, and is a large one. 
A building lot has already been purchased for the 
erection of a church edifice. The fathers in charge of 
the parish have been Rev. William Brady, 1860-61; 
Rev. Patrick O'Hara, 1861-64; Rev. William Herbert, 
L864 68; Rev. Patrick Hoolahan, 1868-76 ; Rev. Ed- 
ward Buckle, 1876, and is still officiating. These pas- 
tors have all had the confidence of their parish and 
tin' respect of all others. 

In passing from this subject, the spirit of kindly co- 
operation which lias characterized the churches of 
Greenville should be noticed. For years the Sabbath 
c ening service has been a union meeting alternating 
between the Baptist and Congregational houses of 
worship. During extra meetings in the week of 
prayer, or at other times, as well as on funeral occa- 
sions, united services have bound Christian hearts in 
closer sympathy and lifted them by a common im- 
pulse to a higher level. The writer would also add a 
word in honor of the lay officers of these churches. 
A good man now gone to his reward used to say that, 
from his boyhood, the presence of Deacon Hartshorn 
always preached him a winning sermon. Children 
grew up in the Sabbath-school looking to Deacon 
Smith as a model man, such was the kindness of his 
sturdy nature. Others have felt a like esteem for 
Deacons Cragin and Dodge, and devout spirits un- 
named. Nor could any desire to be embalmed in 
more precious remembrance by any people than are 
the two holy men who are buried in the village 
churchyard, — Rev. Alfred L. Mason and Rev. William 
< llmstead. 

Professional History. — Physicians.— The alti- 
tude of Greenville among the mountain breezes, with 
the swift flow of its sweet waters, give it a compara- 
tive immunity from a class of diseases, and yet its 
citizens, like all others, must sometimes call for the 
physician, and worthy men have never failed to 
respond to the call. Otis Hoyt, M.D., came to Mason 
village in the year 1835, but left after a few years, 
entered the United States service as a surgeon, and 
continued in that capacity through the Mexican War. 
Thomas H. Marshall, M.D., established himself as a 
physician lure in 1837, and continued to win patrons 
and friends until his death. December 16, 1872. 
Later practitioners of the healing art have been : 
Edwin Schofield, M.D., John H. Cutler, M.D., 
Charles G. Corey, M.D., Charles E. Hall, M.D., 
Curtis A. Wood, M.D., and George F. Munsey, M.D. 

of these. Dr. Schofield s i moved to Worcester, 

Mass. ; Dr. Cutler did good service as a surgeon in the 



war of the Union, and afterwards won professional 
distinction in Peterborough; Dr. Corey died in 1878; 
Dr. Hall is conducting a large drug-store, while Drs. 
Wood and Munsey are in the midst of most successful 
practice. 

Lawyers.— Attorneys-at-law have not been drawn 
to the town as inviting their services in litigation. 
The following knights of the liar have, at various 
times, had their offices here: Nathaniel Shattuck, 
Esq. ; William A. Preston, Esq.; Joseph < '. Mason, 
Esq.; A. B. Spalding, Esq.; and Herbert J. Taft, 
Esq. The latter is still located here, with the confi- 
dence .ind bestwishes of a people who havi known 
him from boyhood. 

Personal History. — < >f citizens resident within the 

bounds of Greenville, Hon. Stephen Smith reached 
the highest political station, being twice elected coun- 
selor and was a prominent candidate for Governor, 
when his health gave way from the pressure of his 
many cares. Hon. Thomas 11. Marshall was not only a 
good physician, but always in the fore front of the bat- 
tle for reform, crowning his political career with two 
terms of service in the State Senate. John Stevens, 
a man of marked dignity, urbanity and tact, in addi- 
tion to most efficient service in various local offices, 
represented Wilton and Mason more than twenty 
years in the State Legislature. Colonel .lame- Wood 
and Joseph Barrett, besides other marks of popular 

esteem, received special legislative honors in the 
earlier days. Among those who have gone out from 
the town may be mentioned the brothers Algernon 
and ( leorge Shattuck, famous as teachers of penman- 
ship; Jonas Chickering, the distinguished piano 
manufacturer ; John and Samuel Putnam, of the Put- 
nam Machine- Works, Fitch, Mass.; Hon. Samuel 
Kimball, ex-mayor of Lawrence, Kan., and one of 
the proprietors of the foundry of Kimball Bros. 
there; Hon. John G. Kimball, late bank commis- 
sioner and treasurer of the New Hampshire Banking 
Company; Henry W. Merriam, president of the 
Mcrriam Shoe Manilla, turing Company, Newton, 
N. J. ; George D. Cragin, long prominent among the 
business men of New York, and now proprietor ol a 
large sugar plantation in Louisiana; and Colonel 
James Scripture, said to own the finest orange grove 
in Florida. Hon. Henry Stevens secured large influ- 
ence in Wisconsin prior to his death. Benjamin W. 
Mcrriam left a shining record among the merchant- 
princes of New York, (ieorge Barrett, of ( 'holer, 
Vt., was widely known for ability and Puritan 
integrity. Deacon Asaph R. Marshall, of Worcesti r, 
Mass., held many offices of trust, municipal, State. 
national and ecclesiastical, and all with a blameless 
record. The list of deserving ones might be greatly 
extended, but must be left for larger space ami a 
later pen. 

■' I g live ih- B 1 town, giving nut, year In year, 

I; hi- I., ii n. muni I m.l wuiiiiml 1 it'ic , 

r , ,ys, modest maidens, in beautj sent forth, 
The living epii-tl.-s iinil prnut ut il* youth :' 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 

JAMES LANGDON CHAMBERLAIN. 

James L. Chamberlain was burn in Mason village 
(now Greenville), N. II., February 16, 1824. He was 

the son and only child of Hon. Loammi Chamber- 
lain, and grandson ut' Captain Isaac Chamberlain, of 
Chelmsford, Mass. 

Hon. Loammi Chamberlain was, in many respects, 
a man of uncommon mould. He had a remarkable 
genius for the mechanical arts, and fine inventive 
(acuity. }I«- had much to do with perfecting and 
putting in successful operation the machinery of the 
various mills and manufactories in and about his 
native village, and made many valuable improve- 
ments in various machines, particularly in power- 
looms, which extended his reputation and business 
to other States. Some years [prior to his death he 
gave up practically all attention to mechanics, and 
devoted himself to the superintendence of his saw- 
mill and farm. His biographer says of him, that 
"lew men have done more for the material prosperitj 
of Mason village than Mr. Chamberlain." 

His son, James 1... seems to have inherited, in a 
very marked degree, the best traits of his lather's 
character. He had not the advantage of a collegiate 
course of study; but being of a studious, thoughtful 
turn of mind, and possessed of line powers of obser- 
vation, his tastes led him to be, throughout his life, 
a close student, not only of books, but of that broader 
field for study, human nature. The choice library 
he left behind him shows more than ordinary culture 
and a rare appreciation of the best works in art, sci- 
ence and literature. He early manifested an aptitude 
for business pursuits; and when he had attained his 
majority, his lather, whose health was declining, re- 
linquished to him the care and control of his busi- 
ness, which he soon began to improve and extend. 
In 1857 he built a new flouring mill, and dealt largely 
in grain. He also entered quite extensively into the 
manufacture of furniture, and carried on a large lum- 
ber trade. He was a wide-awake, generous-minded, 
liberal-spirited man, — the kind of man, who, while 
careful of his own interests and investments, labors 
also with the broader view of building up and advan- 
cing the material interests of the community. He 
was a sale and judicious counsellor, and his judgment 
was sought after and valued by his fellow-townsmen 
in every important public measure. He was an ear- 



nest, active member id' the Masonic fraternity, in 
nearly all its branches. In political life he was a 
Republican and an efficient local leader in the party, 
and was frequently chosen to the most responsible 
positions in the gilt of his townsmen. He repre- 
sented them in the legislature. He was also chosen 
as on,- ,,f the members id' tin- Constitutional Conven- 
tion in INTO 

lie was married, February 16, 1854, at Boston, 
Mass. le Rev. Rollin H. Neal, D.D., to Miss Mary 
A. Prescott, of Mason. They had two children, Ida 
F. and Nettie F. The latter, a lovely maiden, died 
December 15, 1873, at the age of fourteen. 

I'or two years prior to Mr. Chamberlain's death, 
he suffered much from declining health. The imme- 
diate cause of his death, however, was the crushing 
of his hand, which was caught in the machinery of 
his mill. He died eight days later, May 5, 1883. 
fhe Jerusalem Commandery, I\. T., of which he was 
a member in full rank, followed him to his grave and 
buried him with their impressive service. His wife 
and daughter survive him. 

The following extract from the sermon at his obse- 
quies, by Rev. J. M. Coburn, is eminently true of 
him: "The man id' sterling integrity, the active pub- 
lic-spirited citizen, the judicious helper, the kind 
neighbor and firm friend, the beloved brother, the 
affectionate father and true husband, has passed away, 
leaving distressing voids in the marts of business, in 
a large number of grateful hearts, and in a wide cir- 
cle of strong friends, and especially in his own happy 
and endeared household, which can never be filled. 
But his name and deeds, his hearty forgiveness of 
enemies, bis constant patience in suffering, his calm 
resignation to Heaven's decree in sickness and death, 
will be cherished, with loving remembrance, long 
after bis noble, outward form is turned to dust. The 
thrift and industries of the beautiful village of Green- 
ville, its excellent free public library, and the line 
Baptist Church edifice, tire perpetual reminders of 
his wise and noble beneficence. The entire commu- 
nity deeply feel and mourn the mysterious sad he- 
rein emellt." 

As was written of his father, so may it truthfully 
be written of him: "He was eminently a domestic 
man. and it was in the bosom of his family and in 
the circle of his most intimate friends, that his virtues 
were best known, and his many excellencies most 
fully appreciated." 




,/?-V<7<^^- 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK. 



BY ELLIOT WHIPPLE. 



CHAPTER I. 

Natural Features.— The town of Merrimack is 
situated mi the west side of the river bearing the same 
aame, and extends north from the mouth of the 
Pennichuck Brook, a distance of about six miles. 
The western boundary line runs due north from the 
Pennichuck, at a distance of about three anil a half 
miles from the most westerly point reached by the 
Merrimack River within the limits of the town, 
which is at Thornton's Ferry. The northern boun- 
dary extends due west from the river until it inter- 
sects the western boundary. Hence the shape of the 
town is approximately a rectangle, the eastern and 
southern boundaries being very irregular, in conse- 
quence of the windings of the above-named streams. 
Its average length is about six miles and its average 
width a little less than five miles, and it contains 
nineteen thousand three hundred ami sixty-one acres. 

Along the river the land is comparatively level, free 
from stone, and easily cultivated; but the soil is po- 
rous anil sandy, so that the farmer must enrich it with 
fertilizers freely and frequently, if he would gather 
rich harvests. The western portion is broken and 
hilly, and the soil is stony, but stronger than that of 
the plains. The prevailing rock, whether in the form 
of boulders, drift-pebbles, or bed-rock, is granite. 
gneiss, mica schist and other granitic formations, with 
litre and there some slate and shale. 

In many places the granite is suitable for building 
purposes, and is used to a considerable extent for 
foundations. There are extensive clay deposits, ex- 
cellent for brick-making. 

Near the northwest corner of the town, between it 

and Amherst, lies the beautiful Bald sue Pond, 

which offers many attractions to picnic-parties and 
summer visitors. The largest pond wholly within the 
limits of the town is Naticook Lake, in the southern 
pari of the town. It contains about seventy-five acres. 
Horse-shoe Pond, close to the Merrimack River, just 
above Thornton's Ferry, Dumpling Pond, neai Reed's 
Ferry, and various other small lakelets diversify the 
scenery. 

The Souhegan River enters the town from the west 



and winds through the middle portion, emptying into 
the Merrimack at Souhegan Village. It affords seve- 
ral excellent water privileges; one furnishes tin- 
power for the mills at Souhegan, another, about three- 
fourths of a mile up the stream — said to be the besl 
on the river — lies wholly unimproved, ami affords as 
charming and picturesque a scene as can he found in 
the State. The fall is occasioned by the river's break- 
ing through a barrier of rocks tilted up nearly seventy 
degrees, as is evidenced by the stratifications still 
clearly discernible, notwithstanding the twistingsand 
iiietaiiiorphisnis of geologic times. At one point, too, 
it requires no great amount of imagination to see in a 
projecting rock the face of a man peering steadily and 
forever out over the boiling waters, past the tangled 
forest, westward along the smooth surface of the river 
above the falls, as if it were the crvstalized genius of 
a vanished race, watching their departing footsteps. 

Both here and at Souhegan Village, numerous pot- 
holes are worn in the solid rock, one at the latter place 
which is only a foot in diameter measuring seven feet 
in depth. 

Babboosuc Brook, starting from the Babboosuc 
Pond, in Amherst, enters the town at its north-west 
corner, flows south-east, and empties into the Souhe- 
gan near its mouth. It affords several small water 
privileges, some of which have been improved. 

The Naticook Brook, starting from the pond of the 
same name, wanders north-east and finds its way into 
the Merrimack through Horse-shoe Pond. There is 
one small improved water privilege on it near Thorn- 
ton's Ferry. 

Productions. — The predominant forest tree is the 
pine, which is the source of considerable income in 
many parts of the town. There are patches of oak. 
chestnut, yellow birch, etc., furnishing some valuable 

timber and much lire-u 1. The farms produce grass, 

grain, potatoes, etc. Apples, pears, peaches, grapes, 
and the smaller fruits, are grown with ease, while 
huckleberries, blueberries and blackberries grow wild 
in profusion. 

Animals.— Pickerel, perch and pouts abound in the 
ponds and brooks, and bass were introduced into 
Naticook Lake by the State Fish Commission in 1877. 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Ducks are found along the Merrimack in the spring 
of the year; crows are omnipresent ; hawks reduce the 
number of chickens. Small birds till the groves with 
music, except where driven away by cats. Wood- 
chucks tempt the boys to break the state law on Sun- 
days. Foxes are numerous enough to give those who 
are fond of hunting plenty of exercise. Large num- 
bers of beautiful gray squirrels are killed every fall. 
Grasshoppers, potato-bugs and other insect pests ex- 
haust the patience and ingenuity of tanners, here as 
elsewhere. More dogs are kept than sheep, but 
whether with as much profit is not so certain. Many 
farmers keep a large number of cows, and dairy pro- 
ducts constitute an important source of income. There 
are some oxen in town, but farm-work is mostly done 
li\ horses. 

Pigeons were once an important source of income, 
some persons even acquiring considerable wealth by 
catching them and sending them to market. Now 
only a few are found where once were myriads. The 
method of catching them was to "bait" them in a 
certain spot called a " pigeon-bed," and finally, when 
they had come to expect a feast at that [dace, a large 
piece of cloth was spread on the ground at that point, 
food scattered as usual, and after the pigeons had 
alighted, the cloth was suddenly folded on itself, often 
securing several dozens at one time. 



CHAPTER II. 



No traces have been discovered of any inhabitants 
in this town prior to the Indians who were found here 
by the first white settlers. Indian relics, stub as 
arrow-heads, stone axes, etc., are -till occasionally met 
with, but even these are becoming rare, and soon all 
vestiges of Indian occupancy would be gone, were it 
not that Indian names remain and will forever remind 
us of the original owners of the soil. One of the 
locomotives on the Concord Railroad hears the name 
of t le grand old chieftain, Passaconaway. Merrimack, 
in the Indian tongue, signified "the place of strong 
current," though some writers give the less poetic 
meaning, "a sturgeon." Souhegan signified "the 
place of the plains;" Babboosuc, "the twins;" Mon- 
adnock, "the [dace of the Great Spirit." 

"Their memory liveth on your hills, 
Their baptism on your shore ; 
\ our everlasting rivers speak 
I beii lialect of yore. 

" Monadt I; on Ins forehca.l b 

Doth seal tin- sacred trust . 
Your mountains build theii monuments, 
Tl gh ye give the winds their dust." 

The manner of life the Indians led, their dwellings, 
anil means of living, have been so fully and accu- 



rately portrayed in the history of Nashua that we 
need not stop to consider them here. 

All the Indians between Lowell and Concord be- 
longed to the tribe of Pennacooks, and were ruled by 
the once powerful chieftain, Passaconaway. 

"His reputation for wisdom and cunning was celebrated among all 
the eastern Indians. Nor was be less renowned for his pacific spirit 
toward the white settlers. He was ever lor peace. He had almost 
unbounded inlluence over the Indians. They believed that he had 
secret intercourse with the mysteries "f nature ; that it was in his power 
t,, make water burn and the trees dance. They supposed that he had 
powei to i ban..' himself int. flame, and that be could darken the sun 
aud moon. In consequence oi these iupposed attribute-, the Indians 
looked upon him with wonder and veneration." 

In 1660 a great dance and feast was held, on which 
occasion Passaconaway made hi- farewell speech. He 
showed the superior power of the whites, and told 
them plainly that the time would come when the 
English would possess all the pleasant lands of their 
fathers. He prophesied that there would soon he a 
great war all over the country, and that the only way 
in which tiny could hope to he preserved, and keep 
some little land, was by keeping out of the war. 

" Hearken," said he, " to the last words of your fa- 
ther and friend. The white men tire sons of the 
morning. The (treat Spirit is their father. His sun 
shines bright upon them; never make war with 
them. Surely a- you light the fires, the breath of 
heaven will turn the flame on you and destroy you. 
Listen to my advice ; it is the last I shall be allowed 
to give you. Remember it and live." 

So great was his influence thatthe Pennacooks were 
ever friendly to the English, though they suffered 
equally with their fiercer brethren from the continual 
and unjust encroachments of the whites. Passacona- 
way is specially ;m object of interest to the people of 
Merrimack, because a portion of the northern part of 
the town was embraced in a grant of land made to 
him by the Massachusetts ( tcneral Court in 1662, and 
it is not improbable that here he spent the last days 
of his life. 

In 1669 the Pennacooks made an expedition against 
the Mohawks of New York, and were so badly de- 
feated that their power was destroyed. They had 
previously sent an invitation to Elliot, the apostle to 
the Indians, to come and preach to them, and they 
now moved to Patucket (Lowell), joined the Wame- 
sits and became " praying Indians." 

During the fearful scenes of King Philip's War 
they remained faithful, and often warned the English 
of approaching danger. 

The Indian outrages that made the lives of the 
early settler- of Dunstable one continual warfare for 
two generations, were not committed by the original 
inhabitants of this beautiful valley. They were the 
result of raids by Indians living farther north, anil 
especially in Canada, inspired by the jealousy of the 
French. 

Would that a remnant, at least, of the noble Pen- 
nacooks might have been spared to enjoy the Chris- 



MKBKI.MACK. 



529 



thin civilization they so heartily welcomed ! But it 
was ii"t destined to be. Unused to the arts and ways 
of the whites, their weakness ami inability to cope 
ai once with such unaccustomed i litions unap- 
preciated by the English, they failed to gain a foot- 
hold in the new life. The same unjust and unfeeling 
policy that has characterized our national treatment 
of the Indians was pursued toward the Pennacooks. 
They felt themselves in the way; they were bound out 
to service by public authority toavoid their becoming 
a public charge. Gradually they tailed away, until 
titer have ceased to exist. 



C II APTER III. 

MERRIMACK— I Continue 

EARLY SETTLEMENTS. 



The old township of Dunstable embraced Dun- 
stable, Tyngsborough, Hudson, Hollis, Nashua and 
portions of Amherst, Milford, Merrimack, Litchfield, 
and Londonderry. 

Some settlements were made within its limits as 
early as 1673, and in 1675, John Cromwell, a fur- 
trader, built a trading-house on the hank of the Mer- 
rimack, about a mile below Thornton's Ferry. He 
carried on a very profitable business for about four 
years, using his foot for a pound weight in weighing 
the furs he bought. But at length the Indians, not 
appreciating his business methods, formed a scheme 
to get rid of him; hut when they reached his abode 
the bird had flown; so they burned his house, and 
it was nearly half a century before another was built 
in Merrimack. 

The name of the first permanent settler is not 
known with absolute certainty, but it is supposed to 
have been Jonas Barrett, who, in 1722, built his house 
ami began to clear up a farm on the place now owned 
by Washington Warner. 

Soon after, William Howard, then a bachelor, settled 
on the farm now owned by Hazen Hodge. He planted 
the first orchard, and bis house ultimately became a 
resort for those who loved to pass a little leisure time 
in drinking cider. 

In 1724 occurred the first and only Indian skirmish 
known to have happened in this town. A raiding- 
party captured two men, Nathan Cross and Thomas 
Blanchard, who were manufacturing turpentine on 
the mirth side of the Nashua River. An alarm was 
given and a party of ten of the principal citizens of 
Dunstable started in pursuit, under the command of 
Lieutenant Ebenezer French. Pressing on too heed- 
lesslv, in their eagerness to rescue their friends, they 
were ambushed at the brook near Thornton's Ferry. 
Most of the party fell at the first fire, and the rest 
were pursued and killed, one by one, except Josiah 
Farwell, who escaped to receive his death-wound in 



Lovewell's fight, next year. Lieutenant French was 

overtaken and killed about a mile fr the scene of 

action, under an oak-tree, whose stump yet remains 
on the line between the farms ol C. A. Han-is and 
Amasa Estey. Cross and Blanchard were carried to 
Canada by their captors, but succeeded in securing 
their redemption and returned home. 

As early as ltioii a tract of land south of the Nati- 
cook had been granted to William Brenton by the 
Massachusetts General Court, whence the name 
" Brenton's farm," formerly given to the southern 
part id' Merrimack. 

In 172X, Brenton's heirs, and others who had pur- 
chased shares in the grant, organized and took meas- 
ures for opening it up for settlement, and new clear- 
ing- were rapidly made in Naiioiis directions. 

Among the early settlers were Hassell, Underwood, 
Usher, the Blanchards, Patten. Powers, Cummings, 
Temple, Lund, Spaulding, Chamberlain, Barnes, Tay- 
lor, Stearns, McClure, Auld, Bowers and Davidson. 

Benjamin Hassell settled on the farm now owned 
by Hugh McKean, and a daughter of his is said to 
have been the first white child born in town. 

Aquila Underwood lived near Thornton's Ferry, 
and Phineas Underwood kept the first public-house. 

John Usher settled on the farm now owned by 
George Lean, and was a justice of the peace. 

Cummings and Patten were the first deacons of the 
church. 

Captain John Chamberlain erected a saw and grist- 
mill, the first in town, at Souhegan Falls, in 1734, re- 
ceiving as an inducement a grant of three hundred 
acres from the Brenton proprietors. 

In 1734 the General Court of Massachusetts granted 
a town organization to Naticook, which seems to have 
embraced Litchfield as well as the southern part id' 
Merrimack, and for twelve years the people on both 
sides of the river elected town officers in common, 
erected the old meeting-house in Litchfield, and se- 
cured the services of Joshua Tufts, of Newbury, a 
graduate of Harvard, as their pastor, paying him a 
hundred and twenty dollars a year, and sixty dollars 
for settlement. Air. Tufts was ordained in Naticook 
in 1741, but left in 1741. 



U'n 



CHAPTER IV. 
MERRIMACK— (Continued). 
< ivil. HISTORY, 17C-71. 

N the vexed question of the boundary line 
between Massachusetts and New Hampshire was 
iinall\ settled, in 1741, it divided the town of Dun- 
stable, and various portions of it which fell to the 
share of New Hampshire applied to the Governor 
and Council of that province for new article- of in- 
coriioratiou. 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



The | pie of thai part of Naticook living west of 

the Merrimack petitioned for an act of incorporation 
for the territory lying between the Pennichuck Brook 
and the Souhegan River, bounded on the east by the 
Merrimack River and on the west by a line running 
due north from Pennichuck Pond to the Souhegan 
River. The petition was granted, and the people that 
inhabited or should inhabit the above-defined terri- 
tory were " declared and ordained to be a town cor- 
porate, and erected and incorporated into a body 
politic, and a corporation to have continuance forever, 
by the name of Merrimack." 

The act was dated April 2, 1746, which was there- 
fore the birth-day of the town of Merrimack. 

The following is a literal copy of the records of the 
first meeting under the charter: 

■ Itaineeting ol the Inhabitants on March the Irl, 1746, Lawfully, 

Caiit. Jonathan ruining i lio-n M ...l.-i .it. .1 . I tli. meeting; Phinehas 

Undent t Ohose Town Clatk ; Phinehas Underwood, Mr. John Usher, 

Mr. ZecariahStarns Chosen Seleet n ; William 1 >.. t t.-n Chose Constable ; 

Ephriam Powers Chose Tithinmaii ; Jonas Barrat Chose Saviaet of High- 
ways; William Lnn.l ami Jonathan Powers Chosen tiel.l Olivers; .tames 

Kara and Timothy I mlerw .1 chosen fence veears; all which Persons 

was chose,, into the Respective offices as above, this ithdaj ol March, 
1741'.. "Phinehas Underwood, Town Clark. 

'"Man .March the 4th, 1746. 

New Hamps. I 

"The above Persons was sworn to the faithfull deschargi of there 

Respective Offices before me, "Joseph Blanchard, Jtut Peeos. 

'■ Att the meting Before mentno.l, it was then Voted that the Comons 

in this Town he hi., /e.l t T . ■ ■ .mi v.-ai. ami that Kaeh Propr. Resi.lant 

,„i unresidanton Ech Bftj Eacre o< imfenced Land h. iwi 

Beast, and in Proportion lor a Grate] Quantitj in this Town and 

unfe I, and iii as much as su I the Inhabitants of this Town has 

it Quantitj "i unfem I Lands to graze the whole of there 
stock, that in Consideration of there paying Taxes and assistance in the 
Charge i t the Town, thai thav have libarty to Graze all the Cattle and 
horses they have of thare own property, E.pile ami in the same mannei 

as if they had a .sufficient of the Coinoi, in the wn Rights, and that 

the Cattle aiel horses thus gni/.ed on the Comons he all Entered with the 
Clark, and that he have one shilling old tenor for Receiving and fileing 
sit- h list and Keeping them on tile 

"Phinehas Undebv, , Town Clarl 

The latter portion of the above record gives us a 
glimpse of the hardships and struggles of pioneer life. 
Think of turning cattle and horses loose to pick a 
living in the untouched forest, and of the daily anx- 
iety of mothers whose sons were " gone after the 
cows," exposed to the attacks of wandering savages 
and wild beasts and the many unknown dangers of 
the vast wilderness! 

( >nc of the first things to be done by the town in 
its corporate capacity was to secure preaching of the 
gospel ; indeed, it was usually one of the conditions of 
the grants of lands and charters that "a meeting- 
house should be built and a learned and orthodox 
minister he employed." Consequently, in a few weeks 
after the reception of the charter, another meeting 
was held to choose a committee to "hire preaching 
and to order the place to have the preaching tit." 

The records for the next twenty-five years bear con- 
stant witness to their persistent efforts to build a 
meeting-house and settle a pastor, a work of so much 
difficulty was it to hew out homos for themselves in 



the forest, build roads and 1. ridges and establish what 
tin \ deemed necessities— church and schools. 

Rev. Daniel Emerson, of Hollis, preached for them 
occasionally, and a Mr. Cheever was hired to act as 
their minister for a time, the meetings being held at 
various houses in different parts of the town, and 
sometimes, very likely, in bams. 

A portion of the present town north of the Souhe- 
gan was granted to Pa-saconaway, as mentioned above, 
but it seems to have reverted to the province, for the 
same tract was embraced in a grant afterward made 
to the soldiers and the heirs of soldiers who had 
served in King Philip's War, whence these lands were 
known as the Narragansett townships. The proprie- 
tors organized in 1733 and arranged for selling their 
hinds to settlers, and the portion embracing Bedford 
and the northern part of Merrimack, named Souhegan 
East, had been settled to some extent previous to 1750. 
Iu that year the people of Merrimack sent in a peti- 
tion to the Governor and Council, representing "that 
their hind is very mean and ordinary, and therefore 
incapable of supporting such a number of inhabitants 
as will enable them to support the charge of a town 
without a further addition of hind and inhabitants. 
Wherefore, they humbly prayed that an addition might 
be made to the town of Merrimack, on the northerly 
side thereof, of a tract of land about three miles in 
breadth and four and a half in length." This petition 
was granted on the 5th of June, 1750, thereby ex- 
tending the boundaries of the town three miles farther 
north and completing its present limits. 

Tin- town records for the same year contain several 
items of interest. People then, as now, sometimes 
found the burden of life too great to bear; for Mary 
Badger was found dead, and the jury brought in the 
verdict that "she layed hands on herself and hanged 
herself till dead." There was the same lack of 
unanimity as now; for, under the date of November 
12, 1750, the record reads — 

"We, the subscribers, do hereby enter our protest against joining 
nit!, the rest ol the inhabitants of the town of Herrymac as to Church 
Government. 

"Robert Gillmore, Patrick Taggard, John Thomas, Jonas Kinadaj 
John Morehead. "Phinehas Undeewood, Town CHari." 

This year they voted one hundred and twenty dol- 
lars for highways, twenty-eight dollars for preaching 
and one hundred dollars for a bridge over the Souhe- 
gan. Eleazer Blanchard was paid one dollar and 
sixty cents for ''killing one woulf." 

In 1753 forty dollars was voted for preaching, thirty 
for schools, which were to be kept in four different 
places to accommodate the people in different parts 
of the town, and a petition was sent to the General 
Court for authority to tax non-resident lands. 

In 1 7o5. Phineas Underwood was appointed "to take 
care that the deer in this town be not killed at an un- 
lawful season." A tax was assessed on non-resident 
hinds to build a meeting-house, eighty dollars voted 
for preaching, one hundred dollars for raising the 
frame of the meeting-house and Joseph Stearns was 



MERRIMACK. 



invited to settle as minister. The place selected for 
the meeting-house was about thirty rods south of Tur- 
key Hill bridge, very marly al the exad centre of 
town. 

The next year saw the realization of many long-de- 
ferred plans and hopes, in the erection of the building 
which was to serve for many years both as meeting- 
house and town-house. The building yet stands, long 
since disused, except for storage purposes. 

In 1763 the burying-place was cleared and fenced, 
and niie hundred and twenty dollars voted for a min- 
ister. At this period we find for the first time the 
word "dollars" used, the records previously desig- 
nating the amount of money in pounds. 

In 1764 three hundred and twenty dollar- were raised 
for highways. Two years later it was voted Dot to 
raise any money for school-. 

In 1767 a census was taken, with the following re- 
sult: 

Married men " " " 65 

Hoys 98 

Men over 60 8 

Unmarried females 121 

Married " 65 

Widows 9 

Slaves 3 

Acres of arable land 377 

Acres of orchards 19 

Acres of pasture laud . r »4 

Oxen 117 

Cows 168 

Young cattle 188 

From time to time various persons were hired to 
preach, some as "supplies," some as candidates for 
settlement, but no permanent arrangement was reached 
Until, in 1771. a Congregational Church having been 
organized, the Rev. Jacob Burnap, of Reading, Mass., 
accepted a call which was given by the church and 
ratified in town-meeting. Mr. Burnap was twenty- 
three years of age, a graduate of Harvard, and a man 
of unusual ability, scholarship and prudence, — quali- 
ties which enabled him to hold the position until his 
death, a period of nearly fifty years. He lived on the 
place now owned by James Wendell ami reared a 
family of thirteen children ; but few of his descend- 
ants now remain in town. 

The names of the original members of the church 
were as follows : Jonathan Cummings, William Pat- 
ten, Ebenezer Hills, Jonathan Cummings, Jr., Jonas 
Barrett, Benjamin Hassell, Jacob Wilson, Thomas 
Barnes, Samuel Spalding, Henry Fields, Hannah. w ife 
of Jacob Wilson, Sarah, wife of Samuel Spalding, 
Rachel, wife of Thomas Barnes. Only fourteen church 
members in a population then numbering nearly five 
hundred ! A significant item for the consideration of 
those who believe that the gospel is losing its power. 
Tin- pastor's salary was, at first, fifty pounds per an- 
num, with seventy-five pounds for settlement, lawful 
monev. 



In this same year sixty dollars was raise. I for school- 
ing, to lie expended by the selectmen. The select- 
men were appointed overseers of the poor, ami we 
find the first record of a practice, which continued 
from time to time, of warning persons out of town, 
this being done to secure the town from the obligation 
to support them in ease of necessity, and to throw the 
responsibility on the town from which they came. 

Captain John Chamberlain wa- elected as the first 
representative to the i teneral Assembly. The wan-ant 
for the town-meeting is for the first time dated " in the 
County of Hillsborough." 

The meeting-house was not yet finished inside, and 
in 1773 the pew-ground was sold at auction, purchas- 
ers to build uniform pews at their own expense, the 
proceeds of the sale being devoted to finishing the 
building. 



('II A.PTEB V. 
MERRIMACK— (Continued). 

REVOLT TIONAKY WAR, 1775 83. 

Jam \i:y 16, 1775, in response to a letter from the 
Provincial Committee, "Captain John Chamberlain 
wa- chosen as delegate to a convention at Exeter, for 
the purpose of choosing a delegate to attend a Conti- 
nental ( 'ongress to be holden in Philadelphia in May." 
Such was the first notice taken by the town in its of- 
ficial capacity of the great struggle for independence; 
but, doubtless, the subject had been thoroughly dis- 
cussed by the sturdy pioneers, so that when the time 
came they were prepared to act pr ptly. 

At this time the most prominent man in town was 
Edward Goldstone Lutwyche, an English gentleman 
ot' education ami a lawyer by profession. When the 
news of the battle of Lexington reached Merrimack, 
Mr. Lutwyche was colonel of the Fifth Regiment of 
the provincial militia, ami he was importuned by his 
officers and men to lead them against the enemy. This 
he refused to do and tried to discourage others from 
going. The result was that Mr. Lutwyche bit town 
between two days, joined General Cage, in Boston and 
was never seen in Merrimack again. 

The people, thus deprived of their natural leader, 
organized a town-meeting without waiting for any 
authoritj or even com]. lying with the usual legal 
forms, appointed a Committee of Safety and enlisted 
fifteen Minute-Men, who were literally to be ready 
to march at a minute's warning. 

New Hampshire furnished more than one-half of the 
men engaged in the battle of Bunker Hill, and eleven 
of them were from Merrimack. Town-meetings were 
frequent during the first years of the war, to raise 
money, enlist men, provide powder and aid in organ- 
izing the new form of government. 

In 177". the town united with Bedford in choosing 
Jonathan P.lanehard to represent them in the General 
( longress of the province, whii h met at Exeter. 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



In 1777 thi' town-meeting was called in the name 
of the government and people of the State oi New 

Hampshire. 

In 1788 the Articles of < 'oiif'edcrat ion were approv ed 
of by vote of the town, and their representative was 
instructed to vote to instruct the New Hampshire 
delegate in Congress to vote for the same. The rep- 
resentative was also instructed to vote for a conven- 
tion to form a State constitution. Solomon Hutchin- 
son was elected to represent the town in the » lonstitu- 
tional Convention which met at Concord. John Alld 
received a counterfeit thirty-dollar hill in paymentfor 
his services in the Continental army, and the town 
voted to give him thirty dollars of good money. 

When the Continental currency depreciated in value 
the town voted to pay Captain John Chamberlain 
sixteen hundred dollars for sixteen dollars due him, 
but they at first refused to vote a similar arrangement 
to make g 1 the minister's salan ; yet at a subse- 
quent meeting the vote was passed and Mr. Burnap 
was not starved out of town. 

In 1781, Simeon Cummings was elected delegate 
to the convention, and the constitution that had been 
formed was adopted with some modifications. 

In 1783, Jonathan Cummings was elected delegate, 
from which it appears that the constitution had not 
vet been satisfactorily modified. Meantime, the de- 
velopment of the internal affairs of the town was not 
neglected. In 1776 the selectmen wire instructed to 
"divide the town into school districts and proportion 
the school money among them." In 1777 it was voted 
io creel stocks and a whipping-post. 

In 1783 the school districts were authorized to ex- 
pend the scl 1 money. 

It is said that more than forty men from Merrimack 
served in the Revolutionary War, but it has been im- 
possible to find the names of more than thirty-eight, 
and of the following list it is possible that some did 
noi helong in Merrimack, the only evidence in some 
cases being that their names are given on the pay- 
rolls of the New Hampshire regiments as being 
credited to this town. 

REV0LUTI0NAR1 SOLDIERS FROM MERRIMACK 

David Allds (Lieul 1 ...■ I Mil-. Caesar Barnes, William Barron 
Capt. . Jonathan Barron, lugustus Blanchard (Capt.), John Combs, 
William Cook, John Con Ire H lliam Cowen (deserted), Abel Davis, 
Tl las Davis, James Dl kej Natl inii key, John Fields, John 



CHAPTER VI. 
MERRIMACK— {Continued). 
CIVIL HISTORY, 1784-1846. 

There is little of special interest to record for 
ian\ years after the Revolution. It was a time of 



peaceful development, with few changes of import- 
ance. In 1808 the care of the poor, which had for 
many years devolved upon the selectmen, was dis- 
posed of by selling them to the- lowest bidder, and this 
barbarous practice was continued for several years. 
It seems that there was an unusual amount of poverty 
in town at this period, for in 1815 it required fifteen 
hundred dollars to support the poor. 

In 1810 a step in advance in behalf of education 
was taken by appointing a committee to inspect the 
schools. The first committee consisted of Rev. Jacob 
Burnap, James Wilkins and Simeon Kenney. This 
was the beginning of supervision of schools. 

Il is a matter of curiosity to note that in L812, 
Daniel Webster had seventy votes in Merrimack foi 
representative to Congress, while bis competitor, John 
F. Parrot, had ninety-one! The best of people are 
liable to mistake-. 

In 1822 the town voted to give permission to the 
Universalis! Society, which had been organized, to 
use the meeting house one Sabbath in each quarter, 
and this practice was continued lor many years, with 
a gradual increase in the number of Sabbaths, until 
in a few years the Universalists occupied the house a 
fourth part of the time. 

In 1825 it was voted to give permission to any in- 
dividual, or individuals, who chose to do so. to place 
stoves in the meeting-house. This startling innova- 
tion was not without opponents, but the money was 
raised by subscription and the house warmed, chiefly 
through the efforts of Dr. Abel Goodrich and Dan- 
iel T. Ingalls. 

In 1826-28 the present district system was fully 
inaugurated by the institution of prudential com- 
mittees, elected bj the separate districts, with power 
to hire teachers, the latter being required to be ex- 
amined by the superintending committee. 

In this year we have the first and only notice of the 
Eastern Star Lodge, which was granted the use of the 
meeting-house for its installation ceremonies. 

A discount for prompt payment of taxes W as first 
ottered in 1827, and at the same time it was ordered 
that taxes remaining unpaid at the March meeting 
should besold to the highest bidder with power to 
collect. 

In 1829 was organized a second Congregational 
Church, styled the Union Evangelical Church in 
Merrimack, with Samuel II. Tollman as its pastor. 
It was composed of people dwelling in Hollis, Am- 
herst, Milford and Nashua, as well as in Merrimack, 
and the meeting-house was located in the village of 
South Merrimack, or Centerville. 

Voting bj cheek-list was first practiced in 1832. 

A p -farm was purchased in 1835, as a more hu- 
mane and economical method of earing for the poor, 
and in the following year it was voted to make it a 
house of correction also. The town farm was man- 
aged by an agent appointed by the town until 1868, 
when it was sold and the poor were ordered to be 



MKKKIMACK. 



cared for by the selectmen, with the proviso thai do 
one should be carried to the county farm contrary to 
his wish. 
Centennial Anniversary.— April ::. 1846, was a 

marked day in the history of the town, tor then was 
celebrated the one hundredth year of I In- town's cor- 
porated existence. A committee was appointed in 
town-meeting to make all necessary arrangements, 
and as the annual fast-day came on April 2d, the cele- 
bration was appointed lor the following day. Roberl 
McGaw was appointed president of the clay ; Nathan 
Parker and Samuel McConihe, vice-presidents; 
Joseph IS. Holt and Captain Ira Spalding, marshals. 

An able and interesting historical address was 
given by Rev. Stephen T. Allen, pastor of the First 
( ihurch. 

A largo party of ladies and gentlemen took dinner 
at the hotel of .1. Nevins, after which there were im- 
promptu speeches by citizens ami gentlemen from 
neighboring towns, and letters were read from former 
citizens who ware unable to he present. A suggestion 
having been made that centennial trees be set out in 
the meeting-house grounds, a lew days later the fol- 
lowing persons assembled there and each set out a 
thrifty elm-tree, the numbers annexed to the trees in 
the diagram below showing, by tic corresponding 
numbers attached to the names of the persons, who 
planted each tree. 

DIAGRAM OF CENTENNIAL TREES. 















; 




© 
















58 


57 












MEETING 


; 


© 


















56 












HOUSE. 






















© 






■ 


© 


















■ 




44 


46 


46 






47 


48 


4'.. 


§ 


■ 


Q 












■ 
37 


G 


© 


■' 


Q 


G 


- 


G 


© 




28 


■j., 


30 


31 


32 


33 


34 


'" 


36 


G 





© 


Q 




G 


© 






•n 


20 






23 


22 




-'" 


19 


G 







Q 




© 




• 




10 


11 


12 


13 


14 


15 


16 


17 


18 


Q 


; 


Q 


© 





© 


• 


o 


G 


9 


8 


7 


6 




* 


'' 


2 


1 


s i i; i: t; r , 



No. 

32. Charles \ iii» i 

33. Stephen T mi,,, 

i Boyw a 
n P. Nti hi 
36. Lewis i ampb, i, 
31 3 pi, B Kevins 



7 Alonsso M. Conine 

9. Samuel Bai 

10. James A IVIcKean. 

11. David T Jones 

12. Jacoh Burnap. 

13. 0, s Chase. 

14. Samuel C Nesmith. 

15. Nathan Parker. 

16. Henry Parker. 
it C, T Nouree. 



38. 



Chi 



, \V. Campbell. 
; McKean. 
,n, McGilvray. 
, McGa« 



.Mi- Marj 



Rufuf CI 1 

Mrs si bj I 
James II, ,1-. 
Ebenezer Boj 
William Wall 



William W. McKean. 

■ t tli,,,, .' - 

Simeon Kenny, Jr. 

Mi- i ml, .'in ii Ki nil 

Elkanah P. Parki , 

I lard Walker. 

R it W. French. 



Kiel 



.I..-. i,h si,. 



s:. David . I,, iii's. 

24. Reuben Barnes. 

25. Henry U. Eaton. 
■ir,. Shubal Weeks 
27. Joseph II. Wilson. 
28 James Parker. 

30. Frederick A. Bartlett. 

31. Samuel Campbell. 

School Matters.— Iii 1855 a movement was made 

in school matters which ought, to have been followed 
upuntilit developed into acomplete town organization. 

The superintending ami prudential committees were 
constituted a School Hoard auxiliary to the St ate Board, 
and required to hold a meeting for consultation pre- 
vious to the opening,,!' the schools. If, now, it bad 
been further required that no teachers should be em- 
ployed except upon examination in presence of this 

hoard, we might have had a civil service HI in 

this department of public service thirty years ago. 



-The trees marked ■ 



CHAPTER VI I. 
MERRIMACK -{Continued . 



In L860 the number of men enrolled in Merri- 
mack as capable of military duty was a hundred and 
fifteen. 

When the war opened, volunteers went from Mer- 
rimack, as from all the North, and in 1861 the town 
voted five hundred dollars to aid the families of 
volunteers. The following year a bounty of three 
hundred dollars was offered to cadi volunteer, and 

William T. Parker was appointed a c mittee to see 

that the money was properly applied and that the 
town should be properly credited for the nun sent. 
He was afterwards made military agent for the town, 
with instructions to keep the town's quota full, and 
at times was given full power to expend monej at his 
owu discretion. He served in this capacity through the 



r>:u 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



entire war wit li gnat efficiency and zeal, devoting r. i the 
business much of bis time ami energy, to the neglect 
of his private affairs, and never asked for a single 
dollar as compensation for his services. 

I he highest bounty paid was live hundred ami fifty 
dollars, and that was done by vote of the town. 

The whole number of men called for from Merri- 
mack was a hundred and twenty. Eighty-three citi- 
zens volunteered (one of whom was credited to 
another town), twenty-five citizens sent substitutes, 
nine substitutes were hired by the town, and seven 
citizens re-enlisted (one of whom was credited to 
another town), so that the whole number credited to 
Merrimack was a hundred and twenty-two. 

LIST OF VOLUNTEERS FROM MERRIMACK. 

I> As'iuitli, Ilaviil \s.|iiith, l':iviil Uw ], Natlianii-! e. Haiki-l'. .lulm 

Barnes, liilman Blood, George r Bowers, John II. Bowers, Charles L. 

Brighara, Henry F. Butte Id, Joseph Cady, William H. Campbell, 

Wallace Clark, Abel M. Colby, Henry Collins, Horace B. Corning 

(killed rge \\ . I'm:, -enlisted M ittl hi. key, Hugh Dolan, 

Peter H. B. Dolan, Edward A. Downi killed), R II Dnffey, ge W. 

mi is F, Flint, George w I lint, I ourtland Follansl li d 

rison), Charles G. Foot, Edward P, French, A. s Gardner, 
Gardner, Frank T. Gardner, Edwin Goodwin, Charles 0. 
aceS. Gould, Warren Green, Charles N. Green (re-enlisted 

stoned - tenant), JamesHale, Levi W. Hall, Richard 

sorted), David Henderson, Jr., James Henderson, William 
Silas P. Hubbard, 1'.. Ivison, John II. Jackman, Spence F. 
,mas Law, Patrick Lee, Charles H. Longa, George B. Longa 



Fisl 



r.,si,i 



>l.-in>, iliul A. 51. elm. . -,n u- I M.i lm.-, I.iih.-M M.i li.'ir.- 

enlisted), Charles II M Gili rgi I Hi Girreraj Edward 

MoKean (re-enlisted), Rufus Merriam (killed), Charles \\ Morgan, 
James L. Nash, 'John P. Y. Nichols (died In camp at Concord), Groves- 

nor Nichols, Charles W. Pa r, Corwin J. Parker, Nathan A Parker, 

Thomas \ Parker, Henry C. Patrick (killed), John G. Reed, James \ 
Reed, George II. Bobbins, John L. Robbins, George V Savage, Orison 

Saij'lt'iM.ii, Ali-xHinliT S!i;a k.\ . I ..l. .o— .-il in llialM.nl, Mattlnw P. 

Tenm ni, rge W iley, Charles w ilkinson. 



CHAPTER VIII. 
MEKRIMACK— (Continued). 

CIVIL HISTORY FROM 1866 TO 1885. 

Until 1872 the old meeting-house continued to 
be used as a town-house ; but, though it was a1 the 
centre of territory, it was not at the centre of popu- 
lation of the town, nor was it adapted to the purpose 
of social gatherings, which constitute so important a 
part of the lite of a town; so, at the time above named, 
an appropriation of live thousand dollars was voted, 
which resulted in the construction of the convenient 
new town-house, located in Souhegan village, jus) 
south of the new meeting-house. It is used not onlj 
for town business, but also for social gatherings and 
the regular meetings of the various social and benev- 
olent organizations which havecome into existence in 
the past tew years. It i> also rented to traveling 
amusement companies at five dollars per night. 

The new town-house was dedicated January 1, 



1873, on which occasion Rev. C. L. Hubbard gave 
an interesting account of the origin, development 
and results of the town system of New England, and 
Benjamin Ela gave a full and interesting history of 
the old town-house. 

In 1875 commenced the struggle for the abolition 
of school districts and the institution of a town system 
of management tor the schools. The change was 
voted down then, as it has been many times since, 
but the decreasing majorities of the school district 
party prove that in the end the town system is likely 
to triumph. 

In 1875 a receiving tomb was built in the cemetery 
near the new meeting-house at an expense of three 
hundred dollars. 

In 1879 it was voted, eighty-seven to twenty-seven, 
to suppress the sale of eider, heer and malt liquors, 
and this provision has been vigorously enforced ever 
since. " Prohibition does prohibit" in Merrimack at 
least. 

In 1880 the town received a legacy of $611.78 from 
the "Wheeler" estate, which was placed at interest, 
to be disposed of as the town may see tit in future. 

In 1883 a road-machine was purchased and the 
mad tax collected in money, so that " working out 
mad taxes" is a thing of the past. 

In 1884 the town came into possession of a legacy of 
sixteen thousand five hundred dollars from the estates 
of Joseph N. and Jane N. Gage, the income of which 
is to be divided among the districts in proportion to 
the number of school children in each, and Charles 
S. Nesmith was appointed agent to take care of the 
fund. 

In 1885 two thousand dollars was appropriated to 
enlarge the town house, the purpose being to render 
it more convenient for social gatherings. 



CHAPTER IX. 

MERRIMACK— (Continued). 

PRKSENT CONDITION (1885). 

Merrimack contains about a thousand inhabitants, 
mostly employed in agricultural pursuits, and, though 
much of the soil is not rich, the substantial farms 
and neat and comfortable houses show that the peo- 
ple get a good living. 

There are four small villages, — Reed's Ferry, Merri- 
mack (or Souhegan), and Thornton's Ferry, situated 
on the Concord Railroad, along the Merrimack River, 
and South Merrimack, situated on the Nashua and 
Wilton Railroad. 

Manufactories. — Stephen C. Damon's mill, on the 
Souhegan River, in the central part of the town, af- 
fords grist-mill facilities, and produces sawn lumber 
of various kinds. It employs two or three men. 
Rodney Hodgman has a saw-mill at South Merri- 



MERRIMACK. 



535 



mack, on the Pennichuck, and Mr. Stowell a grist 
and saw-mill at the northwest corner of the town, 
on the Baboosuc. David T. Jones runs a grist-mil] on 
the Naticook Brook, near Thornton's Ferry. 

Brick-making was commenced in this town by Eri 
Kittredge about forty years ago, the bricks being 
transported to Lowell and elsewhere by boats on the 
Merrimack River. The business is still carried on by 
his sons, Joseph Kittredge and Eri Kittredge, Jr., but 
the Concord Railroad now carries the bricks to mar- 
ket. This firm produced the largest number about 
ten years ago, when the product reached 2,200,000, 
selling for $22,000, and giving employment to over 
twenty men. The present product is about 600,000, 
selling for about sHUnn, and employing seven men. 
There have been several oilier brick-yards in town 
at various times, but all except the Kittri 
have been given up. Jerry W. Kittredge has for many 
years carried on the business of manufacturing over- 
alls, pants, jackets, etc., giving employment to a num- 
ber of ladies at their homes. 

The first use of the excellent water privilege at 
Souhegan was by Captain John Chamberlain, who 
built the first grist-mill and the tirst saw-mill in town. 

Isaac Riddle built mills there for the manufacture 
of cotton and woolen goo. Is and nails. He was 
burned out in 1818, rebuilt, and carried on the busi- 
ness until again burned out in 1829. 

Later, David Henderson carried on an extensive 
business in the mills which had been rebuilt, manu- 
facturing carpets, cotton and woolen g Is, etc. 

Most of the buildings were once more destroyed by 
fire in 1882, but fortunately the building occupied by 
Thomas Parker escaped. 

The Thomas Pabkeb Table Company, which 
has done a good business for many years, manufac- 
tures black walnut and chestnut extension tables 
and dining and office tables. Ten men are employed. 
The annual pay-roll amounts to lour thousand five 
hundred dollars; more than two thousand five hun- 
dred tables are produced, and their value is about 
fifteen thousand dollars. 

William M. West is the present efficient manager. 

Fessenden & Lowell are manufacturers of fish 
and syrup package-, cooper stock, and lumber. The 
partners are Anson D. Fessenden, of Townsend, 
Mass., and Levi F. Lowell, of Merrimack, N. H. 
This firm commenced business at Reed's Ferry in 
1872, and gives steady employment to fifty men, and 
to a larger number at some seasons of the year. The 
annual product is 240,000 fish packages, 2,500,000 
staves and 1,500,000 feet of lumber. Monthly pay- 
roll, $2500; capital invested, $65,000. 

Merchants. — There are three stores in town stocked 
with the usual variety of dry-goods, groceries, hard- 
ware, etc.,— Porter & Co., at Reed's Ferry; W. J. 
Ayer, at Souhegan ; and G. B. Griffin, at Thornton's 
Ferry. 

Hotels. — There is only one hotel, and that is kept 



by William Kennedy at South Merrimack; its prin- 
cipal income is derived from summer boarders. 

Professional Men. — There is but one minister per- 
manently located in town. Rev. E. A. Slack, pastor 
of the First Congregational Church; one physician,— 
Warren W. Pillsbury, who is located at Souhegan. 

No lawyer has been able to get a living in town for 
many years past. 

Town Finances.— 1 hiring the year closing March 
1, 1885, there was expended for highways and bridges, 
S1227.17; for support of the i r, $83.50; for inci- 
dentals, $1234.55; for schools, $2070.27; Slate and 
county taxes, $2536.69. The town has $3872.07 de- 
posited in bank and has no debt. 

It has not been necessary to levy any tax for town 
expenses for several years, and consequently taxes 
are very light. Of the sum expended for schools, 
$454.23 came from the "Gage Fund," and about fifty 
per cent, more will be received from that source next 
year and hereafter, as the town received the income 
from it for only about eight months of the past year. 
The amount deposited in savings-banks to the credit 
of individuals resident in town may be inferred from 
the fact that the town received $2223.22 from the 
State treasurer as savings-bank tax. 

Public Schools.— The whole number of pupils en- 
rolled is about a hundred and seventy, all of whom 
study reading, spelling and penmanship, nearlj all 
Study arithmetic and geography, about one-half study 
grammar, and one-third United States history. There 
arc a few classes in drawing and vocal music, and 
here and there one or two pursue some High School 
study. The money is divided among twelve districts, 
and while some have thirty-six weeks of school in 
the year, others have no more than twenty, the aver- 
age being twenty-live and four-tenths. 

The methods of leaching used arc mostly the same 
as those of twenty-five years ago, and the results are 
as good as can be expected under the circumstances. 

Occasionally a teacher is employed who introduces 
the improved methods now adopted in the normal 
schools and in the better class of city schools, and 
some of the leading citizens of the town are earnestly 
working to secure a change to the town system, so 
that better methods may become universal. 

A goodly number of the young people of Merri- 
mack are pursuing High School studies at their own 
expense, eighteen of whom were enrolled at McGaw 
Normal Institute during the past year. 

Merrimack furnish, s two college students at present, 
and one student of medicine. 



CHAPTER X. 
MERRIMACK Continued). 

CHur.i ins. 
First Congregational Church.— This sketch of 

the history of the First Congregational Church of 



5.;<; 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Merrimack is i iposed largeh of an extract from an 

address by the pastor, Rev. C. L. Hubbard, delivered 
.,, th< centennial celebration of the organization of 
the church, September 5, 1871. 

Alter speaking of the organization of the church 
and the settlement of the first pastor, wh 
have been described in the foregoing history, he 



"Inning tin- first hull-century of the church', .-xi-i. 

lik, that of any plai an among us, is remarkably uneventful. The 

usual proportion ot the iK.j.uU.ti I the mivn were received into its 

communion, there were the usual number of di-mis-i , and — mam 

I from it. 

pari of tin- line', at lca-l as appeals tioiu the 1 1 1. tie- 

to maintain the character of a I hristian - 

bers are Cited to appear and shew rail* why Ih'-i al~.-nt.-d Hi.-iiisel.es 

from public worship i brethren al varia are required to adjust their 

dltl.-len. '.-, a.. ..r.lihg I" the Mnptuial rule, and II i- actuallj the Case 

that several diffl. ulties are settled in tin- way , and its - 
commendable purpose to preserve its purity. 

"The balf-way covenant then had a place in the usages ..l the 

..... recognized her-. A bn.-f account of it may be ..fuse. 

]-, niuira! lner-ase and from iinliiigtiition from al.r-.ad, the class of 

persons in the colonies not qualified to profess i-li-ioii -.on I.e.. me 
numerous. Many of tbeln were highly respectable for their talents and 
general worth of character, and ii was fell to be a hardship that they 

should be deprived of the pnviL-e.- >.-.! Li - is around them, 

and especially that thej Bhould b. .1.-1.1. ■ i lie n-htot baptism tin- their 

"To obviate th lifflcnlties was the object ..I the ball-way covenant. 

It provided that all pel-sons of sober lib all- 1 I - iitiments. without 

being examined as to a change of heart, mighl I mi ■ 

church and have theii children baptized, though they did not partake 
of the Lord's Supper. 

"The time when this custom was given up cannot be accurately 
determined, but it was probably at the close ot Hr. Burnap's ministry 

in 1821, 

■- \t the co.uinen. .111.-111 ..1 11 011.1 hall century, though the . uurch 

received accessions from time to time, il was redui ed to a verj low and 

}-i - .; 1 in- ondition. 

■•Three . .in-.-- can be traced a- producing this,— 
M.,1,1 ,1 not in th had passed away, and the 

death oi the first pastol asioned the 

tj.-s that bind a chinch together. 

■■ I I,. leg.nd that many b.i.l t.'l lln- 
their service could not I..-, . -i «.i- not, . 
coldness and dissatisfaction ell-lied. 

••Then it was the fact that many of the lending citi/. 11- ..t tie town 
alienated from the church, and at this Ii ,1 I nuei-ali-l 

formed. 

•■In Isle the ...a was pa.-ed by the New llaliip-liii- I 

. 1 ,|,.„ 11. «,.,-,. ,, mli i-i ,1 in, apable ..1 

raising mon. \ 1 .1 He- suppoii -1 . 

I hue, al e time when the pastoi was i. moved by death and many of 
the citizens were cold and indifferent to the claim 
n ligion upon them, the ' ' m.'l-- ihe experiment 

of voluntary Bupport, 

"The ensiling period ol eighteen \-ais ilrolu l.-'Jl e 
ot the gical— t anxiety to those who w-r- interested in maintaining the 
institutions ..1 the gospel. 

•■ In ls-J-J th. M. 1 inn 1. 1. beh.-e.u- Soei. IV "as ... 

nrill. :iu.l . oti-e ntly the observance of the ordinances 

of religion was irregular. But in 1825, having gained confidence in 

their ability to support a minister, thi church md Bociety called the 
Rei Stephen Morse, and he was installed as their pastor. 

■-Ire, 1 tin- I lab- tie .1 _-M, 1 . -.il [ fill. >,il,l,.,Hi--rli. - d. d-s- 

lie.-. I by it- lie -tie .-1- '! in-li .1. Il- 11 I, l.il.e II... place ,,l tlie catechising 

■■ 1 loU-lv .-ll-l Ill 

"And here allow me to quote tie alio, for more 

tilllll folty yea 1- e.. I - up, 1 ml, lei, Hi -Tie -, lb balh -ele „,1 h. 1- been 
generally well attended and ilit-l — ting, an. I tlie 

t., th.- ehur.-h have usually been from 11- ranks. 1 



1 : M . el V. 



■'The strength of the church and -...i.-ty seems not to have been 
...n,, 1, „t 1,,, the work assumed . foi m 1828, three years all. rwards, 
,,, He, I Hi M..i-, a.-king for dismission on the ground of inadequate 
support, and his request wn- grant.-.!. 

"Aftei this there was a long period during which the church had no 

settled minister and went 00 much as during the pret ious interregnum 
when a sum of money had I n raised by tax ..n the members of the 

soei.-u .,1 1,\ -iil.-inpti 01 nas ,,..ne.l 1 1" the Home Missionary 

-;,„ h-1\. il iva- expended in preaching; when the money wa.s exhausted 

Sabbath 

-•Hut there is .me thing that is worthy of special notice: whether 

Ihe,,. „;,. pre, ell. lie oil Hie Sabbutll "I ll"t. eight ' 111 1-1 CHI Illl-ll IlR't 

w.-ekly at the church and asked Hod to verify His promises to I belli, 
and revive His work in this pla... When we learn this fact wi u 
longer surprised that during this time that they were apparently for- 
saken their iiiaver- were being answered. 

"There i lis ious inb n -t in i onnection with the 

lab.u-s of the Rev. Mr. Hartley. Many Christian families removed to 
the town within this time, and tie- affairs of the church began to mend. 

■•In Is.;: ill. |, i.s. in house oi worship was erected. This was a 

...ntage in three particulars,— 

■-1 [t afforded a suitable opportunity foi tin reorganization of the 

"2. It led i" . reorganization ol Ihe Religious Society, many uniting 
with it who had previously been in. -ml. -is ..f a different 

■-.;. ii. ■ broughl ... arei th ntn ol population, 

as South Merrimack had been detached from tin- parish in 1829. 

"All this time their efforts to obtain a minister bad not been - 
and in 1839 lie- Rei Stephen T. Allen became Hen pastor, a relation 

that I., sustained to them for ten years 

■■Tie- period ..1 tin- past.. nil,- wa- naturally the tine- for putting 

things in ord.-r. and Mr. Allen seems t,, have 1 n eminent'; fitted foi 

this work, 

"In addition to his pi ..per ministerial labors, he contributed largely 

to the development of Hi cial lib- of tin- town ; he wa- an active and 

iiitiiienti.il friend of tie- cause of education ; he was a strong atel earnest 

ii.ho.ate ,.t lli. l.-inp.-i \. .in-lit. and ilium- hi- connection with 

them He- . Ii in . h was generally harmonious and pi. -p.- - 

•■ In 1849, on account ..f ill health. Mr. Allen wa- Ir-iiir— .1. and was 

-.. led within -. few ith_ l>. the Rev. E. G. Little. During his 

ministry tie ehur.-h enjoy-d the lu-t widespread revival in its history. 

Com ncing in November, 1851, withadeeper interest in 

mi- en. I :. lull, i . i u.-i.. l.i ie - upon th,- publii services oi the house of 

I all classes and extended to all parts of the town. As 

Hi, ,ii, i and mini,. dial. I. -lilt, mole than seventy were, ill a short time. 

added to the church, of whom more than forty were beads ..I '. li.~ 

■ Bui Ho- p. i I urge in 1854, 

and. tie- next year, was follow-.! by tie l;-v. K.lwni .1 Halt. Mr. Hart 
was eminently faithful a.- a pastor, and well qualified to a-sist those win. 

II... I ie, elltlj . Ol.lllielli ed Hie 1 111 ls.tl.lll life. 

. ,. mi,,,. i was continued throughout the period of his 
ministry, and the church received large addit - to its members and 

■ el id. 

• i lies- hl-l H -I'M- -. Ill to liaV. I II the light » tO C 

to this church, and to Inn- com- at the right times. 

■•Mr. All-n busi-.l binis-lf with tin- outward relation ol i Iim-chum 
and exhibited the gospel in its concrete forms, 

"Mr. Little l-.l m-ii fi-m He- contemplation of these thin-- to Jesus 

Christ as the sour.- of all g I and light. 

"Mr. Hart was eminently qualified to guard and help Hi-, aim. 

I, p. serve Christ, would n t with iniiiM Ii 

tntlitul counselor."' 

Mr. Hart closed his labors lure in 1865, impelled 
by luck rat' pecuniary support and ill health. 

Rev. .1. II. Bates supplied the pulpit for a year or 
two, and in 1868, Rev. C.G.Hubbard was installed 
as pastor. 

Mr. Hubbard, though fresh from the completion ot 
his studies, rapidly developed the characteristics of 
an effective minister. 

A series of meetings was held under the' auspices 
ui the Young Men's Christian Association, and re- 



MEKRIMACK. 



537 



suited in a great quickening of the church and the 
addition of many new members. 

This work was successfully continued by the pastor, 
so that there were almost constant additions, and at 
the same time he was a strong temperance worker, 
did much to elevate the public schools of the town, 
was a leader in the social life of the town, and by tie- 
strength and attractiveness of his sermons drew in a 
larger congregation than had ever before attended 
public worship. 

In 1878, Mr. Hubbard resigned, much against the 
wishes of the majority of the people, and, after several 
vain attempts to secure a settled pastor, Rev. Kingsley 
I-'. Norris consented to serve for a time as acting- 

The work of Mr. Norris was essentially evangelistic 
in its nature, ami resulted in the conversion of a large 
number of young people ami the establishment of a 
young people's prayer-meeting at Reed's Ferry, which 
still maintains a vigorous life (188-5), and is all the 
prayer-meeting that is regularly sustained by the 
church outside- of the Sunday services. 

Mr. Norris resigned in the spring of 1881, and Rev. 
I, L Slack, the present pastor, was installed in the 
autumn of the s:ime year. 

Tlie chief characteristic of Mr. Slack's ministry, so 
far, has ben steady, persistent, earnest, hard work, 
and it results in steady additions to the church, four- 
teen having united with tin- church during the past 
year, mostly on profession of faith. 

There are at present about two hundred names on 
the church-roll, about forty of whom are non-resi- 
dents. 

The following persons have served as deacons in 
the First Church: Jonathan Cummings, William 
Patten, Jonathan Cummings, Jr., Aaron Gage, Jr., 
Solomon Danforth, Benjamin Nourse, Augustus 
Lund, Daniel Ingalls, Robert McGaw, Joseph Wil- 
son. Robert I'. French, Harrison Eaton and Thomas 
Parker. The present incumbents are Matthew P. 
Nil hols. Francis A. Gordon and John Wheeler. 

The superintendents of the Sabbath-school have 
been as follows: Robert McGaw, Harrison Eaton, 
Nelson H. Brown anil P. II. Weston. The present 
superintendent is Francis \. Gordon. 

The new meeting-house has been repaired and 
modernized from time to time until now it is a very 
convenient and comfortable place of worship. The 
latest improvement was introduced in the fall of 1884 
and consisted of a hot-air furnace with ventilating 
flues, which has entirely removed the nuisance of 
-moking stove-pipes, and warms and ventilates the 

Union Evangelical Church in Merrimack.— This 
church was organized October 29, 1829, and was com- 
posed of persons living in Merrimack, Mollis, Am- 
herst. Milford and Nashua. 

The same year a meeting-house was built al S mth 
Merrimack. 



The lirst pastor was Res. Samuel II. Tollman. He 

was succeeded by Rev. John W. Shepherd in 1*44. 

Since the close of Mr. Shepherd's pastorate no 
minister has remained with this church for any 
length of time, its financial ability being too limited 
to furnish an adequate support. A Sabbath-school 
has been kept up most of the time, especially through 
the summer season. 



CHAPTER XI. 

MERRIM ICK— {Conti I . 

M'oAU NORMAL INSTITUTE. 

Tut: establishment of schools for the professional 
training of teachers marks the beginning of therecog- 

nili f teaching as a profession, ami was an impor- 
tant advance in the elevation of the human race. 

The lirst Normal School among English-speaking 

people, of which we have any record, was established 
ai Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1830 ; the next, at Milan, 
Ohio, two years later. 

In 1849 then- were only eight in the whole of the 
United States, three of which were in Massachusetts, 
and none in New Hampshire. Now there are two 
hundred and thirty-three within the limits .,f the 
Union, and many of them are doing a grand work. 

It was in 1849 that Professor William Russell, an 
alumnus of Glasgow University, and celebrated as the 
greatest elocutionist in the country, desired to devote 
himself more directly to the work of training 
teachers. 

Fortunately for this slate and town, he found in 
Merrimack men who could appreciate his idea and 
win. wen- willing to help in its realization. 

The Charter.— In the records of the New Hamp- 
shire Legislature lor 1849 we find the following: 



"Sec. 1st. Be it enacted by the Senate and House oi Representatives 
i„ General Court convened: That Rob rl McGa* Nathan Parker, 
Elkanah I'. Parker, Matthew P Sicholsand Nathan Parker, junior, and 
their associates, successors and assigns, hi .mi an hereb] madeabody 

an. I l.\ liiat ii. nil. tua\ -,,■ ami I"- -ii<-'l. j.r,,-,Tiit.- ami ,],-tend in final 
pal^m, lit ami <v-, ut a nil -lull I I ill v.- ami <--Il,j<>y all On- J.ri vile-. ■> an. I 

Herri K, in th tj of Hill- igh, l instruction ... youth 

,,, 1 nie teachers oi common -, Ih.mI, f.,i rlmn a|.|,r,.|„iate duties ; may 

erec t, maintain ami "« ii -iniaM. l.uil.lin-- tln-i.-ln . ami may hold real 

ami i .,,1 property to .my amount not e\ ding thirty thousand 

dollars. 

• •ski :i.l i:..l.-it M.i.au, Klkauali l' Parker and Matthew P 

. i them, ma) call th, firel o | ol saidcorpora- 

i , i„ i„. i,, ,i,i,.,, ai -.. -uiiaM,. tim,' ami pliua- iii said town of Merri- 
mack, bj causing a notification thereof to be posted up in some public 
place in said town „f Minima, l., ntt.-n .lay- |,ii,,i t,. th.- tin,.- appoint,-! 
lb, holdinc said meeting, a( which, oratsome future meeting duly called 
and holden, said corporation may adopt such constitution and by-laws, 
not inconsistent with the laws ,.i this Stat, , a- thej may consider neces- 
.. nt of their estate and funds, and for 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



tli'- '111'.' ..i.l.'i int. I -oven nl of their in-titntioti, ami may appoint or 

' b "1' i' officers .ut'l agents as tiny may think proper, ami prescribe 

their duties, ami may hold their Corporate plupei tv a. tnally rinp]'.y-l 

; ition. 
"Sec. 4th. The Legislature may at any time alter, amend or repeal 

(t| i i" i " i '''!'■ \lm, in i ] i. -i i .i|.ii i ion, in imi.lii ; aiay require it 

"SEC. 5th. Tin- art shall lake .11." I fro 

'•Sam'L If. Aim. 

' .S/'. ,. >,,,f.,ti,r> 

"Wa I'. Weeks, 

President of II,,' Senate 



Approved .Inly .11,. ls-l'.i 



1'IN 



Acting aa authorized above, the stockholders 
ganized August 22, 1849, with Robert McGaw 
president and Matthew I'. Nichols as secretary . 

treasurer. 

The stock was divided into thirty-one shares of 
ime hundred ami eighty-two dollars each. 

The following is tie: list ut' the original stock- 
hi, hlers ami the number of shares held by each : 

Simon Kenny, Jr., 1 share ; Eri Kim-edge, 1 share; William Head, 1 
share; Matthew 1' Niehols, 2shares: plkanah 1' Parker, 1 shares; Nathan 

Parker, a -hales; ];,,|,ert Met law, 1" -hates; Robert W. Kletl' h, 1 Shale ; 

.lesse Parker, - -hare- ; Thomas Parker, J share- ; .lane- Parker, 4 shares. 

The building was erected during the -initio' all ,i 
summer of 1849 by Asa 0. Colby, of Manchester. 
The contract price was four thousand-six hundred and 
fifty dollars, l.in - • 1 1 ; 1 1 1 - . - and additions increased the 
contractor's hill to nearly live thousand dollars, and 
subsequent improvements raised the total est t,, 
six thousand dollars or more. 

lite edifice consists of a central portion forty feet 
square and three stories bigh, and two wings, each 
thirtj feet square and two stories bigh, together with 
suitable out-buildings. It contains fifty rooms, ami 
affords convenient accommodations for thirty boarders. 

Professor Russell opened school August 27, 1849, 
and enrolled sixty-five students the first term. The 
total number of different students during the first 
year was a hundred and forty-four, of whom forty- 
two were in the teachers' class, and twenty of these 
taught school during the winter of 1849-50. 

The rules were few ami simple. The us,- of pro- 
fane language, of intoxicating beverages and tobacco, 
playing at cards or dice, and turbulent and noisy 
actions within the building were .strictly prohibited, 
ami punctuality was required. 

The boarding department was managed by Mr. and 
Mrs. John Wheeler, under whose administration the 
building was crowded to its utmost capacity, there 
being at times sixty roomers and eighty table 
boarders. 

Prices were low,— hoard, including everything but 
washing, being only a dollar ami a half per week, 
and tuition five dollars for English and seven and a 
half dollars for foreign languages, per term often 
weeks. 

flie reputation of Professor Russell and the excel- 
lence of the work a mplished drew a still larger 

number of students the second year. Tin largest 



enrollment in the history of the institution was at- 
tained in the spring of 1861, the number then being 
i, ne hundred and eight. 

Yet, with all this prosperity. Professor Russell must 
have found it difficult to pay his assistants and sup- 
port his family, and so we are not surprised to learn 
that his health failed, and he removed to Massachu- 
setts. 

The stockholders seem not to have untlerst 1 that 

a school of this character could not be so managed 
as to make it pay like an ordinary business enter- 
prise. 

The treasurer's hook shows that Professor Riis-ell 
paid three hundred dollars rent the first year, and 
the second year rent was received amounting to 
$311.64; $206.82 was paid during the third year. 

Afterwards the records are not clear, but it is evident 
that whatever was received for rent was expended 
iii repairs ami improvements, for in 1852 it was voted 
"That the Directors shall not expend any more 
money than the earnings from the building of the 
.Merrimack Normal Institute. 7 ' 

And so, after receiving two small dividends of two 
and a half and four dollars per share, respectively, 
all hopes that the stockholders may have entertained 
of getting pecuniary return for their investment 
vanished into the air. 

Yet, one man at least did not abandon the school, 
for during this same year philosophical and chemi- 
cal apparatus costing $275.50 was placed in the 
building by Robert McGaw. 

The records do not show how long Professor Rus- 
sell remained; but it appears that John W. Ray paid 
the rent in 1852, and Joseph Cushman and H. J. 
Patrick in 1853, during which time the attendance 
was good, ranging from fifty to eighty. 

In the summer of 1853, Harry Brickett, A. M., be- 
came principal. Recommenced with twenty students, 
but the number increased to -even ty -two in the spring 
of 1854, after which time it rapidly decreased, and it 
is probable that Mr. Brickett soon left, as the record 
of students here closes with twenty-six students in the 
summer of 1854. 

There is a record of twenty students in the spring 
of 1855, but the name of the principal is not given. 

About this time Levi Wallace, a former student, 
had charge of the school tor a while. 

In 1859 there is recorded a fall term with thirty 
students, under Samuel Morrison, principal. 

Some time titter, a Mr. Brown, who is now agent 
for Oberlin College, carried on the school for a brief 
period. 

Evidently, an unendowed academy could not be 
sustained here, encompassed as it was on all sub- bj 
similar schools with more or less endowment. 

In 1865 an attempt was made to establish a school 
of an entirely different character. 

The property was leased to Rev. S. X. Howell for 
ten years for the nominal sum of one dollar, he ague- 



MERKIMACK. 



in- to establish a school of a grade sufficiently high 
to prepare students for college, and to keep the build- 
ing in repair at his own expense. 

Mr. Howell named his school the Granite State 
.Military and Collegiate Institute, introduced military 
tallies and military discipline, charged a high price ; 
and, while the rage for military schools, generated by 
the war, lasted, the school was a success, securing an 
attendance of thirty or more boarding pupils, hut be- 
fore the lease expired the number had diminished 
to one solitary pupil ; so the lease was canceled, and 
the building rented for tenement purposes. 

The institution now seemed dead beyond the pos- 
sibility of a resurrection; but it is sometime- "dark- 
est just before day." In 1872 died Robert McGaw, 
the earliest and stanchest friend of the school, and 
his will provided an endowment of ten thousand dol- 
lars, with these conditions, — 

1st. That the name shoul.l !'■■ clian-eil to M-Oaw X'-i inal Institute, 

implying that the character of tin- school should he restored, as nearly 

:,, i„>--ibl.\ I- uhal il was ivh.-li stalteil l.y I'l. .lessor ltussell 

2d. That in case the work of the school should be interrupted for two 

years, the endowment should ^o to Itartinouth College. 

It was Deacon Met Jaw's purpose to make it possi- 
ble for the people of Merrimack to have a good High 
.School hut to throw on them a part of the responsi- 
bility of sustaining it, believing that such a relation 
of mutual dependence and helpfulness would be 
better than to make the school entirely independent. 

Edward P. Parker became president of the cor- 
poration, and Francis A. Gordon treasurer; the con- 
ditions of the will were accepted, and the citizens of 
Merrimack were invited to assist in opening and sus- 
taining a school. Certain persons responded heartily 
to this appeal, but the apathy among the people 
generally was so discouraging that the stockholders 
determined to proceed independently. 

The income from the endowment and rents, 
amounting to some twelve hundred dollars, was 
expended in putting the building in good repair, and 
in the spring of 1875, Bartlett II. Weston was in- 
stalled as principal. 

He received six hundred and fifty dollars per year 
and the free use of the building, together with wdiat he 
could get from tuition fees. 

He opened with twenty-nine students, and the num- 
ber increased to forty-eight the following winter, 
after which there was a falling off until the spring 
of 1879, when Mr. Weston resigned. The average 
enrollment during his last year was a fraction less 
than twenty-five. 

The next principal was Elliot Whipple, who was 
employed in June, 1879, on the same terms as Mr. 
Weston, except that he received only four hundred and 
twenty-five dollars per year from the income from the 
endowment, it being the desire of the stockholders 
to reserve something for repairs. 

Mr. Whipple began with twenty-three students, 
and his average enrollment the hist year was a frac- 



tion over twenty-five, which number increased to 
about forty in 1883 and 1884, the largest number en- 
rolled in any one term being fifty in the winter of 
E884. The following year more teaching force was 
provided in the expectation ot an increased attend- 
ance ; but notwithstanding the fact that the students 
now had the full time and energy of three regular 
instructors, the attendance fell off so that the averagi 
enrollment for the year closing April 24, 1885, was 
only about thirty. 

The report of the State superintendent of public 
instruction for 1884 shows that of New Hampshire's 
fifty academies, only ten havea larger attendance than 
McGaw Institute. 

Since .Mr. Whipple took charge the following per- 
sons have graduated : 

From the four .wars' course: John V I base, of Litchfield; EsaacN 
Center, ol Litchfield; Clara - Kittredge, of Merrimack, from the 

in- < , Ii.l I \\iii. I Hudson; Walter E. Kittredge, of 

Merrimack; E. Monroe Parker, -.! M. iinua. k . Italian W. Whipple, ol 
Merrimack; Sherman It, .1.1,-, -l ]'. It> ■ mi , su.ih »'. Moiiltun, ..I Merri- 
mack. Front Mi-- '«■ y.-.ir- ...in-.-: .I.iiiii.- I i;ili.ii. ,.t Merrimack: 

1 dd . M .1 lis., \ illinmlii-rlanil , Hunt E. II. ndi i ion, I Merri 

mack; i. no- V Tin-ell. ..f Ootistown ; Maud Whipple, of Merrimack ; 
Emma It. Winn, --t Hudson. 

(M these, four tire continuing their studies in 
higher institutions and nine arc engaged in teaching. 
A hasty glance ai the list offormei students reveals 
the names of several who have honored the institu- 
tion by what they have done in the world. Among 
them we notice Mark Bailey, professor of elocution 
in Yale College; Hon. Daniel Barnard, of Franklin, 
N. H.; Joseph Cushman, afterwards one of the prin- 
cipals of the school, now deceased; Levi Wallace, 
afterwards principal of the institute and now a law- 
yer in Groton, Mass.; John Swett, for many years 
superintendent of public instruction in California : 
Mrs. 11. N. Eaton, of Merrimack, a poetess and writer 
of considerable ability; Walter Kittredge, of Merri- 
mack, who sang in company with the Hutchinson 
family many years, and now travels, giving musical en- 
tertainments alone, also is the author of "Tenting on 
the Old Camp-Ground," of which one hundred thou- 
sand copies have been sold, " No Night There/' "The 
Golden Streets" ami numerous other pieces; John 
Pearson, of Pennacook ; John Goddard, of New York 

Rev. John W.Lane, of North Hadley, Mass.; Eugene 
W. Bowman, city clerk of Nashua; Granville Web- 
ster, sub-master in the Elliot School. Boston. 



CHAPTER XII. 

M ElilUMACK— ( Continued). 

CIVIL LIST. 

SELECTMEN. ItKl'RESENTATIVES, ETI 

[Th.- uril.-rof names indicate- tie rink a. first, -■-'■ I or third sell 

man. No representative was elei ted t"r several 
t;io —I'h i Hi-has I'nil'-nv I. .1. ih ii l'sher,ZechariahStet 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



1747. — p, Undent 1, /. Steams, William Lund, 

1748.— Captain Jonathan Cunmiings, P. Under* I, William Patten, 

selectmen. 

17 i-i. — 1». Vll.I.-lW.m.l, -I, Cullllin, 

17.-,<i _p. In, lei M.H.l, 'II las Vickere. .lames M I, 

1751.— P. Underwood, J. Barnes, J. Cummings, selectmen. 

■ I i.dcrwoo.l, .Mill Chamberlain, Joseph Blum li.n.l .l..l,,..ii 






1754.- 
[755.- 
1756.- 



11. AIM, Cliantv I.11II.1, -0I0, 1 1,1.-1. 

1.1, Thomas Vickere, Ji el n 

d, John Usher, selectmen. 

1757.— J. Blaii.-liar.l. P luderu 1, Thomas I'.u n.-. selectmen. 

1758.— J. Blaii.-liar.l, \ leN.aiid.-r Miller, William Patten, 
i,ii..| > nl.lw.ll. Janes Minot, W. AIM. sele. tine 
1760.— J Blanchard, John Mi . len. I.. Timothy Tail. 

1761 -Same as prei - year. 

1762.— Samuel Caldwell, J. Blanchard, Samuel Spalding I. 

1763.— Edward G. Lutwy.be, Thomas Km in-«. Benjamin Baxter, 
selectmen. 

1764._Samu.-l Caldwell, J Blan. hard, Thomas Vickere sele. 

1765.— Same a- previous veal 

||,|.1\ IV M-, Captain TlioinaS Barnes, 



17117. —S. Caldwell, .1. Chamberlain, Captain William AIM, selectmen. 
17,-,S._ S. Cnldw.-ll. I I li.i...l.-i lam. Solomon IIllleliitiM.il, -I.-. tmen. 

1769 -J. i hamherlain, s Hub binson, S Caldwell, selectmen. 

1770.— W. All.l. S Spalding, Jonathan I ummings, Jr., -. I nen. 

1771.— John Neal, Hugh Ramsey, John McClench, selectmen; John 

. i, an. I., i lam, representative. 

177-2. J. Neal, II. Ramsey, Augustus Blnueliar.), sc|e,i,,„ n ' ..; n 

William All.l, elms- ii \n".u-i, pi,.l,.ililv t.i fill a vaeaue.v. 

1773.— A. Blanchard, Colonel Elien.-zer Ni.li-.1~, Captain J. Chamber- 



1.,,,, 



Field-. -1 1--. Ill 



1 . Captail 



1774— .1. Neal. Captain T. Barnes, 

177.'.- I'apt.i .iiiil.erlain, Jacob 51. Caw, siinei.n Cuiiunings, 

M-leetnien ; Captain .1. Cliiilul.erlaiii . I Jacob McGaw, 

delegate to the New Hampshire Provincial Congress. 

1776.— J. Neal, S miogs, William Wallace, selectmen; Matthew 

Patten, representative. 

1777.— Augustus Blanchard, S Cummings, H. Fields, selectmen; 

Captain Samuel Patten, r.-pie-.-!itati\ . l.-r Men una. k an. I Bed!, e.l 

177S.-S.Cul ings, II. Fields. Captain T. Barnes, sele. tiii.-n ; Lieu- 
tenant John i in-, of Bedford, representative for both towns. 
1779.— S. Hutchinson, s. Cunimings, Ebenezer II, 

Wjseli.an flaggelr, repi.-s.-iilatii e for Merrimai 1, and Bedford 

- Hutchinson, II Fields, Timothj Taylor, selectn 

1781.— Captain Stephen Wilkins, Captain William Barron, Ensign 
Benjamin Vickere, select n; Jacob McGaw, representative for Merri- 
mack and Bedford. 

178''.— Captain S. Wilkins, Captain W. Barron, Ens. B. Vickere, select- 
, l.e hi lit John On, of Bedford, representative. 

17s:-. s. in mining-, Matthew Tlioll.t Salmi. 1 1 ■'. st.-i . .-l.-cti 

17SL— Timothy Taylor, .1. M.-Gavv, Marsten Fields, s. I.-. , I ,,,,.-- 

Martin, ,,l Bedford, l.-pi .-entativ.-. 

I7-S...-S Cummings, -I McGaw, T. Taylor, selectmen; T Taylor, 



\\ . B.nioii, representative. 

1787.— J. McGaw, E. Parker, Jothan) Gillis, select n. 

1788. — E. Parker, Lieut. Walker, Solon 

Cayloi n i — ntative. 

1789.— E. Park.-r, S. Danforth, James Gilmore, Samuel McKean, 
.la - Combs, five selei tmen being 

17'in .-Samuel M, K. -an, Ilea. on Aaroli Cag-, Samuel Spalding Jr., 
selectmen ; T. Taylor, representative. 

1791.— S. McKean, s, Danforth, -I. Gillis, selectmen. 

1792.— S. McKean, S. Danforth, Jams ibs, selectmen. 

Danforth, .1 Combs, J. Gillis, selectmen; T. Taylor, repre. 



1794 Same as prev ious year. 

17,,, s,.i,.,. IMI en satin- ; .1. Mii.au, representative. 

L796 Select n same . Captain .lames Tl... niton, repres. ntative 

mings, representative. 

]7'.1S.— Selectmen same Samuel I'o-lei, repi.-entalive. 

17.1,.. _S Iiantoitli, -I Coiul.s, Cornelius Barnes, selectmen; S. Foster, 



Is. ii, - Same as previous year. 

,.,,iil Samuel Cotton, Captain James Lund, Lieutenant 
Henry Field-, selectmen ; S. Foster, representative. 

lsn-J.-S. Hanfortli.Capt. J. I.uii.l, Deac.ti P.enjauiin Nourse, selectmen ; 
s Foster, repres ntative 

- I , ..,,!,, ith, I.ieut.-iiaiit .l.-lin Aiken, Deacon II. Nourse, select- 
men : S foster, represelllative. 
lsol. — Same as previous year, 

L805 Simeon Kenney, B. Nours.-, Daniel [ngalls, selectmen; S. 

-illative. 

1 -,„. Sele, tmen same , .1. Thornton, representative. 

18.17.— S. Kenney, B. Nourse, Nathan Parker, selectmen; Samuel 
McConibe, representative. 

1808.— Deacon S. Danforth, S. Kenney, Robert McGa 
Thornton, representative. 

1809, S. Kenney, S McConibe, Captain Samuel Fields, 
.1 I'll, anion, representative. 

I -in s Kenney, Captains. Fields, Lieutenant Samuel Barron, select- 
men; .1 Thornton, representative. 

1811. — S. Kenney, Lieutenants. Barron, Cosmo Lund, selectmen; 
Daniel [ngalls, representative. 

1-1 j Selechii.ii same ; J. Thornton, representative. 

1SI:'..— Selectmen same ; H. Fields, representative. 

l-il i ., -i in, l.uud, Aaron Gag.-,.li , s, ,1, ,m, ,n lisnl, ,i ih. dr., selectmen i 
H. Fields, representative. 

181,",.— Selectmen same ; D. Infills, representative. 

1816.— C. Lund, A. Cage, Thomas McCalley, selectmen; D. Ingalls, 
representative. 

1817. s.-ie. iuieii sa ; Aaron Gage, Jr., representative. 

Isl.s \ .,.,-,, dr., S Kenney, .lolin Cotiaut, selectmen; A. Cage, 

.,-1 i, , ni.,i, -.. 

1819.— Abel Goodrich, S. Danforth, dr., T. McCalley, selectmen; A. 
Gage, representative, 

1820.— A. Goodrich, S. Danforth, Jr., Robert McGaw, selectmen; 

i . ntative 
i- i i Lund, D. Ingalls, Samuel Barron, Jr., selectmen ; A. Gage, 

.' ilkins, selectmen ; A. Gage, 



representative. 

1823.— Same as previous year. 

1824.— S. Kenney, S. Barron, Jr., I. Wi 



l.aei 



1825, \ Gage, Jr., 1. Wilkin-, Martin Crooker, selectmen; Henry 

'I ntative. 

1826.— Iiaiii.-l 1.. Herrick, L. Wilkins, John P. Wallace, selectmen ; 
H. T. [ngalls, representative. 

1827 - I- W ilkins, M. Crooker, 
Thornton, representative, 

ls-s M. Cooker, S. Barron, dr., Francis Odall, selectmen; J. B. 
Til. .niton, representative. 

[829. Sam, a- previous year. 

1830 M i ker, Olivei Spalding, Jr., James McCalley, selectmen j 

.1. 11 Thornton, i.-preseiitative. 

1831.— 0. Spalding, Jr., .1. McCalley, Jonathan 
Joseph Litchfield, i, p., -em. urn- 
is -,_■ -same a- pp-Vloils Voir. 



selectmen ; James 



Sele. HI, ell . 



\i Crooker, Francis Odall, selectmen; Samuel 

David Jones, .!,,-, pi, N Gage, selectmen; S. 
Levi Wilkins. I, lard Kendall, selectmen ; S. 

Barron, dr., 



Spalding, Jr., representative. 

i-'.-i ,, Mm laud, Ephraiin W. Livingston, Leonard Walker, select- 
men ; F. Odall, representative. 

1840.— L. Walker, E. W. Livingston. U.Spalding, Jr., seleci n. 

F. Odall, representative. 

1-11 li Jones, Elkanah P. Parker, William McKean, selectmen; 
K. McGavi , representative. 

I, ling, John Gilson, Jr., Edward Wheeler, selectmen , 
I.. Walker, representative. 



MERRIMACK. 



1*43.— W. McKeaii, E. P. Parker, Joseph B. Holt, sele 
Walker, representative 

1844. _.i. b. Holt, 1> Jones, Daniel Moor, Jr., eelectme 
1". Parker, representative. 

1845.— D. Jones, D Moore, Jr., Daniel T [ngalls, selectu 
Parker, representative 

1840.— D. Moore, Jr., D. T. Ingalls, James Parker, selects 
T. Jones, representative, 

1847.— W. Melvean, J. Parker, Ira Spalding, selertme 



Dai i 



1S4S.— W. MeKcan, I. Spalding, i;..h.n W. French, -eh-ctiiien : 
J. 15. Holt, representative, 

L849.— E. W. French, S. Kenney, John I- Bowers, selectmen; J. 
B. Holt, representative. 

1850. — S. Kenney, J. L. Bowers, Francis A Chamberlain, selectmen; 
R. McGaw, representative. 

1851.— Alexander McCally Wilkins, F. A. Chamberlain, Elijah P. 
Parkhurst, selectmen , W McKean. representative. 

L852.— A. M. Wilkins, E. P. Parkhui~t, Benjamin Ki-M-i, - le. tin. n , 
John Bayers, representative. 

1853.— A M Wilkin-, B Kidder, Nathan Parker, selectmen ; D T. 
Ingalls, representative. 

1854.— A. M. Wilkins, N. Parker, Ward Parker, selectmen ; D. T. 
Ingalls, representative, 

1855.— John Wheeler, Smith E. Fields James Hay, seleetmen ; Siine..ti 
K.ninj, Jr., represent, ( ti\e. 

1856.— S. 1- Field* I Ha: M -" ;i I: Spalding, selectmen; \. M 
Wilkins, representative. 

1857.— David Jones, L'homas Parker. A hiel Holt, selectmen ; Harrison 
Eaton, representative. 

1858. — D. Jones, T. Parker, Abner C. Darrah, selectmen; II. Eaton, 
representative. 

1859. — x. Parker, A. C. Darrah, Jeremiah Woods, selectmen; William 
T. Parker, representative. 

lstin. — E T. I'arkhnr-I, (Imi-r [•'. Spaldum, Israel 0. ' roi>k* t, >..-]• < t- 
nieii ; W. T- Parker, representative. 

isr,l.— G. F. Spalding, Ward Parker, V. C. Darrah. seleetmen ; S. Ken- 
Dej . fi [kv-... niative. 

L862.— Ward Parker, J. Wheeler, Franklin Ilerrick, selectmen; El- 
kanah P. Parker, representative. 

is.;;;.— J. Wheeler. F ILrriek. Sumner Morgan, sele. t I i 1 

Parker, represeni itiv* 

PM4.-J Wheeler, F. Herrick, David Jon. -, selectmen; E. P. Parker, 

1865.— John L Spalding, Ward Parker, Kri ICitrredge, »■}.; (men ; i;. 
P. Parker, representative. 

I st;*;. — -S. Kenney, Ward Parker, lv Kittredge, selectmen ; eouhl not 
agree on a representative 

lsc,7.— J. L. Spalding, Ward Parker, Waltei Read, selectmen . A. C. 
Darrah, representative. 

L868.— A M. Wilkm-. Frederick F. Walker, Isaac Fitts, selectmen 
\ c Darrah, representative. 

lsiiii.— J. Wheel, T , T. Parker. Henry J. Wilson, selectmen; Benjamin 
Ela, n presentative. 

lsTH.-.T. Wheeler, T. Parker, H. J. Wil 



1*71.— Marcellns Houghton, John L. Read, William \1.«>m i. 
seleetmen : ct.ni hi not agree ,.,n a represvntar J \ e. 

1S72.—T. Parker, W Me'Jne^.-n, i. I. Spalding, sele, tmen ; Jane- 
Qtative. 

1873.— Proctor P. Parkhurst, W . M.*}u-->l-n, Nelson II . ltrown, »ele, t- 
i ]■ .: i ■ i, i presentative. 

1874.— I. Fitts, Artemas Knight, Horace W. Wilson, selectmen; T 
Parker, representative. 

1875. — I. Fitts, \. Knight, A. C. Darrah, tselectmi ■ - 

galls, representative. 

1876.— H W. Wilson, Levi F. Lowell, c.enrg- e. Patterson, selectmen ; 

O. ('. Infills, rej. re-, -illative. 

1877. — Selectmen same ; Ward Parker, repi 

1S78.— Selectmen same ; i 'arini M Parker, representative. 

1*70. — G. E. Patterson, Joseph < Yoss, Henry F. Herrick, selectmen ; 

I'armi M. Parker, representative. Biennial ions of L ■. 

this year, so that henceforward a representative was elected only ..nee in 

two years. 

1880.— H. W. Wilson, J. Cross, II. F. HeiTick, selectmen. 

1**1.— J. r r ,K., juhn Wheeler, G. E. Patterson, selectmen . Matthew 
P. Nichols, representative. 



1**2.— J. Cross, J. Wheeler. Herm.»n -. Fold-, selectmen. 

1883.— T. Parker, H S. Fields, Everett E Parker, selectmen ; John 
v\ . resentative 

L884 ii - Fields, E. E. Parker, Cleveland C Heard, selectmen. 

1885 ii Pai i. i i i ft ard Daniel Jones, sele. tmen Lei r 
Lowell, representative, 

,11 sticks OF THE PEACE -I 
George Alhee, Samuel 0. Anderson, Samuel P.arron, Jr., John L. 

B iwers, Egbert \. Bi an, Wentworth Clagg t, I oathai ■ 

■■ ph- n ' ranker, Simeon Cummin.--, h.mi- I it. Dan forth, 
vl.nei ( '. 1 1,! nah. Harrison La ton, Jane - L.,\ i. .-, John K.iyres, William 

I ayres, Benjamin Ela, Jos. ph I arwell, Henry Fields, isia. Kilts, Ahdiel 
Goodrich, Francis A. Gordon, Hendi . ..nt< y T. Harris, 

David Henderson, Franklin Herrick, Joseph B. Holt, Charles E. Hum- 
phrey, Georg* '' Cngalls, Daniel X. [ngalle Henrj T. Ingalls, Caleb 
Jones, David Jones, Simeon Kenney, Benjamin Kidder, \>a Knight, ll.n- 
tv i.. Lawrence, Ephraim W. Livingstone, Obediah Star] I U h- 

ley, John McConihe, Massena Mel lonihe, s. Md omhe. |. \\. <.., .-.. i;,,i,it 
McGaw, William Mi Kean.JamesL Mo. a. I narlesS Nesmith, Matthew 
1' Nieh.il-. lien tarn in \i»iii>e. 1 i.mk il > »l»-i , Nat hat i i*-l J. Oliver, James 
V. Parker, Nathan Parker, Ckrw U Parker, Edward P.Parker, 
Wi liaro i Parker, Wane,, w . Piltehury, Reuben 11. Pratt, Eleazer 
Kohy, John T. Reed, George F. Spalding, John S. Spalding, Hosea B. 
Spaldiug, diner Spalding, Oliver Spalding, Jr., Daniel Stevens, James 
Thornton, James B. Thornton, Jamea I Walker, Leonard Walker, 
Lduard Wheeler, Alexander Mci "alley Wilkins. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

MERRIMACK— (Continued). 

SEI !EET SOCIETIES. 

All the secret organizations now existing in town 
are those formed for social and benevolent purposes, 
and their work is so well known as not to need any 
explanation. 

Thornton Grange, No. 31, was organized .May Its. 
1874, with thirty members. It has had a prosperous 
career, and now numbers one hundred and one mem- 
bers. 

The presiding officers have been as follows : Ward 
Parker. John McAfee. George W. Moulton, Walter 
Kittredge, Everetl E. Parker and William F. Kitt- 
redge. 

Naticook Lodge. I. O. G. T., was instituted January 
18, 1876, with sixty members. Its presiding officers 
have been as follows: James T. Jones, Ira G. Wil- 
kins, Truman P>. Knight, Henry L. McKean, Samuel 
G. Chamberlain, John G. Read, Oliver B. Green, 
Harrison E. Eerrick, Walter A. J. Kittredge, William 
F. Kittredge, Warren J. Aver, William T. Parker, 
Warren W. Pillsbury, George W. Moulton, Charles 
E. Wilson, George P. Foskett, Daniel C. Barron, 
Everetl I.. Hunter, Willard H. Kempton, Cleveland 
C. Beard. 

Webster Commandery, U. O. G. C, No. 161, was 
established October 17, 1881, with fourteen members, 
which number has since increased to thirty-three. 
There have been no deaths and no withdrawals. 

The presiding officers have been as follows : J. (i. 
Read, George W. Moulton, James T. Jones, Warren 
W. Pillsbury, Horatio Bowers, William M. West. 

The James S. Thornton Post, G. A. R., No. 33. 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



was organized in January, 1SS5, with twenty-five 
Cleveland C. Beard, presiding officer. 



CHA l'TEE XIV. 
MERRIMACK— (Continued). 



GENEALOGIES. 



The following genealogies are limited to persons 
born in Merrimack, it being outside the scope of this 
work to follow the descendants who have emigrated 
to other places. Other families might have been 

given with equal propriety, the only considei i1 in 

choosing these for record being the availability of 
information concerning them. 

Barnes.— Lieutenant Thomas Barnes, from Plym- 
outh County, Mass., settled where Dana Hutchinson 
now lives, previous to 174b. He had lour sons and 
five daughters, but it is not known that any of his 
deseendants now live in town. 

His brother, Dr. Joseph Barnes, was the first phy- 
sician in town, and was the father of Lieutenant 
Reuben, from whom are descended a numerous posterity 
now living in this town and elsewhere. 

His children were Reuben' 2 , Joseph, Samuel, John 
(settled in Dracut, .Mass.), Sally (died young I, Eleanor 
(settled in Boston). Joanna (married Henry Fretts) 
and Polly (settled in Dracut). 

The children of Reuben 2 were Hannah (married 
Ira Mears, of Merrimack), Rebecca (died young I, Ann 
(married Nelson Longa, of Merrimack), Lucy (settled 
in Chelmsford, Mass.), Dolly (married, as a second 
husband, Solomon Barron, of Merrimack), James 
(died young), David (settled in Merrimack), John 
(settled in Merrimack), Joel (went West), Eliza R. 
(settled in Nashua), Lavinia. 

The children of Hannah Mears were Jane (went 
West), Mattie (settled in Manchester), George (went 
West), Stella (lives in Boston). 

Ann Tonga's children were Washington (settled 
in Manchester), Charles (settled in Nashua, where his 
daughter, May E., was born, and then returned to 
Merrimack), John (lives in Nashua), Sarah (married 
Henry T. I. Blood, of Merrimack). 

Sarah Blood's children are Clinton, , Charley, 

Annie, Bertha and Mary. 

Dolly Barron's children were Sarah (married 
Charles Tonga, and settled in Nashua), John (settled 
in Nebraska), Clarence (died young), Daniel (settled 
in Merrimack). 

David Barnes' children were Charles (settled in 
Massachusetts), Sarah (settled in Nashua), Willie 
(settled in Massachusetts), Almira (died unmarried), 
Ella Etta (died unmarried), Frank (settled in Lowell). 
The children of John Barnes were Edgar (settled 
in Brookline), Clinton (died unmarried), Fred, (lives 
in Nashua), Lillian (died unmarried), Addie (lives in 
Londonderry), Nellie (lives in Townsend, Mass). 



The children of Joseph Barnes were Charles, 
Hiram and two daughters. 

The children of Samuel were Betsy (married John 
Connary, of Milford, and afterwards a Mr. Goodwin), 
Samuel 3 (settled in Boston), Solomon (lived in Merri- 
mack), Jane (married Elijah Leech, of Milford), 
Amanda (married Moses Pinghram, of Derry), 
Hannah (married Morrison Sanderson, of Merrimack), 
Nancy (married Joseph Day, of Derry). 

The children of Hannah Sanderson were Nancy 
J. (died unmarried), Lorenzo (lives in Fitchburg. 
Mass.), Ellen (lives in Merrimack), Dana (lives in 
Merrimack), Orrin (lives in Merrimack). 

The children of Joanna Fretts were Harriet 
(settled in Iowa), Lorena (settled in Nashua i, George 
(settled in Vermont), Catherine (died young), Richard 
(settled in Merrimack), Henry-', Emmeline (settled 
in New Bedford). 

The children of Richard Fretts are Emma, Henry 
and Laura (all living in Merrimack). 

Chamberlain.— Captain John Chamberlain came 
from Groton, Mass., in 1 704, and built mills at Souhegan, 
as elsewhere stated. He built the first bridge across 
the Souhegan, at the village, at his own expense. 

He surrounded his log cabin with pickets as a de- 
fense against the Indians, and when he went to work 
in his field he took his family with him for safety, 
lie was a man of great powers of both mind and body, 
and was prominent in town affairs for many years. 

( Mice, when a member of the Provincial Assembly, 
a member of the Council, vexed at their refusing to 
concur in some measure proposed by the Council, said, 
in his passion, — 

" I wish the Assembly were all in heaven." 
The ready reply of Chamberlain was, " I should not 
object to that, sir, were it not that we should lose 
the pleasure of the company of His Majesty's I loun- 
cil." 

His children were Nabbv (lived in Merrimack), 
Rachel (lived in Merrimack), Susie (lived in Merri- 
mack), Josiab (lived in Merrimack), Rebecca (lived in 
Merrimack), Silas (settled on Isaiah Herrick's place, 
and afterwards left town), Joseph (settled on Henry 
Herrick's place). 

The children of Joseph were Joseph- (settled 
in Merrimack, and afterwards removed to Boston), 
Samuel (settled in Merrimack), Reuben (settled in 
Merrimack, and afterwards removed to Billerica. 
Mass.), Moody (settled in Merrimack, and afterwards 
removed to Terre Haute, Ind.), James (settled in 
Merrimack, and afterwards removed to Vermont), 
Roxv (settled in Nashua), Milly (lived in Merri- 
mack), Augustus (settled in Terre Haute, Ind.). 

The children of Samuel were Frank A. (settled in 
Merrimack) and Samuel G. (settled and reared a 
family in Merrimack, and removed to Lake village). 
The children of Samuel G. were Ellen (died 
young), charlotte (died young), Elvord G. (settled in 
Boston l, Harriet (died young). 



MERRIMACK. 



543 



Fields.— There were four brothers and a sister of 
this family who came to this town from Andover, 
Mass., just before the Revolution. 

Henry Fields settled on the Severns place, Mars- 
ten on the Lawrence place, Sally, (wife of Andrew 
Wilkins) on the Woodward place, Joshua on the 
Joseph Foster place and John on the John H. Co- 
burn place. 

The children of Henry were John (died young), 
Henry 2 (settled in New York), Rebecca (married to 
Timothy Carlton) and Susan (settled in Nashua). 

The children of Rebecca Carlton were, Rebecca 
(settled in Nashua), John (settled in Lyndeborough), 
Sophia (married a Mr. Retterbush, of Merrimack), 
Eliza (married Joseph Wilson), Henry (killed in a 
mill at Lowell), Francis (carried on business at 
New Orleans and elsewhere, and died in Merrimack), 
Peter (settled in Merrimack), Susan (settled in Am- 
herst), Isaac (died young), Isaac" (settled in Massa- 
chusetts). 

The children of Sophia Retterbush were Eliza 
(settled in Milford), Sophia (married a Mr. 
Dodge, of Merrimack), Mary Ann (married Jerry 
Kittredge, of Merrimack) and Henry (burned in a 
house). The children of Sophia Dodge were a 
daughter (died unmarried) and Francis. 

The children of Mary Ann Kittredge are Mary 
J. (married Scott W. Lane, of Manchester), Emma E. 
i married George P. Buttertield, and lives at Fitch- 
burg, Mass.) and Jerry C. (lives at home). 

Francis Carlton had two daughters. Peter Carlton 
had two daughters,— Sarah (settled in Milford) and 
Hannah (died unmarried). 

Eliza Wilson had a daughter, Eliza Ann (died 
unmarried), and a son, Henry (settled in Milford. 

For the descendants of Sally Wilkins, see Wilkins 
family. 

The children of Marsten Fields were Isaac, Mars- 
ten, 2 Betsy, Hannah and Priscilla. 

The children of Joshua Fields were Joshua 2 
(settled in Merrimack), Jonas (settled in New York), 
.lames (settled in Merrimack), John (settled in Maine) 
and Sally (settled in Maine). 

The children of Joshua 2 were Hannah (settled 
in Lowell), Smith (settled in Merrimack), Sally 
(married Peter Carlton), Joshua"' died at sea) and 
Jonas (died unmarried). 

The children of Smith Fields were Sally (died in 
Nashua . Joshua (settled in Milford). Charles (died 
unmarried), Mary (residence unknown), Hermon S. 
(settled in Merrimack). 

John Fields served through the whole seven years 
of the Revolutionary War. His children were 
Henry' (died unmarried) and Elizabeth (married 
John H. Coburn). 

Elizabeth Coburn had one daughter, Catherine 
(married John H. Upham, of Amherst). 

Gage. — Aaron Cage came from Methuen. Mass., in 
1773, and settled on the place now 



,-ned by Jai 



Hodgman. His children were Isaac (settled in 
Charlestown, Mass)., Deacon Aaron (settled in Merri- 
mack), 1'hineas (settled in Merrimack I, Mosesl settled 
in Merrimack), Mehitaliel (married Thomas Under- 
wood, of Merrimack) and a daughter, who married 
Josiah Tinker, of Bedford. 

The children of Deacon Aaron' were Hannah 
(settled in Bedford), Aaron 3 (unmarried, lived in 
Merrimack), Naomi (married Daniel Muzzy, di- 
vorced, and lives in Merrimack), Sally (married 
Mr. Conant, of Merrimack, and, alter Mr. Conant 
died, married Stephen Crooker, of Merrimack), 
Benjamin (settled in Bedford), Isaac (settled in 
Bedford), Solomon (settled in Bedford), Mary (un- 
married, lives in Merrimack), Martha (unmarried, 
lives in Merrimack), fanny (settled in Boston). 

The children of Phineas were Lydia (married 
Alexander Wilkins, of Merrimack), Sally (settled in 
Bedford), Anna (settled in Nashua), Isaac' (settled in 
Bedford), Benjamin 2 (settled in Lowell, Mass. . Polly 
(died young), Mary (settled in Sutton), Enoch (settled 
in Merrimack, later in Bedford), Stephen (settled in 
Merrimack, later in Amherst), Parker (died young), 
George (settled in Bedford). 

The children of Moses were Betsy (settled in New 
Boston), Moses'-' (settled iii Bedford), Sally (settled m 
New Boston), Ruth (settled in Goffstown), John 
(settled in Lyndeborough), David (became a mission- 
ary), Joseph N. I settled in Merrimack, but afterward 
removed to Lawrence, Mass). At his death Joseph 
X. Gage left a fund of about fourteen thousand dol- 
lars, the income of which was to go to his wife 
during her life, and afterward to lie used in support- 
ing the public schools of his native town, on condition 
that the town should never raise a less amount than 
before by taxation for school purposes, should ereel a 
monument to his memory, and should keep his lot in 
the cemetery in good condition. The town accepted 
the conditions, and at the death of Mrs. Gage, in 
1883, came into possession of the property, together 
with two thousand dollars more added to it b\ the 
will of Mrs. Gage, thus increasing the amount avail- 
aide tor school purposes about fifty per cent. < (ther 
children of Moses Cage were Mehitabel 2 , Susan and 
Charles. 

The children of Mehitable Gage and Thomas Un- 
derwood were Thomas 2 , John, Peter, Sally, William 
and Charles. 

Sally Gage and Mr. Conant had a daughter, Han- 
nah, who married Freeman Hill, of Merrimack, and 
their children were George, Sarah and one that died 
young. 

The children of Sally Gage and Stephen Crooker 
were Stephen 2 D. (settled in Boston and then went 
West . Aimer C. (settled in Boston). Simeon W. 
(settled in Boston), israel (settled in Merrimack), 
.lanes I', (settled in Boston |. 

The children of Israel Crooker were Frank W. 
(settled in Norwood, Mas-.i, Sarah (unmarried, lives 



544 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



in Norwood, Mass.), Mary (married George Bean, of 
Merrimack), Ida (married Charles Wilson, of Merri- 
mack). 

The children of Lydia Cage ami Alexander Wil- 

kii.s were Olive (settled in Bedford), Fanny (married 
Levi Fisher, of Merrimack). 

The children of Fanny Fisher were Levi W. (set- 
tled in Merrimack), Sarah W. (settled in Nashua), 
George W. (settled in Boscawen), Anna L. (married 
Ha/en G. Dodge, of Merrimack), Cynthia M. (settled 
in Maiden, Mass.). 

The ehildren of Levi W. Fisher are Maria (settled 
in Bedford), Fanny W. (lives in Merrimack). 

Anna L. Fisher and Hazen G. Dodge have a son, 
Elwin H., who lives in Merrimack. 

The children of Enoch Gage were Foster, Walter, 
Joseph and Ann E. 

The ehildren of Stephen Gage were Permelia, 
Sophronia, Mary A., Parker, John and Orlando, all 
of whom lived in Amherst. 

Ingalls. — Deacon Daniel Ingalls came from Ando- 
vei, Mass.. and settled on the Ingalls farm. He was 
a Revolutionary soldier, took part in the battle of 
Bennington, and guarded the Hessian prisoners at 
Charlestown, Mass., the following winter. He was a 
respected and useful citizen of Merrimack for many 
years. 

His ehildren were Polly (settled in Bedford). .Sally, 
Rebecca [settled in Salem. Mass.), Elizabeth (died 
young), Daniel T. (settled on the home farm in Mer- 
rimack, where he still lives), Henry I', .settled in 
New York City) and Putnam (settled in Newark, 
N. J.). 

The children of Daniel T. were Horace P. (settled 
in Ohio), Mary (lived in Nashua). George C. (settled 
on the home farm in Merrimack). Lucian (-.Hied in 
Falmouth, Me.) and Nancy (lives in Nashua). 

The children of George C. are Helen L. and Dan- 
iel T., Jr. 

Jones. — David Jones settled in Merrimack in 1S27. 
His children were Amos (dead), David T. (settled in 
Merrimack), Daniel (settled in Merrimack) Sarah F. 
(settled in Merrimack), George H., Rosa E. and 
Louisa M. (settled in Merrimack). David T. has one 
son, David R. ; David R. has a daughter, Nellie L. 
The ehildren of James T. were Ernest .1.. Leslie F., 
Idella M. (deceased) and Grace M. 

Caleb Jones settled in Merrimack about 1830. His 
children were Fliza B., Caleb G., Amos, George, 
Charlotte H., Harriet and Mary. 

Jonathan Jones settled in Merrimack about 1844. 
He hail one daughter, Laura, and moved from town 
about 1850. 

McGaw. — Jacob Met law was horn in 1 7 : '. 7 in 
Lineygloss, near Londonderry, Ireland, and belonged 
to the famous Scotch-Irish stock. He came to this 
town when a young man with nothing hut his stout 
In-art and willing hands to depend upon. He was a 
weaver by trade, but soon added to this short expedi- 



tions with a peddler's trunk, then a store, and finally 
became a wealthy merchant. 

lie filled many of the leading town offices, was 
a pillar in the church and a respected citizen. 

His children were John (died in Bedford). Mar- 
garet (settled in Bedford), Jacob (settled in Maine). 
Robert (settled in Merrimack), Rebecca (settled in 
.Maine I. Isaac (lived in Windham many years, but 
died in Merrimack), Martha (settled in Maine). 

Robert McGaw, whose name appears frequently in 
these pages, was for many years a leading character 
in the social, religious and political life of the town. 
He settled on the old homestead at Reed's Ferry, and 
when his father died, in 1810, he succeeded to his 
business as merchant. 

His business abilities were such that he added 
largely to the property he inherited from his lather, 
and. though he used his means liberally for every 
good cause while he lived, he left about a quarter ol 
a million at his death, and, beside the endowment of 
the institute already named, he bequeathed five thou- 
sand dollars as an endowment of the First Congrega- 
tional Church. 

The children of Isaac bom in Windham were 
Margaret Jane (married Edward P. Parker, of Derry, 
lived several years in Merrimack, hut now resides in 
Concord, Mass.), John Armour (settled in Jersey 
City, N. .1.), Sarah Elizabeth (died unmarried), Mar- 
tha Dickinson (married Francis A. Gordon, of Hen- 
niker, and settled in Merrimack) and Anna Eliza 
(married Carmi Parker, of Merrimack, recently re- 
moved to Fitchburg, Mass.). 

Margaret Parker had a daughter, Caroline Eliza 
(settled in Concord. Mass.) Martha Gordon has two 
sons— Robert McGaw and Arthur G. 

Anna Parker has three sons.— George L., Harry C. 
and Maurice W. 

McGilveray. — John McGilveray came from Scot- 
land some time previous to the Revolution and settled 
on the place now owned by his grandson, John*. 

His children were John 2 ; Robert, settled in Maine; 
William, settled in New Orleans ; Alexander; David, 
settled in Brookline; Jacob: Martha, married Alex- 
ander Anderson, of Derry ; Margaret, died unmar- 
ried ; Simon, settled on the home farm. 

The children of Simon were John 3 , settled on the 
home farm; Eliza J., married James Hale, settled in 
Merrimack, and had seven children, four of whom 
are living; William; Harriet, died unmarried; 
i (eorge .Newel. 

The children of John 3 are Franklin D. ; John C. ; 
1 1. Elbertie; Clarie 1'., married Everett F. Parker of 
Merrimack; Anuis B., died ; Harriette M. 

Parker.— Nathan Parker, many years a resident of 
Merrimack, was born in Litchfield, N. H., January 
1, 1767; came to this town April, 1798. He married 
Mary McQuestin, of Litchfield, and died at the old 
homestead opposite the M. N. Institute, where his 
wife lived at the time of his death. 



MERRIMACK. 



His posterity number six sons, four daughters, 
sixty-six grandchildren, forty-three great-grandchil- 
dren, and three great-great-grandchildren. 

His oldest son", William, born December 16, 1797, 
died September 11, 1877, in Suncook, N. II., where 
he resided. 

Franees (Mrs. Leonard Walker), born September 
7. 1799; died a1 her home in Merrimack, December 
13, 1870. 

Nathan, born September 25, 1801. He settled in 
Merrimack, where he died April 1-1, 1876. 

Matthew, born July 27, 1803. He was accidentally 
killed by the falling of a building upon him, at his 
father's place, in time of a fearful tornado, May 21, 
1814. 

Adeline (Mrs. Enoch Merrill), born August 30, 
1S05; now lives in Nashua, N. H. 

Elkanah Philip, born June 6, 1807; died in Mer- 
rimack, at the Parker homestead, April 5, 1875. 

James, the tilth son, lived and died in Merrimack ; 
born November 30, 1809; died March 1, 1864. 

Harriet (Mrs. Robert French, of this town), born 
June 23, 1812, and now living. 

Thomas, the youngest son, died at his home in 
Merrimack, March 27, 1885; born February 20, 1815. 

Marietta (Mrs. John Wheeler), born December 28, 
1818; died in Merrimack, July 30, 1881. 

Two daughters of Nathan Parker arc now living; 
also thirty-one grandchildren, thirty-six great-grand- 
children, three great-great-grandchildren. 

He was the grandson of Rev. Thomas Parker, of 
Dracut, Mass. Rev. Thomas was the son of Josiah, 
of Cambridge. He was born December 7, 1700; gra- 
duated at Cambridge, 1718; settled in Dracut, 1720; 
was pastor of the Congregational (probably Presby- 
terian) Church forty-four years, until the time of his 
death, March 18, 1765, and only nineteen years of 
age at the time of settlement. 

His sons were Thomas, William, John. Matthew 
and Jonathan. His daughters were Lydia, Eliza- 
beth, Lucy and Sarah. Matthew (second) wis father 
of James U. Parker, Esq., once a resident of Merri- 
mack ; also of Nathan Parker, of Manchester, Presi- 
dent of Manchester Savings Bank, and grandfather 
of Deacon Matthew Nichols, of this town. Thomas 
Parker, his oldest son, became a celebrated physician, 
settled in Litchfield, was the father of Rev. Edward 
L. Parker, who settled over the Presbyterian Church 
of Derry, where he preached until his death. He 
was father of Edward Parker, Esq., a former resident 
of this town, ami later of Concord, Mass., where lie 
died. 

Spalding. — Samuel Spalding came from Chelms- 
ford, Mass., and settled in Merrimack at some time 
previous to 1753. 

His children were Samuel 2 , settled in Merrimack ; 
Abijah, settled in Nashua ; Sarah, died unmarried ; 
Henry, settled in New Boston and afterwards removed 
to Lyndeborough ; Oliver, settled in Merrimack ; Isaac, 



settled in New Ipswich and afterwards removed to 
Wilton; Silas, settled in Merrimack, removed to An- 
dover, Vt., and returned to Merrimack; Asa, settled 
in Merrimack. 

The children of Samuel 2 were Ephraim, died 

S 2 Sarah, married Luther Abbott, of Andover, 

Vt. ; Abijah-, settled in Nashua, after living in various 
other places; Betsey, married Isaac Blood, of Hollis ; 
Luther, settled in Baltimore, Md. ; Meriel, married 
John Thomas, of Goffstown, and settled in Andover, 
Vt., afterwards removed to Wisconsin ; Ira, settled in 
Merrimack; Josiah, settled in Salem, and was a sea- 
captain ; Eleanor, settled in Vermont. 

The children of Ira Spalding were Ira 2 , died in 
infancy; William Moore, settled in Texas; Ephraim 
Healil, settled in Texas; Nancy Isabella, married 
William Kimball, of Temple; Eliza Jane, died in 
infancy ; < ieorge Washington, died in infancy; George 
Franklin, settled on the old homestead in Merrimack ; 
Betsy ( 'handler, married John G.Kimball, of Nashua: 
Catherine Mears, married Chancy C. Kuler, and set- 
tled in Wisconsin; Ellen Maria, married Albert Gay. 
of Boston, Mass.; Henry Harrison, died in in- 
fancy. 

The children of George Franklin Spalding are 
Caribella Frances and Frank Clarence. 

The children of Oliver Spalding were Abigail, 
died young ; Olivet', settled in Merrimack: and an 
unnamed infant. 

The children of Oliver Spalding-' were Abigail 
Nourse, married William T. Parker, and lives in 
Merrimack , John Lund, settled in Merrimack ; 
Hosea I'.allou, settled in Nashua; and Oliver Perry, 
died young. 

The children of John Lund Spalding were Sarah 

Frances and John ( (liver. 

The children of Asa Spalding were Asa 2 , settled 
in Merrimack ; Ephraim, died young ; Samuel Woods, 
died young; Joanna, died young ; Sophia, married 
'timothy Fry, of Lowell. Mass. ; Cynthia, married 
Gilbert Colburn, of Pelham; All. en Jefferson, settled 
in Danvers, Mass. ; Lucy Davis, married Jacob Carl 
ton, of Lowell, Mass.; John Langdon, died young ; 
Sarah, married Jacob Carlton, of Lowell, Mass., after 
her sister Lucy's death ; and Dorcas, married Andrew 
J. Nute, of Lowell, Mass. 

The children of Asa Spalding- were Samuel 
Woods, settled in Danvers. Mass.; Joanna, married 
William Lyon, of Pelham ; Asa Langdon, has lived 
in various towns in Massachusetts, the last being 
Newton Centre; and Albert Jefferson, settled in Dan- 
vers, Mass. 

Matthew Thornton's Family and Descendants — 
James Thornton, an Englishman, and Elizabeth Jenk- 
ins, his wife, removed from England to the north of 
Ireland, where Matthew Thornton was born, in 1714. 
During his infancy his parents came to America and 
settled in Londonderry. After acquiring his profes- 
sion he practiced medicine there, securing a high rep- 



546 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



utatiou as a physician and becoming comparatively 

wealthy. 

In 174">, Dr. Thornton joined the expedition against 
Louishurg, Cape Breton, as surgeon in the New Hamp- 
shire Division ofthe American army. .Matthew Thorn- 
ton was appointed president ofthe Provincial < torn eh- 
ticm nt' New Hampshire, and the following year 
was chosen to represent New Hampshire in the first 
Congress holden at Philadelphia. He signed the 

Declarati t Independence, and s i after 

purchased a farm in that part of Merrimack known 
as Thornton's Ferry, where, surrounded by his family 
and friends, he passed the remainder of his days in 
dignified repose. He died at the house of bis daugh- 
ter, Mrs. Hannah Thornton McGaw, in Newburyport, 
Mass., June 24, 1803, at the age of eighty-nine years. 
Mr. Thornton was a man of commanding presence, but 
of a very genial nature, remarkable for his native wit 
and great fund of anecdote. 

After serving his term in Congresshe became chief 
justice of the Court of Common Pleas in New Hamp- 
shire, and afterwards judge .>!' the Superior < lourt. 

Judge Thornton married Hannah Jackson, who 
died before reaching middle life, leaving five children, 
— James, Andrew, .Mary, Hannah and Matthew-, 
.lames married Mary Parker, and lived in Merrimack. 
Their children wen. Matthew 3 , .Tames Bonaparte, 
Thomas, Hannah and Mary. 

Matthew' 1 died in youth, leaving one daughter, 
Margaret Anne, who died unmarried. 

.lames B. was graduated at Bowdoin ; practiced law 
in Merrimack; was second comptroller of the treasury 
at Washington; then United States charge d'affaires to 
Peru, South America. He died at Callao at about the 
age of forty. 

He was a classmate of the late ( harles ( ;. Atherton, 
Esq., of Nashua, and ofthe late ex-President Frank- 
lin Pierce, and the warmth of their strong personal 
friendship remained unimpaired until his death. 

.lames B. Thornton left two children, — JamesShep- 
ard Thornton and Mary Parker Thornton. James 
Shepard entered the Naval School at Annapolis at the 
age of fourteen, and remained in the naval service 
until his death, which occurred in 1875. He was ex- 
ecutive officer of the "Hartford'' under Farragut, at the 
battle of New Orleans, and executive officer of the 
"Kearsarge," in the famous battle with the "Alabama." 

He married a daughter of Rev. Henry \V 1. who 

survives him. Mary Parker married Dr. Charles A. 
Davis, and, alter his death, Judge W. S. Gardner, of 
I usetts. Hannah married Colonel Joseph 

Greeley, of Nashua, of whose family there are three 
surviving children, — Charles A. and Edward P., loca- 
ted at Nashua, Iowa : ami James B. Greeley, M.D., 
surgeon in the First Rhode Island Cavalry during the 
late war, who is now living on the old Thornti n farm 
in Merrimack. 

Andrew, son ,,f Judge Matthew Thornton, died in 
early youth, unmarried. 



Matthew'-, son of Judge Thornton, graduated at 
Dartmouth, read lawat Amherst and resided at Mer- 
rimack, where he died, leaving a widow ami two 
children. 

One of these died in youth : the other, Abby.a very 
lovely ami accomplished woman, married Captain 
1 >a\ el Mac! Iregor, of Derry. 

Mary Thornton, eldest daughter of Judge Matthew 
Thornton, married the Hon. Silas Britton, of Salem, 
N. II. 

Hannah Thornton, youngest daughter of Judge 
Matthew Thornton, married John Met Jaw, of New- 
buryport. Mass. 

Wilkins.— The Wilkins family came from England 
and settled in Salem in the early part of the seven- 
teenth century. 

Stephen Wilkins. born in that part of Salem after- 
wards incorporated in Middleton, left a son, Stephen 
Wilkins, Jr.. who took part in the French and Indian 
War, was appointed captain in the Revolutionary 
forces, and served two years, hut left the army in 1777, 
ami bought a farm in Merrimack, on the Souhegan 
River, three and a half miles from its mouth. An 
interesting incident occurred in connection with this 
purchase. John Neal, the man of whom he purchased, 
was a whig when the Americans seemed likely to 
succeed and a tory when the British got the advan- 
tage. 

The bargain was made in the spring of 1777: but 
in the summer, when Mr. Wilkins came to pay the 
money in Continental currency, it had begun to de- 
preciate, and Mr. Neal refused to take it, declaring 
that the British would gain the victory and the money 
would not be worth as much as so many chips. But 
when he heard of the capture of Burgove's army he 
was glad to take the whole three thousand dollars in 
Continental currency. 

The children of Captain Stephen Wilkins, Jr., 
were Andrew, came to Merrimack with his father ; 
Stephen, died young : Hannah, married Elijah Chub- 
buek and settled in Vermont, hut removed to New 
York; Lucy, died at Mont Vernon; Stephen 2 , set- 
tled in New York; Levi, came to Merrimack with his 
father; James, horn in Merrimack, reared a family 
here and died in New York. 

The children of Andrew Wilkins were Amos (set- 
tled in Merrimack, and afterwards removed to Ver- 
mont), Mehi table I married Samuel McClure, of Merri- 
mack), Andrew 2 (died unmarried), Sarah (married 
Zebulon Ritterbush, of Merrimack), Samuel (had one 

child, Samuel *, in Merrimack, and then removed to 
Amherst), Asa (died unmarried). John (settled in 
Merrimack I. 

'flic children of Amos Wilkins horn in Merrimack 
were Joanne A. and Sally N. (removed to Vermont 
with their father). 

I'he children of Mehitable McClure were Sarah 
and Samuel (born in Merrimack and removed to 
Nashua '. 



MIIKUIMACK. 



547 



The children of Sarah Ritterbush were Stephen W. 
(died unmarried), Lucy Jane (married John Collins, 
of Nashua), William (went to California), Nelson 
(went to California). 

The children of John Wilkins were Martha H. 
(married Amos A. Wilkins, a son of . Vinos Wilkins, 
born in Vermont), Charlotte (married Edward Col 
burn and settled in Canada West), Augusta (died in 
Nashua), Adeline (died in Nashua), a son (died in 
infancy), Frances (died in Nashua), Alma P. (died in 
Nashua). 

The children of Levi Wilkins were Ann [died in 
infancy), Alexander McCalley (settled in Merrimack), 
Roxana (died in Nashua), Levi F. ('lied vomit;), Lucy 
A. (married Thomas H. Hall and settled in Nashua), 
a son (died in infancy), Hannah (married Ira Etoby 
and settled in Amherst), Levi W. (settled in Antrim). 

Levi Wilkins settled on the old homestead, and 
was elected selectman for several years, always dis- 
charging the duties of his office satisfactorily to his 
townsmen and with honor to himself. He made home 
so pleasant for his children that they look back upon 
their childhood as the pleasantest portion of their 
lives. He was universally beloved and respected, 
and his advice was often sought for by his fellow- 
citizens. He was a member of the Congregational 
Church, ami his example adorned bis profession. 

The children of Alexander McCallcy Wilkins were 
Lucy Ann (lives with her father), Franklin A. Isct- 
tled in Providence), James M. (settled in Nashua), 
Gustine (settled in Manville, R. I.), Mary ( '. (died 
unmarried I. 

The children of James Wilkins, son of Captain 
Stephen, were Eliza, Charles A., Mary A., Jane McC, 
all born in .Merrimack and removed t,> New York 
with their father. 

Sources of Information. — The material for the 

foregoing sketch of Merrimack has been taken from 
the follow in-' sources: An address by Rev. Stephen T. 
Allen at the centennial celebration in Merrimack ; 
an address by Rev. C. L. Hubbard at the centennial 
of the First Congregational Church in Merrimack; 
I 'ox's " History of] (unstable;" " History of Bedford," 
by a town committee; "History of Windham," by L. 
A.Morrison; "Spalding Memorial," by Samuel J. 
Spalding; "Town Papers of New Hampshire," edited 
bj [saac W. Hammond; "State Papers of New 
Hampshire," by same author: Merrimack town 
records; records of First Congregational Church of 
Merrimack; records of McCaw Normal Institute. 
Hou. W. T. Parker furnished the complete list of 
citizens who served in the Civil War, and many ol 
the oldest citizens have given much valuable in- 
formation. 

No one can be better aware than the writer of the 
incompleteness of this record. He has .lone the best 
he could in the time and with the means placed at 
his disposal. 



every side, inviting further exploration. This, at 

least, can be said : as tar as the work has been 'ii d, 

everything stated as a fact has been verified, and, 
while of course there are errors in details, all im- 
portant points stated may be relied upon as well 
established. 



An interesting field of research opei 



delv on 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



HARRISON EATON, M.I'. 

Harrison Eaton, M.D., traced his descent from 
English ancestry, through John and Anne Eaton, w bo 
settled in Haverhill, Mass., in 1646; be was the 
elder of the two children oi .Moses and Judith 
(Merrill) Eaton, and was born at the Eaton home- 
stead in Hopkinton, Merrimack County, December 
Pi, 1813. 

At that date four generations were represented in 
the large, square mansion, where the present mistress. 
Mrs. Louisa (Eaton) Piper has all her life resided, 
and of his early home Dr. Eaton cherished delightful 
memories. 

The patriarch of the household was the great- 
grandfather, John Eaton Esq., whose decea-e occiii ie. I 
in 1824; his son, Major Nathaniel Eaton, was so stout 
as to have hardly room for a grandchild on each 
knee; yet there the boys clung, begging for a story. 

" Well, once there was a man "—here David pulled 
the gran.lsire's nose— "Tell it to me, grandpa, tell it 
to me! " 

Amid exuberant mirth and frolic, the old man 
would begin again, and now it was Harrison who 
drew the narrator's face and attention toward him- 
self; thus, while the progress of the tale was hindered, 
there was great amusement all round, and both first 
and second childh 1 were happy. 

His maternal grandfather, Deacon David Merrill, 
who, after his wife's death, came to live with his 
daughter, was a saintly character in juvenile eyes, 
who never used wicked words, though he did once 
threaten to break the " pesky " heads of the hens if 
they did not keep out of his garden, that he took 
great pleasure in cultivating. He made cross-bows 
for the boys, and amused and interested them with 
incidents ofTiconderoga and Bennington, — he having 
enlisted as titer, in the Revolutionary army at the age 
of sixteen.— and while the younger boy dropped tin 
com lie encouraged him with the approving com- 
ment that be was "a forward little fellow wdio would 
net big enough to cover corn some day," and so firmly 
was he bis friend that upon the sole occasion when 
the child was deemed worthy of chastisement, he 
demurred, saying, sotto voce, that "if Harrison were 
his boy, be guessed be would not be treated that 
way." 

For many years the estate and property of this 



548 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



numerous household were held in common stuck ; 
ropes, cloth, shoes and other articles which are now 
always purchased were of home manufacture ; and 
that so many people could have lived under one roof 
without quarreling demonstrated to the doctor's sat- 
isfaction a fact which reflected the brighl side of 
human nature. At an infantileage he was was sent. 
" with shining face," to school, and the master, point- 
ing his pen-knife at the first letter of the alphabet, 
demanded its name. Up spake the child : "1 reads in 

Baker! " The doctor was wont to tell this anecdote, 
adding with /.est, " My mother taught rm f" 

His physical strength and power of endurance 
were less than his brother's and most farmers' sons, 
but he was up in the morning early, ambitious to 
have the work go on, and eager to keep up with the 
men. Whenever a ta.-k was imposed, this challenge 
instantly greeted his brother's ears : "Come, David, 
let us go and do it and not have to keep hating it." 

The happy home influences were of the most sal- 
utary character, and vigorous, active mental powers, 
combined with an exceptionally sunny temperament 
and cheerful disposition, were his natural inher- 
itance. 

He abounded in humor, which was manifested in 
quiet, never in boisterous, ways, and surviving mates 
still recount the witty repartees and sparkling bon-mots 
of childhood years. 

Says his cousin, Mrs. Piper: "Harrison was fun- 
loving, and how much we all loved him!" 1 recall 
thai one evening, his hoots oil', anil the lire on his 
study-hearth burning low, he asked David to fetch an 
armful of fuel, to which he consented, on condition that 
an improvised rhyme should lie his reward. When 
the wood appeared the rhyme was ready. — 

" Thank fortune that I Imv.m hi..th.-r „.. z I 

To pick up iny chips and hring in my wood, 
While I, like a moiikry. sit curled in my chair. 
Reading and 'halving the lectures of Ulair ! " 

Hi- often alluded with satisfaction to the impartial 
treatment which he and his brother received at 
parental hands, to their own harmonious exchange 
or division of boyish properties. Why," said he, 
"neither ever had a piece of pie or cake, a new collar 
or a marble more than the other." Here tin doctor 
was called out, and his mother continued, — "There 
came a day, when 1 was making a little coat, anil 
Harrison asked, ' Who is to wear it?' I said ' It is 
for you, my son.' ' And will not David have one, 
too?' 'Not at present.' He silently regarded my 
handiwork a moment, and then said, ' If there is to 
he hut one coat, please give it to my brother.' " 

The child was " father of the man ; " boyish traits, 
prominent among which was peculiar unselfishness, 
developed into a manhood that has left the world 
better and happier for its existence. 

Working, — "laboring on the farm," it i> entered 
in his memoranda of youthful years ; and doubtless 
that is the proper term, tor tradition, family tes- 



timonj and the record of his most useful, indus- 
trious life prove that there was never a lazy nerve 
in him,— attending district school, or the Hopkin- 
1,111 Academy (a flourishing institution then remark- 
able for the excellence and thoroughness of its 
instruction, and since for the number of its alumni 
who, in after-life, became distinguished), brought 
him to his seventeenth birth-day, December 13, 1830, 
on which day he commenced teaching, thenceforth 
alternating that vocation with study till his grad- 
uation. 

He entered upon the study of medicine with Dr. 
Eoyal Call, of Hopkinton, November 17, 1832, and 
teaching in the towns of Essex and Hamilton, Mass., 
was meanwhile a student in the office of Dr. Oliver S. 
( 'ressy, of the latter place. 

He attended medical lectures at Dartmouth Col- 
lege in 1833-34; at Berkshire Medical Institution, 
Pittsriehl, Mass., in 1830, and there received the 
degree ofM.D., November 22, 1836. 

A few months immediately after he was assistant 
of Dr. Stricter, in Troy, N. Y., then returned to his 
native State, and commenced practice in South Weare 
August Hi, 1837. 

He married Miss Charlotte M. Eaton, of Hopkin- 
ton, December 25, 1838, and removed to Merrimack 
August 17, 1839, where he spent the rest of life labor- 
ing diligently and faithfully, until failing strength 
and sickness compelled him gradually to cease from 
active professional duty. His practice included the 
town of Litchfield. 

His son, Henry Harrison, was horn < Ictober 24, 1839. 

Dr. Eaton became one of the associates of the 
Southern District Medical Society in 1839, and repre- 
sented that body as delegate to the annual meeting of 
the American Medical Association held in Boston in 
1849. 

He was admitted Fellow of the New Hampshire 
Medical Society in 1*42, was its corresponding secre- 
tary in 1854-55, secretary in 1857, councilor from 1859 
to 1863, censor in 1869, and was also member of the 
standing committee on practical medicine. He was a 
permanent member of the American Medical As- 
sociation, and represented the New Hampshire Medical 
Society as its delegate to the annual meeting of the 
association which convened at Washington, D. C, 
in 1858. 

Dr. Eaton was received into full communion with 
the First Congregational Church in Merrimack July 
4, 1S52, was several years superintendent of its 
Sabbath-school and had been president of its relig- 
ious society and one of its deacons many years 
at the time of his death. He was superintendent 
of the public schools of Merrimack and one of the 
board of trustees of McGaw Normal Institute many 
years, and in the years 1857-58 was a member of the 
House of Representatives in the State Legislature. 

To quote from the obituary presented at the ninetj - 
second annual session of the New Hampshire Medical 



• f 





C 



y. ,_j6t^Cs/&^i. 



MERRIMACK. 



549 



Society, by Charles A. Savory, M.D, his intimate 
friend from boyhood, — 

■ [hiving entore.l upon In- |m .t.->-i- -n l»j Lapm ile\..te.l himself to its 

iIllllC- Willi |Uli I, lull llel'--, 'Il>lu\ II !*' I't I -It Illl.TllK'.t nf 

the advancements made in tin' different - | te i medicine, and 

made practical use of them wheuevei occasion offered. At the same 

inn.. .I,-, i > ,itl\< atlil |iH':H'-.>ll '. lie ill ll'till l\ illsiTllin IKllei I I K t W ''I'll 

tii.. certain and the doubtful ; ready to adopt a new remedy or method 
when satisfied of it- claims, In- never abandoned tin- reliable foi the un- 
tried. Novelty us such bad no charms for him. 

- Hi- habits ut reading, observation and tnvestigal ntinued until 

within .1 t. « days of bis death. So long as liif- Btrength permitted, and 

.- vii longer, In- In-lil himself icoh tn pe T form professional ilnties for 

all who called for liis services. Besides these qualities, so necessary in a 

skillful physician. In Katnii p. ,sm ---.■. 1 ..tier- in nil .'inini'iit ih-ree He 
was kind, genemii,-, conscientiously faithful, patent nnil sympathetic. 
He wasa reliable frieml -iii-l pleasant companion. 

" Those who knew him personally will i..all with pleasure the time 
spent in his society Hi- ready wit, his genial humor and his inexhaust- 
ible fund of anecdote made bun a delightful host or guest, 

"With noaffeetati f sanctity, he was a .i.voteil ami earnest Christian. 

The principles of bis religions faith governed ami directed him in all 
the affairs of life ; ami in the large circle of bis usefulness those who 
were suffering from physical or mental ilistie— in-tim nvih -mi-hl Ins 
niil. He was one of the pillars of In- • lunch tor many years, aid was 
interested ami active in every work of refor r charity 

Mrs. Eaton died, after a brief illness, December 

21. 1866. 

Dr. Eaton married Miss Harriet X. Lane, ..I' Can- 
dia. November 26, 1868; she survives him. 

From foregoing data it will lie seen that, while 
quietly going professional rounds, caring for the phys- 
ical welfare ut the community, Dr. Eaton was also 
identified with the political, educational, moral and 
religious interests of Merrimack and vicinity for more 
than forty-two years. He loved his fellow-men and 
rejoiced in their welfare and prosperity. He heard 
personal detraction as though he heard it not; him- 
self a peacemaker, he had not an enemy, and while 
the present and succeeding generation continue, his 
name will he a household word in the extensive circle 
of families who cherish not alone the memory of the 
good doctor, but of the good man. 

His gentle nature won not only human hearts, — 
all living creatures loved him, and, trusting, nearly 
approached his person without fear. 

The robins drank from the pails about the stable, 
the sparrow chirped about the rim of his straw hat, as, 
busy among the bee-hives and grape-vines, lie rested, 
after long rides, in the garden; he knew the birds of 
the wildwood, and the birds of the wildwood knew and 
responded to bis call; he was a lover of Nature, a 
line botanist and a delightful companion in his car- 
riage, as well as by the fireside. 

Through lingering months and years of pain and 
weariness he reached eternal rest, but his self-control 
was perfect; keenest, prolonged anguish wrote no 
wrinkle, even momentarily, upon his brow. The al- 
ways sweet smile grew sweeter, till, in the words of 
Pastor Slack, " be passed away, just as he had always 
lived, in peace. His long and faithful work as a 
Christian physician, his zeal in aiding till the interests 
of the town and bis active and consistent life in the 



church, all combine to make his loss keenly felt by 
the church and whole community." 

Dr. Eaton died November 1'.', 1881. The day of 
his funeral, the 22d, was the forty-fifth anniversary 

of his graduation. 

Upon the plain granite monument erected near his 
grave is the inscription, — 

Harrison Ka M.D., 

r.i L01 i I' PHYSICIAN, 

Born He.-. 13, 1813, 

Deceased Nov. 19, 1881, 

IE. f>7 years, 11 months, 6 days. 

"He went about doing good." 



HON. WILLIAM T. PARKER. 

William T. was the second son of William and Mar- 
garet Parker, and was bom at Cleethorps, county of 
Lincolnshire, England, November It), 1822. He came 
to America witlt bis parents in 1832, and lias resided 
in New Hampshire, with the exception of a k-w 
months, ever since. When twenty years of age he 
left Stoddard, where bis parents resided, and came to 
Nashua to seek employment. He engaged for one 
year with Thomas S. Jones it Co., merchant tailors, 
taking charge of their manufacturing department. 
Two years later he commenced business for himself 
in company with Colonel Charles P.Gage. He re- 
mained in business with this and other firms until 
1867, when he retired to his farm in Merrimack, 
where he resides at the present time. 

Mr. Parker married, September 1, 1846, Abbie X., 
daughter of Oliver Spaulding, Esq., of Merrimack, 
and moved to that town in 1849. 

In 1856 he was elected moderator in the town 
meeting of Merrimack, and this was the first time he 
ever presided over any public gathering. Since that 
time he has presided over more than one hundred 
meetings in the town where he resides. 

In 1859 and 1860 be represented the town of Mer- 
rimack in the ( leneral < Jourt. In 1866 he was chosen 
a member of the State Senate and served for two 
years, being the president of that body in 1867. Dur- 
ing the gr.-at Rebellion he was appointed war agent 
for the town of Merrimack, and so faithfully and 
well tlid he discharge the duties of ibis difficult posi- 
tion that at the close of that fearful struggle he was 
tendered an unanimous vote of thanks by his fellow- 
citizens. 

Mr. Parker joined the Odd-Fellows in April, 1844, 
and for thirty years he has been a member of the 
fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons, rising to the 
thirty-second grade in thai body. He is also ;i mem- 
ber of the Good Templars, of the Golden Cross and 
of tin- i rrange. 

Mr. Parker's religious connections led him, very 
early in life, in 1843, to connect himself with the 
Universalist parish in Nashua, and he has served his 
church with a fidelity and love that docs honor alike 



550 



HISTORx OF HILLSBOROUGH COl NTY, NKW HAMPSHIKE. 



to the mail and to the cause, He has served on its 
board of trustees man} years, and has been the super- 
intendent of its Sunday-school for more than ten 
years. But his work has nol been bounded by the 
narrow limits of the citj of Nashua, foi iu State and 
national matters appertaining to the Universalis! 
denomination he has been :i potent factoi I oi 
many years he was the presidents the New Hamp- 
shire State Convention, and he also served for nine 
years on the Board of the General Convention, seven 
of which he was the chairman of that body. To him 
also was given the distinguished honor of presiding 
over the great centennial festival of this people, held 
in Faneuil Hall. Boston, in 1870, when such men as 
the Rev. E. 11. Chapin, D.D., of New York, Rev. \. 
A. Miner, 1>.1>., of Boston, Rev. W. II. Ryder, D.D., 
of Chicago, and Governor Claflin graced the occasion 
wiili their presence and eloquence. Ii was the hist 
time that the lamented Dr. Chapin ever spoke in 
Faneuil Hall. 

In his whole life Mr. Parker has been an earnest 
and enthusiastic worker in ever) good cause. The 
cause of temperance and that of education have 
found in him a worth) champion. Feeling his own 
la.k of education in his youth, -for all his school- 
days would not make one year, he verj early became 
a warm friend of the schools of his town and State. 

Mi Parker has ever been true and outspoken in 
his convictions, both political and religious, and uo 
hope of gain or advantage could swerve him a hair's 
breadth from what he perceived to be his duty in 
those matters. In all his business relations he has 
been strictly honest and conscientious. In his domes- 
tic relations he has been faithful and devoted. He 
is a kind brother, a dutiful son, a devoted husband 
and a firm friend. In h*is married life In- has been 
unusually fortunate and happy. The esteem in which 
ho is held by his friends and neighbors is shown in 
the fact that during his life he has beeu called to 
conduct nioic than two hundred funerals. 

Mr. Parker's executive ability is .it' a high and 
rare order. This, coupled with his firm decision of 
character, has made him uniformly successful in 
, x erj position he has been called to till. But his deci- 
sion of character has e\ er been combined with a"Chris- 



1 i.iu lo\ e. a charit) a- warm am 
dwells in human breast. 



large-hearted as ever 



ur\i\ oik Mei u i i:y wit. kins. 

Alexander McCauley Wilkins, a sou of Levi Wil- 
kins, was born at Merrimack, V II.. Februarj 25, L806. 

His mother's maiden-name was Ann Met lauley, she 
was a daughter of Alexander Met laulej . Jr., of Merri- 
mack. He lived With his lather ami worked on his 
father's farm. To thedistrict school lie was indebted 
for all the education he received, except such as he 
secured l>y study and reading at home; yet he im- 
pro\ ed his opportunities s,. well that when he reached 
manhood he was employed to teach during the winters 
in hisow n and neighboring towns, still working on the 
farm during the summers. 

2, L884, he married Caroline Richmond 
Stearns, daughter of James Stearns, of \inh. rst,N. 11. 
At this time he changed his business from farming 
to lumbering. He bought mills on the Souhegan 
Kiwi in Merrimack, purchased lumber and manufac- 
tured it into heard-, shingles, clapboards, etc., and 
was USUall) successful in selling his products for 
enough to give him a lair remuneration tor his labor. 

Endowed by nature with unusual vigor of boti 

body and mind and good executive abilities, he was 
tor many years prominent in town affairs, lie repre- 
sented the town in the New Hampshire Legislature, 
was chairman of the Hoard of Selectmen five years 
and treasurer tour years. 

lie was for several years a director of the Indian 
Head Hank, at Nashua, ami served as justice of the 

peace tor more than a quarter of a century. He was 
employed to settle many large estates, and generally 

succeeded in satisfying the parties interested. 

In L856, though still carrying on the lumber busi- 
ness, he bought a farm and returned to his early 
occupation of tilling the soil, feeling that farming, it 
not very lucrative, was at least a healthful occupation. 

Here he still resides (1885), and when hi 
in the earl) morning to work in his fields, he feels 
the refreshing influence of the dewy air. and when he 
returns in tin.' evening from the toils of the day, alter 
caring tor his thick? and herds, he retires to peaceful 

and uudisturbed slumbers. 




I <■■ ' ya > ^oi /( c (, fcV<'<, 



Ill STORY OK M.JLKOKU 



( II . 1-1 1,1' I 






■ 

I 

- 


















:>:,! 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



of Wilton, ii does ool possess a natural pond or lake. 
This is a physical blemish it can never overcome. 
It is divided substantially into two parts by the Sou- 
hegan River, a beautiful stream of pur.-, clear water, 
whose source is anion.;- the hills of Massachusetts 
and which affords considerable mill-power and makes 
itself generally useful, as it is picturesque and orna- 
mental. The name Souhegan, like the original 
names of most of the streams and mountains of New 
Hampshire, has an Indian origin, it being first called 
Souheganack. It is said to signify crooked. Ii' it 
does, it is rightly named, tor its meanderings areas 
tortuous as they are graceful and attractive. 

Into the Souhegan, at various points, empty sev- 
eral smaller streams or brooks, which find their birth 
in the bills of Milford and adjoining towns which 
bound it. These towns are Lyndeborough and 
Mont Vern-.n on the north, Hollis and Brookline 
on the south, Amherst on the east and Mason and 
Wilton on the west. Lyndeborough and Mont Ver- 
non are rugged towns, with commanding hills, and 
from their numerous water-sheds, in times of rain 
and storm, comes a large abundance of water, which 
floods the low, broad intervales of Milford. The 
goodly town has a matronly lap, but it is often full 
and overflowing, and while it sometimes looks as if it 
was having rather more than it could manage, the 
broad and restless river always takes care of it, and 
the low lands in the spring-time that follows attest 
the fact that they bave been embraced by the freshet. 

Milford is fifty miles from Boston, thirty from 
the Male capital, and lies in latitude between IS 
and 43° north and longitude between 5° ami 6° 
east from Washington, and became a town by 
an act of the Legislature of New Hampshire, passed 
January 11, 1794, and is therefore hut a little over 
fourscore years ami ten in age. Not having yet seen 
a century of town existence, the celebration id' its 
first centennial, January 11, 1894, will he an event of 
much interest to its devoted children. It will soon 
be here, for 



It will be interesting to see what new discoveries 
will have been made at the end of a little less than 
another decade. Who can predict what is coming-.' 
Who can appreciate or comprehend its significance 
when it has come? Marvelous inventions and revela 

i ions an- constantly coming to the light, and n ic is 

astonished. They are accepted as if they bad been 
long expected. They may be 

"The greatest srli.Mi..-* that human wit ean forge 

Or bold ambitioD -lares to put in practice," 
and yet humanity remains undisturbed and acts as 
if nothing had occurred ; hut 



On May :j0, lsi',0, Amherst, to whom we were once 
mldcd and from whom we were long ago divorced, cele- 



brated ii- centennial. Milford, by vote of the town, 
took an active part in the celebration. It sent one 
person from each school district as a committee, 
namely: No. 1, Oilman Wheeler; No. 2, Levi Cur- 
tis; v, 3, X. C. Curtis; Xo. 4, .loci H. Gutterson; 
No. 5, Isaac Hums; No. <i, li. D. Bennett, No. 7, 
Jacob Sargeant; No. 8, Whitcomb Tarbell ; No. 9, 
William Bamsdell; and an additional committee for 
Xos. 1 and 9, of Humphrey Moore, Abel Chase and 

P tm M. Rossiter. 

The following is a copy of the charter by which 
Milford was incorporated, taken from the town 
records : 



the year 



Iji'l'l. .'II'' 11 -,lll<l - 



■ \n \. t i.. in. ..i-],.. rate the S. . ii ! ! i « .-steil y part of Amherst, the 
northwesterly j»;irt of H*»llis, the Mile Slip and Du.xbury S..h....l hum 
niti' ;t tn w n, ami ti.i invest the inhabitants thereof with all such privileges 
and immunities .is other towns in this Stat.- huld and eiijn\ , 

; (i.-titiun -I'jin-.i li\ a number <>t the inhabitant- ni n,. 
Soniltvv.i.-i Iv pari i.i Amherst, the iictlh \\ esterly part of Hollis. the 
Mile Slip and Duxburj School farm (bo called) has been preferred, Bet- 
ting forth that by an act ot nn* -i j .- n . ( t i . > i pa-nli.y the Legislature of 
this State, on the first day of June, in the year of our Lord one thousand 
seven hundred and ninety-two, the southwest part of Amherst aforesaid 
was L\ i-i nam boundaries: therein described, made a parish ; thai the 
tract of land therein contained is too .small tor a town ; that the inhabit- 
ants of the Mile Slip and l'uxhiiM School farm aforesaid an- unable to 

support the Gospel, build bridges and maintain schools; that a number 
of the inhabitants of the northwesterly part of said Hollis could be better 
accommodated by being annexed to tin- southwest parish in Amherst. 
They, therefore, prayed that they might be incorporated ami made a 
body Politic, with all the I 'mpi.rate powers and privileges by law vested 

in othei towns. And the inhabitants of the town of Amherst, in legal 
Town-meeting, having voted their assenl to the Bame ; 

i;- ii Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives, 
in i.. n< ial i '.(lit Convened, that all the lands and inhabitants within 
the following limits: viz., Beginning at the southwest corner of the 
northwest parish In Amherst aforesaid, on Lyndelwrough East liue, 

called the Mill |ni . thence < nitherlx mi a straight line to the sniithwe-t 
Comer of ]ot Xo. l!<l ; tll.-lic- e;iste, 1\ i. II lie- lange [lie- fn lie- Imllh- 

easterly corner of William Peabody'e land ; thence southerly oil the 
range line between John shepherd, Esq., and William Peabody's land 
until it comes to land belonging to the heirs of John Shepard, latu of 
said Amherst dee wed r i - □ - easterly to tic northeast comer oi the 
-. i ngto mdof thesamt Johi Shepard, I-:-') . thence south' rly, 

b\ land ui .b.ln, Me pari I,-.) alme-.ud. on tin- rang.- line to S..iih.-an 
i down the middle of said Kiwi till it strike land owned 
|.\ I '■. in.uiiiii and Stephen Kiudrick , ile-n ■ ..iti,. i h b\ said Kind lick 
land to the road leading from David Danforth's to the town of Wilt-n : 
thence crossing the sa and running a Boutb point to Mollis lane, be- 
ing near David I 'me kl.-<- -.- .m.l il,. n i.. il 1'ieast corner of the 

land Lit. -ly laid ..ft from said Hollis bj their committee appointed for the 

il- ■>. . i--.' i- ■ .- . I bene.- miming south a I. .ml iu.-he degrees east ,s„ a- to 
strike the noil beast on ner ..f .John Steams 1 I,, ml, it being the northwest 
& rte r of Robert Col bourn's land ; then i on the same course until it 

. omes I-. the southeast corner of (he :-,,|.) s|, .,, ,,,■ i. IM ,i ■ tllence Westerly, 

bj said Steai us and William Haley laud, until it comes to the northwest 

corner ol said Haley land, thence w.-ieiiyt-. the north, i i - m,-i 

Mr liouhi's land, and so ■ n ■ ., mid and David Danforth's 

land, to said t.eiiihr.s northwest comer ; then..- turning southerly to the 
southeast coruer of Robert Darrah'a laud ; thence weal G 
south until it comes to Itabj easl line ; thence northerly on said Raby 
east line until it comes to the south line of said Amherst; thence 
northerly on the north line of said Kab\ to the southwest corner of Am- 
herst ; then, c southerly by the west line ,.f Kaby to the southeast comer 
of the Mil.- Slip; thence westerly to the southwest corner then,.!: 

t belli e iml'lhe] Iv nil e;bl 1 1 lie uf Ma-oil ,V Wilton to the nortllU.-l i ,., In I 

of the Mill Slip ; thence easterly on the smith line of Lyudeborougti to 

the souih. a-t cnriiei tli. icf ; thence northerly by the east line uf Lynde- 
bor.mgh to the bound tirst mentioned. Be, and the same are hereby in- 



MILFORD. 



553 



corporatedintoatown by the name of Milford ; and the inhabitants who 

reside and shall hen-after iv-id- within the bel ntioned boundaries 

.,,, made and constituteda bodj politic and corporate, and invested 
with all the powers, privileges and immunities which towns in this 
St.it.- h\ l.i « in-.- entitled tn enjoy ; to remain a distinct town and have 
contijiuauce and succession foi ever. Andbe it further Enacted thai 
Augustus Blanchard, Esquire, be, and he hereby is, authorized and cm- 
powered to call an ting of said inhabitants for the purpose "l i I sing 

all necessary Tow leers ; ami shall preside tie rein until a Moderator 

shall he chosen to govern said meeting, which shall be warned bj post- 
ing up notice thereofal the Meeting-House in said Milford, fourteen 
days prior to the day of holding the same, and the annual meetings for 
the choice of Town Officers shall be holdenon the Bret Tuesday of March 
annually. 

"Provided always lli.l lintliili- in tin- ;e I . ..n I 1 1 led shall, ill any 



tin- 






assessed 



(part of said Milford) from paying their proportio 

from the town of Amherst, or theii pro] i 

Present Poor of said Town and Parish, or any 

them as inhabitants of the said Town of Amheret ; bul tb 

levied and collected from the inhabitants Ol thesaid Southwest Parish 

w pari "i Milford al said) in the same way and mat i as it this 

act had not been passed ; and the present inhabitants of the said north- 
westerly part of said town of Hollis shall be liable to pay all taxes here- 
to) ; B ed on them as inhabitants ol the town of Mollis, in the 

"In Senate, January 11. 1794. This bill bavins had three several 

readings, passed to I naet.-d ; sent down bu ron.iii rem ,■, 

"Anna. Fosiiat, President of the Senate. 
"In the House of Representatives, the same day, the foregoing bill, 
having had a third reading, was enacted. 

"Nathaniel Peabodv, Speaier. 
"Approved 11th January, 1794, 



Nathaniel ! 
TUS Blanoha 



i.i ii, Deo. Sec. 
Town Clerk." 



The following is a list of the resident tax-payers in 
Milford April 1, 1794, which is taken from the " His- 
tory of Amherst : " 

Isaac Abb. .tt, [seat Abbott, Jr., Samuel Lhbott, Jacob Adams, Eben- 

ezer Averill, Elijah Ave] ill, .lames lladi-er, Rcuei ll.iblw ill, Joel llarker, 

Nehemiah Barker, Isaac Bartlett, Au-ustu- HI n. h..i 1. I- . n I'.l.uc haid, 

John Blanchard, Sin 

Blanchard, Oliver Dowers, John 

Boyntou, Jr.. Andrew I'.radford 

Burnani, Joshua Illinium, St.pli 

James Hums, John Hums, Jo 



Bum 



Stephen 
em. felee, 



kins, Peter Hopkins, So 


,mon Hops 


„ Hopkins, Nehemiah 


Howard, Jeremiah Hubb 


i.i, Abnei 1 


Barthol imew Hiit.h- 


insoti, Benjamin Hutchir 


son, Elijah Hub hi. isoi 


, \ ,|b ,i lint. Iiiusoii. 


Jr., Timothy Hutchinson 


I laniel Johnson, Caleb 


Ion, s, Jonathan .bee -. 


Joshua Jones, Joseph K 


lowltoii, Benjamin Le\ 


is, Jonathan Lovejoy 


Samuel Lovejoy, Porter 


Luinnes, Jotham Lun. 


Isaac Marshall, John 


Marvel, Joseph Melendy 


.Nathan Merrill, Joahu 


Moore, Stearns Need- 


ham, Benjamin Nevens, 


losiah Osgood, An 


. .1 : William Pea- 


body, Joseph Perry, Ilai 


el Pi 1 


, ' ,ib. in Phelps, 


William Pow. i ■, \ n ; 


riest, Nathaniel 11 ■ ■■ n 


nt. Jacob Eii bardson, 


Ebene/.er Sargent, Nath: 






Shepard, Jotham Shi p tl 




b Dnai 


Nathaniel Soutbwi, k. .1 




Vtor, V idow Taylor. 


Widow Temple, Bartle.l 


mi w rowne, Jon itbaa 


Towne, M 


Rebecca Upton, James \\ 


allace, John Wallace, J 


-,.ph Wallace, W idois 


Mary Wallace, John Willard, Benjamin Wrigh 





Milford was originally composed of five parcels of 
land, all of which it now contains, with one other 
small tract of one hundred and fifty acres, acquired 
from Amherst in 184U, and one from Lyndeborough 
in is?:'.. 

The five- original tracts were a part of the old town 
of .Muns. hi, a part of Souhegan West, the Mile Slip, 
Duxbury school farm, and a part of Hollis. The 
part taken from Monson was a Hart measuring three 
miles south from Souhegan River to the north line 
of Hollis, in the Seventh School District, and extend- 
ing from Milford east line to the Mile Slip, or within 
a mile of Wilton east line. " Monson was a small 
town lying between Amherst and Hollis, granted by 
Massachusetts and chartered April I, L746. In 1770 
it was divided between Amherst and Hollis. Sep- 
tember 30, 1770, the charter annexing a part of Mon- 
son to Amherst was read in public town-meeting in 
Amherst." The part so annexed was as follows: 
"From Souhegan River southwardly, by the town 
of Merrimack, two miles; thence northwardly to the 
river; thence down the river to the place first named." 

The tract taken from Souhegan West included all 
between the river and Mont Vernon .smith line, and 
from the east line of the Bartlett farm east to the 
brook which empties into the river near the shoe-shop 
of the late Mr. Knowlton. The portion taken from 
Hollis was a tract south of Monson south line, " in- 
cluding more than half of the Seventh School Dis- 
trict." The Mile Slip was a "strip of land lying east 
of Monson and Wilton, extending from Brookline on 
the south to Lyndeborough on the north, about six 
miles iii length and about one mile in width." Duxbury 
school farm contained five or six hundred acres, 
lying between Lyndeborough and the rivet, and ex- 
tended from the Lewis farm on the west to the east line 
of the Bartlett farm, or to the line of Souhegan West 

The lands described above, which compose the 
town ul Milford, were first settled about thi yeai 
1740. In 1741 the line between Massachusetts and 
New Hampshire was established so as to place the 
territory in New Hampshire. John Shepard and 
William Crosby were the lirsl settlers in Souhegan 
West; Elisha Towne, Josiah Crosoy, Benjamin 
Hutchinson, John Burns and others in Monson, and 
Aimer Hutchinson in Duxbury. All these names, 
with the exception of the lirst. are as familiar to our 
ears in Milford as household words, (/rushy, Towne, 
Hutchinson and Burns are old familiar names. 

In 1745, Benjamin Hopkins settled in Monson. He 
was ti man of wealth in those days. He owned eleven 

ii Ired acres of land, "situated immediately on the 

south side of the river, extending from the easl line of 
the farm now owned by William Ramsdell to the 
Mile Slip, near the Jacob Howard farm. This tract 
was granted hy Massachusetts to the town of Charles- 
town in aid of schools, and was then called "< harles- 
town school farm." Ii was then, ami undoubtedly 
is now, the most valuable tract of land in the town- 



554 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



ship. In 1741 the proprietors of Souhegan West 
granted to John Shepard one hundred and twenty 
acres of land "adjoining the falls of the river, ex- 
tending to the loot of the falls," on condition that he 
would " build a good grist-mill, keep it in repair and 
grim 1 , grain for the inhabitants of Souhegan West for 
tin- customary and lawful toll." He built the mill 
in compliance with this condition, and it was kept in 
operation for a great many years. It disappeared, 
and the saw-mill took its place. It is now owned by 
Mr. ( Klson. In those days the river was forded below 
the bridge, near where the foot-bridge is now sus- 
pended, and it was called the "Mill Ford," and this 
is probably the origin of the name of the town. 

ElishaTownetook uphis residenceon thesouth bank 
OfSouhegan River, east of the village, " near where a 
few ancient graves remain." Andrew Bradford, who 
was also an early settler, lived in the north part of the 
town, near where Fitch Crosby now lives. He was a 
militia captain. Aimer Hutchinson lived near where 
thelate William P. Burnham lived. Nathan Hut- 
chinson, who came here in 1748, located and lived on 
the Searles farm, on the south side of the river. 
Captain Josiah Crosby lived whereM. I\ Crosby now 
lives. He commanded a company of militia at the 
battle of Bunker Hill. John Burns, of Scotch origin, 
who came here from the north of Ireland in 1786, 
and settled in Milford in 1746, lived near where the 
late Joseph Burns lived. He first located in Notting- 
ham. 

These are the most prominent of the early settlers 
of the town. They were, without an exception, strong, 
resolute, sensible, honorable men. Their descendants, 
for the most part, have proved worthy of their an- 
cestry. 

As the town was incorporated after the Revolution, 
it cannot boast of the patriotism of its citizens in 
that memorable struggle. It could not send its sons 
to Lexington, Bunker Hill, Saratoga or Ticonderoga, 
for their battles had been fought before the town ex- 
isted. The men who left the plow and became Minute- 
Men.orwho fought at Bunker Hill and els. where, 
who belonged to the soil now embraced in her terri- 
torial limits, are credited to Amherst and Hollis, and 
they can exult over the honorable and noble list. This 
territory had defenders in every battle above-named. 
It helped Warren at Bunker Hill and Ethan Allan at 
Ticonderoga. Among its sons were heroes. They 
were all patriots. Their lot was not an easy one ; for 
more than thirty years before the Revolution they 
were constantly confronted anil menaced by Indian 
savages. They were always compelled to be vigilant. 
They possessed nothing that did not require defense. 
No wonder the New Hampshire troops at Charles- 
town were among the most effective and formidable 
in that splendid campaign! 

The territory of Milford was given in recognition of 
brave and patriotic deeds. A large part of it was 
granted by the province of Massachusetts to " officers 



and soldiers belonging to the Province who were in 

the ser\ it f their country in the Xarraganset War, 

and to their Heirs and assigns or lawful Representa- 
t i \ i-.." The grants were made from 1728 to 1733. 1 

In an order adopted by the House of Representa- 
tives of this province, January 19, 1731-32, the lid- 
lowing splendid tribute was paid to the brave and 
noble men who fought the early battles of New Eng- 
land. In it the House, filled with honest and just 
gratitude, give eloquent reasons why these tearless 
men should be rewarded with a suitable grant of land: 

"Ami one great Reason is tbat there was a Proclamation made i" the 
Army in the name of the Governm'nt uUvingevid when thej 



.loin- ; and, as the conditions have been performed, certainly the Promise, 

in all equity and justice, oughl i fulfilled; and if we consider the 

difficulties these bravi men went through in storming the fort in thi 
Depth of Winter, and the pinching want they afterward underwent In 

pursuing 1 1 > • - Indians that ea aped thro .' hid a wilderness, famouslj 

known throughuut New Knghiml I" tins day 1 >y the name ..I the hungrj 
n .,,, i, an i u we further consider that, until this brave tho' Bmall army 
Hi ns played the man, the whole Country was filled with Distress and fear. 
and we trembled in the capital, Boston, Itself, and that to the Goodness 

ofGodtothie army we owe out lathi re and wn Safetj and Estates; 

We cannot but think yt those Inst nun' is ,,t our Deliverani c and Safi tj 
ought to be, not. nily justly, but sIbo gratefullj and generously, rewarded, 
and even wit uch mure than they prayed for. If we measure w't they 

leeeive tClil n- by w't w.- eli.|"\ mid h.tve l'e.eived flVin til. -Ill, We liee-t 

not mention to ye Hon ble Boord the Wisdom, Justice i Senerositj oi 

inn Uothe m andye \ int Romanson bui h occasions Triumphs, 

Orations. Hereditary Honors and privileges, All tin- Riches, Landand 

spoils id' war mid e. .n.|iiei ..1 ...inline- ).;ne nut been thought too great 
for lln.se t.. win. 111 liny have not ..wed inure, it's., much as we do to those 
our Deliverers, and we ought further to observe, what greatly adds to 

their merit, that they w.-re not vag ndsand Beggars and outcasts, of 

whi.h ai lines :.r- suinetiines -ideiahly made up, to run the Hazzard 

I the Dangi ■ ol Stat ■■•••- — Fat hum this, that these were 
some ol thi best of our men, the Fathers and suns ..f some of ye greatest 

and best nf ulir families, and .ulll.1 have im ntber view but to serve ye 

country and wl i..d wis plea-.. I, ar.nr.lim:ly. ill a very remarkable 

manner, to Honor and Blicceed. 

It is not strange that such an appeal reached the 
hearts of the Legislature and that the grant was made. 
It is not strange that an inheritance, bequeathed with 
such eloquence and in consideration of such matchless 
heroism, should be honored with such a gracious and 
goodly prosperity. 



CHAPTER II. 
MILFORD— {Continued). 



HAVING now some knowledge of the lands ami 
hereditaments which Milford obtained through the 
grace of the State, let us see what she then had for 
men, women and institutions, aside from those already 
mentioned. They were i'ow. 

The first town-meeting, which was held March 4, 



hap. II. 



MILFORD. 



1794, shows only twenty-five votes for Governor, the 
only person voted for beingJohn T. Gilman. At this 
meeting Jacob Flinn was chosen moderator and Au- 
gustus Blanchard, town clerk ; Augustus Blanchard, 
Jacob Flinn and Benjamin Hutchinson, selectmen; 
William Crosby, town treasurer ; and Benjamin French, 
constable. It is doubtful if the entire population of 
the new town was then over seven hundred. It 
had one hundred and thirty-nine tax-payers. Their 
modes of getting about were slow and tedious. There 
were but two chaises owned in town. The principal 
method of traveling was on foot and horseback. One 
saddle and pillion served to accommodate an entire 
family, although their children were as man} as the 
old woman had " who lived in a shoe." An ox-team 
carrying the whole family to church was a common 
and usual sight. Children who walked. ]>otli girls 
and boys, carried their shoes in their hands till they 
gOl ill 3igh1 of the church-door. Shoe-leather was of 
too much consequence to he wasted. It the skin on 
" de heel" was worn off. it would grow on again; hut 
the wear from the tap of the shoe required cash to re- 
place, [t was twenty-five years before horse-wagons 
were known in town, and then for many years they 
were without springs; but they were looked upon as 
a wonderful invention. None hut the wealthy could 
have them. When to them was added the elliptic 
spring, which soon followed, and which may he re- 
garded as the dawn of comfort in matters of locomo- 
tion, the horse-wagon was an alisolute luxury. 

It had hut one church parish, and that was in its 
youth, having been organized after a part of Monson 
had been aggregated to Amherst, and which was an 
offshoot from the Amherst Church. It was consti- 
tuted a church parish in 17S2 (which was hut twelve 
years before Milford was incorporated), " for transact- 
ing ministerial affairs only," and was organized as a 
church by an ecclesiastical council, November 19, 
1788. The council consisted of Jonathan Livermore, 
Ahiel Fiske, John Bruce, Moses Putnam, Ebenezer 
Rockwood, Richard Ward, Daniel Mansfield and 
William Bradford, and the church as then constituted 

was c posed of the following individuals: Stephen 

Burnham, Caleb Jones, Elisha Hutchinson, John 
Wallace, Joseph Wallace, Nathan Hutchinson. Thos. 
Hums. Jonathan Towne, Benjamin < lonant, Benjamin 
Hutchinson, William M.-lcndv, Jonathan Jones. The 
record shows that attached to the covenant are the 
names of James Wallace, Hannah Bradford, Mary 
Burnham, Sarah Hutchinson, Letitia Wallace, Mary 
Wallace and Betsy Wallace 

Down to the time of tin' incorporation of the town 
it does not appear to have had a settled minister. It 
had built a church edifice. The parishioners, Janu- 
ary 14, 17*:!, voted to build il twenty-five rods south 
of Shepard's bridge, which would have placed it near 
the corner, where Dr. S. S. Stickney formerly lived, 
now owned by Gilbert Wadleigh. Esq. ; hut the vote 



was afterward annulled, and the meeting-house was 
finally erected ten rods northwest of that site, "be- 
tween two pitch-pine stump-." This was when- the 
elm-grove now stand- on the common in the village. 
Augustus lilanchard, who was evidently a man of 
some standing, was parish clerk, as he was subse- 
quently town clerk. The little hand of strug-has 
worked hard to get their meeting-house, as an exami- 
nation of their records shows. Il was many years 
before it was completed. The frame of the building 
was raised in tin- summer of 1784. It was a big job. 
It must have been, for the parish voted that "the 
committee provide 1 barrel of rum, 2 hands cider 
and one quarter of sugar tor the raising." It would 
seem that tile people in those days were quite temper- 
ate in one respect, and that was sugar. Their extrav- 
agance appears to have been in the direction of ruin 
ami cider. That raising undoubtedly raised a great 
crowd. In our day it would raise something beside a 
crowd: it would raise the wind and probably some- 
thing worse. They came from Mont Vernon, Am- 
herst, Lyndeborough, Wilton ami elsewhere. The 
timbers were heavy, "rough hewn and green;" but 
they had to rise, for there was muscle in that crowd, 
and spurred on by one barrel of rum and two barrels 
of cider sweetened with one quarter of sugar, nothing 
could stand before the grip ot our "noble fathers." 
The building was raised and no one killed. 

Eleven years before, tic good people of Wilton 
raised :i meeting-house. Wilton was settled in 1789, 
more than half a century before Milford was incor- 
porated. It had its centennial in 1839. Rev. Eph 
raim Peabody delivered the oration, and from it we 
quote the following graphic a. -count of the raising of 
Wilton's meeting-house : 

'■ Tin \ c tenced raising tl Septeml-<*i 7, 17;:; '• Sn. h tli in-- u.-n- 

conducted differently then from what they are now. n was con- 
sidi red the work of two days. People cami from distant towne i" see 
the spectacle. There was great note of preparation. 
r.vn l r ■ i ■ ■ 1 1 1 1 . . 1 i In- i-ni-eis. mnl ;uupl-' pensions w- 
strangers. 

•' It \vn< :i l.--:illtiful Sept. -Mill. •[' llnTIiii; : \n.| 

. i:. :i ;. !■' ■ v.'iy i...i.l, :ui. I h..ni On. neighboring 

bers, m- ri v, n and children i the show 

some practiced the method, unknown in modern 



).,:!,. 



II wo 



.ill |.i. j..ii. <t. lli.- wurkinr 





the ex. 


I.IM.l.t 


• work, ti 


■ 


.« , t spectators, 


in , 1 ■■■! [ng oi 




telling 


ll„. ,„-«-, boys 


pit, 


in- their various 


games, nil mad( 




: i joicing 






"T'li.- Bides ■ 


■ tl,.. 1, 




■ .ili- ..n up, and 


lso ;i pint ..I the 


roof at tlf east end 





luilding. One 


• •t 


lb.- raisers li 


Lyndeborough, 


Captain 


[Irudfoul, ■- 


... 


i hi- win . whom 


1,. left, on ..i 


..nit .,1 


Hill—-. 


,1 ,., ,.!..,. 


i.l 


•re Mr. Baldwin 


now resides, \ 


bile hi 


himself 




!.■■ 


..1- in the work. 


H 


'""..' 




•■' "'" '"""' 




he .-1- iv..l that 
was n. .t properly 


supported. \ i 












.,h. adj l« .in 




• 1 andgi 


■ • way I.i tl. 


pi 


-■iir- In raising 


tli.. middle part 


.1 tli. i. 




ight ..r ti..- w. 


I,:, 




great mi asure < 




in., whi 




no 


strong enough to 






i 


■ <•■•li.it. 1\ 1--I tl." !■■■■( nn.l 


infon I it"- in 






i... being made 




. onndent by the 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



t]i u- :a : ■ [ ■ i . ■ i ' ■ ■ ' . l > j . r t j . « I J T ti .■ u .0 a tl aid he lui " tit -" If aie . 

that tbey wanted u>> f.watds there. Indiitnaut, he imra 

down and started off for his wife with The purpose ..f returning home. 

But bef he had reached Hi Baldwin's the men had already pro- 

If. I forward, confident iiii.l elated at their progress. Tbey were 

i Ilie iin-lipporled beam and the planks ant 
rested on it. They »«vr.u.iiis»p. with much exertion and shouts ■ ■! 

■ if l -, W ii.'il -llddflllv. I- 
.... K, hf saw the tram.' ali.-ady . 1 ■■ .. ted tleln- 

hle, the men shrink back aghast, the building seemed t i. foi amo- 

m.-ut I., an. Iff", an.l suddenly all. timhers ami h»t- ami u. lushed 

down together in one uiiiiflfd ma- n I . i-h was -o I..11.I 

a.- tuhe heard neatly a mile. Flu a moment all was silent, and then the 
ail was filled with Lti...ui* and outcries and shriek* .■!' terror. There 
were fifty-three men. at tie- fiait.e that 1 II. Three were instantlj killed, 
two died very shortly aftci ward-, .ilea- weie 1 ripple. I for life, and most 
..I tlt.-t.i wen in t wounded. 

ti.,| the . •.. til made at tie' time, it 

-a hoi. 1 ■■ . I -i 1 L.i r 1 . . 1 1 ..t' lie' town - 11, women 

and children— was -fan fly live hundred ll tvas like nv men lost 

overboard from aship atsea. It caused a feneral mourn 
were few families whir h had not lost a friend 

... .itud-'d." 

Thi- was indeed a terrible event. There are those 
win. think the cause of the disaster was the fact that 
the authorities, by vote of the town, furnished one 
barrel of West India nun. five barrels of New Eng- 
land rum, inie barrel of good brown sugar, half a box 
ill' good lemons ami two loaves of loaf sugar. 

' m course, the good people of the Mill- nil parish had 
in.t forgotten the Wilton tragedy, and, displaying that 
sagacity ami caution which has always distinguished 
its citizens, and resolving that it should uot be re- 
peated in the history of their church, they prudently 
and wisely avoided lemons at their raising. They 
evidently recognized the necessity of having some- 
thing sour, and so they procured two barrels of eider. 

g 1 and hard, for the occasion. 

In 1771 Amherst had built and raised a meeting- 
house. They entertained the crowd with New Eng- 
land rum. ami when the frame was up they had a 
wrestling-match. 

It would therefore seem that raisings were then 
festive affairs. It was nearly seventy-five years from 
the time of the raising oi' the Milford meeting-house 
before the custom of furnishing intoxicating liquors 
tit a raising was wholly discontinued. For more than 
half a century the propriety of it has been questioned 
by many right-thinking people, and happily now the 
1 1 practice i- unknown, probably, throughout 
N'ew England. 

David < i Iwin, "in- of the very excellent citizens 

of Milford, now dead, who, by vote of the tow n. March 
11. 1862, was chosen town historian, to record the 
events of the( ivil War as connected with Milford, and 
to whose gleanings, through the courtesy of his family, 
the writer is indebted for many facts contained in this 
sketch, was the first to attack this practice in Milford. 
tame of his dwell- 

e n ishing to i ncourage tl npi i am e i ause 

whichhad i" gun I i be agitated throughout the county, 

tired to try," as he says, " the experiment of 

raising the frame by the aid of a substitute for ardent 

spirit, previous notice being given to that effect. It 



proved completely successful. Others followed the 
example, and now it would he coii.-idered di-reputable 
if ;in\ one should presume to furnish any kind of 
distilled liquor tit a raising." 

All honor to David Goodwin anil those who acted 
with him in bringing about a new public sentiment 
which stamped as disreputable a practice of long 
standing, which had not only killed men with falling 
timbers at public raisings, hut had afforded innumer- 
able opportunities and inducements to form a habit 
which bad for years borne an annual crop of poverty. 
distress and death ! 

The first church structure in time was completed. 
What bard work it was to accomplish the task can 
with difficulty be understood. September 2, 1784, the 
parish voted "to board and shingle the meeting-house 
it.iitt. , and that the job be let out to the lowest bidder." 
Benjamin Hopkins gave the nails. Many others con- 
tributed in small ways toward the erection of the first 
temple in the parish. It was a perfectly plain build- 
ing ai first ; but March 17. 1785, it was determined " to 
have porches," ami "thai the work he done at three 
shillings per day." In size the bouse was made, 
agreeably to vote. " the same as the meeting-house in 
the northwest parish of Amherst," now Mont Vernon. 

This first church in Milford po-scsses great interest 
to us now. tor it was for a long time the town-house. 
Tlic town appropriated money and was taxed a- regu- 
larly for preaching in this church as for schools. In- 
deed, the annual appropriation for many years was 
larger lor the former than the hitter. At the first 
town-meeting, held, as before stated, March 4, 1 7.'4. 
they voted forty pounds or one hundred and thirty- 
three dollars for schooling and seventy-five pounds 
or iwo hundred and fifty dollars tor preaching, and 
this "a- followed up for many years. The town 
really owned the church. There was but one parish 
in the » bole township. 

The interior construction of the house was after the 
fashion that prevailed in those times. For a while 
there were three porches through which the building 
was cnii fcdi. one each on the east, west and south, which 
was the front entrance. In 1802 the west porch was 
taken off and removed to the bank of the Souhi a in 
upon Mr. Knowlton's land, and litis been used since 

for tl -Ion' -hop. ( >n the mil l!i ..!. Of tin house was 

the great pulpit. It probably bad a sounding board, 

as tin Wilton meeting-bouse had, and a- the Old 

South Church, Boston, had and litis, in 1802 the 
town built ti belfry "similar to that in Francestown," 
and soon after Mr. Perkins Nichols, of Boston, a na- 
tive of \mherst, presented the town with a hell which 
weighed eight hundred pounds and cost four hundred 
dollars. It still hangs in the tower of tile old town- 
house. The pews were large square pens, with seats 
which could l>e raised up and let fall after prayer in a 
way that would leave no room for doubt that some- 
thing had occurred. It had a gallery on three sides, 
arranged also into square and long pews. 



It took ten years to build this meeting-house, but it 
was at last accomplished, and the old church, acting 
in the double capacity of a place for worship and for 

town transaction.-, amply repaid its builders by its 
great work, faithfully done, through several genera- 
tions. 

It stood where it was built until the summer of 
1847, when it was removed about tour rods to the 
northeast of its original location and fitted for a town 
hall. Under the town hall, stores were put in, while 
in the basement there was an engine-house, lobby, etc. 
The Congregational ( 'hurch, which assisted in building 
it, sold its interest to the town, and thereupon pro- 
ceeded to erect a new and more commodious structure, 
and located it where it now stands, having since en- 
larged it, built a vestry and adorned the grounds 
around it with beautiful elms. Later on a brief 
resume of its more recent history will be given, as well 
as that of the town hall. 

The first bridge built by Mil ford was on the spot 
where the arch bridge now stands, and was put in 
place of one which had been carried away by a freshet, 
the first one. which was a wooden bridge, having 
been placed there in 1783. The new- bridge, built in 
1808, was called the Ball Bridge, on account of the 
white balls on its tour corner-posts, and was eighteen 
feet wide, with one pier in the middle, and cost two 
hundred anil sixty dollars. 

March -'in, 1795, Milford sent its first representative 
to the Legislature, but not alone, for it was classed for 
that purpose with Baby (now Brookline). William 
Peabody was elected for one year. Hereinafter will 
be found a list of all the men who have since then 
acted as representatives and senators of Milford in the 
General Court of the Granite State. It will be seen 
that the first representative elected by Milford alone 
was Augustus Blanchard, who was chosen in 1799. 
This same Augustus Blanchard was also, a- appears, 
the first parish clerk. 

The "King's Highway." — About the first work 

that the early settlers of a country have to do, if they 
are ambitious to become civilized, is to establish and 
build highways and bridges. Highways, like steam- 
ships and railroads, being the indispensable promoters 
of trade and commerce, do more to advance and 
spread civilization than all other secular agencies 
employed by man. This fact seems to have impressed 
itself upon the minds of the New England settler-. 
They gave unremitting attention to the building of 
roads and bridges. After the log hut came, at the 
earliest possible moment, the traveled path leading to 
it. It soon widened into a broad highway. There 
was no hill so steep ami no barrier so impassable as 
to prevent its approach. This traveled path always 
had a habitation at each end and frequently along its 
side>. It was a sure indication of business and social 
life. It was the forerunner and herald of the church, 
the school, the -tore, the village and trade. It signi- 
fied commerce, a state and finallv a nation. 



began at once to lay out 



The first settlers of Mi 
and build convenient highways. 

Probably the first highway in the territory of Mil- 
ford originated in the path, and is the one on the south 
side of Souhegan River, and is the old road leading 
from Portsmouth to New Ipswich. If there ever was 
a record of its layingout, it was burned at Portsmouth. 
It is the same old highway over which old Mr. Gibbs 
traveled, carrying the United States mail in Ins sad- 
dle-bags. The first bridge on this highway, between 
Milford and Wilton, was built agreeably to an act of 
the General Court, passed April 2, 177'.', " to oblige 
tin' County of Hillsborough to build and maintain a 
bridge across the Souhegan River in the Mile Slip, so 
called.'' It was subsequently, in 1835, rebuilt by the 
town, and is one id' Lang's patent three-truss bridges, 
It is called the •' County bridge." The next high- 
way, in point of time, is the one on the north 
side of the Souhegan, leading also from Milford to 
Wilton. There are other highways in town whose 
history it is now impossible to trace, many coining 
into existence by long-continued use and without 
any formal laying out, as it is called. They weir es- 
tablished, and had been for years, when the town 
secured its charter. 

In 1847 the road from the stone bridge past the 
hotel was laid out and built on the west side of the 
common. Franklin Street was also built by the town 
the same year. In 1850 the foot-bridge across the 
Souhegan was built, the town appropriating one hun- 
dred dollars and the balance raised by subscription, 
the subscribers having the right to act with select- 
men in locating it. 

In 1845 a granite bridge across the Souhegan, in 
place of Shepard's bridge, was commenced, and fin- 
ished at an expense of two thousand dollars, but it 
was noi satisfactory, and the next year it was made 
over in a more substantial and thorough manner at a 
total cost of five thousand dollars, completing one [of 
the finest bridges in the State 

The bridge across the Souhegan at Jones' Crossing 
was built in 1S72. It is a thorough and handsome 
structure. March, 1*74, the town voted to name th 
streets, and Charles 15. Tuttle was chosen to do it. 
Street lamps were first put up in 1875. 

Settlement of Humphrey Moore.— Down to 1802 
the one church of the town had been without any set- 
tled pastor. It had made many attempts, but none 
>. i id tosuit. April 2d, 1802, the town voted to con- 
cur with the church in giving Rev. Humphrey Moore 
a call to settle with them as their minister, with tin 
then tempting offer of six hundred dollars settlement, 
four hundred dollars annually and two hundred dol- 
lars annually after he should become superannuated. 

Humphrey Moore was a native of Princeton, 
Ma-s., and was graduated at Harvard College in 1800. 
He was ;, man of mark. For more than a third of a 
century he was a moral, religious ami intellectual 
force in Milford and town- about. He was orthodox 



558 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



through and through. He preached " the word " aB 
he understood it, without extenuating, changing or 
abating one jot or tittle. It mattered not who it hit 
or where it cut, he applied it to every question and 
phase of life, and whatever and whoever could not 
stand that test was rejected by him. 

This was the character of the man whom the town 
and church invited to become their minister. 

His reply to their invitation was not only character- 
istic of the man, but of the times in which he lived. 
It was as follows : 

"Milford, lug. -. L802. 
" Men and Brethren 

•• ILmi.i; i..rru.,l y.nlr invitation to taUe tin- i .. l _ ? . . r . . I . ;ir. "1 tli.- Ilorl 
in thi-i plan-, I I. ■ 1 nivs. It" nn.l.-r obligations to m.ik. you no biatrial 
acknowledgments for the honor of your general approbation, 

"Alter much deliberation, with diffidence in myself, with bo] I 

your candor, of \..iu t. i, i.-i n..~ an.l l-n- f tl-.-.a. with an inexperi- 
enced ....nil, m nil hopi r thi ol ia.no f 2 r p it peace and 

■ I « "li depen lem e upo I foi wis lom profitable to di- 

— "-"'" *° 

This, it will be observed, was directed to "men and 
brethren." The "mothers in Israel " were left out. 
In those days these " mothers " were nol allowed to 
teach in the common schools, to lead in public prayer 
or take any active part in religious worship. They 
could listen and learn. It was the " men and breth- 
ren " upon whose broad shoulders the pillars of church 
and state rested. It is only a few years since a Pres- 
byterian minister was arraigned by his denomination 
because he dared to permit a woman to tell the story 
of the cross from the top of the pulpit-stairs. But all 
this is now changed; fortunately for the church, 
women arc not only permitted, but urged to lead in 
public religious work. The modern church, if it de- 
pended solely upon the " men and brethren " to do 
Christian work, would soon languish into utter inac- 
tivity and would be powerless. 

The call and acceptance being accomplished, it be- 
came necessary to settle Mr. Moore firmly and for- 
mally amidst his people. He must be publicly en- 
trusted, after the manner of the church, with "the 
pastoral care of the flock." In other words, he must 
be ordained. This occurred October L3, 1802. 

The ordination of a minister at that time, like the 
raisin"; of a meeting-house, was a great event. It at- 
tracted always the whole population. Everybody at- 
tended, — the old. young, rich, poor, the religious and 
irreligious. Mr. Moore's ordination was particularly 
important. He was the first minister the town of 
Milford ever had. The church had given audience 
to some seventy different candidates. He was the 
picked man among the seventy. The people were 
anxious to see him, and they wauled to see each 
other, and they all knew that everybody would be 
there. The town had made liberal appropriation for 
his salary. Everybody was to be taxed, and of course 

they wanted to see the man on whose account they 
were to be assessed. The day came, and the popu- 
lace came. The church wasn't big enough to hold 



them. They took out the windows ami built a plat- 
form outside for the accommodation of those who 
couldn't get in. It was on a superb October day. 
The exercises of ordination were impressive. First 
they had an anthem. Rev. Ebenezer Hill, of Mason, 
made the introductory prayer. The Rev. Elijah 
Dunbar, of Peterborough, delivered a sermon from 
Luke ix. 60. The ordaining prayer was by Rev. 
Jacob Bitmap, of Merrimack; the charge by Rev. 
Jeremiah Barnard, of Amherst ; concluding prayer by 
Rev. Lemuel Wadsworth, of Brookline ; and the bene- 
diction by Mr. Moore. 

The surrounding towns were mostly represented. 
Possibly Wilton wasn't orthodox enough to have a 
hand in the ordination exercises. 

Now, while these exercises wen- going on there 
were certain small performances, like side-shows to a 
circus, near by. In a building south of the common, 
and opposite the meeting-house, which is now owned 
by Mr. Wallace, and which contained the first store 
in Milford. there was a small hall. In this hall the 
young people assembled while the ordination services 
wen progressing, and had a social dance, and Parson 
M,,., re said he "could hear the music." Who will 
say that the music and the dancing were not graceful 
and harmless expressions of honest delight in the 
fortunate advent of the new minister in the new 
town, which he greatly honored in his splendid career 
of a third of a century ? 

During his ministry three hundred and thirty-rive 
additions to the church were made, and although dis- 
missed March 9, 1836, he remained in Milford and 
died in his parish. April 8, 1871, at the age of ninety- 
three, lie was a man of wit ami wisdom, piety and 
brains. His life was unblemished and his character 
without a stain. 

At the time of Mr. Moore's settlement there was 
probably a population in the town of eight or nine 
hundred people. There was but one church, ami 
till worshiped under the same roof. This con- 
tinued down to 1809. The new minister, therefore, 
had a good audience to confront each Sabbath morn- 
ing, and lie generally satisfied them. Gradually new 
seet> ami other churches worked into the town and 
commanded a share of public attention. 



( ' H A P T E R 
MILFORD— {Com 



-Methodist -Catholic 



First Baptist Church of Milford.— As a number 

of persons living in Milford and vicinity, had em- 
braced Baptist views, united with the Baptist Church 
in Mason, and as Mason was too hard to reach, they 
were permitted bj that church to associate together 
ami enjoy church privileges in Milford, ami were 
designated as a "Branch of Mason Church." 



MILFORD. 



In June, ISO", they petitioned the Mason Church 
to he set off as a distinct and independent church. 
Accordingly, a council was called from the following 
churches, viz.: Second Baptist Church in Boston, 
Bapl isl < 'Imrclics in I hiblin, New Huston and Wearo, 
together with the church in Mason, which proceeded, 
on the 5th of September, 1809, to organize "The 
First Baptist Church in Milford/' and adopted a con- 
stitution, articles nt faith and by-laws. It then 
consisted of thirty-one members; since then seven 
hundred and eighty-five persons have united with 
the church, making a total of eight hundred and six- 
teen. Present membership (January 1". 1885), two 
hundred and eighty. The church wasconnected with 
the Boston Baptisl Association until the Milford 
Baptist Association was formed, October 15, 1828. 
The report they made at the first session of the asso- 
ciation was "that they had enjoyed an interesting 
revival within the past year which still continues. 
Twelve have been baptized. The season has been 

truly refreshing. The church has done re tor the 

cause of missions than in any preceding year. They 
recommend entire abstinence from the use of ardent 
spirits, and have, in many instances, set tin' example. 
They have a Sabbath-school of about sixty scholars 
and propose to continue it through the winter." 

The largest number that have united with the 
church in any one year was sixty-one in 1831. Their 
place of worship during the first eight years was tin 
school-house in District No. L\ 

Rev. William Elliott had tin- pastoral care of the 
church the first three years of its existence, preaching 
for them on the first Sabbath of each month. The 
church wis supplied with preaching byseveral minis- 
ters, a short time each, until 1812, when George 
Evans, a licensed preacher from South Reading, 
Mass., commenced his labors with them, and con- 
tinued to preach for them until KX17. 

The settled pastors have been, and in the order, as 
follows, viz.: Ezra Wilmarth, one year; Matthew 
Holies, four years: George Evans, two years ; Samuel 
Everett, eight years: Mark Carpenter, seven years; 
.1. G. Richardson, lour years: Orrin it. Stearns, three 
years; Ira Person, five years; Edward Anderson, five 
years; J. W. Horton, three years; \Y. 1!. Clapp, one 
year; J. 1). Tilton, seven years; R. B. Moody, six 
years; E. J. Deane, two years; H. W. Tat.', present 
pastor. 

Deacon Isaac Bartlett, a deacon of the Mason 
Church, officiated in like capacity in the " Branch of 
Mason Church " until it was organized in due form. 
Andrew Hutchinson and Ebenezer Pearson were or- 
dained deacons, and officiated until disqualified by 
the infirmities of age. Their successors have been 
William Wallace, Aimer II. Haiti, tt (son of Isaac 
B.), George F. Bartlett (son of Aimer Hi. Aaron 
Mills, William P. Colburn. 

The clerks have been Andrew Hutchinson, Joel 
Howe. \V. Wallace. ( teorge F. Bartlett, W. N. Harts- 



horn, William P. Heald, David C Iwin, J. M. 

Stanyan, H. .1. Parker, George \. Worcester. Trea- 
surers, Andrew Hutchinson, E. Pearson, Benjamin 
Goodwin, John Mace, Daniel Putnam, Daniel Cram, 
Calvin Averill, Jeremiah Hood, A. Mills, George 
Melendy, Mrs. (1. A. Worcester. 

By an act of the New Hampshire Legislature, the 
First Baptist Society in Milford was incorporated 
June 7, 1813. Their meeting-house was I mill in 1816 
(on the hill, about thirty-five rods northwest of the 
-tone bridge, upon the lot now owned by < i. A. Wor- 
cester), at a cost of about three thousand dollars. It 
was originally fifty-four by forty-two feet, without 
tower, with square pews, high pulpit, — so high that a 
man could stand under the front part of it, which 
was supported by two fluted pillars, and had a Unlit 

of stairs to get into it. There were wide galleries. 
with a row of pews against the wall and free seats in 
front. After the frame was raised, boarded and 
shingled it was used for a while before being finished. 
The finished house was dedicated February II. 1817 
(the same day George Evans was ordained), the ser- 
mons upon the occasion being preached by Rev. l>rs. 
Baldw in and Sharp, of Boston. 

In 1836 it was moved from the hill to its present 
location, and a vestry finished underneath it. In 
l.S-lt! it was enlarged by the addition of fifteen feet to 
the front, and a tower built, the pulpit reduced in 
height, the galleries reduced in width, the old pews 
removed and modern "slips" substituted, all at a 
cost of about seventeen hundred dollars. 

In 1856 a bell was hung in the tower, weighing 
fourteen hundred and fifty-one pounds, and costing 
thirty-two cents per pound without the hanging 
The total cost was about five hundred dollars. 

In 1X74 the pews were relinquished by the owners 
to the society, and a lot of laud more centrally 
located was purchased, and work upon a new church 
commenced June 3, 1874, and completed and dedi- 
cated January 21, 1875, Rev. Dr. Lorrimer, of Boston, 
preaching the sermon. The edifice is commodious, 
being fifty-five by eighty t'vi-t , with a spire one hun- 
dred and fifty feet high, and contains all the modern 
arrangements for comfort and usefulness, and was 
erected at a cost of twenty-two thousand dollars, the 
old house being meanwhile sold to the Methodist 
Episcopal ( Ihurch. 

Unitarian Church. — The first Unitarian church 
of Milford was organized in its present form in 1870. 
Many years before, however, a liberal movement had 
I. em begun, and a pioneer society formed as early as 
1833, which continued to hold meetiiiL>s ;,t intervals 

down to the date of the new society. But it was 
never strong ami was usually without a settled 
minister. 

In 1-7H il was formed on a new basis, with better 
promise of permanence. It adopted a platform of 
fellowship, pledging mutual co-operation in "main- 
taining the institutions of religion and in all ( Jhristian 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY. NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



work." It lias a membership of most excellent 
people. 

In 1878 tin' -<>.ii!\ l.i u:ni the erection of a new and 
beautiful church on Elm Street, just west of the busi- 
ness part of the town. The material is granite, 
quarried in the neighborhood, laid up in broken ash- 
lar work with cut-stone trimmings, and finished in 
the interior in hard wood. Georgia pine being used 
for the trusses, and ash and birch for the other work. 

In style it is a modification of the old English 
chapel architecture, a low. wandering building, with 
towers and gables on all sides. The auditorium, chapel, 
parlor and other rooms are all on one floor and con- 
nected with lifting doors, so as to reinforce each other 
n 01 casions. Rich, stained-glass windows, picturing 
the chief thoughts of the gospel, add much to the 
beauty of the building. 

It is a very thorough piece- of work, and has 1 n 

built at intervals, as money could I" 1 obtained, so as 
to avoid debt. Though substantially finished, some 
furnishings remain to be added. It lias not yet been 
dedicated. Altogether, it is the most unique and 
noticeable piece of architecture in Milford and is very 
creditable to the society. Ii is one of the hand- 
- imesl i lunches in the State. Rev. Aubrey M. 
Pendleton, the pastor of the society, through whose 
tireless work this gem of a church has bei 
deserves great credit for his perseverance and suc- 

The ministers of the society have been John E. 
Johnson, Samuel K. Priest, Loring E. Beckwith and 
Aubrey M. Pendleton. 

Methodist Church. — This society is of comparative 
recent establishment in town. In 1855 and 1856, an 
article being inserted in the warrant for that purpose, 
the town voted to ad ipl a resolution, which was pre- 
sented by Jacob Gove, that they have the free use 
of the town hall for one year. The growth of the 
society since then has been slow. It has recently 
purchased of the Baptist society its old church edifice. 
- in pastor is Rev. Mr. Johnson. 

The Catholic Church— It stand, on the tract of 

land which was taken from Amherst and annexed to 
Milford in 1843. It is in good condition, but small in 
numbers. Rev. Father Bucklee, of Wilton, has the 
pastoral care of the church. 

Congregational Church after 1834.— The < longre- 
gational Church built a new meeting-housi 
town purchased the pew-holders' rights, in 1834. It 

was dedicated in October of that year. The house 

milt seventy by fifty feet. Afterwards eighteen 
feet was inserted in front of the pulpit. The bell 
lout twelve hundred pounds. It ha 

added largely to its vestry. It has no parsonage. 
The church was organized November 19, 1788, with 
nineteen members. It has admitted into the church 
since, nine hundred and forty-eight. Whole number 
of present members three hundred and fifty-eight. 
It has had in all twelve deacons and eighteen clerks. 



It- present clerk is I>. S. Burnham. Its pastors have 

been Humphrey M e, ordained October 13, 1-"-'. 

dismissed -March 9, 1836; .1. W. Salter, installed 
April 27, 1836, dismissed October 24, 1838; Abner B. 
Warner, ordained February o, lNM'J, dismissed Octo- 
ber 27, 1846; Lycurgus P. Kimball, installed May 
19, 1847, dismissed August 7. 1849; E. N. Hidden, 
installed November 21, 1849, dismissed April7,1858; 
S. C. Kendell, installed April 7. 1858, dismissed 
October 15, 1860; E. D. Ayer, ordained Maj 1. 1861, 
dismissed September 8, 1867; Geo. E. Freeman, in- 
stalled December ■!:'■, Isiis. dismissed December 14, 
1871 : George Pierce, Jr., installed October 29, 1872; 
Rev. Mr. Lamb, Rev. Mr. Taintor, and its present 
pastor is J. ( '. Rollins. 

Schools. — It is difficult now to give the number 
of school children in Milford in 1794 or the con- 
dition of the schools; but from all that can be as- 
certained, it is evident that there were but a small 
number of each. The settler.- of the town were 
worthy descendants of the Pilgrims, a cardinal virtue 
of theirs being the careful education of the young. 

The old district school of the good old New Eng- 
land town has never been improved, ami never will 
be in many respects. It did not po-^-ss the intricate 
machinery and mysterious wisdom of' the modern 
school arena, hut it did have plain solid merit. It 
tuned out a set of boys and girls wdio could read, 
Mtu.. spell, cipher and think. The graduating dress 
and plug-hat were unknown. The method- of tie 
school-room were terribly practical. The object of 
the teacher seemed to be to turn out a person who 
could think and act wisely and safely for himself, to 
make him know something and know it absolutely. 

'fhe schools of -Milford were fully up to the average. 

It would be interesting tc lice some of the good old 

school teachers who reigned in the Milford winter 
school-room. They did splendid work. They helped 
to make a set of excellent men ami women. Of 
course, the term- of school were short, and continued 
only through the winter months. The school money 
for the whole town, at the date of its incorporation, 
was less than one hundred and fifty dollars. The 
wages of the teachers were small. The master 
usually "boarded round," and in that way the 
term was materially lengthened ; and the time was so 
short that every moment was improved with religious 
perseverance. 

March 7. 1 7!'7 . the town was divided into Beven 
school districts or classes. It i> not easy to determine 
from the record the exact history of the school dis- 
tricts. In 1821 it speaks of six classes, in I sl'l' o»' 
seven districts. In 1852 District No. 1, which was 
the village district, was divided, making one and 
nine, and at this time there were nine districts In 
1853 the large brick school -house in No. 1, which 
is capable of holding two hundred scholars, wa- built- 
in 1867 Districts No- 4 and 8 were united into No. 4. 
Iii 1871 the present system of graded schools took the 



place of the old district system, or, rather, the town 
has gone back to the first system which prevailed in 
the province and State. In 1872 the school-house in 
what was formerly No. 8 was sold and the land re- 
verted to its former owner, John Daniels. 

1 p to March 11. 1834, the town had been collecting 
a fund called the Literary Fund, and it was at this 
time divided, and each district was to receive one- 
eighth ; but March 8, 1835, it was voted not to confirm 
the vote passed at the animal meeting of 1834, but 
that the select men be empowered to make a division 
and distribution, according to the valuation of 1831, 
among the different classes at or In-fore January 1, 
1836. 

"The Milford Academy" w;is incorporated June 
24, 1835. The proprietors purchased a lot of land 
and erected a convenient building; hut, having no 
permanent fund to sustain it.it never flourished. Tin' 
building was sold for a dwelling-house. 

" The Female Seminary " was incorporated about 
the same time; but, like other similar institutions 
without funds, it soon began to decline. The build 
ing is now used as a vestry for the Congregational 
Church. It was at one time used, in part, to accom- 
modate the district school. 

In the village or High School young men an' pre- 
pared for college ami young ladies receive a good 
education. The schools are liberally supported and 
carefully watched. Young people from Wilton, 
Lyndeborough and < ueentield of late have been in the 
hal.it of att, •tiding the High School tit Milford, which 
indicates the estimation in which the school is held. 
The school-houses throughout the town are in ex- 
cellent condition, and worthy the character of tin- 
people. 

The Milford Lyceum was organized November 7, 
1831. Meetings for lectures, essays and debates were 
held every week. The hist president was Rev. H. 
Moore: J. W. A. Smith, secretary; A. Lovejoy, 
treasurer; S. Peabody, Esq., S. K. Livermore and 
Dr. John Wallace, curators. 

The organization flourished for many years, and 
did much good. The subjects canvassed were numer- 
ous and interesting. During much of its existence it 
was conducted wholly by home talent. Essays, more or 
less learned, lectures, more or less instructive, and 
discussions, more or less entertaining, were indulged 
in by the men and women of the town. 

The records of the club are still preserved, and 
indicate its character. The members did not hesitate 
to grapple with science, astronomy, philosophy, 
ethics and the affairs of state. Most of the questions 
considered were settled on the spot, at 1 1 i e close of the 
debate, by vote of the assembly. 

The old-fashioned New England lyceum was a 
splendid institution, and it is a pity it i- not kept up 
at the present day. It has never had a fitting sub- 
stitute and never will. 

Newspapers. — The first newspaper published in 



Milford was in 1847. W.Bradford published it. It 
was called the Milford Weekly Mirror. It was soon 
discontinued. In 1848 a paper called the Souhegan 

Sttiwlttnl, dedicated to "free soil," was published for 
a while. Afterwards, in 18">7, tin- publication of the 
Mill'iiril Jirjiiihlii-nii »;i- begun, and continued under 
that name for several years. Its first issue was Jan- 
uary 7, 1857, and it was edited by Dr.Colby; J. 
Garfield succeeded him as editor, who turned over 
the editorial duties to K. V Boutwell, having served 
but a short time. Mr. Boutwell was editor for several 
years, but ultimately went to Leominster, Mass., 
w here he has since, until recent ly, published a paper. 
At the present time the name of Milford's paper is 
the Milford Enterprise. It is skillfull-, edited > 
George E Foster, Esq., and i~ highly valued bj the 

citizens of the town, as it is by those living away who 
ha\ c an interest in all that concerns her people. 

The paper has always been, as it i- now. a helpful 
moral force in the community, and a source of much 
pleasure to its readers. 

Public Library.— 



ngparenl words 



tn i ■ --I i tbei age/ 



Milford became interested early in its history in 
books, June 1, 1796, several gentlemen of Milford, 
with a lew from Amherst, got an act of incorporation 
from the Legislature, establishing an organization b) 
the name of "The Milford Social Library Proprietors." 
It prospered well for a time; but the books became 
worn, and as they had no fund with which to increase 
or replenish the library, it languished, and, February 
14, 1832, tin- concern was closed out by auction. In 

due time tin- subjeel of Looks was again agitated, 
and, like all good movements, forced it-elf upon the 
attciit ion of the people. 

The following is copied from the catalogue of the 
Milford Free Library as giving a brief history of that 
institution : 

"Tin' town was without a public library till March, 1841, when 

School District Vo I roted thai one Imtnli .-.1 .Lilian. 1..- laid out in I k» 

for the u f the district, and Re\ Humphrey Moore, Solomon K l.iv.-r. 

i , Esq . ...i O.-.i-l I'.a-. ..-I w.-i- .-linx-n a ittei 

vote into effect. Ln the cour f the yeai the 1 ks were purchased, 

rules adopted, Daniel K.I---II .ti..s.ti lil.ru ian and tin- library ci tr- 
od working order. In 1842 « further sum ■ i 



us.-.-t .-.i.-li voh tali. -li nut. and tin- [.up liasini: c tt.-r w.-n- m- 

-Itui-t.-il nut t-i laiv atn -til. Ilv si-.-ra. I u- tic- la-'. 

to i appropriations from time to time till 1853, when the district 

was divided. Its decay then commenced It. however, lingered till 
Iscn. wh.-ii tin' Ixinks wen- -"-LI at aiirtiuli. il lia\ itiL- lieell ill existence 

nineteen years. The year following that in which the district library 
was Sold the subjeel ol esl iblishing an agricultural library wasagitat -i. 
and in January, 1862, an effected. In 1869 the pro- 



562 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



ly gave it to the town, that it might be merged in 

the present library. In l-'-l several ladies • -.~r.tl.li.~li.-l a library, 
ami tilt- a~~...-i..ti..Ii was rall.-.l - The l.atlie-' Library A.~S"< ialittlt.' \\ hen 
the Free Library was established it was .-l.j~.-tl. and the very valuable 

collection was divided among the proprietors I Idition to the 

libraries mentioned, there baa i a library ...inte.-t.-.i 

ttilli rl M.-i i ■ 1 . _■ i . . i a l.-ty upwards ..I' I.. in y.-ais, and with the 

. ■ Bntui j ' 

March 1(», 1868, the town made :m appropriation of 
rive hundred dollars to establish :t free library within 
the town. The movement was started by Colonel T. 
L. Livermore, who was then living in Milford. The 
library was thereupon organized. A board of trustees 
was appointed. September 10, 1870, a code ol rules 
and regulations were adopted, which have been mod- 
ified since as was thought best. Liberal appropri- 
ations by tin- town have, from time to time, been 
made. 

The library now contains three thousand three 
hundred and forty-one volumes, and i~ a well-selected, 
valuable collection of 1 ks. 



ill APTER IV. 

MILFORD— {Cont 

I'.u.m- ~ .1 tie- Town — Manilla, tut .-~ — Hanks — l'.in yiii--i lids— Tem- 
perance— Tuwn > 'l.ek — IV". 1 latin- Ib't.-I-. 

At the time the charter was granted there was but 
little, if any, manufacturing in the town. The em- 
ployment of the inhabitants was almost wholly in 
agricultural pursuits. The early settlers wen- obliged, 
in order to carry on this pursuit, to clear the forests 
and do enough business in manufacturing lumber to 
furnish material with which to build their houses and 
barns and expose tin' soil tor cultivation. Tie- mill 
privilege granted t.. Colonel John Shepard in 1751 
was given him for the same purpose that towns now 
exempt manufacturing property from taxation foi u 
term of years. It was to encourage the business. 
The mill was built and for many years 'litl faithful 
duty, lint it was not until 1810 that any attempt 
was made to start a manufacturing bu-im ■--. 

A company of men, ha\ inn purchased a part of the 
mill privilege granted in Colonel shepard, obtained a 
(barter of incorporation from the Legislature by the 
name of "The Milford Cotton and Woolen Manufac- 
turing Corporation." They erected a factory. It was 
built in 18K, on the south side of the river. In 1814 
they commenced the manufacture of cotton yarn, and 
in 1 s^'4 they began the manufacture of cotton cloth 

by power-loom. In 1833 the i ipany suspended 

business. It was a lime of great depression. Their 
machinery was old ami worn out ami their manage- 
ment was bad, and (bey met the usual fate of such 
enterprises. But in the spring of 1837 a new com- 
pany, et.nsistiiit; nf Cenrge Daniels, II. Moore, Ezra 
(lay ami James Searles, purchased all of the property 
of the former company, repaired and replenished the 
machinery and building ami organized one .'I' the 
most profitable enterprises ever carried on in Milford. 



In 1844 they built a new saw-mill on the north side 
of the river, and soon after this sold out to a new 
company. The mill or factory is now owned by the 
Morse & Kaley Manufacturing Company, a thriving 
and enterprising company, whose goods are in great 
demand, and whose management, under the skillful 
direction of Mr. Hillings and Colonel Kaley, insures 
sueeess. They make knitting-cotton. The saw-mill 
on the north side is owned by .Mr. Gilson. 

The lir.-t agent of the original proprietors was 
Adam Dickey. They ran twenty-eight looms, em- 
ployed forty hands and produced four thousand yards 
of cloth a week. 

Since the days of Adam Dickey a tremendous 
change has taken place in the manufacturing of 
cotton cloth and everything else. Single machines 
now do the work of a dozen men, and forty hands 
operating modern machinery will produce at least 

ten times the quantity of g 1< turned out in Adam 

Dickey's mill. 

The next attempt made to organize a manufactu- 
ring business of any note was begun in 1846. Daniel 
Putnam and Leonard chase, two fd' Milford's best 
men, both now dead, constructed a stone dam across 
Souhegan River in the eastern part of the village. 
Ii cost thne thousand dollars. June ..::, 1847, tiny 
procured tin act of incorporation by the name of the 
"Souhegan Manufacturing Company," with a capital 
stock of one hundred thousand dollars, which was 
afterwards, in June, 1849, increased to two hundred 
thousand dollars. 

In 1847 a factory building was erected. The main 
building was one hundred and eighteen feel long. 
forty-eighl feel wide, four stories high, with a base- 
ment. It had two wings, thirty by twenty-five feet. 
two Stories high. 'Whole length of building one 
hundred and seventy-eight feet. It was intended for 
four thousand spindles. In 1850 it employed one 
hundred and fifty bands. W. T. Jacquith was its 
first agent. He wassucceeded by Charles Gillis, who 
lost bis life by the bursting of a steam cylinder. The 
next agent was Moses French, who was succeeded by 
David Gillis. The last agent was Hon. George C. 
i lil re, of Manchester. 

This mill at one time was merged or consolidated 
with the Milford Cotton and Woolen Manufacturing 
Corporation, but the main factory and ells having 

been burned in 1872, the two properties again Lee: ■ 

separated, and what remains of the old Souhegan 
Manufacturing ■( 'oiupain property i~ now owned by 
Mr. John Daniels, and remains now, as it lias ever 
si nee the lire, unimproved, except that one end of the 
mill, which was saved, litis been occupied a part of the 
time since for grist-mill and toy-factory. 

The tannery was first built in 1837, and although 
it has had a variable history, for the most part it has 
been a useful and remunerative enterprise. It was 
recently burned, but lias been rebuilt and passed into 
new hands and with bright prospects. 



MILFORD. 



The steam mill built in 1850 has generally been 
employed since for sawing and planing boards, man- 
ufacture of furniture, picture-frames and other arti- 
cles. It is owned and occupied by David Heald, who 
has made improvements in machinery and buildings, 
making it one of the best establishments in town. 

The Star Foundry was built in 1853. It prospered 
for a while and at one time seemed to be a promising 
business, but it collapsed finally. The buildings, in 
part, have been used for the Francestown soapstone 
business, and this enterprise looked well for a while, 
but Nashua was found to be a better railroad centre, 
and Milford lost it. They are now used by Pierce & 
Co. for cooperage. 

Among the successful business men of the past 
may be mentioned Mills & Lewis, who for years 
carried on the boot business in Milford. They 

employed a large number of men and their 1 ts 

were the best in the market. Andrew Fuller com- 
menced business in Milford in 1852, manufacturing 
mirror-frames. In 1865 he bought out Putnam & 
Chase, who also were among the most active of .Mil- 
ford's business men forty years ago. 

Among the modern enterprises in town which 
ought to be mentioned is the Hillsborough Mill-. 
It was first incorporated by the name of tie- Pine 
Valley Company. It was used as a carpet-mill, 
but it did not flourish. II. A. Daniels was its 
treasurer. It finally failed. Subsequently it was 
bought up by a new company, its corporate name 
changed to Hillsborough Mills, its capital stoek in- 
creased to two hundred and twenty-five thousand 
dollars, and it is now employing one hundred and titty 
hands in the manufacture of woolen carpet yarn or 
warp. The agent of the mills is Mr. Nash Simonds. 

John McLane, now representative of Milford in 
the Legislature, is carrying on a very successful busi- 
ness in manufacturing post-office boxes. He employs 
from fifteen to twenty-five men. and is one of the most 
successful and enterprising young men of Milford. 

Pierce & Mills, Gilson and others are engaged to i 
considerable extent in the cooperage business; Emer- 
son .V Son in the furniture business. The fancy box 
and toy business is also carried mi to some extent. 

Banks. — There is one discount and one savings- 
bank in Milford. The Souhegan Bank was chartered 
in 1855. Thomas chase, of Nashua, was its fust 
president and Hiram A. Daniels cashier. It was 
organized as the Souhegan National Bank in 1865, 
with H. A. Daniels president ami Charles \. Daniels 
cashier. February 17, I8.S0, the charter was ex- 
tended for twenty years. Capital stock, one hundred 
thousand dollars. ( ilinton S. Avcrill is now president 
and F. T. Sawyer cashier. 

The Milford Five-Cent Savings Institution was in- 
corporated in 1859, with a perpetual charter. It has 
deposits of seven hundred and fifty thousand dollars. 
Clinton S. Averill is its treasurer. It is in fine con- 
dition. 



Milford has many stores, and some of them excellent 
noes. E. 0. Batchelder is one of the oldest established 

of tin' merchants. Ill- has lor years kept a huge lir-t- 
class dry-goods store, and may be truly called an 
honorable merchant. Mr. Barber also has a first- 
class modern store, which is carried on with great en- 
terprise and success; and there are others concerning 
which the same may be said. 

The town is the centre of quite a large trade, which 
accounts for the thrifty and excellent character of the 
trailers and business men of the place. It contains a 
grist-mill and saw-mills, millinery-shops, harness- 
shops, jewelers, blacksmiths, druggists, news-rooms, 
groceries, restaurants and all of the equipments 01 
a lively country village. 

The farmers sell between live hundred and six 
hundred cans of milk a day. or forty thousand dollars' 
worth a year. It is carried to Boston. 

Milford contains several valuable granite quarries. 
They are operated with success. The qualitj ofthe 
Milford granite is excellent, and it is sought far and 
wide. It is a valuable source of income to (he people. 

It is doubtful, all things considered, if the business 
of Milford has improved for the last twenty-five 



nig 



operation, which have given employment 

lit- i.ll. !■_-.■ i- well -i||'|.ii.'l With inatlU- 

M i.,. ture -I different and almost all 



the 



.n 



warehouse, 8 stores, ■ 
harness-shops, '■ mar- 



rssiMili.ilh 'liaii_-.il within a l-u i. 
tun.- (July, 18G0), il are ■ I- i - 

I..U \a is J ■l-iilel-. -' -i ■ . I 

blacksmith-shops, 2 carringi manuf 

l,.-i-li.,ii---, 1 priniinn-ithi -. 1 I- -I- 'iti' ■ , J |- riodii al offii ■-. 1 Dagiii r- 

i-ciiti s.i] , 1 i -ii. ultucil U.H.-I...II-. . . . I..:l,n.„ -i ■_ niilliii'-ry- 

shops, 1 hotel, i restaurants. Then 

known, a- l -,-,.. an n a pi rmai ■ i 

ti.-n on.- Ii. ,-n- 1 .,_ ■ i [ii II ! : 

i li-.s.- uli.. < an :iv. -,ti-ia. t..i \ ,ii i a, .■ tti.tr 1 1,. -. will ■!..- ii only t--r 
iii-ali- iri.il ..r in., h mi- al |tiirpMS.;s I n this town the num 

whom the title of K- 1 is often affixed is 'too i lerous to particul u-ize.' 

There are in this town :: main mills. > saw-mills, - i I ami shoe-shops, 

. tory, I pail uil.i. i-.iy, carpenters, i pers, painters, 

&c." 

II this is a correct statement (and there can be no 
doubt about it), there was as much thrift ami pros- 
perity then as now. The population of the town in 
1860 was 1.21 2. It had made a gain, however, of only 
53 in ten years. In 1850 the population was 2159. 
IV thai time to 1880 it has only gained 259, and 

the gain of the last decade is 186, But there- has 
been a steady gain in the property of tie- town. In 
1x411 the appraised val f all the property of Mil- 
ford was, in round numbers, $500,000. It has gained 
one million of dollars in valuation since. It is inter- 
esting to note that half of the increase was made 
from 1840 to 1850. It also increased, during that de- 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



cade, its legal voters between two and three hundred. 
It began, during this period (1847), to send two 

representatives to the Legislature. It wmilil there- 
fore seem that these were very prosperous years in 
the town'- career. 

In this connection, it is useful and interesting to 
make another quotation from the observing pen of 
Mr. 1 1 Iwin : 

" Within a few anal - r]i i- .il -■ \\ . i - \\ i i r T-- n in 1st, i, \ in w - ts 

have beeu laid nut in tin- villa-.', which, as \\ ' 

Imilli,' llllt'l nil l.nttl -i'l<- Willi IH-W llll'l nl.'J 111' ' ". 

j'U- of Milf.ml havn l n piMviliiallv a \.rv husy, enterprising, wide- 

. wain ] pi--. It. in- . .1 . in n in-. Hi \ --ti-ati li- In I In I-. I In \ I a ! 1 1 '. Mm 1, 

., : i man I , v. Inn il , . I ■ I a . ' n I ■■. 

there I ' iscomii [01 lej rj subject that 

isairitatetl in this. . anil IV \\ ll.lln! it 1 ,'hiti-s p. pnlill.*. 1 .liuinll -lavcn, 
temperance, music ,,t nnaal refurin— has its^n I ...a hum, Mine; a.l- 

vocates ; and a debating . ! e i 

ll til.' Sllil]^, i mill i. laiiMin-- in ...iiin-i.t ill.- -te ■.■!-. I In [ pi.- pm- 

nai in- lln- in- "1 l -.-. i . [.,i.- i ■ i ] i . i . .1 n.. i n.i- . i ' I. \ iml i law,' which 

nit' snlil.nii ..i never Ins.. rt.nl [.. iii this town Tin -mare few, it any, 

["«' Ins ill tills r.'L'i.'ti win. sn llillal.lt.lllt- in.. m a in l.i In. il- ..I a-pli in_, 

cherishing the mistaken i.lcii thai ' wealth maltes the man.' and riches 
are sought after in ever} lawful win as thn' tlmv were tin- 'one thing 
.llnl.' ' 

Burying-Grounds.— 

Tin- history of a people can be largely inferred 
from it- tombstones. While the town dues not 
grow in population, the graveyards are constantly 
growing. "Time, the tomb-builder," gathers in 
with astonishing swiftness. An elderly lady recently 
visited the town and many places with which, in 
by, -lie had been familiar; hut she saw 
but few people with whom she was acquainted, and 

she was confused and disappointed. She did nut un- 
derstand it. Finally she visited the burial-places of 
the town and made a tour among the tombstones, and 
there -he found her old friends. It was explained to 
her then. She was living, but these old friends, the 
familiar faces of the past, had all gone, and here 

their dust was laid, and the simple inscriptions upon 

toppling marble and crumbling granite revealed the 

whole truth. 

September 2, 17^1. the town voted to accept one 
aere of land on the north side of the highway, on 
the west side of William Crosby's land, and adjoining 
rhaddeus Grimes' land, as a present by William 
I 'tosliy, lor a burying gr I. 

In 1839, thegraveyard first laid out having been 
substantially occupied, the town purchased about 
two acres mi the Brookline road for a cemetery. 
Cos1 of the land, with the fencing, four hundred and 
fifty-five dollars. It was made up into family lots, 
and the choice of lots sold at auction. Ever} lot in 
thai cemetery having been taken, the town purchased 
another lot of a little over live aere- of Rev. -Mr. 
Moore, on the south side of the Wilton Railroad, in 
the west part of the village. The cost of the land. 
right of way across Mr. Moore's land, fencing and 
preparing the same for burial purposes was $623. 55. 
In 1850 the town chose a committee to see about a 



new burying-ground. In 1852 the selectmen were 

authorized to grade and set out trees in the new bury- 

ing-ground. 

For the most part, all the yards are well cared for. 
There are several costly and many tasteful monu- 
ments and slahs erected to the memory of the dead. 

Temperance. — The first temperance committei 

appointed by the town were Leonard Chase, Daniel 
Putnam, Freeman Crosby, Pliny Whitney and Wil- 
liam Wallace. They made their first report in 1849, 
which covers eight pages of solid writing in one of 
the large record-books of the town. They continued 
in service a number of years, and then others took 
their places, who, in their turn, still made the same 
exhaustive reports and eloquent appeals to the lies' 
sentiment of the people, doing a grand work for the 
town, and through the persistent efforts of these men. 
supplemented " by the strong Christian aid of their 
wives, sisters and mothers, Milford is recognized as 
the banner town of the State in the cause of temper- 
ance. 

In the same year, 1849, the citizens inaugurated a 
movement lor beautifying ami adorning the common. 
The first measure was to cause it to he fenced, which 
was accomplished in 1850. They also planted a lot 
of elm-trees, which tire now fully grown and add 
greatly to the attractiveness of the village. 

The committee who were appointed to do this good 
work wen- Humphrey Moore, Daniel Putnam, Hiram 
A. Daniels, Jonas Hutchinson and Leonard Chase. 
After the trees were planted they had to he caivfullv 
eared for and watered. This was faithfully done, and 
we now see tin- result. 

Since then the fence has been remodeled and the 
park enlarged and improved. The present fence was 
built in 1872. 

Fire-Engines.— The first appropriation for a fire- 
engine was made in 1820. The town voted an appro- 
priation of seventy-five dollars towards defraying 
expenses of an engine. October 18, 1820, William 
Ramsdell, S. K. Livermore and Abiel Lovejoy were 
chosen first fire wardens. August 17, 183!', the town 
voted to raise three hundred dollars for the purpose 
of luiying a new tire-engine, provided three hundred 
dollars he raised by subscription. In lieu of the 
above, the town voted to raise one hundred dollars in 
addition to the three hundred dollars, provided two 
hundred dollars could be raised by subscription. In 
1840 it was voted to buy a second tire-engine, hut it 
v, a- iml purchased until 1841. In 1856 the town 
voted to huild tin engine-house, and one was after- 
wards erected. 

Town Clock.— In 1866 the town voted two hun- 
dred dollars towards a town clock, the citizens to 
raise four hundred dollars more. It was purchased, 
and did very poor service until the present year, 
when the town voted an appropriation of five hun- 
dred dollars, and a new clock is in the place of tin- 
old one. 



MILFORD. 



Poor-Farm. -I'" r a great many years the town 
owned and occupied a farm on which the town's poor 
were kept, but, agreeably to a vote of thetown in 
1868, this farm was sold. It was situated in the 
southerly part of the town. Since then many of its 
poor, by arrangement, have been kept at the county 
farm in Eillsborough County. 

Taverns. — There is but one in town for the accom- 
modation of transient patrons, and that is an old one. 
The earliest of Milford's landlords was Jonathan 
Bttxton. He was a model inn-keeper. He was skill- 
ful in making flip. There are those living in Milford 
now who remember seeing Buxton mix his flip with 
a singeing hot iron. Everybody who chosesold liquor 
in those days. There was scarcely a house between 
Milford and Wilton, on either side of the river, that 
did not hold a license to sell the ardent. Old Dr. 
Fuller, who lived on the spot where tin' lieu town- 
house stands, in the first dwelling-house ever built in 
the village, used to put into his cellar twenty-five 
barrels of cider for domestic consumption; but his 
cider had a large circle of acquaintances, and whoever 
pleased, night or day, could walk into his cellar with 
mug in hand and help himself. 

It would lie a great task to give a -ketch of the 
landlords of Milford since the days of Jonathan 
Buxton. Mr. Buxton was the first librarian of the 
town, as he was also first tax collector. 

The Ponemah.— lucentlv a new and handsome 
hotel has been built in the south part of the town, 
near Milford Springs, called the Ponemah House. 
Ii stands on a tine eminence, is handsomely made 
and furnished and kept as a first-class summer 
house. It owns the Milford Springs. These springs 
are noted for their medicinal waters. The Ponemah 
Company are engaged to some extent in bottling 
this water for the market. The enterprise is just 
started, and ii is I larly to predict the result. 



ill A PTEE V. 

MILFORD- {Continued . 

[ILFORD IN THE GREAT CIVIL W \K. 



It is simply stating a fact to say that a more gen- 
erous and patriotic people could not be found in this 
great land than lived in and went forth from Milford 
during the dark period of the Rebellion days. Her 
response to every call for volunteers was hearty and 
effective. To every appeal for succor and aid for 
those on the field and in the hospitals she gave with 
a munificent hand. The flower of her populace went 
forth at their country's call ; some never returned, hut 
fell upon : ' the field of glory ; " others came hack, and 
as citizens of a grand republic, have been as noble 



and true in the path- of peace a- they were brave 
and patriotic in war. The record of these people, in 
the greatest civil conflict the world ever witnessed, is 
one of which every son and daughter of Milford is 
justly proud. 

In 1861, when the President senl forth that first 
requisition for volunteers, a recruitinu-oilice was im- 
mediately opened ai lie town hall, and lie i j eighf 
men. one-half of whom were married and one-half 
single, were soon enrolled. l'lie\ n-ere the first forty- 
eight men on tin' li.-t of Milford soldiers hereafter 

given. The company, under the com maud of ( laptain 
George II. ilillis, left for Portsmouth on the 7th of 
May, L861. The company was made up of soldiers 
from the following towns, viz: Milford, forty-eight 
Amherst, thirteen; Wilton, eleven ; .Mont Vernon, 
live; New Boston, five; Lyndeborough, two; and a 
few from other towns, making in all ninety-three. 

\t .in informal ting of the i itizens of the town, nolden on the 

22d of Aim!. 18G1 ii i mi. nun lousisting of George Daniels, William 

Ranisdell, 0. W. Lull, Daniel Putnam and Clinton S. iverill, was ap 
pointed to a* i in behalf .il the town in relation t.i all mattei 
«iili n nlisting inn! equipping of a c pany of Volunteers, and far- 
lil.sliili;: aiil .mil Ml]>|ii.rt In Tin- t.iiuill.- ,,f -Hill ..I.list. .1 n 
Imi- I., tin- town." 

This committee proceeded at once to discharge the 

duties imposed ii| them, and at a legal town-meet- 
ing, held May 11, 1861, made a report of lie ii work 
and received the sanction of the town. Major George 
Daniels offered at the meeting a resolution, — 



"Tliat tlir si.liTtmrti In- iu-lriii'li-il Int "' 11 -inn i."t r\ liti- 

- '. iiii.I lli.it -ii. I. |i..rti.ii lliiir.it'. i- in. iv !-■ I ■■■ j in i • ■ I 1-. .i|ipc'l'n.it.-'l 

|M Ml ■ -■ !■■!,- , i Illll, Willi 111. Ilk-Ill. II .-Xp.'llM-S, illl'l til flll-llisll 

i -I-1...I i ... t ii - .t -ii ii . ill/. -ii- .1 tin- t.iwn n> liavi. inili-ti'il anil 

In-ill liiii-trlril nili. tin- *i-ivi<<' illi.ii 1 III'- first rail .if tin I-r. si.l. lit ni tln- 

rjnited States fur volunteers " 

The resolution was unanimously adopted, ami all of 
the recommendations of the committee were accepted. 
The town voted that, in addition to the dress ami 
arms furnished by the State, the soldiers of Milford 
should be furnished with their board and eleven dol- 
lars a month till accepted by the State, and after that 
seven dollars per month iii addition to government 
pay; also a revolver and india-rubber blanket, be- 
sides such other articles for the promotion of cleanli- 
ness and health ami to meet possible contingencies, 
which the patriotic ladies were then providing for 
them. They voted to soldiers who had families a still 
further allowance: if he had a wife, six dollars per 
month; a wife and one child, eight dollar- per month; 
a wife and two children, ten dollars per month ; and 
still more in special cases. 

At a subsequent town me, -ting held September 27, 
1861, the committee, through Major Daniels, made a 
report of its disbursements for the above purposes, 
receiving the indorsement of the town. At about 
this time the Souhegan Bank offered the government 
a loan oi twenty thousand dollar- to aid in carrying 
on the war. 

At the annual town-meeting holden March II, 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



1.862, it was voted that David (i hvin be town 

historian, to record the events of the present war as 
connected with the people ofMilford, to be preserved 
in the archives of the town. Mr. Goodwin faithfully 
performed his duties, and in those "archives," put 
in perfect order by his careful hand, is a reliable rec- 
ord of the splendid work done by the patriotic men 
of Milford, and from that record the facts of this 
sketch relating to the war are taken. 

The history of the work of woman in the great 
Struggle in tlii- country has not yet been written. 
When it is, it will be found to surpass in sympathy, 
tenderness and practical and effective assistance to 
the mighty cause anything that was ever dreamed 
could be accomplished by the gentler sex. The 
ladies of Miltbrd early engaged in the great soldiers' 
aid work. They made a record worthy of being 
placed alongside of that of their brothers, husbands 
and fathers who fought that the nation might live. 

[n October, 1861, a society of ladies was organized 
under the name of "The Women's Soldiers' Aid So- 
ciety," and they chose the following officers: Presi- 
dent, Mrs. Humphrey Moore; Vice-Presidents, Mrs. 
Stillman Hutchinson, Mrs. Martin Hall, Mrs. Abel 
(base, .Mrs. Efezekiah Hamblett, Mrs. Charles A. 
Burns, Mrs. Benjamin F. Hutchinson; Secretary, 
Elizabeth A. Livennore; Treasurer, Miss Hannah 
P. Ramsdell; Executive Committee, Mrs. William 
Crosby, Mrs. Joshua M. Holt, Mrs, John Dickey, Mrs. 
Ira Holt, Mrs. John A. Towers. The society num- 
bered more than eight\ members, beside.- se\ent\ 
men as honorary members. The first report or ad- 
dress of the society made by Miss Livennore is here 
given, as it reveal- clearly the spirit which impelled 
this noble company of women to push forward the 
glorious work which carried comfort and solace to 
manv a soldier's home and heart, — 



"March 28, 18C2. 

.1 ill. ,-iirl) ].:ut 
"1 thr ye.iri.f our Lnnl lsi.l tli.-,t it- i olial -itunts «]ii| imt thrill with Imr- 
r.'l :tt tin- nun] ua-.-l ..1 hull!.. ,■;,>! l..-t.,r,. tin-in liv th.- I 
anil ill inns li-mli-r- ul' 111.- Sunt lir in -In v-p.-u ..-r Thru -r.-j.l n- ..1 |...\v.-l' 

haddeparted frum tlii'in with th.- .Aii tv.iiii ntti.a.. a tin- 

Preaidi nl Tlii \ would aol even In i a] I longi - I nstitu tal 

i ■! ui.-iiu.ii...i il.. -..|.| barbaric force t.i ihi..« n-.-li agaiti in 

the path of progress. Almost wit animous voice the Nortb Ktid, 

'We will meet this Corn- .m the l.atih-lhhl, ami may Uod speed the 
ilLiht.' l.iirlitliiii:.' lla-.li.-.| itit.-Ill-i-nci-, >t.-.ii. i I. nl lu'l win-- ami 

:; ■ r . friend and citi/i-n t.. ..a apilal \\ a On u -.i.-n 

■ ■ '■>■• s--l.li. -is \i li.. ha-l \..IiiiiIi-.-i--.| h. in 



lily 



Jii-'pari-.l : : 




and wounded. 


"In Mill 


led T 


. Women - Soldiers' 


... paying 




n, nts or re. 


on.- hundred and thirty-eight dollars wen 


..II- te 


by iii.-i.ii. asinp an.) 


l.\ levies. W n met once a weelt to - " - 




while -.inn- devoted 


-i ^i.-..l pan uf tlu'ir tun.- in 1. it.. .mi. i ■■ il. 




-' . omfort. Si\ bar- 


nl- .-t .iiii.i.- -i .— ,-ntiai p. hospital 




were - nt ..li their 


i-il.m.l -.1 l.ivo l.i-f,.ii- il..- . 1,... ..| i),. ,. ,, 


The « 


irk -till continues, as 


th- varied calls for ossistauce row h n-, ami 


villbe 


ontiuued until there 


'- ■• ertaintj that uo D is needed " 







This noble work was continued by this patriotic 
society all through the war until "no more was 
needed." 

In October, 1863, the secretary made another an- 
nual report, closing it with the following eloquent 
words which she quoted from another : 

■Tii- ble< in ■■ a 11 -an-!- \ili-. at.- i.-:..|v 1.. p.-n-li. aii.l ..|" l.-n- ..| 

ih, ii-an.l- win. I.ivr tln-ir niuiiti v ami tln-n kiml, will lie cast up.ui thus. 

"1 .-in. .I. .1, mil th. --..- hIi.. sustain th,- i nil ile work. Let the people's 

li. ..t- in ..a tail, ami their liatnls n.-ver w.-ary! I. lit h t them, oi their 

al.iii.ilalii . . an.' !.. tlii- .a.iiillnssi.,n til 1 1 im-a-in .-, j s.-l .|..\\ II. -hak.-ti 

t.i-.-lli.a ami lilliliina i.yi-i. that, v\ li.-i. \ .1 tilt- red liali.l of war is 
-..ii. ils .liMia- l....t-t.-ps may l.illi.w ; that wherever the led hand el" 

Mai i- lifted i.. wound, its wim.- hand may be lifted to heal ; that its 
work may never cease until it i- assumed by a great Christian govern 

imnl, i.r until pi-an- unri- mure reigns tl.n. Helmut Ihelaml; I.ii.-ii 

'In n. aiatiiinle f..r its service and joy in its i-'lory shall ti.-\. i .1 it 

ol the hearts of the American people." 

This society raised and disposed of more than 
fifteen hundred dollars' worth of article- to the 
soldier- in the field beside- large bounties to their 
families at home. A titling close of this branch of 
our subject is found in the eloquent Words made use 
of when the society disbanded : 

"As tin 1,VI„ lli.ni l.a- l.i.ii . rnsln-il. ]ira. .■ lias I n |. .\ hill v [in .- 

claimed, and the ol.ject for which our association was instituted in. longer 

needs nut churls ; feeling thai ...n l.i-tn-\ ol.-nl .-[lofts have ma 1 n in 

vain, we now disliatid mil . a ^ain.-atn.ii. and tin u .an attention t.. other 

pin suit- ami a\ ... ati. .us. fc.-liii-r i haul, lul thai we ha\.-l n permitted to 

I ' ' ■ | in il'- " .1 . an-c ..f Innnaijity— the cause of God— I. -. inj.-.t In/. 
u ill 1 1 1. u Ill a ted am! t.i.l. -iiiu'llnii; t.iu.u.l tin- -al \ at i, ,n . I ..in 1.. luVcd 

country. 1 ' 

lint not only were the ladies of Milford benevolent 
and liberal in their aid to the cause, but the men gave 
largelj of their means. The town voted generous 
ami large bounties, and furnished assistance to all 
soldiers' families without stint. 

Sixty Milford soldier- lost their lives by the war, 
forty of whom were never brought home to lie buried. 
Thirteen were killed in battle. Their names are 
Oliver W. Lull, Abram B. Shedd, William D. Coffin, 
Jeremiah Lyon, Josiah 1'. Smith, Alexander M. Bob- 
bie, Samuel Dolbear, Thomas M. Gilpatrick, George 
L. .Tones. Isaac F. Five, J. I. Plympton, Samuel F. 
Jones and Joseph Shedd. 

It i- not within the scope of this -ketch to give a 
personal history of each soldier who fell or was 
wounded in the battles ol' this cruel war. When the 
history of Milford is written ill detail the work will be 
done. It i- gratifying to know that every fact is pre- 
served and will in due time be published to the 
world. 

" Dun; \ II:iIiiIp1.-TI W;i- tln'tir-1 snMi.'i \\liO volunteered from Bfil- 

i. i I int., tin- I HIT.'. I -it id- -mi. .■ S..011 untlie ih-ws nf the massacre ol 

Massachusetts soldiers in the Btreets of Baltimore reached a 

iu Bostoo, ApriI19, 1861, into the Fourth Battalion of Rifles, Company C 

We quote the following from Mr. Goodwin's pen us 
a just tribute to ;l noble boy : 

•■ mi, -ii Mills, youngest - d ol John and Sarah Mills— a 
kind and loving boy— was born Januan jt, IM4. He rlllist.-d as a pri- 
vate t'.-i inn.- mo tit lis in tin- >i xd'-'iit li ll.'^iltn'iit V-\v 11a III] -li i iv \ ,i|iin- 

- C, October 10 1862. At the expiration of in- term of 
service he returned home with his regiment August 14, 1863 received 



his discharge August -", 1863. He i tracted a fever at the siege ol 

Port Hudson, of which hedied _ngust23, 1863. He enlisted, as hesaid, 
because his gov.! -nmi.it culled liiin and he felt it his duty to go, and at 

the last said he had 'done all chat had I i [uired ol him ; the boat 

is ready, let me go li .' 

Mr. Goodwin speaks of another of Milford's heroes 

as follows : 

" A. B. Ilayd.n was Mi.it tl,r..ii_li tin- wn-t Mi r 1 1 . ■ 1 .: . T 1 1 . . . 1 Kr.-.l.-i i.-U-- 
burg. Five nun had 1,,-eii shot down ill his regiment. At the fall uf the 
fifth Ulan this l.rav.- soldiel graspeil the Hag-staff and hole tie -tai- an.l 
strineB aloft ; Put h,- was '1' ,.,ii,,-<l 0. tie - I'l' .!.. | .a in.. II- . \ 

ball soon struck and shattered his left arm. lie was carried tothe hos- 
pital in Alexandria, where he die.l January ."., 1W.. lie was embalmed 
and brought home January l:i, l.-i..; 

Most nf the soldiers from Milford wen.' discharged 
and came home July, L865. August 3, 1865, the peo- 
ple, grateful forthe deliverance of their country from 
the grip of rebels, assembled in the park and gave 
th.-ir soldiers a generous welcome home. Speeches 
and music and general pleasures were indulged in, 
and " Peace on earth and good will among men " 
once more reigned. 

The following are the names of all the Milford sol- 
diers who went into the United States sen ice during 
the war : 



George II GilUs, 

. . . H right, Loammi B. Ward. 
Richard Mahar, Robert M Kemdi . 
McArthur, Thomm ... 
* James McRobbie, D P V , I Yi I 
H. Drew, * Norman Bui ick, Gf 

*Ueolge I. Lovcio\, William Ahhol 
"Edward F. Lund.*. ■ rlea 1 ' 
•George Worcester, Daniel II Grei 
i . tim. • Samuel Dolbear, ' Alb, it a 
11 An.-d. i., .1.11.0- o. William>, 

William E. Howe, J. M. Blancho 
ting, George Clark, John v\ . Cro 



us Adams, Alex. McRobbi 
- i i. iniah Lyon, *( 

,,r Colby, William II. Ramsdel 



Won ,-l.i, W II i.illi-. K..I..H i in, maid, II. n I oi, nor, John liame, 

II. M. Tyler, Thomas Jess 

Those names with the star (*) prefixed are tlmse 
soldiers wln> re-enlisti d. 

The names of the seventy substitutes furnished 
from abroad are not recorded. 



P. A. She.1.1. -J. II Lovejoy, ' William P Heald C I: Stickney, II L. 

George E. Hartwell, J II. Stimson, *H. E. Mills, F. .1. Stimson, 

.... koring, Josl Royli igh, Josiah P Smith, C II 

ran,)., tfetoon w I, 0. W. Lull. S. G. Dearborn, F J. Lawrence, 

William Gourley, John F Howard, Andrew I. Marvol John Meikle, 
William A. Crosby, II. M.Potter, • Ji a i Gilil I - : '. I Shedd, 

Thomas Gilpatrick, Abel F. Gutterson, »John H Stanyar HarrisGray, 
Luke Hallegan, John E. Herrick, Orrin A. Hamblett, Thomas 11. Law, 

George A. Holt, fa w \ ,,,,•-, Joseph Buss, Bdward Powers, Frank 

II I, li. M. Peruana, John Bonner, II. J. Richardson, *John Martin, 

*E. P. Ross, F. W. Dennis, M. P. Feleh, Dennis Holden, III - P 

Connery, Frederick ler, R B. Kidder, Hugh Connor, J. B. Fretts, 

A. B. Bennett, F 0. Howe, Patrick Dillon, A. B. Hayden, J. W. Spald- 
ing, J. E. Mackay, A. W. Heald, John II, .Hand. I F Frye, i harles 
Howe, W. II. Howe, .1. P. Richardson, II. P. Hutchinson, C. H. Dun- 
ning, J. B. Melon, ly, John Arhuckle, Tie, mas lo-_.ni. ' M. \iK.u, 
J. W. Shattuck, Charles Huntley, Charles Bl Fran ii 1 I. 

J, .hui' Aiken, J. \ Lovejoy, F. F Greisinger, W o AveriU, J. P. 
Shedd, G. F. Stone, 0. R. Hartshorn, Frank Crosby, Union Wyman, 
L. A. Duncklee, Noah Fund, C. W. Mills, I!. F. Clarke, E. K. Jewett, 

.1. P. Fuller, i II Osg I. II. C. Stimson, C. C. Bartlett, IF JI. Mills, 

* J. D. Crosby, Edwin Howard, Joseph Pushing, \\ illiam Abbott, \\ . P. 
Connery, _lvin B. Chase, J Hutchinson, \ F Crosby, .Men R. Hood, 

- fl ,11.. ,i ii Garvin, \ 1 Hans, omb, Ed Hans b, I 

Fr.deiirk A. Pl.ln.l_.. Jam,- P;,.iii, H. A. Has] E. P. J A. 1 

Hutchinson, F, A. Fisher, George Marvel, F. P. N'elson, F. T. Cogin, 
\v. D, I . nt. I1111-..11. Patrii k Chroan, \ M Hatch, .1 
R. H. Pierce, I. IP Layden, J. Carlton, Jr., w, P, Easton, Charles IP 



(II A l'TKl: VI. 

MILFORD— [Continued). 

M W TOWN-HOUSE. 

Selection of Spot— F.iviii. ,,f , .n,,.| -Stone— 1',--. option .1 P.uildiii- — 

Dedii ation. 

Fin: several years prior tolNii'l the subject of a new 
Town I [otise wa-agitated. It had its advocates and its 
opponents. Like most enterprises of the kind, its birth 
was through great labor. It was evident to a majority 
of the people that the town had outgrow n 1 In- old town- 
house. Since 183:.-.'.4, when it was ahandoned by the 
First Church or Congregational Church for its new 
church structure, the old hall had been used ex- 
clusively tor town ami social purposes. Before that 
time its history has been already given. In 1847 tin- 
town purchased the pew -holders' rights and moved 
the hmise a short distance north and east of its orig- 
inal site, fronting it to the south. The first story was 
devoted to stores and the upper one to the town hall. 
It has been well said that it was early consecrated to 
free speech ami a free ballot, and iii these respects it 
was mil unlike the other New England town-houses. 
It served its employers well. The time came, howe, or, 
when it was unsatisfactory and inadequate to meet 
tin- wants ,,f the populace. It was finally determined 
to have a new one. Then came the usual struggle 
over its location. It was first voted to build neat the 
bridge, and then the spot where it now stands was 
substituted. The old house was again moved to a lot 
mar the bridge. 011 the west side of the villag 
where it still stands, and again repaired, improved 
and sold. 

The town seleeted William Ramsdell, Clinton S. 
Averill and Robert R. Howison a building com- 
mittee. Ground was broken .May 6, L869. Messrs. 
Bryant & Rogers, of Boston, were the architects. 

Laying 1 the Corner-Stone. — 'flu- corner-stoi f 

the new town-house was laid on Saturday. July :!, 1869, 
with interesting Masonic ceremonies, under the 
auspices of the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire, 
assisted by the Masonic lodges in Nashua, Milford. 

Wilton, Mason and Peterborough. 

fin- occasion brought together a very large eon- 
course of people, and 'he exercises of the daj were 
carried out with perfect success and to the entire 
satisfaction of all concerned. 

At two o'clock the visiting bodies were received at 
tin depot by Benevolent Lodge, of Milford, and a 
procession was fonm d in the following order : 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Il.li.-o.letil !.•.■!,;>, No 7, ul Milt.. I- 1 
lllli. i I- of the Grano I ■ 

I ..u n Committee. 



The procession numbered about three hundred, and 
made a fine appearance. After making a short march 
through several of the principal streets, the procession 
brought up at the site of the new town-house. 

The stone selected for the cornel- was ready for lay- 
ing at the southeast angle of the foundation on the 
arrival of the procession. It was -suspended by a 
temporary derrick, and measured three feet in length, 
one and a half in depth and a foot in width. The 
following articles were placed in the stone, which 
was then hermetically sealed : 

A manuscript containing a brief history of the ac- 
tion of the town relating to the building of the town- 
house, giving the votes and dates of meetings of the 
town relative' thereto; tin appropriations of the town 
for the year 1869, for town charges, for highways, for 
the Free Library and librarian, and the date of the 
vote of the town establishing the library and the 
number of volumes at that time; also a list of 
the clergymen, lawyers, physicians, machinists, man- 
ufacturers, banks, the organization- ,,i ill. -. I U 

in the town, with the teachers; the railroad and 
telegraphic communications, the estimated popula- 
tion of the town, a set of United States coins 
of the date 1869, directly from the Mint, and which 
had never been in circulation, presented by Edwin 
L. Howard, of the Mount Lebanon Lodge, Boston, 
Mass., consisting of the dollar, half-dollar, quarter- 
dollar, dime, half-dime (both silver and nickel), the 
three-cent piece (both silver and nickel), ami the 
!».. and one-cent pieces; a half-dozen stereoscopic 
views, contributed by Edward Lovejoy, Esq., em- 
bracing a view of the hotel, the veterans, the old 
town-house, the middle falls ami bridge, the oval and 
group, and thenew town-house and lot, with the old 
town-house in the distance; a catalogue of the Mil- 
ford Live Library, a band-bill of the celebration of 
the day, a hand-bill of the Hutchinsons' celebration 
concert, a school report of 1869, a report of the re- 
ceipts and expenditures of the town for 1868-69, 
a report of the county commissioners for 1868-69, 
a cop\ of the by-laws and members of Benevolent 
Lodge, No. 7, Milford, X. H.. for tin- current 
year, a copy of the Farmers' Cabinet, dated Feb- 
ruary 19, 1825, a copy of the same dated .Inly 1. 
1869, a copy of the Manchester Mirror dated July 
:;. 1869, a copy of the Nashua Daily Telegraph 
dated June 28, 1869, a copy of the New Hampshire 
Telegraph dated July ::. 1869, a copy of the Daily 



Patriot dateil June 30, 1869, a copy of the Nashua 

■ llilltbnrnugli I 'ninihi Ailrrrtis, r dated JllK 

1. 1869, a copy of the Union Democrat, Manchester, 
dated June 29, 1869, a copy of the Boston Daily Post 
dated June 30, L869, pj of the Boston Daily Even- 
ing Journal dated July 1, 1869; Morse & Kaley's 
card of prices of knitting cottons, manufactured in 
Milford. 

The ceremonies were opened by proclamation of 
Ailing Grand Master of the Grand Lodge. William 
Barrett, Esq., who had been deputized by M. W. 
Grand Master Winn to perform the service, that the 
( rrand Lodge had been invited by the civil authorities 
of Milford to lay the corner-stone of their new town 
hall. A fervent and impressive prayer was offered 
by Rev. E. B. Wilkins. of Nashua, acting Grand 
Chaplain of the Grand Lodge, and a hymn, "Great 
Architect of Earth and Heaven." was sung by the 
Hutchinson family. The stone was then laid with 
the usual rites ami ceremonies of the Masonic older. 

The inscription on the plate was read by the acting 
Grand Secretary, E. I'. Emerson, as follows; 

"This corner-stone was [aid with Masonic ceremonies, Saturday, July 
3rd, Hi 1869, I I. 586'.i, uii.I.t tin- iliivcik.ii of tbi- M. W Grand Lodgi 

.■I Vu ll.iin|.-liii. . K W Wdliam r.uir.i- :iiul ,> Oiaml M;i»ter : 

" " .i ...i i/i /i w i. i ..' /. ■■!,,. .—Alexander M. Winn, .it I .11 inm-cii. 

yi \\ Grand Master; John ]i Hoi! I-. Portsmouth, II. W. D. Grand 

Master ; N. W. Cumner, Manchester, It. \V. Sen. Grand Warden ; Wil- 
li. mi Barrett, Nashua, E. w. .Inn Grand Warden; John Knowlton, 
Portsmouth, K. W. Grand Treasure! . II. .in e Chase, Hbpkinton, R. W. 
i.i. in. 1 Secretary. 

"Ulysses S. Grant, President 1 S, Schuyler Colfex, Vice-Presidenl ; 

Sal a P. Chase, Chief Justice ; Onslon Stearns, Governor N. H. ; John 

Ii. Lyman, Sec State ; Peter Sanborn, sen.. Treasurer ; Ira Perley, Chief 
Justice ; Aaron H. Cragin, .lam.- \\ I'.utr, ...n. Senators; Jacob Ela. 
Am. .ii 1". St. -veil-. .la. ..I. l:.-]it. .11, I;, ).i v-oilim .- 

-w ilhiini K Wallace, John Marvi G 

I'.iutl.tt, Selectmen ; James 31. I; i,..i.i. I,..n Clerk; William It. 

w.li.' ' . T" .' in' 1 . i|i,.... > \ :.; -i, ; nittee; William 

Ramsdell, W. B lowni 1 - \ rill Ci - ssofl rei Librat , - 11 

'. li..aii li.it. ii, 11, l^.- \\'.i.n..._h. i;..[.t. - 1. 1. mi.- . . 1. .in, w. Crosby, 

Postmaster; William Ramsdell, C. S. Averill. Robert II. Eowison, 
Building Committee ; Gridley J. F. Bryant, Louis P. I.' 
architects; Albert Currier. Newburyi'..! t. Ma— . 1 .mn.i. t,i , .tam.-s 1 . 
Tinker, l'...-r..n, superintendent. 
'•Amount of Inventory for 1869, $1,185,000 ; amount deposited In Sav. 
..,. ■ .,1,, , urn ivi 1, ,i 'i, Raili M'l -1 

1 , -; ! : per hundred.' 

After the stone was lowered the Hutchinsons sang 
an ode, "Placed in Form the Corner-Stone," and 
M. W. G. M. Barrett delivered a brief address to thi 
people mi the character and objects of Masonry. 

The procession was then reformed and marched to 
the oval, where the writer of this article. Charles H. 
Burns, of Wilton, a native of Milford, delivered an 
address to fifteen hundred people. The Hutchinson 
family also sang from the grand stand several stirring 
ami beautiful .songs. At the close of the open-air ex- 
ercises, at lour o'clock, a tine collation was served in 
the old town hall, which was neatly trimmed with 
flags and flowers for the occasion. Speeches were 
made, and the post-prandial exercises closed by the 
entire company joining the Hutchinsons in singing 
" Auld Lang Syne." 



5t!9 



Thus the good work of building the now town-house 
was begun. It was completed April 27,1870, when 
the edifice was solemnly consecrated by the 

Dedication of the New Town Hall.— The day was 
beautiful, and one of the most significant in the re- 
cent history of the town. Many of the sons and 
daughters of Milford who lived away earn.' home to 
join in the celebration. They were welcomed with 
warm ami generous hospitality. The greetings over, 
heii eyes turned from friends and the old town-house 
to the new. The) beheld an edifice striking in ap- 
pearance, commanding in stature, ample in all its 
parts, made of brick, one hundred by sixty feet. 
The basement, which is constructed of rough granite, 
with hammered lines, is nine feet in height, and is 
clear of the ground on the west and south. The first 
Story is fourteen feet in the clear, anil contains three 
stores, post-office and selectmen's room; the stores, 
fifty feet deep and from twenty-one to twenty-seven 
feet wide. The building fronts to the west, and the 
entrance is reached by a massive (light of granite 
3teps. At the head of the fust stair-ease, and facing 
the entrance, is an elaborate and beautifully-carved 
black walnut ease, about five feet in height and eight 
feel long, inclosing live marble tablets, and on the 
middle one is inscribed the following: 



in defense ..f the Union 

in tli.- war of 

tli.- rebellion of 1861-1865 ; 

dedicated April -~, 

1870." 

On the other tablets are inscribed the names of the 
fifty-three ofMilford's patriots who, in the great Civil 
War, heroically fell. " It is a beautiful and eloquent 
memorial," conspicuously erected, and will frequently 
remind the good people of the town of the enormous 
sacrifice that was made to preserve the nation's in- 
tegrity. The plan ol'a monumental slab in the vesti- 
bule originated in a resolution offered by the late Dr, 
S.S. Stickncy. The, hall is symmetrical and beautiful. It 
is tifty-seven feet wide, sixty-five feet long and twenty- 
four feet high. Over the entrance, and extending 
across the west side, is a spacious gallery, capable of 
seating three hundred persons. The main hall, which 
is lighted by fourteen large windows, has a seating 
capacity of eight hundred. The platform is on the 
east side. On the righl and left of this is a small 
gallery for the use of a band or choir. The hall is 
resi oed and painted. There is a high wainscoting of 
chestnut, with black walnut panels and moldings. It 
has a central chandelier, with four minor ones tli 
Hoor is Georgia pine It has settees. The acoustic 



qualities of the ball are not good. It may be possible 
to remedy this. It is well ventilated 

On the right of the entrance to the hall is a dress- 
ing-room, Ion the left one Cor ladies. They are 

large, tastefully furnished and provided with all the 
modern improvements. 

" Ascending to the upper or attic story, we have from 
the large dormer-window a commanding view of ■., 
charming landscape. In the foreground is the village 
of Milford, with the winding Souhegan stretching to 
the west. In the dim horizon rises Mount Monad- 
nock, and tin- Peter! Mi'jli, i.i .-en field and Temple 

hills lift their handsome lead- boldlj against the sky. 
The view abounds in beauty, and will be looked 
on with delight by the thousands who shall hereafter 
ascend to the great dormer-window of the Milford town- 
bouse. The exterior view of the edifice is striking 
and altogether pleasant. The style of architecture IS 
not distinct, but seems to be a combination of the 
early Tudor English. A graceful tower surmounts the 
southwest angle, in which the old bell is placed, loo 
closely hooded to give a clear and certain sound, and 
above is a clock, with dial on each side. Dwarl 
tower- surmount the other angles, and from the front 
roofa large dormer-window projects, giving a first im- 
pression that the town has succeeded in turning an 
honest penny by building a tempting eyrie for some 
enterprising photographist. The entire building i- 
heated by steam and lighted by gas." 

Such was the new town-house. It still stands in 
all its original beauty and firmness, a memorial indi- 
cating the character of a stalwart and enterprising 
people. 

Dedication. — The ceremonies of dedication were 
impressive and eloquent. The spacious building was 

packed to the brim with interested people. William 
Kamsdell, a man of mark and one of the foremost 
citizens of Milford. in behalf of the building com- 
mittee, delivered the keys to the chairman of the 
Board of Selectmen, the late William 1!. Wallace, ill 
brief and fitting words, to which Mr. Wallace made 
a brief and fitting reply. George A. Kamsdell, Esq., 
a native of Milford, then delivered an eloquent and 
polished address, which was listened to by the vast 
audience with marked pleasure. It was published 
in the local paper and deserves a permanenl place 
in the records of the tow ii. 

Captain John 31. Stanyan read a poem lull of local 
hits and spicy tidbits. Addresses followed by Thomas 
L. Livermore, Charles II. Hums, E. D. Ayer, .1. I.. 
Spring and D. A. Adams. A dedication ode was 
finely rendered which was written by J. W. Pills- 
bury. 

During the exercises the venerable Dr. Moore 
entered the hall, and amidst the most earnest ap- 
. pi. .ii-. he was escorted upon the platform, lie ac- 
knowledged the grand reception by the waving of 
his hat. It was most fitting for the good old parson. 
Milford's first and most honored minister, to pro- 



570 



1IISTOKY OF IllU-SHoltnnill (M)I'NTY, NKW II AM l'SH I KK. 



nounce the solemn benediction, which he did, with 
the greal audience reverently standing, in the follow- 
ing words : 

" My tlieml-, !na.\ 111' 1,,,!, I hi,.-:- \,,ii ;unl ,'ail-e In- la, • I" -hill.' il[ 

you, ami wli<-'ii you .iir ivmove.l from earth may you he introduce, 1 into 
tin' hall above, where you maj be bl ed forevi i tnon 

The audience adjourned to theolil town hall, where 
dinner was served, lion. Albert E. Pillsbury, a 
native of Milford, aetecl as toast-master. Eloquent 
speeches were made by T. Kaley, Dana W. King, 
Israel Hunt, .!. 11. Moulton, Clinton S. Averill and 
Miss Adeline ( Irosby. 

Mr. Kaley closed his remarks on the occasion with 
these eloquent words in reference to the new edifice: 

1 'We wish that the last object of the sight -i him who leaves this 
pleasant and thriving village, and the Bret to gladden him who revisits 

i, I,,.,, i in, ■ilini^ iliat will remind him of the industry, enterprise 

and publii spirit el Mill,>i,l. Ia-t it statel, th. ii. i,, meet the sun in its 
coming ; let the earlieBt light of the morning gild it and parting day 

linger and play ,,n its summit ' 

Among the eloquent toasts was the following, 
which was responded to by a dirge from the band 
while the entire company stood in thoughtful silence: 

"To the memory of our heroic l,an,l, mat tyis in a cause in which t,, 
tight was honor, to fall impeiishahle glory. May they toe inth,- I., arts 
of the people when the marble which we tin- ilaj eon ate to theii 

iuem,,r\ has rnniiMeil int. . t,,i -often dust." 

The festivities of the notable occasion were con- 
cluded by a grand ball, held in the new town hall in 
the evening, which was largely attended by the beauty 
and chivalry of Milford and it* neighboring towns 
and cities. The best of music was furnished by 
Hall's Band, of Boston. The spacious gallery was 
crowded by spectators anil the balcony galleries by 
invited guests. The -cue was one of unusual gayety 
and brilliancy. 



('II A PTEE VII . 



MILFORD— (Cond'i 



Tin: first saw-mill and first grain-mill in Milford 
were built on the north side of the river, where < Hi- 
son's mill now stands. 

flu first stort — worthy of the name — was kept by 
Mi J. Shepard in the building on the south side of 
the common now owned by 1!. M. Wallace. At that 
time .lame- Wallace kepi tavern in the "old Wallace 

house" and afterward kept a store where Mr. Shep- 
ard did. At the same time Captain Thomas .Means 
kept a store in the building which is now owned by 
Gilbert Wadleigh, having been remodeled and made 
Over anew, and Colonel Joshua Bumham had a 
store in the ell of the large house he built on the 
Lyndeborough toad, known as the Jesse Hutchinson 

house. Colonel Bumham, with the assistance o[ a 



few others, built a bridge across the river south of 
lii- bouse, to accommodate his customers on the 
south side of the river. A great attraction to this 
store was the sign with these words: "Rum Sold 
Here." 

The only wheelwright in town eighty years ago was 
Jeremiah Fairfield. His shop stood south of E. C. 
Batchelder's store. It is supposed the first blacksmith 
in Milford was Jonathan Buxton, father of the late 
Jonathan Buxton, inn-keeper. He wrought in a 
shop which stood where the stone shop now stands. 

The first male child born in Milford was Jacob 
Richardson, late of Boston. IB' was born in the 
Lewis house, now occupied by E. P. Hutchinson. 
The firs! house to have blinds was the house where 
the late Abel Chase lived. 

Among the queer incidents of the town the follow- 
ing may lie mentioned: Caleb Jones, an eccentric 
man, lived near where Jacob Howard formerly lived. 
H«' planted ami cultivated a cherry-tree express!) 
for the purpose of furnishing boards for his own cof- 
fin. After it bad grown to a sufficient size he cut the 
tree and had it sawed into boards. Alter he died 
the coffin in which he was buried was made of the 
same hoards. 

A Fish-Story.— It is stated upon undoubted au- 
thority that a Mrs. Hopkins, who lived a great many 
years ago upon the south side of the Souhegan, 
while wading the liver one day, caught between her 
feet a salmon. This foolhardy fish impudently sup- 
posed he could safely run (hat gauntlet, but he got 
caught, and upon being landed by the brave woman. 
the victim was found to weigh sixteen pounds, and 
was the best specimen of a leg-locked salmon ever 
brought ashore. 

The Hutchinson Family of Singers.— Colonel 
Buruham, it appears, was a man of considerable 

consequence. The sign on his store, "Rum Sold 
Here," was a sign of the times in which lie lived. 

Rum was then sold everywhere. But times have 
changed. In the old Colonel Burnham house, after 

the old colonel had been gathered, with all his 

en- ire lor whom he built that bridge, to tb, 

bosom of the common mother, there was bom 
and reared a family of children, some of whom be- 
came famous, and by the singing of sweet temperance 
songs contributed immensely towards bringing about 
this change. 

The Hutchinson family deserve more than a 
mere allusion in any history of Milford, not because 
it is numerous or unusually brilliant, but because of 
the marvelous and exquisite musical gifts possessed 
by many of them. The most noteworthy of the tribe 
were Judson, John, Asa and Abby. Jesse and 
Joshua also deserve mention. The first four named, 
under the guidance of Jesse, who was a man of Le- 
nin-, won great fame as the sweetest singers of their 
time. The harmony of this band of brothers and 
sisters was never surpassed by mortal throats. Tb, 



571 



whole family could sing. They inherited their tal- 
ents in this behalf from their parents, the mother 
and father both being beautiful singers. 

When the family lived at home, on the old home- 
stead, it was a treat to happen round and hear the 
songs. The Sundaj evening prayer-meetings, held 
in the old district school-house, were marvels in the 
way of singing. People came from afar, not to hear 
the prayers, but hoping to hear the Hutchinsons sing 
the good, old-fashioned psalm tunes. They were not 
often disappointed. 

Sometimes they were all there,— lather, mother. : 1 11 
the boys, and Rhoda an.! A-bby. In the summer 
evenings the windows would lie up, and a crowd, not 
able to get in, would stand outside and listen 
entranced as the family sang the immortal old times. 

There never was such harmony a- thej made. Ii 
moved to tear-. ii reached into the solemn depths 
ofthesoul. [t was God-given and heaven-inspired. 

The Hutchinsons employed their wonderful gifts in 
the anti-slavery cause and in the cause of temperance. 

Nathaniel 1'. Rogers, one of the greatest and aoblest 
of the immortal anti-slavery advocates, in 1844 wrote 
of the Hutchinsons — 

"God be thank- 'i. t to- II ut.-liin.-oii-i arc in II iti-slavery movement 

well asours! Their music would ruin them, but for the 
chastening influences of oui glorious enterprise. It will now inspire all 

their genius ami s'o- it lull j.l.u, .iml u ill ^u.iel I Imni liom 11 iimimns 

of the flattering world, which, butfoi n- protect: would make them 

a prey. Inotethem nol to praise them : I am above that, as On s are 

I do it in exultation foi n mse, and for theii adm [on. Though 

in U)ol in-;., tli.-x .1" not I it anti slavery is a safe 

regulator of the strongest genius. I hen Ink ision to say, in defi- 

writer of the times, so lai - i nov Nor I appi ved 



drafted ini i its en t rati lunti i l at ite < on H at W 

b '"' ,s ' l]| '" 1 ''"''I ''•- " r Burleigb 

or Whittior's, Burns wrote bis immortal songs to 

match the tim. — . m lm II" ' onl'ln'i -in- 1 i !-■■- 

Jesse Hutchinson, [don't] w as he could at all. Bis soul could if 

his voice couldn't, ami uml., it- m-i>initi.,n in- |...in -.-d h.n li his lays in 
songstei verse. « hal songs he* ■■! b it. left us ii I lid have writ- 
ten nndersuch as] t ' . ■ ; ..,-,. e , i, ,i '.ua 

songs remind me <>l lulu • 'I'lu- ^l..v-- Moih.u k- iumlh 

simplicity and patboe bj anj - ..i Hum-'. I .mly mention it to call 

the attention of the people to what is going on in the anti 

Milford was once the hot-bed of Abolitionism. It 

contained a splendid set of nn-n and women, who 
early espoused the cause of the slave. Among these 
were the Hutchinsons, known, as before stated, the 
world over by the singing of stirring Abolition and 
temperance songs. Leonard Chase, Charles A. Burns, 
John Mills, Eugene and Benjamin Hutchinson, Eze- 
kiel Mills, ,T. W. Pillsbury and their wives, as 
well as others ; Some of these— namely, Charles A. 
Burns and Elizabeth II. Burns. Benjamin and Eliza 
Hutchinson, and perhaps others— were excommuni- 
cated from the Baptist Church in Milford because 
they believed in the abolition of slavery. What a rec- 
ord this for a church! It were enough to make it 



hang iis guilty head in absolute confusion and shame 

as it contemplates its shallow and hypocritical action. 
It excommunicated noble men and women because 
they dared to believe in the universal brotherhood of 
men. Exhibiting the narrow disposition of a tj rani , 
it undertook to stifle free speech and free thought 
whenever it asserted itself in the cause of humanity. 
But the cause of the slave was triumphant in spite of 
the opposition of dishonest pro-slavery churches. 

Many of those noble men ami women lived to see 
the chains fall from the limbs of slaves, and with 
pride and satisfaction they have seen the result of 
their patriotic and devoted efforts. 

The anti-slavery | pic of Milford held many mei t- 

ings for conference and discussion. They were often 
addressed and encouraged b\ the great anti-slavery 
agitators of the land,— Garrison, Phillips, Rogers, 
Foster, Pillsbury, Douglass, Abby Kelly, Remond 
and others,— and their splendid eloquence, supple- 
mented sweetly and grandly by the emancipation 
songs of the Hutchinsons, created a public sentiment 
in this thoughtful town which was irresistible, and 
spread far and wide, and became a powerful factor 
i,, bringing about the redemption and disenthralment 
which constitutes the crowning glory of 
this nation. 

The children and descendants of those devoted men 
and women tain now. and for all time will, reverl « ith 
pride to the anti-slavery work done by those good 
people of Milford. 

In due time the church, b\ slow degrees, with its 
customary caution (not to say cowardice), came up to 
the high and heaven-approved ground occupied bj 
the people it had before spurned, and has made many 
amends since for its manifold sins in this behall in 



The Cobbler and Barber.— Their respective shops 

stood near each other, on the south hank of the rivi 
sou th of the stone (Shepard's) bridge and west of the 
road. Major Stimson was the cobbler and John 
Adams the barber. The major stopped humming his 
tunes many years since; but John, the barber, al- 
though he long ago ceased to lather, cut and shave, 

still lives, a verj old man. The major was a good 

old soul, and so, in fact, was John. Between the two 
they kept both end- of the men and hoys of .Milford 
looking fairly well. 

The major was fat and jolly, full ofsnuH'aiid stories, - 

while the barberwas lean, solemn and absent-minded. 

[1 would be difficult to name a single particular in 
which they were alike, except that they were both 

ll !St. 

Theshop of the major! What a place it was!— a 
little, old, dingy room in a little, old, one-story build- 
ing, full of old dust and old boots, pegs and lasts,— 
which lasted as long as the major lasted,— and old 
scraps of leather. It had an old stove, a cobbler's bench ' 
or two, an old leather apron with which the major 



572 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COl \TY. NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



over his capacious belly, and when the old 
major was in that old shop, as he always was, sitting 
solidly on the old bench, with awl and hammer in 
hand, and with boot or lapstone on his leg, working 
away, whistling as if the troubles of this world did 
not trouble him, it was a delightful spot <• 
.In i •■ old shop, wiih the oldmajor in it. «n- 

spol in all the \ illage. Ii was i he besi pa- 
tronized. Ii was a handy corner to drop into and 

od Btory or take a pinch of snuff, if you 
liked snuff, and if j ou didn't, it would do | 
see the major take it. Some of it would lodge on his 
upper lip, it is true; bul you wouldn't mind 
that, tor it was always there. The major was 

g 1 to "us boys." lie was never cross. 11. 

would bear quizzing. His pump-handle was "al- 
ways out." ami w.- used to ply that handle indus- 
triously ; hut he never told us anything ho ought 
not. ami his tailing wore all on virtue's side. Major 
Stimson was not only an excellent shoemaker, but he 
was drum-major. He was skillful with more than 
one kind of taps. The sound of his drum was the 
signal for the gathering of a crowd. Cotemporary 
officers with Major Stimson in the regular militia 
wen- Major "Jim" Hutchinson and Major Ezra 

Wilton. Major .lim was fife-major. The 
elation notes of hi- life used to frequently wake the 
echoes of the Sou began Valley, and the throe to- 
gether were an attractive trio. Ii was considered a 
rare treat to assemble these thro,- on the village 
green The music they made inspired patriotism, 
ami set the boys to marching. The man who couldn't 
keep time to that music was horn wrong, and was 
only " tit tor treason-, stratagem- ami spoils." 

i: Milford major not only wielded the hammer 

ami the drum-Sticks, hut ho was master of the baton, 
and skillfully led the villagi 

The old shop ha- paid its debt to time, and the 
good old cobbler lias b ien at rest for more than forty 
j oar- I le left an excellent family. Peace to his dust : 

Hops. — For a period of twenty-five or thirty years 
before the late Civil War there wen- large quantities 
of hops raised in Milford. They were cultivated 
chiefly on the intervales bordering on tin - 
The crop was tolerably sure, hut the value of it was 
a matter of great uncertainty. It required care and 
considerable skill in its culture. Not only was it ne- 
i watch it in its growth and maturity, but 
the picking and curing wore delicate matters requir- 
ing judgment and g 1 management. 

When the crop was good ami mature a bop-yard 
was a sight novel and handsome. The tall poles, ar- 

lethodically in row-, and -landiiu 
toot apart, covered with the clinging vines ami bend- 
ing under the weight of the beautiful hops, presented 
it likely to 1m- forgotten, and the fragrance 
«ious flowers that tilled the air all around 
was an added charm, greatly increasing the pleasures 
ot the hop-field. 



And tlie picking and gathering of the hops! How 
delightful it was! llop-pieking ! How vividly the 
bop-times of the past come back to the memory ! The 
fathei of the writer, Charles A. Burns, raised hops. 
His farm was on the north side of the Souhegan, now 
owned, in part, by Mr. Nourse. He was one of the 
heaviest producers in town. It required a large 
number of pickers to gather the crop. It took from 
two to three weeks to do it. The pickers were or- 
dinarily \ oiing girl- : now and then, very much to the 
dissatisfaction of his boys, an old maid was mixed in, 
- straight. It frequently happened, 
however, that the old girl, was as frisky and full of 
fun as the young one. Everybody liked fun in hop- 
time. The bins in which the hops wore dropped were 

- ti M feet long, four feet wide and three feet high. 

h took one man to tend each bin. Four or five, and 
some times half a dozen, pickers arranged themselves 
around the bin and [died their work. The poles 
were pulled up and laid across the bin, and the 
hops were stripped or!', and woe to the girl who 

didn't "pick clean!" When the proprietor was seen 
coming down the cart-path, it was interesting to see 
the bright-eyed maidens run their nimble fingers 
through the heap- in search of stems and leaves, and 
when they received the merited (?) compliment from 
the boss, for the nice manner in which they were 
doing their work, the sly wink^ that were shot around 

the bin convinced the writer that girls would hear 
watching. He has watched them ever since, and he 
has found out "simply this ami nothing more." And 
when the day'- work was done, and the hops were 
bagged to be carried to the kiln for drying, how often 

a hop-box would he turned over, and some one made 
to mount it and make a speech ! The speaker was 

sure ol ag I audience. Charles Carkin, ol Lynde- 

borough, a unique character, was sometime- the 

orator, and ho wasa g I one. Ho was a horn orator. 

and if he had been horn in Milford, possibly lo 
might have gone to Congress. The writer, although 
in hi- toon-, was conscripted into tin- business "f 
speech-making, and many a splurge did he make from 
the top of a hop-box. The "hops" of the evening 
were not like the " hops " of the day-time, hut in the 
old kitchen and the front-door yard, by the moon- 
light and the mu-ie of Carkin's fiddle and Betsy's 

voice, often did we hear the command, 



•on with 






When the hops were dried and pro-sod hard into 
bales ol some two hundred pounds each, they had to 

ted, and the day of inspection was one of 
considerable anxiety to the hop-raiser. Whether his 
hop- wore to be stamped first, second or third sorts 
was a very material fact to him. 

Stephen Peabody, of Amherst, was for many years 
inspector; but latterly Joseph Tucker, who lived on 

the south side ot' the Souhegan, on the farm owned 

by the late Moses Proctor, acted in that capacity. 



MILFORD. 



573 



Hop-raising 

id in New II: 



( II \ PTEB V 



xi 1 1 . 1 < . i ; [ > .<:,„ 



■Mi bin i . 
ylo, 

I ■ 



I Is, •'!' -I 



1 1 is tin' boasl "i' some towns thai they Inn e ue\ er 

had a lawyer, ami they regard themselves as most I'or- 
tunate. Sonic sixty years ago a lawyer settled in 
Lyndehorough, bul he had no business, ami finally 

turned his attention t aking wooden measures. He 

was good at that ami successful. Dr. Herrick, how- 
ever, in his reminiscences, couldn't let the old fellow 
rest, ami gave him ilm following notice: 

" v. i.m\ \.-i. ,:i\ . -i had the pride 

'l' ( . iiiink he safety yeoman could ride 

And li<< was thrown ofl i trei 

Il li>. I. Ml. Ml" J. .'I I, 



From the earliest history of tin- law ami its admin- 
istration there have been lawyers, ami they have al- 
u.i\ been the lawful targi ts foi satire ami wit. Even 
law j era t hemselves arc constantly joking or sal irizing 
at their own expense. Thus Erskine, one ol tic mosl 
learned and brilliant of lawyers, once wrote concern- 
ing an old lawyer's house, which had been sold and 

wa- occupied by an ironmonger, 

" Tin I Be, ^ I" i ice ii lawyei dwelt, 

[a now ii Smith's ale 
How rapidly the a 

Ben .lonsun, on being told of the death of a dis- 
tinguished lawyer, who was not Only eminent in learn 

ing, bul of the highest integritj , had the impudence 
to suggest the following couplet as a proper epitaph 
lor his tomb: 



Notwithstanding all these reflections and unjust (?) 
comments, the craft "still lives." 

Whatever may he true ol' lawyers generally (and 
the writer has the most profound admiration tor the 
profession). Mil lord has certainly been fortunate in 
the men who have in 'he past practiced, and now 
practice, law in her midst. They have been, and are, 

without an exception, strong, sensible, uprigb 

zens, and have had much to do in forming a health; 
and progressive public sentiment, which has placed 
the town anion"; the foremost of the intelligent town- 
ships of the State. 

A lawyer who spends his time in fomenting litiga- 
tion and strifes among his fellow-men is a terrible 



nuisance; but a fair-minded, straightforward reliable 
attorney , w ho engages onlj in legitimate work in his 
profession and win. possesses ability to successfully 
handle his business, and there arc a great many of 
them, — is one of the most useful of cil izens. 

Such ha- been the character of our lawyers. A 
In hi account "i thi e genl lemen is here given to 

get her with a short biographical sketch of the mil iveSOf 

the town w ho have become lawyers. Those of the na- 
tives who have eii" aged in I he other learned professions, 
with the exception of the lew here given, we have not 
been able to look up, for want of time and facilities 
This work, with a vast amount of other work, will fall 

upon those who give lis the history of the town 

in full at the end of its first century of corporate 

Solomon Kidder Livermore, the earliesl established 
lawyer in Milford, was the fifth child of lies. Jon- 
athan Livermore, the first settled minister of Wilton. 
where he was born March 2, 177'.'. lie was the sixth 

generation fr John Livermore, who cami from 

England to VVatertown, Mass., in 1634, from whom 
descended several individuals of distinguished fame 
as jurists and lawyers. Mr. Livermore was taught at 

I in his earlj years; but the common school was 

established before his entire \.,uih pa- d Insinu- 
ate] lie helpi d in i lie in Id- and in h intei in the woods; 

his love lor his native hills and valleys grew with his 

growth and continued to the end of his life. Winn 
advanced enough in his studies, he entered Mr. 
Pemberton's school lor boys, at Billerica, Mass., hi- 
mother's native place, where he remained till fitted 

for college, which I ntered in 1799, and graduated 

fi i" ib ridge in 1802, in a class large foi the pe 

riod, and numbering ai ig iis members many who 

became eminent and influential citizens of Massa- 

.■In. . i ; 

Mr. Livermore studied lav with Oliver Crosby, Esq., 
of Dover, \. II., was admitted to tin bai aboul 1806, 
ami after practicing a lew years in Rockingham! lountj 
removed to Hillsborough County, at the earnest soli- 
citations of relatives and friends, earl; in the yeai 
of 1809. Mr. Livermore wrote to a friend about this 
time that "tin- people generally ..t Hillsborough 
C ity are i e intelligent and cultivated and law- 
abiding, than the people of Ivoek iiighain County." 
Law business may not have been so goo. I, but to a lover 

of pe: , who often advised Ids clients to sell I,- their 

differences w ii In.nt the aid of the courts, thi- was no 
hindrance. Mr. Livermore was eminently a lover of 
justice, beloved bj those for whom hi labored looked 

first to the public good, was utterly a wise la towns or 
citizens pursuing narrow or selfish end-. 

Political partisanship, the most pronounced, pre- 
vailed during Mr. Livermore's early life; but he 
could be no partisan. Unmoved b 
invectives of the partisans of France, he saw much 

more that was good and hopeful and less that was 
mischievous in the federal party, which crystallized 



574 



HISTORY or HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



into the Whig party, worked with that party till it 
was bereft of life, found himself a Free-Soil sympa- 
thizer, and from that evolved ;i Republican. 

Mr. Livermore was a member of the First Congre- 
gational Church for nearly twenty-five years, then a 
member of the First Unitarian Society. He married 
Miss Abigail Adkins Jarvis, of Cambridge, Mass. Six 
children lived to mature age. A son and a daughter 
settled in Baltimore, Mil.; another son in Galena, 111.; 
the youngest son finally in Cambridge, Mass., on the 
maternal grandfather's homestead. Two grandsons 
have been in the navy for years; oni 
Thomas L. Livermore, rose from the ranks 
nelcy in the war of secession, and, until he recently 
resigned, was at the head of the largest manufactory 
in the country. 

Through his long life Mr. Livermore felt a keen 
interest in the colleges ami schools of the country, in 
and their progress towards right living and 
good citizenship. He was a judicious friend, a wis.' 
counselor and a good citizen. He died in July, 1859, 
in the eighty-first year of his life. 

Gilbert Wadleigh settled in Milford about the same 
time as Bainbi idge Wadleigh and I lolonel Lull. He 
was born in Sutton, N. H. ; fitted for college at New 
London ; gradual .-l at Dartmouth Colli 
taught school till 1850, and in that year was admitted 
to the Merrimack County bar, N. 11. Soon after he 
went to Milford, where he began the practice of law. 
lie was cashier of Souhegan Lank from 1859 to 1864, 
and treasurer of Milford Five-Cent Savings Institu- 
tion from 1871 to 1875. He still resides in Milford 
and still practices his profession in a moderate way. 
Mr. Wadleigh i> a highly esteemed citizen and a very 
worthy man. 

John .1. Bell, of Exeter, was born at Exeter, V IF. 
Octobei 30,1827; educated in the common schools 
and academies in Concord and Manchester ; studied 
law with lion. Samuel 1 >. Bell, Hon. William C. 
Clarke, ami at Dana Law School of Harvard University 
and graduated in 1846, receiving the degree of LL.B. 
He was admitted to practice April 7. 1848, in Hills- 
borough I ounty. Hecommi need practice in Nashua, 
in 1848, moved to Milford early in 1849, remained 
there until July, 1850, and then went to Concord, 
Me., where he remained until June, 1864, when he 
removed to Exeter, X. IF. where he still is living. 

In 1864 Dartmouth gave him the honorary degree 
of A.M. Mr. Bell was a member of the Constitu- 
tional Convention in 1876. He was judge of the 
Police ( iourt of Exeter from the time of it- establish- 
ment, in March. 1877, to March, 1883. He n 
Exeter in the House of Representatives ni L883 and 
is one of its representatives now. 

Mr. Bell is in all respects a first-class man. com- 
manding attention and influence in whatever he en- 
gages. He comes from as good stock as the State 
contains, and it is enough to say that he is a worthy 
representative of a splendid race of men. 



Lawrence Dudley Bailey was born at Sutton, V II . 
August 26, 1819; followed farming on his father's 
farm till he was seventeen years old ; was educated 
in the schools and academies of New Hampshire and 
Vermont; studied law in the office of W. Tappan, 
and his son, M. \Y. Tappan ; admitted to the liar at 
Newport, N. IF. July 9, 1846, Hon. Joel Parker pre- 
siding. He began practice at East Washington. N. \l., 

and r ved to Milford. N. IF. in March, 1847, and 

entered into law partnership with S. K. Livermore 
and remained there till 1849, selling out his librarj 
to 1 1. ,n. I'.. Wadleigh. He then went to i 
Returning November 1, 1853, he entered into partner- 
ship with M. W. Tappan. and continued at Bradford 
till March ■!'■'., ls">7, then went to Kansas and opened 
law-office mar Emporia ; was elected to the Legislature 
in 1858 and to the Territorial Legislature in 1859. He 
was eh cted one of the judges ,,f the Supreme I iourt 

under the new Free State ( institution, and re-elected 

in 1862 for six years; was president of Kansas Ag- 
ricultural Society in 1863 and re-elected four years in 
succession. In 1869 he was a member of the Legisla- 
ture for Douglas County, and in 1873 was nominated 

tor State Senator, hut declined to take it. He assisted 
in forming the Historical Society of that State in 
1868 and '69. He for a while edited and published 
led The t, ul! ir.it,,,- ,,,i,l lliiihman. He is 
now living on his farm of four hundred and thirty- 
five acres in that State. Judge Bailey has written a 
great deal for the press ami for New Hampshire pa- 
pers, as well as others. He was a contributor to the 
■ ■'. published in Milford in 1 8 18. 
One of the early settlers in Kansas, he helped dedi- 
cate the State to freedom, and the above record shows 
a life of great activity. Original, with a nervous 
force ami high purpose, he has pushed his way on 
from an obscure New Hampshire town into the heart 
of the great West, and his work has told in the up- 
building of a powerful State, It is a loss to New 
Ham]. shire to give up such men as Judge Bailey, hut 
ii is a magnificent gain t.. some other state and t.. the 

nation. 

The next man who settled in Milford as a lawyer 

was Bainbridge Wadleigh. .Mr. Wadleigh was horn 
at Bradford, X. IF, on the 4th of January, 1831. He 
read law with Hon. M. W. Tappan at Bradford. He 
was admitted to the New Hampshire bar al Newport, 
February, 1850, and immediately began practice at 
Milford. where he continued to work, doing a large 
lav, business, until he was elected to the United States 

Semite, in 1872. 

Mr. Wadleigh represented Milford in thi 
ture in 1855 and '56, in 1859 and '60, and in 1869, 70, 
71 and '72. 

\i the close of his term in the United States Sen- 
ate In began the practice of his profession in I'.oM.m. 
where he still continues doing a large and lucrative 
law business. 

Mr. Wadleigh is a man of talent and integrity. 




^tf. <^>l>l> £^^£^t7Z4LJ 



575 



He is a strong, able, fine lawyer, a forcible and at- 
tractive speaker, with exceedingly agreeable manners 
and noticeable physique. Energetic and persistent, 
with an active mind and retentive memory, he makes 
a powerful opponent in any cause he espouses. He 
took high rank in the Senate, as he does in the law. 
His career is by no means closed, as he is iu the full 

vigor ami strength of manh I. 

Mr. Wadleigh still retains his residence in Mil- 
ford ami take- great delight in the town ami its 
people. 

Another prominent lawyer of Milford was Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel Oliver W. Lull. He was born in 
Weare, N. H., January 14, 1826. His parents were 
of tie' highest respectability. They were not able, 
however, to give Oliver a liberal education, which, 
quite likely, was fortunate for him. He attended 
the public schools at Weare ami at Manchester, 
X. H„ to which place lie removed in 1*44. He 
taught school for a while in Framingham, Mass., ami 
in Milford, X. H. He commenced the study of the 
law at Framingham, ami afterwards completed the 
course in the law-office of the Hon. David Cross, of 
Manchester. He was admitted to the bar of Hills- 
borough County in May, 1851, and then established 
himself in practice at Milford. He pursued his pro- 
fession with great zeal ami marked success until tin' 
commencement of the Civil War, in 1861. As a law- 
yer, considering his age and experience, ho had few, 
if any, superiors. He infused into his practice the 
same enlivening energy and strong determination as 
that which had marked his previous career. Al- 
though an unflinching and tireless opponent, he was 
the most considerate and faithful of counselors. 
He commanded a large share of the business in his 
vicinity, and his practice was successful to an eminent 
degree. He was a good citizen, kind and faithful 
husband, an indulgent parent, a true friend. He 
possessed tin- highest social qualities, and no one en- 
joyed life better than he, and no one was Letter cal- 
culated to make those happy about him. 

When the war broke upon us, the cause of our 
country found in Lieutenant-Colonel Lull an aide and 
efficient supporter. Among the first to otter his ser- 
vices to his native State, his influence was felt far 
and near in raising recruits, and all, whether friendly 
or indifferent toward him, were constrained to ac- 
knowledge the manly and noble course that he pin- 
sued and the valuable and timely services that he 
rendered. 

He was commissioned lieutenant-colonel of the 
Eighth New Hampshire Volunteers, and went with 

In- regiment iu General Butler's expedition to New 
Orleans. Before his departure he received manj testi- 
monials from his fellow-citizens of their regard and es- 
teem, not the least of which was a beautiful horse pre- 
sented to him by the citizens of Nashua and vicinity. 
Many will remember his stirring and patriotic letter 
in which he handsomely acknowledged the gift, and 



the hope that he breathed, that the rider might 
prove himself worthy of the blood and mettle of his 
noble .-teed. Most truly was the prayer answered. 

Colonel Lull was every inch a man. His devotion 

to the land of his birth knew no hounds. lie was 
accustomed to say, in his impassioned appeals lo 
young men to come forward and till up the ranks ol 
bis regiment, that he would not ask them to follow 
wheie he was not willing to lead. How true was 
this! Winn he received the wound that caused 
hi- death he was bravely leading bis regiment 
to attack the works of the enemy. Throwing into 
the contest more than his accustomed encrg) , and dis- 
playing a bravery that cannot be de-i rihed, raising 

bis sword above his brow, In- cried to bis trusty fol- 
lowers to press on to victory. But in the midst ol 
the wild excitement of the hour he fell from a rifle- 
ball, which entered hi- thigh and ranged into the ab- 
domen. He was shot about ten o'clock in the fore- 
noon ami died about two the same day. When in- 
formed by the surgeon that he must die, be said, 
"Thank (Sod, 1 die for my country ! " Thus was added 
another mime to the long roll of heroic Americans 
who, by their valor, have proved their lives more 
than sublime, — men who were as true to the cause "I' 
their country as the "steel to the star or the stream 
to the sea." % 

Colonel Lull for some time was provost-judge at 
ThibodeaUX, where he discharged the duties pertain- 
ing to the position with great proficiency. He was 
afterwards appointed, upon General WeitzeFs stall 
and received the highest encomiums from that officer, 
also from Generals Butler. Phelps and Emory. He 
always proved himself fully competent to fill any 
position to which In- was assigned. 

Colonel Lull was a Democrat in politics, lie was 
a patriot. He was a man of brains and power. He 
had commanding talent.-. His natural place in any 
company was at the front. He was a star. He was 
commissioned lieutenant-colonel of the Eighth New 
Hampshire Regiment of Volunteers October 1. 1861, 
and at once aided in recruiting the ranks and went 
with them to the field and remained with them till 
he died. 

"At the time of the terrible assault upon the fortifications of Port 
B ii :7th ofMay,18C3, Lieutenant-Colonel Lull was tem- 

, thestaffoi General Emory ; but Colonel Fearingbeing 

in the charge of a brigade, he roluntarilj returned and tooH c and 

of his own men. The Eighth Regi m was among the forces at the 

hi'iiil nl thf o -in in n wli'li tin- ;ut Mini-' w.'i- MpU'i'il. unit "ill' uii.-ijunli-tt 

heroism, the bra™ men charged directlj upen the Rebel Hi 

conflict was desperate, but at length the enemy began to retreat with 

. . lonel Lull was constantly at Hi- head ol his 

command, and the fourth Rebel In"l i"»t i»-—n |o when, in the 

ac tof cl ring his men, ho fell, pierced with 8 Rebel rifle-ball The 

UMHIl.l, llwnjl M IV - O l'\ UilS Mm! ilisllllltly tillllt H. \MI- Hill lllll.tV 

carried to tin- rear, where, after a few hours of i 

,„,,.,! ii,. i.,..n «... , i, i i-.i I- v « Orleans, placed in ;. receiving tomb 

■iin'. tli.c ri'iiiiuni'il until tin' full. •win:; iiiitiuuli. whi-ll it was brought 
Iimiiii' t. 1 Milf'T.1 f..r imri.il. Hi- inn. ml -. i .. .. . - were held November 
17 t h | n the church where the deceased had been accust 

ing mi. ,i i i tl,. utmost capacity with sorrov 

.,,,,1 |-|„.|„1- A il.-r.i. Iinnnit nl th.- Onverin.r - Hursi- 1 1 minis wins prewut 



HISTORY OF IIILLSBOKOUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



and performed military h< s. Hon Pa via Cross, ..t Manrln >i,i. ina-i.- 

Ml wl'lt'-'sS, ;i li. I ivlntr.l inall.V lln'lilrllts ill til.' lit".' "t til-' .). r.asnl. Til-.' 

i.-maitia wen- ilriu.sit.il in tin- village cemetery, ami his 

In- r.'liniiibereil ami 1 1. 1 1 1. .1 . ■■ i ..- Iliat of a mail win. nobly sacrificed bis 

hi.. 1..I In- country." 

The above paragraph is from Waite's work on 
"New Hampshire in the Great Rebellion," and is 
quoted as giving an excellent epitome of the critical 
moments in (he life of our distinguished friend. If 
he had chosen to have done at this supreme hour 
what lie most properly might, and remained with 
General Emory, tin- result would have been very 
different; but he deliberately exchanged a post of 
comparative safety tor one of extreme danger. The 
spirit which impelled this heroic act is seen in the 
memorable ami patriotic words of our hero written in 
his diary on the morning preceding his death, before 
the battle opened, — 

" In one hour we commence the storming of Port Hudson. Many of 

us will not si-.:- an. .fin r <lav. 11 I -li.oil.i lo- on.-..! tlial muni).-!'. I shall 

bave 'Ion..* my duty." 

He was one who did not see another day, but his 
deeds of heroism tire seen. His unselfish patriotism 
is brought to tin' light of the endless day, and the 
crown of immortal approbation is his. Verily, — 

"'Tis sweet a in 1.1. cor. .us t.i ili.. for one's country." 

John L. Spring practiced law in Milford from 1860 
lo 1870. He was horn tit Newport, X. H., January 
14, 1830, educated in the common schools, studied 
law tit Hover ami Salmon Falls, admitted to the bar 
in isiin, began practice at Wilton, remaining there 
about one year, then removed to Milford. In 1870 
he located at Lebanon, X. II., where he still lives. 
In 1876 he was a member of the Constitutional Con- 
vention. Mr. Spring is a very enterprising man. ami 
has been successful. 

Dr. Albeit II. Crosby, now of Concord, first struck 
out as a lawyer, and located for a time in Milford; 
hut he soon drifted into his proper place, ami is now 
a distinguished physician, thus keeping up the pres- 
tige Oi his family. A Mr. Trombly also located here 
for a few mouths, hut where he is now does not ap- 
pear. 

Milford litis given its share of young men to the 
so-called learned professions. Among them may lie 
mentioned the following gentlemen, who tire lawyers: 
Clinton S. Averill, George A. Ramsdell, David and 
Charles Secombe, Fred. Hatch, Jonas Hutchinson, 
Albert E. Pillsbury, Alvaro Hutchinson, Edward 
Brown, Jeremiah 1 in; le and the writer. 

A brief sketch of .Air. Averill is given elsewhere 
in this volume. He is a polished gentleman ami one 
of the first citizens of the town. With fine attain- 
ments, had he given his attention to the law exclu- 
sively, he could have easily won prominence and 
distinction. As treasurer of one of the most success- 
ful savings-banks of the State, and as a wise and 
careful counsellor, his life is one of great usefulness 
to his fellow-men. 



(irorov A. Ramsdell is a son of William Ramsdell. 
He was born at Milford, March 11, 1834 ; educated 
at Mont Vernon, entered Amherst College but did not 
graduate. In 1871 received honorary degree of M.A. 
from Dartmouth, studied law with ex-Senator Wad- 
leigh and Hon. Daniel Clark; admitted to the bar in 
1857; practiced law at Peterborough, N. II., six years, 
until 1864, and was then appointed Clerk of Supreme 
Court of Hillsborough County, a position which he 
now holds. He was a member of the Legislature 
from his ward in Nashua in 1869-70-71, and member 
of tie Constitutional Convention in 1876; presidenl 
of the board of trustees of Mate Industrial School 
from I'S.si to 1883; is now president of the First 
National Bank of Nashua. 

Mr. Ramsdell is a high-minded, well-equipped, 
conscientious gentleman, lb jni-i'.-is tact, candor. 
ability and integrity. Although his life has been 
somewhat uneventful, it has been useful, and he is 
well prepared to meet the duties of tiny position to 
wlinh he may be called. He is one ofthe brightest and 
most .substantial men Milford has produced. 

Albert E. Pillsbury, horn at Milford, August 19, 
1849, attended the public schools in Milford, Appleton 
Academy, New Ipswich. 1865-66; Lawrence Acad- 
emy, Groton, Ma-s., L866 ''.7; entered Harvard Col- 
lege in 1867 but did not complete the course ; taught 
school and studied law at Sterling, 111. ; was admitted 
to the Illinois bar and to the Massachusetts bar in 
1870, and has been in active practice in Boston since. 
He was a member of the House of Representatives 
from the Seventeenth (Suffolk) District in 1876-77-78, 
being the junior member in 1876; was a member of 
the Senate from the sixth (Sn Hoik) Senatorial District 
in 1884-85, and is now president of that body, and 
he is said to he the youngest man ever elected to the 
chair. A noteworthy fact in Mr. Pillsbury's political 
career is seen in his Senatorial canvasses. He was first 
nominated for the Senate in 1882 and was defeated 
by forty-three votes, [n 1883 he was elected bj four 
hundred and twenty-three votes, ami re-elected in 
1884 by fourteen hundred votes, being the largest 
plurality ever east in the district. 

Mr. Pillsbury is a well-read, bright and accom- 
plished lawyer, and in every respect a first-class man. 
Clear in expression, sound in judgment, with a fine 
voice and graceful physique, lie never speaks with- 
out carrying great weight and often conviction. Al- 
though young, he has achieved popularity and a 
deservedly high position among his fellow-men, and 
it is safe to predict for him a brilliant future. 

Jonas Hutchinson was bom tit Milford January 
10, 1840. He was graduated at Dartmouth College 
in the class of '63; admitted to the New Hampshire 
Bar, March, 1869, and went immediately to Chicago, 
111., where he has ever since remained in the active 
and successful practice ofthe law. 

Mr. Hutchinson has exhibited in his profession the 
same indomitable perseverance that he displayed in 



577 



setting an education, and he is in all respects a self- 
made man. He takes good rank at the bar. He has 
never given any attention to politics. He is a man 
of fine persona] appearance, genial and agreeable 
manners and high and honorable character. 

TheSecombes are successful men in Minneapolis. 
The writer has not been able to obtain sufficient data 
to justify an extended notice of other legal gentlemen 
who have the honor of being natives of the town. 
but they are all honorable men. h is too early to 
write much concerning some of them, as they are 
young and have just launched their boats for the 
rough sail. 

Fred. Hatch has started well at Exeter, N. H. 
and his law-otliee is visited by quite a numerous 
clientage; Edward Brown is battling awaj at Law- 
rence ; while Jeremiah Doyle's shingle is hung out at 
Nashua. 

Alvaro Hutchinson was born at Milford, studied 
law and was admitted to the bar ami began practice 
at Milford, but soon left town and located in Wash- 
ington Territory, and is now engaged in mining. 

Robert M. Wallace was horn at Henniker, -May 2, 
1847, and was graduated at Dartmouth College in 
1867. He studied law in the office ofM. W. Tappan, 
making the third Milford lawyer who started on his 
legal tour in the office of our gonial and accomplished 
Attorney-General. He was admitted to the bar in 

1 ml. or, 1871. 

He formed, soon after going to Milford, a copart- 
nership in the practice of the law with ex-Senator 
Wadleigh, and continued in that relation until Mr. 
Wadleigh went into practice in Boston, and Mr. 
Wallace still continues in active practice at Milford. 

In 1882 he was elected solicitor of Hillsborough 
County, and re-elected in 1884. He has been a mem- 
ber of the House of Representatives twice from 
Milford. 

Mr. Wallace possesses the indispensable (nullifica- 
tions of a good lawyer. He is square, bright, push- 
ing, well informed, and remarkably industrious. His 
business is already prosperous and his place at the 
bar assured. He has many elements of popularity 
and a great many friends. He is a growing man, 
with a promising future. 

Carl E. Knight was born in New Hampton, X. II.. 
May 6, 1851; graduated at Dartmouth in the i lass of 
1873; taught school for a while at various places; 
studied law with John G. Murgridge ; was admit- 
ted to the bar September 1. 1881, and located as a 
lawyer in Milford in December following. 

Mr. Knight comes from an excellent family, and is a 
worthy young man. Should he give his whole at- 
tention to the practice of the law, he will, without 
doubt, be a successful man. 

Physicians.— Milford has not only been fortunate 
in lawyers, but also in physicians. Drs. donas Hutch- 
inson, S. S. Stickney, Samuel G. Dearborn, H. El- 
dridge, 0. O. Roberts, and its present physicians, 



I >rs. W H.W.Hinds,] >earborn, 1 »insmore, Smith and 
Hutchinson, make a lisl of exceedingly reputable gi n- 
tlemeu. The limits of this article will nol allow a 
detailed account of all. 

Dr. Jonas Hutchinson was bom at Milford, June 2, 
1792, and died September 13, 1857; studied medi- 
cine at 1 Dartmouth • Jollege ; > imenced pi 

Hancock, and continued there till November, 1841, 

when lie removed to Milford. He represented Han- 
cock in the Legislature, 1833-34-35. lb 
skillful and successful physician. 

S. S. Stickney was born in Townsend, Mass.. No- 
vember 16, 1810, and died in Milford, after liv- 
ing there forty years. He graduated at the Carlton 
Medical College, in Vermont, in 1836, Hi | 
in Dublin, X. H., a few months, then removed to 
Milford. His cotemporaries in practice were Drs. 
Hutchinson and Eldridge. He was a strong, sensi- 
ble, upright man and a good physician. 

Dr. Eldridge's history we have been unable to look 
up, hut he was lor a long lime one of Milford's best 
doctors. A good, kind, honest, faithful physician. 

Samuel G. Dearborn, born at Xorthficld, N. II., 
A.llgus1 b'. 1827 : educated at the district sidc.il and 
at Sanbornton Academy and New Hampshire i lonf. r- 
ence Seminary ; graduated in November, 1849, from 
Medical Departmentof Dartmouth College; practiced 
medicine at Union Bridge (now East Tilton), for three 

months; in February, 1850, went to Mont Veri ; 

in June, L853, removed to Milford; married Decem- 
ber ".. 1853 ; in L861 was commissioned surgeon 
Eighth Regiment New Hampshire Volunteers, served 
one year; in summer. L 863, served three mouths in 
the Army of the Potomac ; wenl to Nashua May. 
1873, and has always had a large and lucrative prac- 
tice. He is the best known and one of the most 
skillful physicians and surgeons in Southern New 
Hampshire. 

Dr. Dearborn belongs to a noted family of physi- 
cians, and he is himself a man of eminent ability. 
He ha- patrons from all parts of New England. 

Henry G. Dearborn, born at Northfield September 
IS, is:;:., practiced medicine with his brothers, Samuel 

i ;. I learboru and d'l las I'.. Dearborn, atMilford, for 

a while, then went to Nashua, and is now in practice 
t here with his brother. 

Thomas Benton Dearborn was horn at Northfield 
25, 1838. He graduated at the State 
University of Indiana in 1861. He- studied medicine 
with his uncle, Dr. Jonathan Dearborn, of Sterling, 
111., and with his brother. Dr. S. G. Dearborn, and he 
graduated at the Medical Department of Dartmouth 
College, and practiced medicine at Milford, where he 
died, dune 10, 1879, at the age of forty years. He 
accomplished surgeon and a man of large 
brain and great ability. His funeral was attended by 
an enormous concourse of people, and 
caused widespread sorrow. He left a wi< 

four beautiful boys. 



578 



BISTOEY OF HILLSKOKorniI COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



William H. W. Hinds was born at Chichester, 
X. 11.. August 1. L833; was educated in tin- Boston 
schools, including the English High School, from 
which he graduated in L850 ; studied medicine with 
O.S.Saunders, M.D., ami Daniel Hall, of Lowell, 
ami Jonathan Brown, of Tewksbury ; was at the State 
Almshouse, Tewksbury, from 1857 to 1861 ; graduated 
ii-i.i Harvard .Medical College in 1861; assistant 
surgeon Seventeenth Massachusetts Volunteer-, ami 
later surgeon Twelfth Massachusetts Volun 
served in that capacity three years; began practice in 
Milford in 1865, where he has remained since, doing 
:,, -m-, , -.-in! business. He has represented 
Milford in tin- lower branch of the Legislature, in 
187&-76, ami is now a member of the Senate from his 
district. 

Dr. Hinds is a man of large intelligence, very skill- 
ful as a physician ami an agreeable ami accomplished 
gentleman. 

Darius Stearns Dearborn, another Northfield Dear- 
born, was born there, attended school at Tilton Semi- 
nary ami at Lind University, Illinois ; graduated from 
University Medical College, Ne^ York; began prac- 
tice in Wyanet, 111., afterward- at Brookline, X. 11.. 
i year- pas) at Milford, where he is engaged 
wholly in a very large practice. Dr. Dearborn has 
had large experience and i.- a first-class physician. 

Dr. Dinsmore is a young man of excellent educa- 
tion and very skillful as a physician. 11. 
in Amherst, where he was verj successful, but re- 
cently moved to Milford, in which place he has be- 
come one of the leading and most successful prac- 
titioners. 

Herbert S. Hutchinson, born in Milford in 1849; 
college a! Milford High School, 18(39-71; 
graduated at Dartmouth College June, 1875 : studied 
n the Medical School oi -Maine, at 
Brunswick, and at Bellevue Hospital Medical Col- 
lege; graduated at tin: latter, March, 1880; prac- 
ticed a short time at New Boston; then : 
Francestown, where he remained five years, and is now 
located at Milford. Dr. Hutchinson possesses all Hie 
requisites of a first-class physician and surgeon. He 
lucated, skillful and . nergetic. 
Among the natives of Milford who have become 
physicians the following may he named.- all young 
men of great promise: Fred. A. Eldridg 
A. Hatch, George E. Hatch, Charles A. Weaver. 
. lame- Sullivan ami Herbert S. Hutchinson. 

Civil List. — The following are the names of those 
who have represented Milford in the House of Rep- 
resentatives : 



1795.— W il 

i'.e>. ikliii'' riuw 



• — V. article in the wart 
—William Peabody. 






1801-2.— William I 

1803 —Augustus Blanchard. 

lS'i-i. — Vi'teil ma t" -' nil any .an-. 
]Sil.Vli — C.i|,l.i i .1 ;., 

1813-1 I — Vi iiliaiu Lovejoy. 
1820-24.— William Crosby. 
1825.— Stephen Peabody. 
1826.— Josiab French. 
18i7.— Stephen Peabody. 
1828.— Josiah l 
[829-31.— Solomon k 1 , 

1833-34.— John Wallace, Jl 

183".— Abiel I 

- 

1 any one. 

I! ■! 

Putnam. 
1842.— William 

1st:!.— Daniel Putnam. 

1.-4.1. — Nineteen 1. all., t> ami m. chuiee ami voted lint t 

I any one. 

ted not tn Bend. 

1S17.— Daniel I'ntnain ami William 11a in-. 1-0 1. 

1-1-.— Dane 1 i'tilii.iin ami Jl.innl Iinsse)|. 
IM.I.-Dauel Itnssell ami linage Daniels. 

1850. —I..- i a Daniels. 

lSal.— I.e. -U.i ' ■ 1 ' li..;..- ami I .... -I i m 



« . Burns 

'.':•' ... \\ i. 'ana-. 

rgi W. c, ami llainl.n.lu-e Wadleigh. 

I Bartlett. 
1861.— George I". Bartlett ami V) ill, ti i im 
1862.— William Lane an. I Martin Hall. 
1863 Slartin Hall and Gilbert Wadleigh. 

lM'.r.— Oillu II Wa.llea li an. I I. in I. 1' SaWJW. 

Isic.. — Kre.l. ii. k T. Sawyer ami .li.hn Marrell. 

Marvel! and Francis .1. French. 
1867.— Fran, i- .11. • ~la 

1868.— Math i - ■ ml <";. Dearborn. 

: .in ami llamliiiilL-.- Wadleigh. 

: ..'•■ W.nll.'i.li ..ii.i M- 

1.-71. — It.'i el Muses French. 

1N7J. — liainliridge Wadlcigli ami I ...i.e., I CI illume 

I-:; a, ui.iiinn r. iini.-hnis.iii. u. i: i 1 Isaiah Hutch- 



illiam B. Towne and William M. 
iaiu II W Hinds and Christophi r 

-Ii.ih ami Timothy 



1S74.— Benjamin F. Hutchil 
Kuowlton. 
1875.— William M. Knowlton, William II. \, 

C. Shaw. 

1876.— William II. W. Hinds, Christopher 

1877.— Isaac I' Abbott, Robert M. Wallace and Ti thj 

1878.— Bobert M. Wallace, DsaacP. Abbott and William W. Howard, 
phen C. Ooburnand William W. Howard. 

1880.— David II.. .1.1 ."..I -i. phi r, - 

ls.-j— Ja-,.n T Burns an. I David F. Tl ipson. 

1884.— John Mi Lai e and Samui 1 B. ' otton. 

The following are the names of citizens of Milford 
who have been elected and served as members of the 
New Hampshire Senate : 

.lam-. Wallace, in 1814, '15, '16. 

John Wallace, Jr., in 1821, '22, '23, '24, 28. 

Humphrey Moure, m lsll. 

Leonard chase, in 1861,'62. 

Timothy Kaley, in 1 381, S2. 

William H. w. Hinds, in 188 . 





Z^sf? 



i£& 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



Among the families that for nearly a century and 
a half have been connected with the improvement 
and progress of Milford, and which deserve especial 
mention in this history, is that of Averill. This 
family is undoubtedly of early French 01 Soman 
extraction, domiciled, however, in England since the 
time of William the Conqueror. The branch located 
in county of Worcester, England, and lrcun which, 
probably, the American Averills derive, was entitled 
to bear arms described in heraldry as follows: "Gu. 
a cross Bleury, ermine charged in chief, with a buck's 
head of the field ; crest, a buck's head, caboshed as 
in the arms." 

The first American Averill was William, whose 
descendants arc numerous in various parts of this 
country. Then- are many of the name in Topsfield, 
Mass., from which place Eliene/.er Averill came in 
1752 to Milford, N. H., then the South Parish of 
Amherst, as one of the pioneers of the town, and pur- 
chased a farm adjoining the Mont Vernon line. He 
was an active man of energy, well qualified to succeed 
in the troublesome and difficult life of the early set- 
tlers. Mis children were Ruth, Ebenezer, David, 
Elijah and Moses. Ebenezer, son of Ebenezer, horn 
1 752, succeeded to the home farm, where he became a 
well-to-do farmer. He erected a frame house, yet 
standing, about 1790, and this was so unusual an event 
as to call people from near and far to witness the 
strange appearance. He married Anna Johnson, horn 
1755, and had children— .lames (1778), Elijah (1781), 
Eben (1783), Luther (1786), Calvin, Aladan, Nancy 
and Alma. He died July 1 t. 1837, aged eighty-five. 
Mrs. Averill died September 15,1 339, aged eighty -four. 
They were a quiet, undemonstrative peoph of marked 
industry, who early impressed upon their children 
the value and necessity of labor; these did credit to 
their instructions, and all inherited a goodly share of 
ancestral strength and physical vigor. 

James purchased a farm in Mont Vernon which 
adjoined the paternal estate, where he lived until his 
death, in 1868, at the advanced age of ninety. Luther 
settled on the farm immediately south of his lather's, 
always resided there and attained nearly four-score 
years. Elijah in early life was a farmer, afterward 
removed to the village and was for year- engagi d in 
lumbering with his brother Calvin. Eben remained 
on the home farm, succeeding to its ownership, and 
died when about eighty-six. Aladan, after a short 
experience as farmer on a part of the home farm, 
came to the village, where he conducted a saw and 
grist-mill for many years, dying at an advai I age. 

Nancy married John Leavitt, a farmer of Amherst, 
had several children and died aged nearly seventy. 
Alma married, first, Daniel Johnson, had one child. 



Naac I .: -ccoud, I !eii ja mi n I'.arker, of Milford, who 
was a miller. She also attained an aihanccd age. 

Calvin Averill was born September 18, 1788. His 
education was acquired at the common schools of that 
period, and in the practical one of farm-life, where 
knowledge of the axe, the plough and the scythe was 
of tar more value than the conjugation oi Greek 
verbs, and well was he grounded in their principles. 
At his father's request, he remained on the home farm 
Until he had several years passed his majority, and 
married, in 1S14, Eunice, daughter of (diver and 
Eunice (Brown) Spalding. The hard labor of the 
farm was not sufficiently remunerative for his ambi- 
tion, and, with a desire of bettering his condition, lie 

removed to Milford village and engaged in lumbering 

and running a saw-mill. This part of the State was 
then covered with dense pine forests, and the rapid 
growth of Lowell and other cities gave a quick market 
and good price for the lumber. Mr. Averill was 
prosperous, and continued this business alone, and 
with others, during iiis active life. He was a man of 
positive character, clear and decided in his opinions 
and strong i n his advocacy of them. He aided 
freely, all matters of public improvement, was a pro- 
nounced Jelfcrsoiiian Democrat in a community in- 
tensely Whig in sentiment, but was often selei ted for 
important trusts and tin' management of affairs of 
consequence, lie held the various low n oi 
selectman many terms and tit one time county com- 
missioner. He owned, in company with his brother 
Elijah, a large farm in the rich valley of the river, 
immediately below the village. In 1836 they built 
the house now occupied by C. S. Averill, ami which, 
modernized ami improved, is one of the pleasantest 
homes in Milford. Here the brothers passed their last 
years, Calvin dying April -J7, 1874. lie was a great 
loss to the business interests of the town and to the 
Baptist Church, of which he was a valued and active 
member. In this large family one especial trait is 
noticeable — love of home and their native town ; they 
all passed their li\cs and died within a radius of ten 
miles from the old homestead. 

Clinton Spalding Averill, the only child of Calvin 
and Eunice (Spalding) Averill, was born in Milford, 
September 22, 1827. His primary education was 
received at the district schools of Milford ; he then 
attended Hancock ami Pembroke Academies, fitting 
himself for the military school, Norwich I 
Norwich, Vermont, where he was graduated in 1849 

w ith tin degree of I'.. S., and from which he afterward 
received the honorary degree of M.A. After grad- 
uation he became a tutor in the same institution; 
then was appointed professor id' natural science, 
which position he resigned in 1853, as his health 
wmld not permit him to continue his work. In 
December, is:.:;, he went to Marietta, < duo. as princi- 
pal oi the Western Liberal Institute, but ill health 
obliged him again to relinquish teaching, and he re- 
turned to New Hampshire. This was a severe trial 



580 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



to a young man who had the essential i|ualities of a 
good teacher, — knowledge and power, — that is, he 
was master of his work, and had the power, without 
which all knowledge is vain, to stimulate. As Pro- 
fessor Tyndall says: "Both go together in the true 
teacher; a power of character must underlie and 
enforce the work of the intellect, There are men 
who can so roiis. • and energize their pupils— so call 
forth their strength and the pleasure of its exercise- 
as to make the hardest work agreeable." It is a 
remarkable coincidence in the lives of many good 
teachers, those well fitted for this work, thai ill 
health forces them from their chosen field of labor. 

On returning to New Hampshire, Mr. Averill 
studied law with Colonel 0. W. Lull, ofMilford, and 
was admitted to the bar in 1858. In L861 the break- 
ing out of the great Civil War created a large demand 
for experienced military instruction, and his Alma 
Matt r again demanded his services as teacher. He was 
there for a few months only, the confinement proving 
injurious to his health. In 1862 he opened a law- 
office in Milford, but owing to his precarious health, 
two years passed before he was aide to attend to busi- 
ness. From 1864 his office business has grown stead- 
ily, and is now quite extensive, pertaining mostly to 
matters of trust and probate. His interest in educa- 
tion has always been warm, and he was superintendent 
of schools for many years in Milford. He held the 
position of trustee of the State Normal School for 
several years. In 1873 he was elected superintendent 
of schools of the city of Nashua, accepted the posi- 
tion and held it for two years. The same love of 
home and home surroundings which has been so 
marked in all his family drew him again to Milford, 
and, in connection with this, was an urgent request 
from the officers of the Milford Five-Cent Savings- 
Hank, of which he had been trustee since its incor- 
poration, to return and devote his time and financial 
ability to its affairs, which were in an unsatisfactory 

condition,— a sequence of the robbery so well 

remembered by all citizens. He i sented to do this, 

returned to Milford, and in August, 1875, was elected 
its treasurer, which office he still retains. He has 
been connected with the Souhegan National Bank for 
many year- as director, vice-president and president, 
being elected to the filler position in January. 1882. 

Mr. Averill married, March in, 1852, Catherine 
Frances, daughter of Dr. Jonas Huti hinson, of Mil- 
ford. Thej had but one child, who died in infancy. 
Mrs. Averill's death occurred April -t, 1878. liming 
all his active life Mr. Averill has been prominently 
connected with the business, social ami educational 
affairs of his native town, and a large contributor to 
its development and progress. A Democrat in politics, 
he has always cared more for the triumph of right 
principles and the election of good men than for 
party or personal gain. Careful and conservative, but 
always in favor of true progie-s. he has shown him- 
self a successful financier and a valuable adviser in 



business undertakings, and has ever commanded the 
respect, confidence and esteem of a large range of 
acquaintance. In private life he is especially marked 
by his modest and unassuming manners, strong social 
feeling and warm friendship for his numerous friends. 
In public life he is the courteous gentleman to all 

and a faithful and devoted guardian of all trusts. 



>ay: 



in-: a 



David Heald, son of Oliver and Tatty (Wright) 
Heald, was bom in Nelson, Cheshire County. N. II.. 
October 6, 1832. 

He is a descendant of two early New England 
families, which in various ways have been connected 
with the progress of the last two hundred and fifty 
years. John Heald let! Berwick, England, in 1635, 
to make a home in far-off America, and settled in 
Concord, Mass., where he died .May 24, 1662. He had 
eight sons, the oldest of whom, John-', married Sarah 
Dean, in 1661. Their oldest son, John 3 , married, in 
1690, Mary < handler. Of their six sons, John*, the old- 
est, married a Hale, settled in Acton, Mass., where In- 
died in 177o, aged eighty-two years. Oliver 5 , his third 
son, married Lydia. daughter of Deacon Isaac Spauld- 
ing. of Townsend, Mas-., and came as one of the first 
settlers to that part of New Hampshire now Temple. 
The young couple experienced the hardships and pri- 
vations incident to pioneer life, and it is written of 
them and their companions: "Their only guide- 
boards were marked tree- ; they could keep no Stock 
of any kind for want of provender, and when they 
went to church thej wen obliged to go on foot all the 
way to New Ipswich, it being a distance of six statute 
miles." 

Oliver Heald was a man of strong and sturdy in- 
dependence of thought and strict integrity, and won 
the resped of all. Active and energetic, he held 
various offices of trust. He was an official member 
of the first church in Temple, selectman for several 
years, and one of the patriotic band of forty-six who, 
upon the alarm of April 19, 177o, marched from 
Temple to Cambridge to assist in repelling the British 
troops. He died in 1790, aged fifty-six. His wile 
survived him, dying at the age of sixty-five, in 1802. 
They had eleven children, of whom Amos'' was second 
son. He was born June Hi, 1765, married, in 1789, 
Sybil Brown, of Temple, and became a resident of 
Nelson. They had seven children. Oliver 7 , their 
second son. horn October 1,1790, learned the trade 
of cloth-dresser, to which he afterwards added those 
of wool-carder and clothier, in connection with farm- 
ing. He was a man of more than ordinary ability, a 
soldier in the War id' 1812, and was many times chosen 
by hi- townsmen to fill places of trust. He had the 
commission of justice of the peace for years. Of in- 
dependent thought and positive character, and with 
an innate hatred of all oppression, he early identified 
himself with the unpopular Abolition movement, and 




Q$frK4/bk&* 



became an active local leader of that party. He 
moved to Milford in 1849, where his wife, Patty. 
born March 28, 1794, whom he had married April 30, 
1816, and who had borne him ten children, died August 

19, 1854, aged sixty years. Mrs. Heald's mother was 
of the celebrated Dunster family, the American branch 
ofwhich originated with Henry Dunster, who came 
from England in 1640, became the first president of 
Harvard College, and was said to be "one of the 
greatest masters of the Oriental languages that has 
been known in these ends of the earth," and who ad- 
ministered its affairs with eminent success. Mr. Heald 
married, second, March, 1857, Belief Little, of Peter- 
borough, N. H., in which town he died October •">, 
1867, aired seventy-seven years. His children were 
Addison, Albert, Sarah D. (Mrs. William Crosby), 
Emily (Mrs. J. Q. A. Ware), Henry, Lydia (Mrs. M. 
W. Harris), William (died in infancy), David, Almiia 
(Mrs. Alonzo French) and Edwin. To show the deep 
religious feeling of this family, we would state that 
Addison and Albert were educated for the ministry. 
and Albert is an efficient minister of the Baptist de- 
nomination. Emily's husband (Rev. Mr. Ware) was 
also an able Baptisl clergyman. 

David Heald s , by the force of circumstances, early 
devoted himself to labor, receiving only the educa- 
tional advantages of the old red school-house of his 
district, summers and winters, until he was twelve, and 
winter terms until he was fourteen. He worked both 
on the farm and in his father's cloth-dressing shop up 
to that age. With his brother Addison, who had 
learned the trade, lie then started the manufacture of 
furniture or cabinet-work in the shops of his father, 
but after three years' time the business was relinquished 
as unprofitable, and the family removed to Milford. 
David then engaged as journeyman in the same 
establishment of which he became proprietor in .May, 
1856, From that time to the present Mr. Heald has 
been identified with the manufacturers of Milford. 
From the small force of half a dozen men employed 
in 1856 in making cheap "cottage" bedsteads and 
tables, the number of employes has increased to forty 
or fifty, anil the quality of work to a fine grade of 
artistic chamber furniture made of ash, walnut, cherry 
and chestnut. The main building of his factory is 
eighty feet long, thirty-five feet wide, three stories in 
height, with an ell titty feet by thirty-five feet, four 
stories in height; besides this there is an engine-room, 
drying-room, etc. An eighty horse-power engine 
has just been put in as the force to run the factory 
and the saw-mill and numerous appliances necessary 
in so elaborate an establishment, which has been 
provided with the latest improvements for the pro- 
duction of furniture, five thousand dollars' worth hav- 
ing been added in the last four years, making a com- 
plete establishment for its purpose. Thislarge factory 
and extended industry has been the product of Mr. 
Heald's own exertions. He has steadily devoted him- 
self to his business, and has the satisfaction of know- 



ing that it is one of the permanent and prosperous 
institutions .>f the town. A vvorkingman himself, he 
understands the condition of other workingmen, an. I 
the relations which should exist between 
and employed. One man has worked for him for over 
twenty-five years, several others from ten to twenty 
years. Hi- two sons, Edward and Frank, are his 
active assistants, 

Mr. Heald has been twice married: first. November 
27. 1856, to Mary Susan, daughter of Ebenezer Frost, 
of Ashburnham, Mass. She died November 9, 1858. 
Their child. Ella F., born April 15, 1858, died 3i p 
tember 21, 1858. He married, second, Octobet 22 
1862, Mary E., daughter of Calvin and Elvira (Walling- 
ford) Stone, of Marlborough. She was a successful 
teacher in Milford for several years previous to her 
marriage. Their children are Edward S., Frank 11., 
Florence M., Clara M. (deceased), Mary S. and 
Hattie 1.. 

Although a member of the School Hoard of Milford 
for several years, and of the Lower Hon si' of t lie State 

Legisl e in L881, Mr. Heald ha- never -ought 

office, but rather shrank from official position. In- 
heriting the Abolitionism of his father, he has sup- 
ported the Republican party in nearly every election 
since its organization. Intensely radical by nature 
that party has not always come up to his advanced 
ideas, lie inherited a deeply religious character, has 
been a member of the Baptist Church for about 
twenty-five years, and, with the sympathy and hearty 
accord of his estimable wife, ha- given largely of his 
energies to the cans.'- of religion and temperance. In 
fact, this worthy couple have generously contributed 
both of their time and money to all good work tending 
to the mental and religious improvement id' the com- 
munity, ilrs. Heald is much devoted to religious 
interests, and prominent in efforts for the welfare of 
the young. Mr. Heald is a valuable factor in the 
Sunday-school. As superintendent and teacher for 
years, no one in Milford has more thorougly impressi d 
himself upon the rising generation. 

Esteemed as a citizen, of sterling honesty and per- 
sistent energy, Mr. Heald is one of the best types of 
New England's "self-made" men, and justly holds i 
high place in the regards ..fall who know him. 



JOHN W. HUTCHINSON. 

The Hutchinson- trace their ancestr) to A.D. 1282, 
when Barnard Hutchinson resided in Cowlan, county 
of York, England. The family is entitled to bear 
arms described thus, — "Per pale, gules and azure, 

semee ol cross-crosslets or, a lion ramj t, argent. 

Crest, out of a ducal coronet or, a cockatrice with 
wings indorsed azure: beaked, combed and mottled 
gules." 

The line ol descent in England is Barnard 1 , 
.1; - -'. James 3 , William 1 , Anthony'', Thomas 6 , Law- 
rence 7 , Thomas', Thomas' 1 , Richard 10 . 



.-.-- 



BISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY. NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Richard 10 , bora in Arnold, England, in 1602, emi- 
grated i" America in 1634, with wife, Alice, and four 
children, settling in that part of Salem. Mass., now 
Danvers,in 1637. He became a large land-owner. His 
son Joseph" lived through the historic pi 
witchcraft delusion of 1692. Joseph 12 , Joseph 1 . Jo- 
seph" continue tin- line to Elisha 15 , who. being 
granted by his father's will a lot of seventy-four acres 
of wild lands in the northwest part of Amherst (now 
Milford), X. 11.. moved thither in 1719, oi 
first settlers. This lot was bought lor fifty-five 
pounds, and, with subsequent additions, bi 
beautiful farm which has been the fondly-cherished 
home oi' the "singers." 

Elisha was well titted for the privations and ard- 
uous labors of a pioneer. Be had been one of the 
earliest in respond to the call of the col 
private in the Danvers companj of militia, which, 
commanded by Captain Jonathan Page, engaged the 
British troops at Lexington on the memorable 19th 
of April. He was chosen surveyor of Amherst March 
12.17^7. He had three children, — Jesse K , Andrew and 
Sarah. 

J.—.' and hi- brother Andrew, with the assist- 
inci Andrew Leavitt, built the first Baptist 

Church in Milford village, and they were earnest 
and conscientious Years before, 

the brothers had purchased a violin. After join- 
ing the church, anything that had association 
with dancing was repulsive to them, and that the 
violin might yet be of use, they sawed it in two and 
made tobacco-boxes of the halves. Jesse married 
Mary, daughter of Andrew Leavitt, of Mont Vernon, 
Iso a Li rolutionary soldier, who did good service at 
Bunker Hill. This worthy couple were residents of 
Milford from 1777 to 1868. Uncle Jesse was very 
popular with his townsmen; he had a large family, 
and from their parents they received religious in- 
i.i I fruit in after-life. These 
children, sixteen in number,— Jesse, David, Noah. 
Mary, Andrew, Zephaniah, Caleb, Jesse, Joshua, 
Benjamin, Judson, Ethoda, John, Asa, Elizabeth, 
Abby,— had by nature and inheritance musical talents, 
which gave to the family a world-wide reputation. 
Mary, the mother, was a sweet singer, and, whether 
forking tin- cradle, at tin- old spinning-wheel or in 
the active duties of her household, her voice was 
ever raised in sacred song. < if this large family. 
three died in early youth, one lived to bi seventy- 
seven years, and only two are now living. John and 
Abby (Mrs. Ludlow ration,. 

John W. Hutchinson", the thirteenth child, was 

born January 4. 1821, "under a lucky star," and for 

ears he led the life incident to all farmer's 

Sew Hampshire,— that of unremitting toil. 

Hi- sical genius was developed at a ^ ery early age. 

Before he could lead the -tall' he could sing his part 
correctly, and at ,. n he could manage 

any of the simple tunes then in vogue. When he 



was ten years old he was admitted to the church, but 
when, in later life, his soaring spirit could not endure 
any restrictions upon his principles of freedom, he 
withdrew. For some years he was a member of a 
brass band, and with his stirring music aided in the 
campaign of "Tippecanoe and Tyler, too," and from 
that time to the present he has been in the vanguard 
of reformers, and one of the promoters of ail progres- 
sive movements. But to the hold, daring, ambitious, 
inflexible, gifted John there could he hut one result 
to any of his undertakings — success; and. acting up 
to the inspiration of his early-conceived and long- 
contemplated ideas, he, with his younger brothers, 
established a singing hand, to travel and give public 

Concerts; and, with a brave heart and a pel 
that knew not the word fail, even when failure staled 
him in tin- face, he pushed forward and accomplished 
the desired end, and through him and by him tin- 
hand became an established factor in the musical 
world. 

Ill the -piillg of 1841 theV visited Massachusetts 

and gavi their first concert as a quartette in Lynn, 
Jesse. Judson, Asa and John being the members, 
the need of more culture and realizing 
the necessity of gaining public opinion in their favor 
before they could make their com (its remunerative, 
John sought the advice of Professor Webb, of Boston, 
who said. "Please yourselves and you will please the 
public." To earn the money required by them, these 
brave boys sought and found employment in mercan- 
tile houses, and their bodily wants in this manner 
being provided for, they attended to the cultivation 
of their musical powers. In the fall they were in 
readiness for another trial, and advertised and gave a 
concert in the village of Wilton. X. H., which netted 

&X cents. Failure and discouragement was depicted 
upon the countenances of the three brothers, but 
John inspired them with hope and to "try again." 
They visited New Ipswich, Peterborough and Han- 
cock, and at the end of the week, after all expenses 
were paid, there was thirty-seven cents in the ex- 
chequer. This was disheartening, and John prom- 
ised if another week did not prove more remunera- 
tive, he would "comply with their desire and retire." 
Their next week's concerts were given in another 
section of old Eillsborough County. As the result oi 
live they cleared twelve dollars. This was their first 
step on the round of the ladder on which, in a brief 
space of time, they mounted to the hill of lame. 
During the twelve years that followed they gained 
glial favor with the public and were very successful 
financially, and the name of Hutchinson, carried by 
the sweet singers from "the mountains of the old 
granite Stale." became a household word. 

In the autumn of L845, John, with Jesse, Judson, 
Asa and Abby, visited the mother-country to touch 
the hearts of Old England with their sweet melody. 
Success crowned their efforts, and the heart of Great 
Britain did heat and throb in time with their rhythm 





U1S 



' Iv^^UH^u^-. 



MILFORD. 



583 



and sentiment. During this tour they won the ad- 
miration and warm friendship of many distinguished 
people; were received with tokens of honor by the 
nobility and crowned heads; enjoyed the confidence 
of Mary Howitt, Douglas Jerrold, Harriet Martineau, 
Richard Cobden, John Bright and oilier eminent re- 
formers, ami completely !.-■ iihjiiitl'<1 English coldness 
and insular apathy. Their course was a continual 
triumph. With sweetest melody rang out their en- 
couraging words of "A <; 1 rime Coming, Boys," 

and a fortune- awaited them if they would remain even 
one year in England. Seven thousand gathered in 
one place to hear their songs, cheering with enthusi- 
asm the glorious sentiment, " War and Slaverj shall 
be the Monster of Iniquity," etc. The " Tribe of 
Jesse" had won a musical success never equaled. 
On their return there was no cessation in their work 
as exponents of the Abolition movement, which duty 
had called them home. They started on a campaign. 
singing in various cities. What an ovation they re- 
ceived! Their burning desire to see the curse of 
slavery blotted out from this fair land of freedom 
gave a power to their rendition which carried con- 
viction and fire, eliciting warmest sympathy and 
approval and also bitter wrath and denunciation. In 
Musical fund Hall, Philadelphia, a crowded audience 
gave them a warm welcome. "The Good Timi I om 

.: for Emancipation" and other songs of 
burning eloquence created such indignation that the 
mayor, who was under pro-slat ery influence, ordered 
the trustees of the hall to refuse its use to 
unless policemen were stationed to prevent their 
utterances of freedom. Refusing to win the wealth 
they might have acquired by sacrificing their 
principles, they returned to their old home in the ( >ld 
Granite State. 

The Hutchinson family was now fully identified as 
a leading force in the gigantic revolutionary move- 
ments of the day. Tor years they labored with the 
great apostles of reform, Garrison, Rogers, Phillips, 
etc. Ten \ ears w itue-sed o ■ ■• -truggles, 

many and diverse changes, which, though hard to 
bear, were rich in results. Washington, Baltimore, 
Chicago, Cincinnati and many other places heard 
their voices, gave their meed of praise to the talent 
shown and cheered the anti-slavery sentiments ol 
their song*. During this time Jesse formed a com- 
pany of singers and made a tour of the Pacific coast, 
and on his return, in 1853, died ai I lincinnati. John, 
at the request of his living brother, moved to Lynn 
and took possesion of that unique and pleasant estate. 
High Rock, leaving his native town, around which 
clustered so many sweet associations of youth and 
early manh 1. 

While campaigning in the West, in 1855, John 
and his two brothers founded tie town of Hutchinson, 
Minn., erected mills, improved acre upon acre oi the 
rich virgin soil and were the forerunners of a vast 
tide of emigration. John cut the first tree, began the 



cabin used in the pre-emption of the town site and 
was one Of the most active in building up the place. 

In 1857 he gathered around him his little flock, 
which had matured during his absence and were 
possessors id' the family talent, and organized the 
" Tribe of John." Ilenn and Viola won laurels as 
they joined with their parents in hundreds of success- 
ful ci n-. The '■ Tribe of John " never forgot that 

they had a mission. They continued to press home to 
the hearts of the people "Oh! Liberate the Bond- 
man. ' for two years Mr. Hutchinson traveled with 
his family through New England with horse and 
carriage, rejoicing the hearts of the faithful. 

There was no more devoted or effective worker for 
the election of Abraham Lincoln than Mr. Hutchin- 
son. He had the pleasure of singing to him v. hen. a- 
President-elect, he passed through New York, and 
was present at his inauguration. When war came 

Mr. Hutchinson was at the post of duty. He visited 

the recruiting-stations, and. by speech and SOUg, eii- 
and inspired both officer and private-. After 
the terrible repulse of the Union troops at Bull Run, 
Mr. Hutchinson, with his son and daughter, visited 
Washington, and, after a series of concerts, was in- 
vited i o 'jo to Virginia and sing to the troops. ( il Gain- 
ing an appointment from Secretarj Cameron, he 
entered at once upon this service. At the first con- 
cert, at Fairfax Seminary, their allusions to slavery 
were received with hisses, and a turbulent see en- 
sued. The offensive words were in the newly-written 
poem of Whittier, which Mr. Hutchinson had wedded 
to music as inspiring, — 

" What gives Hi- nli-.i! 'i. I I 1 Lie. ■• 
What [mints Iti. r.l,, 

What sets the warring rebel heel 



With the word "shivery " came a hiss. I 
in command declared this act an insult alike to the 
singers and the "old Sag," and if the hiss was re- 
peated tin disturber should leave the church. A 
young surgeon from New Jersi ; 
" You had better commenci ae." The major re- 
plied, " I can put you out m\ self, and if I fail, I have 
a regiment that can and will." Thereupon the two 
thousand -oh In r- arose < n muss,', and (he shout "Put 
him out! put him out!" was heard in all directions. 
ci v, as soon quieted, and t he concert pro- 
ceeded to the close without further interruption. The 
affair was brought to the notice of Genera 
Ian. An order was issued expelling the "Hutch- 
inson Family" from the lines. .Air. Hutchinson 
did not silently submit to this act of arbitrary 
tyranny, and appealed to the President. Salmon 
P. Chase read the "obnoxious" songal the next Cab- 
inet meeting. The President said, "It is just the 
charactei oi song I desire the soldiers to hear." 
ami re-instated Mr. Hutchinson. The Hutchinsons 



53-1 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



were also active in temperance. From 1841, when 
they sang "King Alcohol in Old Deacon Giles' 
Distillery " in Salem, one or more temperance 
songs have been included in their programme. At the 
close of the war Mr. Hutchinson secured Cooper In- 
stitute, in New York, and, associating with him sev- 
eral notable workers, inaugurated a series of very 
popular " Sunday Evening Union Temperance Meet- 
ings." These were continued for several years, and 
effected a revival of the temperance cause. Mr. 
Hutchinson's services were sought by the State or- 
ganizations, and he conducted fully a thousand tem- 
perance conventions under their auspices. He char- 
tered three large connected parlors in Union Square, 
.New York ( 'ity, and, Sunday afternoons ami evenings, 
conducted popular services, and established two active 
ami useful organizations, the Manhattan Society and 
the American Temperance Union, which, even uow, 

are powersforg 1 in this held. He also inaugurated 

the temperance camp-meetings that for tea years 
have proved so successful at Martha's Vineyard. He 
took part in the Sunday temperance meetings held 
in Tremont Temple, Boston, where his quartette sang 
with great effect, till the death of his son, Henry, who 
sang bass. Mr. Hutchinson is decidedly in harmony 
with the Prohibition party. In 1884 he unfurled a 
large American (lag, winch bore the names of "St. 
John and Daniels," to the breeze, from the staff at 
"Old High Rock," and did good service in the cam- 
paign, and, in connection with the Reform Club of 
Lynn, he held Sunday temperance meetings, and 
both by speech and song, from LS.">2. he ha- advocated 
woman suffrage. In that year he attended the Na- 
tional Convention at Ravenna, Ohio, and created 
gnat enthusiasm by his song, " Right over Wrong, or 
the Good Time Come." Believing with all the in- 
tensity of his nature in the justice of the cause, he has 
lifted up his voice everywhere in favor of the emanci- 
pation of women. His ''suffrage concerts" wire a 
part of the organized forces that made Kansas their 
successful battle-ground. His associates were Mrs. 
Stanton, Lucy Stone, Susan B. Anthony. 

Mr. Hutchinson married, February 21, 1843, Fannie 



IS. Patch, of Lowell, Mass. They have had three 
children, — Henry . I. (deceased). He sang fortwentj 
years with his father, was a vocalist of the highest 
order, and left a widow and two sons, all possessing 
great musical powers. Mrs. Lillie Phillips Hutchin- 
son, wife of Henry, a lady of rare culture, a teacher 
of piano, organ and the voice and eminent as an in- 
structor, resides at High Rock with Mr. Hutchinson. 
As a reader no one excels her. She has positions in 
two churches, and her powers as a ballad-singer keep 
her constantly engaged in her profession. Viola, 
another musical prodigy, married Lewis A., son of 
.lodge William Campbell, who for fifteen years was a 
judge of the Supreme Court in New York City. She 
has three children, and resides in Santa Fe. Judson 
Whitticr resides with his parents. Mr. Hutchinson 
has a wife who has been a constant aid to his genius. 
Her high culture and delicate appreciation of melodj . 
with her practical common sense, have been of great 
value to the husband whose home she has adorned. 
Mr. Hutchinson is apparently in his prime. The 
clear tones of his voice are just as full and sonorous 
as when he accompanied the song-birds in his youth, 
or tuned it to the tempe-t or the thunder in the "Old, 
( >ld Home," conquered applause from the consen atism 
of England or held audiences enraptured by its in- 
tonations of freedom in the stirring days of the past. 
Devoting his life to the amelioration of humanity, he 
has dealt strong blows in cause- which have made the 
world purer and better. His forty-four years of public 
life and eleven thousand concerts given, are evidences 
of a glorious and well-deserved success. Perhaps no 
person of the presenf generation has accomplished 
more good, is held to day m higher esteem or can 
attract larger or more enthusiastic audiences than the 
veteran John \V. Hutchinson. A history of the 
Hutchinson family, with full incidents and historical 
events of great value, and which will be of deep in- 
terest to every family in the land, is now in prepara- 
tion by Mr. Hutchinson, who has devoted the spare 
time of many years to properly chronicle the purposes, 
struggles and achievements of this truly remarkable 
family. 



HISTORY OF NEW BOSTON. 



BY -NIEI. McLANE. 



CHAPTER I. 

NEW BOSTON. 
GRANTEES AND GKANT. 

" In L735, John Simpson, John Cannes, James Hal- 
sey, John Tyler, John Steel, Daniel Goffe, Charles 
Coffin, Ebenezer Bridge, Daniel Pecker, William 
Lee, Henry Howell, Job Lewis, Thomas Bulfineh, 
John Indicott, John Erving, James Day, Andrew 
Lane, Byticld Lyde, John Hills, John Spooner, John 
Read, Samuel Tyler, John Boydell, John Unmans, 
John Williams, Jr., Joshua Henshaw, Jr., Benjamin 
Clark, Jacob Hurd, James Townsend, William Salter, 
Thomas Downs, Zachariah Johonett, Daniel Loring, 
John Crocker, William Spcakman, Thomas Greene, 
Gilbert Warner, John Larab.ee, John Green, Rufus 
Greene, Thomas Foster, John Arbuthnott, James 
Gould, Joseph Greene, Isaac Walker, Robert Jenkins. 
Benjamin Bagnald, Richard Chcckly, John Mave- 
ricke, Joshua Thomas and Thomas Hancock became 
petitioners to the Great and General Court or As- 
sembly of the Province of the Massachusetts Bay, 
in New England, for a grant of six miles square for a 
township." In looking over the records, wo do not 
find any reason why they should claim this grant ; 
i, either have we the petition, but must go wholly 
upon supposition. The most probable and reasonable 
is. that, on the coast of Massachusetts it was so thickly 
settled there must be some opening or avenue for the 
young men. These grantees were all Bostonians, and 
men of wealth ami title; hence it would not seem that 
it was for themselves or descendants, but to improve 
the new lands and encourage settlement. Another 
author writes that it was to pay descendants of soldiers 
in the Indian wars: Massachusetts' treasury becoming 
impoverished by these expeditions, bills of credit 

depreciated and s t became nearly worthless, and 

these soldiers laid claim for further remuneration. 
Hence the grant of New Boston was given. 



upon W ednesday, the J Or ol «aj 17 15, 1 tinued i.\ si feral ad- 

j"Ullinients U, \\ eilm-slav. (he lath ,.| N"\r!ii|n-] fnllnwin-. 

" Iii tin' House ..r K< 1 itativi D& mbei . 17 : .. m .1 a v.. 1 1.. il,< 

petitiuh <>i .luhn Sidij is. 01 ami ..tilers, — 

" V'lnl. th.it lli.. prayer i.f the Ivtithni he -oauteil, .111. 1 that I. .-ether 
v. itii -Hi li 1— liall In- JMiii. .1 i . v 111. Il.m.rnhle lti.ar.1, In- a Oi.rninittee III 

tin- charge of the Petitioners to 1.0 out a Tow nship of On' contents ol ox 
mil. ■ square at thi plai e petition! il for, oi ■ »,. itl 1 - suitable place 
ami thai thej return a platl thereoi to this Court ifithin twelve months 

t'H 11 ill In mar Inn. ami lnr tin- Mli.Ir etleetiia] lit I ll_ I II - tnl Ma 

iiu.-iit ui the said new Town. 

ih.it tin- said Town be laid out into sixty-three equal 
which tobeforthe first settled minister, one for the min- 
istry ah. I i.n<- f-T tin- -1 I Is. an. I that i.ti each uf tie ,.th.-r sixtVJ shares 

tie- pel tiers do, within tl yetne fn.ni the lirmati. 1 lli.-platt, 

have settled uhe " 1 fauiil> . u le. shall Inc. e a le.lis,- I. mil uli hi. hous?- 

hit ut eighteen h,t square, aiel sen feet stud at the least, and hnislied ; 
that each tiiilit to- ei ai it ha\e six .,, tes of land brought to and ploughed, 

• ■1- hiniieht tn English :i ■■ lle_' , Ihi' tie \ -. (tie a 

lear 1 and Ol lli...l..\ niillistei , and I -a lid ale! Imisli II o. liven i.-nl Meet- 



e,eh, 



- f.litll- 



theti hi. ,.i then o-ht. -h.ii.- ..t interest in said Town I vert to and 

l.e.c the ill.s(..isili..ii .1 lh- )'i..\ in. . , and lh.it lie -aid I '. an nut lee he 

and hereby are impowered t.> sue ou! the Bonds and recovei the posses- 

s I lie- t..rleit.-.l la.lt- (if any hei at tin- expiration of the three years, 

and to grant them ovei toothei persons that will complx with the condi- 
tions witl in year next after the said grant ; and tin- Bonds 1" in* 

made ami L'iveli In the -aid I i .tiim itlei ami their sini ess.ns in t lie said 






i:. ...I and - oni 
■ Consented to. 



In the House of Repr 
it was, — 

"Ordered., That Captain \\ illi 
with bui h ae si ■ 
take a platt of the within towi 
brought forward to all intents a 
of the Oranl 



■' Read ami concurred, ami Wi 
■Ati in cop* examined by 



"J. I.tci N i 

•■ In I'liiiinal, .January 11, 17:;."'. 
''.I. Wii.iAiiii, Secretary. 

"Til Mi. Mason, tlep. Sec'lJ." 

■seiitatives. Januar. 111. 1 '■'■■ 



January 16,17 
i- joined in tl 

■ I'u \n VI \- i- 

' Tn mi. M.v- 1 ii 



history of inu.si:<ii;on;ii cointv. new Hampshire. 



Agreei bly to these art-, tin- committee appointed 
Jeremiah Cummings surveyor to layout the township, 
with Zacheus Lovewell ami .lames Cummings for 

He performed the work ami submitted his report, 
accompanied by a rude map of the township, denoting 
it- boundary lines, rivers and Joe English Hill. 

Here follows the report, — 



■■ I, Hi.- -nl.-i I ii,, I. t ,.a-tlnl w nil /..i. h. n- t.. \ - - v\ < ■ 1 1 ami .[.in..- in ill- 
inium-, bavt luiii ..in, jii! ~n;i nt t.» tl ant i the Genera] Court, to Mr. 

appropriated Laml- ,t th, l'i.,\ [.,, , , ,.( tin- a ill, in- at si\ mill.- square, 

iiit.il it thus : I'.r-iiming .'H a Bead one ,1 the i Dr- 
ums i.l tin- Nni i . - . . ii i i,.\\ii. V. ... ami in til.- north tin.-. '. 'Vn ill- 
icit, from tlnm-a rnniiiiia two degrees south ol the west by ye 

[muii. \,, :;, l.iiir mill- ami tin ijiiart^- h. th.' ilorth- 

eastcomeroi the s 4 Township from thence the sat -. . one mile 

:,ii,i ,:i - l.nn i: toaBurch tree marked ; thence the 

llii.. tuiii- ami tun- North iv. .1, „ ;. I, ami. six 

pine tree marked ; from thence the 
line turns and Runs East tun l.-e-, - math, hy I'r.ivim.- I, amis, -i\ miles 
and forty-two Rods to a White Oak tree marked, from th 

San til two i.l(-g|..|.-, east I'.uili la I V ■ na. I ..mil- ami part ]\ hy til'- Nal - 
i.|..ni-it law II ;il . iiln. tin] In. nil. 1, 

watli twu toil- Ml h a . 1 1 liiinih .-.I nlil.-ii tar 

of Chain. 

■Win I, -.ml Lam!.- I, ye mi tlit- west 

la in. Ii. - ..l I a - . . 1 1 a . 1 1 , . _ Rivi a 



■ February th 



. SS., l'utistahle, January : 



- i . i a md measuring a 1 iwnship sranl 
eral Court to Ml John Simpson and others, thej would deal truly and 
faithfully in their respei live trusts. 

" Ble v ■ 

In the House of Representatives, March 19, 1735, 
this report was read, and it was, — 

i platt t.i - is miles squan ol Land, laid out I J 

.[.■ivinuh liiiiiliilli--. -ilia ;.,a, ami twa lliai nni.oi, i a, o.illi a. -:iti-t\ 

tlm (ti-.uit aforesaid, Lying ml: - a Ha Nana ... 

Hilar ami \a. a, at,.i an in a\ in. > I. .in.l, witli an iillowam a ol nim thousand 
a, in -aid Platt, was presented foi al- 
lowance, 

" 11. ml ami orileivil that \" iil.itl In- allowei], ami y Laml therein ile- 
limat.-i! ami .1 ■ \ are Cnnlniimil t.. 

iln a Grantees mentioned in sain petition, passed y« last 

InlfVal ; pro. 

\i, la, 1 the [ilatt r\. nils nut th. ,|m,ntnyi.l -i\ miles square, and one 
of Land, an allowance for Ponds within II" Tract, an. I 

lines tint illt.Ttrl. Willi alivallel .]' 1 , I it.-l Olalll. | ,| . . \'i< ha 1 ,| 1 -i , [| i a 

Petitioners, their Heirs .a a.— i-tn-s, I amply with _\ ■ i ntiditiuns of the 



' Consented to. 



■■In ('.linn ii, Mai, h _-n, 17.;:. 
"Sim. a. I 

".I I 

Later on we find an additional act. Mr. John 
Simpson was authorized to rail the first meeting. 

'flu' proprietors now felt the way was open lor ac- 
tion, and accordingly a meeting was held April 21, 
17".ii. at the house of Mr. Luke Vardy, in Boston. 
One of the first acts was a vote instructing their com- 



mittee Daniel Pecker, Andrew Lam-, John Hill, John 
Indicott and James Halsey, to build a saw-mill on 
some convenient stream for the use of the proprietors 
in -aid township. 

in ihe surveyor's report appears the name 01 
Zacheus Lovewell as one of the chainmen. 

This Zacheus Lovewell lived in the part of Nashua 
that was then called Dunstable. He is said to have 
attained the greatest age of any man that ever lived 
in New Hampshire. 

Masonian Heirs and New Addition.— In 1620 
James I., King of England, formed a council com- 
posed of titled men and gentlemen to the number of 
forty. They were known by the name of " The ( oun- 
eil, established at Plymouth, in the County of Devon, 
lor the planting, ruling ami governing of New Eng- 
land in America." 

Two of the most prominent members welt' Captain 
John Mason and Sir Ferdinando Gorges. The land 
tinder their control extended from the fortieth 1" the 

forty-eighth degree of northern latitude. 

The proprietors " procured a further grant oJ all 
the land from the river Natimkeag l now Salem), round 
Cape Ann, to the river Merrimack, and up each of 
these rivers to the farthest head thereof, then to cross 
from the head of one to the other." The following 
year another grant was made to Gorges and .Mason. 
jointly, of all the lands between the rivers Merrimack 
and Sagadehock, extending back to the great lakes 
and rivers of Canada, which tract was called Laconia. 

In i'.."i , i 'apiain Mason procured a new charter for 
the land " from the middle of Piscataqua Liver, to- 
gether with all islands within five leagues of the 
coast." This land was called New Hampshire, which 
soon came under the care and government of Massa- 
chusetts. 

After much legal controversy in regard to these 
claim-, il » as resisted until John Tufton .Mason con- 
veyed, in 1746, his right and title to land- in New 
Hampshire, lor the sum of fifteen hundred pounds 
currency, to Theodore Atkinson, M. H. Wentworth 
and thirteen others. 

When the Mason heirs learned that these men were 
in power, and only with the greatest difficulty could 
they resist the claim, they were amused and great 
consternation followed. It appears from the follow- 
ing resolution, pas.-ed by the Masonian pro] 
the year 1751, that the above-named gentlemen were 

dispo-ed to lie reasonable : 

" Voted, The Question he put w nether this I'lnpriety w..nl,l I'hnase a 

committee to make application n a .n's claim to 

know upon what condition ih.a will grant us their righ 

. I. .I.n II ill, II.. I- .a, hay, I- t-.| , .iinl .lain.- 1 la l.-e\ , the a. 

empowered to settle with them on the best terms they can, if 

they think proper, ami they he ilesirnl ta ntlei this 1 1 ,h' h , a.nti l'i,,| i i, - 

|,,r tn- their approbation." 

Aas passed, and the proprietors authorized 
the committee to purchase of John Blan chard, as 
agent of the Mason heirs, all right, title and interest 
in said proprietary. 



NEW BOSTON. 



This extension was ever after known as the " New 
Addition," and continued to be till .Tun-' 8, L772, 
when Francestown was incorporated. 

" Phoi ince of New Hahpshibe. 

"Pursuant to the power and authority grunted and vested in in*' by 
the pro] iM-i.-is of land pun ha-ed *>f -■ • «1 j i ■ Tutton Mason, V,-\ , in the 

I-I..M!, 1 N-w Hampshire, by their vote, passed at tbeii u)i eting held 

at IVrt.-i itli. mi sii'l l'i..Yiii.v, the t- Qtfa day "i June, 1752. 

" I .]... by ili. — - I'r.s.-nt.s, on the 
pressed, gPe and -rant .ill t » j ■ right 
proprietors aforesaid unto Jul. 1.»-«i 
Bullfinch, Robert Jenkins, John 9 
Tyloy'e heirs, James Townsend's b 

II ... I P \.|, |>:ilili-l l'e. u.-i. w ll 



conditions hereafte 



person inhabiting there on each settlement, itii.l (m t 

there [mi- tit IV*' y.lls til. '11 Next. .Ihi \\ it 111 II til. 1 1 I. Tin 

more each for mov ".. oi tillaj e a al 

"That tin grantees build a niectillg-hOUSi then 



d by this 

1 1 - iii of 



Pay, Jam— « -ill^- H. '•■ : « ■ 
Wilson, Jonath. i Willful 

M.< ., lister, Edward Duxant'fi 

Knhi- Civi'tl, .lain. ■- llaPey, Pan 

Hunter, Thomas Wilson, of, in si 
ailed v w Boston, in the Provin 



mug at a heeehtlec ll.- -..nil, .-i i- i ,-. , 1-- .|,i Hi- :■> .- u«i tli l.\ t lu- 
ll. edlc. two <l.g s westward, -t \ mil--, -i until it comet unti the 

north" -st - ■■! in i. !"lMi.'ily mad- iiii>li-i th- M 

northeast cornet of .-.ud tr.u t , and from th-n. .* «*•.-! b\ the needle two 

degree- t.> tin- sniiiliwaid; an-l fmin the firsl i nde mentioned, the 

Miuthi*;uit ...rmi ai-.iii-.il. 1, \\.'?t l.y the needli two degrees Bouthward, 
si\ miles, or until it meet with Salem-Canada line (so called), and turn- 
ing and running north by the needle two d-unes «■. -twanl. t«.. nu|.-> 
or until it come to the n«- -t t > - ■ t id- .i-t-i P • <>i m-i of Salem-Canada 
township, as formerly laid .ait : then tm run- .in.l running «c-t. a- afore- 
N ,i.|. tu, .|. _..■-- -itM. ily -• tar . ar.d - \t-n-iu,_ lli r >■ t . I i i ■ 

pi.niiM- likewise u— tu.ud. until a 1 i Ti ■ - parallel with the .-a-l line will 
include the contents uf .-even miles lung and si.x mile- l>i .ad. a- .it--n- 
-.in I 'i'n have .in.l tn Imbl I" tlein. their heir- and a--igN-. !"!■ \-T. • \- 
. eptll.g .i- at" ii.'.sii.l. ..ii Id-- following t.'t in-, i ..ni lit I.. 1 1- and limitations 

(that is to sayi that us tli- -iv.it. -t part of the tract aforesaid has here- 
tofore h.'en diwd.-d into -i \ty-thn - -!... u - -i -u. m.-i : .]. . td.it tin -re b, 

tli. viz., The 

twenty-eight, five, tw< oty-nine, eighteen and ten, with the several lots 
annexed t.. the same, . ( - in tin- -ch. dub d.-i-alu-t ; al-.. -.. mueh ..t the 

common land, m 1 illidivid.-d, t.. he laid .ait in that part ■■[' tin- .-.ud lia. t, 
in -ar tin- great i.|.-.n|..u- as -hall de .-pi.il !.. .-n. dial! pal I -I .1 -I. >i- . i- 
-r \e.| .i- it- 1. -.ml, win. d dalt share is appropriated to Jo-.pti Plan, lend, 
Jr.. with tin- sum- [ « I - ■ | »■ > 1 1 i-ai -1 tin- <\,mnion laud, each in tint I part fur 

merly within the hounds called N--w l!.»t..u. .-m lusiv.- ami excepting 

live hundred achs hen-dy -laut-d and :ippr--J-i i.ih-l t ■ » T i 

dr hy them .lisp... -,rd -d fur eneuiira^eineut f'nr building and supporting 

mills in said township ; also, reserving unto the grantors, their heirs and 

assigns, after the five huudred acres aforesaid is laid out and completed 

in id.' .'MiLinjMii ..rn:-f..t;rth part t..i .pi;uitil\ and .piality .d'the lmids by 
ihi- -rant a. Idi-.l within tli.- 1 mis.. I l h.-.t . al l.-d \.-\\ Pi..-t.m, ;i- t"..i- 

merly laid out. the said grantors 1 pari to be divided, lotted and coupled 

t. . -.-tin i, .in.l di.iun l..i «il!i tin- -i';uil. ■--. i <1 i n- t< . the liumlier of 

; -.. as t'.ir i In- ■_■ i ,-i n i , is t- hav ..lie lull .|ii;iM.-c 
|i:ul a- atu!-(-;iid : ■ni'l -A..II, t«. )„■ linishril within twelve niontl^ from 
this d:M.', at tin' ' Inn -•■ ■ d' t In- -i a nte-- ■ -n I \ . A Is... tl iat the grantors 1 
right in three of tin- shares laid out as at.ire-iiid I..- and d.'< 
and appn.priat.-d. fiv.- ..f all ehar.L'e, uin- l-.r Ihelirst setth-d minister, 
onefoi the ministry and one for the -. lm..l then.' f..tvv.-r, a- Mn-\ are 
set down in the schedule hereaftei . 

"That the aforesaid reset i^ationa for thi jrantora and as wi u fot Jo 
seph Blanchard Jr., be free from all .lull.-, .dar-.-s. i.. 
whatsoever, until improved by the owner or owners, oi soirn b. khnf 
under them. 

"That all the lota in aaid township be subject to ha^ 
roadsor highways laid through them, as tln-iv shall bene, , --.,,, v ,„ . ,,-.,,,, 
|..t. tn-.- fr. .in .ill .li.u-.' ..f pun basing tin- mimc, 

'• That the L r rant.-e>, >>n tln-lr parts, !.-■ furty-five settlements in said 

township in the following manner, viz. : Kaeb to have .i h 
one room, at least sixteen feet s.|iiare, fitt.-d and hnished for <uinlort- 
38 



from all future charge thereon. 

" That tin- grant. ■«-■ hold, iiudei the conditions liernii, th- several lots 
of uplan. I ami meadow already laid out in said township, a- i l-'"»li m 
the schedule annexed, and the future divisions to be ascertained by and 
according to th* M .-•-. bt - tl jranl to them oi theii veudon 

"That one home lot (so called), viz uumber sixty, be Bet and relin- 
quished unto John and Jonathan Simpson's assignee, Joseph Wright; 

always provided, and ..n tin u-lite-i ly, that In- build, clear, iiirl--ft 

,. ; .i -,::;■ , I. I\ ..n -..-I i r .■ ■: i I, . ; to t In- primils .11 id -.'Vf-nil .itli- 

1 les .-I dui\ enjoined and Bpecified foi f the forty-five rights afore- 

isiid, and ihi- -.-til. in. ni !■■ i- ••\- 1 and above the said fortj -five, and in 
ca f failure or neglect oi anj part oi the said duty, the said lot nuin- 

tioued with the other coinm.-n In.. I- .;-■-.; \.-\ .-i- -l ib. - u.i \\ ■ i _■"■.- . t 
In- .i-ijii-. p..\ tin- pt..|.*.itioiiabl.- p.nt ot . haig. for that lot, in carry- 

ii-. at any |.nbli. m.-.-ting ralb'd for 
nl tin- int. n-st [m-eiit, grant and .is- 

ley .1- they shall tl 
■ settlement afi i 



will pay 11.. tax i tax. ■ m 
{,,- to be appointed by the grai 
"That all white pine trees R 
growing on said tract uf land. 

his heirs and e issors, r-n 

grant, that the grantees hereii 
date hereof, signify theirconst 



h.--b..ll 1 -I'n— ;in.l n.-glfi-t rnakin- pt\- 

id taxes for the space oi three months 

I .-hall hi- granted and mad.'. I hat th'Ii 
il, ii-pc. lively, shall and lu.ty he sold as 

and bereb) are granted to lli.- M,ij-i\. 

. r . .,i..|, ^i- -a [ill tin I condition of this 
ii.-litioiied, within tlilee liiuiithsfi. .m fln- 

t and .1. ceptani ■■. as well as th. tr fulfil- 
ment and coiif...i inity, to the whole of the conditions herein specifi d, 

by eimutersiglMNg these pteiuis.'s w itli tlndl' hands a ml k.'hIh. and, oil fail- 
ure thereof, to receive no benefil bj I ;rant ; always 
provided there be no Indian war within any of the tern andlin tionE 

;,i', ,,.-:u.|, I..] . P . 1 1 j :_i tin.- duty conditioned in tin- grant, and in case that 
-li M iiM Ii..] p.-n, tb- -ame t...> be nil.iw-.l l'..i tie- n->pecti\e dutt-s, matt.-rs 

and thin a if* i said, aftet such impedimenl -1 all be re red To all 

,,f wbii b pn-uM-.es .h.s.-].h Pi. ni. bard, a-.'iit h-i and in behalf of the said 

.-1,1 Tit.. I- ell the ,,|ir | 1 it, alld the gralltees OU th • "lllel pn! 

unto int.r. hangeablj set their hands and seals this twenty-fourth da} uf 
December, 1752. 

;■ -,■: qi .1 :. .el sealed, 



Bi i 



i 



With this deed was a schedule of i 
ginning at the northwest corner ni' the 



m lots. Be- 
town, thence 
westerly, in the same degree as the north line, about 
two and one-half miles; thence southerly, parallel 
with the west line oi town, aboul four miles: thence 
easterly t<> the west Hue of the former grant. It was 
surveyed and laid out into fifty-one Lots by Matthew 
Patten, of Bedford, reserving for the grantors four 



588 



HLSTOill- OF IIIPLSBOKOIJGH CUINTY, NKW HAMPSHIRE. 



hundred and thirty acres in the northeast corner and 
tour hundred acres in the southwest corner of said 
grant, and three hundred acres near the centre of said 
tract, as a [.resent to Colonel Joseph Blanchard, the 
agent of the grantors, and as surveyed, included the 
soap stone quarries. 

Incorporation. — New Boston was incorporated by 
the government of New Hampshire February 18, 
1763. The charter was granted by Benning Went- 

worth, Esq., Governor and eoniuiander-in-ehief of 
the province of New Hampshire, and attested by- 
Theodore Atkinson, Jr., secretary. 

By petition of the citizens, John Goffe was directed 
to call the first town-meeting, which meeting was 
required to be held within twenty days alter date of 
charter; time and place of meeting to be given in the 
notice. 

They were instructed by the charter thai after the 
first election "the annual meeting of said town for 
choice of officers, and the management of it~ affairs, 
should lie held within said town on the first Monday 
of March in each year." 

Colonel Goffe being authorized to call a meeting, 
immediately proceeded to perform his duties. The 
oli;. cts of the meeting were specified in the call, — 

' 1st i'.. . Ii .ill ill. u ruw ii .ill. .-is lor the y.-ai .-ii-m i u ■, .is th.. law 

illle. I-. J.I. T.j see uh.it money tilt' t..ivii will laise t.> ilefiay the 
toun, lii.I ... t ir mea. hiii^ tor the year ensuing." 

In accordance with the notice, the first meeting was 
held March 10, 1763, at the house of Deacon Thomas 
Cochran. This place is now owned and occupied by 
the great-great-grandson of Deacon Thomas Cochran, 
one of our most respected townsmen, Thomas R. 
Cochran. 

Record of the meeting i, as follows: 



M...1. lat.'I, I'll. .lil.is 



Voted, Alexander 



" Voted, Thomas W il , Constable. 

" Vute'l, Matthew Caldwell, .loh ii Smith, Jam.- w a-, .n, <;. ..i-. . ii-i. , 
Thomas Blown, Surveyor- ..I Highways. 

Ihraham Co. hran, Samuel Sickles, Tithin.i 
" Voted, William Gray, John Ruins, 11. _- I; 
" Voted, John Carson, James Hunter, Deer-Keepers. 
" Voted, John Cochran, I .....i. . ... . .1 Isseg&ments. 

... a j.oiiml shall I... I. uili l.v tli.. corn-mill, and tliat Deacon 

rii - .... Iii. 111 -lull I.. [. .mil-master. 

■' Vuted, Matthew Caldwell, James Will 



Early Settlers.— The first settlement wa 
Thomas Smith, of Chester, in the northeast part of 
the town, on what is mm known as " The Plain," 
wdiere he built a cabin, cleared a small piece of hind 
by girdling the trees anil burning the ground. 

fine day, after planting, he discovered tracts, evi- 
dently made by a moccasined foot, and knowing Indians 
were still lurking in the vicinity, ami were watching 
an opportunity to either take his scalp or carry him 



prisoner to Canada, he sauntered back to his cabin 
with. .in manifesting any alarm, secured his gun and 
axe, ami thinking Indians were in ambush in a direct 
route, In- proceeded in a northerly direction to the 
north branch of the Piscataquog, thence up said river 
some distance before he ventured to take an easterly 
course, eventually reaching home in safety. 

Ami the sequel shows he was right in his conjec- 
tures in regard to the place where the Indians were 
secreted, lor that night they made prisoner of and 
carried to Canada a man by the name of Worthley, 
who had a cabin near what is known as Parker's 
Mali. Ml. ( roffstown. 

How soon he returned is not now positively known, 
but probably in season to harvest his corn, his family 
coming with him. He cleared a farm and built a 
frame house, which is now standing, the oldest in 
town. It appears, in a few years, that he obtained, 
by purchase or settlement, a large tract of land in 
the northwest part of the town, near the Great Meadow, 
now owned and occupied by George \V. Sanders. 
This land remained in the possession of Smith's de- 
scendants until within a few years. 

The next earliest settlers were Thomas Cochran. 
Thomas Wilson, James Huuter and James Caldwell 
in the east part of the town ; William Blair and John 
Blair in the north; John McAllister in the south; 
and George Crist y in the west. 

Between the years 1742 and 1748 the settlers were all 
emigrants from Scotch-Irish colonies that first settled 
in Londonderry, X. H., in the year 1719, excepting 
John McAllister, who came from Scotland. 

The Scotch-Irish settlers were a new element in 
the population of New England, differing materially 
in their customs, manners anil inside life from the 
English colonists of New Hampshire, but were not 
to be classed with the Catholic Irish. 

On the death of Elizabeth, the last of the Tudors, 
James the Sixth, of Scotland, became King of Great 
Britain, under the title of James the First. The 
Catholic population of Ireland rebelled against him, 
but he effectually crushed them in a short time, and 
then he proceeded to confiscate the estates of the re- 
bellious chiefs, more particularly those of the 
O'Donnells and O'Neils in the north of Ireland, 
granting the lands to his Scotch and English subjects 
to settle on as crown tenants, tit a nominal rent. This 
stimulated a large emigration from Argyleshire, 
Scotland, many of whom settled on the river Hon, or 
became citizens of Londonderry. 

Without doubt the English would avail themselves 
of the same privilege, and when they met those 
common interest in the same religion, they 
would naturally unite and intermarry, and in two or 
three generations they would form an admixture of 
the two nationalities, as is evident from the names of 
the first settlers in Londonderry, N. H. 

In this blending of the Scotch Highlanders with 
the Sax. m and Norman there was no intermingling 



NEW BOSTON. 



589 



of the native Catholic Irish bl 1, for the most bitter 

hatred existed on the part of the latter toward the 
former, as intruders who had usurped their rights, 
ami taken possession of the fairest portions of their 
country, and were heretics in religion; the former, as 
conquerors looked down on the latter as an inferior 
race, who, as Catholics, had no rights which they 
were bound to respect, and both parties in after-years 
gave vent to their implacable animosity in the con- 
flicts at the siege of Kerry and battle of Boyne. This 
same enmity continues at the present day between 
the Orangemen, Protestants and the native Lrish 
Catholics. 

Other emigrants followed from Londonderry as the 
(Harks, Crombies, McColloms, McCurdys and others j 
but the settlement appears to have progressed slowly 
until about the year 1760. A census taken by the 
proprietors from September 20th to the 24th of the 
year 1756 reported "twenty-six men, eleven women, 
nine boys and thirteen girls," making a population 
of fifty-nine persons in all. The same committee re- 
ported "thirty houses, one dam and one saw and grist- 
mill, four frames and lour camps, one house cut down, 
with one hundred and forty acres of improved land." 
Previous to this date they suffered all the hardships 
and privations necessarily attendant upon a new 
settlement, living in log houses a long distance from 
neighbors, with no roads except a bridle-path through 
the forests, guided by marked or spotted tin-, with 
the underbrush cut away, so that a horse might pass 
in summer, but in winter the usual mode of traveling 
vas or snow-shoes. Tradition says that the snow tell 
to a greater depth in the dense forest than at the 
present time. 

Any utensil, implement or artiele of household 
furniture that they could not manufacture had to be 
brought from the older settlements on the roast, and 
until they cleared and brought a sufficient amount 
of land to keep sheep and raise flax, every article of 
clothing — in fact, every artiele of textile fabric — was 
carried from one place to the other on the shoulders 
of the men. 

.Salt, an article indispensable to civilized people ; 
had to lie transported from Londonderry, a distance 
of from twenty to twenty-five miles, in the same way. 
It is related of an early settler that he went to one 
of the older towns to purchase some necessary articles, 
which made quite a package in weight and bulk, and 
also a bushel of small grain tor seed, either of which 
would make a load for a man ; he started with one, 
and carried that some two or three miles, and then 
returned for the other, and in that way managed to 
convey both to his home. 

So far as animal food was concerned, it was pro- 
cured from the forests. The deer remained in limited 
numbers, and bears were numerous, and as every man 
owned a gun, they could procure a supply of meat, 
particularly of the latter, although not as palatable 
as the deer. 



Another source from which to vary their diet was 
fish, with which the streams and ponds abounded to 
the degree that in the spring, when the suckers left 
the ponds for the brooks, in the spawning season^ 
they could throw them out with shovels. 

The clearing of the forest required long and per- 
sistent labor. First came the felling or lopping of 
the trees, as it was termed. Usually one of two 
methods were adopted, — cither to cut down the- trees 
separately and level the branches, or to (tit a large 
number on one side, so that they would fall in the 
same direction, and as they fell, one would strike 
another and so on, carrying the whole down. 

The next step after the leaves were dried was to 
burn it over, and then came the most laborious part of 
clearing the land, — first, the trunks of the trees must 
he severed, which was done b\ cutting or burning 
(the latter was termed >i i </</<>■ in </ them (>//'), then rolling 
the logs in piles and burning. 

After the seed was sown, it was raked or hoed over 
to cover it. 

In some instances, after burning over, they did not 
want to clear off the wood, SO planted corn between 
the logs. 

The rearing of domestic animals was attended with 
considerable trouble and anxiety. To protect them 
from the wolves and bears, every night they were put 
in a secure pen built of logs, so high that a wolf could 
not easily get over ; but in one instance a wolf had 
made his way in, ami was found and dispatched in 
the morning. Bears were voracious and troublesome 
in the spring, and would attack and kill cattle. An 
early settler in the northwest part of the town had a 
cow killed by them. He caused traps to be set near 
the carcase, one a log, the other a spring-trap, and a 
bear was caught in each. 

The d epic, hit ions oil hese same animals in the corn- 
fields was a source of great annoyance. Put with all 
their privations, hardships and self-denials, the settlers 
had their pastime and amusements, such as wool- 
breaking-, log-rolling and raisings. 

Socially and pecuniarily, they were on an equality, 
and a friendly feeling pervaded the community. 

Churches. — At a meeting of the proprietors, held 
in Boston December !>, 17:58, it was voted to settle an 
orthodox minister, also to build a meeting-house of 
the following dimensions : thirty feet wide, forty-five 
long and twenty feet stud. 

The committee was authorized and empowered to 
agree with some person or persons to build said house 
as soon as they could, provided they did leu exceed 
the -inn of six hundred pounds; that they have 
power to call upon each proprietor to defray expenses 
as often as they should think proper. 

This house was built on what is now known as "The 
Plain,'' nearly south across the highway from the 
residence of the late Samuel Davis. 

According to tradition, it was burned; but there- arc- 
various theories in regard to the cause. One is, that 



.-,9(1 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



one of the early settlers set it on Bre to procure the 
nails to build a house for himself. 

It is thought tin' insideof the house was never fin- 
ished, and it is not probable that meetings were ever 
held in it, yet there may have been an occasional 
preaching service during this period. 

In 1757 the settlers again expressed a desire for 
public worship. The proprietors informed them that 
"preaching could not begin until 1758." It appears 
by the records that, November 28, 1758, "the proprie- 
tors agreed to send a letter by John McAllister to 
Thomas Cochran to convene the settlers, and agree 
upon a site for the meeting-house and a suitable loca- 
tion for a public Burying-Place." Lot 79, on the 
northern slope of the hill, was selected as a desirable 
spot for the meeting-house. 

It also authorized said McAllister and said Coch- 
ran to sell one hundred acres of land, near Andrew 
Walker's, to defray expenses. 

August 30, 1759, the proprietors met five of the 
citizens of New Boston at Dunstable, ami then ami 
there agreed to send the sentiments of the meeting 
in writing to the committee, and this committee at 
some future time warn the people to meet and take 
decisive action in the matter. 

It seem- there had been several places selected on 
which to build, none ofwhieh were satisfactory to the 
settlers. 

The proprietors and resident proprietors met at 
Steinrod's, in Dunstable, and " Voted to build a meet- 
ing-house, near lot eighty-nine, fifty feet long, forty 
feel wide and twenty feet stud, hoarded and clap- 
boarded, and shingled with short shingles." " Yntnl 
to sell so much of tin' undivided land in the 'New 
Addition' as necessary to defray expenses.' " 

The Boston proprietors and settlers of New Boston 
agreed to refer the location to a committee composed 
of the following-named gentlemen: Matthew Patten, 
John Chamberlain, Samuel Patten. 

Below is given a report of the committee. 

• To /'.. Propri 
" Gentlemen : 

"Pursuant In tin \..ti ..ml . I . - 1 1 ■ ■ .it tin- iiirctiti- li.'li] il I Ml n -I .. 10- , in 

I . • . .- u , .,,,. I,,, the 14th of September, 1762, We, the 

subscribers, have attended tin- business tbereiti nn <l >i .-.ml t> 1- 

111: dee ■ ii- in 1 1 a propel place to build a meeting In >use in New 

lli.slini , we \ k-w.-il tin' [i1i.it hi- |i!iiiiis,i>. ln-i.i',1 tin' reasonings of the 

Prop] i' tot and inhabitants of said town I do report to tin- Baid Pro- 

i-ii. -I* it. it i. .-I rtt id el 

.I. tin- so lit h -il. i.l I'isi .it. i ',ii ... Kiwi, m. nth of a Red Oal 
mill l.-tt.-I ''. tii.it tti.. -r.l\ In .'liilil liUlii'il liirlr, i* tin- limst pi ..J.er 

place in spot to build meeting-house mi in town. a. Win- t n iu.lc- 

"Matthew Patten 



"Witness our hand, July 24, l . 

At a meeting held in Dunstable Septembei 28, 

ITtlo. it was voted to accept the report of (he cum- 
in it tec; th it- stin ie commit tec were authorized to engage 
some suitable person to build said house without de- 



lay. They were still further instructed to sell any 
unoccupied lands belonging to the proprietors for 
building meeting-house. 

James Balsey, John Hill. Robert Boyes and Thomas 
( 'oe h ran were appointed standing committee of the pro- 
prietors. September 30, 1766, John Hill ami Robert 
Jenkins were appointed a committee to make a con- 
tract with .Mr. Ebenezer Heard for building the 
church. The proprietors becoming impatient at .Mr. 
Beard's delay in completing his contract, instructed 
I'hoinas Cochran and James Caldwell, provided 
Beard did not finish said house before July, 1767, to 
employ suitable workmen to finish the house. 

It seems there was a misunderstanding between 
Beard and the committee in regard to inside finish; but 
it was soon settled, as they voted. September 15, 1767, 
to give Beard one hundred acres of land in the " New 
Addition," since Beard complained that he had a 
hard bargain. The proprietors relinquished all right 
in the gallery to the citizens, providing they would 
assist in finishing said meeting-house. 

One half-pew on the lower floor was given to each 
original proprietor. The house was now left to tin- 
can' of the town. 

We cannot learn that there was any action taken 
in regard to the church till the year 1768. 

It was a large ami noble edifice for those days, be- 
ing titty feet long ami forty feet wide. There were 
three doors, the front and largest being towards the 
south. The high pulpit stood on the north side, with 
its mysterious sounding-hoard above. 

There were large square pews a roll ml the w al Is of the 
house, a broad aisle in the centre with pews on either 
side. 'flu' seats were hung with hinges, and as it 
was considered very irreverent to sit during prayer, 
these seats were raised to enable them to stand with 
e; tit the conclusion of the prayer the 
seats were dropped, causing a great disturbance. 

The singers' seats were located in the gallerj oppo- 
site the pulpit. There was no way of warming the 
church, and as the services were very long, the 
women found it necessary to take wdiat was called a 
foot-Stove. This was a small tin box set in a wooden 
frame; inside was placed a dish for coals. 

Not far distant from the church was a building 
called the session-house, where the deacons held 
business meetings. 

The church was not completed till 1786, though it 
hail been occupied for many years. In 17G7 the Rev. 
Solomon Moor began his labors here. 

He was horn in Newtown-Limavady, Ireland, 1736, 
was a graduate at the University of Glasgow in 1758, 
and was licensed to preach by the Londonderry 
Presbytery, Ireland, July 'id, 1762, ami ordained 
minister-at-large in 1766. He soou started for 
America, and arrived at Halifax October, 1766, an. I 
preached for the first time for the Rev. Mr. Moor- 
hi.tiil of Boston, Mass. The following Sabbath he 
preached for Rev. Mr. Davidson, in Londonderry, 



NEW BOSTON. 



N. H. In those 'lays the churches were so scattered, 
and many of the early settlers coming from London- 
derry^ was but natural that they should turn to their 
old pastor for advice and assistance in obtaining a 
minister. Probably through Mr. Davidson's influ- 
ence, Mr. Moor was induced to visit. New Boston and 
spend a lew months with them. Becoming acquainted, 
they seemed well adapted to each other, and August 
25,1767,the people, with great harmony, gave him the 
following call : 

"We, the inhabitants,,! the town ..f New li.,st,m. a- -, n-d,le Ml tin- re- 
peated instances uf the gi«iJiH-BS of our kind lleiirl.e |,,r, |,ai ti. ■nl.ii l.v in 






yearn, are in, reused t,, a , ,,nsi,leral>lr n inn Her, ana rue ' 
kind influence, is in many places amon i I 
fording us a comfortable sustenance; we acknowled 

proprietors of our e-t.il-> in tie- -i-!a .too I. .a • ■ 

of his interest ; and 1" ing destitute oi a fixed pastor, 

and earnest inclinations to have one estol .li-h.-.i ai„,,n-.-t as, that we may 

have the gospel mysteries unlet, ha ami adiiia -administered aumii-.st 

ub, the appointed mean.- in God's house l,el„w, thai we ana our Beed maj 

be disciplined and trai I up for his house in glury above, As the kind 

providence of God in- opened sucha deer by, air, your ing amongst 

ns, we axe led cheerfullj to embrace the uappj op] inity, being-well 

.,-ui,.,l, reo-ona -n, l.j i M , plemal i red, imal-as t,. your ministerial 

abilities to preaeli the -,.s],el and likewise a- to jmiii ex,. miliary life, 
which gives force to wh.a i- preached, a- :il-.j the suitableness and 
a-leeal-leness ,.,! what yell [, lea, li t II ■ ,|, - e, , ,al liestly impler- 
ing direction from the Being that al an effectually dire, t us in su, I, 

., weighty and soul-concerning matter, we, with lean- full ol well- 
guided affection, do, in the i Ileal t \ man mi no it,-. , all and entreat 

v,,,i, II,,- 1;, \ S,,!,,,,,,,,, yl.„ ,| [,, ,n,a, 1 tale tie III -"I ., |.a-l,a alneu-.-t 

solemn manner, promise you all dutiful respect, encouragement and 
obedience in the Lord ; further, as the laborer is worthy of la- hire and 
he that serves at the altar Bhould live In it, as we have nothing but 
what we have received, we are willing to improve part ol our portions 
in this life that we may be mad,- pal takers of tl \,i ia-in _ portii i, in 

the life to come, by the blessing oi God, under youi ministry, and foi 

your en iragemenl and temporal reward, we promise you yearlj forty 

pounds sterling per annum for the first, live years alter your instalment, 
and after that the addition of live pounds mere sterling. 

"August the 2oth, 1767, 

"Subscribed i>\ John Smith, Matthevi Caldwell, William Caldwell, 

Jesse Christy, II as Cochran, James Pel 8.1 lander McColl 

William Clark, James Cochran, William Gray, \ i - I in,, 

.lames Wilsou, .tames l'ii-tv, \|,\audei \\il-,,n, .lane- II . ' \l \- 

ander Graham, Sai 1 McAllister, 'lie. ma- McCollom, Ninian Clark, 

;•.■!. In. in. I: in- ii -i rdy Fei ■ I i Blaii roun Coch- 
ran, Jr., Thomas Cochran, Jr., Uexandei Mool « liam HcNiel Jr., 
Thomas Quigely, William Kelsey, John Cochran, William Boyes, Paul 
Ferson, Jr., Thomas Wilson, William Blair, John McAllister, Ananias 
McAllister, Robert White, John Burns, Robert Livingston, Nathaniel 
Cochran, William Livingston, John Gordon." 

This call, given by individuals, was adopted 
and confirmed al a legal meeting held by the 

town. Mr. M ■ did not give a definite answer to 

this call until July 1, 1768. Tradition has it that 
Mr. Moor would not agree to settle here until he 
could gain the consent of a fair lady to share with 
him the privations and trials incident to a settlement 
in what was then called in Londonderry "The 
Woods." 

The ministry lots not being near the centre of the 
town, the town voted to exchange lot No. 61 for lot 
No. 53, which had been designed for a school lot, this 
being only about two miles from the meeting-house. 



The people, leeling anxious that Mr. Moor should 
remain with them, offered to help clear the land 
which was then a wilderness, and assist in the erec- 
tion of a suitable house. 

March 7, 1868,— 

" Voted, Thomas Cochran, James Fersou, Th us Quigelj Daniel VIi 

Milieu, William Clark, e mittee to treat with Rev. Solomon M 

i, .-.ii, I t,, III- .-, lllin- ill New I:,, -tell, and in ease tile said >I,„,r will ma 
-lay, tn (u. >\ i,le | ilea. Ill it- - ■ - J 1 1 - - . ■ i 1 1 ■ i u.,\ III- ],r lit yen." 

It would seem that there wasdoubt iii the minds of 

the people of Mr. M -'s acceptance of the call. He 

had been with them mails six months before it was 
given, and they thought the time had now come for a 
permanent supply. 

Mr. Moor was installed September 6, 1768. If is 
thought Rev. David McGregor preached the install- 
ing sermon, and Rev. William Davidson gave the 
charge to the pastor. 

It is not certainly known when the church was or- 
ganized. By some it is thought to have been flu 
same day of Mr. Moor's installation. There are 
other reasons to suppose it was formed at a much 
earlier dale, in the proprietor's records we find the 
names oi' Deacon Thomas Cochran and Deacon 
Archibald McMillen previous to Mr. Moor's installa- 
tion, while there is nothing to show Us that they had 
been deacons in anj other church. It would hardly 
seem reasonable that they, good Christian people, or 
that their pastors would allow twenty-eight years to 
pass without an organization. 

It is said these ministers watched carefully and 
tenderly over this Hock, and there are many instances 
recorded where they preached lor them gratuitously. 

The early records of the church were' imperfectly 
kept, so that it cannot be positively known when the 
church was formed, but probably many years pre- 
yioiis to Mr. Moor's installation. 

Mr. Moor commenced his labors in this place, then 
a wilderness, with a strong desire and purpose lor a 
great ingathering of souls. He was supported and 
aided in his work by the session, which, in the year 
1768, was composed <>t' Mr. Moor, pastor; Thomas 
Cochran, .lanus Ferson, John Smith, Archibald 
McMillen, Jesse Cristy and Robert White, deacons. 

July Hi, 1770, Mr, Moor took unto himself a wife, 
the daughter of Rev. Mr. Davidson. The young 
couple started immediately for their new home on 
horseback, accompanied by many of Mrs. Moor's 
friends. < >n their way they were met by a delegation 
of their parishioners: enough of the friend.- were 
left at home to have all in order when they should 
arrive. 

The people were delighted to welcome this youth- 
ful bride of only twenty years, and so great was their 
joy ami love for her that she was borne in the arms 
of these Scotch women from her steed to her cham- 
ber, and in like manner to the reception-room, where 
-In- was greeted by men and women of all age-, each 
anxious to pay her homage. 

Thus i imenced the ministry of this great, and 



592 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



good man. He was a friend to the poor, spoke words 
of comfort to the mourning, was charitable towards 
all ; in a tow words, he had all the requisites neces- 
sary for a true minister of the gospel. He lived 
among this people thirty-tour years, and was loved 
and respected by all. He died May 28, 1803, aged 
sixty-seven years. 

Mrs. Moor lived to the good old age of ninety-six 
years. 

The children ..I' Mr. Moor were Mary, Witter D., 
Frances, Ann, John ami Elizabeth. 

Mary married Samuel Cochran, of Londonderry. 
Witter died when young. Frances married Captain 
John Smith, of Goffstown ; she died May 7, 1807. 
Ann died unmarried November 23, 18.")! I, aged eighty- 
one. John married Mehitabel May, of Mont Ver- 
non. Elizabeth Cummings was married to James 
McCurdy, March, 1813, and lived in New Boston until 
her death. 

Mr. Moor was succeeded by Rev. E. P. Bradford, 

whose pastorate with Mr. Moor's till a spa< f eighty 

years. 

The children have not followed the example of 
their fathers, as will be seen. 

The next to follow Mr. Bradford was Rev. E. M. 
Kellogg. May •">, 1846, he received a call from the 
church, which was accepted, and he remained as 
pastor of this people until April, 1852. He is now- 
living in Manchester, N. II., having retired from his 
profession many years since on account of failing 
health. 

Rev. Alanson Rawson then supplied the pulpit for 
about two years, hut refused to be installed on the 
ground of impaired health. 

Rev. E. C. Cogswell began his labors October 30, 
1855. Aside from a faithful and efficient ministry, 
Mr. I logswell will he long and gratefully remembered 
for his labors in compiling ami w riting the " History of 
\eu Boston." He was dismissed November I, 1865. 

Rev. I>. C. Frink was installed by the Londonderry 
Presbyter) November 25, 1866, and remained pastor 
of this church until his death, which occurred June 
•-'I, 1871. 

Rev. William ( !. Bessom was the next settled pastor. 
He was installed by the Londonderry Presbytery in 
1872, and was dismissed in 1873. 

After the dismissal of .Mr. Bessom there was no 
settled minister until October 111, 1S7!), when Rev. 
Frank H. Allen was ordained and installed. He 
closed his labors in April, fs.sii. 

In 1S74, by a donation of two thousand dollars 
from George \V. McCollom, Esq., of New York, a 
neat and commodious chapel was built for the use of 
the Presbyterian Society. 

History of the Baptist Church.— From records 
which have been consulted, reaching back about nine- 
ty-five years, it appears that the Baptist Church in 
New Boston took its origin from one previously ex- 
isting in Amherst, and entirely distinct from the pres- 



ent church in Amherst. The Amherst Church was 
organized December 6, 1787, and consisted of persons 
residing in New Boston and in those parts of Amherst 
which were subsequently formed into Mont Vernon 
and Milford, few or none residing in what is now- 
called Amherst. In the course, however, of twelve 
years it had become so diminished in numbers as to 
afford little hope that the enterprise would be per- 
manently successful. In the mean time several persons 
in Nefl Boston had made a public profession of reli- 
gion, and united with the church in Weare. Rev. Mr. 
Elliott, of Mason, also baptized fourteen persons in the 
town on the 4th of t Ictohcr, 17!'!i, though at the time 
they united with no church. In view, therefore, of 
the number of Baptist professors that were resident in 
New Boston, it was mutually agreed, by members of 
the church both in Amherst and New Boston, at .-. 
meeting holden at John Whipple's, in New Boston, 
November 23, 1799, that the Amherst Church should 
in future be known by the name of "The First Cal- 
vinistie Baptist Church in Amherst and New Bos- 
ton." Whereupon those persons who had lately been 
baptized, and those who had joined at Weare, united 
with this church, whose number was also increased. 
during the year 1800, by the additition of nineteen 
others. 

In the year 1801, Rev. Josiah Stone commenced 
his labors with this church, and in this and the three 
succeeding years fourteen persons were added to its 
fellowship. In 1804 the church, by the advice of 
council, took the name of "The Calvinistic Baptist 
Church in New Boston." The same year the church 
agreed upon the erection of a meeting-house, which 
was completed the following year. This house 
was located in the westerly part of the town, three 
miles from the present place of worship. Its dimen- 
sions were forty by thirty-two feet, and one story 
high. 

During this year the church united with the War- 
ren Association, with which it retained its connection 
until the formation of the Boston Association, when 
it fell within the limits of that body. The same year, 
also, Rev. Josiah Stone was installed as permanent 
pastor of the church. 

From this time to 1816 the number received into 
the fellowship of the church was twenty. At the ex- 
piration of this period a case of discipline arose which 
resulted in the division of the church into two bodies, 
the on. being retained in the Boston Association, the 
other unit ing w ith the Salisbury. 

In June, 1N24, Rev. Mr. Stone resigned the pastoral 
care of the church, but remained in the place Until 
Ins decease, which occurred ill 1839. 

Rev. John Atwood, then a licentiate, commenced 
his labors with this people on the first Lord's day in 
June, 1824 He was ordained the 18th of May. 1825, 
and closed his pastoral relation the last Sabbath in 
January, 1836. During his ministry ninety-nine per- 
sons were added to the fellowship of the church. 



NKW LONDON. 



February 2:!, 1825, the two churches were dissolved 
by mutual consent, and the members, forty-six in 
number, reorganized into one body and united with 
the Salisbury Association. In 1826 a pleasant re- 
vival of religion took place, in which thirteen were 
added to the church. In 1828 the church was dis 
missed from the .Salisbury and united with the Mil- 
ford Association. 

A more central location for public worship being 
very desirable, in 1832 a meeting-house was erected 
in the Lower village, and was dedicated to the wor- 
ship of God on the 6th of February, 1833. 

In 1835 a precious revival of religion was enjoyed, 
during which fifty-three persons were added to the 
church. 

In February, 1836, Rev. A. T. Foss became pastor 
of the church, which relation he continued to hold 
during eight years, till January, 18-14. 

On the first Sabbath in February, 1845, Rev. David 
Gage commenced his ministerial labors with this peo- 
ple and continued with them ten years, duringwhich 
time sixty-four were added to the church. His pas- 
torate closed in March, 1855. 

November 1, 185."i, Rev. .1. N. Chase began his per- 
manent labors in the place, was recognized as pastor 
December 19, 185."), and dismissed May 1, 1859. 

Rev. Franklin Merriam succeeded him in the pas- 
toral office in May, 1859, and closed his labors with 
this church October 5, 1862. 

The pastorate was then filled by Rev. Thomas 
Clarkson Russell, who entered upon his labors with 
this church the first Sabbath in June, 1863, closing 
the same November, 1866. His ministry was a strong 
one ; the church enjoyed a revival and thirty-seven 
were added by profession. Rev. Samuel Woodbury 
succeeded, his pastorate extending to March, 1868. 

Rev. It. G. Farley was the next pastor, serving the 
church from July, 1868, to 1870. During his staj 
nine were received by baptism. 

He was followed by Rev. J. M. Coburn, whose pas- 
toral relations closed in August. 1871. 

In January, 1872, Rev. G W. Kinney succeeded to 
the pastorate, and remained with the church till Jan- 
uary, 1876. During his ministry many of the old 
members were called home, of whom (whose history 
was closely allied to the church), perhaps, particular 
mention should be made of Rev. John Atwood and 
Mrs. Hannah Whipple. Additions by baptism, 
seven. 

Rev. Francis K. Cleans followed him, his pastorate 
covering from January, 1.S78, to May, 1881. Additions 
by baptism, four. 

In October, 1881, Rev. E. < '. Whittemore com- 
meneedsupplying the church ; was ordained as pastor 
July 1, 1882, laboring as such till November, 1 884. 
It was a marked and successful era in the church's 
history, — a constant interest and twenty-six added 
by baptism. 

A valuable circulating library was procured, and 



extensive repairs and improvements were made on 
(lie church edifice. Mr. Whittemore removed to Au- 
burn, Me., and al the present writing the church 
is without a pastor. Total membership, one hundred 
and twenty-three, of whom ninety-nine are resident 
memlii i -. 

Graveyards. — The firs! account of the graveyard 

is found ill the proprietary record, in connection with 
the building of a meeting-house, and is as follow- : 

" To '"»>'» tli. -. ii!. i- i Hi. i mi. I n\ „i, ih.. most proper place, 

III nil.' ..!' III.' I. .Ml. ... . .il.llli- (,. I|m i,M linr, hlipilLHClI (0 I..' illinlll 

lut 7(1, to build u 1 titnt-lii.ui.i- : :iNo t" In on n -oiliil .1.- ,1 

ing-ground neat i..-;u.l pin.-.-, n. -lull l.. i„,,-i .,.,,■, ; ,i,i, i„ M, -,.iu. . - 

The next, we find, is referred to in the report of a 
committee who were authorized by the proprietors 
and settlers to select a site on which to build the 
meeting-house, as follows : 

"Do report to said Proprietary ;t- l..ll..\v- licit U.t T'.' in tin- sin. ml 

division «..- the centre ..I said I the Bouth side of Piscata<iuog 

Rivi i.s,.inh .,i :. Red Oak lr.-.. marked with the Icttei C m 

of ;i .lnl.l t.in i.-.l tli. !•-, i- tin 1 in.. -I fiii.|iri pi.... I., l.inli 

According to tradition, the child referred to was a 
daughter of Captain George Christie, the first settler 
in the southwestern part of the town, and this place 
of interment was selected, in all probability, witli the 
knowledge that it was then or would lie inclosed in 
the yard, and must have been near where the Brad- 
ford monument now stands. 

History and tradition are silent as to any other 
interments within the limits of what is known as 
the old yard, and the supposition is that there were 
none at that period. 

The time of laying out and setting apart a tract of 
land tor a graveyard is not now known, as there is 
no record to be found, but the presumption is thai it 
would be immediately after the location of the meet- 
ing-house; for, in accordance with the universal cus- 
tom of the times, the land for the graveyard would 
be inclosed in the nar of, or in the immediate 
vicinity of, the church. 

The next recorded allusion i> to be found in the 
town records, May 7, 1768, when a vote of the town 
was taken or a resolution passed to the following 
effect : that each man work one day on the stone- 
work in the graveyard. This was nearly six years 
after the report of the committee, and the " meeting- 
house was built and finished outside." Doubtless 
the wood was cut off at this time and the ground 
cleared for the yard. 

The stone-work referred t < . in the resolution would 
.iml removing stone within the inclosure 
of the premises t" make a stone wall. 

At a town-meeting held February 14, 1777, a reso- 
lution was passed requiring each man in town to 
work one day at the graveyard, with the privilege of 
expending the labor in that pint of the yard where 
individually interested. 

A period of nineteen years had now elapsed since 
the first interment. The first monumental record of 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



burial is that of Alexander McCollom, who died 
January 6, 1768, at the age of thirty-six years. He 
(Mine from Londonderry in 17o7, and settled on the 
farm owned by the late George Adams; was chosen 
town clerk whin the town was incorporated, in 1763, 
and held the office at the time of his death. 

The toll,, wing-named are the earliest burials of 
which there is any monumental record : 

Thomas Cochran, October 6, 1770; Mrs. Jane 
McNiel, April 2, 177li ; Captain James Cochran, 
April 21,1772; Nathaniel Aiken, June 8, 1772; Joseph 
Waugh, October 13, 1770; two children of John 
Cochran, May, 1775; Maurice Lynch, 1 7 7 '. » . 

[n all probability, few were erected in comparison 
with the whole number that died. 

There does not appear to have been any addition 
or improvement made until about 1840, when a small 
triangular piece of land, lying between the yard and 
the highway, was added ; but in a few years that was 
taken up, and it became apparent that the town 
would be obliged to furnish new ground for inter- 
ment. The question was discussed at several tow n- 
meetings, and the selectmen were instructed to 
purchase land suitably located lor a cemetery; but, in 
consequence of inability to purchase and difference 
of opinion in regard to locality, failed to accomplish 
the objeel desired. 

Mr. Elbridge Wasou, of the firm of Wason, Peirce 
& Co., of Boston, a native of the town, very gener- 
ously offered to give the town land for a new 
burial-place or an addition to the old. After a 
consideration of the subject by the citizens, the latter 
was thought most desirable, and Mr. Wason pur- 
chased land on the north and west of the old yard, 
and conveyed the same to the town by deed, under 
eerlain conditions, one of which was that it should 
be controlled by a board of trustees, to lie appointed 
b\ grantor, with power to till vacancies as they 

mighl occur. Since thai time the trustees have 
caused the erection of a tow n-t.mil. and brought water 
by aqueduct into the yard, which is discharged by 
two fountains. Great changes have been made by 
citizens in improving lots and erecting monuments, 
so that it will compare favorably with cemeteries in 
neighboring towns. 

Soil, Forest Growth and Productions.— The sur- 
face of the town is very much like that of the neigh- 
boring towns, crossed by hill and vale, although the 
hills are not so steep and high as in Francestown and 
Lyndeborough. 

The soil varies. The hill land-, are generally an 
admixture of clay and marl, with the granite formation 
on the south anil east sides; on the ninth and west 
tin formation is purely of granite, and with less depth 
of soil and fertility; the valleys partake more of the 
mail than of (he granite. 

The valley of the smith branch of the Piscataquog 
is alluvial, evidently the result of the glacier period, 
as the extended morains and cairns along its banks 



would tend to show, and during the melting of the 
ice the water must ha\ c been from seventy-five to oue 
hundred feet deep where the village now stands, as at 
that height on the hills on each side the sediment 
s. -tiled ill still water. 

The meadow or bog land is of but small amount, 
except what is known as the Great Meadow, in the 
north part of the town, although now comparatively 
worthless, except for cranberries. 

It was of great value to the early settlers, having 
In en Bowed at sonic period by the beavers, which 
would destroy the timbers, and being abandoned by 
them, their dam went to decay, and after the water 
dried oil, a kind of grass, known as the blue joint, 
sprang up and grew luxuriantly, affording a supply 
of hay to keep cattle before there was a sufficient 
amount of land cleared for that purpose. 

The forest growth was principally oak and pine, 
with a mixture of beech, maple and hemlock on 
the hills; oak, beech and pine grew on low lands. 

The banks of the Piscataquog. its entire length, a 
distance of ten miles or more, was lined with pines 
of a large size and good quality. Some fifteen or 
twenty years prior to the Revolution the British 
government undertook to procure masts for the royal 
navy, from Concord and vicinity, by floating them 
down the Merrimack River to Newburyport; but in 
going over Amoskeag Falls most of them were 
broken. The project proved a failure, and was given 
up. They next turned their attention to the Piscata- 
quog and its branches as a better field of operation, 
and to give even better facilities for conveyance, built 
a i. .ml from Squog village (what was then Bedford) 
to Oil-Mill village, in Weare. This road was known 
as King's Mast road, and the King's surveyor went 
through the woods and put the broad " R " on all 
pine-trees suitable for masts for the royal navy. 

It was a capital crime for a man to cut on his own 
land any pine-tree twenty inches or more in diameter, 
and was punishable with a fine and confiscation of 
the lumber. 

Tradition says that in 1774, Benjamin Whiting, of 
Amherst, sheriff of the county, laid an attachment on 
all logs found at the mills in Gollstoun over twenty 
inches through, and then went to Oil-Mil], where 
there was a large number of logs, and did the same. 
He then went to a hotel to spend the night; after he 
retired, a band of masked men broke into his room, 
ordered him to dress, placed him upon his horse, 
whose tail and mane hail been closely shaven, and 
compelled him to leave the place. 

Being an obstinate, willful man, and highly exas- 
perated at the treatment he received, he persuaded 
Colonel Goffe to go with a company of soldiers to 
execute the King's writ ; but his assailants were not 
to be found. No further effort was made at that time 
to arrest the offenders. 

The next year, 1775, was the beginning of the 
Revolution, and Sheriff Whiting was one of the small 



NEW BOSTON. 



595 



number that refused to sign the Test Act; but his 
townsmen made it so uncomfortable for him that he 
removed to Nova Scotia, and never returned. 

Allusion lias been made to the size of the trees, 
many of which, taking the stumps as a standard, wore 
from lour to five feet in diameter at the root. One 
was cut down on the farm formerly owned by N. C. 
Crombie that was six feel in diameter at the stump; 
another, near John M. Holt's mill, marly as large, 
and the story is that a pair of oxen, six feet girth, 
were turned around on them without stepping oil'. 
It is evident they could not be removed full length 
for masts, and were therefore left to rot. 

After the Revolutionary period the business of cut- 
ting and drawing the best and straightust trees to the 
landing at Suuog for masts was continued until all 
suitable for that purpose had disappeared. The man- 
ufactured lumber prior to the building up of Nashua 
and Manchester was drawn to the same place and 
rafted to Newburyport or Boston. At that time the 
lust boards sold at Squog for from live to six dollars 
per thousand. When the town was laid out it con- 
tained as much oak and pine timber as any town six 
miles square in the State, but it is now nearly all 
gone. 

The principal productions, excepting lumber, are 
now and have been agricultural. 

Of grains, corn is the leading one, being the stand- 
ard crop. 

Wheat, oats and barley are grown to a limited ex- 
tent on the hill farms. The potato and turnip do not 
grow as well now as when the land was new. The 
farmer realizes more from hay than from any other 
production. 

Butter and cheese are made to a limited extent, as 
many of the largest farmers are selling their milk. 

The natural scenery of New Boston cannot be sur- 
passed. Among the highest elevations in town are 
Clark's, Cochran's ami Bradford Hills. 

For weeks the traveler might discover some new 
attraction in these abodes of nature. Nothing can 
exceed the splendor of a sunrise on these hills in a 
calm, summer morning. The stillness of the place, 
the varying positions of objects as the morning mists 
rise and change and pass away before the sun, — these 
and other features present to the mind a landscape 
abounding in that wild beauty which exists where art 
has not usurped dominion over nature. The eye 
dwells with delight on the vast country which is 
spread before it. 

Far as the eye can reach, it is mel by a constant 
succession of hills and mountains, sometimes swelling 
gently in the distance and sprinkled with settlements, 
again breaking into wild peaks; in summer crowned 
with ledges of granite, and in winter covered with an 
unbroken mantle of snow, rising like monuments of 
marble above the surrounding woods. 

Joe English Hill is the highest point of land in 
town, and is almost perpendicular on the south side. 



which appears as though tl had been broken off by 

some mightj convulsion of nature; the glacier period 
1 1 1 ; i \ ha\ e bad something to do about it. The West and 

east sides are not so steep, and on the north the ascenl 
is verj gradual. 

The name is derived from a friendly Indian, who 
lived with the English when Tyngsborough, Dunstable, 
< Ihelmsford and 1 >racut were frontier towns, lb- was 
a good hunter and warrior, and from the I'ael of his 
living with the English the other Indians gave him 
the name of Joe English. 

Becoming satisfied that be gave information of their 
hostile designs to the pale-faces, they determined to 
take his scalp, and, accordingly, laid in wait for him. 
Soon alter, about twilight, they found Joe hunting 

near I be south branch of the Piscataquog, and made 
an attack on him, but he managed to escape, and be- 
ing a good runner, he made for the north side of the 
hill, knowing that unless he had recourse to strategy, 
they would capture him. He ran with great speed to 
the base of the hill, then slackened his speed so that 
his pursuers had nearly overtaken him ; when hi' came 
to the brink of the precipice, on tile southern side, 
be leaped down a short distance, and concealed him- 
self behind a projection of the ledge, while bis pur- 
suers, having seen their prey, came on with renewed 
energj to the point where he had disappeared, fell 
headlong and were dashed on the rocks below. 

Another account is thai in one of his excursions in 
Ibis vicinity he was pursued by a native Indian war- 
rior. On discovering his enemy he ran for the base 
of the hill, and after going around several times came 
up with his pursuer in the rear, and shot him in the 
back. 

Joe English, in consequence of bis faithfulness to 
the English, came to his death in the following man- 
ner : As he, with some white men, were escorting 
Lieutenant Butterfield and wife from Dunstable to 
Chelmsford, July 27, 170(1, they fell into an ambuscade 
of hostile Indians. Butterfield and the other men 
easily made their escape, as the principal object ol 
the Indians was to capture Joe. He started for the 
woods, with all the Indians in full pursuit, excepting 
one, who was left in charge id' .Mrs. Butterfield. 
When he found thc\ were gaining upon him lie faced 
about, look aim, as if about to lire; the Indians, know- 
in- Ilia! he was a fatal shot, dropped instantly to the 
ground. Joe then ran for his life, but, seeing his pur- 
sue,- were gaining ground, repeated the action, which 
he did several times, until he had nearly reached the 
covert of the thick wood, when one of the Indians 
fired. The shot struck his right arm, and his gun fell 
from his hand; but this impelled him 

speed, and he had just gained the w 1 when another 

shot struck him in the thigh and he fell to the ground. 
At the same time a yell of triumph expressed the joj 
id' the savages. Coming up, they gave vent to their 
hatred in no measured terms, as follows : " Now. Joe. 
we are glad voll no tell English we Come again." 



histokv of iiii,Lsnoi;on;ii cointv. m:\v h ami-shirk. 



" No,'' answered Joe; "Captain Butterfield I'll that 
at Pawtueket." " Ugh ! " exclaimed the Indians; the 
thought just striking them that the soldiers at the 
block-houses at Pawtueket or Dunstable, alarmed by 
the whites who had escaped, would lie upon them in 
a short time, they did not delay, but burying the tom- 
ahawk in tin' head of .Toe English, this faithful friend 
of the white man died. 

The services of Joe English were considered so 
meritorious that a grant was made to his wile and two 
children by the Legislature of Massachusetts, be- 
cause, as the words of the grant have it, " lie died in 
the service of his country." 

Roads. — The first road built in town, according to 
the proprietary records, was from where the first house 
was built on the plain to the saw and grist-mill ; the 
next was from Amherst line to John McAllister's 
house, in thesouth part ofthe town ; and also one from 
the plain to the Great Meadow. The first road through 
the town began on Bedford west line, near Chestnut 
Hills; thence, in a northwesterly direction, nearly 
through the centre of the town, crossing the south 
branch of Piscataquog River about one-half mile 
below the Lower village, at a place now known as the 
ford-way ; thence it followed, in nearly the same di- 
rection, to thesouth line of Weare. 

A large part of it has gone out of use ami is fenced 
up, the land reverting to the abutters, and is known 
as the idd County road, probably designed as a leading 
thoroughfare on which the cross-roads from east ami 
west would terminate. After the incorporation of the 
town, the record shows a large number of transcripts 
of new highways laid out by the selectmen, in doing 
which they appear to have had two things in view, — 
first to so locate the road as to pass each settler's 
house. 

No regard being paid to straight lines, the roads 
were circuitous and often nearly at right angles, being 
built over the hills, seeming to avoid as much as 
possible the level and low lauds. According to tradi- 
tion, one of the reasons for >o doing is found in the 
fact that most of the early settlers built on a hill, or 
on the most elevated portion of their lot or grant, 
being of the opinion that the soil was better and the 
location more pleasant ; and when they had made con- 
siderable advance in clearing of the forest, it gave 
opportunity to see their neighbors' premises. 

Another reason was that it was difficult to build and 
maintain a road in low and swampy laud. 

There appears to have been two leading ways to the 
older towns, where they procured such articles of mer- 
chandise and luxuries as their means would allow, — 
one through the north part of the town to Goffstown 
and Londonderry ; the other from the northwest pail 
ofthe town, over the Clark Hill, to the Lower village; 
thence to the upper ami over Bradford Hill, and, as 
the road now runs, past the residences of <!. A. Wason, 

David Marden and Robert Kelso, to Amherst line, 

and is known as the old Amherst road. It was the 



route over which the merchandise was transported 
from Boston and Salem for the stores here and those 

in lb. southwest part of Weare. 

About 1827 an event occurred which changed, to a 
certain extent, the terminus of many of the old roads 
and discontinued others: which was the building of a 
new road from Newport to Amherst through the town 
lengthwise, to avoid the steep and long hills over the 
old turnpike, particularly those of Cork ami Mont 
Vernon. This changed the course of travel from 

Windsor, W Istock and Montpelier, Vt., and a large 

section that centred at Claremont and Newport. But 
themost visible change effected in the town by the 
building said highway was the removal of the busi- 
ness centre from the village on the hill to what is now- 
known as the Lower village, which then consisted of 
three houses, a grist and a clothing-mill. The first 
new buildings erected alter t he completion of this road 
was a -lore by Micah Lawrence and Waterman Burr, 
and a bold and store by 1 >r. John Whipple. 

Although it was of great advantage and benefit to 
the town and public, the large expense of building 
caused strong opposition on the part of many of the 
citizens, two of whom refused to travel over it, but 
preferred the old circuitous road to reach the village, 
nearly twice the distance. 

In the year 1 sri'l a new highway was built from the 
lower village to ( Jollstow n. to connect with the old 
Mast road in said town, known as the River road, and 
is now the leading thoroughfare from the towns w est 
and southwest to the city of Manchester. 

By this time the town had been at great expense 
building mw road- t.. accommodate the public. Two 
had been built from the west line of the town, termi- 
nating at the village, one farthersouth having its ter- 
minus <>n fhe Amherst road, one in the northeast part 
to Weare line, andanother in the southeast to Bedford 
line, varying in length from two and one-half to four 
ami one-half miles, beside many shorter pieces made 
to avoid the hills and straight! n old roads, the build- 
ing and maintenance of which was aheivy burden on 
the tax-payers. 

The presumption is that New Boston has mote 
miles of road than any other town ofthe same size in 
the c lty or ill the State. 

Bridges.— The first bridge wason the south branch 

of the riscataiptog, where tl Id County road crossed. 

and was built with log abutments; this was effected by 
placing:! log well imbedded on each side of the stream, 
then others from the bank notched on as headers, and 
stretchers laid from one abutment to the other until 
tbev had attained a suitable height. All incident i- 
related in connection with this bridge which appears 
almost incredible, although related as a fact well 
vouched. During a severe freshet the covering of the 
bridge was carried away, leaving the stringers bare. 
A resident of Francestown, returning from London- 
derry on horseback in the evening, passed over, and 
as it was unusuallv dark, concluded to call at the first 



NEW BOSTON. 



-.117 



house and spend the night. The first question on his 
arrival was,— "How did you cross the river?'' His 
answer was,— "On the bridge," but was assured that 
that was not possible, as it had been carried away by 
the water. He refused to credit what his host related, 
but in the morning' went back, and, to his great sur- 
prise, saw nothing remaining of the bridge from one 
abutment to the other except one stringer, which was 
sufficient evidence to convince him that his horse had 

carried him over in safety, with i tlier surface for 

foothold than the remaining cross-tie. 

On the south branch of Piscataquog there are eight 
w len truss bridges, varying in length from forty- 
five to sixty-live feet, and one bridge of iron in the 
village; on the middle branch, two wooden truss 
bridges, from forty to fifty feet in length, and six with 
stretchers laid across, plank-covered. 

Mills.— The first mill or mills was built by the 
proprietors, as has been related; the next by Andrew 

Walker about the year 1751. As appears by the 
records, the proprietors made an agreement or con- 
tract with said Walker, on condition of certain giants 
of land, to build a saw and grist-mill on the middle 
branch of the Piscataquog River, where Charles 
Tucker's mill now stands, with a right to flow, for 
the space of seven years, the low land farther up 
said stream, so as to furnish a supply of water lor tin 
dry season, the proprietors to provide the mill-irons. 
The frequent complaint of the settlers to the pro- 
prietors would tend to show that he did not give 
satisfaction. What the difficulty was does not ap- 
pear, — whether he refused to saw boards for one-half. 
according to the custom of the time, and demanded 
payment in cash, or claimed more than a sixteenth part 
of the grain for grinding. But it is .piiteevident.it 
was an infringement on the rights of tin 1 settlers, and 
an abuse of the privileges granted him, or was so con- 
sidered by the proprietors from the action taken at 
several of their meetings. At one it was voted to sue 
Walker and take the mill-irons if he was not more 
accommodating; at another time they authorized and 
empowered Thomas Cochran and John McAllister to 
take legal measures with Andrew Walker. At an 
early period Deacon Thomas Cochran built a corn- 
mill on a small stream known as the Cochran Brook, 
and prior to 1770. Hugh Gregg built a saw and grist- 
mill on the middle branch of the Piscataquog River, 
where Alvaro Hadley's now stands. 

Deacon Jesse Christy built a saw and grist-mill on 
the spot now owned by the Paper-Mil] Company. 
Saw-mills were built in different parts of the town to 
the number of thirty-three, nine of which were located 
on the south branch of the river, nine on the middle 
branch, four on the Marden Brook, one on Turkey 
Brook, near the north end of the Great Meadow, one 

on brook near Hiram Wilson's, tw i Wood's Brook, 

besides two on the south branch of the Piscataquog, 
which were connected with grist-mills. 

Manufactures.— The first manufactory in town of 



which then- is any record was that of wire, and was 
carried on by Holmes, Kendall & Crombie in a build- 
ing near where the paper-mill now stands. Not proving 
remunerative, it was given up. 

Axes and hoes were manufactured there about the 
same time. 

A year or two later Moses Wood creeled a building 
near the same place, and began the manufacture of 
guns and rifles, which he carried on successfully for 
along period, until the breech-loader succeeded the 
old muzzle-loader. 

Kendall & McLane began the manufacture of 
doors, sash and blinds in 1845, in a building where 
John Gregg's shop now stands, which was afterwards 
burned, and were succeeded the next year by N. & R. 
McLane, who continued the business thereuntil 1852, 
when they erected a dam and building about one 
hundred rods northeast of the Lower village, and 
have continued the manufacture of doors there till 
the present time. 

The same year Nathan Farley commenced the 
manufacture of piano-cases, which lie has continued 
successfully. 

Fuller .v Wisewell made looking-glasses and pic- 
ture-frames in the same building formerly occupied 
by N. & li. McLane tor two or three years. 

They were succeeded by Mr. Smith, who put in 
machinery tor knit hosiery. After operating a few- 
months, he had the misfortune to have his stock and 
machinery destroyed by fire. 

For twenty years or more David N. Butterfield has 
manufactured fancy boxes and toy furniture in what 
was known as the Cage Mill, and has machinery for 
turning and planing iron. 

Mr. Brett for three or four years carried on the 
business of making bobbins. 

Morgan & Andrews for a time manufactured bed- 
steads in the west [.art of the town. The premises 
are now occupied by E. 1>. Morgan as a table-factory. 
In 1846, George D. Neville commenced and pur- 
sued the making of edge-tools in the shop built by 
I lavid Smith. 

John W. Andrews' knob and chair-factory Is now 
owned and occupied by Mr. Alfred Wilder, who 
manufactures toy carriages to quite an extent, 

Abram Wason erected a steam-shop for the making 
of barrel-heads in 1883, and is still in the business. 

Soldiers of the French and Indian Wars.— There 

is no evidence, traditional or historical, that any resi- 
dent of the town servedin these wars from 17".". to 
I7i,n. 

Daniel Kelso enlisted from Deny in 1758, at the 
age of sixteen years, and served till the close of the 
war. He afterwards remove. 1 to this town. 

John Livingston, born in the year 17'2'J, in the 
parish of Learcastle, County of Argyle, Scotland, had 
a more varied experience than any other citizen of 
his day. The year 1756 was, on the whole, more fav- 
orable" to the French arms in North America than the 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



British, ami great efforts were made <m the part of 
the latter to put a sufficient force into the field, so as 
i.i successfully contend with the former ; and to d<> 
that it was necessary to raise a large number of men 
by enlistment to make up the quota of the standing 
regiments and form new ones, and if the young men 
would not enlist, they were conscripted. 

In September of the above-named year, on Living- 
ston's return from the grist-mill, he was met by the 
recruiting sergeant and a hie of soldiers, and was 
forced to accompany them to the place of rendez- 
vous, leaving the horse and bag of meal in the 
highway, aud at his home a wife and child. He 
afterwards enlisted and sent his wife the bounty 
money. The Highland Regiment, of which he was 
a soldier, landed in Boston in the early part of the 
year 1757, and was in service on the frontier that 
year and the next, and in 1759 took part in the ex- 
pedition under General Wolfe to take Quebec. He 
was iu the battle of Abraham's Plains and all the 
other conflicts in which that division was 
in every one of which he performed his duty faith- 
fully. After seven years' service he obtained his 
discharge, of which the following is a copy : 

CITY o]- JOHN LIVINGSTON'S DISCHARGE. 

•■His Majesty's t-lli Regiment of foot Whei.-.f Simon Frazcr is lot. 

"These are to Certifk- ttiat tin- Bearer hereof John 1 . l v i r i _. - 1 ■ ■ 1 1 ~. .T . r i . i 
in Hayoi Campbell's Company . -i the aforesaid Regiment 
parish of Learcastle and in the County of Argile, aged thirty-six years 
and by trade a fanner. 

"Hath served honestly an. I Faithfully in tie- -.ml I,-. 
space of seven years. But by reason that the Regiment is to be reduced 
is here by discharge.!, he having first received all just li.-man.ls . .1' pay 

Clothing etc. from hi, entn int.. the sai.l Ke-i nt I., the Da} .•! this 

- q. pears l.y hi> Ke. .-pi ..nth.- Fa. k hereof 

••i;iven under my hand and the seal of the I;. --intent at Ouel.ee iu 
Canada this Tenth day ..I S.-|.t.-uil..o IT...;. 



After his discharge, in company with other High- 
landers, he came to Montreal, and from thence up 
the Missisqui River to Lake Champlain, along the 
shore of this lake to the- mouth of the Winooski, up 
the last-named to Montpelier, where there was but 
one log house There were but few settlements in 
Vermont then, except on the Connecticut River and 
Lake Champlain. 

He then went from Montpelier to Windsor, and 
from there to Boston, where he worked in the sum- 
in in a Wr-l India good.- -tore and a steve- 
dore's gang for the small sum of fifty cent.- per day, 
and in the winter came to Bedford (or New Boston) 

ami worked for his board. After three or I ] ears 

he had saved enough to purchase a lot of land in the 
northwest part of the town, and clearing it, he built 
a log house and frame barn, ami in 177-'l -cut for his 
wife and daughter, whom In- had not seen for seven- 
teen years. They arrived in November of the same 
year. By industry and economy he acquired a large 
landed estate in this town and Franeestown. He 



was a very successful farmer, raising a large number of 
horses, cattle and sheep. He died July lb. 1818. 

Soldiers of the Revolution— A bner Hogg, son of 
Robert Hogg, was born iu Londonderry in the year 
1759. He enlisted in June, 177b, under Captain Barnes, 
of Lyndeborough, and went with him to Tieonderoga, 
in General Gates' division, and in December returned 
home, lie re-enlisted the next spring under t 'aptain 
Livermore, in < lolonel Scammel's regiment, the Third 
New Hampshire, and was in frequent skirmishes in 
the vicinity of Tieonderoga. He was in the battle of 
Stillwater, and, later, witnessed Burgoyne's surrender. 
He then joined Washington's army and was in several 
conflicts; he came home in .May, 1780. During his 
term of service he was iu ten battles, held a sergeant's 
warrant for two years of the time and drew a ser- 
geant's pay from government from 1831 to the time 
id his death. 

.lame-, an elder brother. Was in the battle of 
Bunker Hill. 

William Beard was also in this battle, and after- 
ward received an ensign's commission. He was in 
General Stark- army ai the battle of Bennington, 
in 1777. 

Deacon Archibald McMillen was wounded in the 
Bunker Hill conflict, but it does not appear that he 
enlisted for a term of service, for he was elected 
representative of New Boston and Franeestown to the 
i reneral Court tit Exeter in 1777. 

Robert Campbell, Josiah Warren and James Cald- 
well were taken prisoners by the Indians in the vicin- 
ity of Tieonderoga, and left there some months. The 
exchange or liberation occurred on the last Wednesday 
of May, the day on which the Legislature of Mas- 
sachusetts met, and they afterwards annually cel- 
ebrated the event by a festival, called the feast 
of Purim or deliverance, at which times they met 
alternately at each other's houses. 

Caleb Howe served long enough to draw full pen- 
sion. 

About the beginning of the Revolutionary War 
there was a large addition to the population of the 
town from Beverly, Windham, Hamilton and other 
coast towns. 

They were a people of purely English origin and 
ancestry, having different manners, customs and 
usages from the earlier settlers, and a different pronun- 
ciation from the broad Scotch. As a body, thrifty, 
frugal and industrious. A- a rule, they came with 
sufficient means to purchase many improvements over 
the earlier settlers. This influx continued until about 
the beginning of the present century, and added 
materially to the wealth and prosperity of the town. 

There were families of Dodges, besides the Andrews. 
Obers, Dam-, Morgans, Langdells, Bennetts aud 
Whipple.-. 

From the beginning of the second immigration the 
population increased rapidly, and reached the highest 
in the second decade of this century, it being about 



NEW BOSTON. 



1700, and since that time there has been a steady 
decrease. In 1870 it was 1241, in L880, 1144— an ac- 
tual decrease of over 550 in sixty years, due mainly 
to the same causes that have diminished the wealth, 
population and production of the farming towns, 
more particularly those that have no railroad facilities. 
War of 1812.— There is not much known of this 
town in connection with the War of 1812. Nathan 
Hall and Jonathan Brown are the onl) ones known 
to have been engaged in it. 

NAMES OF VOL1 NTEEBS FROM NEW BOSTON IN THE WAB 

OF THE REBELLION. 
Fob I mi. i i. Months 
James I!. Whipple, Paul Whipple, Page Fox, Joseph K. Whipple, W. 
B. Dodge, lifted Ea , W E. Taggart. 



Perley Dodge,* M. Ci.li.uni, \' \ I 
drews,* C, U Dickey," n Pe*b ' I' 

dell, William Kelso, Page Fox, H Fairfii 
Cudworth,* Calvin Aiuln-ws, r. H. .Murpl 
I. M, Lewis Towns," Moses Crombie, Benja 



IvlS'./' JuCull I 



Towns, George \n 
.. Peabody," .1 Lang- 
e Langdell, Edward 
Dodge, '■ -ge Mar- 
ion,* Frederick Lam- 



Paul Whipple, Henrj <...-.. A Cn-i,. I \ . i . tr oi„.,. ,i„iu, i.,run, 
(George Davis, George IL-\\, E.hvin Banianl,* Levi W. Sarg. Qt, Charli 3 

Brooks,* RichanR.u, Frank Warden, Juhii llnxt Washington 

Follansbee, Henry Shelle,, W.I1-..11 M. .el.-, i li.nl... I I mgjrrtt,* H. Frank 
Warren, Elbridge MansBeld, J II Johonnett, l I Bennett, i-ustin 
M. . r_.,,: ., .. ., i ■■ ■ ■ i ... ., i: v || W 'ii. ... i>. - 



aids, Joseph Richards," Oscai Richards, Daniel F. Shedd, James Col- 
burn, John Dickey, William J, Perkins, John II. Boynton, Robert 

Richards. 

Lawyers. — There existed lor a long time a decided 
aversion to the legal profession among no small part 
of the community, but that soon disappeared; never- 
theless New Boston has never been an inviting field 
for this profession. Its location is not sufficiently cen- 
tral to attract business from surrounding towns, nor 
has New Boston raised many of her sons to thiscalling ; 
but of those she has given, there is no occasion for 
shame. 

William Wilson became the leader and rosetoemi- 
nence. He was the son of Alexander Wils gradu- 
ated at Dartmouth College in 1797, settled in Ohio 
and became judge of the Supreme Court in 1823; he 
was subsequently elected a member of Congress and 
died in 1827, aged fifty-five years. 

Josiah Fairfield, the son of John Fairfield, was born 
August, 1803, fitted for college at An dover, Mass., and 
graduated from Dartmouth in 1S25. In 1827 he went 
to Hudson, N.Y.,and became principal of the academy 
Which position he held five years, studying law in the 
mean time, and in 1832 began to practice. 

Mr. Fairfield was always a firm friend of education 
and an advocate of all righteous reforms, lie died in 
Hudson, N. Y., respected by all. 

Clark B. Cochrane was born in 1813, and was the 
son of John Cochrane. He commenced fitting tor 



college ;;l Atkin-oii Academy in ls:!2, under John 
Kelly, Esq., and Completed his preparation at I'ran- 
cestown Academy and at Nashua. 

He entered Union College in 1835, and graduated 
in l.So'J, commenced practicing law at Amsterdam, 
N. Y., and in 1851 removed to Schenectady, thence to 
Albany in 18.35. In 1856 he was elected to represent 
in the United States Congress the counties ol Sche- 
nectady, Schoharie, Montgomery and Fulton, and was 
re-elected in 1858. 

Mr. Cochrane gained a high position among his 
competitors by his legal knowledge. He died at 
Albany. 

James Crombie was born in 1811, the third son of 
William Crombie, Esq., removed from New Boston to 
Otsego, N. A'., when only five years of age. Ill health 
forbade a college course, but in 1834 he began thi 
study of law, and was admitted to the bar at Albany 
in October, 1837. 

Lorenzo Fairbanks is the son of Joel Fairbanks, 
and was born March 16, 1825. He fitted for college 
at Black River Academy, Ludlow, Vt., graduated at 
Dartmouth College in 1X52, and immediately com- 
menced the study of law in New York; was admitted 
to the bar iii 1853. He subsequently established him- 
self in business in Philadelphia, but has sine rrm^\ ed 

to Boston, where he now resides. 

( Ihristopher C. Langdell is the son of the late John 
Langdell. He fitted for college at Exeter Academy, 
graduated at Harvard and afterwards practiced law 
in New York City. He is now professor in the Law 
School at Harvard ( iollege. 

Perley Dodge was the youngest son of William 
Dodge, who settled lure in 1787. His ancestors are 
believed to have come from the north of Wales, and 
were among the early settlers in Massachusetts I'.ay. 
He fitted forcollegeat Pinkerton, Salisbury and Kran- 
cestown Academies, entered Dartmouth in 1820, sub- 
sequently went to Union College, from which he 
graduated in 1824. In 1828 he was admitted to the 
bar, practicing first at Francestown, then in New 
Boston, but afterwards removed to Amherst, where hi- 
iiou lives. 

John Gove, son of Dr. Jonathan Cove, was bom in 
New Boston, February 17, 1771, graduated at Dart- 
mouth College in 1793, commenced the practicing of 
law in Goffstown in 1797 aud removed to Chillicothe, 
Ohio, in 1802. He died the same \ car. a^.d thirty -one. 

Charles Frederick Com- was also the son of Dr. 
Jonathan Cove. He was born May 13, 1 793, gradu- 
ated at Dartmouth College in 1817, read law with J. 
Forsaith and commenced its practice in ( iollslown in 
1820, where he remained till 1839, when he 
to Nashville (now Nashua), and represented it in the 
- ' i islature in 1830,'31,'32,'33,'34. He was presi- 
dent of the State Senate in 1835, was solicitor from 
1834 to 1837, Attorney-Gem ral from 1837 to 1842, and 
appointed circuit judge of Court of ( Jommon Pleas in 
1842. 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Robert Chirk Cochran is the son of the late John 
I). Cochran. He was born Novenber 4, 1813, and 
resided in Gallatin, -Miss., up to the time of his 
death. 

Jesse McCurdy, the son of the late James McCurdy, 
graduated at Dartmouth in the class of 1852. He is 
now practicing law in Quitman, Miss. 

Seth Fairfield is the son of Benjamin Fairfield, 
Esq., and a graduate of Waterville College, Me. He 
went into Mississippi tip teach school, and is now in 
the practice of tile legal profession in that State. 

Ninian (.'huh Betton was born in 1788. Hestudied 
at Atkinson Academy, entered Dartmouth College 
and graduated with the reputation of high scholarship. 
He practiced in Boston up to the time of his death, 
which occurred November 19, 1856. 

George E. Cochrane, son of Allied Cochrane, was 
bornMarch 30, 1845. He studied law with Judge 
i 'loss, of Manchester, afterwards settling in Farming- 
ton, and from thence he removed to Rochester, where 
he now resides. 

Charles S. McLane, the son of Rodney McLane, 
was born November, 1854. He received his educa- 
tion at Mont Vernon, Derry and Tilton schools, stud- 
ied law with Wadleigh & Wallace, of Milford, and 
subsequently practiced in Dover, from which place he 
has now removed to Wichita, Kan. 

Doctors.— The first doctor in town was Matthew 
Thornton, one of the signers of the Declaration of 
Independence. When he came here and how long he 
stayed is not known. He afterwards removed to a 
place in Merrimack known as Thornton's Ferry, 
where he died. 

The next was Dr. Jonathan Gove, who came here 



He 



evidentlv a polished and 



in the year 1770. 
cultivated man, as well as a skillful physician. He 
held many town offices, more particularly that of 
town clerk, for a long period. After he had passed 
middle age he removed tip (lotlstown and died there. 

Contemporary with Dr. (Jove was Dr. Hugh Mc- 
Millen.a self-educated physician and a good practical 
chemist. By study and experiment he was enabled 
to compound and prepare medicines that wire valua- 
ble in diseases of the blood, and it is said he discov- 
ered ii cure for hydrophobia, if taken in season. The 
secret he left to his son, Dr. Abraham McMillen, and 
it died with him. 

The next in order was Dr. Eastman. 

lie was succeeded l>\ Dr. Lincoln, a man of some 
enterprise. He built mills on the premises now 
owned and occupied by Elbridge C. Colby : but hav- 
ing met with some reverses, he left town, and he, ill 
turn, was succeeded by Dr. Cutter, who remained a 
short time, and returned to Jaffrey, his former home. 

Next in order was Dr. John Whipple, who began 
practice ill the year 1800. He was a good practitioner 
and a man of enterprise. 

Dr. Brown, of Maine, came here in 1813, and 
stayed four years. 



Dr. Dalton succeeded him in 1819, and remained 

till Ins death. 

Dr. Dalton was followed by Dr. Perkins. After 
a lew years' practice he abandoned this profession to 
study for the ministry. Next came Dr. Bradford, who, 
after some three years, removed to Montague, Mass. 

His successor was Dr. hitch, of Greenfield, N. H. 

Dr. Danforth, of Wean, followed Dr. Fitch, lie 
retired after a practice of more than twenty years. 

In the year 1848, Dr. Moses Atwood came here 
from Concord. He hegan the practice of medicine 
in North Lyndchorough in 1827 ; thence removed to 
Deering, and from Deering to Francestown, where be 
had a very extended practice, probably equal to that 
of any physician in the county. In 1841 he changed 
from allopathy to homoeopathy, and such was the 
confidence of his [patrons in his skill and judgment 
thai, almost without except ion. they continued their 
patronage. He was the first homoeopathic physician 
in New Hampshire. He died in New Boston April 
28, 1850. 

About 1858, Dr. N. P. Clark came here from An- 
dover, N. II.. and was a successful practitioner for 
more than twenty years. He died in 1881. 

In 1865, Dr. Terhune cam.' here from Hackensack, 
N. J., and remained a lew years. 

Dr. Sturtevant was contemporary with Dr. Clark 
from 1875, and built up quite a lucrative business, 

He was succeeded by Dr. Myshrall, and he, in turn, 
by Drs. Gould and Weaver, who are now the resident 
physicians. 

The following are the physicians who have gone 
out from here: 

Dr. James Crombie hegan practice iu Temple. 
N. H., in 17H8. He removed from Temple to Fran- 
cestown. and from thence to Waterford, Me. 

Dr. William Person practiced in Gloucester, Mass., 
and died there. 

Dr. Alexander Mct'olloin practiced in Pittston, 
Me., where he died in 1884. 

Dr. Samuel Gregg studied medicine with Dr. Dal- 
ton. of this town ; went first to Medford, Mass. ; 
after wards became homo opathic, and went to Boston, 
where he died. 

Dr. Jeremiah Cochran studied with Dr. Daltou ; 
removed to Sandusky, Ohio, where he died after sev- 
eral years' practice. 

I if. ( 'harlcs Cochran is a practicing (physician at 
Toledo, Ohio. 

Dr. Horace Wason hegan the practice of medicine 
at Manchester. Mass., and died there. 

Dr. Thomas Cochran took bis degree at Harvard in 
1840. lie went to New Ipswich the same year, 
where he remained until 1853, when he went to West 
Rutland, Vt. In 1862 he received the appointment 
of a-sistant surgeon iu the United States army. 

Dr. Daniel Marden studied with Dr. Danforth; 
hegan practice at Goshen, N. H.,and went from there 
to Peru, Vt. 



NEW BOSTON. 



tiOl 



;raduated 


at 


the Homoeopathi 


hi, and is 




v located in Frai 


gradual. 


1 at 


Dartmouth Mud 



Loin 



Dr. Nathaniel Peabody studied at Hanover, and 
died in New Jersey. 

Dr. E. G. Kelly studied medicine with Dr. Muzzy, 
of Hanover, and" graduated at Jefferson .Medical 
College, Philadelphia, Pa., and now lives in New 
bury port. 

Dr. J. K. Warren graduated at the II ipat'hic 

Medical College, New York City ; began practice in 
Palmer. Mass., and is now a physician in Worces- 
ter. 

Dr. George Adams graduated from the same college, 
and commenced practice in Webster, where he died 

Dr. Arthur Todd 
Medical School, Bos 
cestown. 

Dr. Eugene Wasoi 
eal School, and practiced 
there removed to Nashua 

Traders— The first stoic in town was opened by 
John McLaughlin, on the hill south of the Upper vil- 
lage ; after he retired there were several trailers in the 
Upper village, viz., — Dr. Lincoln, Messrs. Whitney, 
Bixby, McCollom, Warren. 

In the year 1824, Micah Lawrence and Waterman 
Burr began trade in the Upper village, and continued 
there until 1828, when thej erected a store in what is 
now the Lower village, and remained in company until 
1834, when Mr. Lawrence retired. Mr. Burr contin- 
ued in business some eighteen years longer. Both 
were largely identified with the interests of the town, 
— Mr. Lawrence as auctioneer, selectman, overseer of 
the poor and two years representative ; Mr. Burr as 
justice of the peace for fifty years and doing a large 
amount of writing in drawing wills, deeds, bonds, etc., 
and as executor and administrator, having settled 
nearly or unite one hundred estates. 

About the year 1825, Amos W. Tewksbury suc- 
ceeded Samuel Trull in the Upper village, where he 
was in trade till 1830, when he removed to the Lower 
and built a house and store; here he remained twenty 
years or more, when he sold to .lames M. Gregg and 
removed to West Randolph, Vt., engaging in the same 
business under the firm-name of A. W. Tewksbury 
cV Sons, doing an extensive business, said to be the 
largest retail store in Vermont. 

During the same period Stephen Whipple, David 
<i. Fuller and Alexander Dickey were in trade a short 
time each. 

Mr. Burr was succeeded by .1. M. & D. D. Smith, 
Joseph K. Whipple and S. D. Atwood commenced 
trade in the old brick store, and continued some five 
or six years. Whipple retired and was succeeded l>\ 
Henry Kelso. Kelso withdrawing, the business was 
continued under the name of S. D. Atwood .V Co. 

The Smiths were succeeded by Samuel M.Worthley 
who was in business two years, when his house and 
store were burned. 

A short time prior to the destruction of Worlhley's 



buildings, Charles and ( 'larence Dodge opened a store 
on the premises formerly occupied by A. W. Tewks- 
bury ; the senior partner, on retiring, was sin m ile.l 

by George Warren; since his withdrawal ('. II. 

Dodge has carried on business alone. 

REV. JOHIS ATWOOD was born in Hudson (then Not- 
tingham West), October 3, 1795, where he united with 
the Baptist Church at the age of twenty-one. 

Soon alter he lagan to study, with the ministry in 
view, under the instruction of Rev. Daniel Merrill. 
In May, 1817. he entered tie Literary ami Theological 
Department of Waterville College, in which he re- 
mained live years, iiudei the instruction of Rev. Dr. 
Chaplin. 

lie married, November 28, 1826, Lydia, eldest 

daughtei Of Deacon Solomon Dodge. Being dis- 
missed from the church in New Boston as their pastor, 
alter spending a short time in Francestow n, he re- 
moved to Hillsborough, where he remained seven 

In 1843, Mr. Atwood was elected State treasurer, 
which office he retained six years, a parted' which 
time he served as chaplain to the State Prison. 

In 1850, Mr. Atw 1 returned to New Boston, when 1 

he resided until his death, which occurred on April 
28, 187"., occupying his time in cultivating his farm, 
ami occasionally supplying churches destitute of pas- 
tors, enjoying the confidence and respect of the com- 
munity, whom lie represented in the Legislature rive 
years, viz.— 1832, '33, '34, '35, '59. 

As a preacher. Mr. Atwood was evangelical and in- 
structive, and as a pastor, faithful, affectionate and 
conciliatory; ami his ministry in New Boston served 
greatly to enlarge and strengthen the church to which 
he ministered. 

He always cordially .-ought to advance t hi cause ot 
education and to promote every enterprise that prom- 
ised to benefit the community. And the government 
and Union found, in their hour of peril, an unwaver- 
ing friend and supporter, planting no thorns for the 
pillow of his declining years by neutrality and op- 
position to a just government. Courteous, hospitable 
and generous, be bound to himself all good men, both 
as a Christian gentleman and an upright citizen. 

Mr. Atwood's children are Lydia D., Sarah E. 
John B., Roger W., Ann J., Mary F., Solomon D. 
and John H. 

The latter and John 1'.. died in infancy. 

Sarah F. married John L. Blair, and resides in 
Alton, 111. 

Ann J. became the wile of Rev. J. L. A. Fish ; she 
died March 15, 1874. 

Roger W. married Emily Larcom, of Beverly, Mass., 

and resides in Alton, 111. 

Solomon D. married Flora A. Dodge, of Frances- 
town, and resides in this town. 

Dwiki Campbei i .-'.ii of Thomas ami 
grandson of Uob.-rt Campbell, mie of the earliest set- 
tlers in the east part of the town, now resides where 



602 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY. NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



his grandfather settled in 1763. This is one of the 
instances where property descends to the third and 
fourth generation, 

He has held ihr oilier of selectman longer than any 
other person now living in town, four timi 
ted the town in the State Legislature, has exercised 
great influence in town affairs and enjoyed the confi- 
dence of his townsmen for uprightness and integrity. 
Now past the eightieth mile-post, he retain- his intel- 
lectual vigor unimpaired. 

November 6, 1834, he married Sal >rin a Moor, daugh- 
ter of John Moor and granddaughter of Rev. Solomon 
Moor, who died Februarj 11. 1846, by whom he had 
five children, — 

Clark, horn March 17, 1836,and married Ann Per- 
kins, of Mont Vernon, where they now reside. 

Alfred ML, horn May 14. 1838, married Mary Abbie 
Cochran, ofNew Boston. 

John, born May 1, 1840, died November 17. 1840. 

John and Sabrina, born February 11. 1846, both of 
whom are now dead. 

Mr. Campbell married, forhisscc 1 wife, Decem- 
ber 2. 1847, Matilda Moor, and they have two chil- 
dren, — 

Hamilton M., born August 29, 1848, married Hattie 
Andrews, of New Boston : they are now living in 
( roffstown. 

.Mary Ann. horn March 27, 1851, married Charles 
Bales, of Wilton, where they now reside. 

Host. Robert B. Cochrane was horn in New 
Boston October 24, 17'J4. He was grandson of .lame-, 
of Windham, and great-grandson of John and Jennie 
(McKeen) Cochrane, of that town. This John was 
horn in Londonderry, Ireland, 1704. and settled in Lon- 
donderry, N. H. (part now Windham), in 1720. His 
father, John, when not more than sixteen years old, 
shared in the defense of Londonderry, Ireland, against 
the Catholics, in 1689. He afterwards married Eliza- 
beth Arwin, and died at the age of of forty-six years. 
The John who settled in this country was known as 
"Captain John." and was a leading and efficient man 
in Windham till his death, in 1788. 

The parents of Hon. Robert B. were John Coch- 
rane, of New- Huston (who died in Chester February 
1(1, 1.S47V, aged srveniv-!i\ e years I, and Jemima I >a\ is, 
who was called "a saintly woman." She died Octo- 
ber 7. 1868, aged ninety-four. She was a daughter 
of Benjamin Davis, a captain in the Revolutionary 
army. 

Robert B. had only the scant} privilege, of the 
district school of llc.se days, but fitted himself to 
begin teaching at the age of sixteen (1810), and 
taught winters for nearly fifty years, generally two 
schools each winter; was justice of the peace for 
about the same length of time. He was a surveyor 
of land, and no other man in New Boston was so 
familiar with lots and lines; was representative from 
New Boston, 1835-36-37; was selectman about a 
dozen years, most of the time chairman of the hoard, 



and was chosen State Senator, 1854 and 1856. For a 
long series of years he was largely in probate busi- 
ness, was a frequent referee, and wrote an untold 
number of wills, deeds, contracts and various legal 
papers; was a Christian man most of his long lite, 
and was for years an officer of the Sabbath-school 
following its earliest organization in the town; was 
rom New Boston to the Constitutional Con- 
vention of 1850; was a self-made man. of clear load 
and strung natural abilities. He died May 7, 1878. 
His brothers ware Hon. Gerry W. Cochrane and 
Hon. Clark B. Cochrane, A.M.. several terms repre- 
sentative in Congress from the Albany District, New- 
York. 

Robert B. married Elizabeth, daughter of Captain 
Robert Warren, of Ijfew Boston. Of their ten chil- 
dren, four died young. The others were as follows : 

1. Prudence, horn March 10, 1*24 ; a quick scholar 
and good teacher; has been an invalid since 1847. 

2. Annis C. O, horn April 16, 1825; married John 
0. Parker, of Manchester, November, 1848; died 
March ll, 1854. Her only surviving child, Willard 
Boyd, was graduated at Dartmouth College, 1875. 

3. Sophia P., born February 18, 1830; died April 
30, 1851; a remarkably keen and accurate scholar. 

4. Rev. Warren R., born August 25, 1835, was 
graduated at Dartmouth College', 1859; tutor in Dart- 
mouth College. 1861; pastor of the Presbyterian 
Church, Antrim, N. H., nearly eighteen years; mar- 
ried Leila O, daughter of William C. and Harriet 

Crombie) < iochran, June 1 1, 1864. 

5. Elizabeth D., horn April 28, 1837; married W. 
W. Story, of Antrim, November 6, 1870. 

6. (.'lark B., horn February 9, 1843; was graduated 
at the Albany Law School, 1865; married .Mary K. 
Andrews, of New London, N. H. 

Casualties, Suicides, etc. — Nathan Merrill was 

found dead in the road. Tradition says that in the 
early settlement of the town an erratic, visionary 

Sort of man was found dead in SO small a [ 1 of 

water that foul play or suicide was suspected. A 
jury was called, on which was a broad-spot 
Erin, who acted as chairman, and when inquired ol 
by the justice for the result of their investigation, 
replied. " Ver honor, we brought in a verdict of 
felonious wilful murther! But, jest to soften it down 
a little, we ca'd it m-cidcntit!." 

Tradition says that in the spring of the year, in 
the early settlement of the town, the body of a man 
was found tear the Great Meadow, in the west part 
of the town. Who he was or how he came to his 
death is not affirmed; his hody was found near the 
camp where some cattle had been fed during the 
winter, which had been driven up from Londonderry. 
as was the custom for many years. 

Captain John McLaughlin, who resided on Brad- 
ford's Hill, carrying on an extensive business in tan- 
ning, met with some reverses of fortune, and was 80 on 
after found drowned in a well in the east corner of his 



NEW BOSTON. 



field. The late Luther Richards was on the jury of 
inquest, who, in speaking of the result of the inves- 
tigation, said, — ''As we could not say, as no one saw 
him, that lie came to his death intentionally, we 
though! it would be most in harmony with the feel- 
ing of the community to say accidental, ami that was 
..in \ erdict." 

The wife of Captain Gray hung herself on the night 
of the installation of Rev. .Solomon Moor, in lie house 
now owned by .John Kidder. < iray had been a sea-cap- 
tain, and foul play was suspected, as the knot in the 
rope around her neck was a genuine sailor-knot. 
When asked why he did not cut her down when he 
first found her, he replied that "he put his hand to 
her mouth, and her breath was cold, so he knew she 
was dead." 

In L854 a young man sought to win the hand of a 
young lady, and, being unsuccessful, resolved to take 
her life, which he elf'eeted, and then took his own 
with the same instrument, expressing a desire before 
he died to lie buried in the same grave with her 
who had just fallen by his hand. 

The following inscription on her tombstone not 
only serves to preserve tin- historic fact, but to show 
to what wondrous heights of sublimity the muse will 
rise when so tragical an event transpires : 

"Sevilla, daughter of George and Sural, .tones, innideiedhj Henry X. 
Saiaant. .January la, IJ-.'-i, a^-d IT jours and 'J in... 

" Thus foil Ibis lovely. hlooinini: da.i-hlei 
111 Hi., revengeful hand— a malicious Henry. 

\\ hen mil hei way !.. - I I he met her 

And with a six self-rooked pistol shot her." 

Charles Small was murdered September 7. 1840, h\ 
one Thomas, of Amherst, mar the McCollom tavern, 
on the road to Amherst, 

Mr. Benjamin Blaisdcll, of Goffstown, came to 
New Boston, and bought a farm, now owned b) 
Charles Shedd. His family consisted of his wife, 
who was Clarissa J. Kimball, of Goffstown, their four 
children and his mother. In the winter of 1849, 
Letitia Blaisdell, an adopted daughter of the late 
father of Mr. Blaisdell, who had been workingat Man- 
chester after his removal to New Boston, came to visit 
in his family. At her own request, the night after her 
arrival she slept with her adopted mother. The next 
morning the old lady was taken sick in a strange way, 
soon became insensible ami died the next morning, 
aged about eighty. After the death of Mr. Blaisdell's 
mother Letitia weut to Wentworth, and spent about 
four weeks, ami returned February 16, 1849. 

The next day after her return, a son, a child about 
two years and a half old, was taken sick, and after 
twelve hours of suffering, died, the physicians affirm- 
ing that in some way the child must have I" en poi- 
soned, yet no suspicions rested on any person. 

Soon after the burial of the child Mr. Blaisdell and 
his wife were taken sick while at tea. with every 
symptom of poison, but by timely aid were relieved. 

Suspicions now began to rest .m L t it ia, and she soon 
39 



confessed her guilt,— that she had administered mor- 
phine both t.. the aged mother and the little child, 
and the same ill the tea which Mr. and Mrs. Blaisdell 
drank; and that she had provided herself with 
strychnine it the morphine failed; that she held a 
forged note against .Mr. Blaisdell, and intended to 
destroy the whole family. This was undertaken from 
no ill will towards any member of the family, but 
evidently with the impression that if they were all 
out of the way she could take possession of the prop- 
erty. To this horrid crime she affirmed she had 
been impelled by the counsel and assistance of 
another person. She was arrested, tried and con- 
demned to he hung ; but this sentence was commuted 
to imprisonment tor life ; yet, in 1861, she was par- 
doned out by Governor Goodwin, and she subse- 
quently married a man who had served a period in 
the same prison. 

Mrs. Hannah Hint's, daughter of the late Mi. 
Rollins, was shockingly burned on Saturday evening, 
December 12, 1863, about nine o'clock, by her clothes 
taking fire at the upend ■ of her stove. She sur- 
vived, in great agony, until the next morning, and 
died about seven o'clock, aged thirty-three. 

The spotted i'vvrr prevailed in New Boston greatly 
in 1814 and to a limited extent in lsl.'i. 



-III. 


MIS 






Nalhalii. 


Coch 






Nathaniel 1.'... hi. in. .loin 


McAllis 


oesCoch 


in. Jesse Cristj 






. I.." 


^ Cochin 


d Clark 








...hr,., 


ii 


Mi.;, i 


Thomas 


Wilson 




nil.,. 


Thomas 


Wilson. 

dwell. 



— .1. e-l.li. U. ill. II. J:ihi 



l" '■ !:■ 'i •■.!:.: - w i.- iii, .lr . i:..i.' n <'.uii|»i..-i[. 

i I., i ,. I.,ni.- U i !.-.. ii. Jr.. William ■ rorabie 

IT '■' I |i.: ■ r ■ . .1 .',■ . -. i, .■ ' t.i .-- [.m tit 

ISuit. — Knlirrt Clark, William Ci-.-ml-ii-, Sanim I Hrr^. 
I - ■]. i;. .. 1 1 i In k, William < i..nilu.\ >..: . 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



1802. — Ensign Alexander McCollom, David Wii-,,n 

a ilium i i mbio, I .i.-iir- ii.ii. r !;._■ 1 .« i r 
I hristii 

:'. Wllitillg. Lielltellullt Rohelt C|,,l-Il, . S,,|ohloll Do-lio 

u .ii l'...i_,. Lieuti-naiil John Cochran, Captain William 
Crombie. 

w Iliam Crombie. 

18h7.— Major William ' I o-, . 'aplain -l.-h n Cochran, James Wilson, 

ISO- —.Major William I' ,1,1,., Captain ,l,,lin C.„ lirali, .1. - \\ il-.,|i. 

Esq 

1m,'| —Geary Whilnig, ' aptain Joseph Amlr-ovs, I »■ aeon Joseph 

1810.— Deacon Jo-cph i ., lirali. Fti-i-m Alc.vimlci >1 • ollolll, Solomon 






Josepb Cochl 






1811.— Deacon Robert 

B 

1 ■ i l:,,i.,, i , I., 1 1., Robert Wason, Vlexand, , 

.hi ];,,i„-ii \\ .,-,,, ,, s..i 

1>14 — .lame- Fits, Jr., Benjamin Faille! 

- I .1,,-opll I .,.!,■ ,, 

I sin — Koberr Was,,u, H, a, • .11 Robert Clark, .—I -a, 

1-17 — - 1 , l'.„l_. , i aptain Roberl Warren, J,,-,-pli Cochran, Es.i. 

.. i I ... : ... i aptain l:,a ,-rt Warren. 

J... .,1, Hooper, Jr., Colon, -1 Sarnie-l Dalle. 
l-2'i — Jo-ph i ,m lnan, ,li , .la,,, I, I),,.,],,!. Jr., I'apl.nii Andrew 
Beard 
W21 —Joseph Cochran, Jr., Jacob Hooper, Jr., Benjamin Fairfield. 

Dodge, Deacon Robert I lark, Benjamin Fair- 






:. Jr.. Deacon Solomon Dodge, Jacob Hooper, 

l: I. ill,, It, -a, ,,ii Sol-miou Dodg,-, l'„ n lalulli F.nr- 






Solo 






1, Jr., John ClondO', Benjamin Failtield. 
, (',„ iii.iii. J,., J, ,lm i ■ion, 1,1,-, ,l,,n, ill, an Cochran. 

- Sol.,, Dodge, Benjamin Fairfield, J,,- ; ! 

I.— Benjamin Fairfield, Samuel Trull, Robert 11. Cochran. 
i.— Andrew Beard, Issaohai Andieu-. I;- 1 . it I; , ,. hi ,n 

. — Benjamin Fairfield, Esq I B I w m i man Burr. 

: -Benjamin I ,., un II. W-; iman Bui Bel rail - Woodbury. 
I.— Samuel Trull, Rodnej Mi I ollom, Ja ii Bii hards 

.— Rodm-v M,t',, ll Benjamin Fanliold, Jacob IF Richards. 

—Jacob IF 111, Inn, I., Janes F. Creag. John I >. . 

:: l*o,l J, , 1 1 , Daniel Camp- 



i' ncilbrick, John I.amson, Mlcah Lawi-nee. 

I; c,„ In. in, I ., ,,lain W ill., i, I ] ...]_., I Mi,,. I , amph.-ll 
1841.— Robert B. c.„ him, i aptain Uillar.I I' 
1842.— Robert B I 'nehl.in. Captain Willard limine, Fain, I 1 .impl.,-11. 

1843.— Daniel Campbell, N. I i rombie, Join, Whipple 

1S44.— Niniah i' • i - a 

; l :,le,,, J, ,im I.,, in.,,,, 

1846. — Ninian C. Crombio, Benjamin Fairfield, Jacob H, Richards 
b II. Richards, Ira Gage, John B. Warren 

■ II 111. I ,■ •;- I: >.. . I, John II Wane,,. 

1849— Ninian ' I roi Jo II , I'bilbri. 1, William Beard 
ilbrick, William Beard. 
lee. Benjamin Dodgi 2d) 
.. J. une. McCurdy. 

"i. id ,i. - Cristj 

.. i Dai 
,.i. J..:,,. ■ I' [odd 
- - o ' Langdell 

11 A - Full. 

[.I. H, \\ .11. 

a Lane 



i- ... Ninian C. Ci i I H 
1851.— Ninian l 
1852.— Willard Dods M rail , 
1853.— Benjamin Fairll I B 
1853.— Benjamin Fairfii Id, I:. I 
1855 —Daniel Campbell, Com 

1850.— George M -I, I ; 

M Shedd, F.eiu. 
1838. — Benjamin Fletcher, Han 
1859,-Daniel Campbell, Willi, 



l-i,o . — \\ illiam Bear,!, George W M, Fane, Stephen F. Biiriiham. 
1 -i',l — Hubert It. Coehian, Stephen F Bio n 

Campbell. Benjamin ' olio 
IS'-o — Robert II c. lira. i, Daniel Campbell. Beniaiioli Colby. 



'•' • B ' liran, D , pbell, Benjamin Colby. 

-it !'• Co. I.ii.ii. B, i,|. mini li,„|e,.. Aim,, ii Lul'kin. 
1866.— Robert B. Cochran, Benjamin Hodge, Alniou Lufkin. 
1867.— Robert 11. Cochran, Stephen F. Biirnhain. Havel Barnard. 
l.M',8. -Benjamin Colby, David Barnaul, William Woodbury. 

■i B. Cochran, William W Ibury, El bridge ( Colby 

l-7-c I.lbiidgei i oil,., John 51 Holt, Alfred M. Campbell. 
lsTF-Elbri.lge C. Colby, John M . Hull, Alfred M Campbell. 
1872. John M IF, II, A 111. ,1 .M . Campbell, Vt illiam Urn.-. 

n M. Holt, Willis rne, George Langdell. 

1874.— ■« illiam mil, . i. o I.aiie, 1,-11, 1 ... % i,l Mar.leh. 

1*7.", — '• ge Langdell. David Mai, I. n. B, iijamin C lime 

1 el .Maiden. B, in, .mi. , i dim, ... ,,,_,. [1. \\ ,1-,,,,. 

1877.— David Marden, Benjamin I dbue, George IF Wilson. 

1878.— David -Maiden. Benjami Ihue, Thomas B i ,„ hi.m. 

1879.— David Maiden. Be I 

'-., ■,, . i ii, gidni i 

1881.— Thomas I; Cochran Chai Ii Hi 

1882.— Thomas R ran, Charles M 

1883 Hired w . Bead. I harles 1 Dodge, John 

. William E. Andrew- I - UcCurdj 

1885.— James M. i urdy. Henry Kelso, Charles Shedd. 

TOWN CLERKS. 

lTC-.o. Alexander .McCll, an . 17n- Til, \\ illiam Clark . 1777-85, John 
Cochran, Jr. ; 1785-92, J John Cochran, Esq. J 

1796-98, Robert Clark; 1799, John Cochran ; 1800-1, Robert Clark; 
1802 t, Gearj Whitine 1805-8 Luke Lincoln ; 1808-11, Gearj Whit 
",- 1-1 14, Joseph Cochran, Jr. ; 1816, Robert Wason ; 1816-17, 

Ji I i i- . i. ! S19 - ■ Joseph I,- loan J, . 1824-29, John Dal- 

n.n 1830 .-. Am- W Teck-bury ; ls:tn-)2. Rodney McCollom ; 1843 
45 John I' Cochran; 1844-48, June- lumforth : 184fl-ol, Waterman 

Bum 1-oJ To. I ge G. Fox; 1871-81, Clarence IF Hodge: F-s2->:>. 

BenjaminHall; 1884-85, i I i 

REPRESENTATIVES. 

17,'.:;, — Jouall '.. ,. ' : . \\ illiam Mom were chosen 

., .mil, i-t, November 8, 1774. 

■ ho-cn delegate to Exeter, to choose 
., delegate to represent tins province in a Continental Congress to be 

Indd in Philadelphia, May In, 177:,. 

lTi.7 'I I, ..,n.i- x\ i|..o a. ,- . In,., i, .i .[,l,-;,l, 1,, a -a,— held at Fx- 

eter, Maj I i 

17i',8-i','.'-7n. — Benjamin Dodge, hosen representative in tin- assembly 
to be held at Fxeter, on tin- third \\ ,-, 1 1 n-, I a \ of December, 1771',. 

1771-72. — Arehil, aid M, Milieu, eh,, sen r,-i,reseiitative in the General 
As-emblv h,,I,|. ii al F\, t, I. thud \A ednesday of December. 1777 

177::. — An Inl ,' ' M II ;:. n. . li.-,ii ie|,iesentative in tin- convention 

i . , l 75 w ,,h. i ii i Stam it, -i FranceBtown, representative in the Gen- 
eral \ - mi.,-. ,i 1 v- 1, third Wednesday of December, 1778. 

17711-77.- Lieutenant William Livingston, delegate to tin , 

.. i .a,. • i.i Septet -- - :7T" 

177--7 '. — J.m - i aUuei: I- pi, -i illative m General A-selubly hold.-n 
at Exeter, third Wednesdaj in I imber, 1780. 

17*11.— Jam, - ' , iiiv- in the General Assembly at Ex- 

eter, 17-1. 

I7sl-s2-s:;.— lleiijainiii Dodge, Archibald McMillen, William Starrett 

in. i i. un. .. ,l.iai I ,.,.!.. ,i...l N,„ Bo-ton and Fiancestovvn, being 
1 a , ii. ■■ n ol ii,- la,- towns at a -pe, ml meet ' 

that purpose. 



178-.I — Not anj 

J.-, .1, w ,i ., a deli -ai- n- He- convention t-, revise 

i, of New I Iain], -hire, hddeii at Con. or, I. Ilt-t \\ , ,l,i,--,lav 

i 1791. 
1794-95.— Ninii 

17... -.; x.-t any 
1798.— Ninian Clark. 
1799. — lam,- Caldwell. 

1800-2.— Ninian (lark, Esq. 

I -" : I : . .plain I pi 

1814-17.— Lieutenant William Dodgi 
D i ii Robert Wason. 
rosepb Cochran, Jr. 

l-l J-- -Be in 1 - 

1827-28.— Samuel Trull. 

18211-311.— Andrew Beard, 




t£L 



NEW BOSTON. 



lillf) 



1831-34.— John Am I. 

1S35-37.— H.'b.n .',„■!, r.ni 

1 - ;,, ] :. ■ M i.» 1 1 1 1 1 1 I'l.n ln-I . 

lS40-41.-Asa McMillen. 

1842-43.— Solomon Dodge, Jr. 

I. II l, 'bnei Hogg. 

1846-47.— Daniel Campbell. 

1848-49.— David Gage and Micah Lawrence. 

1850-31.— John Lamson. 

1852-53.— .1- ihl 

1854.— Benjamin Fleti hi i 

IKiio-oC.— Samuel I.;im.nlelland Daniel Campbell, 

1857.— Daniel Campbell. 

: mi H.i.lu.- I ill .m.l 1'. ii% Km Ii.u'.U. 

I860. John Aiin.uJ and James Danforth. 
1S61.— James Danforth. 
1862-63.— David Gregg 
1864.— George Fox. 
1865-66.— George M. Shedd. 
1867-68.— Daniel Gr, 
J869-70.— Andrew J. Bennett. 
1871.— Stephen F. Burnham. 

Samuel M. Christie. 
1874.— Stephen V. Burnham. 
1875-76.— George E. Cochran. 
1877-78.— Alfred M. Campbell. 



IOLLEGES. 

; William Wilaoi 

olle e, 1791 



Cochran, Dartmouth College, 17! 


- , Natha 1 1 


ai y, Dartmouth Col- 


1 ige, 1 300 Bei 'I'll - i oi In 




[verattj . Rev. Robert 


Co, in. in. Brown 1 i-m & 




. Dartmouth College, 


1812; Charles 1 Gove, Dartmoul 




.In. Ml, 1 airfield, Dart- 


mouth College, L825 ; Clark 11. 


lochran, I'nm 


College, 1839 ; Perley 


Dod i aion College, 1824; Re\ 


Hinuii Wason 


Amherst College, 1834; 


l.'.i Royal Parkinson, Dartmou 


i , ..11.-. . 1-1 


2 w hi. ir S, McCurdy, 


Dartmouth 1 '"lien". IM'i; .!•"'■ .M 


Curdy, Dartm 


llth College, 1852 ; Amos 


B Hi"". Dartmouth College, 




\. il lln.", Dartmouth 


College, 1848; Lorenzo r. ml 




111 1853 Rev. War- 


ren R. Cochran, Dartmouth 




.. 91 I .in li. Adams, 


Dartmouth College, 1859 ; w illiai 




artmouthCoIleg, , 1861 , 


Henry Marden, Dartmouth Colle 






Schools.— The facilit 


es of the 


early settlers for 


educating their children 


were very 


iraited until after 



the incorporation of the town. All the instruction 
was given by teachers hired by individuals, while 
those wh,. had the means sent their children to older 
towns, where public schools existed. 

In 1767 a small building erected by the town near 
the meeting-house was occasionally used for schools. 

Mr. Donovan, an Irishman and a school-teacher 
by profession, taught five months in 1776. 

Three year- pre\ ious to this date, in 1773, the town 
voted to raise twenty-four pounds, and the selectmen 
were to divide il as they thought proper. 

It appeals thai a teacher was employed a few 
mouths in different parts of the town. The follow- 
ing year the same amount was raised, and an arrange- 
ment had been entered into by the inhabitants volun- 
tarily dividing the money equally between the five 
districts. 

In 1788 the town voted to hire a grammar school- 
master, with as little expense as possible, the school- 
master to be examined by the following gentlemen : 
Rev. Solomon Moor, Dr. Jonathan Gove and William 



Clark, as regards his ipuilifieations as teacher of the 
and mathematics ; and it was voted thai 
this teacher keep an equal time in the five districts. 

In 1792, Ninian ('lark, Matthew Fairfield, Solomon 
Dodge, James Caldwell and John Cochran were ap- 
pointed a committee to re-district the town, which 
they proceeded to .1.,, making eleven districts. 

Altera time other changes took place; in u dis- 
tricts were formed until there wen- eighteen. No 
further changes w .'I.' made until 1856, when twodis- 
tricts n.'ai the centre of the town, including the two 

villages, united in luiildinu a spurious and substantia] 

house in the Lower village, and adopted the graded 
system. Since that time other districts have built 
new houses and, with but few exceptions, none of the 
old ones remain to disgrace the town. The school 
system should undergo a radical change. The aver- 
age uumber of scholars in each district is five and 
two-tenths, and at the present rate of decrease in the 
population in a few years some of the outside schools 
will be devoid of scholars. 

It is evident that the town, in order to expend the 
money raised for the support of the schools judi- 
ciously and profitably, should either reduce the num- 
ber of districts one-half or adopt the town system, 
which would be preferable. 



BIOGRA PHI0A L SKETCHES. 



ELBEIDGE WASON. 

There is a tradition that years and years ago sonic 
old Vikings came from Norway to the north of Scot- 
land, and conquering in battle, gave the name of 
Wason field to the plane where the battle w.i- fought, 
which name it retains to this day. Later on, history 
tells of Wasons among the Scotch Covenanters, 
driven from their homes into the north of Ireland. 
The first authentic history of this particular branch 
is that James Wason, who was born in the parish of 

Ballymanus, County of Antrim, Ireland, in the year 
1711, came to this country with his brother Thomas 
in 1736, and was married the sum,- year, at Portsmouth, 
X. II., to Hannah Caldwell, from the same place. 

To them were born sons and daughters, -ran.!- 
children and great-grandchildren, till the name was 
known in many places in New England. 

In 1781, Robert Wason, grandson of James, was 
born at Nottingham West (now Hudson), N. H., 
and went ill 1803 to live in New Boston, N. II. (on 
lot N... 30, mar Joe English Hill), with his uncle, 
Robert Boyd. Ee was married, in 1808, to Nancy 
Bachelder, of Mont Vernon, and they had a family 
of linn children. 

Elbridge Wason was the oldest of them, and faith- 
fully served both as son and elder brother. His ad- 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY", NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



vantages of school were about the av< 'rage of the NY\\ 
England farmer-boy, supplemented by a few terms at 
an academy, and afterwards as a teacher. 

He came to Boston March 8, 1832, and entered as 
clerk in the employ of Pierce & Cooilnow, whole- 
sale grocers, 29 South Market Street. 

September 1. 1837, he entered into business in 
Boston with Henry Peirce, of Lowell, under the firm- 
name of Wason & Peirce, wholesale grocers; a few- 
years later the firm-name was changed to Wason, 
Peirce & Co., and has thus remained until the present 
time, and is one of the oldest firms itt the city. The 
present partners are Elbridge Wason, Henry Peirce 
and Robert Boyd Wason, a brother of Elbridge. 
Their success in business has been due to strict integ- 
rity and promptness in all business relations. 

Mr. Wason has been twice married. — his first wife, 
Mary Stickney, daughter of Samuel Stickney. of 
Lyndeborough, N. 11.. and his second wife, Mary 
Isabella, daughter of Hon. Leonard ( 'base, of Milford, 
X. H. They have two children, — .Mary Isabel! Wason 
and Leonard Chase Wason. 

Their home is in Brookline, Mass.. and here they 
obey the Scripture injunction, " Much given to hos- 
pitality." 

Throughout his busy life Mr. Wason has ever re- 
tained a fondness for his old home among the hills, 
and very often has he gone there for a change and 
rest lrom business. He is always interested in the 
prosperity of the place. A few years ago he gave to the 
town of New Boston a lot of land adjoining the ceme- 
tery, to enlarge the burial-ground, as a memorial to 
his father and mother. It has since been embellished 
by art; but nature has done her utmost to render it 
one of the most beautiful [daces where " He giveth 
UN belo\ ed sleep." 



KEY. EPHEAIM P. BRADFORD.' 

Rev. Ephraim P. Bradford, son of Captain John 
1!. Bradford, of Milford, afterwards of Hancock, 
N. H., was born December 27,1776. He graduated 
at Harvard College at the age of twenty -seven ; 
studied theology with the honored and celebrated Dr. 
Lathrop, of West Springfield, Mass.; was licensed to 
preach at the same place in 1804. At this date the 
Presbyterian Church of New Boston, .V 11., was 
without a pastor, its former and onlj pastor, Rev. 
Solomon Moor, having died May 2.s, lsii:i. at the age 
of sixty-seven, after a ministry of over thirty-four 

years. They were seeking for a me to become 

their pastor. By some means, which do not now* 
appear, thej had heard of Mr. Bradford, and sent for 
him to come and supply their pulpit as a candidate 
for settlement. After preaching for them for four or 
five months, and making a very favorable impression 



1 M"-t of tiiis sketch haa i n glea 1 From '.*■ * E C. Coggswe 

ii," published in 18G4, 



on the minds of the people, by a vote of the town, he 
was cordially invited to become their settled pastor, 
at a salary of four hundred dollars per annum, with 
an additional sum of four hundred dollars as a "set- 
tlement benefit." 

To become the successor of the venerable and 
popular Rev. Mr. Moor was, in the mind of Mr. 
Bradford, no small undertaking. But the cordiality 
anil unanimity of the call made such a favorable im- 
pression on his mind that, alter two or three weeks 
of earnest and prayerful consideration, he decided to 
accept. His ordination and installation occurred on 
February 26, 1806. This was an event which, at that 
early period, awakened a widespread interest. It was 
attended with most solemn and imposing ceremonies. 
Besides the regular council of Presbyterian ministers, 
it was decided to invite six Congregational clergymen 
from the adjacent towns to join the Presbytery as 
council; and the town, by a kind of independent 
action, and with a pleasing magnanimity, voted to 
invite nil the neighboring ministers to be present. 
The Lev. Jesse Appleton, of Hamilton, N. II., after- 
wards president of Bowdoin College, was invited to 

preach the ordination sermon. His text was 1 Cor. 
i. 20: "Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name 
of our Lord .lesus Christ, that ye all speak tin same 
tiling, ami that ye be perfectly joined together in the 
same mind and the same judgment." The assembly 
on this occasion was very large ; the services were 
deeply impressive, and worthy of the men and of the 
event. Nothing was wanting on the part of the town 
to render the ordination of their chosen pastor 
profitable and imposing. They planned liberally and 
executed magnanimously. The 26th of February was 
cherished by that generation as the most delightful 
event of their lives. 

Rev. Mr. Coggswell, the historian of the town, says 
ot Mr. Bradford as follows: "To prepare himself 
more effectually to labor for the good of his people, 
be purchased a small farm upon one of the loftiest 
hills ot New Boston, now known as the ' Bradford 
I lill.' w hence he could survey vast regions of country, 
anil witness such glorious risings and settings of the 
sun as ate seen from but tew localities. Here he 
provided a home, and, on September 1, 1806, was 
married to Miss Mary Manning, daughter of Deacon 
Ephraim Barker, of Amherst, N. II.. with whom he 
lived for nearly forty years, greatly given to hospi- 
tality, with a growing family, loving his people and 
loved by them in return." 

His ministerial labors were highly appreciated and 
wire profitable to his parishioners. The church, from 
time to time, received large accessions to its member- 
ship. In 1815 forty were added, and in 1826 thirty 
more were received. During 1831 and onward, for 
three or four years in succession, a very widespread 
revival interest prevailed, when nearly one hundred 
were added to the church. It was during Mr. Brad- 
ford's efficient ministry, and largely through his zeal 




C /isztyr /5^^_ V^ AJ^o^wz^Op 



NEW BOSTON. 



007 



;uk1 untiring efforts, that, in 1S23, the old, incon- 
venient and dilapidated meeting-house was abandoned, 
and a new one was erected, which still stands (1885) 
as the majestic monument of the skill and liberality 
Of the New Boston people who lived sixty years ago. 
It was dedicated on Christmas day, 1823. The con- 
gregation filled the house to its utmost capacity, and 
listened to an appropriate and talented discourse, 
delivered by their own pastor, whom the proprietors 
had selected for the occasion. His text was 2 Chron. 
vi. 41 : " Now therefore arise, O Lord ( rod, into Thy 
resting-place, Thou and the Ark of Thy strength; let 
Thy priests, () Lord God, be clothed with Salvation 

and let Thy saints rejoice ill goodness." 

For elegance of style and finish, and for expensive- 
ness, this house was equal to any structure of a similar 
kind in the State. It is even to-day, after standing 
for more than sixty years without essential repairs, 
one of the grandest and most imposing public build- 
ings of the county. 

It is a little singular that, after suffering very much 
from the cold in the old house, they should not have 
provided for wanning this new and beautiful one. 
Yet they continued to worship, winter alter winter, 
without any lire in the church, except what was 
brought in the old-style foot-stoves, until 1835, twelve 
years alter the house was dedicated 

From this new pulpit Mr. Bradford proclaimed the 
gospel truth unto the people for almost twenty-two 
years, making an aggregate ministry in both houses 
of worship of nearly forty years. 

During all this period, so uniform and robust was 
his health that his public services were not inter- 
rupted for more than tour or five Sabbaths. 

In the early part of 1845, however, he suit, red a 
severe illness, from which he only partially recovered, 
when, taking a severe cold, he suddenly died of croup, 
on December 14, 1845, aged sixty-nine, greatly la- 
mented by old and young throughout thewhole town. 

Rev. Dr. Whitton, in speaking of Mr. Bradford, 
says,— "After his settlement in the ministry he 
rapidly rose into distinction. Few men in the State 
were equally acceptable in the desk. In the contro- 
versy relative to Dartmouth College, from 1815 to 
1819, he was one of a committee of three appointed 
by the Legislature to investigate its condition. A 
vacancy occurring in the presidency of the college, 
his was among the names before the public as candi- 
date- tor the office." 

In the town history, Mr. Coggswell says of Mr. 
Bradford— "He had a commanding person, a rich 
voice, combined with a high order of intellect and 
great suavity of manners. He had the faculty of 
making people/eel well and to believe that he highly 
esteemed them. And his love lor them begat love 
toward himself. Every crumb of bread was sweet, 
wherever among his people it might be eaten, and 
every home and every locality was pleasant and at- 
tractive. Thus he was welcomed at every door by 



gladde 1 heart-. Mr. Bradford was a fine classical 

scholar, and had read much, so that in conversation 

he was aide to draw from rich and abundant .-tores, 
which a retentive memory always commanded. His 

fund of wit and anecdotes, of classic and historical 
allusions, seemed never exhausted. Able readil) to 
read character and motives, he seemed always pre- 
pared for all occasions and to meet all persons, 
knowing how to order hi- conversation aright." 

Rev. Mr. Aiken, late of Park Strei I ( him h. 
Boston, remarks, — "Mr. Bradford was literally one 
of nature's noblemen; of princely person, with a 
sonorous, commanding voice, exceedingly fluent and 
accurate in speech, modeled somewhat after Johnson's 
style,.--, richly gifted in mind and heart that, with 
little preparation for his Sabbath services, he stood 
among the first preachers of the State." 

It is not strange the people of New Boston became 
proud of their minister, since he gave character to 
them and distinction to the town. 

Mr. Bradford was greatly aided in his ministry by 
his very estimable wife, whose good sense and holy 
influence never failed in lie family circle. She 
relieved him of all care tor the interior of the house 
and also of much anxiety for that which was without. 
She manifestly excelled in her calm and dignified 
deportment, in her patient endurance of hardship, in 
her carefulness of her household, and of the happi- 
ness of her husband and his success as a mil 
Christ. With such a helpmeet, Mr. Bradford could 
not fail to be happy in his home ; and it was here, as 
well as among his people, that he found incentives to 
piety and consecration to hi- Master's service. < »f Mr. 
Bradford's children,— eight sonsand four daughters, 
all lived to grow up except two, -one son and one 
.laughter. The family now (1885) are all gone down 
to the grave except three. — a son ami daughter 
residing in Milwaukee, Wis., and one daughter, 
seventy two year- of age, living still in New Boston, 
the wife of Waterman Burr, Esq., who for manj years 
fill and popular merchant of the town. 



The perpetuity of American institutions and a re- 
publican form of government depend not ii] the 

strength of armies, might} corporations or the wealth 
of millionaires, but upon the unpretending individ- 
uals who. with steady persistency and industrious 
labor, have commenced life in humble circumstances, 
with all the disadvantages of limited education, and 
by perseverance, economy and long years of toil, both 
of brain and hand-, have conquered all obstacles, and 
as a reward of their honest exertions, temperate hab- 
its and a devotion to law and order, has. acquired 

a competency of wealth and an honorable position in 
the e. immunity. Nowhere in America is this class 
more numerous than in New England, and no people 

understand better the deep meaning of the couplet : 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



The farmer on his few sterile acres, the artisan and 
manufacturer in their work-shops, the great masters of 
finance and railroad kings, and the legislators in the 
halls of Congress, all stand mi the plane of equality, 
and the life of one, as well as the other, may point a 
moral or teach a valuable lesson to coming genera- 
tions. 

A little more than sixty years ago, in the spring of 
1824, Luke, son of David and Ellen (Giddings) 
Smith, at that time twenty years old, having been 
horn December 29, 1804, at Acworth, N. H., 
left his father's home, carrying a small bundle con- 
taining all his worldly possessions, to go to Boston, 
there to find employment. His father was a farmer, 
and Luke's school advantages were limited; but by 
his many years' work on the farm he had acquired 
vigor of health, habits of diligence and frugality that 
were of practical use to him in after-life, lie found work 
at brick-making for the summer, then returned home 
and was employed in a saw-mill tor the winter, re- 
ceiving eight dollars per month. The next spring he 
went to Utica, N. Y.. then a small village, for the j 
summer, but again passed his winter in the hard la- 
bor of the saw-mill. Returning to Boston, he 
learned the trade of a nailer, and worked diligently 
I.., him years, and with his strictly temperate and fru- 
gal habits was enabled to save some money. In June, 
1831, Mr. Smith removed to Hillsborough, where his 
lather was at that time residing, purchased a farm, 
became a resilient of Hillsborough, where he lived 
two years. Here he married, June 16, 1831, Wealthy, 
daughter of Deacon .lames and Susan (Senter) Eyres. 
Mr. Smith interested himself in affairs of the town, 
and being strong, vigorous, of line presence and mili- 
tary hearing, he was made lieutenant of the militia, 
which position he resigned when leaving Hillsbor- 
ough for New Boston. On coming io New Boston, in 
1835, he purchased a saw, grist, shingle and clapboard- 
mill.whichheconducted for eighteen years successfully 
and was one of the prominent manufacturers and 
business men of the town, besides owning considerable 
real estate. After so main long years of patient, dili- 
gent and efficient labor, he disposed of his mill and 
farm, and devoted a season to recreation, and traveled 
through Ohio, Michigan and other Western States 
gaming much enjoyment as well as information from 
his journey. After his return to New Hampshire, 
on account ofhis wile's delicate health, in 1854, he 
purchased the place in Milford where lie now resides. 

Mrs. Smith died duly 5, 1859. Their children were 
Wealthy (died aged six years), George L., Mark J., 
and Charles II. Y. Mr. Smith married, January 4, 
I860, hi- second wife, Mrs. Sarah G. Sargent, daugh- 
ter of Issachar and Mindwell (Sillsliy) Mayo, of 
Lempster. 

Mr. Smith has been a man of unwearied industry. 
He was trained to work when a boy, and has never 



been too proud to work, even during his days of 
prosperity. Through many long years he lias been 
a worker, a producer, and not a mere consumer. And 
he has taught his children to walk in the same steps. 
He holds the old-school principles, such doctrines as 
wen- established and current in the periods of his 
early manhood, for men rarely change their views 
after they pass the boundary of middle life. So- 
cially, he is plain and unpretending, a kind hus- 
band and father, a good neighbor and a worthy 
citizen. Politically, Mr. Smith has ever re- 
mained true to those old Democratic ideas of Jeffer- 
son and Jackson. Religiously, he holds to the Bible 
and rests his hopes on it. His theological views are 
best expressed by his life, — in deeds, not words. He 
has been a member id' the Baptist Church at New- 
Boston for many years, having never removed his 
membership to Milford; but he has given generously 
to the churches ofhis chosen faith of both places, es- 
pecially to the latter, which has received fifteen 
hundred dollars. 



HON. GEORGE I.. SMITH. 

Hon. George Luke Smith, a worthy 



of 



estimable parents. Luke and Wealthy (Eyres) Smith, 
was born in New Boston, N. II., December 11, 1837. 
He gave early tokens that he was possessed of an 
active, keen and inquiring mind. He had a ready 
and retentive memory, a fondness for hooks, and, his 
father's means justifying it, he hail the advantage of a 
liberal education. He was fitted for college at San- 
bornton, and entered Union College, N. Y., then in 
charge of that veteran teacher. Dr. Eliphalct Nott, 
and from which he was graduated. At the breaking 
out of the War of the Rebellion, in 1861, he went 
South, having engaged to furnish forageforthe cavalry. 
George L. Smith was a young man of energetii 
business characteristics, and genial, social disposition, 
which made him many friends among the officers and 
other hading men. His venture was a financial suc- 
cess, and when, at the close of the war, having a large 

am. hi f supplies on his hands, he opened a store at 

New Orleans, and largely increased his business asso- 
ciations, he was further prospered, and afterwards had 
a large commercial establishment at Hot Springs, 
Ark., wdiere his death occurred July 9, 1884, in the 
prime of business life and an important political 

career, in which he had already won high In is. 

Cool, clear-headed, wide-awake, positive, energetic 
and straightforward, he was elected to represent his 
district in the Lower House of Congress in 1875, 
where he served with marked ability, and was re- 
elected by a very complimentary vote, but under the 
program in e of the Haves administration was deprived 

ofhis seat. In acknowledgment ofhis popularity and 

executive powers, President Hayes appointed him 
collector of the port al New Orleans. That office, 
under his administration, was conducted on business 
principles and for the best interests of the country. 



M «R^* 




14- 




/- 




. ) . / '. ZP/7^r-Zs7^JLlsL- 



NEW BOSTON. 



Faithful in duty, untiring in effort, earnest and 
loyal in his political convictions and attachments, of a 
generous, kindly and courteous disposition, he leaves 
a record of a fine character and of work well done, 
and had his life been spared, he would have made a 
strong impress on his country's history, both in a 
political and financial sphere. His body was brought 
to New Hampshire, and lies beside his mother, in the 
cemetery at Milford. 

A leading Southwestern journal gave him this notice 
at the time of his death. 

"Hon. George L. Smith was at one time prominent 
in political affairs in Louisiana, being a member of 
the Legislature in 1868, and afterwards twice elected 
to Congress from that State, and in 1879 was ap- 
pointed collector of the port of New < Weans. He was 
also offered a foreign mission by President Hayes. 
He was a man of wealth and shrewdness, and held in 
high esteem by those who knew him best." 



NINIAN CLARK CROMBIE. 

The subject of this sketch was horn in New Boston, 
N. H., January 20, 1801. The family was of Scotch 
origin, having all the marks id' vigor, strength and 
activity peculiar to that race. This side the water 
the record is as follows: 

1. John Crombie. He came from the Scotch coun- 
ties in the north of Ireland and settled in London- 
derry, N. H., in 1720. He married Joan Rankin, 
November 17, 1721, and had a large family. Was 
one of the few honored with a notice in the "Genea- 
logical Sketches" by the early historian of London- 
derry, N. H. 

2. James Crombie, son of John and Joan (Rankin) 
Crombie. He married Jane, daughter of Robert 
Clark, of Londonderry, and lived in that town till 
1 7S: 1 !. when he moved to New Boston and settled on 
one of the best farms in that town. Was shoemaker, 
currier, tanner, farmer and mechanic, and was a man 
of great activity, generous, high-minded and of great 
wit and cheerfulness and Christian zeal. Lied Janu- 
ary 7, 1314. 

3. John Crombie, son of James and Jane (Clark) 
Crombie. He was born in Londonderry, July 30, 
1770. He married his cousin, Lydia Clark, daughter 
of Ninian Clark, Esq., of note in the early history of 
New Boston. John Crombie lived with his father on 
the homestead, and died there April 4, 1839. Was a 
master mechanic and builder. He built many of the 
best churches erected in Southern New Hampshire in 



his day. His pastor wrote of him a- being a man of 
remarkable common sense, sound judgment and well- 
stored and discriminating mind; as being a noted 
referee and peacemaker ; generous to the poor and a 
giver to every good object ; and a Christian, straight- 
forward and devoted to the last. 

Ninian 4 Clark Crombie, son of John and Lydia 
(Clark) Crombie, passed his boyhood in New Boston. 
He had. in addition to the common school, the advan- 
tage of studying with an uncle (a clergyman) in 
Princeton, Mass., a year. He was one of the leading 
men in New Boston for nearly half a century, one of 
those practical and efficient men that so much help 
and honor our country towns. He held neat!) all 
tin' town offices from time to time, was guardian of 
the orphan, counselor of the widow, executor of wills, 
administrator of estates and frequent referee where 
sound and impartial judgment was required. He was 
a man solidly honest, was faithful in every place and 
every decision was marked by good judgment. He 
was well informed in public affairs and was a positive 
character therein: in social life, a genial, wittj and 
attractive man, and a good neighbor. He was a 
liberal supporter of the institutions of the gospel and 
a constant attendant at public worship until pre- 
vented by bis last sickness. He lived the life of an 
humble Christian, though, from distrust of his own 
piety, he had not made a public profession of religion. 
He bore with great patience the long and distressing 
illness which closed bis life, March 14, 1880. His 
end was peace. — one of the quiet, faithful live- that 
will some time be counted great. 

October 20, 1829, -Mr. Crombie married Rebecca 
I 'at i ei i. daughter of Captain Samuel Patten, of ] terry, 
N. H., who still survives, -a worthy companion and a 
most excellent and benevolent Christian woman, 
spending the evening of life amid the love and 
respect of the whole community. Of the children by 
this union, only three are living, — 

Nannie Moor, who married Henry N. Hall, of 
Manchester, N. H., and has two children, — Hattie 
James and Rebecca Clark. 

John Clark' 5 , who lives in Elko, Nev., married 
Maria E. Lee, of Toronto, Canada, and litis one child. 
Rebecca Patten. 

Moses ' Colvard, married Carrie E. Bell, of Frances- 
town, N. II., and has no children. They live in New- 
Boston. 

The children win. died were Samuel Patten l 1st l, 
Mary Eliza"', Samuel Patten I I'd , Hattie Rebecca 
and James Patten. 5 



HISTORY OF NEW IPSWICH. 



CHAPTER I. 

NEW IPSWICH 

Geographical— Original tirant— The Grant of 1750— Incorporation ol the 
Town— The Charter of L762, Ipswich— The Charter of 1766, Xs» Ips- 
wich—The First Si'tll.'iu.-nts— Names of Pioneers— In.lian Alarms — 
The Pioneer Mills— Early Votes— Tax-List of 1763— The Firs! Town- 

M.ftnig— offir.-1-s Kh-rt.-.l— \..tw— Tax-List of 1774. 

The town of New rpswich lies in the southwestern 
corner of the county, and is bounded as follows : On 
the north by Sharon and Temple, on the east by 
Greenville and Mason, and on the south and west by 
Cheshire County. 

The township was granted by the government of 
the Massachusetts Bay, in 1.736, to some inhabitants of 
Ipswich, in that province, as surveyed by Jonas 
Houghton. The settlement of the province bounda- 
ries in 1741 severed a small portion of the Massachu- 
setts grant from the township. The Masonian pro- 
prietors' claim, being confirmed in 174~>, annulled the 
aforesaid grant; but the proprietors under it, with 
others, applied to Colonel Joseph Blanchard, agent 
for said Masonian proprietors, and succeeded in pro- 
curing a grant from them at a small expense, said 
grant being dated April 17, 1750. This grant varied 
somewhat from the former, but covered much of the 
same territory. 

At a meeting of the proprietors. July 5, 1762, it 



" Y<Aol to appl.V to !!!■■ Ki IKTal I'oui t to git til-- I'l. or ,'ull*"l Now 1 ps- 

wich Incorporated. 

•' Voted to imploy Capt, Reuben Kidder to go down to Court to get the 
Incorporation effi-eted, an, I that (ho said KiiMw shall proceed in the af- 
fair as lie shall think Post, aii'l that the necessary charges shall ho paid 
by the Propriety. 11 



He secured an act of incorporation 
September 9, 1762. 

The following is a copj of tin- charti i 



date 



New IIami'SHIRK. 

of God, ot Gi.at Britain, France and 

i these pros- 



"George the Third, by the G 
i reland King, Defender of the Faith, eti ; To 
enta shall come— Greeting 

" H7o ,-os on i loyal sul,], ,-!,, I nhahi touts i.l a ti .ot ot Land within the 

I'oo i t V-u ll.mi]^! , 1 w ii 1>\ tho ii. : ..I New [pswieh, lying 

on a loanoli ol the Soulieean Ko.r, l,e1\\een \,, I and ltowley Canada 
tso called), have humbly petitioned and requested that they may he erec- 
ted and incorporate, 1 into . i Town, lop and lilt] ale liise'l with llie same 
power and privileges which other Town., within our said Province have 
and enjoy ; and it appearing unto u. to be conducive to the general good 

610 



<-f "in .said Province, a- well as of the Inhabitants in particular, by 
maintaining good ord) \ and incouraging the culture of the land, that 
the same should be done;— Know ye therefore, thai We, of our special 
grace, certain knowledge, ami tor tin- encouragement an. I promoting the 
good purposes and ends aforesaid, —by and with the advice of our truly 
and well beloved Benniug \\ entworth, K$qr., our Covernuur and Com- 
mander in Chief, and of our Council for.-viid Province of\.-w Hampshire, 
—have enacted ami ordained, and by these Presents, for us, our heir? and 
>ii 1 '" -.'i-, 1 1. 1 will aii'l ordain, that the Inhabitants of the tract of Land 
ftfon -.ill. .up] others Who -ball [nh&bil and improve thereon hen-after, 

the Bame being butted and bounded as follows, viz. : Beg b ata 

whit- pine tro b I _ i 1 - wuthw it corner of the Town of Wilton ; 

tli-nee riinnin- w -t -i\ mil.'d , t ) ■ ■ ■ x i • e running south t" tin- 1'iovinee 
line, liv.- mile- : thence MX mile* east upon the Province line; 
thence running north five miles l" the bounds first mentioned, — Be, 
and hereby are declared and ordained t" b<- a Town Corporate, and are 
heivb. erect. -d and incorporated intoabodj politick and corporate, to 
have continuance until the first day of January, 1766, by the nam.' of 
Ipswich, with all the powers and authorities, privileges, immunities and 
franchises which any other Tow M in said Province by law have and en- 
joy, to said Inhabitants, or who shall hen-after inhabit, tin-it ,-.u. . ■■■ 
for said Town. Always reserving to us, onr heirs and successors, all 
White Pine Trees that are or shall be found growing on the said tract of 
Land fit fur the use of our Navy. Reserving also to us, our heirs and 
suci ■e.-i-oi'.-, t hi- power and i i-ht of dividing said Tow n when it shall ap- 
,md convenient tor 1 lit* inhabitants thereof. 

- /■■ wided, nevertheless, and it i- lierehj declared that this Charter 

.ind Grant is d< I intended, and shall no) in any mannei be . in-imel, t.. 

"\t"iid to m alb-, t the private property ot tie- soil within the limits afore- 
said. And as the several Tow Us within oui said Province ;u.. bv l:i\\- 

thereof enabled and authorized to assemble, and b.\ tbemajontj ol the vo- 
ters present to choose all such officers and transact such affaire as in Lawfi 

art? ii--' la led, we >|o by Mi--..- I '[.-"ills nominate and appoint Keuben Kid- 
iI-t, lis, 1 1 , in rail the first meeting ot siiiii Inhabitants, tube held within 
said Town, at any time within forty days fn.m the date here. -f, giving 
le^al uotie.' ..( lb.- time a ud doi^ii ot iiolding -mil meeting ; after which 
the Annual im-eling of said Town -.hall be held for the ch->.. ■ 

officers and the purposes aforesaid, on the second Monday in March an- 

"In Testimony whereof, we have caused the Seal of our Bald Province to 

be hereunto affixed. Witness, Banning Wentwortb, Esqr., our Gov- 

ernoui and Commander in Chief of our said Province, the ninth day 

of September, in the second year of our Reign, Anno Domini, 1762. 
"Benning Went worth. 

"By His lA.eileiicy's command, bv a. Kit" of Council. 

"Theodore Atkinson." 

The town was chartered as [pswich, and was to 
have continuance until January 1, 1766. 

Another act of incorporation was ^ranteW March 
6, 1766, by the same authority, " to have Continuance 
during Our Pleasure by the Name of New [pswich." 

The hist permanent settlement of the town was 
made in 1738 by Abijah Foster, who. with his wife 
and daughter, Mary, then one year old, came from 
Old rpswich. His son, Ebenezer, was the first white- 
male child born in the town. Roth lather ami son 



NEW IPSWICH. 



Gil 



were in the French War, and died Dear I Irown Point 
in 1759. 

Jonas Woolson was one of the five earliest settlers, 
and is said to have been here in 1739, and to have 
worked about three summers on his land in company 
with Benjamin Hoar, Jr., returning to Littleton dur- 
ing the winter, it i> supposed they .both removed 
their families lure in 1742, soon after his marriage. 
He is mentioned as one of the resident grantees un- 
der the Masonian charter. 11 is name is often noticed 
in the proprietors' and town records, under both of 
which he was often appointed to importanl offices. 
His farm was located on the east side of the river, on 
"Town Hill." It was occupied by him and his de- 
scendants for seventy years. Mr. Woolson was at 
the taking of Burgoyne, where he lost a valuable 
horse. 

About the same time (1739) came Benjamin Hoar 
and Moses Tinker. Mr. Eoar was from Littleton, 
and came from Townsend by marked trees, before any 
path had been cleared. He settled on the lot below 
Woolson, near the river, near where the first bridge 
was built and still continues. He was a blacksmith 
and also kept a public-house, and was a very useful 
citizen. He was the third settler, and hi> wife the 
Becond woman in town. Captain Tinker settled on 
the west side of the river, cornering on Mr. Hoar. 
and his house stood on the side of the hill near the 
corner where the roads going to the river divide, 
the farm long owned and occupied by Judge Champ- 
ney. He also subsequently owned, and probably 
occupied, a farm on the Town Hill, on the eastern 
line of the town, as we learn from the record of the 
laying out of a road to .Mason Iineinl765 
on said Chandler's land ... to the corner of his 
lott, then on the north end of his other lot to ( laptain 
Moses Tucker's end line of his lott to the town line," 
etc. Along this old "country road," then, on either 
side of the river, was the first neighborhood gathered. 

The Bullards, Ebenezer and John, next followed, 
and settled on the Town Hill. In the records of tin- 
town of Groton is recorded the marriage ol ' Jo-eph 
Stevens, of New Ipswich, to Elizabeth Sawtell, No- 
vember in, 174:>, showing that he, too, was at that 
time a resident in the town. He setl led on the Wil- 
son Hill. Some of the Adams' and other young 
men, both married and single, came in, 80 that in 
174"> there were a dozen or more inhabited houses in 
the town. 

This, to be sure, was not making any great ad- 
vance towards a settlement, — far less than the terms 
of the grant required. The inherent difficulties in 
effecting a new settlement are always great, especially 
when remote from others. But in this instance, be- 
fore the five years' probation allowed them for set- 
tling their lots had expired, the energy of the pro- 
prietors had been paralyzed by the running of the 
province line in 1741, and by the consequent loss of 
their rights under the Ma~-.ichu-.eti- jraut ; and 



those i\-w settlers who persevered in clearing and 

occupying their lands must have done so under the 

discouraging con-cioii-ne.— ihat they held them by 
no valid titles. 

But a still more serious obstacle soon interposed, 
which, for a time, entirely suspended further opera- 
tions. This was the breaking out of the French and 

Indian War, in 1741. which spread consternation 
throughout all the feebler settlements, as well a.s in 
the older country towns. The Indians soon made 
descents from Canada, spreading terror and devas- 
tation as they went, and the principal towns to the 
north and west were attacked. The inhabitants id 
the neighboring towns either received garrisons for 
their defense or tied to stronger places for refuge. 
The settlers here, however, seem to have maintained 
their ground until an actual incursion upon our 
verj borders. In the summer of 1748 a descent ot 
a body of Indians, about eighty in number, i 

M, he settlement of Mr. John Fitch, which wag 

located in what was then Lunenburg, and near the 
south part of the present town of Ashby. He, with 
his wife and five children and three soldi 
pied a garrisoned house. They were attacked one 
morning when two of the soldiers happened to be 
ali-cnt, one of whom was killed in attempting to 
return. After a gallant defense, and the loss of the 
soldier with him, he surrendered, and with his wife 
and children was carried to Canada. 

There was a block-house in Townsend, at the foot 
of the hill, above the West village, which still bears 
tie name of Battery Hill, on the south road, not far 
from the southeast corner of New Ipswich. To this 
place tin- inhabitant- now tied lor protection, with 
their families and valuables, with one exception. 
Captain Tucker boldly resolved to remain and make 
such defense as he could, or otherwise take his fate; 
and he did so. It i- probable, however, that his 
family accompanied the fugitive-. In the coursi of 
a mouth or two their fears were allayed by the re- 
port of the scouts which had been sent out, that the 
Indian- had retired beyond the Connecticut River; 
and they returned to their deserted homes. Captain 
'linker was found safe. They also found that their 
meeting-house had been burnt ; but whether by the 
Indian- or by fire from the burning forests was uncer- 
tain. It was probably by the latter, howi 
Indians would not have been likely to destroy the 
meeting-house alone, while they left the private dwell- 
ings unmol 

The inhabitants of this town seem never afterwards 

to have been seriously alarmed on account of the 
Indian-, though some of the neighboring towns were 
led to feel the to m. In 1750 Peter- 

borough petitioned lor a block-house and soldier-, 
pleading their great danger and exposure. Even as 

bite as January. 1755, when the Indians ra 

burnt the towns on the < lonnecticut River, the people 

of [pswich Canada (Wiuchendon) .-ailed for aid. 



012 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



stating that Indians were about, and they could not 

cultivate their fields, so that they were dependent on 
Lunenburg, Lancaster and Groton for food. Nor 

were their tears groundless, for traces of the visi- 
tation of savages wire detected near at hand by the 
scouts. 

But such was the rapid progress then being made 
in this town that the settlers felt themselves in com- 
parative security ; and when, at the proprietors' meet- 
ing, in January, 17">7, the question was put whether 
"the Proprietors will build a lint or forts in this town- 
ship," it was voted " not to build any forts in this town- 
ship;" and again, whether they "will repair Mr. 
Adams' flankers in order for defense against the 
enemy," it was voted in the negative. This is the 
only intimation we have that any means <>f defense 
against the Indians were ever adopted in this town. 
These "flankers" were a sort of breast-work of logs 
and stakes, extending outwards and inwards from the 
angles of the house, with a port-hole at the point of 
meeting. Douglass, who wrote in 1 7 4 S , says, indeed, 
thai More were two block-houses ill New Ipswich. 
Mr. Adams' house might have been one of those to 
which he alludes and Captain Tucker's another. It 
i^ probable that our forefathers were indebted for 
their immunity from Indian intrusions to the moun- 
tain barrier on the west. This opposed a serious 
obstacle to a ready retreat with plunder; and hence 
we hud it to have been the custom of the savages to 
confine themselves, in all their predatory incursions, 
to the principal water-courses and low lands. 1 

The first meeting of the proprietors was held in 
Dunstable April Hi, 1749. At the next meeting, 
how ever, it was 

■' Voted, ttiat all meel \\>>i~ -tin 1 1 u t,:,],| ,i \,.\\ l|,-\w, h (",„■ t tie futur ; 

lint !li;it tin- owners of tor sln-ats shall lie stiffi r if II t tn re.|ne-| nmtiiij. 

tor Mi* time to com, anil that uotiricatioiis liein^ posted up at New Ijib- 
■vieli, Olti I)is\vieli ami liiuislal.tr staill 



Thomas Dennis. Francis Choate, Nathaniel Smith 
and William Peters, who had been proprietors under 
the Massachusetts grant, were admitted as proprietors. 

The first saw -mill was built in 1750 and the first 
corn-mill in 1751, by John (handler. 

March 21, 1753, " Voted that Reuben Kidder, 
Ephraim Adams and Benjamin Hoar to he a Com- 
mittee to take care of the prudentials of this place; 
also to layout a Burying-place, and clear some their." 

February 27. 1754, " Votedto give Joseph Kidder, 
at tic rate of twelve pounds an acre, for clearing his 
html at the North West corner of his lott, to lie lor a 
common, after three years and a halfe from the date 
hereof." The same vote wits passed in relation to the 
southwest corner of Joseph Bates' lot, and ten acres 
wards laid out "ailjoyning to the meeting- 
house, agreeable to y e grant of y" same." 

The westerly part of the lot then laid out was sub- 

1 History nf New Ipswich. 



sec|Uently exchanged with Mr. Farrar for land "under 
and about wdiere the meeting-house" afterwards 
stood. 

November 26, l754,"Voted that four neat cattle 
shall stock a Right till such time as it shall be thought 
proper to alter this vote." 

August 25, 17o7, " Voted that Timothy Heald shall 
draw out of the Treasury forty-live pounds, old tenor, 
for keeping Phinehas Goodale and carrying him to 
Townsend." 

The following is the tax list of 1763: 

MINISTER'S RATE FOB THE YEAH 1763, 







Captain Benjamin Hoar 


1» 8 in 








i' a 




' Is 1 




4 J ii 




"11 4 




, ,n - 




,„„,„ | ,„„.,„.,- 




Robert Campbell 


4 3 1 




2 6 3 






•J 4 8 




1 ]., - 




„ - 




11 - (1 






' ' ' ' 1 li 3 


Thomas S|iauMiu g 


2 7 




" 1 ii 




4 14 1 




Captain tfosee Tucker 

James French 


11 3 in 


I 1 n ii i 




' ' ' „ , 1Q 


Deacon Benjamin Adams 

li.-aiiiii F,|.liiaim Adams 


6 19 ii 


Petei Fleti he] ■ 


:; i: 7 
















7 7 






Barnabas Davis 


5 3 6 

2 16 8 

2 U 






w nt .Mail Foster 


3 3 9 




4 l' ■• 






1 \ 1 i 




In H- Farrar 


IS '1 







Reuben Kidder, Eeq 


16 13 10 




5 1 3 




4 11 in 


osworth 


.. u 10 



NEW IPSWICH. 



Audrew Spnuldiii.j, . . . . 

Josiah Crosby 

Moses Tucker, Jr 

Thomas Fletcher 

Francis Fletcher 

William McClary 

Wido. Catherine McClary . 
Daniel Mi Clarj . . 
Aaron Kidder 



w iiiiiiin Brov, a 
Benjamin Cutter . 
Silas Parker . . . 
Leonard Parker . 

Sn .11 Wright . 

Thomas Brown . . 
William Spear . . 
Nathaniel Carleton 
Amos Taylor. . . 
Reuben Taylor . . 
Robi 11 Crosbj 
John Preston 



Ichabod Bow 

Asa Bollard . . . 
Joseph Richardson 
(;;.-.. i e. II. w. ir . 
3il - Ruf i 11 
Zachariah Emery 
Zachariah Adanis . 
Samuel Foster . - 
Joseph Parkei 
JobnMcIntosh . . 



rllm- t . ■ v. 11- tin-- l"i the future the Constable mot.. 

at the Mill and tlie most puMi. II. him- hi town. 

" I,,/,, l .,..i t.. pay tli.. Select men. 

" Cod i ii. .i t.. e\a. t the ti i i.i. "t Bates foi In- m 

stable fur said year." 

II.. had been regularly chosen, but refused to serve 
this year. 
1770,— 

" HTiet-eu»sundr\ Iiei-.n- I..M 1 1 -.It., sell spirituous liquors 

in llu- t..w II, i\li. li.iw n. .1 h.i.l tin- 

we think has a bad Tendency, and 

Town ; 

"Voted, thatthe Town Clerk, in behalf ol the Town, prefel ■ Petition 

I,, ll,,. I ,„nt ,,! iiiiart.-i- Sessions, that ,„, person for the future be lie. used 

but what have the Approbat ol the Sel a, 

" Voted, that Cmmi-sion- ,1' profit and t'ai ultys ami 1 

he Kilted by the Selectmen lid . .r.liliy t.. their supposed pi, .tits,' 

In 1770 an article was inserted in the warrant for 

town-meetin«-, a s follows : 



the He 



prop,., 



Wid° Mary Brown 14 

Total, £436 10s. 8&-4200 nearly. 
"The above is a copy of the Ministers Hate fortheyear 1763 — the 
assessment was on silver al £2 5s. pei dollar, asthej were sel oi valued 
in the Massa. busetta Provinces, in the currency of the said Province, by 
reason that our contrail with y'Kev. Mr. Stephen Farrar was for Silver 
as aforesaid. 

"TlMOTHJ IlKAI.,., V 

First Town-Meeting, — The first town-meeting was 

held September 13, 17(52, as follows: 

"At the first Town-,, lectins held at Ipswich, in New Hampshire, by 
Veirtue of a c'haitei -of [ncorporation held in said Ipswich. 

"Capt. ,i.,m i~ w ..mIs.iii chosen Moderator of said eting. 

"M BTucker.In John Preston and Robert Crosby chosen Select- 

"Ebenezer Dullard chosen i onstable. 

"I. habod How- and Thomas Il.-ald chosen a Committee to examine the 
Selectmen's accounts, and make Report of the same at the next annual 
meeting. 

"Voted, that the Selectmen si, all serve as Assessors. 

''Benjamin Knowlton and Isaac Applet,.,, chosen litliiu-.|iieii 

" Joseph Bates was chosen S.-alor of Waits and Measurs. 

"Sam 1 . Kinney, Simeon Could and Aaron Kidder chosen deer keep- 

"Josepl, Stephens, Thomas Farnsworth, Francis Fletcher, El.euezer 
Heald and Joseph Bollard chosen Surveirs of High ways. 
"Robert Crosby chosen Surveir of Lumber. 

"Timothy Heald, 1 
1763 — 

" Voted to cbuse an agent to defend in behalf <>f thiB town, in those 
actions commenced against this Town by Capt. Kidder and Samuel 

Parkfr. 

" Voted to build a Pound of Wood, and to set it on Joseph Kidder's 
Land, south <>f the road, on the east side of the Hi -ook thai rune out of 
said KidderV mi.-oMmw. 

" Voted not tu abate IWt. Prfstuii's P.ate f'<>r hi- to-ad and hors, nor 
Relesehim from pay for liis h.jad and hors for tin- futui. 



1767 — 

" Voted to chuse t 



.,, istal.les f,.r the pies.-, it year. 



"Voted, thatthe Selectmen provide a sick of Al lion, sutable 

for the town. 

■• Voted to build a place for the Town Stock of Amunitioi he Bi ami 

under the Roof of the Meetinghouse." 

1773 — 

" Voted, that the Selectmen provide Burying Clothe foi tie Town's 

An invoice of the town, taken in 177c!, was as fol- 
lows: 169 male polls, 3 slaves, 201 oxen and horses, 
267 cows, 246 young , 'tittle, is acres of orchard, ."118 
acres of pasturage, 881 acres arable and mowing ; £66 
lawful, the yearly income of stock in trade, money at 
interest, mills, etc.; whole number of inhabitants, 
882. 

TOWN TAX I on 1771. 

Stephen Adams, Jr * 3 

Silas Adams « 8 :'■ 

Richard Alexanders 13 9 

Charles Barrett :; I '■' 

Samuel Bartlett 17 6 

John Breed 1 1"' • 

John Ilrooks 12 10 

Nathan Boynton 1 -' s 

Allen Breed 17 1 

David Brocks 2 (I 

Jesse Butterfield S 3 

Robert Campbell 1 1 1 9 

Nathaniel Carlton 12 - 

.lames Chandler 1 4 6 

Hezekiah Corej 1 - 

Thomas Cummings 9 7 

Ephraim Chamberlain l' I 

Benjamin Carver 

Ephraim Cummings 

Samuel Cummings II 16 3 

Aaron Chamberlain 6 3 

Hunker Clark " s ■"• 

Benoni Cory " s ; 

'Ih. .mas Davis I 8 

.1 than Davis 1 7 

Josiah Davis 12 

Wi.l". Rachel Fletcher 1 7 6 

Timothy Vox 1 8 G 

Isaac Farwell 12 

Timothy Farwell 11 11 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 





« 


11 
8 

'J 

11 

19 

1 

5 

13 

8 
11 

11 
19 

6 

11 

16 

8 
5 

16 

1 
- 

14 
10 

1.1 

1 

14 


d. 
5 

8 

10 

l(i 

2 

3 

3 
3 

7 

1 

6 

2 
11 

6 

:) 

9 
in 
11 

J 

4 
6 

B 

7 
11 

4 

11 
5 
6 


Henry Wright 


i. 


«. d. 




o 




Ep - Foster 


° 


Unit v Spiiuliliug 


..... 






T t..l 

No&TU LlPT. 


. ..£86 




Benjamin Gibbs 


J 


12 6 












i 10 










3 6 




j 


Lieut. If.it.ti Applet. ut 

Kniti. i> Appletutt 


... 1 






j 


11 U 


Simeon Hildretb 


: : : : : I 


11 4 


Levi VI. .in- 


... .i 


8 3 


John Jaquitb 

Samuel Kinny 




..." 


8 3 




! 


1 5 











" 9 


Stephen Lnn«l 

Nathaniel Melvin 




1 


, j 


Edmond Briant 


..... 


19 10 


John Mansfield 




■ Barnes 

.1. —ph Baker 

James Barrett 


... 


9 7 


David Melvin 




2 11 

in 3 






Retire Bai <■" 


... 




- 




1, 


Epbraim Burge 

John Brown 


;; 


•, 


Joseph Parker 

Stephen Pierce 


: : : : \ 











8 3 
8 3 
1- 1 
5 3 




,, 


M r . Ebeuezer Ohatuptiey 

KI.M/ti t'uiuiuiugs- 


. . 
... 2 




j 
















William Clary 


. . . 1 


, 9 












I iip 




8 3 
13 11 


Nathaniel Reed 

Jonathan Bobbin* 




Daniel Clary 

John Cutter 


... 

... 1 


IVlij uuill <it\<>\;\ 








William Shattuck 

Ephraim Severance 


2 


Dea". Stephen Davis 

Stephen Davis, jun' 


. . . (1 


1 4 

1.. 7 


John Sawteil 


























- 11 


William Shattuck, Jun* 








11 11 








11 




: .... o 






10 3 


•I'll as Sprague, Jun* 




] 


., ., 


Reuben Taylor 








Odoardo Thomas 




1 




James Tidder 


















Ail. im Goold 


. . . n 


'.. 7 
:. 8 
18 1 











Isaac How 

David 11,11- 


... J 
... 1 






9 
8 
:: 
12 

19 

12 

14 

13 


Samuel Whittemore 


2 


13 5 


Samuel Woods . . . . ■ 

Peletiah \\ liittei e, Jun* .... 


1 


Robert Harkness 


• " 






>:it 1 ll-yu.tnl 

Thomas Holt 


... 1 








'. 




U 


7 :i 

4 3 
10 4 

5 11 






r..i i;- ni. -ii Kj.i.it-r 

Lieut Hfuiainiii Knuwlttut 

Wid». Rachel Kidder 


... 4 
. . . 3 




! 












■I ph Lowell 

Daniel Mansfield . . . . 

i M insfield 

Josiah Melven 


. . . e 
. . . 1 






:; 2 


Nathan Wesson 







NEW IPSWICH. 



Elijah Morse ° 8 d 

Joseph Peirce 10 7 

Doctc John Preston 1 8 9 

Stephen Parker " ' s s 

Paul Prichard 

Benjamin Pollard 1 12 U 

Samuel Parker 1 ° 7 

Benjamin Procter 1 6 7 

Amus Prichard u 9 " 

Ezra Peirce ' ' s 

Robert Reading » 1:! a 

Silas Richardson 14 6 

Doct'. Jesse Rice 12 4 

Josiah Robbena o 11 2 

i ' ~ *' 

Samuel Rogers 10 3 

Ens' 1 . Joseph Stevens 1 6 3 

G -'• Start 1 3 '- 

Lieut. Nathaniel Stone 1 19 6 

Jonathan Stevens 8 3 

Abijah Smith 1 2 4 

William Start 1 1 & 

w illiam Spear 1 c 1 

Andrew Spaulding 19 

Thomas Stow 1 4 

Joseph Stickney 16 4 

Ezra Town 1 11 3 

Joseph Tucker 1 17 1 

Edmund Town 12 4 

Josiah Walton 16 1 

Benjamin Williams 11 2 

Timothy Wheelock 19 10 

Samuel Walker 9 7 

John Warner 1 5 S 

Joseph « right 12 

Jonathan Wheat 17 10 

John Flynt 8 3 

Samuel Soper 10 5 

Daniel Stratton 1 6 3 

Timothy Spaulding 3 9 

Benjamin Smith 8 3 

Total £106 16 5 



CHAPTER II. 
NEW IPSWICH— (Continued). 

MILITARY HISTORY. 

ImtMl Kvciii-— Tie- Lexington Alarm— Captain Ib-ald's Company at 
Lexington — Captain Towne's Company— Captain Parker's Company- 
Sara to n a and Stillu. On The sci a Lake Expedition, List of Soldiers 

—The Militia of 1786— War of 1812, List of Soldiers— War of the Re- 
bellion. 

Tin; first reference on the town records to the 
forthcoming struggle for Independence was under 
date of December 6, 1771, jis follows: 

" Voted, That it is II pinion of this Town that Representation is ab- 
solutely necessary to legal taxation or Legislation ; and whereas this 
town has, for a number of years, b.--ii taxed to the Province, and have 
had no Voice in Lcgi-laiem, \\ he h i- a givai do vain.- ; anil in order 
to obtain a Redress, that the Selectmen id Ibis lown .1,. forward a Peti- 
tion anl Remonstrance to bis Excellency, our Coventor, that we may 
enjoy lb--' privileges win. h an- essential to the British Constitution, 

and that they call upon the adjacent Towns to adopt the like 
and endeavor that the unrepresented Towns come into similar 
throughout the Province." 



'I'lir intelligence of tin- British advance mi Lexing- 
ton (says Kidder and Gould's "History of New Ips- 
wich") reached this town about two o'clock iri the 
afternoon. The Committee of Safety immediately 
assembled on the common, ami fired three guns in 
quick succession, the signal that hail been agreed 
on in case of a sudden alarm. The people rapidly 
assembled, and in less titan two hours a greal propor- 
tion of tic male population met on the little common 
in front of the meeting-house. Alter a short consul- 
tation with the eldest and must experienced, it was 
decided to prepare as many as possible and march lor 
Concord. The town's stock of powder and lead was 
taken from the magazine, then situated on (lie beams 
<>f the meeting-house, and distributed to such as had 
not a supply, a careful account of it being taken bj 
the selectmen. In the mean time the alarm was ex- 
tending through the remote parts of the town, anil 
some of the men who were at work in the woods or 
distant fields did not reach the usual training-ground 
till sunset ; and as provisions had to lie collected, so 
much time was consumed that probably hut few 
commenced their march beforedark. Several parties 
proceeded as tar as Captain Heald's, where they took 
a few hours' repose, and others spent most of the 
night in and near the middle of the town, but took 
up their march before daylight ; and before the sun 
rose lie next morning not less than a hundred and 
fifty men, the very bone and muscle of the tow u . were 
pressing forward, some on foot and some on horse- 
hack, towards Concord. Provisions were collected 
and forwarded in carts, under the direction of the 
Committee of Safety. 

Deacon Appleton, like Cincinnatus, had lefl his 
plow in the furrow at the moment of the alarm. 
and soon alter mounted his horse and carried the 
news to Peterborough. The next morning a company 
from that patriotic town, with Captain Wilson in 
command, passed through New Ipswich, then nearly 
deserted by tin- men, the deacon hastening on with 
them, not even stopping to take leave of his family, 
though he passed near his nn n door. 

It has been stated that there was hut little military 
organization. Timothy Farrar was, perhaps, the 
most prominent man, and had been the most active 
in exciting a military spirit, though he did not as- 
sume any command. Ezra Towne was an officer in 
the militia, hut acted as a subaltern on this occasion. 
Captain Heald was recognized as the commander, and 
paid the hill for the entertainment of the men at 
Acton, where they arrived and remained during the 
night of the 20th. < >u tic succeeding day they ar- 
rived ai Concord, where they obtained reliable infor- 
mation that the enemy had all returned to Boston. 
Many of the elder men, titter visiting the scene of 
blood at the North Bridge, returned home to make the 
necessary preparations lor a contest, which they now 
saw was inevitable; and with what feelings we may 
judge, when we consider that the scene of the con- 



616 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



rliet was the natal soil of many of thorn, and that 
many of those who had fallen victims had been their 
neighbors and kinsmen. By far the larger part, 
however, proceeded to Cambridge, the headquarters 
of the army. 

<»u the arrival of our men at Cambridge they 
found an immense concourse of people, rathei than 
soldiers, most of whom were occupying the colleges 
for temporary quarters. At the request of the Com- 

mitt 1 Safety, Captain Towne, on the 23d of April, 

took orders for enlisting a company, and immediately 
notified his townsmen ; and such was their confidence 
in him, and in those who were to be associated in 
office with him, that nearly thirty signed his roll that 
day, and by the 10th of May it was increased to 
sixty-five in number, including rank and file. Most 
of these were citizens of New Ipswich, only ten 
being from Peterborough and a few from Mason. 
All the officers were of this town, and it was called 
the " New Ipswich Company." 



Ezra Towne, captain; Josiah Bi.m ne. hist li.-ut 11:1111 .b.hn II ink 11. -ss. 
second lieutenant ; Benjamin Williams, lvloti.ili Wlnttemore, Elisha 
Hubbard, Samuel l".i hii-', "'i _,'•-;, nts : Supply Wilson, Elijah Morse, 

Stephen Adams, corporals; Jesse CarltoD, drummer; Wilder Kidder, 

filer. Privates. Phiuehas \dams. As;i Plains, Jeremiah Andrew, David 
Avery, Timothy Avery, John Breed, Ehenezer Billiard, IVter Blown, 
Benjamin Cutter, An her < 'hurohwood, Nathaniel Carlton. Elijah Davis, 
Abraham Densmore, David Elliot, John Elliot, Joseph Kelt, Ezra Fuller, 
Silas Gill, Samuel i.rilhn, Samuel Ilutehius, Daniel Hal B 
King, Peter Lowell, Samuel Mitchel. David MelviD, David ttarsbal, 
Farrow Miller, Thomas Morrison, Aaron Oliver, Thomas Pa 

Pratt, Jeremiah Pritchard. I iilian Stevens, ,b,|m 'i.i I 

killed -lime l"th), Abel Severance, Benjamin 
-i mhope. Eplil'aim Stevens, Willi. no Scott, liamel Sever- 
ance, Josiah Sti'iie. Timothy Sterne-, samuel Super, 'rh,,ma.s Tufton, 
Ezra Towne, Jr., John Tempi) Josiah Walton, Nathan Watson, Archi- 
bald White. Daniel White, I .en Adams,— sixty-five rank and lib 

About the 1st of June, Colonel James Reed arrived 
al 1 ambridge with a commission from the Provincial 
1 longn SS of New II amp-hire to command a regiment 
of Hoop- ,,f that State. The next morning, he says, 
"he was waited upon hv Captain Towne, who intro- 
duced to him some other officers commanding com- 
panies from this State." and a regiment u.i- - 1 

formed, consisting of eight companies, of which 
Captain Towne's was called the First, and was 
assigned the post of honor, being stationed on the 
right. 

In October, 177ii. Captain Abijah Smith marched 
toward- New York with a company from this town. 
Peterborough and the vicinity. Among them were 
many of the principal men, — the two Deacon 
Adams, Lieutenant Stone, Deacon Isaac Appleton, 
John Cutter, Jonathan Kinney, Jonas Dutton, Jere- 
miah Pritchard and others. They were present at 
the battle of White riains. but from their position 
wen not much exposed to the tire of the enemy. 
They all arrived home safe before the end of the 
year. 



/",,/, Roll of Captain ,! 1/mms Xiehols' 

; ./oYe Militia, 

. ' e-Oe J [}„■ I 'elCler,,/,, 

. 'II, July, 1777 
Stephen Parker, captain: Ceina ii: ILL -im, t., Samuel Cunning- 
ham. IV, to si lieutenants; Benjamin William-, . 1: le .: 
I. lb, I'., Archibald White, Satin Mil. lei, I 

1 .0 is. Ej.inaim Brown. Thomas Morrison, P., Sand. Lewis, 

ioi ler ■. Simeon Hildreth. fifer. Privates, 

\iiii. Breed 'Hen Breed, Jr., Saml. Walker, Benjamin Saflbrd, Josiah 

1 : Rumrill, Pelatiali Whittemore, l'eter Fletcher. Kphraim 

Stevens, Jona. Parker, Richard Wheeler, Amos Wheeler. Win I pton, 
l.Onoiiid Sawtel. Neheluiah s, laIt ,, n .1, din Kni'-bt. Jothain Ileal. 
Francis Appb-t. in, Ebenezer Severance, James Fester. Caleb llnnerof, 
Paul Powers, John Everet, Samuel Wheeler. l'eter Wheeler, Daniel 

i 1: ■ ■ 1 r. Sat Shattuck, Needham Drury, Benja. Serer- 

:111c, l.i-\ 1 Spaulding, Henry Spaulding, Kli Adams, Abel Dutton, Benja. 
Dunn, P., Fphraim Brockway, I'.. Jeremiah Proctor, P., v 
P., Jesse Smith, P., .lanes Mitchel, I'.. John Blair, P., I: 
P.. Win. Kolihe. I'., Thomas Little, I'., Sargent Paige, P., Simpson 
Hogg, 1'. Jeremiah Smith, P., .lame, w hit,., p., Charles McCoy, P., 
Wm. Plain, I'., Saml. Miller, p , Wo, Moore, P., Joseph Eeald, John 
1 1 irret, P. 
1 Tempi,.. " p..'- Peterborough. 

In September a company of forty-two men was 
raised, in which Simeon Gould was an officer, and 
hurried off in great haste. Part of the men had 
horses, and. no doubt, practiced "ride and tie." 
They arrived in time to take part in the battles at 
Stillwater and Saratoga, and to witness the surrender 
o; 1 on. nil Burgoyne and his whole army, an event 
everywhere received with joy and satisfaction, more 
especially by the people id' New England, who were 
thereby relieved from the fear of impending invasion. 

In 177'.i a number of men joined the expedition 
under General Sullivan to Seneca Lake, which re- 
sulted in great disaster to the Indians there. 

In March it was " Voted, that there be a contribu- 
tion taken up to defray the charges of bringing Eph- 
raini Foster home from the army, and also tor the 
benefit of the poor of the town." 

At this time the British held possession of part of 
Rhode Island, and a company of thirty-one men 
under Captain Joseph Parker proceeded to Provi- 
dence, and afterwards to the Island. It is not known 
whether or not they fought in the engagements there. 

It would appear that several parties went to Rhode 
Island while it was invested by the British ; for. in 
the following August, when a committee was ap- 
pointed to make another average of the services of 
the inhabitants in the war, their report was, " That 
those who went to Rhode Island the first term be 
allowed for six months: and those who went the 
second term he allowed three weeks; and those who 
went the last term be allowed six months." 

In obedience to another call in August, it was 
\oied "to Hier six men to go in the Continental 
army, agreeable to the requisition of the Court." 

In June, 1780, a call for six men for the Continen- 
tal army was made. A meeting was called, and it was 
" Voted, that the Selectmen and the Captains of the 
two Train Bands he a committee to hire the six men 
for the town, in the cheapest and most expeditious 
way they can." 



NEW [PSWICH. 



In July a demand was made on the town for their 
proportion of bout' for the army. It was accordingly 
" Voted to raise Fifty-five Thousand Pounds, lawful 
money, 1 to procure Beef for the Army, and to paj 
Soldiers now gone." It was also voted that any per- 
son might pay his rates, in silver at seventy-five for 
one, which shows the depreciated state of the 
currency at this period. 

The next year it was " Voted to raise £400 Silver 
Money, for to pay for this Town's proportion of Beef 
rate for the Army," and the constables were author- 
ized to rceei\ e the old rates, on the scale of one silver 
dollar tu ninety of paper. 

In February, 1781, a meeting was held to raise 
twelve men for the Continental army, who had been 
called for to till up the quota assigned to the State. 
These were raised by dividing the town into twelve 
classes, as recommended by the Genera! Court, each 
class to furnish a man, by hiring or otherwise. 

In November a call was made for militiamen, and 
the selectmen proceeded to hire them on the best 
terms they could. The town " Voted to approve of 
the Selectmen hiring the three months' militia, and 
also to procuring this town's proportion of Rum." It 
i> supposed that nine men went at this time to West 
Point, of whom Isaac How was the leader. 

" Voted, to pay those men who went on the late 
alarm for Coos." A small party of British soldiers 
made an incursion into Vermont, and at Newbury 
had captured a Colonel Johnson, and carried him to 
Canada. An alarm was made in this region, and 
Captain Heald, with quite a number of men, were 
soon on their way thither; tiny were absent but a 
-hurt time. 

January, 17*2, " Voted, that the Selectmen -hall 
procure clothing for the former Continental Soldiers 
against the next Town-meeting, if they can." 

.Six men were raised this year for the Continental 
service : one of these was Mr. John I tould. 

During this summer or autumn a party of Tories 
from Canada made an irruption into Vermont, and 
proceeded as far as Royalton. It was supposed the} 
were the vanguard of a large detachment sent to lay 
waste the towns on Connecticut River. An alarm 
was sent to this town, and a large company of sixty- 
live men marched immediately, but were absent only 
a tew days. This was the last alarm that ever came 
for soldiers. The capture of Cornwallis, with his 
army, nearly closed the active operations id' the Revo- 
lution. 

Of the persons who were officers or soldiers in the 
service during the war, it is to be regretted that no 
entry was ever made on the town records, that there- 
by their names might have been preserved. We have 
already given two extensive rolls, and, after a 
thorough investigation, we think the subjoined list 
will contain the largest part of those who served 



esides those alreadj named, but 



Hunker 

i:t.:i/.| 



£7 33 13 



In addition to tie-, were all those who turned out 
on the various alarm-., on the requisition of the Com- 
mittee of Safety, making in all something like three 
hundred and sixty enlistments, in numbers varying 

t'v three to forty-eight men at a time, and for 

periods of from one month to three years. Nearlj 
every man, from the highest to the lowest, sooner or 
later took his turn or hired some one as a substi- 
tute. 

i If all these men. but one or two were killed in 
battle; eight or ten were very severely wounded, 
among whom Were Josiah Walton. Fbene/.er Fletcher, 
Jeremiah Priehard and Jonas Adams; and about 
twenty died of sickness in the army, or soon after 
they were brought home, of whom were John Adams, 
Simeon Ilildreth, Daniel Hall, Samuel Campbell, 
Jonathan Wheat, Samuel Foster, Ephraim Foster 
and Asa Pel ham. Quite a number of them had con- 
tracted habits incident to the camp, which materially 
affected their respectability and success in after- 
life. 

The country was drained of all its available means 
by continual heavy taxes that were almost constantly 
levied, in one shape or auot her. to carry on the con- 
test. The proportion of this town, in a province tax 
of £ 1000, was, in 177::, £13 1*. ; only sixteen towns 
paid more. In 1777 it was £12 11*. 6d. ; only ten 
towns paid more. In 1780 it was t.'J2 5s. 2d. In 
1781 an act was passed to raise a quantity of beet 
for the army; the proportion levied upon this town 
was 17,164 pounds; only twelve towns furnished a 
larger quantity. A levy was made by the State for 
10,000 gallons of rum; this town's part was 122 
gallons. 

In 1781 Congress called on this State for thirteen 
hundred and fifty-four men for the Continental 
army ; our proportion was seventeen men, which were 
promptly furnished. From this it is probable that 
tins town was relied on, and did supply a fraction 
over one-eightieth of all the men and other means 
raised by this State during the Revolutionary War. 
All the requisitions were supplied fully and promptly. 
In 17^2 a list was made out by the Legislature of the 
deficiencies of the several towns; and while there 
were great delinquencies in some places, New Ips- 



618 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



wich was found deficient two men only, which were 
immediately supplied. 1 

The following lists of Revolutionary soldiers ami 
matters pertaining to the Revolution are from the 
.State archives and furnished by Isaac W. Hammond, 
Esq., Deputj Secretary of State : 

The following is a list of those who responded to 
the lirst alarm, referred to on page 75, "History"!' 
New Ipswich " : 
"Pert that went to Cambridge in April, A. D. 1775, on <h alarm of 



" Thomas Ileal. I, Capt 
Ezra Town, Lieut . . 
Joseph Parker .... 

Ilezekiah Colo\ . Ih.il 
William Start, Clerk . 

.1 r, s,. g 't . . . 



Dan'Clarj 
[saac Fat m n 
Tim- Farwell 



Simeon Hildrith 
Chen' Browo . 
Jesse Carleton . 
Jno. Brow n, Jr . 
Joseph Wright . 
Samuel Soper 
Stephen Davis . 
Robert Cambell 
Thus Brown . . 



Josiah Brown, Sgt 13 

Jonas Wilson, Jr 7 

Simeon Gould 4 

.lone. I'uvis 4 

Joseph Pollard 13 

Francis Fletcher lu 

Nathl Pratt 

Ivlni'i Bryant r > 

William Hodgkins 5 

.lain... i [handler 5 

Jon. Brookes Serj' 13 

Jno. Cutter 11 

Nath' Swain '■' 

Tier Wl lurk 4 

Joel Vi l lock 8 

ffath' Read 5 

Benja Hoar 7 

Aaron Chamberlain 9 

Rev. Stephen Farrar 30 

Klijah Flagg 

Tim- Farrar 5 

Jno. Wilkins 5 

Dan' Mansfield S 

Petei Fletcher .'. 

,lii". Sartoll 8 

13 

W» Speei 6 

Elijah Davis 13 

llnvid San. I. r- H 



ISenj. Williams 


. 13 


Josiah Walton 


. 13 


Leonard Parker 


. 7 


. i < — t . i , Tinney 


. 5 






Ephraim Foster 


. 8 


Daniel Foster 




Samuel Foster 


. 8 


1 im Steai as 


. 13 


Benja Gibba 


, 8 






Saml. Kinney 


. 13 






David Helvin 


. 13 


Josiah Davis . . , 


. .', 










. 13 






Chas. Ilarrelt 


. 1 


1 s.i... Appleton 




Reuben Kidder 


. 5 


Jere* Underu 1 


. 7 


Benj. Pollard 


. 13 






Josiah Rogers 


. 6 


Saml Haywood 


. 5 


Thos Farnsworth 


. 8 


Stephen Parker 


. 5 


Nath' Stone 


. 5 






Nathi Fair 


. 13 


Saml Bartlett 


. 3 




. 3 






Elea 1 Cummings 


. 5 


Isaac Clark 




wi" Shattuck 


3 


Eph ra Adams, Jr 


. . 7 


Robert Harkness 


. . 7 


"Tho Ih 


I.D. 



"Statu of New Hampshire. Hillsborough ss. ocfl7n> ITS'.. 

,:. ,M, I .Inn. ml Briant and Joseph 
Parker ami mailr solemn .mill that this Ar lit by them severally sub- 
scribed is .lust ami Inn- according to the lust of their kni 

"Coram l - fne Farbab, .Iu-i Pai is ' 

The whole account amounted t<> £124 16s. 

1 Kidder ,v Gould's " History of New Ipswich." 



" 7 Visi.es ll.nl , 



«birm to Kolialst.m, Stale ../ Verm. ml. ll..t. I,.... 

ee,/ , epi .^i\^ ii uh horse*. 

" Eilnnl Bryant Ca|.t, lsaae Clark I, hut. lleiij Williams Lieut, Jerk 

Prichard, Thos Brown, Josiah Walton, John Brown Jur., Silas Haws. 
John Gould, Joseph Sticknej Jr., H-ni- Adams Jr., Jn° Adams, Amos 
Baker, Sam' Speer, W™ Speei Jr., .In- Cutter, W» Prichard, .ton" 
Fleti her, Eph n Adams Jr., Elijah Davis, Josiah Brown, Tho" Kidder, 
Tho Fletchei Jr., W» Clary, E.lnr' Town 



four days ami trav- 
lt amounted to £34 



They went on horses, "etc . 
eled forty-live miles. The act 
10s. 



"' , T In. I., , . (,,/,.,...»./ ll.nl .r. ..I O.i I U Rot/aUt N sue/ alarm. 

■"I'll.e Hale Lieut Col , ,Iose|.h Talker Cap', Muses Tucker Lieu', .lames 
Chandler Ens". .In- ISn.iiks Seig'. Leonard l'ark.r. Allen lie 
Fans, Eben' Knight, Elms Knight Jr., Sam 1 Cumings, Ebon' I hi. her. 
lie. Spaull him. Tim" Fox, W'" Shattiiek, Jon" twist, W» Hodgkins, 
Levi Ian, N.itli' Ian, Isaac llnrtlet, .lotham Hoar, Eph» Hildreth, Jo- 
-, | !. u . i i .-.■ Walker, Ames Huyntnti, J. .el linker, Stephen Pierce, 
Sam> Fletcher, Stephen A. lams Jr., .lie Prat, Edw* Prat, Nath' I'rat. 
Isaac Farwell, K.h.r 1 Farwell, Jn«Gowing,RobertCambelI,Thad Taylor, 
Reuben Paylor, Hezek' Hodg, Jn» Wheelei Jr. 

The foregoing were out with horses four days, trav- 
eled thirty-five miles and the account amounted to 
£90 2s. 



:,. :,..! M..I IJ.nl ..'.<SS.nl In. II., T.i.r.i ..fX.ic Ips.r,.}, I., I n.„- 

bridgoon tin alarmat ' wd tohich mu turned into the Publid >■. 

< untinental store there 



' "Jinn weight Hie Flower . 

3 I'.i. 1. 1. ,r Bread being : 

linn Weight of Pork . . 

four Bushels of Beans . 
300 weight "t ' 'hesc ,i 6 d 



Cap' Charles Barretts Inns, h.st when Tn «..- vacuated 
Jonas Wilsons horse at the alarm when Borgoin was taken 
Cap 1 Francis Fletchers horse lost at the same time . . . 
Francis Appletona horse lost at the same time 

W i hoi i i foi a yar ..ml expenses A tunc in 

obtaining his horse 

John Thomas* Hois, taken A impressed int., the Conti- 
nental Service 



The aggregate amount was u;:2s 8s. Od. The 
account was sworn to before Timothy Farrar. 



" 'l'., th>- h. ...... '/ ' ■'■.•" II" see, ... \ee Hampshire: 

"The Petition of the Siihscril.crs, Inhabitants of the Town .•! New- 
Ipswich— hum ! . 

"That on the -m Hay of October last past we began ..ur Man b i ■ 

int., ice the Northern Army, (agrcnble to the Older of the t ..).,,;, 1 ■ ,,ui> 

in a Con, [.any utnlei I lie c ..ml of Cup" Hriant ; that cadi ol us tod, 

,. ii ,. , ,e..:. ,. . ....... I..- ..ml oihers ,ii He- Company , that 

we joined the Army ami continued m the service till regularly dis- 
missed: that, .luting ..in said sci vice, each of ns lost an Il.-ise, which 
we have not -nice heard of. not withstati. ling the I'ains we luiv,- taken 

i Petitioners humbly pray your Honors to taki theabove 
int., consideration am! make such pensation for the loss we have 



NEW IPSWICH. 



619 



su-tainc.l a> you in V..111 \\ i--i-.ni -hull 1 
in duty bound shall ever pruy 

" New-Ipswich Dec* 25 th 1777. 



"Exeter, Feb' y- 10'i> 177S 
"the Horse ol Francis Fletcher I think mi worth £30 William 
M°Clary 28 Jonas Woolson 35 Epbraira Adams 30 the Horse& was ordered 

1miu.u1 t-v in-- with tin- advise of --titer --III- us 

"Tho- IIkai.i-, lent Col" 

PETITION TO PAY Full A HORSE LOST IN THE SERVICE, 



vlccl-M.- 



of tin- Town -if New- 



■■huiiihh -I.. w--th 
"That on or about tin- lii-t I>a> of "--H 1777 v.- pressed -hi an Horse, 
the Property of Cup' Charles Barrett --I sai-1 N.-w-I|,sw 
the Laws of said State) to carry Packs for the M.-n who tnr 1 out Vol- 
unteers, in Onli-r t-- reinforce the Northern Army under the Command 
of <;,-i|i ilnr.-s; t ti nt the sai-1 Hois.- was l--si in the Expedition, and has 

n-.l since 1 ii hear-] -if, notwithstanding tin- penis taken : win- h l.-s we 

estimate at sixty P-nm-ls lawful Money. 

"Wherefore y-.in P.-titi -rs humbly in ay your honors to take the 

loi-l. -ration and order sti-h O.-inpeusitiou f.-r the -ai-1 I-.s- 
a- i.-ii in N-..IU Wisdom shall think fit and your Petitioners, is in Duty 

bo I, -'e-ii ever pray &c 

"New-Ipswich, 23* OcP 177s. 

' » I 
teiAi \' i ' . Select men 



■ Cm 



'■ Hillsborcr ssIM-' ll" 177s 
" The above-named W» Shattuck, I: Appleton and J. Chandlei made 
solemn Oath, that in Appraising the Horse above mentioned. Ih. y have 
acted impartially & according to their best Skill and Judg Coram 

"Tl u- 1" mil- \u Jtut Pacil ' 

APPRAISAL OF ESTATE 01 ABSENTEES, 1778. 

"An Inventory ..f the Estate of John T.-mlins.-n and J-.hn Tnfi-.n 
Mason K-'i" i.-n|-i".s.-il t-- l~- Inhabitants --I Great Britain lying in 
N-Ipswich in the State of N-Halnpshire, taken int.- Custody and appiai-d 

by the Subscribers, Select-Men of s« New-Ipswich by Authority .-fan Ait 

intitled An Act to prevent the Conveyanci f Estate 

Tear of our Lord 1777, which Estab -- '-. 1 in Partnership, viz 

■ - 80 M'l'iin-'.l .-i £420 Taxes 'in- '.I 



11-3 



'The subscribers charge for the 



"Sworn to b-for- Tinn-th.. Kin r.n . < >- t. J I, 1.7- ' 

RELATIVE TO MILITIA REGIMENT, 17s;.. 
" To the Bonble General Court oj the State oj Veto Hampehin 

"The Petition of the Sul.Miil.-r-. S- I- Inn ri iui-1 -lh--r Inhabitants of 
the Towns of New-Ipswich, Peterlmp.ugli, Temple, Lyndsl- -roii-li. \\ il- 

l-ill, M.i-.li. P.-l-l-l-H.-ll-ll-Slll.. H:.H -!.-]. ill behalf of 

oiii-s, -ices and the Towns we belong to 

"Humbly sheweth— 
"That by a vote of the General Court pa-se-1 at their last Session, the In- 
habitants of the Towns above mentioned were cousiiiub-d He- ".;■' Ih--:i- 
ment of Militia : and that the Tow,,- I. lafire; Dublin, Pack- 

ersfield, Marleborough i Fit/will inn i w--i ,,-n, ,,t. -,| 1 1„- l-jt- Regiment, 

retaining the Number which they bad when connected with Me -i-.ii-i 
part of the Towns first mentioned : which we conceive to he injurious, 
inverting the order which ought to hav.- taken place in their Numbers. 
And presuming that the General Court were not rightly informed as to 
the circumstances of those two Regiments, beg leave to lav before your 
Honors some facts, in order to procure an alteration in their Numbers 



which W-- think ought I-- take place for tie- following reasons : — The 

I'.-wn- are the oldest by about twenty years, taking 

their age uj „„ ,,\,-,:iu--. ''.,,,( \V,,..l-..n -.f N-Ipswich having a Coin- 

gle Inhabitant in any oi the six Towns above named, aud many years 

beforeaC n in ■-,- iver, : inj persol within their limits.— By 

..- .. - -l be aired with th l rns we 1 tour N ,er 

12; therefore ought not to toes from 1-'. t- 23, bj dissolving the Con- 
nection. - Hv -- puling tli. ir No,,, b.-r- an-1 wealth it will appear that 

v.- i„,\ £49-15 t-- the TI sand; they but £32 1; That there are 

eleven hundred rateable poll- in , his lb- - .,,,-1 little more than six hun- 
dred in that :— That then- are t.-ui Held officers in this Beg' who will 

il,,,, I. ,, -l .-, iding i-. rem o Hi- mmiss - in thi 23- Regt - an-1 but 

one in Hint : [and that a second Maj-). 

"Thus, Gentlemen, whuhve, w -■ substitute us a I riteriou t-- dotcimino 

:- ie - uh.tli-i Age, numbers, wealth, H,.- r.-,l- ,,-■ 

of Field officers oi whatei nceive to operate in the 

minds of the Legislature, thi pre! a, most clearly, on our side 

And as we would not be vainly ambit!-. us for b ur, to which we bad 

notitle; so neither would wi be thought so mean, as tamely to submit 

tO .1 selll ell- -■ I'V Which We |. - U I . I> L - 1 I.el.O-. |,,|- I !-. 

fore applyto your Honours as the Giianlian-oi ->m u-.-i.i 

ing for a reconsideration of the vote complained --1 ; and that we may 

he permitted t.- retain tie- 1-iie.inal Number. Aid win j- , ' 
duty l-oiiud >hall ever pray Ac 
'-.bin- 27" 17- - 

"PAl-tPr.t.nwm , > -'"' ' 

"Epn m Adams f "^ 
" Tinr- Farrar, Josiah Wall in, Josiah Rogers, Ebenezer Jones, Daniel 

I Vilams .1', Eph» H.ntw-ll, lieti.i-uiiiii Kn.dtoii, s-lh 

v, i Carlton, Luther Kidd-i, Nathan lb-bens, Tlnr N--nls 

Reed, A - Bilker. NTith' II- --Igl.in-, Xuth' Fai let, John wheeler, Iticli- 1 

i- i .,.-_.,.. -,, i- - Fox I,,' Jonathan Fox, Lazarus 

Cary, Elijah v - - I Eleaier I ,-, _ .-- 3tarl I -., Bartlett, 

Ben.i" II- en, .1-,-.-;,, Bate] Ilel [thamai w k, William Prichard, 

Nehemiah Stratton, John Cutter, William Speer, William SpeerJ , 

.le-s,. walker. I-.,., II. il I ..,,4 ,-, Samuel Bartlett, Timothy 

Fox. Peter Shattuck, sili- VI,:,,-. John si e, 1 1 uck. Stephen Adams, 
Th..- Spaulding I b - S] t ling Jr, John Binney, Joel Baker, 
Onesimua newell, Call Cam] II, San I 1 Fletcher, Robert Campbell, 
El Fi.-i b- , J. - - - 1 i i , Wam ,. m -- il arleton, Zebulon 

.In', William Fariss, Stephen Hildreth, Joseph Baker, Reuben Tayloi 

TI,,,- Fletcher, Peter Jones, -I -8 French, Joseph Briant, Joseh 

Fletcher, Thomas Fletcher .Inner, William Wheeler, William Cary, 
Francis Fletcher, Eben- Bullnrd. ,1.,-iab Walt-.n ,jur, James Walton, 

Tine Brown, .lona- W....1-. II .Inn . .lolias Wlillllej, Sun II 
Sam" Whiting IT.m' Appi- -l-m. Nathan Pallor, .lame- I 
\\ li.-el... k .1,, s, .,,... i;,,, .l.i .liinr, Lb.-iie/er Adams, John Ohainpney -Tur, 
Daniel Bartlett, Noah Bartlett, John l'riohar.l. I'.mi-I Mansliel.I, F./in 
T.-wii-, sburii..-i siuittu, k. Suniiiel < bu tull-i , A,ir.,n Ki-lil-i, J. -el Hil- 
dreth, Nathan Walker, Jos.-pb Parker .In'. Ruben T.iyloi Jr. /..-l-.lee 
I., \- ,. U'h- .-!• t Jr. I'uniel Clary, David Clary, Ephraim 

111 ' '. Fletcher, William Delap, Enos 

g t, David Knight, I bi n i I ni ;hl V Tucket Bi ' 

S.. mil. 1 I'.uk-i, -l.-tbam Ib-in. Jo-i.ili Uol.l.iii-, l-iit,,. 1 Pink- - ,,< 

BI I, . I. .Ini Preston. Eben' Parkel Benjamin Procter, l'--n,i" Hoarjun, 

Nathaniel Prentis." 

CERTIFICVI E 01 3ERVIC1 OF SAMUEL WALKER, 1782. 

■ II, I,,,. - rtify that I th- Subscriber one of the Selectmen in New 
1,,-wi h in the year 1780 did with the other Selei tmen by order of Court 

. : , -en- Six in,.,,,],- in tin- Continental army of which 

l Walkei oi New Ipswich was who marcht off and 

returned with the others and I never heard but that he faithfully Did 
ro] erly Dischai gi d. 
"New lp-w-i. h Augu-t 27" 1782 

"Isaac How." 

John Goold certified that he served with s-ai'I 
Walker tur the term of six months, ami that they 
cami- home tufrether. 



40 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGfl COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



SOLDIER'S BOl NTY. 
"The Bounty paidto Hezekiah Sartwell by the Town ofNew Ipswich 
a .-1:1,1- to Eighteen pounds 



• JmSTAH Gil MA 



PETITION FOU JOHN THOM \- [785 

.I:miis, of New Ipswich, -fate?- that .l..lm Tin ana- \> a- in tin- 
Kh'»l" Nlaml expedition mi 177\ ami ha«l a horse impressed into the 
t 'Miitin.-iit;il s.-rviee ; ami that saidhui'se wa-. nev.-r if Turned to liiln. He 
a-sk.-d to be ji;,j.l for tin? same. Timothy F<»x -tated that 
worth £ln. .lusri.h Parkfi ami lvter Fleti-ht-r testified that they were 

in til.' .shim- lv-iju.'Ut 1 1 nl.. 1 if] i;n,.,|, U.i I.--.. :uii| km.wili". t<> Tin' fart as 

stat< 1 bj Idams. He was allowed £10. 

PETITION OF CAPTATN EZRA TOWNE. 

"21 the G tlOourtofthi BtaU of New Hi 

"The Petition of Ezra Tuvn of X-w Ip-wi, h in >aid State humblj 

sln-w- tli;ii If in .l.i 1. 1. a 1 \ . \. I> 177 1",. .Hi mid.-.! a company in tlie Ser- 
vice nf tlir I nitr.l >tat-^. ,iml tliat hisMfii went into < 'aiiaila t lif 11 t<> 
Albany in the same year and nn the first «.f rt.-c.Miib.-r in tlie shim- year 
his company marched to Pennsylvania ami continued there untill the 

first il.tv ,.|'Jaro t.,ll..\\inu - * t ± ■ 1 ->.'u after hi- e<.iiipan\ 
wi t In -ut rations ,,r any -uh-isianc. in. in-.- y h- cany them home. . 
"New Iiwwieh.-intb ,1 ,, 

"Ezra Towne." 

The petition was dismissed, and he presented 
another dated February 4. 1788, in which he stated 
thai his company was in General .lames Reed's regi- 
ment, and that the men were discharged February 13, 
1777, at Morristown, X. J. 

PETITION FOE \\ ALLOWANCE EOR BOUNTIES PAID THREE 
YEARS' MEN, L785 

■' n'/y t M>'(i.t it was Emoted b\ the Aiithmii\ ■ <! tin- State -.1 New Hamp- 
shire upon January— 17K1 — 

'•Thai fur every remiil rai-fd ami Mustered I-. il,> three vats Service 
in the Continental Army— tin' Towne who raised said recruits should be 
entitled to receive out of the Treasury ot said state Twenty pounds 
equal in Valine to Indian l.'nnial ti.ur Shilling a r.n-h.-l (',.]■ eaehie- 

'• it appears b* us tbat a_ : ,:il ■]■ t, > tl,,- i. -r. ■_■ i iil: \- I the Town of New 
Ipswich raised the following persons Im said -. >n i- ■■• vi/) John Bullard 

—Peter Bullard -John Adam- - \-hii Stratten- Joseph Proi tei Ste in 

Adams— Phi nehas Adam--— Sam 1 Walker— .1.-.-.* Walk -i — J..|m Tin, mas 
—Joel Baker— \nn.s r.akfi Sam' IVitter— W Hewitt a W" Scott— 

"We therefore desire yotn Honour the T: --■.■:' ' ^i.t. t,|,.,v 

the Sums allow'd to the Town for raisiim tin- |\>i ■■_• _- r- run- to I 'fa- 
con Ephraiiu Adam- and In- nv.-ipl Shall lhsi liar-.- you for said Slim 
" New [pgwich Mm 

"Hon. J Taw.uk Gilman Esq* 
"James Hosley \ Selectmen 
"Pai i. Pru ii IRD 
-Ken" 1 Adams Jb ■> New-Ipswich" 

War of 1812.— The War of 1812 met with but little 
favor from the citizens of New Ipswich. 
Tin- following were in the service: 



Lmings, Mr. Steara, 

u.i, S..U.-H Spauld- 
.l..lm Ii. Wright, 

nes Spaulding and 



Aaron Bart. Ml. .I.lm 1 I 

.1. William Ball, Vbel 
1 
Peter Wilder, Silas Wheeler, Sa 

lk'Ut-y K-.'-p ia> a substihil . I'..i ' 

Gould. 



The town responded promptly to the call of an im- 
periled country during the War of the Rebellion, 

and its record during thai conflict is an 1 irable 

one. Its quotas were tilled and money furnished 
with the same patriotic spirit evinced by Deacon 
Applct'in as he left the place on that April day in 
177-" and marched to the (.'uncord fight. 



CHAPTER III. 

NEW IPSWICH— (Continned). 



r,< I I.KSI ASTIl At. n i-'ihi:y. 



t Church— Methi 



i -lin|.ti,.t I'hinvli— I'n 



Congregational Church.— In the original grant of 
the town a reservation was made of a certain piece of 
land for the support in part of the Christian min- 
istry, and at the town-meeting in 1750 it was voted 
" to choose a committee to provide a proper person to 
preach in said town." They also voted forty-six 
pounds, old tenor, "for preaching in the fall of 
the year," and chose Joseph Stevens and Reuben 
Kidder a committee "to provide a proper person to 
preach." Two years afterwards (1752) one hundred 
and fifty pounds, old tenor, were voted " to pay for 
what preaching there had been, and to be laid out in 
preaching for the futer," and also " to have constant 
preaching hereafter." In 17-"4 it was voted " to hire 
two months' preaching in six months next coming, 
and no more." 

It was voted. February, 1755, " to proceed to settle 
a minister," and subsequently, "that Mr. Peter 
Powers be our gospel minister." Joseph Stevens and 
Ephraim Adams were chosen to apply to Mr. Powers, 
"and make some proposals to him about his settling 
with us, and hear his reply, and make Report at the 
Adjournment of this meeting." They were also 
directed "to hire Mr. Powers to preach with us hear 
in this place till the adjournment of this meeting." 
They voted to give four hundred pounds, old tenor, in 
passable bills, for "a settlement," and also to give 
him four hundred pounds, old tenor, equal to about 
forty pounds silver, for a salary, with thirty cords of 
w 1 yearly. 

Mr. Powers accepted the call, but before the day 
appointed for the ordination he requested to be re- 
lieved from bis obligation to become their pastor. The 
request was granted, and, November 2(1, 1759, Rev. 
.Stephen Farrar was called, ami ordained October 21. 
1760, when the church was also organized. Rev. 
Mr. Farrar remained pastor of this church until bis 
death, which occurred suddenly June 23, 1809. He 

was succeeded by Rev. Richard Hall, who was or- 
dained .March 12, 1812, and remained until his death. 
July 13, 1824. Rev. Isaac R. Barbour was pastor 
from March 8, 1826, to September the same year; 
Rev. Charles Walker from February 28, 1827, to 
August 26, 1835; Rev. Samuel Lee from May 5, 1836, 
to 1862; Rev. Calvin Cutler settled March 12, 1862, dis- 
missed April 11, 1867; Rev. Prescott Fay settled 
January 1, 1868, dismissed October 6, 1809; Rev. 
Benjamin F. Ray acting pastor from July 1, 1870, 
until death, January 1, 1872; Rev. Thomas S. Robie 
acting pastor from .May, 1872, until March, 1874; 
Rev. Bela N. Seymour, acting pastor from October 
1, 1874, until .March 15,1878; Rev. Horace Parker, 



NEW IPSWICH. 



621 



acting pastor from August 1, 1878, until May 30, 

1880; Rev. Sumner G. W I settled December 31, 

1880, dismissed March 1, 1883; Rev. George F. Mer- 
riain, acting pastor, April 15, 1883, 

The first meeting-house was erected by the proprie- 
tors of the town, but probably was never used as a 
house of worship, and was destroyed during the de- 
sertion of the town in 1748. 

In 1752 it was voted to build a meeting-house, 
which was completed in 1759, and a committee was 
appointed, consisting of Aaron Kidder, Joseph Bates 
and Ichabod How, to "seat the meeting-house; " and 
they were directed to " seetc ten persons on each 

Long Seal and tour on each short one." 
This was an unpretentious building, and in 17(52 



' t" l.llil.l II Mr, 



■la r.-.-t wide stii-l HI !".■•■( 



"Voted tochuse a Committee t :eive and provide stuff Buch as 

b,,ards, slit-work. shinnies, . 1 . . i . ( r. 1 . , 1 , , I r 1 1 . ■ like f,.r tin M.-.-ti n^-liou— -. 

ChosenMi Robert Crosbj III John Chandler, Dea. Benjamin Adams 

and dipt. Reuben Kidder." 

A controversy arose respecting the location of the 
house, which lasted until 1767, and after the location 
had finally been decided upon, and the church erected, 
another controversy occurred in relation to the distri- 
bution of the pews. Some wished to have a com- 
mittee "to prise the pew spotts and let the highest 
payers have them according to theirpay," and others 
wished to have them sold to the highest bidder at 
public vendue. It was finally agreed, November 18, 
1768, 

"That .ill per~,n- wli., hath a mind I,, li.iv>' hi- prop.,! r i. ootl.l.- part iti 

thi pev -■ and a thi New ">! H., prefer a Rei st to the Com** 8 chosen 

to disposi ol th Pews al Vendue, bj the 25th day instant at 9 o'clocs 

in the morning, shall have their proportionable part, ace ti theii 

pay, sett off to su< b as Request it 

"Toted, t'\ Entrest, that all the persons Intrested in the New M. II. 
shall sell the pews thai are not sett ofl to sui h as Requested theii parti 
at public vendue p. tin- highest bidder, and have the benefit ot the 
money -a el j,"iv- ,',,me to, ill proportion to their pay." 

In March, 1769, it was voted that the committee 
"proceed to build a pulpit and make the Body of 
Seats, and Seal up the window stools, and lathe and 
plaster to the I oillcry girts and so under the Gallerys, 
and Build the Siairs, and lay the gallery floor and 
also the ministerial Pew, all to lie compleated this 
Summer coming." 

In January, 1770, it was voted to finish the meet- 
ing-house this present year; to have a row ol' pews 
around the gallery, sell them at auction and apply 
the proceeds towards the finishing of the house. 
They also voted to paint the interior as the commit- 
tee should " think proper upon advise of men skilled 
in painting." The last recorded act in relation to 
the completion of the house was to build seats on the 
spaces over the stairs, "and the Negroes to set on 
the Hindmost of said seats in each gallery," though 
by a subsequent record it appears that they had not 
been built in 1774. 



The fourth and present church edifice was com- 
pleted in 1813. 
February 22, 1759, 

"!■■/,. 'p. -He .i,.-eph si hi "I'... in <ih,.i, ,,i,i i, nor, for going to 

Coi I to hier a preacher, and toTownshend to wait on Mr. Pamir up; 

■'"! Im g g to I'ainl.ri.l-e, 17 h. silver, old tenor; £'2 ln.i., like tenor, 

for going i" 1 Ihelmsford on the like i,,,-,,,"— 

November 26, 1759. At a meeting of the proprie- 
tors, 

"Kei Daniel Emei presiding, and after solemn supplication, Voted 

by I'roxes, and , hoseii Mr. Stephen Fai rar to he onr (.'impel minister in 
this place. 

" Voted to give Mr. Stephen Farrar £40 starling i teyol Grafc Bril 

toninaddil to the firsl Ministei Riti ol Land ill this Place, if he 

settles in the mini-try in tin- place 

"Voted to give Mr. Stephen Farrar forty pounds starling > u ,1 sai 1, 
for a yearly Sallery, so long as he continues a GoBpel i 

"b'le'l Ml" Ml. Farrar's Sallerv live Pounds Starline,, to he paid 

yearly, when II is Eiehli I, lir.s , and live Pounds starling more, 

to be paid yearly, when there is on,' hundred falnelies settled in this 
place, said addition to , ontnioe -,, ii„, u as i,„ do,- the u-ii 



The following signed the church covenant: 

Fletcher, \>,.h.v, Spaulding, Jonah Crosby, A ■ Taylor, Zechariah 

Adams, Stephen Adams, John Dutton, Benben Kidder, Ebenezei Bu] 
lint. Joseph Stevens, Benjamin Hoar, Benjamin Idams, II las Adams, 



'l'o these were added, in the course of the succeed- 
ing twelve years, thirty-eight others. Among these 
were : 

17C.4 liaiiiaba., Ilavi-, Nathaniel Carlotoii and Mile. Kaehel Kidder. 
Cornelius Cook, Joel and Hannah Crosby, Ma] shall pal nsworth. 

17651— George Start and wife, Ichi land Sarah How. 

1766.— Ed I and Abigail Briant, Nathan Boynton, itebeccs Melvin 

hi. I the Wi ' I ' 1 • a and \bi|ah Smith. 
1767.— Set h I ..bo aim ',. ;|. . .1 1 ban and Sa 

17ns Joseph and Ruth Pollard, and Rebecca, wife of John Preston. 

177c.— Samuel and Bridget Brown, Silas Iin.hajd.son. John and Su- 
sannah Cutter, and the wives ,,t Jonas Woolson, Jimiah Brown, Stephen 
Brown and Elijah Mansfield. 

1772.— Isaac Clark, William Elliol and the wife ol Simeon Fletcher. 

According to Mr. Walton's memoranda, there were 
added, in 1786, 88; 17s7, 10; 1789, 5; 1790, 1; 1791, 
2; 17'.i2, :!; 1794,2; 1800,5; 1801,3; 1806,1; 1808, 
2; 1809, 3. 

Ephraim and Benjamin Adams were the first 
deacons. 

The Second Congregational Church was organ- 
ized October 9, 1851, with fifty-seven members, bu1 
within ten years later united with the old church. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church was organized 
in 1841. The following is a list of pastors from its 
organization to the present time: 

■u, from December, 1841, to June, 1842; Jacob Boyce, 
from July, 1842, to July. 1844 ; George W. T. Rogers, from July, 1S44. 
to June, 1843; Henry Nutter, from June, 1846, to May, 1846; J. W 
Grumdly, from May, 1846, to June, 1x48; Joseph Hayes, from June, 
1.-1-, I- Mn. I M'.i; Jonathan Hall, from June, 1849, to May, 1851; 0. 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



11 May, 1 - . 1 , I.. H.-. .- tul .. ■ i , is.'.l ; u I', Pitcher, from De- 
cember, 1851, l" .lum-, is.-,--.; Jonathan Hull-, from June, 1852, to May, 
L855; -I r Stinchfield, from May, 1855, to July, 1866; S. G Kellogg, 
from July, 1856, to July, 1858; David Culver, from January, 1859, to 

\].ni, i- iS A P llai. I., ' i May, 1859, to April, 1861 

l :.. i ;.. Vpril, 1861, to April, 1KI1-J : Inul Taggart, from April, 187(1, 

to April, 1872 ; Jacob I' Spaulding, from ipril, 1872, to Vpril,1875j 

■ rth, i Ipril, 187 - to Vpril, 1 -77 ; 1' W, Johnson, from 

April, 1877, to September, ls77; G. M. Curl, from September, 1877, to 
April, 1879; Geo S. Wentworth, from April, 1879, to \piil. 1880; F. II 
Corson, from .Inn.-, lssn. to \pril, 1883 ; J M Coburn, from June, 1883, 
to April, 1884. 

The church has no pastor at the present time. 

An Unitarian Society was formed here and a 
meeting-house erected in 1833. Among the ministers 
were Rev. Mr. Hardin;:, Rev. R. Bates and Rev. 
Warren Burton. The church is now extinct. 



CHAPTER IV. 

NEW IPSWICH— [Continued). 

APPLETON ACADEMY. 1 

WEreadinthe" HistoryofNen [pswich,"tha( though 

the town had made provision for instruction in the 
languages, it was lor only a few weeks in the year; 
and after the close of the Revolutionary War it was 
not to be supposed that such men as the Farrars, 
Champneys, Protons. Barretts, Appletons and Kid- 
ders, who had children growing up, would be satisfied 
with the advantages enjoyed. In 1861, at a re-union 
of the alumni of the academy, Hon. John Preston, 
in responding to the toast, "The Original Founders 
of the Academy," said, — 

» As early as 1787, when but one Academy had been - 

n two men of New Ipswich and other towns in this vicin- 
ity bound themselves by mutual covenants to contribute theil several 

proportions to tin- support .1 a -.■)..... I in V u Ipswich, where tin- higln-r 
branches of knowledge might be taught. In 178! I Academj was in- 

corporator S f til.- t.nill.l. i - lia.l I.e. a. -..Mi. a- in I 

Revolution ;all w.-rc flittering from the elnl.ai lassiie-nt- . .cca-i-mol l.y tin- 
expenses of the war and a depreciated currency, Many of them were 

involved in debt ; yet, lot Hi.- -al I |„.,inlil,-_- tin- In.-nlisot c.lurntilig 

rinai . hiMl'-o. tln.-> in. r-as.-.l th..-n il.-l.ts ami .-v.-n morl 

iarins, liriuly Colo illcol lliat tlu-y o.ul.l leave tli.-it -. hiMi.-n u. I.ga. \ -.. 

valuable as a good education." 

Iii the fall <>f 17S7 tin- school opened in adistrict 
school-house, with Mr. John Hubbard lor its first pre- 
ceptor. The school nourished and outgrew its first 
home; so, in 1789, a building, now occupied as a 
dwelling by Emerson I low,-, was erected, and a 
charter of incorporation obtained. Trustees were se- 
lected from those who had been members of the as- 
sociation, all paper- and money given to the new- 
board and the old association gave place to the new. 
Rev. Stephen Farrar was chosen presiden! of the 
trustees, Dr. John Preston secretary and John Hub- 
bard was retained as preceptor till his resignation, in 
1795. The next year Mr. Samuel Worcester, who 
had lilted lot- college under .Mr. Hubbard, was se- 



cured as preceptor, and remained two years, when he 
resigned to begin his vocation of the ministry in 1798. 
XI r. Worcester was succeeded by Mr. David Palmer. 
who remained one year, and the school was closed 
that winter. 

The next two terms were under the charge of Mr. 
Pett i i lochran. 

In September, 1799, Mr. Warren Pierce took the 
school for two years. At this time there seems to 
have been a depression, and the school was closed for 
two years, to open in 1803 under the care of Mr. 
Joseph Milliken, who remained till 1807, when Mr. 
Benjamin White was put in charge for a year. He 
was succeeded by Mr. Oliver Swain Taylor, who re- 
cently died in Auburn, X. Y., at the age of one hun- 
dred. Under Mr. Taylor the school was prosperous, 
and a goodly number of the daughters, as well as the 
sons, of the town attended. At this time we find the 
first lady assistant (Mrs, Mitchell, afterward married 
to Mr. Peter Batchelder). Mr. Taylor resigned in 
1811, and the next few years we find the'school to 
have been in charge of Messrs. Luke Eastman, Hart 
Talcott, Jesse Smith and Elijah Demond. 

In 1817 the town was about to build anew town hall, 
and an agreement was made with the trustees by 
which the town and trustees should, to their mutual 
advantage, join in erecting a building. 

In 1817 the school was moved to its new rooms, the 
students marching in procession from the old building 
to the new. The music on tlii- occasion was furnished 
by some of their own number, among them being 
Elijah Bingham and Jonas < 'lackering, whose name 
litis since been so well-known in musical circles 
throughout the world. 

From isl.s to L820 Mr. Earl Smith was preceptor. 
The school flourished tit this time, and we find in a 
letter from Mr. Charles Barrett to Mr. Samuel Apple- 
ton that, besides the building, fifteen hundred dollars 
had been added to the fund. Soon after this Mr. 
Samuel Appleton sent some globes and one hundred 
volumes toward a library, of which the school was 
in need. At the same time Mr. Isaac Appleton 
contributed a large and curious folio volume on 
- ( renealogj -" 

The next four or five years were under Messrs. 

Amasa Edes, Rufus Putnam and Cranmore Wallace. 

In 1827, under Mr. Seth H. Keeler, the school was 
very small. Mr. Robert A. Coffin, assisted bj his 
wile, held the school from 1828 to 1833 with great 
success. During this time Mrs. Dolly Everett, sister 
of the Appletons, presented the school with a bell. 
Mr. Coffin was lollowed by his assistant, Mr. Stephen 
T. Allen, who was highly commended by the trustees 
when he resigned at tin- end of the following year. 
From 1835 to 1st], Mr. Charles Shedd was preceptor, 
and front 1S41 to 1844, Messrs. Josiah Crosby, James 
K. Colby and Aimer Warner were in charge. 

In 1844, Mr. Edward A. Lawrence began bis suc- 
cessful work, which lasted till his resignation, in 1851. 



NEW IPSWICH. 



At the meeting of the alumni in 1861 allusion is made 
to him by the chronicler as follows: 

"After a season canie Edward, whose Burname waa Lawrence, a wise 

in. hi. « halt uprightly and walked in his integrity. Ami his days 

w. n- iijiiknl l.v gentleness anil peace. Many children of the people 
drew nigh unto his loving-kindness, ami Ihey took s\v. - .. . . 

gethex and walked to the Bouse of God in com] v Now the rest of 

the acts of Edward, anil his many kind words, ami hi- g [ness, they an' 

graven with the point uf a diamond mi tin' taMots .'1 air memory." 

On September 11. 1850, the town celebrated its cen- 
tennial, and many of its distinguished sons ami 
daughters were present. On account of great age and 

infirmities, Samuel Appleton was unable to attend, 
but sent, a letter, in which he says, — 






which I hupe will nii-t-t the approbation ot all : ' Tin- Literary Institu- 
tion- of New Hampshire in general, ami tin- A.'.i'l'- 1 1 1 \ ol Neu Ip-ueh 

in particular ; ' ami In enable thai institution l.i a-s n- t r -lairl- 

ing and extend its Intim useful ti-.^s, I, Sainu.'l Appleton, ol r..-1'n. - i ■ ■ 
hereby promise lo pa\ in Iln Tl nsteo- of N.\i l|.-\M.h \. n-l.-iu v, t..i the 
lienefit of said Academy, the lln.ui.aiid dull. us .n ,l. n, ,n ; 

After the applause, which the reading of this letter 
excited, had ceased, Dr. Augustus A. Gould, of Bos- 
ton, one of New Ipswich's sons, rose and promised to 
give to the academy an extensive collection of shells, 
plants and other objects of natural history whenever 
the resident citizens would furnish suitable cases for 
their arrangement and preservation. At the same 
meeting a committee, consisting of lion. Samuel 
Batchelder, Hon. Timothy Parrar, Jonas Chickering, 
Esq., Dr. A. A. Gould and Frederic Kidder, were 
chosen to solicit money for a permanent fund for t lie 
academy. Such an impulse had been given by the 
(lunations of Mr. Appleton and Mr. Gould that the 
resident and other friends of the school resolved to 
erect ■ > building suited to the future requirements of 
the institution, and money for the purpose was given 
by S iiniiel Appleton, Nathan Appleton, Jonas ( 'bick- 
ering, the Kidders, Champneys, Barretts, Prestons, 
Thayers and many others. Mr. Elihu T. Quimby 
took charge of the school after the resignation of Mr. 
Lawrence, in 1853 the present academy building 
was begun, a large two-story brick building, situated 
on fine grounds commanding an extensh e view. In 
the spring of 1854 the new rooms were ready for oc- 
cupation. The first Moor of the building was devoted 
to recitation-rooms; by a broad, easy stair-way the 
second story was reached, on which were situated the 
1 irge school hall, library, room for philosophical ap- 
paratus and a museum for the promised gift of Dr. 
Gould, who, shortly alter the completion of the cases, 
came to superintend the arrangement of the cabinet. 
Among other things is a very valuable and complete 
geological collection, part of which was L'iven to Dr. 
Gould by his friend, Sir Charles Lyell, and many of 
the inscriptions are in Lady Lyell's handwriting. 
Another branch of the collection bad been given to 
Dr. Gould by Colonel Ezekiel Jewett, a native of 
Rindge, who served in the War of 1812 and also in 
the South American War. Still later in life he be- 



came famous for his researches in minerals and shells. 

In 1854 the academy received from the esecutors of 

the will of Samuel Appleton, who had recently died. 
twentj thousand dollars, making his total gilt to the 
school fund twenty-live thousand dollars ; and a! I his 
time, in recognition of his kindness, the name of the 
school u a- changed to New Ipswich Appleton Academy. 
In the summer of 1861, al the request of friends of the 
academy, .Mr. Quimby, the principal, issued a circu- 
lar, a portion of which follows : 



I. ii l.i an mat h\ I! IV Kingsbury, 

Perry, Ef ol Brooklyn, N. Y., has 
\ l'i rton, Esq., "I New I psv, ah, 

red to make tin- day pleas-ant and 

We read in the record of that day that a large 
number of the alumni and friends of the school met 
on Wednesday, September, IS, 1861, at nine A.M., in 
the old academy hall. The meeting was called to 
order by Rev. Samuel Lee. one of the board of trus- 
tees, and the following officers of the day were 
chosen: President, Deacon N. D. Gould, of Boston, 
Mass.; Vice-President, Hon. John Preston, of New- 
Ipswich; Marshal, Colonel John P.Clark, of New 
Ipswich; Chaplain, Rev. Perley 11. Davis, of Andover, 
Mass; Secretary, John N. Stearns, Esq., of New 
York. 

After the business of the day bad been transacted, 
a procession was formed on the green in front of the 
old academy in the following order : 

Tie- Mar-lial and Aids. 



I' i licis past an. I |. le.nl . of tils' Academy. 

Alumni. 

'flic procession moved through the principal streets 
of the village to the large hall in the new academy 
building, which was tilled to overflowing. The presi- 
dent of the day, Deacon N. 1). ( rOUld, a vigorous man, 
though in his eightieth year, upon calling the as- 
sembly to order, made a short address, in which he 
said, — 

torj "t i lie Icademj as myself, "i »i -ay. a- I - an, that of the 

IIiiiH la,, on filial foliml.Ti- "f tin- instil lltii ill, "f the till' 

gentlemen who have been fmin tunc I., nine its trustees, ami of the 

twenty-eighl i ptore who have successfully had its chat I have 

known every one, and lac.' been Intimately acquainted with mosl ol 

An oration was then delived by I'.. P.. Kingsbury, 
Esq., entitled '•True Heroism" and its connection 
with the life of the scholar. The oration was fol- 
lowed by a poem written and delivered by Timothy 
Perry, which was received with great favor by the 
audience. The poem was followed by the " Word of 



624 



HISTOKY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY. NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



the Prophet Benammi," by William A. Preston. The 
ancient and allegorical style in which the prophet 
treated numerous incidents in the history of the 

academy provoked hearty merriment among the 
most dignified in the assembly. 

It was in the first year of our Civil War. s i after 

our defeat, when Hull Run and Manassas Gap awak- 
ened sad memories in all hearts, ami it was in allu- 
sion to these events that the chronicler, who refers 
to New Ipswieh as Gilead and the academy as the 
tabernacle, foretells the final triumph of the right, 
and invokes the blessings of Heaven upon our cause 
as follows : 

"6. And the children of tin- Xortli hasted and went down to the con- 
flict, and among them were many from the land ..t oil. id 
of the tabernacle, men of might and men of war. hi for the battle, that 
could handle the shield and buckler; whose faces were like the fares of 
upon the mountains. 

"7. And they girded on theii armor, even the glittering Bpearand the 
sword, and were terrible as an army with hauliers. 

"8. And they said one to another: 'Gilead is mine, 

" 9. And they trembled not at the sound of the trumpets, the thunder 
of the captains and the shouting, aud they fought from the rising of the 
sun to the going down thereof. 

" 10. And, lo, even now their arnioi is not laid aside, and even now 

can we hear the trampling of l! hariot,- and the 

midnight sky is red with the glare of the battle. 

"11. But we remembered how in the days of old stood Phineas, the 
il 'aron, before the Ark of the Covi I. .ax- 
ing: 'Shall I > battle against the children of Benja- 
min in brother, or shall I . ease " 

"12. Andth ' ., for to-morrow I will deliver them 

into thine hand.' 

" I::. And \\e weri- eouiforted, and bade our children be of _ 1 cheer, 

tot lie who led bl- people with a pillai ol fire by night, and a pillar of 

cloud by day, would not forsake u> in tin, out I hie. but would be our 

strong fortress, and a -bade upon ,,„, right h i 

"14. ' But tie- ey 1 the prophet Iienanniii wax din 

as if in a vision, that the land of Gilead shall again How with milk am! 
honey ; that it- garnet- .hall I., lull to ,o orrlowing; 

"lo. That this label naele *hall -till .end forth blessings without num- 
ber, and that our children and oni children's children shall come up 
hither to learn that whu I, s _ i, md .boll do liouoi and reverence to 

those who. ill old time, established this abode of W i-doiu. 

"16 Let them walk in their integi ,-il neither the 

Pestilent e thai walketli in darkness, nor the destruction that wasteth at 
noonday: till, beneath their own vine, and among their own kindred, 
the silver cord is loosed, and the golden bowl is broken, 

"17. To thee, our foster-mother, Hail! Peace be within thy walls, 
\ within thy palaces. 

"18, for my brethren and companions' sake, I will m 

During the next t\-w years many valuable philo- 
sophical and chemical instruments were added to the 
school laboratories. Mr. Ira Holden, of Baltimore, 
Md., gave a fine air-pump; Mr. Jeremiah Prichard, 
of Boston, a large electrical machine, and, from time 
to time, many other instruments have been given by 
other friends. Rev. E. T. Rowe succeeded Mr. 
Quimby in 1865, and remained till 1868, when Mr. 
Earl W. Westgate was put in charge of the school. 
In 1872, Mr. John Herbert took charge of the school, 
and remained till 1874, when William A. Preston, 
Esq., became principal, and the school still remains 
in his care. The school fund has, within a few years, 
been increased live thousand dollars by the bequest 



of the late Isaac Spalding, of Nashua, a native of 
Xew Ipswich. Among the prominent men who have 
been students at the academy are Chief Justice Ap- 
pleton, of Maine: Levi Woodbury, of the Supreme 
Court of the United States; Amos Kendall, Post- 
master-General of the United States; Marshall P. 
Wilder, of Boston; Dr. George C. Shattuck, of Bos- 
ton; the famous surgeon, Dr. Amos Twitchell, of 
Kcene, and many others. At the New Hampshire 
festival in Boston, in 1850, five of the twelve vice- 
presidents were sons of Xew Ipswich and former 
members of the academy. The following gentlemen 
have, at various times, been trustees: 

Rei Stephen Farrar, I barb-- Barrett, Esq . Ephraim Hartwell, Esq., 

Joseph Brown Rei Seth Payson Re\ 1'auiel i:»i iie, 1M w I-. 

Jacob Abbot, John Hubbard, Dr. John Preston, Hon. Ti tin lunar. 

: ' 'lb i Noah Md. s, Jonathan Si at i i, ft i kbel 1 iski . 
Robert Smith, Ebeneaer Edwards, Jeremiah I'ri. hard, lev Coin, liu- 
Kildei, lioinumiii I'h.uupney, Ksij , Pr. John 1're-ton. 
Jl . Rev. Richard Hall, Samuel Hat. h elder. Rev, l.beu.v,., iijn, |;, V . 
'"""' Pa r, Charles Barrett, N lb Gould, In Jl I 

Tho Beedet Petei Fell Joseph Barrett, Rei [saw I: Barbour, 0. 

■ haries Walker, Rev. A. B . Burnnai ,1,1 n t ,. 

rar, John Clark, William Ainsworth, Isaac Ida as, J i 

1 " ! ' Ftedi '.Adams, William W. 

Johnson, G ge Barrett, Stephen Thayer, William Olmstead, Supply 

I li \m [in- A Could. William A l*reston Rev. 

Calvin Cutler, Newton Brooks, Edwei d ~p,,:,,.. M.t'h, - H 
Thomas II Marshall, Frank w. Preston Fn lerii ,i nea, Jeremiah 
Smith, John I Davis, lia s Holden, Thomas G Appleton I! 
w lorn, x . bo.iue, Wallat - 



CHAPTER V. 

IPSWICH— I Continued). 



M 



ihe Manufacturers' Bank— The Xew Ipswich Bank — The New 

Ipswich Sawngs-Bank— The Pres — Physicians— Post-otfice— Manu- 

: re, F. and \. M -Watatii l Ig. t.O.ofO.] 

— Civil History — Kepresehlativos 1 Town Clerks from Incorporation 

ol 'low,, to 1886. 

The Manufacturers' Bank was chartered in 1820, 

with a capital of $100,000. The first president was 
Charles Barrett, who held the position until his 
death. Thomas B. Fearing was the first cashier. 
He was succeeded by William Ainsworth, and .Mr. 
Ainsworth by George Barrett. 

The New Ipswich Bank was chartered in 1848, 
with a capital of $100,000. J. M. Minol was presi- 
dent, and George Barrett cashier. William A. Pres- 
ton succeeded Mr. Barrett as cashier in 1861. The 
hank closed about 1867. 

The New Ipswich Savings-Bank was incorporated 
January 3, 1849. The incorporators were Isaac 
Adams. Joseph Barrett, Jeremiah Smith. Nathan 
Sanders. John P. Clark. James Chandler. Ephraim 
H. Farrar, George Sanders, William W. Johnson. 
Supply Wilson, George Barrett, John Preston, Hiram 
Smith and Stephen Smith. 

The incorporators met February 10, 1849, and 
chose the following trustees: William W. Johnson, 
Joseph Barrett, James Chandler. Nathan Sanders, 



NEW IPSWICH. 



Jeremiah Smith, Supply Wilson, George Barrett, 
Hiram Smith and Stephen Smith. 

The trustees above-named met February 24, 1849, 
and the following officers were chosen: Jeremiah 
Smith as president, John Preston as treasurer. 

The presidents in order and time of service are as 
follows: Jeremiah Smith. 1849 to 1873, resigning on 
account of ill health; James Chandler, 1873 to 1878, 
resigning on account of ill health; William W. 
John~oii. 1878 to L883; George Whiting, 18S3 to 
18S6. 

The treasurers in order and time of service are 
John Preston, 1849 until his death, in March, 1807; 
William A. Preston, son of John Preston, 1867 to 
1875; Frank W. Preston, son of John Preston, 1875 
to 1886. 

The present standing committee arc George Whit- 
ing, Henry < ). Preston, Frederick Jones and Edward 
O.Marshall. 

Present board of trustees arc William W. Johnson, 
George Whiting, William A. Preston, Ephraim F. 
Fox, George W. Wheeler (2d), Frederick Jones, 
Frank W. Preston, Henry < ). Preston and Edward 
( ). Marshall. 

The first three depo-ii,- wen a- follows: February 
27, 1849, Charles Aimer Chickering, $13; March 30, 
1849, Joseph Howard Sanders, $6.50; March 31,1849, 
Frank Whipple Preston, $13. 

The amount of deposits January, INN."., were $77,- 
091. 

The Press. — On New Year's morning, 1802, a small 
pamphlet was found distributed at almost every man's 
door. It was entitled "The New Year's Gift, 01 
Naughty Folks Reformed;" by his Honor, Isaac 
Iambic. The avowed object of the muse was to 



The management of singing and singing-schools and 
the preceptor of the academy are castigated, with sun- 
dry hits at hard drinking, swearing and lying and 
many other topics. The excitement produced was 
very great, and the effect was highly beneficial in 
suppressing the follies and quarrels of the citizens. 
Every one stood in terror of Isaac, who had declared 
that he should do his duty, and that every New 
Year they should have his gift, and moreover, that 
he will 

"toll til.' truth, but will lio! -pair 
Little "I- great a single hair : 
Ami when you tell a lie or swear. 

IXp' rl \i.lil ll 0-1 e t Ll:,il>n: llii'H', 

T< b i it i your Dame, and then to lift 
It into his next Msio Fear's Gift." 

The threats of vengeance from those who had been 
directly alluded to were loud and long. The sin of 
authorship was laid at many a door, but no satisfac- 
tory clue to it was then obtained. Indeed, we believe 
the name of the author has never yet been fully dis- 
closed. His two coadjutors were faithful, ami he so 



artfully diverted attention hy ca-tlualniL' '•' 
well a- his father, hinting 

"How s 1 It r, tie v 

that he escaped detection. 

A somewhat similar commotion was produced, :> 
dozen year- or more afterwards, hy the circulation of 
-one verses entitled "The Ladies' Looking-Glass," 
amed a i some of the prevalent follies of the day. 

Tin: Press of New Ipswich. 1 — Early in the year 
1815, Simeon Ide, then in his twenty-first year, having 
si rved an apprenticeship with Farnsworth& Church- 
hill, publishers of the Vermont Republican, at Windsor, 
procured of Monroe ,v Francis, of Boston, a small two- 
pull Lineage press, a font of second-hand bourgeois 
type, weighing three hundred and ftfty-fivi 
badly worn, and other material necessary for printing 
an edition of the New Testament. This In- placed in a 
blacksmith-shop on his father's farm, situated "over 
the hills," in the southwest coiner of New Ipswich, 
about four miles from the Centre village and three 
miles easterly from the village of Bindge. Having 
pr,, cured paper from the mill of Samuel Smith, Esq., 
of Peterborough, with the assistance of a sister not yet 

i wel\ e years ( if age. he ci uupletedan edition of five thou- 
sand copies of the New Testament, in duodecimo form, 

three hundred and seventy-five pages, in i hi five 

months. — lie doing the press-work at "half-press," 
while his sister did nearl} all the case-work. This is 
believed to be the first edition of the New Testament 
published in the State. In order that this, his first 
publication, might he as free a- possible of errors, lie 
engaged the Rev Dr. Payson, of Rindge, to read the 
proof-sheets, ami walked to the doctor's house, a dis- 
tance of three miles, twice a week to read proofs with 
him. To give greater currency to the edition, he 
prevailed upon Dr. Payson to allow him to insert 
upon the title-page, "Revised and corrected by Rev. 
S. Payson, D.D." Some of the doctor's friend- get- 
ting I he impression that he had been attempting a 
new translation, he was not a little troubled; but .Mr. 
Me came to his relief by placing over the o 
line a primed slip, on which were the words, " First 
New Ipswich Edition." < hie thousand copies, in full 
binding, were sold to the New Hampshire Bible So- 
ciety for two hundred and eighty dollars— much below 
the cost — in order to raise the money tor his SUpplj 
ofpaper. The remainder of the edition was retailed 
ai fifty cents a copy. Mr. Ide also printed -.-col 

sermons, pamphlets and .-mall 1 ks for tie- young, 

during the term of about one year he remained with 
I,,- father al the homi stead. \.mong the hitter were 
"Franklin's Way to Wealth." "Prompter," " Sket- 
ches of Franklin's Life and Character" (written by 
Mr. Ide while an apprentice), "The i o 
Robert Blair, "Gray's Elegy," etc. 
About the same time Solomon Wilder removed to 



026 



history <>f mi.i,si;(n;uri;ii corxTV, new Hampshire. 



Now Ipswich from Leominster, Mass., with a printing 
apparatus of the rudest sort, even for thus,- days. He 
didjoba in the wa\ of posters for vendues, farm sales, 
probate notices, etc. He also printed toy-hooks, with 
cuts of a very questionable styleofart, ami an occa- 
sional pamphlet; but beyond this he did not aspire. 
He did most of the printing demanded by the locality 
for many years. 

7v New Tpswich Register was published by Mark 
Miller in 1833, and had hut a short life. 

Tht Newt- Gatherer was published by King&Hewes 
in 1836. 

The New Ipswich Times, a small sheet, is now pub- 
lished quarterly by Emery & Allen. 

( reorge I). Burton commenced printing in New Ips- 
wich in 1871. With a press seven by nine inches, 
ami a small stock of type, mostly purchased on credit, 
he opened in a small room opposite the hotel. His 
principal work was address and husine.-s cards, pro- 
cured by advertising from abroad. Being successful 
in this, and having paid off his indebtedness, in 
1872 he purchased more type and a plough paper- 
cutter. 

In 1874 he commenced the publication of the AVw 
EiKjbind Star, an eight-page, thirty-two column ama- 
teur paper, published monthly, at fifty cents a year, 
printed at the office of the Cheshire Republican, at 
Keene. At first one thousand copies were issued, and 
the circulation continued to increase monthly. The 
advertisements so called in work that in the spring 
of 1875 an eight-inch Gordon press was purchased, 
and more spacious quarters were found for the busi- 
ness in the two-and-a-half story block opposite 
Thayer's cigar-factory. Soon after a Hoe press, with 
platen twenty-six by twenty-eight, was added, and a 
large outfit of wood and metal type. In the fall of 
1875, Mr. Burton received from the postmaster a cer- 
tificate that he furnished and receh cd lnoremail matter 
each day than all the other inhabitants combined. 
That thenar had some shining qualities is evidenl 
from the fact that in the spring of 1 S7t; it had attained 
a circulation of between live thousand and six thou- 
sand. In that year it was sold to William M. Pem- 
berton, of Ansonia, Conn. In the spring of 1877, 
such was the run of job-work from abroad that an- 
other press was demanded and procured ; also a thirty- 
two-inch Sanborn power paper-cutter and a four horse- 
power engine. New shafting was put in. and the 
business run by steam. Many large business houses 
in Boston ami other huge [daces procured their print- 
in- at this office. A machine-shop was also annexed, 
in the rear of the building, t'or the manufacture of 
small novelties. Everything continued prosperous 
till the fall of 1877, when, on a calm, (bar November 
evening, the office having been run to a late hour to 
meet the crowd of work, theownerand his co-laborers 
were summoned from their incipient slumbers to see 
tin- whole establishment vanish as in an hour by the 
insatiable tire-fiend. The amount of loss can be 



judged from the foregoing sketch, and the fact that 
seven hands were constantly employed in this office. 

Physicians.— The first physician was John Pres- 
ton, who came in 1762, ami for some time was the 
only physician in the town. He was followed by 
Drs. Thomas Swain, Eben H. Goss, Nathan Breed, 
John Preston, Jr., Timothy Preston, James Barr, 
Moses Farwell, Calvin Brown, William Galleys, John 
Clough, Henry Gibson, L. II. Cochran. Dr. Kitter- 
edge, Frederick Jones. 1 Stillman Gibson, George M. 
Gage, James Emerson, John M. Rami, Francis N. 
< ribson, 1 John Cutler, Frederick W. Jones. 1 

The Post-Office at New Ipswich was established, in 
1800, with Samuel Batchelder, Sr„ postmaster. The 
following is a list of the postmasters from that time 
to the present : Sampson Fletcher. Josiah W. Spaul- 
ding, 'barbs Hastings, Jr., Charles Chickering, Ed- 
ward M. Isaacs, John I*. Davis, John G. Leonard, 
Charles A. Whitney, Henry O. Preston (the present 
incumbent). 

The first Cotton-Mill in New Hampshire was es- 
tablished in this town, in 1804, by Charles Bobbins, 
Charles Barrett and Benjamin Champney. Robbins 
was a practical manufacturer, and was to receive for 
his services and skill S2.7"> per day, and the others to 
furnish the means for conducting the business. The 
mill went into operation in December, 1804, and con- 
tained five hundred spindles. Four and a half pounds 
of yarn were spun on the first day, which was sold to 
I harles Kohl, ins for $3.42. June 11, 1805, the Legis- 
lature of New Hampshire, on the petition of Charles 
Barrett and others, passed an " Act to encourage the 
manufacture of Cotton Yarn in the town of New Ips- 
wich, in this Slate" 

Other factories were built from time to time; but 
the only one now in existence in the town is the Co- 
lumbian Manufacturing Company, which manufac- 
tures cotton goods, denims, stripes, etc. The woolen 
manufacture was also carried on at one time in this 
town. John Everett commenced the manufacture ol 
woolens as early as 1810; but it was abandoned in 
1826. 

Slavery in New Ipswich.— Slavery at one time 
existed in this town, and the minister, the doctor, the 
magistrate, the deacon and the captain all were slave- 
owner-. The first one owned in town was a man 
belonging to Deacon Adams. Tradition says he was 

-.cry discontented when comparing the solitudes of 
the wilderness with the cleared fields, of old Ipswich. 
Soon after. Colonel Kidder had two, one of whom 
was a girl, who died young; Caesar, the man, was 
purchased in ( Ihelmsford, for ten pounds, » hen seven 
years obi. Scipio, owned by Captain Hoar; Patience, 
by Rev. Stephen Farrar; Boston, by Doctor Preston, 
St.; and Grace, by Paul Prichard, died young. 
The first Burial-Place in the town was near the 

first meeting-house. 

1 Now in practice. 



NEW IPSWICH. 



627 



Watatic Lodge of Odd-Fellows was 



instituted 



,111 



Bethel Lodge, No. 24, F. and A. Masons, was 
chartered August 22, 1815, and John Everett was 
first Master. The present membership is about 
thirty-five, among whom is Silas Wheeler, who re- 
ceived his Entered Apprentice degree at the first 
meeting held for work, September 12, 1815. 

Civil History.— The following is a list of town- 
clerks and representatives from the incorporation of 
the town to 1886: 



762. — Moses Tucker, tow 


j clerk. 


763.— Timothy Heald, ti 


ra clerk. 


764.— Ichabod How, tovi 


clerk. 


70o. — Bi-njaiuiil \dam-. 


own clerk 


17(3'',. — IiiternjL'iunii. 




767.— Isaac Appleton, tov 


■n clerk. 


17ns.— Benjamin Adams, 


own cleri 



ns, town clerk. 
1770. — Benjamin Adams, town clerk. 
1771. — John Preston, town clerk. 
1772. — Benjamin vdams, town clerk. 
1773.— Benjamin Adams, town clerk. 
1774.— Timothy Farrar, town clerk. 
1775.— William Shattuck, representative . Isaac How, town clerk. 

1770.— Joseph Hates, i .-( ■, — r, r ., t , v .■ I- II. .w. t,,wn clerk. 

1777. — Benjamin Adams, representative ; Isaac How, town clerk. 
177s.— John Piv>t,,n, repie-enlative ; Isaac Appleton. town clerk. 
1779.— Ebenezer Champney, representative; Isaac Appleton, towi 

1780.— John Brown, representative ; Isaac How, town .Ink. 
1781.— Timothy Farrar, representative; Benjamin Adams, t.iwi 
clerk. 

1782.— Ephraim Adams, representative ; Isaa. Mow, town clerk. 

1783.— Epliraim Adams, representativ, , Ji - Horsley, town clerk 

1784. — Epliraim A, lam-, representative ; .lames Hot-ley, town clerk. 
1785. — Epliraim Adams,, representative James Horsley, town clerk. 
1786.— John Preston, representative; Isaac Ippleton, town clerk. 
1787.— Charles Barrett, representative . [saac Appleton, town clerk. 

1788.— Charles Barrett, representative ; Isaac Appleton, town clerk. 

17S9.— Clonics Barrett, representative ; Isaac Appleton, tow,, , I.-rk. 

1790. — Charles Barrett, representative ; Isaac Appleton, town clerk. 

1791.— Charles Barrett, representative; Jeremiah Prichard, tow 
clerk. 

1792.— Charles Barrett, representative ; Jeremiah Prichard, tow- 
clerk. 

1703. — Charles I'.arrett, representative ; Jeremiah Prichard, tow- 
clerk. 



.94. — Jeremiah Pri hard rept 



Jeremiah Prichard, 



John Huhhard, 



-Samuel Batchelder, representative John Preston, town clerk. 
-Samuel Batrhcldor, rept. tentative , John Pie-ton, town clerk. 
Samu, l Bat, held, ,. ,• presentative . J, hn Preston to 

-Samuel ItatclieWer, ropi e.enlal , v ,• ; .loin, l'ivsl.,n, town clerk. 

-\. 11. Gould, representative ; John Preston, town clerk. 

-N. I>. ,0.,,1,1, representative ; Samuel Hatch, -|,ler, tow II clerk. 
-Charles liar, ell. 1 , pi ,-o„t,iln e ; Samuel Hat, I, elder, town 

-X. I" I0,ul,l, representative: Samuel Hatclielder, town , I. 1 1, 

—Charles Han, -it, representative; Samuel Batchelder, town 



-Charles Barretl 



Sat 1 Batch 



l,j:j._si,.p],. 



epic-, ntalive , S;t 1 Hal, heMer. town 



1797.— Jeremiah Prichard, representative . Jeremiah Prichard, town 

I ; ,- ., hat les Bam 11. representativi ; Seth « heeler, town clerk. 
1799.— Jeremiah Prichard, representative , Noan Bartlett, town 
lerk. 

lsun.— Jeremiah Prichard, re|,resentative ; Xuah Bartlett, town clerk. 
1801. — Ehenezer Champney, representative : Noah Bartlett, town 
lerk. 
1802. — Jeremiah Prichard, representative : John Preston, town clerk, 
lso:;.— Noah B.ntlett. representative : John Preston, town clerk. 
Isol -V,,,h P.... II, tt, representative . John Preston, town clerk. 
1805 —Noah Bartlett, representative; John Preston, town clerk. 
lso, .. — Nod, Bartlett, representative ; John Preston, town clerk. 
1807.— Noah Bartlett, representative. John Preston, town clerk. 

l.sos.— Xoal, Baitlett. 1. 1 eiitalive ; John Preston, town . 1,-rk 

1809.— Noah Bartlett, representative ; rohn Preston, town clerk. 
1810.— Isaiah Kidder, representative; John Preston, town clerk. 

ISll.-Samuel Batchelder, i.-pr illative; John pie-ton. town cleik. 

1812.— Samuel Batchelder. repre tative ; John Preston, town clerk. 



1824.— Stephen Wheeler, representative ; K H. Fanar, town clerk. 
1825.— Charles Barrett, representative ; V. II. Farrar, town clerk. 
1826.— Charles Barren, repie-eutaiive . 1:, II Farrar, town clerk. 
1827.— Stephen Wheeler, representativi . I II Farrar, town clerk. 
Isjs -Stephen Wheeler, representative ; I. II. Fanar, town clerk. 
1829. Stl pbeu \\ I,. ■ !■-,. r. 1 -i — lit ,,,ve , .1. leiuiali Smith, town .lerk. 

I . I II Farrar, town clerk. 

II 1 II Farrar, town clerk. 
. l Wheeler, representativi I H. Farrar, town clerk. 

1833.— John Preston, representativ, 1. II Farrar, town clerk. 
1834.— Seth King, representative E II Farrar, town clerk. 

1835.— Seth King, repi ntative ; I. II Farrar, town clerk. 

1836 —Stephen Wheeler, representative ; i. II Farrar, town • lerk. 
1837.— Seth King, representative ; F II Farrar, town clerk 
1838.— John lv-ton. representative John Gould, Ji , town clerk. 
]s:;:i. — lereiuiah Suiilli, representative ; John Could, Jr., town , lerk. 

184(1 Jeremiah Smith, re sentative ; John,; d. Jr. town clerk ; 

Edward M. Isaacs 1 • nil vacancy 
1841 —William A111-W..11I1, representative ; John Clark, town clerk. 
, . : u .,, v, :,-„.., ji,, p.pie-eiit.i nve . Henry I-aacs to fill vacan 

I . 1 . I ,j, : , |'|. -t. 1 • ] 1 ■ ntative John cl.n ... i..w n 0I.1 k. 

- ; 1 1 ■,, p n. t. •].!',■>.■ 1 native ; .loh 11 rl.iik, town clerk. 

1M . —John l'|e-t..|i. lepie.entativ. ; John Clark, town ■ lerk. 

1M0.— John Prestv eprrsentative , John (lark, town ■ h-ik 

1847.— John Preston and Jeremiah Sinilh, representative- . Join, Clark, 
town clerk 

l-|s .1,1 cm,., I, smith cud Samuel I , 1, pi, -e 111, ,11, os ; John Clark, 

town clerk. 

1849.— Samuel 1 and .1. remiah Smith, representatives . John Clark, 

1850.— James Chandler and Frederick .lone., representatives; John 
Clark, town clerk. 

ps,:,l.— James I 'handler and John Preston, tepresei datives ; John ( lark, 
town clerk. 

isvj— llosea Eaton and John Preston, representatives; Charles A. 






Jonathan Hall, i,-| iv-eni , 

Jonathan Hall, representatives ; Charles 

Jonathan Hall, representatives; Charles 



1855.— Hosea Eat 
Whitney, town clerk. 

1856.— Christopher Whitney and Stephen Thayer, representatives; 
Charles \ Whitney, town clerk 

1857.— William W. Johnson and James chandler, representatives; 
Charles A. Whitney, town 1 111. 

1S5S.— E. JI. Isaacs and William W. .lohn-oii, r-pl motives : Charles 

A. Whitney, town clerk. 

1859.— Charles B. Marshall and Henrj " Pi 
, harlee \ Whitney, town clerk. 

[860 Charles B. Marshall and Henry 11 Preston, representatives ; 

Charles A. Whitney, town clerk. 

1861.— Nathan samlet- and me Baydon, represent., 1 r 

A Whitney, town clerk. 

lsiVJ. -jSiinni-l I..-.-, i.-pr,-, ntalive , I,,, ih- A Whitney, town clerk, 

m 1 .00,,, ,. pl ntative ; Charles A, Whitney, town clerk 

1864.— John V. Davis, representative; Charles \. Whitney, town 

1805.— John F. Davis, representative; Charles A. Whitney, town 
clerk. 
1866.— Hosea Eaton, representative; Charles A. Whitney, town clerk. 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



L867.— Hosea Eaton, representative ; Charles A. Whitney, town clerk. 
i! i Fat. .11, representative ; Charles A. Whitney, town clerk. 

■ til \ I'lesteti, r.-].i tit^iti\ .- ; Charles A. Whitney, town 

clerk. 
1870.— William A. Pr. -i Whitney, town 

1.S71. — Francis X niC-oh !■ pi. -.■Nt.iuv , Charles A. Whitney, town 
clerk. 

lsT'2. — Francis X Gibson, representative ; i harles \ Whitney, town 
clerk. 

i ink W. Preston, representative ; Charles A Whitney, town 

!, W . I'rv-lmi. repr.-, nt iti\e ; Charles \ \\ 1 1 1 1 n . \ |.mu 



1>7.'..— William W. Johnson, r-pr-— ntativt- ; Charles A. Whitney, 
town clerk. 

1876.— William « ■ ' , Charles A. Whitney, 

town clerk. 

1*77—1'. X. Seymour, representative : Charles \ Whitney, town 

clerk. 

Is7s.-p.-tei H. riark. representative j Charles \ V 
clerk; Henry 0. Preston t.. till vacancy, 

1879.— Peter 11. Clark, representative John W. Cummings, town 
clerk ; lien Preston to fill i 

1>si.i.— Charlei. W heeler, rcpresentatii e ; Kail 11. Farwell, town clerk 

lssL— Charles Wl ler, r. pies, nlal i i . ; Carl II F.u well, town clerk. 

1882.— Edwanl i.i Mai-hall, representative : Earl 11. Farwell ami 
Eugene F. Adams, town clerks. 

[883 i Iwanl i >. Marshall. r.-|.i i I Marsh, Ji , 

i l i M '■ ■ i , Jl 
town clerk. 

1884.— Warren Pratt, representativi ; J. l. I Marsh, Jr., town clerk. 

1885.— Warren Pratt, n ■ i i Marsh, Jr., town clerk. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 



.mux PKESTON. 

The first of the name of Preston to come to 
New Ipswich was John, in 1760, .it the age of 
twenty-two, son of Captain Samuel, of Littleton, 
Mass., who was a descendant of John, of Andover, 
and the name John seems to be a family heirloom 
from a time when the memory of man runneth not to 

1 ntrary. Captain Samuel Preston wasabrave 

commander in the French aid Indian War. ami John, 

— so family legendstell us — was a fearless J ! -"I 

ilier in his lather's company. Little fighting was 
the capture of Quebec by Wolfe in 1759, 
and the next year John laid aside the sword lor the 
scalpel, and settled in this town as a physician. The 
doctor was a fortnight younger than the new minister. 
Rev. Stephen Farrar, who was ordained the same 
year, ami the two young men became last friends. 
That the doctor's livi|iicnt visits to the parsonage 
won- not wholly due to his interest in theology is 
evident by his niani.-i^c, in 17C4. to Rebecca, the min- 
ter. oi' which marriage were horn eleven 
children, of whom the eldest son- of course, named 
John — was horn February 15, 177o. The doctor wa- 
tt stanch Whig during the Revolution ; succei ded Ins 
brother-in-law, Judge Timothy Farrar, as member of 
ition to frame tic State Constitution ; was 
one of the founders of the academe, and for inane 



years its secretary; his son-in-law, John Hubbard, 
being its first preceptor. He tilled the various town 
offices of town clerk, selectman and representative, 
and till his death, in 1803, was a leader of public 
opinion. The house which he built and always occu- 
pied has remained in the possession of the family, and 
is now owned by his granddaughter, Miss King. 

Hi- -on John, born, as we have -aid, February 15, 
1770, graduated at Dartmouth College in 1791, and, 

like Ins lather, was a physician, a portion of his 
medical studies being with Dr. Holyoke, of Salem 
He mis a good townsman, was town clerk tor sixteen 
years, was,like his father, secretary of the academy, 
and built the house now owned by his nephew . Henry 
(i. Preston. In 1798 he married Elizabeth, daughter 
of Judge Ebenezer Champney, and of this marriage 
were born ten children, of whom John, the subject of 
our sketch, was born April 12. 1802. The doctor 
died in 1828. Hi- mother. Rebecca (Farrar) Preston, 
died the following year. At the time of John's 
birth, April 12, 1802, the doctor had not finished his 
new house, and was living in the house built by Noah 
Cooke, grandfather of Professor J. P. Cooke, of Har- 
vard College, and now owned by the heirs of Edward 
F. Preston. A few years later, when he was living in 
the new house on lite turnpike, and when John was 
about ten veins ld, the store of Samuel Batchelder, 
but a few rods distant, caught fire on a cold winter 
night, and John sprang from his bed, and without 
waiting for shoe- or stockings, ran through the snow- 
to awaken the neighbors. A severe illness followed 
this exposure, producing subsequent lameness and 
disease, from which he was a constant and acute suf- 
ferer tcrr more than fifty years, resulting at hist in his 
death, on the 5th of March, 1867. He fitted for col- 
lege tit the academy, of which he. like his father ami 
grandfather, was for many years secretary ; and en- 
tered Harvard College in 1819, in the time of Presi- 
dent Kirklaud; a relative, Professor John Farrar, 
being one of the faculty. During the course he was 
use the strictest economy, and one year re- 
ceived but eighteen dollars aid from his father, earning 
the balance of his expenses by writing and school- 
keeping. He was tt member of the Institute of 177". 
of the Hasty Pudding and also of the Medical Fac- 
ulty, a noted society which was founded a year before 
he entered, and in which his ready wit made him a 
leading member. His classmate, Rev. George Ripley, 
of i lie New York Tribune, writes of him: "In college 
lie wa- distinguished for his successful devotion to 
study, the rare kindness of his disposition and his 
friendly and winning manners." Other members of 
his class were John P Robinson, humorously assailed 
by Lowell in the Biglow Papers, and Governor Dorr, 
of Rhode Island, who, while in prison, read with 
emotion a .speech in his behalf by Mr. Preston in the 
New Hampshire Senate. He was fond of his class- 
mates and fond of his college, and in after-years de- 
lighted to ramble through the college-ground- with 








//t/i 



NEW TI'SWH'll. 



r.-j<> 



his sons, pointing out the various rooms lie had occu- 
pied ; among them one in the noted Weasel Den, near 
the present location of College House. After gradu- 
ating he commenced the study of law, a portii 1 

the time with George F. Farley, then at New Ipswich, 
and also with Judge Samuel Hnhhard, at Boston. It 



was while in Boston that his winning 



alluded 



to by Mr. Ripley, attracted the attention of an old 
Scotchman, who was but recently from Abbotsford, 
who said to .Mr. Preston :" Ye mind me, lad, of the 
great Sir Walter, ye're aye sac cheerie." While in 
the office of Mr. Farley, a fellow-student and towns- 
man was John Appleton, Maine's famous chief 
justice. 

On October 27, L828, Mr. Preston married Elizabeth 
Smith French, horn in Boston, March 1, 1808, and 
the daughter of Al.ram and Elizabeth (Kidder) 
French, and tor two or three years practiced law in 
Townsend, Mass., but in 1831 came hack to New 
Ipswich and purchased the house in the Centre vil- 
lage once owned by his grandfather, Judge Champney, 
where he afterwards resided, and still later purchased 
his grandfather's farm, lying along the river. 

[n this connection we will quote a paragraph from 
the "Annual Report or' the Trust lesofthe New Hamp- 
shire Insane Asylum," in reference to him, published 
soon after his death, lie having been a member of the 
hoard for eleven years : " He was very fond of agri- 
culture, and the State had few more intelligent or 
successful farmers than Mr. Preston. Flis efforts to 
promote an intelligent, sound and practical agriculture 
were earnest and constant, and their influence will 
remain for generations to come.'' 

Soon after his return to New Ipswich, in L831, the 
questions of temperance and anti-slavery began to be 
discussed, and both reforms found a warm champion in 
Mr. Preston. He introduced and secured the adop- 
tion of resolutions in town-meeting, as early as 1835, 
to suppress the sale of liquor, was the president of 
the first total abstinence society in the town and his 
zeal for the cause ended only with his life. 

In politics he was a strongWhig, and especially fond 
of Henry Clay, whose birth-day, like his own, was 
April 12th; but although to ally one's self to the 
cause of anti-slavery at that time meant social os- 
tracism and insult, which was peculiarly trying to 
one of his genial nature, yet he turned away from his 
former associates and was one of the little band known 
as the Liberty party in 1*44, and never faltered in 
the faith till he was rewarded by seeing the slave sys- 
tem overthrown. He was many years in the Legis- 
lature, was Senator from District No. '.) when all 
other members of the Senate were Democratic, was 
the Free-Soil candidate for Congress in IMS and was 
supported by tin ■ Free-Soilers in the Legislature for 
United States Senator in 1852. 

Though not believing the course of William Lloyd 
Garrison to be wise in refusing to vote, lie was a sub- 
scriber to the Liberator, and his house, as well as that 



id entertained for him 
Mr Preston now lies 

on, bearing witness to 
It perhaps should be 



of his sister's husband, Elisha I.. Hammond, was the 
home for the long array of Garrisonian speakers thai 
went through the laud arousing the sluggish con- 
sciences of the people. 

Mr. < iarrison was bis guest 
a warm regard. A sonnet 1 
before us, written by Mr. Gun 
his mental and moral worth. 
stated here that in all schemes of reform he was not 
only supported, but perhaps incited, by bis wile, who 

was as warm-hearted, clear-sighted and fearless as 
himself. 

(ho- who knew him well, being asked to give his 

OWIl ideas with regard to him, says: " You ask me to 

describe Mr. Preston ; a pen-picture at first seems 
easy,— there is his figure, rather below the middle 
height, but broad-shouldered and muscular; quick 
and alert in his movements, with a smile al st al- 
ways playing round his features,— one whom Mr. E. 
1 1. Boylston, of the Amherst Cabinet, paints in a 
single line when lie says 'lie was a man whom the 
boys and the birds all loved,'— with a warm and im- 
pulsive nature, unable to harbor resentmenl againsl 
his bitterest foe if he saw him sick or in want. Not 
an orator like Gough, yet one of the readiesl and 
most effective speakers in the Legislature. Not so 
deep a lawyer as Bell, Parker or Perley, but men- 
tioned by a judge of the Supreme Court as being a dan- 
gerous opponent. Not such a classical scholar as 
Everett, but helping his son with an ode of Ana- 
creon that he hasn't semi for thirty years, or reading 
French or Spanish with his wife. Not a professional 
musician, but ready with voice or flute to please the 
home circle. Not a professional philanthropist, bul 
a1 the time of the famine in Ireland, leaving the 
table, unable to eat till he had packed a box with ar- 
ticles for the starving Irish ; and seen one bitter day 
in winter toiling through the drifts to rind if a poor 
family were warm. Very fond of a cigar, but giving 
up the habit for nearly forty years that his example 
might I" good tor others. So fearless that there may 
be a doubt if it should be called bravery or insensi- 
bility to peril. College-bred, as were bis ancestors, 
but thoroughly democratic in his sympathy with the 
poor and ignorant, of whatever race or country, and 
with food ami shelter lor the slave on hi- way to 
Canada. Taking gnat pride in his town and its his- 
tory, and especially beloved and revered in the do- 
mestic circle. In saying all this, while perhaps few 
salient points are presented, it seems to me t hat Mr. 
Preston exhibited a well-rounded and wonderful sym- 
metry in all those points which go to make up a man 
in the highest and uoblesl sense,— such a type as. I 
fear, may begrowing rarer every day, in view of the 
present craze for specialists." 

As Mr. Preston advanced in life his sufferings from 
| M - lameness became more intense, until, as a last re- 
sort, amputation was performed, from which he ral- 
lied, and for more than a year seemed to enjoy vigor- 



<;:;o 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



on- health and to be wholly without pain, a feeling that 
had been 'unknown to him for more than fifty years. 

It is probable, however, that the seeds of the dis- 
ease still lingered in his system, and were the occa- 
sion of the brief but fatal illness that ended on the 
.".tli of March, 1867, in the sixty-fifth year of his age, 
his mother following him to the grave a few months 
later, at the age of eighty-eight. 

Of seven children, two sons and a 'laughter only 
were living at his death, and the daughter died less 
than two years after. 

In closing this sketch we append the following 
from the town records. 

At the annual town-meeting in New Ipswich, 
X. H., March 12, 1867, the following resolutions 
were unanimously adopted : 

" Whereas, It is fitting fur puhlie Ix.ilies to acknowledge tin' liand of 
O.nl, e.-p. rully in tli» mill I, i- 1 n ills , if [heir history ; therefore 

"Saolxed, That in the recent death of the Hon. John Preston this 
i"\* n has lost ;i valued citizen,— one who had [ong been identified with 

the leading interests of the [ pi., ;,nil often I red with important 

public trusts. 

"Resolved, That \v<- reiueiiil.er with gratitude to Coil, and commend 
to our young men as a worthy example, Ins energy and perseverance, 
his enterprising .spirit, liis love for liis native town and country, his 
active sympathy it. tiie cans.- of education and reform, his cheerful hos- 
pitality and the purity of his domestic life. 

I'loit these |,--,,1 !,. lie etltele'l nil M I e 'I'oWD ReCOrds, 

and that a copy of them he sent to the family of tin- .!,...,-, .] 



LEAVITT LINCOLN. 

Leavitt Lincoln is descended from two of Massa- 
chusetts' oldest and most honorable families, the Lin- 
colns and Cushings. Among the branches of his 
ancestral stock have been numbered men who have 
achieved distinction in almost till the walks of life. 
General Benjamin Lincoln, of Revolutionary fame, is 
noted in history as the man who received Lord Corn- 
wallis' sword upon the hitter's surrender at Yorktown, 
while Abraham Lincoln will always he regarded as 
one of the most illustrious Presidents our republic 
has had. The Cushing family has produced some of 
our ablest jurists, statesmen and divines. tin the 
paternal side, Mr. Lincoln traces his lineage in a di- 
rect line, through William, William. Jedediah, Sam- 
uel and Samuel again, to one of the first settlers of 
Hingham, Mass. Thej have been an honest, upright, 
strong, hardy, long-lived race. His great-grand- 
father, Jedediah, lived to he nearly ninety-two years 
of age, while most of the members of both families 
have been noted for their longevity and vigorous 
constitutions. 

Leavitt Lincoln is the son of William and Jael 
(Cushing) Lincoln, and was burn in Marlborough, 
V II June -1-1, 17'J7. To this place his lather had re- 
moved in 1792, and was a tanner and an cxtonsiv e far- 
mer, owninga farm of more than three hundred acres. 



Leavitt learned in his youth the trade of a clothier 
and followed this trade until its decline, on account 
of the rise and development of cloth-making in the 
large factories. He then learned shoemaking with 
his brother-in-law, and carried on this industry for 
six years at Townsend, Mass. He then purchased a 
farm at Ashby, and carried on both shoemaking and 
farming for a period of more than twenty years. 
While in Townsend he married, May 29, 1821, Sibyl 
lleahl. daughter of Colonel Thomas Heald, "I New 
Ipswich, N. H. They had eight children, live of 
whom reached maturity, hut only one, William L., 
is now living. He is a physician in Wabasha, Minn. 
Of the others, .Maria died when twenty-two years of 
age; Henry Martin died in young manhood, after 
having graduated in the Medical Department of Har- 
vard College. He was at the time of his decease a 
ri-ini: yuiig physician in Westminster, Mass. Cyrus 
Stone, another son, died at the age of twenty years, 
while fitting for college. 

About 1852, Mr. Lincoln removed to Winehendon 
ami purchased a farm, his principal object being to 
make a In. me for his son, William L., who had grad- 
uated in medicine and chose that town to practice 
in, lie had been in practice there about two years 
when hi- father removed there. The son's health 
failed, however, and he went West, anil was for three 
years physician to a hospital for the insane in the 
State of Missouri ; he then went to Wabasha, Minn., 
where he now re-ides. 

.Mr. Lincoln made his home in Winehendon about 
twelve years, until the death of his wife. He then 
came to New Ipswich, X. 11.. where he afterwards 
married his deceased wife's sister Mary, who was 
then the widow of Francis Shattuck. This Mrs. Lin- 
coln lived about twelve years, when she died, leaving 
no issue. Iii 1876, Mr. Lincoln married his present 
wife, Delia McDonough. They have no children. 

Mr. Lincoln has made farming his principal busi- 
ness through life, and still conducts a farm, and he 
can boast of having mowed more or less every sum- 
mer for seventy-eight years. He has been a man of 
remarkable vigor, and has never had a serious spell 
oi illness in his life. He has been regular and prim- 
itive in his habits, has led a quiet, unostentatious and 
unambitious life, never having sought or held office, 
and he has made it a rule through the long years of 
his business life to always do unto others just as he, 
under similar circumstances, should desire to be dealt 
with. He was appointed Sabbath-school teacher in 
1819, and held that relation for more than sixty 
years, and in the various communities in which the 
different periods of his life have been passed he litis 
always deserved and received the unqualified respect 
of his fellow-citizens. 




■**£ 



L*C</-^Zsk^ 



HISTORY OF PELHAM. 



BY REV. AUGUSTUS BERRY. 



CHAPTER 



Pelham is situated on the southern border of the 
State. It is bounded on the north by Windham and 
Salem, on the east by Methuen and Dracut, on the 
south by Dracut and Tyngsborough. on the west by 
Hudson. It is intersected by Beaver River, —named 
from the beaver, which formerly had large settlements 
on it. This stream has, as tributaries, numerous 
trout brooks. There are four ponds of crystal waters 
and picturesque scenery, — the resort of sportsmen 
and picnic-parties. The soil is well watered and 
generally fertile. The surface is diversified. The 
natural scenery is romantic and beautiful; much of 
it truly grand. 

Settlement.— The exact date of the settlement is 
not known. Tradition gives it as 1'2\. Mr. Fox, in 
the "History of Dunstable," says 1722. 

The earliest settlers were Butler, Eamblet, Rich- 
ardson, Wyman and Jaques, who came from Woburn 
and vicinity ; also Cage, who came from Bradford. 

In 1721 or 1722, John Butler and David Hamblel 
bought land two miles west of the Centre, at what has 
since been known as the John Gage corner, on the 
Mammoth road. They cleared land, sowed grain 
and went back to Woburn for the winter, and returned 
in the spring with their families. Mr. Butler',-, house 
is said to have been on the site of the present John 
Gage house. 

About two years previous, and two miles below, 
where now stands the house of Frederic A. Cutter, 
Esq., the first settlers of Londonderry built a block- 
house to establish a line of communication between 
their settlement and Boston ; a few rods below the block- 
house the Richarclsons settled. Jaques settled a 
little east of the Centre, on what has since been 
known as the David Atwood place. Exactly where 
Gage and Wyman settled is mere conjecture. In the 
following years families came to this region and 
generally located on the hills. The Baldwins and 
Barkers settled on Baldwin Hill. There came, prob- 



ably between 1735 ami 1740, four families of Gages 
from Bradford, who settled on what is now known as 
Cage Hill. These were Josiah Gage, Daniel i lage 
and Amos ( iage, sons of Daniel and Martha lia:i-, of 
Bradford, and their nephew, James Gage. 

About one mile and a half from the Centre, on the 
road to Lowell, tradition points to the spot where the 
first sermon was preached— a high rock on the ledge. 
A company going to some place above, having their 
minister with them, encamped here over the Sab- 
bath. 

But while there is no evidence of any settlement 
previous to 1720, extensive grants of land had been 
made to gentlemen in Boston and vicinity, — one to 
Mr. Kimble, known as the Kimble Farm, which 
name is still perpetuated in a brook ; another as Mr. 
Coburn's farm, which lay near Gumpas Pond ; and 
another, a tract of four hundred acres, purchased by 
Governor Endicott, the deed of which was given in 
1664. The present farm of Mr. William W. Butler is 
a part of the Endicott farm. Mr. Butler has, in a 
line state of preservation, a plan of the Endicott farm, 
surveyed and made by Jonathan Danforth in 1774. 

In the "History of Dunstable," Endicott's grant is 
described "as lying in the westerly part of Pelham, 
about six miles from Pawtucket Falls, and one mile 
west of Beaver Brook, at a great bill called Masha- 
Shattuck i Deer Hill), lying between two othei great 
hills and adjoining southerly on a great pond, called 
Pimmo-Mitti-quonnit (Long Fond)." 

Incorporation. — The incorporation and settlement 
of the town was probably very much delayed bj the 
unsettled condition of the line between the provinces 
of Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Theoldtown 
of Dunstable included a large territory. The north- 
west portion of the present town of Pelham was 
within this territory. In 1 7.12 that part of Dunstable 
east of the Merrimack was set off as the Nottingham 
District. The boundary line between the provinceswas 
established in 1741, leaving a portion that was des- 
ignated the Dracut District; this, with a portion of 
Nottingham, was incorporated in 174d. Nottingham 
was incorporated the same year as Nottingham West, 
to distinguish it from another Nottingham in New- 
Hampshire. 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



CHARTER. 

'•' I <; -•■ the >• 1, I'j the Grace of God of Greal 



'■ T" all >> l,o.., tli"*r i" . <. „/< yl'.ill ,-.,„„■ i,, ,etiug : 

->""li i "t I -■ •> ill Sul.|,., I- inhabitants ..f a tract of lanil 

within the Antient Bound! 8 . - sol the towns of old Dunstable and Dra- 
cute, in our Province of Nov Hampshire, two miles and Eightj Bods 
East of Merrymack River, herein hereafter described, have humbly 

I'eltiioiie.l iil'l Ke.|m-te.l ot us that they tuav lie- I'l .-. 1. .1 .ami lu,-.,i|„,- 



the same should I - d -e Kt ov. S ■. Iherefon . Thai Wi . of our Espei ial 
Grace, Certaii K.. ■ : _ . i | . the Encouraging and Promoting tlie 

1 IPuri sat ,: ideal said, by and with the Advi f our Trustj 

and well beloved Benning Wentworth, Esq., out Govern and C 

mander-in-Chief, ami .if ..in Couucil fur said Provinci havi Erected 
I' 'porated and Ordaim ents, f..i our heirs and suc- 
cessors, I'., will and Ordain, that tin- Inhabitant- - Tractoi land 

aforesaid, Bounded -i- fill -a- .. i:. .nnu at th. I: lary Pitch 

Pine tree, mail- M Mr. Minimi, ami Running mi tin- north Boundary 
line of the Massachusetts until it Comes within two miles and eightj 
i ml- ut Mei r,v mark Kivi-r : then in-rtli twenty li.-gr.-. - 17a -t In London- 
derry; then l.\ Londonderry l-'.a-t S-.ntli Ka-t in- mile- ami ..tie hundred 
nul fortj Rods . then South to Hfethuen line and to meet tin- Curve Line 
i ailed Miti h-i - Line ; then by said i urve inn to the Pitch Pine Tree, 

Mb- re It le-all, ami that -li all Inlial.lt the Same,— 15.- anil l.\ I lie.-.- Pres- 
ents are de.lalcil and Ordaiiic. I to he a l-.ai n ( 'i-rjini ate, and are hereby 

i Incorporated into a Body Pollitick and a Corporation to 

in.' i iiiiiiu -i, , t. n-M-i by tin- name of Pelham, with all the Powers 

and authorities, Privileges. Immunities ami Tram in- 

towns within our S d Province or any of them by law have and enjoy : 
To Hum- and to Hold tl„- -aid Powers, authorities, immunities and 

i-'ian In-.-- tu tin -in, til. 

ways, Reserving to us, Heirs and Su — . is, all White Pine Trees 

Growing and being, and that shall m , ,„ ,1... -,„. 

Tra. t .1 I and, fit the us,. ,,f Royal ua\y , R.-sor, ing al-u tie I'.awi ,.f 

Dividing -aid Town to us, our heirs and suo essors, when it shall appear 
. . n \. -nit- nt lot the Inhabitants thereof. And as Hi.- Se vet a II 

Towns within ...n said P i iws ih. i of Enabledand 

■ — mi'ie- and in tL. ■ in. n ,.i \ ,,i,- to i 'I -.■ all sni b 

ii .1 i" the Said Laws \\ . do bj tie -■■ Presi m- 

Nominate and appoint Zacheus Lovewell Gentleman, tocall the first 

meeting of the -aid Inhabitants t,, l„. I, ,1,1 within said Town at any 

Time within thirty, Day- I i He- date b, i . -..I, i ,,v ing I,. ■_ a I \..i I 

tlm tune. Place and Design of holding Midi meeting. In Testimonj 
whereof, We leu . aiise.l the seal . ,1 .an -aid Province 1.. I..- I, .-1, -iint,. 

affixed. Witness. Bennine. Wentworth, Esq., our Governor and C 

mim.ler in Chief of out Siud l'r,.\i the .Mb ,i a , ,,t July, in the year 

I ■ ■ -■ a bundled and forty-six, and in the 

Twentieth Year of our Reign I'.y In- I7v ,-h-ncies Command with advice 
of i louncil, 

" Benmn,; Wentworth. 
"Theodore Atkinson, 

" Entered and recorded, accorded, a, i ording to the Original, this six- 
teenth day ol September, 1717, l'a 

" Thf.oih.uk Vn,i\-,..\. -. . 

W IRRANT FOR THE FIRST TOWN-MI 
"Pursuant to authority from his excellency, Benning Wentworth, 

in le "1 tlolii this, hi- maj.-ty's rnoim-e of Xew Httini- 

■n.e ol this i.o.i i . t I'. 1- 

■ die freeholders and , ,, 

ants in Pelhom ','ualitied 1- vote in the choi f town officers that they 

assemble and meet at th I Henry Bald wii .Monday, 

lie- twenty-nrsi day ..! Jul} currant at tw„ of tin- ,loek in the afterm 

then and there lo chuse all such town officers for the en 
the law directs. 

- LoVBWELt." 

■ Ij V II", 171. 

StOCEl DINGS 01 nil l [RST TOWN-MEETING. 

- id town-meeting ..1 th, I I,, ,M, ,. ,.,,! ,tl,, : . r Inhabitants 

of the town of IVlhaiii Regularly assembled July ye L'l. 1740 : The town 



Cap' Henry 



'hen I' i.d n. chuse town Officers as follows: viz. 

Baldwin, Moderator; Eleazar Whitiug, Town Clerk, \. 
Joseph Hamblet, Henry Baldwin, William Richardson, ,i 

Eleazat W I a Town Treasurer, Henry Baldwin, im . Constabl 

Thomas Wyman; Surveyors of Highways, viz., Jacob Butler, John 

Baldwin. I'a, del Hag.- and si Heard ; Tythingmeli, viz., Henry Itich- 

at»l» t"' 1 Amos Gage ; Fence-vewers and field-Drivers, viz., William 

Elliot and Hugh Richardson ; Sealei of Weights and Measures, viz., 

■ -u . Siin.-y.,, ,,t timber ,\. -.. . i, . \„,.i- Gagl . Hog 

i. -..!-. 11/ , Simon Beard and David Jones.' 

Ecclesiastical.— At a town-meeting in October, 
1746, the second meeting after tin- incorporation of 
the town, ii was voted to hire as much preaching for 
th.- coming winter as could be procured for sixty 
pounds, old tenor; a pound, old tenor, equaled about 
forty-two (.-iiis. 

In the lull. .win" years appropriations were made 
to support preaching and committees chosen to hire 
ministers. At a meeting in May, 1751, thin- was " a 
reconsideration of the vote to call in two or three 
candidates, as the town was willing to make choice 
between the two last." 

At a town-meeting, June 3d, the town voted to call 
Mr. James Hobbs, of Hampton, " to be their gospel 
minister;" also, to give him seven hundred pounds, 
old tenor, as a settlement ami four hundred pounds 
as his yearly salary. 

At this meeting a committee was chosen — viz.: 
Henry Richardson, Esq., Captain William Richard- 
son. Mr. Joseph Hamblet, Lieutenant Josiah Gage 
and Danh-l Hutchinsion — " to apply to the neighbor- 
ing ministers for advice in the matter of the ordina- 
tion of Mr. Hobbs." 

\i -i meeting on the 9th of August, "it was voted 
to add one hundred pounds to the settlement of Mr. 
Hobbs and one hundred pounds to his salary, twenty 
pounds a year for live years, old tenor." It was further 
voted ti. give him "twenty-five cords of tire-wood 
yearly during his ministry." " The furnishing of 
the fire-wood to commence when he has a family and 
keeps house." .\t a subsequent meeting in the same 
month. " it was voted to state .Mr. Hobbs' yearly sal- 
ary so long as his ministry continued in town, Indian 
corn at twenty-six shillings per bushel, pork tit two 
shillings per pound at the time of slaughter and beef 
at sixteen pence pier pound at the time of slaughter, 
reckoned in old tenor." 
Mr. Hobbs' acceptanceof the call is as follows; 

" Pelham, Nov. 11, 1751. 

"Gentlemen.— Wh.-i...,. . ive me an invita.1 to 

settleai igsl you as your minister, and have made y 

encourage and enable mi to settle and cany-on lb.- work of the ministry 

ainoiig-t yoii.aii.l have .-..nnrmeil the Sam.- as a l.g.,1 ,.,te, [I,. 

He consideration ol those proposals and also when fulfill 

insufficient to support me in the quality becoming a minis,,-, „| ibe 
Gospel, that you will be read} to contribute all needed support, I do 

accept yonr .all, Ac. 

" James Hobbs." 

November 13th, Mr. Hobbs was ordained and a 

church was organized. The churches invited were the 
Church of Christ, in Methuen, iu Dracut, in Not- 
tingham, in Salem, in Kingston, First and Fourth in 
Hampton. 



PELHAM. 



The Rev. Thomas Parker, of Dracut, was modera- 
tor of the council ; the Rev. Ward Cotton, of Hamil- 
ton, opened with prayer; the Rev. Peter Coffin, of 
Kingston, preached from Titus ii. 15: "Let no man 
despise thee;" the Rev. Nathaniel .Merrill, of Notting- 
ham, gathered the church ; Thomas Parker, of Dracut, 
gave tin' charge; the Rev. Christopher Sargent, of 
Methuen, gave the right hand of fellowship; the 
Rev. Abner Bagley, of Salem, made the last prayer. 

The church consisted of ten members,— James 
Hobbs, Joseph Hamblet, Henry Baldwin, Daniel 
Hutchinson, David Jones, Henry Baldwin, Jr., 
Thomas Gage, Jonathan Kimball, Samuel Butler, 
Amos Gage. 

Mr. Hobbs was twenty-six years old. Be proba- 
bly married in January, 1752, as the following 
appears in the town records : 

i:< |; James 11..1.1- nu.l mi- Kli».il..-tli lta' Welder was Pub- 
lished in pelham Decembr y is, 1751." 

The following from the records of the church has 
interest in this connection : 



Mrs. Hobbs was from Hamilton. Her maiden-name 
was Batchelder. There is a tradition that her father 
was unwilling that she should visit Pelham before her 

marriage, lest she should shrink from making her 
home in the wilderness. The contrast between 
Hamilton and Pelham was very great. Mrs. Hobbs 
endured many privations and hardships. But the 
young woman of twenty-two, who left her father's house 
to make a home for the husband of her love in this 
newly-incorporated town, found it her home for 
more than sixty years; saw. instead of the wilder- 
ness, cultivated fields and happy homes, good roads 
constructed, two meeting-houses successively built 
and thriving schools established in the live districts 
of the town. Mrs. Hobbs is said to have been a model 
of a housekeeper and to have abounded in ministries 
among the people. She was sent lor in sickness, at 
births and deaths and she dispensed charities from 
her own door. 

At a town -meeting December 2, 1751, a committee 
was chosen to buy a tract of land for Mr. Hobbs, so 
that the young minister and his wife were probably 
at once established in the parsonage as their home. 
In less than a year from his ordination there was an 
appropriation of four hundred pounds to pay the 
balance of his settlement. His salary was duly cared 
for with each passing year. Committees were chosen 
from time to time to treat with him about "stating" 
it in the necessaries of life, as the prices of these 
varied. The years passed. The people were sub- 
duing their lands, comforts were increasing in their 
homes, the institutions of the town were assuming 
form and fixedness. There were births, baptisms 
and funerals. The following record is one of in- 
terest ; 



■ March j> 28 th , 1753, baptized Phylliys, a negro servant ol Edward 

Wvmiui, lunr , ;unl on \piil \ I . 1 7 ■ :, l>:i|'tise<l John :unl Kilwurd, 
sons of IJiwiinl Wynum, |un " 

Thirty-seven had come into the church. 

There had heen the vicissitudes ami varying ex- 
periences of human life, when, suddenly, the min- 
ister, the shepherd of the sheep in the wilderness, 
was stricken down; for, at a town-meeting held 
June 5, 1765, "it was voted to hire one month's 
preaching;" at another meeting, June 21st, " it was 
voted to bury Mr. Hobbs at the town's charge," and 
twenty pounds sterling, money of Great Britain, was 
appropriated "for the funeral expenses and other 
charges." 

William Richardson, Josiah Gage, Robert Evans, 
Joseph Butler, Daniel Hutchinson, Amos Gage and 
Benjamin Barker were chosen a committee to "see 
iliat tin Rev. Mr. Hobbs is decently buried." This 
committee was also instructed to provide preaching 
for the remainder of the year, ami " not to bring any 
minister to preach in this town without the ap- 
probation of the association we belong to." 

Thus the first pastorate of thirteen years anil seven 
months terminated. There can he no question but 
this pastorate did much in determining the future 
character of the town. It was a period when founda- 
tions were laid, when tendencies received their direc- 
tion, when principles were established that were to 
control the future ; and in this plastic period the gos- 
pel ministry formed the high-toned character for 
which the town has always been distinguished. 

There is a tradition that -Mr. Hohlis was a man oi 
great strength ; that once he overtook a man taking 
home a load of lumber from the saw-mill. I Ine wheel 
ofthe loaded cart had accidentally comeoff. Mr.Hobbs 
said to the man, "You take the wheel and put it on 
while I lift the end of the axle-tree," and Mr. Hohhs 
actually lifted so much of the load as was necessary 
to replace the wheel. The descendants of Mr. I [obbs 
have been, and are, among the most respected, influ- 
ential and useful families of the town, and the first 
minister lives not only in the continuous ministry, 
but in a posterity identified with the growth, develop- 
ment, fair fame and sterling character of the town. 
In October, 1766, the town voted to provide grave- 
stones tor the Rev. Mr. Hohhs' grave. 

Then- was no suspension of the gospel ministry. 
At a town-meeting, September 3d, " it was voted to 
make choice of Mr. Amos Moody, from Newbury, for 
their minister." Seventy pounds sterling of the cur- 
rency of Great Britain was voted to .Mr. Moody as a 
settlement, and fifty pounds sterling as his yearly 
salary. 

Mr. Moody was ordained November 20th. The 
churches that assisted were Methuen. Newton. Not- 
tingham, Kingston and Newbury. 

■' ltatown-i tingOctobei 28, 1765, moderator/Captain Bichardson. 

•■ Voted, ;it s ; ii.i meeting the ordanition to lie on Novembi i 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



limit. -v t>> take care ..f t!i.' meeting-house the 

day of the ordaniti tosea that the l)i»i- be -heat while Counsel i= 

redey to raign, naTiiely. .totiutli.ui Stukney, Ebeti f .huiues, William El" 
liut, Uriah Abbut, .tallies i.iIim.ii " 

Aboul three years from his ordination Mr. Moody 

married the widow of his predecessor. For several 
years hi- pastorate was harmonious and pleasant. 
During the hard times of the Revolutionary War his 
salary was in arrears; but this was attended to, and 
once a consideration was made to him on account 
of "the sink in money." After fifteen years a 
dissatisfaction with his ministry began to he ex- 
pressed. At a town-meeting in September, 1783, a 
committee was chosen "to confer with Mr. Moody on 
what method is Inst to be taken in order to remove 
the unhappy uneasiness that now subsists between a 
number of his parishioners concerning his continuing 
or not continuing as the minister, ami make report to 
the town." At a town-meeting. January 25, 1785, 
this vote was passed, — " The town to release all those 
that think in conscience they can't attend on his min- 
istry from any tax to him, according to hi- proposal he 
made in writing." 

June 23, 1786, it was voted "to request some of 
the neighboring ministers to give their advice with 
respect to the difficulties now subsisting in the town 
between the Rev. Mr. Moody and some dissenting in- 
habitants Of the low n." 

At this meeting permission was granted to form a 
" Pole Parish." This was a parish of individuals in- 
-: ead oi territory. 

October 2, 1786, a committee was chosen "to agree 
with Mr. Moody on what term- he will leave of 
preaching in said town ;" at an adjourned meeting it 
ua-\->leil "iini to accept of the proposition of Mr. 
M ly sent in writing." 

March 5. 1787, it was voted that "the selectmen 
should he tmpowered to discharge from paying their 
tax to the Rev. .Mr. Moody all those who can make 
it appear that they are of a different persuasion from 
the Congregationalists, at or before the first day of 
May next." 

July 5, 1792, it was voted "to ],ay tin sum due 
to Mr. Moody from the town, agreeable to his answer 
to a committee sent to him from the old parish to 
known on what terms he would resign the desk;" 
it was al-o \oteil "to ehoo-e a committee of two per- 
sons i" call upon those persons nominated by a 
commitl if both parishes to apprise the meeting- 
houses." 

Mr. Moody was dismissed by an ecele-ia-tieal coun- 
cil October 24, 1792. His pastorate was twenty seven 
years, wanting twenty-six days. He received .-ivty- 
one to the membership of tin 1 church. He remained 
in town, a respected ami valuable citizen, and co-op- 
erated with his successor in his work. lb- was 
delegate to the convention that adopted the federal 
Constitution, and was chosen representative a number 
of times. He died March 22, 1819, aged eighty 



years. Mrs. Moody died February 21st, preceding 
her husband by one month, aged ninety years. She 
had been a member of this church nearly sixty-six 
years. 

The town was now without a settled mini-try for 
six -,.ai,-. There were two parishes, but, probably, 
only ie church organization. After the dismissal 
of Mr. Moody the parishes united. There was still 
a division in doctrine, and the partisan spirit intensi- 
fied this. Preaching was sustained during these 
\ear-. Calls were given to several different men. 
some of whom afterwards became eminent, of which 
number was Samuel Worcester, afterwards Dr. Wor- 
cester, pastor of the Tabernacle Church, Salem, Mass., 
one of the secretaries of the American Board of For- 
eign Missions, whose death occurred while he was on 
a visit to tin- missionary station- of Elliot and Brain- 
ard. The records of Mr. Worcester's call ami the 
provision made for his settlement and salary would 
indicate that the people were united in him. 

The calls extended to several other gentlemen 
gave rise to decided opposition and the expression of 
a bitter partisan spirit. 
i In July, 1793, Mr. Fli Smith received a call by a 
majority of seven ; but at a meeting a month latter 
the article to make provision for his support was dis- 
missed. 

But the scene of the greatest excitement was the 
attempt of the church to complete a call extended to 
Mr. John Smith by his ordination. In March. 1796, the 
town concurred with the church in giving Mr. Smith 
a call, — forty-two yea-, twenty-nine nays; also voted 
to give him as a settlement the interest of one thousand 
dollar- annually, and a -alary of ninety pound- an- 
nually; but at a meeting the 17th of May, "Voted 
not to compromise matters with Mr. Smith." " Voted 
that till who are not agreed to settle Mr. Smith shall 
be free from paying tttxes to him.'' " Voted that all 
those who are dissatisfied with Mr. Smith shall have 
their just proportion of the meeting-house and the 
money the parsonage land was sold for according to 
the last year's invoice." " Voted not to choose a 
committee to join the church committee in appoint- 
ing a day for the ordination id' Mr. John Smith, and 
providing for the council." At a town-meeting in 
June, " Voted to enter a protest against the proceed- 
in-- of the church in ordaining Mr. John Smith." 
" Voted to choose a committee of seven persons to 
lay the proceedings of the town in regard to Mr. 
John Smith settling in said town as a minister he- 
tore the council." A protest of sixty-nine persons 
i on the town records "against Mr. Smith'- 
settlement and against ever paying anything for his 
support." 

Th. council convened, but did not proceed to the 
ordination of Mr. Smith, and the day was called " tlus- 
teratioti daj " by the party zealous for Mr. Smith. 
Mr. Smith afterwards became professor in Bangor 
Theological Seininarv. He married Hannah Hardy, 



(135 



of this town, daughter of Adjutant Daniel Hardy, 
and he subsequently died. Later in life she married 

General Richardson, of this town, and was esteemed 
among this population as a Christian lady of a large 
public spirit and generous charities. 

February 1~>, 1798, a call was given to Mr. John 
Emerson, with a settlement of the interesl of one 
thousand dollars, and a salary of ninety pounds. 
But at a meeting, April 2:!d, "to sec, by vote, how 
great the union among the people lor Mr. John Em- 
erson, with respect to his settling with them in the 
work of the Gospel ministry." seventy-nine voted for 
Mr. Emerson and twenty against. 

At a town-rneeting, August, 11th, a vote was passed 
to concur with the church in a call to Mr. John H. 
Church. " I'"/"/, To give Mr. John II. Church as a 
settlement, within one year from the time of his or- 
dination, five hundred dollars." " Voted, To give 
Mr. John II. Church, as salary, three hundred ami 
thirty-three dollars, thirty-three cents and one-third 
of a cent annually, so long as he shall supply the 
desk, with this cpialilication of the last clause [viz.), 
that he relinquish no part of his salary, although he 
should be sick ami unable to supply the desk tor six 
months at anyone time; that should he be unable 
to supply the desk longer than si\ months at any 
one time, his salary cease till he does supply the 
desk." 

Mr. Church was ordained October 31, 1798, Rev. 
Dr. Backus, of Somers, Conn., preached the sermon. 
The pastorate that had been vacant six years and 
seven days was filled. The unhappy division and 
controversy about the ministry ceased. \ long and 
successful pastorate was commenced. An important 
element in this division was theological. But other 
elements entered into it, and these were kept active 
by a partisan spirit, and this was intensified by every 
disturbing breeze of personal or social feeling; and 
the one thing that saved the town from a permanent 
division into religious sects, neither of which would 
havi been able to sustain religious institutions, was 
the large number "I level-headed, far-seeing men, 
who, comprehending the misfortune of such an issue, 
Steadied and held things until the time of union 
came. There were such men in each party. The 
introduction of M r. ( Ihurch to the town was in a way 
to pacify and prepossess in his favor, lie was really 

the candidate of the pail) the least in sympathy with 

his theological sentiments. Mr. Church was invited 
to preach m Pelham al the suggestion of William M. 
Richardson, afterward chief justice of New Hamp- 
shire. Mr. Richardson was his class-mate in college, 
and knew him to he a fine scholar and of sterling 
character. Mr. Church was bom in Rutland,. Mass., 
March 17, 1 772. He graduated at Harvard in 1707. 
He studied theology with Dr. Backus, of Somers. 
Conn. He married Thankful Weston, of Rutland, 
May 7,1799. She .lied April 11, 1806, aged thirty- 
one Ve.us. In 1807 lie married Hannah Farnham, of 



Ncwburyport, Mass., who died July 9, bs:',7. aged 
fifty-nine years. 

1 >r. ( Ihurch was cue of the nhlc-t clerg\ men of his 
time. lie held important ecclesiastical positions. 
He was actively engaged in all the missionary, phil- 
anthropic and educational works of that time, lie 
was for many years a trustee of I'inkerton A.cademy, 
ai Derrj ; of Dartmouth College from 1.820 till his 
death; of Phillips Academy, at Andover, from 1826 

till his death. He was an associate of the professors 
of A.ndover Theological Seminary. He took a promi- 
nent part in all the theological discussions of that 
period, and was considered high authority. He was 
argumentative rather than persuasive. His logic was 
irresistible. He was In pcr-ealviuistic in doctrine. 
There grew up under hi- ministry men and women 
oi strong mind, marked intelligence and character. 
The financial standing of the town at this time was 
the best of any in the Stale. It had more taxable 
property and a higher rate of assessment, according lo 
the number of its inhabitants, than any other town in 
the State, l'he interesl I he town took in Mr. Church is 
indicated by a vote passed iii I soil, the year that the 
first Mrs. Church died.— "To give .Mr. Church two 
hundred dollars to assist him in defraying his late 
extra expenses." 

Mr. Church had such dignity in his bearing as in- 
spired fear. Children shunned him, were afraid ot 
him; but he was. nevertheless, interested in the 
young,aud all who yielded to that interest found him 
helpful. He received the degree of A.M. from Dart- 
mouth College in 1813, and 1). D. from Williams 

College in 1823. The town system of settlement and 
support of the ministry, tiial existed in New England 
in its early history, and was adhered to in Pelham for 

eighty-eight years, had co lo be supplanted by the 

voluntary system. In the early history of the town 
there were those who objected to supporting preaching 

not in accordance with their sectarian preference. As 
early as 170:.!, Kbenezer Richardson petitioned the 
selectmi n "that lie might not be taxed for the sup- 
port of the gospel, as he was a Baptist, ami in full 

eo me with a IJnpti.-t. Church ill Boston." This 

number had been increasing during all the years. 
The fact that this system was in force in Pelham 
longer i ban in most of the towns of New Hampshire 
ami Massachusetts indicates the stabilitj of the 
people. The contract between Dr. Church and the 
town was terminated by mutual consent December 
17, 1834, inning existed thirty-six years, one month 
and fifteen days, and the town never failed to pay 
him his salary. 

In May, 1832, at a meeting legally called for the 

format! >f a religious society of the ( long regational 

order, such a society was organized under the name 
i < 'ongregatioiial Society in Pelham. Il- 
tirst legal meeting was held July 4th ; but it does not 
appear to have raised money till alter the termina- 
tion of the contract of the town with Mr. Church. 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



In the year lsii.'i, on account of failing health, Dr. 
( 'hureli resigned his pastoral charge. I In the MOth of 
September he was dismissed, and the same council 
ordained Mr. John Keep. The pastorate of L)r. 
Church was thirty-seven years, wanting one day. Jie 
continued to reside in town till his death, June 12, 
1840, at the age of sixty-eight. He was buried, as 
were his two predecessors, in tin- old Imrying-ground 
at the Centre. It is a matter of interest that the first 
three pastorates should have reached so near the eon- 
elusion of the lirst century of the corporate existence 
of the town, and the first three ministers, when they 
rested from their labors, should sleep with their 
people. During the ministry of Dr. Church one 
hundred and ninety-nine came into the church. 

Mr. Keep was dismissed < >etoher 13, 1841, — a pastor- 
ate of six years, one month and thirteen days. Forty- 
three came into the church under his ministry. 

It is a matter of interest that from the settlement 
of Mr. Hobbs to the dismissal of Mr. Keep, a period 
of ninety years, there had always been a gospel 
minister in town. Mr. .Moody came during the sick- 
ness of Mi. Hobbs, and was in town when Mr. Church 

Rev. Cyrus \V. Allen was settled February 1, 1843, 
and dismissed May 12, ls-JT. 

June 21, 1848, the Rev. Eden li. Foster was settled, 
and dismissed January 13, 1853. Mr. Foster was a 
man of rare culture, a most interesting and fervid 
preacher. It was with great reluctance and sorrow 
that the church and society relinquished him. Mr. 
Foster received his doctorate from Williams College. 
It is a noticeable coincidence that the two Pelham 
pastors honored with a doctorate should have re- 
ceived them from the same college. 

August 30, 1854, Rev. Charles Rockwell was in- 
stalled as pastor. He was a man of ability, but not 
adapted to this people, and, by the advice of an 
ecclesiastical council, was dismissed June 20, IS.jo. 

The brevity of the previous pastorates, and espe- 
cially the unfortunate experience in the 1 
some discouragement and hesitancy about the settle- 
ment of another minister. During the next six years 
the church was served by acting pastors. The Rev. 
John E. Farwell supplied from November, 1855, to 
March, 1858, and the Rev. William F. Derrick from 
September, 1858, to April, 1861. October 30, L861, 
the present pastor, Rev. Augustus Kerry, was settled. 
As an indication of the spirit of benevolence in the 
church and congregation, there has been given to mis- 
sions and other causes of Christian benevolence, in 
the last twenty-three years, twelve thousand dollars. 

Thus has the town, from the elate of its incorpora- 
tion, sustained the gospel ministry. Only sixteen of 
the one hunched and thirty-four years, since the 
organization of the church, has it been without a 
settled pastor, and never without preaching. 

Deacons. — To the year 1882, one hundred and thirty 
years from the election of Deacon Amos Gage, eight 



ditferent men had held the office of deacon. There 
has always been a Deacon Gage, a lineal descendant 
..I one or the other of two brothers, Amos and Daniel, 
thai were among the lirst settlers of the town. Amos 
(.age and Daniel Hutchinson tilled the office till their 
decease, — Deacon Hutchinson, May ',•, 1785, and 
Dca.on Gage, September 8, 17H2. Then Abel Gage, 
a son ol Deacon Ames < bme, and benjamin Barker 
were elected deacons. They resigned in 1835, and 
Daniel < [age, a grandson oi 1 taniei Gage, the brother 

ol Amos Gage, and Jeremiah Tyler were elected 
deacons. Iii 1853, Deacon Gage died and Deacon 
Tyler resigned, and Daniel T. Gage, a son ol the last 
Deacon Gage, and Charles Stiles were elected dea- 
cons. Deacon Stiles died in .May, 1882. He was 
succeeded by Eliphelet F. Woods, who died in .No- 
vember of this year, ami was succeeded in the office 
by Samuel Kelley. 

Reformed Methodist anj> Free-Will Baptist 
Church. — Near the commencement of tin' present 
century the Methodists commenced to labor among 
the inhabitants of the northeast section of the town, 
called Gage Hill, and the adjacent portion of Salem. 
Meetings were held in school-houses and private 
dwellings. Among their preachers was the Rev. 
Joseph Snelliug, who, with his family, resided in 
that section of the town some years. By the uni- 
versal estimate, In- was an eminently devout and good 
man. In his autobiography he speaks of the diffi- 
culty he encountered in introducing Methodism into 
Pelham. His converts either united with the Cou- 
gregationalists or went out of town to other denomi- 
nations. At length lie succeeded ill forming a small 
society of Methodists, and prejudice was so tar re- 
moved that they built a meeting-house that the 
Methodists were to occupy a part of the time, and he 
says, " I was invited to preach the dedication sermon, 
and continued to preach there a part of the time 
while I lived in Pelham." This house was probabl) 
built about 1820. It was small, located near the 
Salem line, and subsequently remodeled lor a dwell- 
ing-house, and occupied as a parsonage, it is now 
owned by the Rev. Tobias Foss. This house was 
built with the understanding that the different re- 
ligious sects represented bj the proprietors should 

OCCUpy il their respective shares of the time. 

There was great embarrassment in finishing this 
house. At length Mr. Robert Bradford took the job 
and received his pay in pews, so that he came to be 
the chief proprietor. 

There does not seem to have been any church or- 
ganization till 1S42. In this year, after a revival 
under the labors of Rev. L. Harrington, there was a 
Reformed Methodist Church, of thirteen members, 
organized, — Robert Bradford, Mehitable Bradford, 
Abner Kittridge, Mary Kittridge, Joseph Hag., Na- 
than i rage, Mehitable Gage, Simon B. Webster, Relief 
J. Webster, Olive. Gage, Charles Butler, Nathaniel 
Chase, Sarah Kittridge. 



t;:i7 



The Rev. Isaac Dunham became their pastor. 
Under the lead of Mr. Dunham, in 1844, a larger 
meeting-house was built. After a pastorate of some 
five years Mr. Dunham was succeeded by Rev. John 
M. Durgin, a Free-Will Baptist. Mr. Durgin was a 
man of many fine qualities. There was a rich vein 
of humor in his make-up. Many of his bright say- 
ings are still quoted, lie taught school in connec- 
tion with his ministry and is pleasantly remembered 
by his pupils, lie was succeeded, in 1858, by Rev. T. 
P. Moulton. At this time the church was admitted 
to the Boston Quarterly Meeting of Free-Will Bap- 
tists, and received the name of the Free-Will Baptist 
Church of I'elham and Salem. Mr. Moulton was 
succeeded, in 1856, by Rev. Tobias Foss. He was 
succeeded, in 185'.), by Rev. S. M. Weeks, who left in 
the spring of 1861. For a few years there was no 
stated preaching. In 1867, Mr. Foss returned to town, 
and by his efforts preaching was resumed. In 
Januuary, 1868, Rev. N. C. Lathrop became pastor, 
and remained till April, 1870. In 1872, Rev. 
Jonathan Woodman became pastor; but the 
strength of this church and society had been seriously 
impaired by the formation of churches at Salem 
Depot and the removal of families influential in the 
support of public worship. Mr. Woodman rendered 
most valuable service for a few years; but his ag< — 
nearly eighty — and calls of duty elsewhere led him 
to resign the charge. There was a fitness that a re- 
ligious organization that had been productive of SO 
much good should have terminated its mission with 
the labors of such a noble Christian man as Elder 
Jonathan Woodman. 

Episcopal Met] (ST. — In 1859-60 there was a 

deep religious interest in connection with the labors 
of Rev. Matthew M. Parkhurst, who was hoarding in 
the town for the recuperation of his health. Some 
of the converts, with others who had a preference fot 
the Methodists, applied to Conference for a minister, 
and a church was constituted. The preachers who 
successively served them were Rev. Albert N. Fisher. 
Rev. Amos 1'.. Russell. Rev. Charles Newell. Mr. 
Newell left for another field in the latter part of 1863. 
The friends did not deem it expedient to have an- 
other appointment. The membership of the church 
was transferred to the church in Methuen, quite a 
portion of whom have since connected themselves 
with the Congregational Church by letter. 

Meeting-Houses. — At a town-meeting September 
3,1746, "it was voted to build a meeting-house in 
the centre of Land ill this town, or the most con- 
venient place." October 27th the report of the com- 
mittee to find the centre was accepted, and tin.' previous 
vote re-enacted with the specification, '' the house to 
be twenty-eight feet in length and twenty-four feet 
in width." But the location was not satisfactory, for 
November 19th it was voted " to choose three good 
men from out of town to come and state a place tor a 
meeting-house." Captain Henry Baldwin, Ensign 



William Richardson, Daniel Cage, Amos Richardson 
ami lle/ckiah HaniMct were chosen a committee " to 
carry on the work in building the meeting-house," 
and the sum of twelve pounds, old tenor, was voted to 
defray the charge of said house. This house must 
have been a rude structure. March 6, 174s, " Voted, 

to I > u \ the Nottingham West Meet iiig-Uouse of Mr. 
Merrill." 

April 10. 174!), a committee was chosen to take 
down the meeting-house and bring it to Pelbam by a 
work-rate of twentj shillings per day, and any who 
were delinquent in work were, if warned, to pay 
twcntyshillings, oldtenor, lor every day of'delinquency. 
" £120, old tenor, were voted to defray the charges in 
this business," and the town " Voted, to set the meet- 
ing-house 18 rods from where the meet jug-house now 
stands." 

But notwithstanding these decisive votes, nothing 
was done ; for, October 2, 1751, it was voted to bring 

the meeting-house to Pelham and "set it up." Aftei 
passing ami rescinding several votes, it was finally 
agreed " to set the bouse on the two acres of land that 
Mr. l'lirgerson had negotiated with the town about." 
This was probably near where the new meeting-house 
stands. October filth it was voted "to board and 
shingle the meeting-house with convenient speed," 
and also that any one might furnish material "at 
reasonable rates, — "indicating that the house was 
moved and an earnest effort was being made to get it 
in readiness tor worship the coming winter. There 
was a work-rate at fifteen shillings per day, old tenor. 

November 6, 17">l'. it was voted "to allow pew- 
grounds in the meeting-house, on the lower floor, 
round the walls, to thirteen highest payers on the lis! 
being inhabitants of the town. They were to build 
lor the town a handsome or decent pulpit, with a 
canopy over if ; also a deacon's seat." The men were 
to obligate themselves to sit iii these pews with their 
families till they were Idled, and if they did not in- 
cline to take these pews, then the next highest m 
their course to take them. It was also voted "to 
grant four pews more in the two hind seats on the 

lower II ' of said meeting-house, men and women 

side, to four men, the highest according to the above 

said votes; " " provided they will make three d s to 

said meeting-house, and to hang them with good iron 
hinges and latches, decently, ami be durable doors, 
made of good boards," and a committee was chosen 
" to see when the said pulpit and deacon's seat and 
doors are to he made and completed." 

September 27, 1753, the town voted to raise three 
bundled pounds, old tenor, for the committee to use 
in finishing the meeting-house; also that they should 
take the money then in the collector's hands. They 

were authorized to buy a box of glass " to glaze the 
meeting-house." and to build the body scats ; also " 0. 
take out the middle post on the back side of the 
meeting-house in order to build a handsome pulpit 



provide for handsc 



illars for said house. 



HISTORY OF EILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



This house was used as the meeting-house till I "*.">, 
when the present town-house was built. Everything 
in its finish must have been very plain. It had no 
comforts. The seats were hard. There was nothing 
to soft, mi the light or mitigate the heat ot the sum- 
mer's sun. Nor was there anything to relieve the 
cheerlessness and cold of winter. And still the whole 
population came together in winter and summer and 
remained through the protracted services. There 
can be no question lint this was an influential factor 
In the formation of the institutions of the town. 

The following is copied from the record- books of 
the builders of the present town-house . 



.mil the Credit "I the Tuwn wmilil Suliwrilie what ilnv will mo- towards 
Biiil-lmi: a V-w Moling Ii.iii-i-, .in.i. .- - ■ - , s.a: i. 01 Sum sli.cll In- 
Sul.s, lil.ol. Tall a l'l.'1'ti. I..1- Hi' ■ tin- ali-1 I ..in l.iil.. ..)i wlial Method 

we will take foi Building the same." 

\t a town-meeting, June 7, 1785, it was voted 
"to give liberty to set a meeting-house on the eom- 
iiiini near the old meeting-house, which meeting- 
house i- now prepairing for building by propri- 
etorship." This house was not finished for some 
years, but was probabh soon used for public wor- 
ship and town-meetings, as. May 27, 1789, it was 
voted to sell the old meeting-house "at public 
vendue, in such a way and manner as shall be 
thought most likely to fetch its mil value, in ordei to 
paj the town debts with the same." and a committee 
was appointed lor this purpose. 

[t is a tradition that the year 1785 was remarkable 
tor the depth of snow, ami that the timber for the 

frame of this meeting- house was eltt in April. 1 the 

snow was so hard that, the timber was hauled over 
-lone walls and other kinds offence. About this 

time there was a meeting-house built by the "Pole 
Parish," and situated in front of the David Cutter 
house. In the town records this is designated as the 
ting House, and the proprietors' meeting- 
house as the Great Meeting-House. I pon the dismis- 
sal of J Mr. M ly and the union of the two parishes, 

the town purchased the meeting-houses. 

March 26, 1793, it was " Voted, To -ell the Little 
Meeting-House and the land where it stands." .lames 
Gibson, Esq., Joshua Uwood, Josiah t iage, Ksq., were 
chosen a committee to make the sale; but the} did 

not -'-11 ii, as, December 22, 1794, it was >, i to sell 

the Little Meeting-House. This house is said to have 
Keen moved to the spot where the parsonage now 

stands, and used lor a store, with a hall over the -tore. 
Deacon Jeremiah Tyler owned it man) years. He 
traded in the store. The hall was known as Tyler's 



Hall, and was used for singing-schools and religious 

llleel llejs. 

January 7, 1793, it was " Voted, That the propri- 
etors of the old meeting-house should receive their 

lull pay when the pews are sold," — viz., the pews in 

the new meeting-house. " Voted, To cuoose a com- 
mittee of five persons to make a settlement between 
the parishes, -Messrs. Jacob Butler, Jr., Nehemiah 
Butler, Captain Eliphelet Hardy, Lieutenant Thomas 
Spoflbrd, Lieutenant John Ferguson." " Voted, To 

eh. ...so a committee to see what method is best to hi- 
taken towards finishing the meeting-house, and bring 
in their report next meeting." The committee were 
"Dr. Aaron Grosvenor, Lieutenant John Ferguson, 
James Gibson, Esq." But the finishing of the Great 
.Meeting- House hangs. There an- many propositions, 
hut none on whieh a majority agree. The- subject 
was brought before town-meetings in .Inly, 1793, and 
in August, 1794, ami iii each instance dismissed. But, 
December 22, 17'J4, " Voted, To finish the inside of 
the meeting-house in the manner prescribed by the 
committee chosen for that purpose." " Voted, To 
sell the pews in said meeting-house at public vendue." 
" Voted, To sell the finishing of said meeting-house at 
public sale." " Voted, That said meeting-house shall 
be finished by the 1st day of Novetnbor next." I In re 
is a spirit of determination in these votes that assures 
something will he done. But though the purpose is 
to have no set-back, the plan is to be changed. Janu- 
ary 19, 1795, these votes were reconsidered. Then it 
was " Voted, That Captain Jesse .Smith be a committee, 
with full power to receive money and finish the meet- 
ing-house by the 1st day of November next." Also 

" Voted, That Lieutenant John Ferguson be an assistant 

committee with Captain Jesse Smith for linishing the 
meeting-house." 

This action was final ; Captain Smith and Lieuten- 
ant Ferguson were the men to execute it, and the job 
of ten j ears' lingering and uncertainty is completed by 
them in a single season and at the specified time. At 
i In- same town-meeting the selectmen ordered tin- 
sale of the pews. 

I lecember 8th, the account of the committee to 

finish the meeting-house was received, and they were 

allowed live shillings per daj foi their services. 

March 7. 1796, " Voted, that the money which was 
left in linishing the meeting-house shall be loaned 
to keep the meeting-house in repair." " Voted, that 

Amos M ly, Esq., Captain Asa Richardson, be a 

to take said i lej and make the best use of 

it they can for the advantage of the town." But though 
the house, with its square pews and high galleries, 
was considered finished, there were improvements 
prop.ee. I from time to time. March 5, 1797, " Voted, 
to purchase a ( ushion for the pulpit and a* curtain for 
the pulpit windows, to build a cupboard in the lower 
par! ..I the pulpit and to lay some gravel by the un- 

derpining of the meeting-house." March, 1803, the 
town voted not to purchase a hell and build a steeple. 



Julj 2, L804, voted aot to build a portico over the 
front door. September, 1805, the town again voted 
not to build a portico. In October of this year, 
- footed, not to build a belfry and steeple to th< easl 
end of their meeting-house." These votes indicate 
that then- was a minority of public-spirited, progres- 
sive men in town. 
In presenting the growth and development of the 

town, it is necessary to tints sketch the 1 list on of the 

meeting-house; for it was about the meeting-house 
that the New England town grew, and the history oi 

a New England town cannot be written without the 
recognition of this central fact. 
There are in the records a few plain, homely things 

that are very suggestive. They have a sweet touch 
of nature and charm by their simple beauty. In the 

study of the histor) of the town, the first meeting- 
house, the meeting-house bought of Mr. .Merrill, the 

house moved from Nottingham West, the ohl meeting- 
house, must be kept continually in view. Every- 
ii iated with that house reveals some feature 
in the life and character of the early inhabitants. 
Little incident- connected with it mirror those plain 
and frugal homes, fn somi thought for it, some pro- 
vision for its care, the subtle, golden chain of faith 
is traced, that steadied their lives heavenward. In 
such items as the following there is a resurrection of 
the past, and scenes of one hundred and forty years 
ago appear \ivid and fresh as the life of this da) : 

" March ye 1, 1756, voted Jabesh Gage £10, old tenor, 
for hoarding workman tit the meeting-house." " I ../<,/. 
Amos Richardson 01-15-0, old tenor, forsweeping the 
meeting-house." " Chose Joseph Butler, Levi llil- 

drith, John Butler, .1; is Gilmore and Amos Gage for 

seating the meeting-house." " Voted, to leave it to 
the committee to dignify the seats as they see lit." 

For seventy-five years the people worshiped with- 
out tires in their meeting-houses. The worship of 

the winter season might have been a- | i as the 

most perfect crystal, hut an absence ol warmth i- 
suggested. It' there was beauty in it. thi- must have 
existed in the spiritual light reflected from frosty 
forms. To modern conception there is a touch of the 
comic in the audience muffled, their heads drawn 
within the mufflers. Pulpit orator) was certainlj at 
a disadvantage. Stoves were put into the ( treat Meet- 

ing-House about 1820. I '.lit this was not done without 

opposition. The Great Meeting-House was used by 

the church and First Congregational Society till 1*42. 
During the last ten years tie - ciety had made sev- 
eral propositions to the town for the purpose of 
securing some exclusive rights in the house. < >ne 
was the outright purchase; another was to finish the 
upper part for worship, which should be the property 
oi the society, and the lower part lor a town hall, 
which should he the town's. But the town was un- 
willing to entertain any of these propositions. Ac- 
cordingly, at a meeting of the First ' Ion 
Society in the hall of Jeremiah Tyler, February 9, 



1842, "to see if tic societj will procure a suitable 
piece Of land on which to build a house for public 
worship, it was voted to procure such a piece, and 

at the same meeting General Samuel M. Richardson 

propo ed, on certain conditions, to give till 

such a piece, which gift, subjei i to the conditions, was 
accepted by the societj ." 

At a meeting held February 24th, "it was voted 
that the erect ion of the meeting-] se be imenced 

as soon as practicable in the ensuing spi 

David Cutter, Moody Hobbs, Joshua Atwood, David 

Butler and A s Batchelder were chosen a building 

committee." At a meeting held October 17th, "Jere- 
miah Tyler, Enoch Marsh ami John M. Tyler were 

chosen a committee of arrangements for lie dedica- 
tion oi the new meeting-house." The dedication 

was ninety-one years from the time that the old 

meeting -house was first used for public worship. 

fin. Parsonage.- At a meeting of tin first Con- 
gregational Society, September 4, 1861, it was voted 

"to accept the Tyler store lot, so called, purchased 
by individuals for a pars mage-houseof said society." 
It wa- \oted to proceed at once to huild. ami < lolonel 

Enoch Marsh, V.b< 1 ' rage, Esq., F. \. Cutter, Eliphe- 
let F. Wood- were chosen a building committee, the 
work was commenced at once, ami under the enthusi- 
astic lead of Colonel Marsh, who devoted in- time 

and energies to the enterprise.it was substantial!) 

completed that autumn, and occupied by lie present 

pastor the next April. Richard B. llillman was the 

builder. 



I II \ PTER I I. 

PELHAM— (Couth 0- 



.ma .11 [ON— Ml 



)TE— PHVSICI 



Education.— The town records show no public 
action upon the subject of education till fiftei a j ears 
after the incorporation. I hit from thi- time there was 

a gradual and substantial growth of the ed 

sentiment. I lie i i I and school-house ■ 

violent controversies. There were seasons of intense 
excitement. At times there was the reckless spirit that 

would destroy all rather that I carry it- point ; then 

better counsels would prevail, harmony would he re- 
stored, bygones would !"■ forgotten and all would be 
united in the good cause. 

March 9, 1761, " Voted the non-resident money for 
a school." At the March meeting of the next year 
i . appropriation for schools, but at a meet- 
ing April — 
■■ i-t. Voted ii-i I- buildanj - hoot houses. 
"2d, Voted four months' scl ling, to begin in September next ensu- 

ii,-, :ai'l -" "ii Oil 1 Jo- lulu in. mile ■■xpil'-'l. 

March 7, 1763, " Voted two hundred pound-, ohl 



HISTORY OF HILLSROROlKiH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



tenor, for a school this present year. Said school is 
to be in four parts of said town. and each pari to have 
their portion of said money to be divided by the se- 
lectmen." 

March ">, 1764, " Voted two hundred pounds, old 
tenor, for a school for this present year, to be provided 
by the selectmen as they shall think proper." 

March 11, 1705, "Vnteil not to raise any money for 
a School this present year." For the next tell years 

an average of fifteen pounds was appropriated annu- 
ally for schools. 
March 4. 1776, " Voted twenty Pounds, Lawful 

money, tor Schooling this Present year." 

"A Committee Chosen to Place the schools ami to 
Provide Masters and Mistresses — Dr. John Mussey, 
Ebenezar Parmer, Esq., .lesse Wilson, Amos Gage, 
Jr., Phillip Richardson, Jr. — Voted that Every Quar- 
ter of the town should have the use of their own 
money, and that Each Quarter should Enjoy the 
Priviledge of their own and not Send from one to 
another, and that when the School was l'ro\ ided they 
that would not Send Should Go without the Benefit 
of the School." 

During the next fifteen years, which included the 
hard times of the Revolutionary War, the town failed 
only once to make appropriations tor the schools. 
After 1790 the matter id' an appropriation was no 
longer optional, as the towns were required by legisla- 
tive enactment to raise a specified sum. March 4, 
1793, on the article " To see if the Town will vote that 
Every Class shall have the Privilege of the School 
when it is kept in I heir Class without being thronged 
with Scholars from other ('lasses," '-Voted that 
Scholars shall have Liberty to Go from one Class to 
the other for the benefit ol Schooling." t >n the 
26th of this month. "Voted to liaise One Hun- 
dred and fifty pounds, L. M., in order to build 
the School-Houses in s' 1 Town, Meaning that those 
Classes that have built tluir School-Houses shall Re- 
ceive an order from the Selectmen for their proportion 
of the aforesaid sum. Votnl that James Gibson, Esq., 
be a committee to fix the Place where the School-House 
is to be built in the Southwest corner of said Town." 

December 8, 1795, Voted to dismiss the article " to 
see if the Town will vote to Empower Each Class to 
hire their own Masters and Mistresses." 

March 7, 1796, Voted to chuse a Committee — viz., 
Captain John Ferguson, Captain Thomas Spofford, 
Lieutenant Ezra R. Marsh, James Gibson, Esq., David 
Cage — to Class the Inhabitants of s' 1 Town for keep- 
ing Scl Is agreeable to a former vote of s d Town, 

which was to be Ih e classes." 

March 6, 1797, "Voted to except the report of the 
committee to class the town with five classes." 

The number of families in each class was as follows : 

t <■];,-., :'.•<: Mi. I. II. i l.i ... a . \..irli..,,.l 



DAT 


1. Gage, 




'I'll 


CAS Spofi 


Ezs 


R. Maes 


, J 



March 4, 1799, the generous spirit that the town 
has ever since expressed towards the cause of educa- 
tion commences to express itself, — "Voteil to iai-i 
thirty pounds in addition to the sum commanded 
l.\ the aiilhoiitN of the State for the support of 
schools." 

The town was fortunate in the outset in an 
economical classification. There were few classes. 
The number of families in each class was nearly the 
same. Hence an equal division of the school mone) 
was the fair thing. This classification has remained 
substantially the same to the present time, and the 
money has, with few exceptions, been equally < 1 i \ ided 
among the five classes. 

The spirit of a people i- often shown by a move- 
ment that is a failure. Minorities of even but one 
in a cause that looks to enlargement and progress 
give a people character. They are the little leaven that 
will some time be the majority. The article in the 
warrant of 1789, "to sec if the town will vote to 
have a grammar school kept in said town," though 
dismissed, asserted literary tastes, intellectual life and 
aspirations among the people. The town may not 
have furnished as many for the professions as 

some others; but there are few towns that, ai nliug 

to their population, could show as large a number 
■ it men and women of good home-bred sense, of re- 
fined taste, of such general information, of such 
correct methods in business, and who expressed them- 
selves with more understanding and grace. 

AI t the commencement of the century Mr. Dan- 
iel Hardy, a graduate of Dartmouth College and an 
accomplished scholar, taught an academy lor-.\<iai 
years at the Centre, in the building since known as 
the Cottage, and occupied by the Misses Hastings lor 
many years. Mr. Hardy and his school had a healthy 
influence upon the intellectual life of the people. 
Here many young men and women received instruc- 
tion that qualified them to be efficient teachers in the 
common schools. 

During the ministry of Dr. Church there was a 
literary association that owned quite an extensive 
library of solid reading, comprising history, essaj 
and poetry, but no fiction as such ; this was exten- 
si\ elj and faithfully read. 

During the first sixty years of the century the town 
lyccum was an institution, furnishing not only the so- 
ciability and wholesome diversion that a people need, 
Inn also intellectual nurture and culture in speaking 
and writing. 

'flic following is a list, perhaps imperfect, of edu- 
cated men that the town has raised: 

GRAD1 \TK> or DARTMOUTH COLLEGE. 
Danii t Hardy, 17s 1 .' ; Aaron Hardy, 1704 : Caleb Butler, 1800 ; Reubi u 

Dimond Mussey, 18 [saai Butler, entered l.ut died in u ura 

Stephen I Brads it, 1819; Barnabas G. Tenney, 1819 ; Calvin Butler, 

Is:!; Nathaniel Alilmt Kru,, Is;.': I lia! I-- liin iili.tin, 1-1'. I'.. nia 

... r. ■ i-i. Joseph H. Tyler, 1851 ; Eliphelet Butler Gage, 185J 

in tin Scientific Scl I ; Joseph Edward Marsh, 1858, at the Scientific 

School ; Nathaniel Parker Gage, 1862. 



GRAD1 \TKS OF HAKVARD. 
William 31. Richardson. 1 T-'T ; .lo-iah P.ntl. r, 1 so:; : .l.,hn Cutter Gage, 
1851 ; Frederii W Bat. hi ld( i I860 

Four of these graduates became clergymen, seven 
lawyers. Reuben Dimond Mussey became eminent 
in medicine, and had a reputation that was European 
as well as American. William M. Richardson repre- 
sented the Stair in Congress, and also became chief 
justice of the Supreme Court of New Hampshire. 
Josiah Butler represented New Hampshire two terms 
Others became teachers and business 

men. 

PROFESSIONAL MEN NOT GRAD1 ATES 
Elijah Butler, born \pnl 13,1765; studied I Heine and practiced 

Milton Grosvenor studied medicine 

Sehemiah Butler, a lawyei ^ml judge of probi 

John ftuincy Adams Griffin, at his death, in .air 
Mined distinction at Me- l.ai 

Benjamin Russ.ll Cutter, at liis death .eventcon years principal of the 
\( ishington Grammar School, I oil 

William H. Ga^o studied medicine, and at his death hail Iwn many 
years assistant physician at tie- asylum. Taiinl'Ui. Ma-s. 

Of gentlemen of the last generation noted as com- 
mon-school teachers were Moody Hobbs and A.bel 
i rage, both self-made men and popular teachers, with 
a life-long interest in education. Mr. Hobbs became 
a public man. and was associated with the distin- 
guished men of the State. He was greatly interested 
in agriculture. He was the magistrate of the town 
and the civil engineer of this and neighboring towns. 
Mr. Gage led a quiet life on his farm, enjoyed bis 
library and took an intelligent and devoted interest 
in all the philanthropic and missionary enterprises of 
•lie age. 



for Merrimack 



nh 1. lia-l . 



Mis- II in 



FEMALE TEACHERS. 

, educated under Mi-- o 



Miss Mary C. Richardson, educated al Bradford Ics Slaj i hu- 

setts, holding for many years a n-sponsiUi- p .sili.ui in tlj.it iii-titu; i>ui : 
a lady of superim- intellectual powers and a popular teacher. 

3Iiss Mary' T. Ga<;e, educated at tie- A CI ml female Seminary, Aiel.e.i 
Mass., a teacher for many years. Her culture was marked. Her life 

was an ornament to the social -late 

Hiss Helen Cutter, a popular teacher for many years at Arlington, 

blissEmma D. Coburn, forascore of years holding important p<>si- 
tions as teacher in Western citieB. 

Of young ladies of the present employed in the 
common schools of this and adjoining towns, two 
may be named for their long and raluabt services 
Miss Susan M. Smith, great-granddaughter of James 
Gibson, and Miss M. Amanda Cloyd. 

Some Men of Note.— Deacon Amos Gage, born in 
1717. 1'robably came to this town in 1739 or 1740, 
from Bradford, .Mass. Prominent in the church, in 
civil and military affairs. Died in 179:2. 

I ), a ai Barnabas Gibson, bom nearthe coast of Ire- 
land after his parents sailed for this country. His 
father's name was . lames. Among the old papers of 

the family is a receipt for the passage-money of the 
family, dated "Portrush, August 26, 1738." 

James Gibson, brother of Barnabas, for a series of 



years a man of great prominence in the affairs of Ihe 
town. 

Jesse < ribson, a son of .lames, a life-long resident of 
the town, often elected to town offices, for a long 
s, i ies id' years justice of peace, a man of unquestioned 
integrity, lie accumulated a large property, l>ied 
in 1S7H, aged eighty-nine, wanting a few days. 

Captain Henry Baldwin, at whose house the first 
town-meeting was held, died in 17o4. 

Dr. John Mussey, father of Reuben Dimond Mus- 
sey, often chosen to offices of importance in town. 

James and Samuel Hobbs, grandsons ot' the first 
minister, stirring men and often called to positions of 
public responsibility. 

General Samuel M. Richardson, a true gentleman, 
a distinguished citizen, a member of a family thai not 
only adorned New Hampshire, but Massachusetts. 
He left a generous legacy to the First Congregational 
Society, and also to the town for remodeling the old 
meeting-house into a town hall. 

David Cutter, for many years postmaster and a 
justice of the peace. He was very exact in the trans- 
action of all business, exemplary and strictly law- 
abiding, a pillar in the moral and religious institu- 
tion- of thi' town. He died in L863, agi 
eighty-two years, and left two thousand dollars to Ihe 
First Congregational Society. 

General Joshua Atwood, for more than thirt) yeare 
moderator of the annual town-meeting. He died in 
1872, aged sixty-live year-. 

Benjamin F. < hitter, a generous and public-spirited 
citizen, was widely known iii bis horticultural and 
nursery business. lie died in 1 870, aged sixty-seven 
years. 

Colonel Enoch Marsh, who still survives, near his 
ninetieth year, in a "green old age," a gentleman of 
the truest type. He in ver sought or held office; but 
to the support of this religious institutions of the 
town and causes of Christian philanthropy he has 
given bi> time, his strength and his propertj . 

Misses Eliza and Caroline Hastings cami from 
Boston to l'elham in 1835, to live on the small prop- 
ertj thej had acquired by years of teaching, an 
employment that they engaged in when financial 
reverses came upon their father's business. They 
were ladies of a true culture and a noble Christian 
spirit. They rented the building once occupied by 

Mr. Hardy for a scl 1. and afterwards il was known 

as the Cottage. They employed their time in the care 
of I h.ir cultured natures and deeds of charity. They 
loved to walk the different streets of the town and 
make informal calls in all the homes. Families in 
all pails of the town were wont to have them as their 
guests. They made for themselves a large place in 

ihe esteem and affection of the people. Thej were a 
great acquisition to society. Their influence was 
salutary. Miss Eliza died September 10. L853, aged 
seventy-one. The -hock was great to Miss Caroline. 
Sim endured it with Christian fortitude, and died 



642 



aiSTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



April 26, 1872, aged eighty-nine. Their 
u ith the ]>ed|>le of their adoption. 

Physicians. — The earliest was Dr. .Viims Richard- 
son; then Dr. John Mussey, Dr. Aaron Grosvenor, 
Dr. William Gage, Dr. Benjamin R. Skelton, Dr. 
Benjamin F. Simpson, Dr. Edwin Grosvenor, Dr. 
Lucius Grosvenor, Dr. Amos Batchelder. 

Dr. Batchelder commenced practice in town in 
1837. He has been a studious man and kept himself 
abreast of the times in his profession. He has also 
been a careful observer and extensive reader in 
natural history and general science, and he has a 
cabinet of six thousand specimens of. his own col- 
lection. 

Music. — The Pelham people have always been musi- 
cal. The Gages, Butlers, Cutters, Gibsons, Atwoods 
and Wilsons were musical families. Of those who Led 
the singing in the past, and sometimes taught singing- 
schools, were Deacon Amos Gage, Deacon Abel Gage, 
General Samuel M. Richardson, David Cutter, Jona- 
than B.Greeley, Abel Gage, Jr., Jesse Wilson, Colonel 
Enoch Marsh, Frederic A. Spofford and, later. Wil- 
liam Chase. In the years 1798 and 1805 there were 
articles in the warrant tor the annual town-meeting 
to see if the town would appropriate money for a 
singing-school. In neither instance was the appro- 
priation made; but in 1803 the town "voted to 
purchase a bass viol for the use of the singers ; also 
that Deacon Abel (.age, Samuel M. Richardson and 
Doc' William Gage be a committee to purchase s d 
viol." 

In 1859 an unusually fine-tcned pipe-organ was 
purchased for the church, since then .Mr. Alonzo 
D. Greeley, an amateur in music, has played the 
organ, led the singing and devoted much time and 
expense to the culture of music in the town. When the 

organ was procured there were but two or time pis - 

in town; now there are a dozen, and parlor organs 
in almost every house. Two of the school-houses 
have musical instrn in . -n t- 



CHAPTER III. 



CIVIL GO'* ERNM IM'- mi 11 i aky — or.. >w nr, hi. vi- m i-m i \ i 
AND CHANGE— PERSONAL REMINISI ENCES. 

Civil Government.— The town from the firsl took 
a thoughtful interest in the constitutions of both the 
i nai ional governments. 

At a town-meeting April 111, 1778, "Mr. James 
Barnard was then chosen as a member of that Con- 
vention that is to meet at ( loncord on June the tenth 
next, in order to form a Plan of Government for the 
People of this State for their future g 1 ami hap- 



" Voted to ehuse a Committee of Eleven men to 
Give Instruction to said Barnard Concerning the 
plan of Government, which are as follows: Messrs. 
Maj. Daniel Coburn, Esq. Gage, Do John Mussey, 
Esq. Gibson, Dca. Barnabas Gibson, Dea. Amos Gage, 
Thomas Spofford, Nehe'miah Butler, Capt. Jesse Wil- 
son, Capt. A-a Richardson, Peirce Gage." 

I'h e plan that was submitted to the people by the 
convention of June, 17M, was considered in the town- 
meeting held in December, and " Voted to chuse a 
committee to Take into consideration the plan of 
Government, and make remarks on it and lay them 
Before the tow a." "< 'hose the < !ommittee ( viz.), Dea. 
Barnabas Gibson, Aaron Wyman, Jacob Butler, Jun., 
David Butler, Abel Gage, Joshua Atwood, Caleb 
Butler, Doc' John Mussey, Josiah Gage, Esq., and 
Mark Gould." This plan was discussed on the re- 
port of the committee, by articles, at a town-meeting 
Januarj 21, 1782, and substantially rejected by Pel- 
ham, as it was by the State. The convention sub- 
mitted another plan in August, 1782. At a town- 
meeting December 2d this was referred to s com- 
mittee, Dr. John Mussey, Nathaniel Abbot. James 
Gibson, Esq., Josiah Gage, Esq., Jess,- Smith, Abie! 
Barker, Jacob Butler. Jr., Pea. Barnabas ( lilison and 
David Butler. The meeting then adjourned till the 
17th. " The town being Mette. according to the above 
adjournment, Voted not to accept ol the Plan ot 
Government as it now stands, by 60 Votes. Voted to 
accept the Plan of Government with the Amendments 

mad.- by the Committee, by 52 Votes; 7 Persons 

Voted against it." 

This plan was also rejected by the State. The con- 
vention met in June, 1.783, and submitted another 
plan to the people. At a meeting held August L8th, 

"Voted, to choose a committee of Nine Persons to 
take under Consideration the Alteration of the Eight 
Article of the Coulideration. Coin., M'. David 
Butler, M r . Uriah Abbott, James Gibson, Esq., M '. 
Joshua Atwood, Deak" Barnabas Gibson. Josiah 
Gage, Esq., M r . John Ferguson, Doct r John Mussey. 
M r . Aaron Wyman. Voted for the afore s' 1 Committee 
to take under Consideration the Address Ir Con- 
vention." 

"The Moderator Adjourned s 1 Meeting Three 
Weeks." 

"Met According to tin- Above Adjournment." 

" Voted, to receive a Verbal Report of s d Committee 
that is to alter the Eight Artical of Conlideiation. 
(viz.), that is the Proportion among the United State- 
Shall be Laid by the Number of Souls. Voted, to 
Receive a Verbil Report of the afore s d Committee, 
that is not to alter the Executive Department." 

This plan was adopted by the State and ratified h\ 
the convention I (ctober -".lst. 

These quaint record> show how carefully the under- 
lying principles of both the national confederation 
and the State Constitution were examined by the 
citizen-, ot' Pelham. 



PELHAM. 



TOWN CLERKS. 
1746-47, Eleazar Whiting ; 1748 19, Benrj Baldwin, I 

AmosGage; 17:..:, 1'awil .l..n. - 17 . 1- .7, Amos Gage ; 1758, Levi Hi]- 

dreth ; 1759-72, Vi Gag. 1773-74, Josiah Gage .ii . 1775-82, Dan- 

ielBarker; 1783-90, John Ferguson ; 1791-96, Benjamin Barker, Jr.; 

., Hardy; 1799-1802 Benjamin Barkel 1803 1, Peti i 

Patereon; 1805-19, William Hardy (2d) | 1820-23, William Atwood; 

1824-26, William Hardy ; 1827-31, James Hobbs ; 1832, Reuben B.Gib- 

, J. r.-iniiih Tvh i : l-':.--:', 1 '. ihaih-- Spnl!..].! ; Isl'i-ll. 

U u Hobbs; 1843, Charles Spofford ; 1844-45, Frederic A. Spoflbrd ; 

1845, David Spofford; 1841! 85, John Woodbury ; 1865.A - Batchelder ; 

l-i i 67, Joshua At" 1, .II, 1868-77, Vmos Batcheldel 1878 - '. 

. ]i. .Li,, i -.-,:->:,, iiunii-I V AlivLijil 

DELEGATES TO Till: SEVERAL CONSTITUTIONAL CONVEN- 
TIONS. 
1778, James Barnard ; 1781, Jacob Butler, Jr. ; 1791, James Gibson ; 
1851, Joshua Atwood ; 1876, F. M. Woodbury. 

PI ION "| 
iDEB U, CONSTITUTION. 

1788, Rei . Amos M Ij 

REPRESENTATIVES. 
ITT:., Aaron Wvtnali ; l77>.-7>. .lame- < .11— n , I 77''-sl, David Butler ; 

1782, JameH Gib . 1788 B5, Jacob Butler, Jr. ; 1786, Ji Gibson; 

1787-88, Jacob Butlei 1789 voted nol to send; 1790, James Gibson ; 
1791, voted not t.i send; 1792, James Gibson; 1793-96, Rev. vmos 

M i. 1797, Nehemiah Butler; 1798, Rev. Amos H ly ; 1799-1802, 

James Gibson . 1803 - R< i ^moe M lj . 1807. Ji isGibson ; 1808- 

:,. josiah Butler; L81U 11, James Gibson; 1812 20 Uaj. Samuel M. 



.'a, a 



34, .i.-ss, .,ii,-, m. I. -i : i- '■ >. -..-.Hi"! M Ri. 1'." Ison , I - .■ David B a- 

blel 1837, -I. - ll.ii.i-, Esq. 1838- 11, Jesse Gibson 184 15, J 

Uwocd 1846 17, Gilberl Coburn; 1848-49, Josbua Uv, 1- 1850, 

JesseGibson; 1851, Darius Stickney ; 1852, Joshua At» B53-54, 

John Richardson ; 1855 .6, Joshua Uwood ; 1857 >8, John W Ibury ; 

1859-60, linos Bat. heldel 1861-1 2, Dai n I Mai I. Warren 

Sherburne ; 1865, Kimball Gibson ; 1866, Georgi II Currier; 1867-68, 

Eliphelel I w 1 18G9 70, William G Butler; 1871 7:. vm. ,., 

1873-74, rge H.Currier; 1875-70, John H tburj 1871 !i St 

than Gage; 1879, Daniel N \i« 1, l881,Lutheri Richardson ; 1883, 

GeorgeS. Butler; 1880, Rirhar.l IS. Hillnian. 

Military Record— The citizens of Pelham have 
always been patriotic. They have enlisted in all the 
wars of our country and shed their blood on nearly 
every battle-field. Amos Gage, an early settler of the 
town, one of the original members of the church and the 
first deacon, was a captain in the French and [ndian 
War. and lost a son, aged twenty years, in that war. 

In the old records of the town the following is 
found: 

"In the year 170,". Begune the BloodJ wai Btween England and 

li.ui,.., ,iti,l llir win.!., r.itnitiv ut 'anaila \va- -in i .ii.h-rr.l f-i his 

- , i ... in il.. i, .ii i ;..". 

•■tin. an mini ,.t 11..- n ii i. .I.... ..I iii. ii thai »,i- !,.-! I" l"n-iii. ■ I.. I'. 11.. i in 

that died a Broad : 

■' Jonathan Wright, Kd«ard Wvinati. K/.ni l.iill.l.a.l Si„,.,n l:.-ai.l, 

Lieut. Thomas Gage, foseph Gage, Simon W3 I' 

Weber." 

In the American Revolution, no one of the colonies 
exhibited a more resolute and determined spirit of 
resistance to the oppression of Great Britain than 
New Hampshire, and in no town of the Stale was this 
spirit more pronounced than in Pelham. 

At a town-meeting April 1, 1777." Voted, twenty 
pounds lawful money per man l lint shall Inlist. tor 
three years into the Continental army." 

April 7th. " Voted, to anex Ten Pounds Lawful 



3 to the above Twentj pounds, to Each Soldier 

who shall Inlist into the Continental army lor the 
Term of three years." 

June 4th, " Voted, that Each man who has served 
as a Soldier in Defence of the United States of amer- 
iea, shall be allowed sixteen shillings ami Eight 
Pence per month." " Those Persons who were in the 
service two months at Wiiiterhill. Being Present, 
agreed to take out twelve Shillings per month." 

At a town-meeting February -. 177*. " Voted, that 
LA John Bradford, M'. Aaron Wyman, ('apt. Asa 
Richardson Be a Committee to Provide lor the 
Soldiers' Families." At this meeting the vole was re- 
considered, " allowing each soldier sixteen shillings 
and eight pence per month for what he hath done in 
the service more than his proportion." ami a com- 
mittee chosen to bring in under oath "how much 
shall he allowed to those who have served .'is soldier- 
in the several Campaigns that have been in the 
Presenl War.'' This committee brought in at a sub- 
sequent meeting that the year's men should lie al- 
lowed nine pounds and sixteen pence per man. 

At this meeting" Voted, to chuse a Committee to 
Instruct the Representative Concerning the Confed- 
eration Lately Published by the Continental Con- 
gress," which would indicate that the men of Pelham 

had a nice percepti if equity and justice and saw 

distinctly a wrong that has convulsed the nation and 

\1 ;i n,,, tiim .if til.' Ft'.-.. II. .1.1.. I- o Ii. 1 ithi't iii!i. il. emit- '.1 th. t.,\vii 

■ of February, 177s, The Following 

. ;.[.]. ..nit.. I 
by Baid town 
,,, for il,.- Tom\ oj Pelham it.- th, 

13 the Voi til... townof Pelham 

. ,..,,, i.,i Court, and .1- it must be 

y -I'mistitu.-nt* mall important 

1.. 11. .wini; in-tni, li.ai- w ■ 



of Pelham, ..it Monday, 1 


.. Ninth 


1 1.-1 1 11. t ■ v..'"' reporte 


by ii-. t 


for that purpose, v. Inch i 


ere ace. 


'• 7'n ./ 'a Gibson, Esq. 


/;.,,..... . 


Provincial Congress ■> 


Bxetei 


"OlMl.l 11 ss —You 1 


,,,_ , 1,,,- 


1,, Represent them in tl 




- i' to M.n 1.. know 




matters, m think lit 1., 




to the articles oi coufedei 




y.. III--. -11 I., -'t, an all'-i 


ation ..1 



u r g. the calling ■> full 

1 bj ill'' general asaem 
_ .1 1 menl plan or 

1 -, wilh all 
ve |.-vf t«. ymr tinnne^ 

•clnrii ami Liberty (an-l 



1 Dh. John Mi ssi ■ 

' 1,1, .ImSI! 

'Jacob Bi 



■ 



644 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



The records of the town during the year- of the 
Revolutionary War indicate a whole-hearted loyalty 
to the cause and faithfulness to the soldiers. Some 
of these simple records are a beautiful revelation of 
i he character of the men and spirit of those times. 

March 2, 1778, " Voted, to pay Samuel Davis four 
Dollars in the Lieu of a Counterfeit Bill which he 
received of the town for his services in the war." 
" Voted, to Pay Asa Knowlton Fifty Dollars for his 
service three years in the war." 

At a town-meeting April 13, 1778, " Voted, to hire 
one man to go into the Continental service for nine 
months, to make Up the town's proportion of the 
three years' men. Voted, that Eng\ Nathan Butler 
should hire the man and the town to pay the man 
that s d Butler should hire.'' 

At. a town-meeting February 1."., 1781, " Voted, 
to chuse a committee of three men to hire soldiers for 
three years to go into tin- war, (vis.): Asa Richardson, 
Amos Gage, L'. .\c\ ins." 

At a meeting March 13th of this year, the com- 
mittee to average the expense of the war made their 
report, which was accepted,— 



' Voted, thai i 
ney to the v:i 



• III.- -p.-,ha I.. settle lln 



■ V.t.,1, h. alow thus,- .... II 111;, I went t., WilltiT-llill f..r Fu--hl Hill-, 

two Bushels ..I corn Per month, le value in money . 

" Voted, tu alow the year's nun I'm- Bushels ,.f ,_,,,,, |v, , ,u,. ,„■ ||„. 

Q n. -\ 
• Votr.l, t,. liIiav Hk.s.- that Went tu Portsmouth urn- month, one Rn-hi-l 
• if cum Per month, ..r tin- vain.- in m..n.-\ 

" Poled, to alow the Hve months' men that went to Tic leroga, two 

Bushels of corn Per ith, or the vain.- in money. 

" Voted, toalnw throe months' in.-n thai went l" STork, one Bushel ol 

"I II. "I III'- \.llll. I 

Voted, to alow the two months' men that went to Fork, on. Bushel 

-.1 . orn Per in. .nth, or the value in in -v. 

'Voted toalon the two n> I. men that went to Bennington, Com 

Bushi Is ..i ".-in Per month, ... the vain,- in money. 

i ted, to alov the year's men Raised in 1770. three Bu 
or the Value in money. 

•' Voted, to alow the one month's at Rhode Man. I, Bushel ol 

■ value in money. 



Voted, 






W. Ill tu 1 



I'.ri 



the value in money 

" Voted, tu aluw the l\vu muliths' men that went 
Bushel uf eurn per month, or the value in m.inev. 

'" I--" the ,ix months' men iliat went lu York 



I'. -, . 



-1: , Tw, 



Bushel- 



- the ' 



l-'..'. to aluw the three inunlhs' men Itai-. .1 in the year 1781', four 

n. Per month, ... the value In money. 

" Voted, to alow those Pel - thatw.nl \ olunt.-.-is, thai I, no- Hun. 

' ■<•' than their Proportion in the war ..I time, hair liberty to Depose uf 



At a town-meeting July 9th of this same year 
" Voted, that those Persons that has Paid their Beefrate 
shall take it Back again out of the Constables' Bands." 

At a town-meeting on February 1,1782," Voted, 
thai the corn that was voted to settle the s d average 
should be set at half a Dollar Per Bushel." 

The town sen! eighty-six true men to the war; the 
following arc their names : 



■'"^"■' A< w •■ '"ah Abbot, Abijah Austin, Isaac Barker, Benja- 
min Barker, Deacon Daniel Barker, .Joseph Bailey, Simon B.-ar.l, Dam. 
Buih-i, Nathan Butler, .Jacob Butler, Lieutenant John Bra.lfoi. I M.-iu 
I'ol.iuii, Asa Chum. Benjamin Coburn, Edward Coburn, Seta I 1111. 
Samuel Dm is, .lames Farmer, .lames Ferguson, John Ferguson, Michael 
Fitzgerald, John Foster, David, Abner and Daniel Gagi 

family; Captain Jonathan Gage. \-a, Vl.el and lin.s li, t i-, ,,| th.-sai,.. 

Tamil,! . Dam. -I i. age, it,, haul Gage, Deacon Am..- Gage, Joeiah Gag. 
Benjamin Gage, Deacon Barnabas Gibs James Gibson, Phinehas 

'' " - " illialn Gordon, Alexander i.iahalu, Josiab G ItSOn, I. a. 

than Griffin, Phineas Hamblet, Reuben Samblet, Nathaniel Haseltine, 

Major Thomas Hardy, Simon Hardy, Noah Hardy, J< liah Hardy, 

William Hardy, Cyrus Hardy, James Hardy, James Hobbs, Enocl 

Howard, Sa el Howard, John lluyi, William Johnson, Phinehai 

Kimball, Ziba Kimball, Benjamin Kimball, John Kimball, Thomas 
Knowlton, Vsa Knowlton, Amos Kemp, Jacob Marsh, tfoah Mareh, 
John Marsh, Dudley Harsh, Zebulon May, . I.. in Mills, Jonathai 
Morgan, Lieutenant Robert Sevens, Ebenezer Palmer, Daniel Richard- 
son, E/ekiel Richardson, Thomas Richardson, Tl lasSpofford, Edward 

Tenny, Jonathan Tenny, Th..ma- Thistle, Xathan Whitim, Captaii 

.Ji—e WiNon. .lulu, Williams .lu-.-ph Wright, .lulm Wyman 

The -aine spirit of patriotism and alacrity in meet- 
ing the calls of country was exhibited in the War of 
the Rebellion. Partisan spirit was intense. The dif- 
ference- of opinion about the causes of the war were 
pronounced ; but when the flag was tired upon at 
Sumter, these were all sunk in one united de- 
votion to the integrity of our government, and the 
dominant sentiment was most forcibly voiced in a 
toast of a distinguished citizen on the 4th of July, 
1861 : " Union first, compromise afterwards." 

The following is the list of the soldiers from Pel- 
ham : 

Benjamin F. Bean, Joseph w. Bright, Willi. G. Burnham, Edwin - 
Burnham, Crank E Butler, Charles w Butler, William W. Butler, 

James Carey, Kimball J chaplin, Benjamin Chase, Is. 11. Da ts, 

Edward Dow, llonsio Ellenwood I'rauk M Ellenwood, Joshth 8 Everett 

D""-i I'. I"\. .- II Ga... W,ll,.,m II. .;.,,.-.' lO.-kielV ,u.,.. 



\ McCoy, .la,,,,- E. McCoy, OltOl 
:- Marsh. F.lwanl Muran, Miehae 

W . Philbrick, Russell 0. Richard- 
*per, Alfred s. Smith, Neil - I 

- .-. Spc.ii, W illiam B. Thorn, Vi.le: 
ii II. Titeuiuh, Frank E. Titcomb, 
Vndrew C am, Lyman Web- 

l.-i. G-oige W. Wilkins, Oilman Ii. 



Growth, Development and Change.— For several 
years after the incorporation of the town there were 
deer wardens, surveyors of brick and leather, cullars 
of staves and fish wardens. Tvthingnicn were chosen 
til] the year 1838. 

In 1764, " Votedto ReserveaH the timber and woo 
now Growing and standing in the highways in this, 
town for the use and benefit of the Reparing the 
highways in said town." 

In 1792 it was voted to work out part of the high- 
way money in the winter. 

In 1796 it was voted that sheep shall not go at large 
from May till October. 

In 1798 the town voted to clear the brooks so that 
the fish might have a " clear passage." The same 
year there was an article in the warrant to see if the 
town will Mite to raise money to purchase amninio- 



645 



tion, and also provide ;i place to keep a stock. This 
was defeated; but in 1809 it was voted to leave it 
with the selectmen to provide a magazine. 

In 1800 the town voted "to pay the expenses of the 
soldiers on muster-day." 

The intensity of the eeelesiastieal feeling is indi- 
cated bj another vote of this same year, which was 
"not t<> pay Joshua Atwood the expense of the din- 
ner for the council about Mr. Smith." 

In 1807 the town voted not to buy a hearse ; but in 
1815 voted one hundred ami fifty dollarsfor a hearse. 
Some years alter, the body of this was put on run- 
ners for winter use, ami a new hearse was built by 
Mr. Asa Davis Butler. In 1865 a new hearse was 

purchased tor six hundred dollars ; Major John W 1- 

bury ami Mr. Alfred S. Smith were the agents that 
made the purchase. In 1882 a winter hearse was 
purchased at an expense of two hundred dollars. 

In the earlier days tile farmers went with their ox- 
teams to Haverhill, old Salem ami Boston to mar- 
ket. Until within the last twenty-live years the OX 
performedall the labor of the farm. A yoke of oxen 
and a horse hauled the wood to market. Now, labor 
of all kinds is performed by horses. Twenty-five 

years ago there were hut tw : three covered carriages 

in town. Now, every farmer has one. In the same 
period there has been either a rebuilding or remodel- 
ing of marly every dwelling-house and barn in 
town, and machinery has come to facilitate all the 
labor of the farm. In the earlier days of the town 
the water of nearly every brook in town was utilized 
for a saw-mill. Now, very often, steam mills are set 
up in the wood lot, and the lumber of a number of 
acres sawed in a few weeks. The first century of the 
town's history was distinguished by the construction 
of roads. In 1825-26 two routes of public travel 
from Lowell, north and northeast, were improved, — 
the present Mammoth ami Central roads, — the one 
constituting a public thoroughfare to Concord, the 
other to Dover and Portsmouth. Lines of stages 
went over each of these roads. At a later date lie 
stage over the Central road was called the " Chicken 
Line," from the amount of poultry expressed over it. 
I >u the .Mammoth were some famous hostclrics, nota- 
bly the one at North Pelham, kept, for a time, by 
the late Jesse Gibson, Esq. It was a satisfaction for 
Mr. and Mrs. Gibson, in their old age, to tell how 
President Jackson, Levi Woodbury, Isaac Hill ami 
Daniel Webster had received the hospitalities of their 

The Centre had two public inns and was tin' resort 
of the neighboring towns for the recreations of elec- 
tion-days. The speed of horses would be tried on the 
plain, and the strength of parties tested in wrestling 
matches. It also furnished favorable grounds for the 
autumn musters. 

On the place formerly owned by Samuel Hobbs 
and later by his sun. Moody Hobbs, there is a stone 
known as the "lifting stone." The early proprietor 



<>f the place is said to have tested the strength of his 
help by this. 

That the Indians once had their homes here is evi- 
dent from Indian names. Golden Brook, is so called 
from an Indian who lived by it. 'flic site of his wigwam 
is still to be seen, a little to the southeast of the 
Moody Hobbs place. 

Mr. William W. Butler has an interesting eollee- 

ti f Indian relics thai he ha- gathered from his 

farm. Dr. Batchelder has a large number and variety 
in his cabinet. Gumpas Pond and Hill, as well as 
Jeremie's Hill, perpetually remind of th dginal in- 
habitants of this town. 

The firs! settler- not onlj endured the privations 
and hardships incident to the making their homes in 
the wilderness but perils from wild beasts. The wife 
of Lieutenant Tho. Gage, who was lost in the French 
and Indian War, had been to visit a neighbor on the 
other side of Beaver Brook from the Centre. On re- 
turning to her home, .hi Baldwin Hill— there was no 
habitation on the way — she was suddenly startled b\ 
hearing footsteps behind her. which she discovered to 
he a bear, ami with difficulty kept him at bay till she 
reached her home. Mrs. Gage was a woman of great 
energy. Sin- went to Boston on horseback, ami car- 
ried thread ami yam of her own manufacture, and 
bought nails to build a house, which is said to be the 
house, m the place owned at present by Mr. Under- 
wood. 

Jonathan, her son, a captain in the Revolutionary 
War, was the first male child born after the incorpora- 
tion of the town. Mrs. ( iage's life had severe ex- 
periences. Besides I be loss of her husband in the 

French and Indian War. her son, John < rage, a y g 

man with a family, perished in the snow, January 26, 
1765, aged twenty-seven, He had been, with his grist 
on bis back down in Draeut. (to what, ill these later 
years, has been known as LawSOn's,) to mill. He bad 
returned nearly to his home, where he was found the 
next morning 

In the door-yard of the place where the late 
Major Daniel Atwood lived, a bear was shol l,\ 
Simon Beard, the knob of his fire-shovel serving in- 
stead of a bullet. 

There is a storj of an attack upon the cattle of 
Butler and Hamblet by wolves. The cattle of both 
families ranged (he woods west of their settlement, 
in the direction of Gumpas Pond. One Sabbath a loud 
bellowing was heard; a young man from each of the 
families seized his gun and started in the direction of 

the pond. I | mtering the foresl they met the 

cattle coming in great haste, the cows ahead in single 
file, then the young cattle in the same order, some 
with their heads scratched and bloody. Following 
these was a cow. also scratched and bloody, with a 
young calf before her; behind her four oxen abreast. 
with bloody bead-, and in tie- rear of the oxen three 

angry, growling wolves. The young men discharged 
their guns and the wolves fled. 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



The old town records are exceedingly interesting 
and suggestive. Such are the following: 

'This Day Hugh Tallent Left the 
hole throu the Eight Ear." 

"This Day the Rev*. Kr. imos M Ij Lefl the Mark of all 1 



lUIT-S, Which ].- .1 Suallnu' 



• Hi Eai ■ 



3o too is the following, which is vi 
the records of the first iiln ; . 



frequent 











i'i 1 11 v 11, Maj 1 


16, 1; 


roh i u. bbi 


md bis 


wife and family, 


Late of metl 


Ilil 




out "I s'i town by 


Benjam 


11 Barker 


one 




>S 1 


' III.- iirraciit 


year. 














So too the 


ollow 


ng, se-\ 


iral 1 


f which 1 




mi- in the 


r irds of e 


ch V 


iar, fn 


m 1 


790, for 


l\\ 


enty-five 


;. ears: 






.... 


ILIUM, Sept 


the 


8th, L800. 


"To .ill whom 


it may 


concern 


thi s 




cm 




H biting, ol Pelham, Living .1 fev, rode eas 


Ol 1 


in 




town, on the road 


■ a. litis; 


rom Not! 


,,,!,.„, 


West toHa 


.-,1 




well Qualified foi 


etailing 


foreign dietilled 


piritsandv, 


'« 










B'ii 1 


4M Wymax 


1 of Pelham. 








B] 1 


11 • , 








1: 


1: . 


Tot 





I nilMMlr.l nir ,1 1,- |i, 1 

Mai 11.-.I 111. -n I1-0111 li, to HO 

Mi'ii. i'i \ .mi - and upwards 

I ''in ilea, unmarried 

Females, married 

Widows 

M.N s]av...s 

Total 

"SIosk.s Eaton, i 

"'""" '"' ''"" '"-' "/ S'l/f'j t;r II,. ;■,,„,„,. ,,,' 



March, 1752, the (own- Voted to William Elliott 
lour shillings a Dinner for .Mr. Hobbs, upon the Sah- 
bath." At the same meeting - Voted to Henry Bald- 
win, Esq., thirteen pounds, old tenor, tor rinding 
Licker for the ordation " (ordination). 

1790," Voted, to rectify the pound, but not to ap- 
point a person to take care of it." 

1701, the pound was moved into .Mr. Ferguson's 
field, the hack side of the meeting-house. 

Quaint Persons.— Tlie town probably has had the 
usual proportion of such. Tradition brings several 
anecdotes of Preceptor Hardy. He was very scholarly 
hut possessed of little practical knowledge, lie cm, 1,1 
not harness or care for his horse. He had hut small 
estimate of the value of money. His father, Adju- 
tant Hardy, ha. 1 a nice pair of velvet breeches. On 
going for them, they could not he found. The -rear 
query with the family was, What had become of them? 
when Daniel remarked that a man had come along 
begging for a pair, and he had given him those 

There is an authentic story of a g 1 man who 

lived on Baldwin's Hill, who was so scrupulous in 
!l " observance of Fast Daj that he gave his cattle 
nothing to eat till night, and, on calling inn. a 
neighbor's on his return from the religious services 



. Compliance to a Resolve of 1 longress at Exeter, we 
ve taken au exact account of Every Soul belonging to th. Town of 

■' .Males under 16 is . )(l) . 

From IG to50 is n , 

Males above .... is ,~ 

Males .'. ihr yis ..,, 

Females is 

Total ~~ 

N B.-The Quantity ofPowde. taken, by estimation as nea, as] - 

Guns lit fur us.. 11Q 

Guns wanting i^ ' ,,, 



1k.11 l.y us tin, |-t!i day ,,l S..],n, 17;-, 



J "/ ■ 



"Pelham, Septr. y« 12th. 1775 

" Tliis.laY I v,s,, nail van. IS,.,, rally A ,.,,,, iv.n'.r,,!,. ■„,., the SuliRrih, 
''"' ali..\c I... I S,l,. itnicii. a n.l madr ,,ath t. . tin- cnflil : II" .,!,.. 

Number of Soulstaken by them to be a true account. 

"Daniel Barker, Town rl.rir 

" Pelham, .May 27th, 1786 
"The following isa True List of the Number of Inhabitants .,f 11 
Town of Pelham : 

Number of mals 

Number of female .->,..- 



if the day, remarked, 
ips that day hut tobm 



■that 



-ll.'l I. Ml 

1769,— 



INI I "I N> u HAMPSHIRE. 

' ■■! .I"' surveyors ol tin highways foi the 
You are hereby required, in his Majesty"' 



Mill, II 



' thair 



The Faithless Lover.— In the long ago a school 

mistress on Baldwin's Hill used to knit going to and 
returning from her dinner, nearly a mile distant, for 
a young man in college, who tailed to make real the 
expectations he had aroused. 

The provincial records ,,f New Hampshire con- 
tain a few interest in- census items of Pelham. 



I Jewell's, and so by your own house; 

II to the road which 1 .-.sir, rohn 

!■' I.e.- I.. \...ik Ins ., r 

'in highways, yon are 1.. deal with 

.his ..f it,,. Law, whe 1 fail n. a. 

Mac ii N,-\t ensuingthedatehereof. 
wentyeth Day of March, and in the 



pence Pr day for a Pair of oxen. 

"Work 1 done in .inn.. Septembei and October. 

"Samuei B ., , 

" Barnabas .Ihmin, | &'«*>»«». 
■ ~ She rburne, 1 bomas Jewell, Benoni Jewell, Marl ni.i, Lot 

sranMitn:. In.,.|,l, U,,..l,,,.I„sl,„a Han t, Capt, William : 

\-. M la. bardson, Ebenezai Parmer, William \V 
Kl.a/ai Whiting." 



...11 11.. ar.l. 




t^^^-Z^-^s^Z^f^^*-^ I/O ^S-^- ^ 



> 



■_:,tl|. 



ad 



BH "GRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



Mr. William W. Butler has in bis possession a deed 
of his farm, given in L732, and the property has since 
been in the possession of the Butler family. The 
mills ;ii North Pelham, owned by the estate of Asa 
Davis Butler, have been the property of thai family 
since 1737. They have an old deed of thai date, 
given b) John and Samuel !<> Joseph Butler, so thai 
it has reallj been the property of the Butler familj 
from an earlier date. 

The farm in the west pari of the town owned bj 
Mr. Warren Sherburne has been, with the exception 
of a single year, in the Sherburne name since 1751, 
ami Mr. Sherburne lias a deed of that date. 

The farm of Captain Jesse Wilson has been the 
property of the Wilson familj from aboul the time of 
the incorporation of the town, and Captain Wilson 

has in his possession a deed thus ancient. 

There are a number of ancienl houses in town. 
The one On the lladley farm has a tal.lel in it, placed 
there bj Mrs. Belinda Butler Hadley, certifying thai 
the house was erected in 1776, and was the home of 
Daniel Butler and Mollj Tenney, his wile, and thai 
thirteen children were horn to them t here. 

The hen, ,• where Dr. Reuben Dimond Mussey was 
horn (June 23, 1780) i- still standing on the place 
owned bj Mr. Daniel Pearsons. Dr. Mussey was 
wont to \ early visit it. 

.lust below where Dr. Mussey lived, on the place 

now owned by Mr. I'mliiwood, there was an exten- 
sive tannery, where a dozen hand- were employed. 
Captain Jonathan < (agi carried on the business. 

Cooperage was quite an industry of the town. 
There was also the manufacture of pearlash. 

II ;ii- were manufactured in town. Deacon Charles 
Stiles had a shop at his place on the Mammoth road 
and worked at the business till 1870. Jesse Gibson 
Esq., i an ii I on I In h trness business al North Pelham 

At two differenl timi - there has been a cotton-fac 
tory at Butler's Mills, which has had the misfortune 
i nut. The lasl one was burnl in 1871. 

A short distance below Butler's Mill- there was a 
cardin n later years, was altered into a 

woolen-factory. A few years since this was burnt 
and has not since been rebuilt. 

Running across the easterly part of the town is a 
ledge of granite, lie- working of this ledge has been 
an important industry. The stone to build the dam 
at Law rence was hauled from Gage Hill, in tie north- 
east paii oi t he town, and that to build the ri rvoil 
:il Lowell was taken from the ledjre of Miss Sarah 

Lyon, in i he - >ul h pan of the town. Just on i he bor 
der of the town, mar Mr. Abraham Tallent's, there 

was a brii I. -yard. 

'I'h ■ i obbler with his kit of tools and the tailoress 
with h ■ from house to house and tarry- 

ing while thej prep. ire. I -hoe- mid garments for the 
famih . were institutions of the past. 



m:v. Ala. I SI I - I.I i: l: •, . 

Rev. Augustus Berry was born in Concord, on what 
is known as Dimond Hill, October 7, L824. His 
parents were \\ ashington Bern, and Maria Dale 
Berry. His lather was a native of Middleton, Mass., 
which was the home of his ancestors. His mother, 

of Sal eii i, Mass., wliieli was I lie home ol her a nee-tor-. 

His father returned to his native place in 1828, and 
moved to Henniker, to a faun In the southwest 
pari of i he town, known as the Judge Wallace place, 

in L833, This was the home of his parent foi re 

than Minis veins. The associations of hi 

hood, youth and earlj n hood are al Henniker. 

In boyh I he had a passionate love of books, and 

rend much i hough laboi ing lend on i he farm. < >m e 
lie, ing i i erelj wounded one of his limbs, the 
thought quickly flashed through his mind as an 
pie eoinpensation for all eon linemenl and suffer- 
ing, " now I shall have time to read." 

He was very desirous to get an education. He 
walked, several terms, three miles to the village to 
attend the academy. If he went to college he must 
depend mainly upon himself for the means. He re- 
solved to try. At an i arlj age he commenced to 
teach in the district school. He taughl a number of 
months al Amherst and made there many valuable 
ti a nd-hips. 1 1 1- studies, preparatory for • ollege, 
were pursued mainl) at Francestown Academy. He 
graduated at Amherst College in the class of 1851, 
w ii h .i In- h rank in schol trship. I >uring his colli gi 

LUghl lour successful fall terms in the old 

academy at Henniker. On graduating he accepted 
the charge of the academy at Limerick, Me., and the 
school soon had an unprecedented patronagi ii 
the end of the second year he left in the face of an 
urgent inv itation to n main. In the spt it 
he accepted I he charge of t he acadi m\ al Lj ndon, 
Vt., and remained till the summer oi 1855, when he 

ii principal of i.ppleton Academy, al Mom 
Vi iieai, \ hen he remained five > eat -., and left to 
.nh r t he ministry. II.- was a popular ami successful 
teachi i . More than a thousand different pupil- have 

bee el. r his instruction, a largi number of whom 

have tilled and are filling important positiot 
society. A brii f quotation from a private letti I 
pupil who has attained reputal ion at the bar, and now 
has a high position in the Judiciarj of the State of 
New York, will indicate something of the , I, 
of his teaching. He says, " I 

fort you always seemed to make to distin 
between individual minds and to seek to meet their 
special aptitudes. To mj mind this i- the secret of 
nil valuable instt ucl ion in school oi elsi « here. I 

; with confidence thai under your instruction 
more than anywhere else I received that training and 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



discipline in habit.- of thought which have been use- 
ful to me in all my pur-nits.'' 

In 1857 he received a license to preach, and fre- 
quently supplied tin- pulpit in Mont Vernon and 
neighboring towns. In the autumn of 1860 he went 
to Andover and remained during the seminary year, 
and attended the lectures of the middle and .senior 
classes. In October, 1861, he was settled over the 
church in l'elhani, where he is still pastor. As a 
writer he is distinguished tor perspicuity and purity 
of style. His productions are characterized by a ful- 
ness of thought. A ministerial brother, pastor of an 
important city church, and whose reputation as 
scholar, critic and preacher is acknowledged, gives 
the following estimate of him : " He is held in pecu- 
liar esteem by those who have become familiar with 
his mental qualities and habits. There is unfailing 
freshness in his thinking, because he holds his mind 
unvaryingly open to the acquisition of new truth. 
With a sound scholarship and broad reading he holds 
the field of knowledge a broad one and still open for 
conquest, lie evinces a remarkable spirit of candor 
in dealing with the living issues of the day, and with 
a commendable modesty in the estimate put upon his 
own attainments, shows a power of penetration and 
sound judgment not often surpassed. The fairness 
and kindness of his consideration tor others is re- 
warded by a universal regard on the part of his 
brethren in the mini-try." 

lie was married to Mi— Dora Richardson Snow, of 
Peterborough, November 24, 1853. She died March 
15, 1873. January 30, 1877, he married Miss Mary 
< 'urrier Richardson, of l'elhani. 

Apart from the specific duties of his pastorate, he 
lias maintained a living interest in the cause of edu- 
cation, and kept himself familiar with the new 
methods of instruction and the educational thought 
of the present time. The subject of agriculture, both 
practical and scientific, engage- his attention, and he 
makes the social problems of the age his study. 

i If a retiring disposition, he has never -ought place 
or po-ition. With a passionate love of nature, and 
courting the retirement that a country life furnishes 
for study, hi' ha- had no other ambition than to faith- 
fully serve in the gospel ministry an intelligent, agri- 
cultural population, who have ever been very chari- 
table toward- bun and coii-idcrate of him. 



JOHN WOODBURY. 
The Woodbury family is of English descent, mem- 
bers of which emigrated to America as early as the 
yeai 1626, and many of them bave since been promi- 
nent in law, politics, &C. John W Ibury, ol Som- 
ersetshire, England, who was among the first settlers 
of Salem, Ma—., ha- numerous descendants in New 
England. He was a man of considerable ability; was 
admitted freeman in 1630 and was a representative to 
il court in 1635 and 1638. A namesake, 



John Woodbury, of Salem, had a son, Isaiah Wood- 
bury, who married Lois, daughter of Captain Israel 
Woodbury, another branch of the Woodbury family 
of Salem. 

John Woodbury, son of Isaiah and Lois (Wood- 
bury) Woodbury, was born in Cornish, N. H., March 
25, L819. His lather dying when he was but eight 
months old, under the pressure of limited circum- 
stances, John was obliged, while but a mere lad, to 
lab.,r; and. at the age of six years, his mother re- 
moving to Salem. V II., he Went to live with an 
uncle in Haverhill, Mass., with whom he remained 
live years, working on the farm: from there he re- 
moved in Salem, and was with another uncle tor four 
year-. Kuring this time his advantages for education 
were limited to the district schools of the towns 
\\bir be resided. When he was fifteen In u.nt to 
Methuen, Mass., to learn the shoemaker's trade, 
which In mastered thoroughly in all it- detail-. 
Here he remained tor about two years, then came 
to l'elhani, where he worked at his trade one year, 
and continued at shoemaking and farming for a year 
or more in Salem and l'elham. 

At this time, having saved some money and feeling 
the need of education, he attended the New Hampton 
Academj tor the summer term. In the fall of 1838 
he was employed in the famous Saxonville Mills, 
where he continued three years. Returning to l'el- 
ham he established himself as a butcher in the east 
part of the town, and after being there a year and a 
half, he came to Pelham Centre and carried on 
butchering for four years. In 1847 he commenced 
trade as a merchant in l'elhani and continued mer- 
chandising for over thirty years, when he retired 
from business life and devoted himself to agricultural 
pursuits, more from a desire to he active and to he 
engaged in work than from any expectation id' gain. 

Mi. Woodbury married, December 26, 1843, Betsy 

A., daughter of Captain Samuel Hobbs, a life-long 
resident of l'elham. They have had four children,— 
John Otis (who died December 11. 1871), Alice A.. 
Mrs. Ezekiel C Gage (she has on.' child, Frank P.) 
Frank M. (the present postmaster, and who suc- 
ceeded his father in business), Eliza H., Mrs. Wil- 
liam II. Peabody, (she has two children, Harrj 0. 
and Frederick H.) 

Mr. Woodburj has been largely indentified with 
the affairs of the town of his adoption ; has frequently 
been called upon to discharge important local trusts, 
which have been uniformly done to the satisfaction of 
his constituents. He was town clerk twenty years 
consecutively; treasurer for fourteen years; select- 
man for six years; was moderator eleven, and post- 
master for many years. In his political belief he is a 
Democrat, and as such represented Pelham in 18.17, 
'58, '75 and '76. He is a prominent Freemason and a 
member of Pilgrim Commandery of Lowell, Mass. 
He has taken much interest in the military organiza- 
tion of the State and has held important official 



PELHAM. 



positions, — adjutant ami major in the Eighth Regi- 
ment Militia and was a member of General Joshua 

\i\\ L's staff and Inspector in Third Brigade, New 

Hampshire Militia. 

Mr. Woodbury is liberal in religion, noi a member 
of any church, and believes as long as a man acts 
according to his convictions and dots his duty faith- 
fully in the station to which he is called or circum- 
stances have placed him, that the particular denomi- 

i is of little worth, hut that we shall he judged 



1>\ deeds and not creed. He occupies a high position 
in i In esteem of the worthy citizens of Pelham. He 
is modest and unpretent s. social, genial, hospi- 
table, upright and honorahle, and possessed of ureal 
sympathy and kindness of heart. A good citizen 
and an honest man, he has always acted up to the 
Scriptural command, "owe no man anything,'' and 
by his own unaided exertions, perseverance anil 
ability, has acquired a comfortable independence. 



HISTORY OF PETERBOROUGH. 



CHA 1'T EB 



l'lCTEKliORCifill. 



< >i i^in.il I'ti-.mt — N.im- "I T.nvn— Tin' Fn-t S.-t t K- n i.-ii r -= — N.iin,- ..: 1'n,- 
neers — Incorporation of Town — First Town-Meeting— Officers elected 

— Tuun Clerk*- Selo'tmrri- K w ■ - ~ > ■ T i T, itiv. -. 

The town of Peterborough lies in the western part 
of the county, and is bounded as follows: 

North, b) ll;ii 'IciiiiU ireen villi- ; east, by (4 recti - 

ville and Temple; south, by Temple and Sharon; 
ami west by ( Cheshire » lounty. 

The original grant of this township was made by 
tin' Legislature nf Ala.— ai'liiiiftts tn Samuel ETeyward 
ami others. December 8, 1737, approved by Governor 
Belcher, January Id, 1738, and surveyed in May fol- 
lowing. The survey was accepted and the grant 
confirmed June 11, 1738. Proprietors' meetings were 
held in Boston until 1753. On the 26th and 27th of 
September in that year a meeting was held in the 
town, at which time the name Peterborough first 
appears on the proprietors' records. It is probable 
that it was named in honor of Charles Mordaunt, 
Earl el' Peterborough. 

The settlement of the province line in 1741 decided 
the town to be within the limits of New Hampshire. 
Being within the limits of the Masonian proprietors' 
claim, a settlement with them becann aei essary, and 
means were used which resulted in procuring a quit- 
claim to all the territory in town but three thousand 
tour hundred an es. 

The First Settlements. — The adventuro 
who threaded their way through the wilderness, and 
lirst located in what is now the town of Peterborough, 
were William Robbe, Alexander Scott, Hugh Gregg, 
William Gregg. Samuel Stinson, William Scott, Wil- 
liam Wallace and Wallin Mitchel, in 17::'.'. These 
pioneers, however, made no permanent settlement. 
Tlie tract was subsequently visited by others, but no 
permanent settlement was effected until the year 
174'.', after the cessat ton of hostilities bet n 
Britain and France and the settlement of the claims 
of the Masonian proprietors. 

The following is a list of the earlj settlers from 
171'.'. taken from Smith's " Historj of Peterborough: " 

William Ritchie came from Lunenburg, Mass., 
where he paid a poll-tax in 17-hi, to Peterborough 
650 



with his family, probably in 1749. and settled on the 
Ritchie farm, so called, in the south part of the town. 
His son John was born February 11, 1750, the first 
child horn in town. 

Deacon William McNee moved his family here 
May 1. 1752, and settled in the smith part of the 
town. He removed .from Roxbury. in Massachusetts. 

Deacon William McNee, Jr., was twelve years ol 
age when bis lather removed to Peterborough. He 
removed to Dublin in 1760, and alter remaining 
there a few years, returned to Peterborough, where 
he died. His oldest child, Robert, was the first male 
child horn in Dublin. 

Joseph Caldwell (called Ensign , supposed to have 
occupied the Pitman Nay farm, which be sold, and 
which passed into the hands of Deacon William 
McNee, Jr., about 1765 or 1766. He erected the first 
buildings on this farm. He removed from town 
about 177'i. 

John Taggart came with his family, about Ma> I. 
1752, from Roxbury, Alas-., having bought a framed 
house that had been built on the Caldwell place, and 
removed it to his lot in 1751. He is represented in 
the "History of Dublin" as residing in Peterbor- 
ough and Sharon till 1797, when be removed to 
Dublin, where he died November 15, 1832, aged 
eighty-two j ears. 

Gustavus Swan began the Samuel Morison place, in 
the south part of the town, and came to town from 
■ about the year 1750, before the birth ol 
his second child, Robert, in 1752. 11.- went early to 
New York to make brick, and his lather, "old John 
Swan." came from Lunenburg .and lived and died on 
that place. He was the progenitor of all the Swans in 
this town. Tin' place was sold by his son, Lieutenant 
John Swan, to Aaron Brown and a Air. Stowell in 
1774. Brown lived on it before the Revolution. He 
was one ..I' I he selectmen in 177d. The same plaee 
was occupied a few years by Alathew Wallace, and 
then sold to Samuel Morison in 1789. 

William Smart came from Lunenburg about 1750. 
He was the father of Thomas and Charles Stuart. 
Ho died March 15, 1753, aged fifty-three. He was 
the first man who died in the town. He was buried in 
the little cemetery on Meeting-House Hill. 

William Smith, son of Robert Smith, of Lunen- 



PETERBOROUGH. 



651 



burg, settled on the west side of the street road, in 
the south part of the town, in 1751, or possibly in 
1750, as he was married December 31, 1751, and at 

that lime began lite with his wile on this place. The 
estate remained in the family till 1873. 

Samuel Miller (spelled formerly Millow), a race en- 
tirely distinct from the other race of the same name 
in this town, though both came fr Londonderry, re- 
moved to the town iii 17">o, before the birth of his 
daughter Ann, in 17">4. He settled on the east side 
of the -Meet road and had twelve children, the first 
eight of whom were horn in Londonderry. 

Thomas Cunningham emigrated from the north of 
Ireland, ami was of Seoteh-lrish descent, lie came 
to Peterborough probably about 1750. He left a fam- 
ily of eight children. He died in Peterborough, Sep- 
tember 23. 1790, aged eighty-four. The name of 
Cunningham was originally pronounced in Peter- 
borough, " Kinnacum." 

Alexander Scott was among the five who made the 
first attempt at settlement in town in 1739. He, 
and probably the others, came from Lunenburg or 
Town-en, I. Little else was done except to purchase 
the land and make a beginning, lie settled on the 
west side of the street road, south of the Captain 
Wilson farm, in 1750 or 1751, and kept a tavern, as it 
was called in those days. The proprietors of the 
town met at his house September 26, 1753. He was 
a relative of William Scott, who came to Peter- 
borough from Hopkinton. He afterwards lived east 
of the old cemetery, and about 1760 removed to 
Dublin. He was the father of Major William Scott. 

James Iiobbe, supposed to be a son of William and 
Agnes (Patterson) Iiobbe. settled the Thomas Cald- 
well place. After 1774 hi- name die- not appear on 
the town record-, nor is anything known of him after 
this. He has the births of three children recorded 
in 1760, '(12. '64. 

John White came about 1760. His first seven 
children were born in Lunenburg, — date of the last 
birth. November 4, L759. Two children were born 
after his removal to Peterborough ; viz.. Susan (mar- 
ried David Grimes) and Dr. Jonathan White. Jere- 
miah Gridley and John Hill deeded to him the lot, 
on which he settled, of two hundred and sixty-eight 
acres. May 5, I7<i2. 

John Morison, the progenitor of the Peterborough 
Morisoiis, came somewhere from 1749 to 1751, and 
occupied the place afterward- owned by Deacon 
Robert Morison. lie was one of the first settlers of 
Londonderry, and resided there about thirty years 
before his removal to Peterborough, and then became 
one of the first settlers of this town, and lived here 
twenty-six or twenty-seven years before his death, 
1776, aged ninety-eight. 

Jonathan Morison, his son, probably came at the 
time his father did. He built the first grist-mill in 
town, on the site of the " Peterborough First Fac- 
tory," in 1751, and was for a time the owner of the 
42 



mill lot, so called, which he purchased of Gor- 
don, of Dunstable, containing sixty-eight acres, which 

he sold to .lame- and. Thomas Archibald, saddled 

with a mortgage to Cordon and Hugh Wilson. 

He was the !ir,-t male child born in Londonderry, 
lie left Peterborough late in life. Supposed to have 
died somewhere in Vermont, about 177.V 

Captain Thomas Morison came from Lunenburg 
in 17 1 '. * and built a bouse made of hard pine logs 
ten inches square, and moved his family in the fall 
of 1750, and his -on Thomas was born in town April 
20, 1751. lie occupied what was called the "Mill 
farm," South Peterborough. 

John Smith, son of IJobeil Smith, came from Lu- 
nenburg in 1 7 o.j and -ell led on the place so long occu- 
pied by William Smith, his son, in the south part of 
the town. He raised a large family. 

Deacon Thomas llavison was born in Ireland, and 
first settled in Londonderry on his emigration, but 
removed to Peterborough about 1757, soon after his 
marriage. His first child was born December 20, 
17.~>x. He settled a lot iii the southwest part of the 
town, and owned a large tract of land bordering on 
Jail rev. He bad a large family; was a deacon in the 
I'rc-byterian Church. 

Thomas Turner was born in Ireland in 172"), and 
was accompanied by his parents when he emigrated 
to America, both of whom died ill town. He came 
probably in 1751 or 1752. When the proprietors of 
Peterborough met in town. September, 1753, they 
granted him fifty acres, or lot 92, adjoining his lot 
Xo. 29, in consideration of his relinquishing to them 
lot No. 7, of fifty acres. 

Deacon Samuel Mitchell came in 1759. lie bought 
of James and Thomas Archibald the " Mill farm." so 
called, of sixty-eight acres, on wdiieb had been built 
some years before, by Jonathan Morison, the first 
grist-mill in town. 

William Scott emigrated to America, accompanied 
by his father's family, in 1736, and first lived in Hop- 
kinton, and is represented as one of the very first 
settlers of Peterborough He took up bis lot on the 
north side of the road, and between Carter and Hunt 
Comers. He left a large family. He lived and died 
on this place. 

William Mitchell, father to Isaac Mitchell, began 
the .lames Wilson place. Isaac succeeded his father, 
and next followed James Wilson. 

Rev. Mr. Harvey, called "old Mr. Harvey," prob- 
ably began what was afterwards known as the Hunt 
farm. He was succeeded bj .lames Houston, black- 
smith. 

Samuel Stinson was one of the first settlers in town, 
and probably took up his permanent residence in 
174'j, with his family. He settled on the John Little 
place, north of the Meeting- House Hill. Moor Stinson 
was surveyor in 1767, and James Stinson in 177::. 

• I nly notice- of the name on I be tow n 

record-. 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



William Robbe came from Lunenburg in 1739, but 
probably did little else but prepare for the settlement. 
He is the progenitor of all the Robbes in town. He 
was driven away by fear of the Indians, and did not 
return for a permanent residence with his family till 
1749-50. He settled on land west and north of the 
John Little place, afterwards called the "Mitchell 
farm." 

Samuel Todd, son of Colonel Andrew Todd, of 

Londonderry, began the Todd place, so called. It was 
the first improvement made in this part of the town. 
About 17ol or 1752, Samuel Todd and Deacon Samuel 
Moore came and purchased a lot of land, at a crown an 
acre, of the proprietors, John Fowle, John Hill and 
Jeremiah Gridley, for four hundred and thirty-nine 
acres, comprising lots Nos. 57,58,66, 67, 68, according 
to a deed dated November 15, 17-">:;. This lot was in the 
northwest part of the town, ami comprised the Todd 
and Spring farms. The} held it in common about ten 
years, hut divided it a short time before Samuel Todd 
was killed by the falling of a tree. In the division 
Moore took the westerly part, while Todd improved 
the easterly. 

Deacon Samuel Moore came to town in company 
with Samuel Todd, and purchased land, as related 
above. Deacon Moon, on account of the Indian 
war, returned with his family to Londonderry in 
1754, and remained there till about 1762 or 1763. He 
lived on the westerly part of the lot originally pur- 
chased, — the " Spring place," lougsince abandoned, — 
on which he built a house. In 177H he exchanged 
this place with Dr. Marshall Spring, and began the 
lam where Benjamin and Jonathan Mitchell lived, 
and died there. 

John Ferguson came from Lunenburg, Mass. 
Tradition has it that he came to Peterborough before 
there were any inhabitants in town, and lived three 
months in a log cabin. If so, he was among the very 
earliest pioneers of the town. He purch 
hundred acres of land This he divided among his 
children. He probably came to town as soon as it 
w.i- deemed sab' alter the close of the French war. 

David Bogle was at one time the owner of farm B, 
drawn by John Hill, one of the proprietors. He had 
two Mitis, Thomas ami Joseph, and one young 
daughter, named Martha. 

.lames McKean came from Londonderry about 
17»i-\ and began the David Blanchard place. 

Jothain Blanchard. We know nothing of his 
family or his antecedent.-, or the man, any farther 
than is recorded in the town records, lie was a 
selectman in 1777, '78, '79; moderator in 1776,77, 
'78, '80, '81. He was elected a representative to a 
convention held in 1783. With all these offices and 
honors of the town, not the least trace has been dis- 
covered in relation to him, as to where In- came from, 
the time he first appealed, or whether he had a 
family, or what, became of him after 1783, when he 
disappeared. 



Major Samuel Gregg came from Londonderry and 
took up a tract ol land in the north part of Peter- 
borough, constituting a part of farm C, extending to 

the Cont :ook River, about three miles north ol the 

present village; the precise time is not known, but 
probably before 1760. It is the same farm afterwards 
ov\ ned by John S. White. His name doc- not appear 
on the town records till 1768. 

Lieutenant John Gregg settled on the same lot ( I, 
on the ea-t side of the » lontoocook, and just south of 
Major Gregg, where his son, James Gregg, lived. It 
was deeded to him \>\ bis father, John Gregg, oi 
Londonderry, I (ctober 8, 1765. He came about \7'<\>. 
It appears that the whole farm C was deeded to John 
Gregg by John Hill, of Boston, December 6, 174-'!, as 
land granted to Samuel Haywaid and others, — " Hast 
Monadnicks." 

Hugh Wilson came lo town for a permanent resi- 
dence in 1752 or 1753. He bought three lots a mile 
long that made six hundred acres, nearly a mile 
square, in the north part of the town. This land, in 
the early settlement, was supposed to be the most 
desirable in town, but was found by experience to be 
cold, w,i and unproductive. This was among the 
first settlements in the north part of the town. 

William McCoy was an early settler, and made one 
of the first settlements on the Last Mountain, on the 
farm afterwards occupied by John Leathers. Lie 
probably removed here in 1752 or 1753. All his chil- 
dren were born here; the oldest born July 2, 1753. 

George BlcClourge was an early settler, and settled 
somew here near the hill now known as the McClourge 
Hill. Nothing more is known of him or his family, 
except the record of the births of six children from 
August 22, 1752, to January 10, 1760. 

Thomas McCloud settled in the east part of the 
town; had a family of eight children, all born in 
town, beginning with September 2, 1769, and extend- 
ing to July 29, 1783. 

Ca] i David Steele came from Londonderry, 

with family, in 1760, and purchased the farm where 
he always lived. — the same afterwards occupied by 

General John Steele. 

Samuel .Miller purchased certain lots of land in the 
north part of Peterborough, for his sons, from the 
thrifl ami earnings of his wife in the manufacture of 
linen. 

Joseph Hammill, not far from I77f>, began the 
farm at Bower's Mill, so-called ; built a saw-mill in 
1778, and a grist-mill in 1781, and was the owner of 
considerable land in the vicinity. 

Major Robert Wilson removed to Peterborough 
from West Cambridge, Mass., in 1761 or 1762, soon 
after his marriage, and bought the farm and suc- 
ceeded to Alexander Scott in a tavern a few rods 
south of the Captain Wilson place, on the west aid< 
of the road. 

Dr. John Young came to town in 1763, from Wor- 
cester, Mass., as a physician. He lived and owned 



I'KTKKBOllOl (ill. 



land :it Carter's Corner, it being a portion of the Mill 
lot, lying on the east side of the ( 'onto,, conk. 

Samuel Brackett came to town from Braintree, 
Mass., soon alter his marriage, Decembei 17, 1765, 
and settled on a farm situted on the north border of 
the Cuningham Pond. He reared a family of thir- 
teen children. 

Thomas Little came to town in 170:1 or 1704, from 
Lunenburg, and settled on a lot of land east of the 
John Little farm, long since abandoned. 

Abraham Holmes removed to town from London- 
derry about 170.">. He settled in the north part of 
the- town, near the mills. He raised a family of 
eleven children. 

Abel Parker was an early settler. He began land 
on the East Mountain, probably before 1760. 

Elijah Puffer came from .Norton, Mass., in 1704. 
He first located himself north of the General David 
Steele farm, which he exchanged with General Steele 
for wild land in the northwest part of the town. 

Peterborough was incorporated January 17, I 760,"to 
be in continuance for two years only;" it was, how- 
ever, rechartered in April, 1762, to continue until 
disallowed by the King. 

The first town-meeting under the act of 1760 was 
held March 1, 1760, as follows: 

■■;itl the frechohlorsan.l other Inhabitants Being met ..n -■' < J i \ 

ing to the time appoint,..! in the warrant : the ('luirtei l.,n, ,,;,. m.l 
the meeting heing npeiicil Juhn F'ai gnssun was chosen tnwn del k ami 
then the select men uhieh wen* as t'.ill.oveth Hugh Willson thonios 
aiorisoi] Jonathan morison Gent n Joseph Caldwell & John Swan, 
Juno, were the Select men that wears Choscn*by vote, itwasaleo 
vM.il tint Hugh Will. mi 'II,. una- Neuisnn ,V Jonathan nmrieon 
Cent" John Smith 'I'h.o t'linilighain A .lolin Itohhe, Shon 111 he Surveyrs 
of ttie high ways this year. William Itohhe Jun r Constable .lames 

Robbe & Hugh Dunlap tithingmen. Tho" arcbable & John Robbi Hi 

Reift telle., viewers ami I'riser.s. voted iiial Sam 1 iiiifchel Alexander 

Robbe A' William Smith he a Committee t.. recken with the ..hi Cot it- 
tee, voted under the same head that W illiam iie' 3 william Smith and 

John Itohhe lie a committee to invite ngnlm mmi-teis [.. I'i . .. 1 ilo- 
year, &c." 

Town Clerks. —The following is a list of town 
clerks from the incorporation of the town to the pres- 
ent time : 



Iln-.li W il lii.o. .,1, :-j. 

Tlenna.- Miil'isoll, 17'.o. "•;.-,, 'CO, 



J..I111 Ferguson, 171:11, '1:1, '02, 0.;, 

'64, '05, 'GG. 
Samuel Mitchell, 17. .7. '68, '69, '71, 

'72, '73. '74, 75, '76, 77, 7-. '79, 

so 

Matthew Wallace, 1781. 

William Smith, 1782. 

- 1. iiigham, 17S:S, '84, '85, 

'SO. 
Thomas Steele, 17s7, '88, 89, '90, 

'01, '02, '0::, '94, "... '96, 97, '98, 

".' I, 1800, 'ol, '02, '03, '04, '13. 
John Steele, lsii;., '01,, '07, 08, '09, 

'in, '11, '12, '14, '16, '17, '18, '19, 

'20. 
Daniel Abbot, 1815. 
Nathaniel II. 'lines, Jr., 1-21, '22 



SI,-].!,,.,, I', Steel.', I 

26, '27, '28. 
Cyrus In-all-. 1829, '30, 31, '32 
hull,. Forbush, 183 I 

'50, '51, '52, 53, '.'.1, . 

'5S, '.V.I. 'lie 1, '01, Y,2, 1..:, ..I . 5 

.,0 

M I3 Davis, 1837, '38. 

A. Blodgett, 1839, I" 

■ 1-11 1 ■ 1.:, 11 

'45, '46, 17, 
Kendall ''. Scott, ls07. 
Daniel W. Gould, L86S 
Samuel X. 1'. .iter. 1869. 
0)1:111,- \. Ames, 1870. 
Join II. Steele, 1871, '72, 'ill, '74, 

'75, '76, '77, '78, '79, ■" 



Selectmen.— The following is a list of the selectmen 
from the incorporation of the town to the present 
time : 



John Ta — art, Jr., 1701, 'OS. 
James Robbe, 17. .1. 
Samuel Mitchell, 1762, I 

William Hit. hie, 1702. 

William Robbi Jr., 17, ,2. '66, 74, 
John Gregg, 1762, '63, ''.7. 



M.itllo « Wallace, 1765, '80, 

John l'onng, 176 
William Miller, 1761 
John Wile,,, 1707. 
Samuel Gregg, 17iiS, '71, 'so, '! 
Joseph Ham, mil, 1774. 
Thomas I'avisi.ii, 1774. 
Robert Morison, 1774. 
.hones Templeton, 1775, '76, 

Will 1 .11, Nee, Jr., 177.7, '70, 

- . ■ . :i ham, 17ns, '76, 

81. 
Thomas Turner, 1768, 
William Moore, 1769 
.lam,- Miller, 1709. 
James Cuningham, 177.. 
Charles Stuart, 1775, 81, '84, 

- :, 10, I'.., 'no, -H7, '98. 
Aaron Brown, 1776. 

Ki I- J, 1770, 

Jot] 1 la. Hi. hat. 1, 1777, '78, 

Jonathan Wheeloi k. 1779, 
R.. licit lli.hu. s, ]7sn. 

II in- Stuart, 17S3, '84. 

Robert Smith, 1785, '02. 

Thomas steel,.. 1786, 88, '89, 
'in, '112, '0,:, 'il, 95 ''"., '97, 
'oo, [800, 'ol. '02, Hi, ol 

Nathaniel Evans, 1780. 

1-1. 1. 1 Taylor, 1786. 

John Gray, 17s7. 

Nathan Dix, 1787. 

1. .'..1 .'• I ..11, 178s, '89, 

Jeremiah Smith, 1790, '91. 

Asa Evans, 17'.'.;, 94, '','0. '96, 
'lis, '.Hi, 1800, ol. "02, '03, ' 



'I-. '19, 20, 21, 
'26, 27. '2>, 
. orgc I'nn. .in. .1. , 1805, '06, ' 

-1' '4''. I 10 

ihn s. ..it, 1810, '11, '12, '14, ' 



18, 19, 20, 21, 22, '23, '27, 
Viiieuiicl Moore, 1819, 2", 

. 
Uexandei Robbi 1824 15, 

.. .1 
Tim 5 Fox, 1827, '28, '20, 



1 



Archelaus Cragin, 1843, '44, '45, 

'53, '54. 
Abiel Pi avey, 1843, II. '45. 

esG Who 
John H. Steele. [846 

.1. SSCOtt, 1-17. !-, ,1', '56, '57, 

10.. 
Isaac Ha, Hey, 1817, IS, '411, '51. 

Robert full. .1,. 1848, 
Josiah S. Morison, 1849, '50. 
Edwin Steele, 1851. 
William B. Kimball, 1852, 53 

Kri Spanl.liiig. Is,"..;, 7. 1, 7.5. 

, I'd, '55. 
Hi... I.tian Mclvin, 1855. 
Thomas Little, 1856, '64, '65. 

sinm. I I; Mill, 1, 1850, 'no. 

Asa Davis, 1856, ... 58, 66, I 1 

Alhert Frost, 1857, '58, '59. 



Mortier L Morrison, 1808, '69, " 
, lharles Barber, 1869, '70, '71. 

. I, ,hn 1,1 Vkilie. 1870, 71, '72, ' 

1: w. Mi tntosh, 1871, 72, '73. 
John Cragin, 1872, '73, '74. 

1 . 1874. '75, '76. 
w illiam Moore, is7n, '77, '7s, ' 



Jonathan Smith, 1799, 1800, 



'1", 'II, '12, '13, 11, 15, l,;, 



T. X. Hunt, 18-1. -2, 83. 

1882, S'., '84. 
W. s. Hyer, 1883, '84 
C. W. Hunter. 1884. 



bo-i 



HISTORY OK HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Representatives.— TIic following is a list of the 
representatives from the incorporation of the town to 
the present time : 



Samuel Cuningham, Vpiilu."., 1777., 


Timothy K. Ames, 1840, '41. 


to 3d Provincial 1 at 


Stephen P. Steele, 1841, '42. 


Exeter. 


fl illii 'ollane « 


William Smith, May 17, 1775, to 


Luke Mill, i is i .. i- 


4th I'm vim i.il Cor, 


Josiah S. Morrison, 1845, '48. 


eti i. 


Norton Hunt, IS47. 


Samuel Moore, Dec. 21, 177.5, to 


Samuel Adams, 1847, 


5th Provincial Congress .it Ex- 


\ 1' M.., i i-,.|i, [-}-, i.J, , .. : 


etei 


Daniel McCleiiniii: 


Matthew Wallace 1784 


1. 3i ..il. 1- 19, 50 


Situ 1 Cuningham, 1786. 


Samuel Miller, 1851, '52 


Nathan Dix, 1787. 


Daniel l: 


.Ii-n-iiii.ili Smith, 17s-, -■,, <io 




John Smith, 1791 '92, 9 ,. 14, '95, 


Pel- 


'96, 'it, 98, '99, 1800, 01,02 


\-.i Davis, 1854. 




lib. ii Smith, 1855. 


'07, '08, '12, '13, '14. 


Albert s. Scott, 1855, '.".7, '66, 


■ ."Hi, 1809, '21, 22, 23, 


Si lei Edes, 1857, '58. 


27, '28 




John Steele, 1810, '11. 




Hugh Miller, 1815, '16, 17, "Is, 


,..,. |, ,,.,,,, ,,;,., 


'19, '20, '30, .1 


Ei i.i VI - , 1871, 72 


John 11. Steele, 1829. 


Daniel W. ild, 1872 ! 


John Smith, 1859, 60 


■ I"-, jih 1 ,n iiiiin 1-7:. . ! 


Andrew A. Farnsworth, I860, '61. 


1 , 


Cornelius V. Dearborn, 1861, 62 


Franklin Field, 1875, '76. 


Granville P. Felt, 1863, 64 


' hat I. ■ Si mi. 1876, 


Elijah M TuM.s, lsul i. , 


.Samuel 1. Pom, 1S77, '7s, 


Nathaniel II. Moore, 18 


Jam il Collins, ls77, '7s. 


John Wilder, 1867, '68 


Lewis P. u ilson, 1879, 80. 


Riley IS. Hatch, 1868, '69. 


11 1 Mm,-, -ii. 1879, '80. 


.Tuuies Walker, ls:!:s, \':1. '14. 


H 1 ii-. ,. 1882, - : 


Alexander Kolilie, Is;.., ' .:i. i l.'ll. 


John II, tier, M I, 1882, - 


John Todd, 18 ;, 


Frank G. Clarli . 1884, 85 


William Moore, 1838, '39, '1". 


John Q. Adams 1884 '85 



CHAPTEB II. 

PETKRBOROUGH— (Continued). 
THE HEROES OF FOl R WARS. 

French and Indian War— The Revolution— War of 1812— War of the 
Rebellion. 

In four memorable wars has Peterborough been 
represented by her gallant suns. In the first, the 
French and Indian War of 1755, were James Turner, 
brother of Thomas Turner, Samuel Wallace, William 
Swan, sun of old John Swan. < If these, James Tur- 
ner died in camp at Crown Point, 1760. In 1756, 
Thomas Cuningham and Samuel Cuningham. The 
former, who was a lieutenant, died of small-pox. 

In 1757, diaries McCoy, John Stuart, son of Wil- 
liam Stuart, David Wallace, son of Major Wallace, 
William Wilson, brother of Major Robert Wilson, 
Robert McNee, son of old Deacon McNee, John 
Dinsmore, John Kelley, brought up by Rev. Mr. 
Harvey. All the above, being enlisted in Rodgers' 
company of Rangers, were killed in one unfortunate 
moment, having fallen into an Indian ambuscade, 
March 13, 1758, near Lake George; while Samuel 
Cuningham and Alexander Robbe, being of this brave 
but unfortunate band, and in the same fight, escaped. 

In 1758, William Scott, Jeremiah Swan. Samuel 



Stinson, Alexander Scott. Of these, Jeremiah Swan 
died in camp. 

In 1759, Robert Wilson, Daniel Allat, John Tag- 
gart, William Scott, George McLeod. 

In 1760, Samuel Gregg, John Taggart, Samuel Cun- 
ingham, William Cuningham, Moore Stinson, Henry 
Ferguson, John Swan, William Scott, Solomon Turner, 
John McCollom, John Turner, John Eogg, David 
Scott. Of these, John Turner and John McCollom 
died somewhere on the lake, and John Hogg and 
David Scott, son of Alexander Scott, both took the 
small-pox in returning, and died at home. 

The whole number enlisted from Peterborough was 
thirty-two, and fourteen were lost, a great, number 
from a settlement so small and weak. 

War of the Revolution.— The following from this 
town served in the War of the Revolution: 

D Anus, -i veil with Captain A hvuuli i Hobbe, on alarm, from June ::'.» 



77. 

I. ml,, i Vil.im-, divhameil He, eml.n 20, 17st. 

■'" Il " Uexandi r, mustered in April, 1777 ; Colonel B. Hah'- reporl 

Joseph Bahb, alarm from June 2:1 to July 3, 1777; July, 1770, 

live mouths; mustered in April, 1777; report of Colon. I E. Hale; 

served three j ea i • 
" Blair, alarm June 29 to July :;. 1777, army at Cambridge, 1775 ; for 

Bennington, Jul) 19 1777 , sai.a. .•-., Sept,„,l,e, jsth ; returned 

October 25, 1777. 
John Blair, raised July 19, 1777; discharged September 26th ; army at 
177', -i m,l in Rhode Island from Augusl 28, 177- , 

mustered April. 1777. of twenty-tw n for Peterbop 

-I i ,.h, ii,. I i, Hal, 
Zaecheuf Brooks, mustered June 15,1779, by Enoch Hale ; never 

John Barlow, by order of C nine,, of Safety, July 12, 1782. 



< lambridge 



i months 



Ensign w Cochran, in army at Cambridge, 177.",. 

Jaiiii.s Cuningl mustered September 20, L776, t 

-'■' ved in Rhode l-l.nnl fr Lugusl 28, 177- 

,""l|<' ulnim, iI.iiii, lo.u, June 29 to July 3, 1777 

isod July 111, 1777 , discharged September 2('.tli , for Bennington 

l-l mil ti ..in Aiiuu-t js 177s : alar,,, at Lexington 






I.. November 27, 1780. 
' hums ; ,,t" Londonderry, 
vo men mustered April, l 



■port of Col- 



Samuel Caldwell, served in Rhode Island from Auguat 28, 177s ; Colonel 

17. Hale'e n 
Thomas Davison, three months, spring ,,l 1777, , i, L „^il July 7th ; dis- 

"i edO t.il.iT'Jl, 17.su, three nths, fifte, „ Ll , , 

Charles Ilavisi.u, on-agod .1 ul y '.'th disch.il ceil Deeemliei _'i , 177', 

s" 1 " 1 Dodge, engaged June 28, 1780 ; dischargt d in 1 iei 

Richard Kineiv, tnustei ,.,[ s, ptember 2(1, 177tl, for two months; in army 

al C 1,ii. I . 17" 

Lieutenant Hetiiv I., - ,,-,.,1. sine, I t'orty-l'nnr 



77.'.. 



ami, ridge, 1 



Jereniiati Kairehild, in army at Cambridge, 1777,. 

Green, in armj al 1 ambridge, 177 . , ngaged .tune 28, 1780 
discharged in December. 
William Graham, in army at Cambridge, 177", ; of twenty-two men tin 

■ ,, for 177,,, 
in armj al Cambridgi . 177.". . one v. art men, 177., 
mustered by E. Hale, July, 1776, to serve five months, 
.lames Gregg, served in army at Cambridge, 177.",. 

,1,1m .,1 1.. \, 11. 1,.,, \p,ii 1 ., 177.. live days; alarm at 
Walpole. 



PETERBOROUGH. 



AdamsGregg, alarm ;il Lexington, April I-'. ITT". ; army ai fiunl.h.l^, 
last of ITT'., on alarm from June 29 to July 3, 1777: Rhode Island, 
from August 27, 177s, under Captain Samuel lunintiham. 

Hugh Gregg, alarm at Lexington, April 19, 1775] alarm lr June 29 

to July/., 1777. 

John Gregg, alarm ai l.,\iti-t,,n, April m, 177.. 

Robert Gray, alarm al Lexington, \pr.l L9, 1775, 

Riclianl Cil, llll-l. II. al ll.l al I allil-lld--. 177V 







ipatlY .it I 'apt. Nil S 

lovember 27, 1781. 



James Gordon, -u-a:;,d S-pt, ml,, t r.'tli . dismi 1 . 

James Hockley, in armj at Cambridge, 177:.;.. I twenty-two men fur- 
nished \piil. 1777. one i.ii - men, 1771 

Joseph Henderson, of twenty-two men furnished April, 1777 ; raised 
July 19, 1777, for Bennington ; discharged January 1, 1778. 

John Halfpenny, one year's men, 1776; in army at Cambridge, 1775. 

Nathaniel II-! «. inn-t-i-d >.pi-iid„-i :i, 177... two n the. 

Sims ai 1[.._'-, 1..I- ll-lltliti-t.m, .llllv I!', 1777 ; .lis. Iial;£,"l s, |,l<-lnl<-t J'.th 

Samuel Huston, alarm, J -• to July 3, 1777, five days; served in 

Rhode Island, Augusl 28, 1778. 
Isaac Huston, alarm, June 29 t.. July 3, 1777. five days. 

William Huston, al al Walpole, 1777 

John Kennedy, mustered July, 1776, five months ; town claims,— as 

pud by town. 
Solomon Leonard, in army at ( aml'i id-e, 177.".. 
Samuel I , of twenty-two men furniBhed April. 1777 , alarm at Wal- 



Tli-illl.t.s l.lttl, . in al mv at I'.iml'iid-n-. 1 -"■ '• . l-i I- 
1777 ; di-rlia!--'! S-pt.inl„t Jl.tll. 

Robert Lakin, engaged Jnlj 7th; discharged Octobel 2 

Tim-aliy I....-U.-. .-i 1 1 1 - r I ' plain S It's i -n>p<,,i \" 
gaged .Int... >. 17-" . di- i. .' _- l 1' ■ mb i . erve 

S u.d I..'\vi>, ..I. alarm. 1:1 lapialtl A|.\alid-I ll,,l,l>, 

Jamea Miller, alarm of Lexingl \pnl I'.', 177.", 

William M.N,.-, al.irui ,.t l.-\ilm \pnl I'. 177 



.Inly 1', 



.I..., i, \1 ,M, , ,.t ill,- I u-iiti-tu., m-ii !,,,,,.-.■ .1 \| i ... 

suppose i!,!.-,. years. 

William MrCi.y, ill army at Caiiibrid--. 177. — n-d 



:ln„l,. 1-1 1 



177i.. I,,r livi- 



itli- 

til- in., Iltlis : alarm, in com- 

i-,, m .1 29 I,, .Inly '■'■, 1777, 

mi M ,-- ■■ husetts ; of the 



-■ months. 
1771 . !■■ - 1 1 t- nths. 

March 1.".. 1777. 
uid-r Robbe's company, from 
from An-iist 



irlee M.i oy, in 
September -I 



li, .Inly I'd, 177', ; -li>, liaij.-d S. pt-in l„-r _!l>: 
it, .Inlv I''. 1777 di- li ii .-I -. pt,nil„-i a, 

Rhode Island, ti, ,n, \,.-,,-i 28, 177s . Colonel 
at Bennington, .inly 19, 17 



Willian 
Jam, - 1 



rat,, -a, S-pteinb-l ii ; returned li.-t.ili.-i J -. 1777 : alarm 

aim ai l,.-\iiml,ni, April 1''. I77a. 

g, engaged .Inly 7. -Ii-, ii.u -,-d iii-i.,l..-r 21,1780, three 
.-.-ii days 

. alarm al Walpole 
l'age, -t.-i.-.l .inly. 177,,. !■. Bevvi five months; 

, .lull p,, 1777 di- I..,, . -I >. pt>lul>el !>• 
■ li- l.ar-- I li.-t,,l„T Jl, 17SH 
p i,-, I l,v unlet .-t lln- Cmiinitt,-,- 

■ , , Ige, 177", : died there 

. int.. i .--. 1777. di- I..-. ..- a i '• t,,l„-l ' - . ,-t, 
nil.. I 19 dis.l.al-.-d N,,i, nil,, -I -7, 17-1 ; nil alarm, ill 

Bennington, Julj l 1 . 1777 ; discharged September 26 ; 



Ulall.l, Au-il-l J-. lT7s .a, alarm. Ill I'uplall] Al.-\atld.-r ln.l.l.-'s 
pany, II ill] J,,,.- . ■ I- Inli :. 1777, tin- day-: Heiuuiist-'li 

IJ, in in Mil, h, -II. alarm at l.-viii^lnii, April 1'', 177'.: luii-l-i -d Sep- 

t.-ml.-r 20, 177,.. n,- Hi onths; fbl Bennington, Inly p.. 

1777 : dia hargi d Si ptembei :■- 

John Moore, alarm al Lexington, April 19, 1775. 

TI omas Morisnn. in army at i ".u.il.i nip.-. 177'- : tniisi, i, d S,.pt,-ml„-r _' '. 

177,,, for tii,, months : alarm at Walpole . alarm, Captain Alex lei 

Robbe's company, Juue 29 to July 3, 1777, five days; i l B 

ton, July I:,. 1777; .lis, liai-,-,1 s.-ptemi ,-i 26; Saratoga, Septembei 
28 to October 25, 1777. 

Ensign Munro, in army at Cambridge, 177,. served in army, 177, :, one 

James Mil shell, m army at Cambridge, 1775 ; alarm al Lexington, \pnl 

1',. 1775 . It -iiinn-.-l-.il. .lull I i. 1777 : di- liar.-d S.-pl-ml.-r J,, . -,ii 

alarm, in Captain \l-\..n-i- i Robbe's company, from .Inn- 29 to July 

.-.. 1777. in, -l.i- 
l-.u,, Mil. hell, in .linn al ' ambridge, 177 ■ . alarm al Lexington, April 

19, 177 , . ..I Hi- tu. -n tin,,. furnished April, 1777 : al; at 

Walpole rel -I service April J. 17-t 

s. il Moore, Jr., in army al Cambridge, 177.. alarm at Lexington, 

April 19,1775; alarm, in company ,,t Captain Uexandei Robbe, 

limn .linn- -J'l t,> .Inly :;. 1777, til,-, lav. 
William Mitchell, in aiinyai Cambridge, 1775 ; served in army. 177... 

one year's 

Randall McAlister, in armj al Cambridge, 177.".; alarm at Lexington, 

April l' 1 . 177", ; tin,-,- y ,-.u> ; t,,ii n , lanns ; ol I In- I u.-nti -In •- in-ii 

furnished April, 1777 ; alarm, in company of Al, van 



K lln I, aid ... 

i aptain \l,\ let 

day- . mustere 
mill. in i Swan, at 



7', 111 army at I am 

:, . i.. March I-',. 1777. 

77- . alalin at \\:<lp,,l< 

75 ; in army al Cam 

mbi i 28, and 



William Scott, Jr , alarm at Lexington, April [0, 1775 ; in 13 

Cambridge, 177",; mustered July, 177'-. for five mi 
laptai,, Willi s,-,,tt. ii, ami; al Cambridge, 177.". : 






James Stanford, al.u in at laAiti^t, ,n. Apnl Pa, 1775; in > al Cam- 
bridge, 177.. of the twenty-two men furnished Vpril, 1777 ; on town 
claims , ., three yeai - man. 

Ephraim St, vens, in army al Cambridge, 177". . .■! the twenty-two men 

larm at V\ alp«,le . died ill tin >, i \ i . 

"and, nd--, 1775 ; served in 177 veal 

James Stinson, in army at ■ ambridge, 177.'.. 

Thomas Sanders, of the twenty-two i funnsli-,1 \pril, 1777. 

I i.i lid >■ ..t'. ■•: tin- til, -lily In., in-ii r,nliis|i-,| April. 1777. 
li,. i ; -j . m. -my in., a, n t, in, ,-l,, d April. 1777 
JohnSmith, in army at CainlilldL..-. 177.', . ninst-i-l t.. -■ I 
Robert Smith, mustered by E. Hale, to serve five tlis ; mustered 



777 in, -In- 



nths. 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Janies Smith, in alarm, of C;iptain Alexander RoLLe's c pany, from 

June 29 to July 3, 1777, five clays. 
Jeremiah Smith, raised i." Bennington, July 19 ; discharged Septembei 

26, 1777. 
Thomas Smith, in Rhode Islan J, August is, 177- s.iwed from Deceul 

bei 5, 1 T 7 > . I.. March 15, 1777, three months ; Saratoga, Sept.aiil.ei 

28; returned Octobei 25, 1777 

R. Swan, mustered by Colonel E.Hale, for five months il n 

Captain Alexander Robbe's company, from June 29 toJuly .'., 1777, 
five days 

,l,.li ii swan. Saratoga. S.j.t.iul.ei -:- , ret in iiedOcn.l.ci _'.". 1777 : Inarch, 
on alarm of Captain Alexander Ib.bl.e's company, from June ill to 
JulJ 7, 1777, five days 

: , i. n alarm, in Captain Alexander Robbe's company, from 
June 29 to July '■', 1777, five days ; alarm al VI ilpole 

1 aptain I 'avid Steele alai m al Walpnle. 

fie ana- Sander-.. n, alarm at Walp..le, tr. . lay- 

Amos Spofford, enlisted bj Majot Scott, August 9, 1780. 
Samuel Speer, three year- ; town claims. 
John Stroud, town claims. 

i alarm at Loxingtun. April l'a, 177.'.. in army at Cam- 
bridge, 177". ; served fr December ."., 177'.. P. March 1.7,1777 ; em 

tnyvn rllliin- Hii.ex.ai-. I Hie t\\ ellty-tw. i lie II furnished April, 



- Treadwell, in army at Cambridge 



, 17;:. .11. ,1 in i ..ml. i 

it;.". ; died in Camb) idge, 177.7. 

I 28, I 77s. 
; , ,,f tin- twenty. tw.. iin-ii turuished 
-land ; In- dad. Mount Independ- 



, I a,. I, ,11 



.mi 1 Octo- 



• 






Joseph Taylor, in army al 
rple, in army a 

Isaiah Taylor, served in Kl 
.lohn Tagg.n i 

April, 1777 served ii 

i aplain Robert Wil-.ti, alarm al Lexington. April 111, 17' 
John While, Si . alarm at I., xingtmi. A|.ril 19, 177.". : ah 

Alexander Robbe' i tpanj . from .inn.' 29 to .ii 

days. 

Corporal John White, al S.nat.._a. >.pt> label is. 1777 

bei 25 . hho.l.. Island. 1771'. 
Charles Whit... alarm al Lexington, April l'.l, 1777: in .nam at Cam- 
L775;served in New York from December ".,177'., t.. 

March 1.7, 1777 . Rhode I-lalid Iron, Angus! is, 177s. 
W. White, alarm al Lexington, April 111, 177.7 ; in army at I 'ambridge, 

177.7 : served in New! 6, to March 17, 

1777 ; Saratoga, Septembei 28 returned Octobei ib, 1777. 

llavid Whit.-, alaim at Lexingt \pril In, 1775 : ill army 

bridge, 177". ; served in Rhodi l-lai.d \n_n-t 28, 177- 

Titus Wilson, of the twenty-twi furnish Ipril 1777 ; alarm 

Walpnle; a negro , died ai Blount Endepei bi 

.lames Moor, filial'."! I'.'l.liialy I"', [777 . dl-tui 1 l>.' 

Firs! New Hampshire Regiment. 

Lieutenant John Caggart was in Captain [saai Farwell 

Hunker Hill, and was killed at I iconderoga .Inly 7, 1777. 
Jonathan Wheelocli, of the twenty-two men furnished Mail 1777 Saia- 
i. uil.ei isth ; returned October i,7. 1777 ; alarm, in Captain 
\i., .i.i'i.i K.'i'i mpany.froui Jum J' 1 to inly :;, 1777, five 

days ; served ill Illu.de Island, April is. 177s. 
M U tcocl in army at Cainl.t idg-, 1777 : niu-l.red July, 177(1, to 

sen., five in. .ml,- servi d In Bhodi Island from i» u 

.lames Wilson, mustered from .Inly, 177',, to serve five months. 

.lam.'- u int.', lieuniiigton. July In, 1777 p. s. pi, mhei inth ; served in 
Rhode Island, August is, 177s. 

l.ii, - \\ lock, engaged from July 7th : dischargi I < '■ tobi , 21, I 7-" 

llionia- \\ illiains, engaged from July '.' to N.oeud,, i 
John Wallace, enlisted by Committee of Safety, July li. 1782 

.1 lut„ftl,„K wh lunteered on tlu 17<* of June, IT! 5 

Bunk* 11,11. 
Captain William Scott. 
Lieutenant William Scott, wounded 

L. ...I, wounded : his name does n. it app.-.n again 
.lame- Hockley. 
John Graham, wounded. 

liavid s, ,.it James Scott, Thomas Scott, David Robbe 
Randall McAlister, wounded. 
John Taggart, died al Mi nni Indi pel dem e, 1777 

Samuel Mitchell, I'll . 

David Allatt ; his name .!."■- n..i a pp. . a. 



Tl,. anas (ireelle, w.aiiided. 

Joseph Henderson, Richard Gili brist, 

Kn-ign William Cu.liran, John Swan and Jonathan Hat net t ; these thr. <■ 

were ..ii duty, but not in battle. 
Ib\. John Morrison remained in .amp, and excused himself fruin ae. 

.oinpaliyilig hi- ti a M.1-, alleging thai the Pick ..1 bis gun w a- -. m- 
l.e il-el. ss ; shortly after he passed over to H..-t.u and 

joined the Bl iti-b 

Ml Vli-l.i and l.l.'.u.. u . a <■ -,\ .1 , ! \ wnlinded; Greene, in a . 

altin.-t expiring shite, w a- saved by his friend Gilchrist, who trans- 
1 hi in on his back from Hunker Hill to M. .11,. id 

In addition to the above, the following names : Wil- 
liam Scott, father to James Scott, Esq. : Joseph Green, 
Dudley Taggart (known as Judge Taggart), William 
Gilchrist, William Blair, William White, Charles 
White, James McKean. 

By the above account, one hundred ami forty differ- 
ent men of Peterborough were called for longer or 
shorter periods during the Revolutionary War, and, 
in addition to these, five inure, viz. : 

ge MiLe.nl, David Allat, Jonathan Harnett, 

Dudley Taggart, Joseph Greene, who were in the 
battle of Bunker Hill, whose names do not again 
appear, making in all one hundred and forty-five 
different persons from this infant settlement who 
rendered military service during the war. 

' mitteet .■' - 1775, '76, 77. 78, 79, a- lh,:,j appei 1 

HP07I lh 

1775.— Aaron Brown, Henry Ferguson, Kelso Gray. Alexander Robbe, 

William McNee. 
1776.— William r.olbe, Havi.l Steele, .lotbaiu Ulan. bard, vimicd Mil. I.. 

ell, Robert Wilson. 

H cue, Jonathan Wheelock, Robert Gray. 

177s.— llavid Steel.-. 'I'll. anas Pavitoll, Matthew Walla. 
17711. — lames Templet Samuel Gregg, Jam.- Cm 

stuart, join, wi, it- 
War of 1812.— A draft of soldiers 
borough for three months was ordered in 
.left use of Portsmouth, and the following officers and 
men volunteered lor the service, viz.: 

Colonel John Steele, Se id Lieutenant .la 11 ie- H I. ,1.1. Corporal Alii- 

d . Jewett, John Gray, John T. Haggot, David Killer, RobertMor- 

is.m, Hrown Sbattuck, William t'ptoli, St. pie 11 " at c 1 . J.-lin Am- 
Nathaniel Smith, Ilaniel Kites, ttu-el Nay. Hull Wil»,m, liavid V 
Hatch, Joseph Washburn, Nathan Wait, Nathan Upton, David 

Kvans, Andrew Holmes, Samuel Pelt.-, -. r.e.ni l-aac Hadley. 

The British naval force did not attack Portsmouth, 
as was apprehended, ami the soldiers were discharged 
without serving out their time. 

The following vote was passed in town-meeting 
April 4, 1815: 

" Voted, To gee lb.' soldier- th 
yea. In, dollar- per month in a. 

and state government " 

The town did not furnish much aid to this war, 
except in the unequaled services of General James 
Miller, one of her sons, whose bravery and military 
exploits were more than equal to a regiment of men, 
and have afforded one of the 1. tightest pages in the 
history of that war. 

War of the Rebellion.— The following enlisted 

from this town during the late Rebellion: 



e, Matthew Tem- 


ngbar 


Charles 


from 


Peter- 


LSI 4, 


forthe 



PETERBOKOUGH. 



April 22, 1801.— ii. -urge w. tinr-.aunl::;. Fust Regiment, Company G ; 

3 mli- 

May20,1861 EUuerJ Starkej aged !1 - I Regiment, Company 

G: 3 years; in - 1 Bull Run battle, severelj wounded 

thigh and left on tin 5eld ol battle, whore be was taken pri 

May 15, 1861.— John Reagan, aged 23, Second Regiinent,C pany G; 

3 years ; wounded at liist Hull Run Faille, and -ul.se. pieiitly taken 
prisoner at Glendale, V*a, 
Maj 20, 1861.- UphaE Vmes,aged 20, nd Regiment, Companj G 

May24, ixi'.i - -r- .-.-i I. Bolio, aged 28, Si nd Regi at, Companj G 

3 years 
Maj 15, 1861 Daniel w Gould, aged 22, SecondRegi at, Companj 

. I years; wounded in battle at Willi sburg, and had i 

\i I...1..- l» ." . ■ ; -■■ ■ii-l II -ine-iil tympany i. 

Charles 0. I lh-' ■- I -l-F " ml K.-nii.-nt. c pany ti , ; y,-ai- , 

in -a ,,|id P.ull Lull Lattl'' lie Was Wound- d in 111'- bowels, left ..II the 
riel.l ami reported afterwards as killed 

Albert J. Farnsworth, aged 1'.', Sec 1 Regi nt, Com] % '. I fears 

May24, 1861, \i.i..i \ Forbush, aged 21 ; Second Regiment, Company 
i . : ; years. 

i.ilinaii T. tl.mld, aged gl. So. olid Regiment, C pany 

nli-te.l .laiiu.ny 1, lsr.-l; promoted P. ni-t h.iit.ii- 

Uonzi . >1. Hi t ■!■! Aged 20, Second Regiment, Com] yG ; 3 years; 

wound I raburg, .Inly 2, 1m;::. 

Newman 11. ill aged 29 Second Regiment, C panyG; :: years; died 

at Washington, December 11. 1862. 
May 24, 1861.— Nelson Hurd, aged I", Second Regiment, Company G ; 

:'. years ; r iih-P-.l veteran. 

May 25, 1861. — John J. Moore, aged 22, Second Regiment, Company G ; 

May 20, 1861.— James E, Saunders, aged 10, Second Reg int, Com- 
pany t. ; I', veal-: pioiuotod to si-i gealit iiiajivr September I , ISH3; 
re-enlisted .lime I, Fsu-l, ami promoted !,. raptaiii. 

August 6, 1861.— .lames M. Hannaford, aged 28, Sec 1 Regiment, 

Company G 3 years. 

September 10, ls'.l Frank h II. .we, aged pi. See 1 Regiment, ' '..lii- 

panj '. i ire; killed at Fair Oaks, \a .. .inn- 23, 1 S62 
July 15, 1861.— Darius Hadlej iged I! rge W Hadley, aged 22; 

William V ' ■ . I ' u ■ ; I 21 ; :; years; 

Second New Ham| i Bai . m tered \ as! -, 1862. 
Aii-iist 1. im'.i,- Hi. hard P.. Kn hai.l-..n, aL.'.i >:>, I'liird Regiment; 

Company 1 ; 3 years. 
August 9, 1861. - Charles Jewett, aged 34, Third Regiment, I ompanj I 

:; years; appointed armorer .lime, lsi;:t; re-enlisted February 1.7, 

1865 : I ' . ai : First \.-u Hampshire Cavalry. 
August 30, 1861.— Frank Matthews, aged 21, Fourth Regiment, Com- 
pany F , (years ; wounded .it Drury's Bluff. 
Emery Wyman, aged 18, Fourth Regiment, Company E; 3 years; 

wounded May 16 ami August in, 1864 
Lyman Wyman, aged 22, Fourth Regiment, Company F : \. .1 

August 2'.. iKiii.—sie.lman w. Piper, ag.-.I is, Fourth Regiment, Com- 
pany I ; '■'. years; discharged 1864 : re-enlisted. 

ileorge WeMing, ag.-.l .'.'., Fourth Regiment, ( .nipauy I 
in hattle .Inly 24, 1864 

\neu=t 27. l-'.l IF-n.v- 1.,, 11I. I an. I ; .,, Fourth Ilegl lit, l' puny 

I ; 3 years ; .lisrhaiged lor ilisahility -. re-enlisted, substitute tor Al- 
bert Stevens, September ■_:, l.si,;'., Eighth Regiment, Companj B 

Vugust 28, 1861 Fuller 1.. Crosby, aged 10. Fourth 1: 

pany C; 3 years ; ilieil in hospital. Roaut'ort, N 1 , Aueu-t _a,, Isi,,",. 

September 10, 1861.— George Wyman, a ed !8, Fourth Reg int, Com- 
panj K , 1. .1 
lugust 26, 1861 i-. rmau V Breed, aged 20, Fifth Regine-nt, I'ompany 

K ; 3 years ; died at Fairfax Court- House, of typhus fever, March 27, 

1862. 
October 12, 1861.— Ancil D. Holt, aged 38, Fifth Regiment, Companj K . 

discharge.l for disability May 27, 1862. 
August 2s, 1861.— George M. Spanlding, aged 23, Fifth B 

pany K ; 3 years ; killed in battle at 1 old B 
September 2, lsol — .lam-s Nichols, aged 2S. Filth R.-i nt, Company 

K ; 3 years : wounded in arm at White Oak Swamp ; transferred to 

Invalid Corps January 1, 1863. 
November 28, 1801.— Charles Seott, aged .;2, Sixth Regiment ; major, 

and promoted to lieutenant-colonel ; resigned October Fl, 1862. 



J ° h "o A ca! 


■ iniliuti--. .i-.-i Jt. SlMh UririliK-liI ■■■ ')!■ 1 ■);* 
.. i |'..r |' mm ■■!!■■ n A [■! : : 1 -■ 1 ■ 


.*.■; pi !■■■ :. ,| 
enlisted, and 


'I'l- - 
1.. M 


in ,! " ' 


t>t Ni'W H.iiiii'iiliirt- Cavalry, ( '■•Tn]i.iuv 


Octobei 1 


4, istH. — lohn >. Smith, ap-l J.:. Sixth V» -in. 




1, : war* . |»n 'Hint til Ii"" 

Wutlluleil .it r, ,,,, -l,.| v Hill . 

r<-.- iii'Mi.I.tl ;ij= tir-t lii-ui 


sergeant t" adjutant Mi 
iii expiration ol in- tbri ■ 
nam in I ■ 




Octobei 1 


and |.|.>iii..t.-.l I., captain :i» ]>'.,">. iiiu>li-iii| ..1 

•6 110 longer required. 
1861.— Henry C Lak. man iged 1-. Sixth K- 


1 :.... [866, 
j.i nt. Com- 


pany 
Octobei '.i 


trans) i n 
l-'.l Osg 1 Hadlej 


I..|in.,],.i ■ 


1 


3 yea 
Octobei 7 


.- , dis' h;ii ■.<•■!, and i. • 




.-tit. Company 



t., 



Oetohel 1 I, 1-..F-- \\ llhaln 1 1 . \\ alia. -, :ig- d J", Sixth Regiment, Com- 
pany K : .; year- : di-d at Memphis, 'I'. s. pi. nil.. 1 1... 1-. . 

Sepl 1 bet ... 186 Lucius H Farwell, aged 24, Sixth Ri 
pany K . '. year- . .ln-.| .1 .. ■ 11 i- is Inlet, N. 1 

29, 1862 

l.tetoher I, FsOF -11. any F. R..I..I a-.. I Is, Sixth It. gnu. nt, Cnipany 
E ; 3 years ; re enlisted I bei 10, 1863, as veteran, I pr ted 

to .-a 1. lid lielllell.llll I : . 1 1 1 1 . . I \ I, |M..'. Mellllded Julie :',, 1 M A , atld 

Julj 30, 1864 
Octobei 1 I -'-I - Martin While, a.je.l u'l, sixth Regi nt. Company K ; 

3 yeans ; wounded Maj li . 1864 ai Spottsylvanis \ ■ 

wcake I: re-enlisted as veten icembei 21, 1863; had ,. in-i 



II. toh. 



S. |,|e 



lh Regiment, 
, C pany F. ; 



October 7. 1861.— David 1 ' ram agi d I ■ Sixth Reg 

3 years; kille.l at second Bull Kun hattle, lugust 29, 1862 
Septenihei 21. 1861.— Allen T. Perry, aged 20, Sixth Regiment, Com- 
i .: years ; discharged foi disability. 

ii- o.i" r 15 1861 .la. : -.a Bi i. . i i .. i: ent,Company 

I . : -,. ii- . wounded in right arm, Septeinbei 17, ISC'; ,li-. Iiaigeil 



isi, 



Xovelnher 1. 1-..1 -.1 ' .'I,. '. - . !. . ■ :-. sixll 10 

panj i I j'ears; (charged 1 lisabilil 1 - -. nlish .1 Uigusl II . 
1864, in Firsl Sen Hampshin i avalrj Troop i: 
Novembet 28, 1861.— Timothj K \ si d aged H, Sixth Regiment; 

-er-. aiil-inajor : pr ted p. tu-t li.-iiten.-nil \ugusl ",. 1m;o ; 

1 Full him haul'-, Ugtisl 29, 1862; I y m vei re- 

Novembci 26, 1861 -Mar-hall K. Ames, aged 20, Sixth Regime it, ' om- 

pany V. .: -. . . i - : a. i. iglit ami. I.\ whi.-h he In-t the 

rotatoi i motion of the arm. 

i i. - [. l trlli i aged 
years : -.-■ ..a. I lieutenant promoted to first 

i Hull Rill) hattle, AiieOM 'JO, 1 - 

II, 1862. 
November 2, 1SII1 .—.lames K Flak., a-.-.l p .. ^ixth U.-aiu 

Philemon W. Cross, aged ,7. Sixth Regiment, C pany K ; :: years; 

died by collision of the steamers " West Pent' ami the' Gi irge 

Peaiu.lv, mi ihe Potomai , Au-ii-i 13, 1862. 



Sixth Regiment ; 3 

iii.naiii ; wounded in 

nd died in hospital 
,t. . an- 



(J58 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Sovei r23, 1861.— John M. I>,„1,1, aged 21, sin giment, Cnmpany 

K; ; yctlh ; serg. ii n t-ijijij. .1 ; promoted tu second lieutenant; died 
Ma} 1 I, 1864 . enlisted ... veteran. 

November 7, 1861.— Charles II. Fay, aged 20, Sixth Regie 

K. ; years; died January I", lsog, at Al.- -.,1 i,.h ia v.... .t ,.i„ „- 

November 1, ]s.,i._ cii.u 1. - v.,.- 

:■■■! fur. Usability August 12, 1873. 

i, 1 it.i - Uiar.1.1.. R..bb,-, aged ..... s, U h u, giment, Com 

1861.— Charles C. Silver, aged 22, Sixth Regiment, Com- 
pany K ; :; \ -mn ; discharged fur .lisubilit} I '-. rail.i 22. l«f. 
1 -=« -1 - — Wu.-hlligtnn Swett, aged -J I, SiMh 1; 
I years; wounded in second Hull Hun battle, and had his 
unputated. 

111. -Henri C. Taggart, jiLi...] :;:,. S1UI1 K.-sii iii.-nt, Company 

K ; .: years ; kill.-. 1 at „ ml Dull Run buttle. August ■».), lsia ; body 

not recovered 

1861 —Thomas J. V osi . aged 27, Sixth Regimi nt, Com- 
pany K . 0, 1862 

October28, 1-. -i,ti, Regiment. 1' onv 

B . :; years; sergeant, and promoted to first lieutenant ; slightly 
wounded at Fredericksburg, \ .1 

Oi tobei 26, 1861.- George W « 1-, aged 2 

h- . ■ !•■.,, i-aldlity : returned home and died of 

consumption. 

Decembet 1, 1861.— Men nil,. i;,,»er.~, ng,.d:;l, siuh Reg in 1, 1 pain 

wounded Septembe) 17, 1862, .1 Intietam, in the side 
and thigh .. ■.,,. ;s... ; 

December 11, I -el laitle-i Mail., , . ;, = ..,1 _■ I Siuh Regiment, Culiipam 

'■■■!-•> I'lei :. . 1: 111, ipain k 

charged for disability Man It 2 
December M, 1861 Wallai 1 Bi ott, aged 21, Sixth Regimi at, C ianj 

K . .', years ; druni-iua jm .laiiuury 1, 1st'.-!. 

Uctobei 1, 1861. -Josiah P Smith, aged Jl. Ki-htb Ki-iio nt, C pany 

It; : years; Killed in the battle at P .rl 11 .- I .hue- 14. 1863. 
1861.— Jonathan L. Powers aged M Eighth Regiment, 
'i any D . died in 1 lamp Parapet, L11 . Oi tobi r 20, 1862. 

August 15, IS'.: .1 ,.. ih !.'. ■ .,,1 ,. .i tenth Regiment, loinpany 

K ; 3 years ; wounded ..t Drury't Bluff, M 

Cold Harbor, June 3, 1864 
August 9, 1862. Nathan D -1 Ilej aged 19, Thirteenth Regiment, 

' ompany G j 3 years ; captain promoted t j 

slightly woundedal the siege of Suffolk. 
Gustavus \ Forbush, aged 10, Thirteenth lb g .,., Companj G 3 

years; first lieutenant , | ....i ! tain naj i, 1863 ; killed in 

storming Kurt Harrison, September 2'.i, isr.4. 
September 12, 1862.— Person C. Chenej aged 34, Thirl enth Regiment, 

"lilt ,,f Mekn.'SS \llgll-t 

6, 1863. 
August 30, 1862 11. ..He, i, m sou, aged 26, Thirteenth Eegi it, 

' ' .;., : ,,.,. 1 ..,.,, it pi, .muted tu .pialtel master 

August I-', 1863. 

August 12, 1862.— Henrj B. Wheeler, aged 28, Thirteenth Reg nt, 

' "lupaiiv . 
>l." I". 18114 . Wounded ... Knit Hani.,... 1 Suptetnliei 2'.i. ls.14. 

Augusl 1 :, 1862 -Olivet 11 Brown, aged 14, Hun. enth R. ...... m. 

Company G 
Augusl 12, 1862 -Ira \ ■ , .1, 

pany G ; 3 years . ac. identally wounded ... Cold Harbor, \ .. 
John Bolio, aged jl, "Khit 1." in 1, Hegiu.eut.rvmpanj I 
Vugust 15, 1862 John Gafney, aged 18, Tenth Reg t, 1 

.2 -K'lwar.l lla-k.ns. aged .12, Tenth Regiment Company, 
F ; 3 years. 
August 13, 1862.— John Kelly, aged .'1, Tenth Regiment, Cum pain K. 

wounded al 1 .Id Harbor, rum 3, 1864 
August 12, 1862,— 1 Centh Regiment, 1 ompanj 

1 « led ..1 Cold II 

bush, aged 21 Thirteenth Regi nt, C pan] G ...... 

proinuted fruni corperal ... sergeant 
August 13, 1862 -Albert M. Smith, aged 25, Thirteenth Regiment, 

Cum pany 11 ; pruinuted fn.i p..i al to sere, I 

". I* -1. ■' ,_...'" Il.ii r.eiitb Itegiment, 

■ . '.... .1. . ...I . i ' ■ .■-.ii.i'uv Ma. jl . I.si,:;. 
'' 1 1 bail.. \ \, ,,.•-, aged 2 1, rhirteenth Regiment, 



lump. in. G : :i years ; .piaite. ma .1 . . 3 sergeant ; served as clerk till 

promoted 
Augusl IS, 1862.— Charles W. Bailey, aged 20, Thirteei 

'. : 3 years; ruptured at Fredericksburg, Vu. ; transferred 

to Veteran Resen rps. 

August 12, 1862.— John A. Bullar.l, aged 38, Thirteenth Regiment, 

panj G 3 years; detailed as hospital nurse and clerk most of 

.11 ufeuiisttiie.it. 
lugusl 13,1862.- Rodnej M. Brackett, aged 25, Thirteenth Regiment, 
1.- 1 " ...I i... disability , died at Peter- 
Joseph 1 Crosby, aged 22, Thirteenth Reg -nt. Cm; . 

L I '" storming Fort Harrison, Septemb. 

August 1-'. 1862 - « . lark, ... 1 18, Thirteenth Regiment, Com- 

...' '• . ". tnded li htly, I ... 11 irriaon, Septembe) 'J'.., 1864. 

Jacob I ttamberlain, aged ... I hiit.enlh Regiment, Company G ; 3 yeans; 

wounded at Kredericksburg, \ a . and died Nevelnhcr 4, 1S63, of 

iugusl 18, 1862 - Harrison I.. .,.,- .._..! 26, Thirteenth Regiment, Com- 

P*nj ... 1 j 1 .1-1... B . i.ai, and ston keepei 

August I."., 18112.— Kugene (, I '„,, 1 1 ,_,.! ju, Thirteenth Regiment, 
Coinpanj G ; 3 years; died at Hampton, June u, 1864. 

!.— Rufue 1; Frair, aged 18, Thirteenth Regiment, Com- 
pany G ; 3 years. 
August '.1, 1802— Henry N. Krair, aged 28, Thirteenth Re 

I years; killed in battle neat Petersburg, Va ., June 15, 

18.14. 

62 -Edmund S Greenwood, aged 42, Thirteenth Regiment, 
Company G ; I years . transferred to Vi t. ran Reserv. 1 orps 
Augusl 13, 186 ' Id, aged 20, Thirteenth Itegiment, 

Companj G 
S.uguel 12, 1862.— John J. It. K. Hardy, aged 30, Thirteenth Regiment, 

C p.. a. ... I years 

Herbert Lee, aged 20, Thin, enth Regiment, Company 

'- ' 1 "i diphtheria lugnsl 31, 1863. 

Augusl 1. I--.. 1.,:,.. 1 , lge d 11, Thirteenth Regiment, Com- 

l ".I '• 3 years; died of small-pox at City Point, Va. 

Aogii-t 12. 1.M12.— Ilenn K Me. leulillig. a^ed 20, Thtrtcc.,. 






rG; .; 



Robert M McGilvray, aged 18, Thirteenth Regiment, 

years ; Wuuiided thrnugli 1.. 



. .2, Thirteenth Regiment, 



1862 - Daniel ' 

. .ao].:n,, ' , . ... .,1 

August 13, 1862— Cortes s Osborne, aged 18, Thirteenth Regiment. 

Company G . I yean : died ... Hampton, Va . Octobet 31, 1864 
August 7, 1862.— Andrew J. Robbins, aged 26, Thirteenth Regiment, 

' ...... any G; I eat 

Augusl 13 1-.2 -.lulu, 1: Stevens, aged 30, Thirteenth Regiment, 

Company G 
'" nut 15 1862.- Sat 1 Jl \\ Is, aged 31, Thirteenth Eegiment, 

1 urn ..." G; 3 yeat . transferred to 1 nited States navy April 28, 

1864. 
Augusl 12, 1862.— Mark \ Wilder, aged 19, Thirteenth Itegiment, 

luinpau. 1, , ; year,: discharge.! b.r d.-abilit, .Tan. in 

William 11. 11. Wilier, aged 22. Tl -ml, Regiment, ...ny G , 3 

... ,. 11.-.I a, ipialtennasb 1 - . I, , I, 
11, tuber 2 ;. ls.,2. — Francis S. Piper, aged Hi, Sixteenth Reg nt. 1..10 

pany I ; died. 

' . I aged 24, First Company, 

" 1-. 1 "iiipnin K : .", y -. dm I,ai-ed Iiec-mber I'.i, I S..2 ; 

drafted Septelnbel 2. ISll.:. | nil | tee lit 1, Uegniielit. CuinpatiJ li. 

■ I "'"' 1 " i. i-'.2 -.1. rii n Mel'i. it.e, a_..i 11 c I ' pany.New 

Hampshire Cavalry ; I yeai 

\u-il-l ' ■ I-' 2. -.1.- |.b I ...I Regiment, I p.,|,y It : 

Edward Bolio, a_"l Is, See I Regiment. Cmpaiu ., ; uvears; died 

■lull' 16, l-'«. "I a .me i in lie thigh, at Cold Hurl. . '■ 



being 

... V 



' , ag"! ". Sen nth Regiment, Company 

-' i Brackett. 



PETERBOROUGH. 



Patrick Glancey, arret -1, Eighth KeiTi ut, i' [urn II i- i 

Bubstitute foi Hiram Mel 'oy. 
Samuel Wigs'"*. '-'' I -'"■ Ki-litlj Regiment, Companj i I (rears; 

Substitute fi'l I'. M '-1. I I.ihiiii^ . tram-ten. d (u navy .lime lh, 

1864. 

James Smith, aged 20, Eighth Regiment, C panj K; 

in be Ii.n.i-. id ; transferred to nai ) .1. ) 1 - 



Eighth Regiment, 1' pany K , 3 

21, Firrhrh llc-i nl, 1 1'ii'iv I ; 3 years ; 

Fi-hlh l: -mi. 11I 1 ..tujuiiiv l» . sul.-tiliite f..r 
-.1 I-. I.i-lilli I!, -mi. nl ; substitute Imi II. -iiiy 

tged J", Eighth Regimi nt, 1 ompanj K . substitute for 

I. .1.1 BFox,agedl9, Fourth Regiment, Company A; 

betil 1 11 Rodney M. Wilder. 

.— .Ii.lm I'. Marsh, aged 21, Beavy Artillery, Company 



\ ii.ii-' 
foi ' 



for -I - ■ I j ■ ■ D. Holmes. 

September 1 •. 1-' I — IF. 



Fifth Regime 
11. Fifth Regin 



ifantry, < omp . d 



Thomas Worth, as. 

D. Lovejoy. 
Alexander McLen 

M. Breed. 
Patri k Carni y, >{ 

1 i.i .1- 1 29, !-■ ■ 



December '21, Fsil3 —Charles I' Fi.-n.h, .i-.'l 111. Tim Lentil Regiment, 

Company F ; .; y.-i.l> , dialled S.-{.r .-i 1 1 1 .. ■■ 
December 22, 1863. Frank S. Bitter, aged 16, Ninth Reg 1. Com 

pany G ; three years ; musician ; a lure. I recruit. 
December 24, 1M'.3. Italian! I .11 1 . ;med 22, Ninth h'-: iiiient. I '...miianj 

D; 3 years; a prisoner "I war; no discbarge furnished; a hired 

Jolm Smith, aired I'.i, Tliii teeiith Retriment. Company]' . :: years; a 
December.:';, 1st.:;- I 1 ui\ Tli 11: -t. 11. am. I Is. Nnilli ]:. - nt. c - 

Thomas Rigley, aged 22, Ninth Regiment, Company C; 3 years; 

wounded Januarj IT, 1854; a hired recruit. 

John Watters, aged 22, Ninth Regiment, Company E; II years. 

Daniel W. Ken !v. aged 19, Ninth Regiment, Companj I 3 years 

William RuBsell, aged 32, Ninth Regiment, Com] j I I years; s 

hired recruil : absent from Bii Un.ss; transferred t.i Sixth Regiment, 

Company F. 
December 28, 1863 Pctei Fin-, age 18, Ninth Regiment, Companj 
■ .1 Im.-.l recruit; transferred in Sixth l:.- nt, 1..111- 

William A, Walker, aged is. Ninth Hegimeiit, 1 iniiium 1 , 1.-.1-, 
wounded May 12, 1864 ; transferred to Sixth Regiment, Company 



nt, Companj D; lyeare dii d 

in, Companj G , 3 years , trans- 

'■ : 1 1 1 recruit. 

t, 1 lompanj G ; 3 years ; trans- 

iiy IF .inn.- 1, 1865 : a hired re- 

t ; probably a hired recruit. 

it, C [.any G; 3 years ; trims 

G; a hired recruil 

aged 33, Sixth Regiment, Com- 



I'.iin. k Mullen, representative 
. i-.| Georg 
I war , representative ret 
Willi Simpson, Fourier nth 

Benjamin \ M odi y, n pn sei 
AuguBt 9, 18G4. ' ■■■ 1 -■ w •' 

I....-I lyeare . pr t. 

August 19, 1861 -Charles E. Lakenian, Thirteenth Regin 

di.-.l Mil. h In. ISO... 

August 9, 1864 — I'.i 1 M. White, aged 21, Firs! New Hampshire Cav- 
alry, Tr ii..i. 1. ; .;\eius, [ al tu second lieutenant. 

August ]o. ls.,4— Willi- F, Allies, Fust New II p-hice Cavalry, Tr.s.ii 



itirteenth Regiment Infantry; 

s Hunt 

In: in; \ . 1 year . representa- 



.111 for Albert Smith 

■n-i New Hampshire Cavalry, 



, C pany 



.h.hll S, Mil. 



Cavalry, Troop G , quarter- 



Hampshire Heavy 



Robert Warner, age 
Samuel VI 1- igt d 

fe I I- sixth I 

December 31, 1863.- 



. F11 -1 N.ii 1 arnlaml 1 uralrr . T | I , . a]. tin. si i 

, August 17. 1864 : probably a hired recruit, 

William Culberson, aseil 22, Sixth Reeiiuetit, I 'miiiianv I : v.n- 
hired recruit. 

January 1. 1861 —George Wallace, aged 28, First New Hampshire Ca' 
airy, 'I' p D ; a I I reel ml 

Augusl 5, 1864. -William I.., ttis. Fourteenth Regiment, New Hamp- 
shire Infantry, Company l: ; : e-m- -nl-' 11 in. i,.i F.lwm A 
Towne. 

Aii-iist c, 1864.— John Hiffsina, Fifth Regiment New Hampshire In- 
fantry, Company A ; substitute for George F. Livingston. 

August in, 1864.— Don Negretta, aged 40, First New Hampshire Cavalry, 
TroopG; 3 years; substitute foi ' liariesJ Smith 

Au-11-t .'.. ! set - .lain.- 1 inn. 1, I .a,it. . Ml, lb-uncut Infantry, Corn- 
pany C ; 3 yoai- : -iil.slitulc t..r Albeit 1 . Frust. 

Augusl 6, 1864.— William Mahoney. Fifth K.-i nt Infantry, Com- 
pany I ; substitute bit Horace F. Whim-more. 

August 12, 1864.— James Bennett, Fifth Regimenl Infantry, Company 
B; substitute for George Bruce. 



Hardj a ed 42, first New Hampsh 
1, aged 24, Fust New Hampshi 



Cav- 



alry, 'I |i''. 3 nals; c.l|,tl I \ . i r el, 1 1 .■ 1 1 .', ISItl, 111 Cedar 

i .'. k , Ion d in I ill r I'i i -hi, Kicbii.iiiid, and Sal : 

endured great sufl gs in tie- above pi isons. 

March 10, 1864 -sub Dunn, aged -27. Fu-t New Halii|i-hu. Far, In 

T pi' lyeare 

All.n I;. II I. aged JJ. First New ii I'n. c.r, in Troop B ; 3 

lien.l. F W hit ih. First \crr IIaiil|i-hii c Cuali r, 'I' ; i 

\iiil.i l l i'i"n, aged 18, Firsl Now Hampshire I avalry, Troop B; 3 

X'.'i '.'I'I' I .lune 20, ISO! , ilieil al \ii.l. r-..nr III' r ii i.i 

I'i ti r 7, lsr,+ 

Mai. I, 23, 1864. -William II II. I'ritchar.l, lined 2:!, First New Hamp- 
shire I avalry, 'Fi. mi- a ; 3 rem- . wounded mi pi. ket Julj is, 1864. 

Hen Field, aged 40, First New Hampshire Cavalry, Troop \ 3 years. 

M ,i. i, j ; ,:-i i -.1 1 i, F Farmer.aged _"J, First New Hampshire Cav- 

March 31, 1864 William \ Huntress, aged 36, First New Hampshire 

i i.vahv. 'Fiihiji F ; 3 years; w.niti.le.l in ley ; transferred t.. Veteran 
Reserve C irps April 17. 1865. 

alan h In, Isi'l-Ceni-e F. Whitman, used 20. First New Hampshire 

Cavalry, Troop B;3 years; captured, ami died at Indersonville 



I, .bin .or i:>, I-.'. - < 'ii.ni. - .leweit, ma is, In-t New Hampshire 
Heavy Artillery, K; 1 " at 

March 10, 1865 —George D Mar , I'm N.u II i .- 1 n i . Heavy \ nil hi v. 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



B i -Charles S. G 
airy, Troop I. ; I yeai 

Ue.-rffe I!- Tildrll, ag.-t l'J. First X.-w Hallipxll 



agc-d 4M, Fir-t Xew Hampshire Cav- 
y, Troop L ; 1 



George N. Bailey, Firsl N.-w Hampshire Cavalry, Troop K ; 1 year. 
February 25, 1865.— Wells E Fork, Firsl \.-« Ilanip>liii . II. my Anil 

lery, M ; I (real 
February 14, 1865.— John C. Richardson, Eighth New Hampshire Ic 

fantry, Company A ; I year. 
w II. II. Greenw I, FSrsl Se\t Hampshiri Hear] artillery, M; 



H. 1863.— John 



: ril.l-i l;,.s - I .. .y . I y ,u 



Soldiers' Monument.'— The soldiers' monument 
erected in Putnam Grove, Peterborough, consists of a 
bronze statue of a soldier, six feet seven inches high, 
standing in full dress, at rest upon his arms, upon a 
granite pedestal sown feet in height. The statue was 
designed by .Martin Milmore, Esq., of Boston, and 
casl bj the Ann's Manufacturing Company, at Chico- 
pee, Mass. The pedestal is of the Concord granite, 
anil was designed at Ohicopee, ami wrought by D. ( '. 
Hutchinson, of Manchester. The statue and pedestal 
are so well proportioned that the artistic effect of the 
whole is very pleasant and admirable. Upon the 
face of the granite pedestal, in front, is inserted a 
bronze inemori.il tablet, hearing the following in- 
scription : 

"Till; WAR ol' THE REBELLION. 



rapt, Gu-tavus A. Fiirlmsli, Kith X. II. lti-j;l. 

Lieut. Timothy K. A s,6thN. II Regt 

Lieut. Charles L. Fulli r, 6th Nil i: 
Lieut. John M. Dodtl, 6th X. II. Regl 



Charles 0.1 ollister,2dN. H. Regt. 
NewmanHall, 2d X. II Regl 
Edward Bolio, 2d N H R. 
Frank E. Howe, 2d N. II. Regl 
il ling, nil N. ii. Regl 
Luther G. Crosby, 4th S H B 
German X. Breed, 5th \. II. Regt 
George X. Spanlding, 6th X. II. 

Regt. 
!!;•■ W H.i,ll,-y. nth N II II. ul. 

William II. Wallace, 6th V II 

l:. 
Lucius H. FarwelL6th N. II Regt, 
Cyrus Henry Farnum, S Ii 

Regl 
Christopher SI. Wheel 

ii Regl 
Dai id \ Cram, 6th X. H. Regt. 
lifted Perry, (ith X. II. Regt. 
Philemon W. Cross,6th \ II Regt, 
Charles II Fay, 6th N I! Regt, 
ll,-i,' - ' Taggart,6th N II !:- gt. 

Tl las J. Voee, 6th N. II. Regt. 

B 1, 6th N. II. Regt. 



JonathanL Powers, 8th X II Regt. 
Rodnej M Brackett, 13th X. H. 

Regt. 
Joseph A. Crosby, i:»h X. H. Regt. 
b I ii. .ei lain, 13th X. II. 

R, .1 
Charles E. Lakeman, I Ith V II 

i:, gt. 
Eugene G. Farwell, 1 Ith X. II. 

Regl 
1 | i n, ,,,ir, ! llh X. II. Regt, 
Henry II. Frail, 13th X. H. Regt. 
Herbert Lee, 13th X. II. Regt. 
John Leathers, 13th X II. Regt. 
Cortes - Osborni , 1 Ith V II. Regt. 
Francis S Piper, 16th N II. Ri gt 
James L. Boyce, 16th X. H. Regt. 
Ainl.1,,-1- I I jii.,11, 1st V Hi av- 

Henry Moore, 11th (II 

Joseph Clark, M Mass. Regt. 
GeorgeM. Clark. 5th Conn. Regl 
.luhu P. Cram, 15th Conn. Vol. 



!>i,,« u.,,1. In -u.I.i.il' ,,l -i, .mi, i ,,i, I'.,t,iii,a, llh 
Sophia, u ifeol Lieut -Col. CharlesSi ott. 
Kati.-, Wife nf Capr .luhu A. Cuiiiiniii^s.* 



CHAPTER III. 

PETERBOROUGH— ( Continue, 

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 

The I iiii.iii.u, Church— Unioi 
pal Church— Baptist Church- 

Unitarian Church.— It is not known when the first 
church iii this town was incorporated, but the first 
house of worship was erected in 1752. In 1761 sixty- 
eight pounds were voted to repair the house and to 
purchase the land on which it was located. The town 
" Voted, To protect meeting-house from falling trees 
and tire, each surveyor, with all his gang, should 
work one day to clear about the meeting-house, and 
clear the graveyard and fence it." " Voted, To enlarge 
old meeting-house by an addition eighteen feet long 
on smith side, and as wide as the old house is long, 
and join roof of addition to that of old house." In 
1763, " Voted to lay a Moor and build plank seats, and 
glaze windows in meeting-house." " Voted, To de- 
mand of Alexander Scott the ' neals ' given by the 
proprietors." The old house is not again mentioned, 
except in the following vote of 1774, viz. : " Voted, 
To build a new meeting-house upon the ten acres of 
common land, where the old one stands and some dis- 
tance west from said house." ("hose William Smith, 
William Robbe and II. m\ Ferguson a committee to 
carry the same into effect. " Voted also one hundred 
pounds toward the same, and that it should he framed, 
hoarded, elapboarded, shingled and glazed by the 
committee one year from the date, which will he in 
1776." The house was not raised till 1777, and re- 
mained in an unfinished state a number of years. 

In 177'J (says Mr. Smith) we learn that the town 
released Mr. Comings with regard to the obligation to 
build the meeting-house, and allowed him certain sums 
tin his labor, and at the same time voted to finish the 
new meeting-house and lay the under floor anil have 
window- ti.r the lower story. The house remained 1111- 
finished till 17*4, when a committee- was chosen to let 
out the building of the pews and the finishing of the 
meeting-house, and in 1785 there was action of the 
town in relation to the galleries, and after this there 
was no more legislation, only votes to move the meet- 
ing-house to a more convenient place, in 1795; and 
if the town cannot agree, the subject to be submitted 
tn a committee from out of town: in 1797, also to 
move meeting-house, if they can agree upon a place 
to set it; in 1798 it was " Voted to set the meeting- 
house a little to the east of the house that Thomas 11, 
Blood (Dr. Blood) now lives in (Carter's Corner), 
when built or moved." In 1812 it was voted to make 
a thorough repair of tin- meeting-house, and one hun- 
dred dollars was voted for the same in 1813. In same 
year, April 6th, " Voted, That the town be at one-half 
"I th,- e\pense of pun basing a stove, on condition 
that the other half of expense is done by subscription, 



PETERBOROUGH. 



061 



said stove to be the property of the town and to be 
kept iii the meeting-house." In 1816 it was voted 
not to repair meeting-house, so no repairs wen- made 
on the house, nor, indeed, did a stove ever gel within 
its walls. 

An effort was made to fix upon a location for a new 
meeting-house in 1816, and a committee from out of 
town was selected: viz., Nahum Parker, of Fitz- 
william, Samuel Bachelder, of New Ipswich, and 
Benjamin Pierce, of Hillsborough. It was not till 1819 
that this committee was called on to act. The town 
chose David Steele, Jonathan Faxon. Thomas Steele, 
Nathaniel Holmes, Jonathan Smith, James Cuning- 
ham, Robert Swan. Hugh Miller, David Carter and 
Adam Penniman to wait on committee of location 
and see that all necessary admeasurements be made, 
and all necessary information be furnished, and no- 
tify them to come as soon as convenient. 

This committee was assembled in June. As pre- 
paratory to their decision, the distances were accu- 
rately measured from every dwelling in town to a 
central point, with the number of each household: 
thoseinthe southeasl to Bunt's Corner, those in the 
southwest to Carter's Corner, those in the west and 
northwest to Smith's Bridge, those in the northeast 
to John Little's Comer, the same being laid down on 

a plan, now in g 1 preservation, bj Caleb Searle, 

June 19, 1819. 

This committee, after a careful examination, fixed 
the place of location for the new meeting-house 
north of the house of .lames Wilson, on the west 
side of the street road, about midway between the 
house aforesaid and the old cemetery. The decision 
did not prove satisfactory to anybody. At a town- 
meeting, September 13, 1819, Samuel Smith, modera- 
tor, "Voted, not to accept the report of the locating 
committee." "Voted, not to repair the meeting- 
house." The old house continued to be used for 
some years only during the summer season, the meet- 
ings being held in school-houses in winter till 1825, 
when it was finally abandoned. In 1829 we find the 
following vote, " Voted, to sell the old meeting-house 
forthwith." Sold to William Scott for seventy-live 
dollars and twenty-five cents. 

Rev. John Morrison, of a race entirely distinct 
from the Morisons of the town, was the fust settled 
minister. Mr. Morrison was offered sixty pounds 
sterling and one -hundred acres id' land, or one hun- 
dred dollars in money, if he accepted the call. The 
land was given by the proprietors. J lis yearly salary 
was tbrty-iive pounds in our currency, and an increase 
when the number shall increase to one hundred fami- 
lies. Then to be fifty pounds a year. It was voted 
that his settlement be assessed forthwith. Mr. Mor- 
rison complied with the offer, and was ordained 
November 26, 1766, no account of the ordination 
having come down to us. It was an unfortunate 
ministry for the town, and great uneasiness ami dis- 
satisfaction were soon manifested bv some of the best 



men of the church. It appears that a petition was 
made to the Provincial Legislature, dated November 
27, 1771. praying to be released from the support of 
Mr. Morrison, and was signed by the following per- 
sons, viz. : 



■'■'"" 








exan ,ii; ... 




iseph 


lllllllll.il. Slllllll. 


1 Cuningham, 


in. i.i ■, Jr., Mm 


Vilson, I'.'.ni. 1 


Hooi 


John Mil. hell 


i 


Ull 11, 


» 22 !o Dei 11, 1 


71. 


l:,l. 


ii. mi- ..I the i..v 


11 of Petorbor 




. the Rei .1 John Morris.. 11 wns 



III ., -II I 

.•t'.u.. l'r;i,viiiL' tin. Iritei-positi.iii ..| 
tli.-ir "l.lig.itii.i. In support him," 

i.r . II. ... in- .ir.lcrr.l l.y Hi.- li. ....<•. 



/'..,.... 



The vote for a hearing in the Council was recon- 
sidered, and December is, 1771. it was ordered that 
the petition be dismissed. And in the House of Rep- 
resentatives, December 20, 1771. the above vote 1 the 
Council being considered, it was proposed that the 
petition should be dismiss.-, 1 ; accordingly, the ques- 
tion being put, it passed in the affirmative. (Provin- 
cial Records.) 

Mr. Morrison relinquished his connection with the 
society in March, 1772. During his ministry his con- 
duct became so scandalous that at a Presbyterial meet- 
ing held tit this time he was for a time suspended from 
his office. He is represented as possessing more than 
ordinary talent. He was i„it twenty-three years of 
age when he commenced his ministry. 

The town was without a minister till 177S, the pul- 
pit being supplied by the town authorities with such 
men as could then be procured, preaching, neverthe- 
less, being pretty constantly maintained. Tin- early 
settlers had great faith in a regular maintenence of 
the preached gospel. 

Rev. David Annan was called in 177*. having been 
ordained at Walkill. N. .(.. October. 177*. with Peter- 
borough lor his destination. He was brother of Rev. 
Robert Annan, a man of superior talents, who was ful- 
some time a pastor of the Federal Street Church, in 
Boston. Mr. Annan came to America when young. 
He received his education at Rutgers College, New 
Brunswick, X. J., where tin- degr f A.M. was con- 
ferred on him in 1782. The pastoral connection of 
Mr. Annan with the societj in Peterborough continue. 1 
fourteen 5 ears, until it was dissolved, at his request, in 
1792, by the Presbytery of Londonderry. In a complaint 
against Mr. Annan by Elder Samuel Moore to the Pres- 
bytery of Londonderry, to be holden at Peterborough 
August 30, 1788, drawn up in the handwriting of 
Judge Jeremiah Smith, whether ever acted on we 
have no means of knowing, it charges first, — " That the 
Rev. Mr. Annan, as appears from his private con- 
versation, as well as his public performances, has 



C(i2 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



neglected the study of useful knowledge, the reading 
of good books, ami especially of the Holy Scriptures, 
and hath not given himself to study, but has fre- 
quently, as he himself confesses, gone into the pulpit 
without any preparation, and thus hath served the 
Lord with that which cost him nothing, and hath not 
by hi- discourses edified or improved the Hock com- 
mitted to his care." That Mr. Annan's " conversation 
and beha, ior and manners have Keen of a kind differ- 
ent from those recommended by the apostle and 
essential to the character of a gospel minister, who is 
an example to the Hock. — his conversation not sea- 
soned with salt, but generally upon trifling subjects; 
his behavior not being sober, 1ml light and vain ; and 
his conduct and manners irreverent, sometimes inde- 
cent and unbecoming the character of a gospel min- 
ister." "That he has attempted to extort from the 
town two fifty-acre lots of land, which he knew were 
never designed for him, and were no part oi the eon- 
tract the town made with him ; and to accomplish 
his purposes respecting this land, he has not scrupled, 
in several instances, to deviate from the truth." The 
complaint then charges him with being intoxicated 
on several specified occasions, viz. : at an entertain- 
ment at the house of William Smith, Esq., about the 
1st day of September, 1784, he became intoxicated 
with spirituous liquors ; also the 1st day of February, 
1785, at the marriage of Elizabeth Smith, he was in- 
toxicated with liquor, and behaved very unbecomingly. 
Several other instances are mentioned of his being 
intoxicated, and reference is made to the names of the 
witnesses to substantiate the charges. The complaint 
ends thus, — 

" Your eumplainant might have swelled th.' .'iitalu^iir with Mr. An- 
nan's faults as a minister, as a lllall and a Christian 1" : 
but if 1»' should 1»- al.tr tu justify tin' Presbytery that tin's.' win. h b.-ivn 
1 n .' i.e. .1 n ■ tin.,, 1 1, i- |.. i-uatle.l that they will think it need- 
les- t.. a.lilu. .■ any In. He p|....f- t.. slinw thai tin- | pi 

complin mini, ha\. pist ran-, i. ... in plain ; and that .Mr. Annan's la burs 
in Pet.il i-.li air witl t pletit to the ] pi.', an. I that bis conduct 

has been irregular, and mi ... mm bis sti is a minister of tin' gos- 
pel and a membei ol jroui rev d Presbytery, and that you will pro- 

. .1 n. milt, i n. h . i,-iir.- ..n ] ii in as tin- nature of tin- offences merit, 

and as v w .-I. in mall .in.'. I 

There was a prejudice against written sermons in the 
early settlement, as indicated by a vote in town-meet- 
ing April 3, 17C4. — •■ Voted, that the Rev. Mr. Mor- 
row , hiielv come from 1 reland, and is shortly to return, 
should be our commissioner, ami be invested with 
full power and authority to send to us a faithful min- 
ister of the gospel, a Calvinist of the Presbyterian 

Constitution, a /irnir/irr of the word, and not a 

" Watts' Hymns" were introduced by a vote of the 
town at a meeting April 10, 17H2. The following vote 
was passed. " Voted, That Dr. Watts' version of 
l'salms be used in tin- congregation of l'eti t b..t .ni-.lt 
for the future ; " also, " Voted, To choose a committee 
to procure seats in the breast and front of the gallerj , 
decent and comfortable, to accommodate a sufficient 
number ..('singers to carry on the singing in as good 



order as the circumstances of the congregation will 
admit of;" also," Voted, Thai Robert Smith. John 

Moore and Thomas Steele be said committee to buy 
or hire said seats or pews as they shall think best : " 
also, " Voted, That Jonathan Smith, John i iray.t diver 
Felt and Samuel Smith arc to set the tune, and to in- 
vite such persons to assist them as they think proper." 
The town continued without a pastor until 1799, 
obtaining such supplies of preaching as offered, and 
gular call to two different individuals. The 
first was to Rev. Abram Moore, a graduate of Dart- 
mouth College, 1789. September 25, 1795, a call was 
extended to him, and was signed by fifty-eight of the 
leading men in town, his salary voted, and Samuel 
Smith authorized to prepare a call, and present ii in 
him or to the Presbytery to which he properly be- 
longs. Nothing more is beard of this matter, whether 
he accepted or declined, or what broke oil' the ex- 
pe, ted engagement ; and, with the exception of Mr. 
Elihu Thayer, no one in town ever heard that such a 
man existed. The following tire the names of those 

who signed the call to Rev. Abram M -e, September 

21, L795, viz.: 

vi - . ._! sainni'l Mm!:.]!. David Steele, Samuel Gregg, 

John Morison, Joseph Hammil, William AIM, William Mulliken, Benja- 
min Mitchell, John Todd, Peter Thayer, John Gray, Robert Smith, 
Jam... Mill, i Nathaniel II. .lines. Robert Swan, .h.iiathan smith, Samuel 
Alld, si 1 \l ,, .lam.- Richej VI. ii. r Baggctt, John White, Rich- 
ard I in. I'. Ji bn Waugl St n Mi N -, I'". .11 i ■- . Daiid Steele, ,h , 

vi. .11. .a. vv 'iii. 111, ii. ...... Ii . .1.1 egf Randall McAlister, Christophei 

Thayci Williai M . vi.,;.i ... j, ,,,p!et,,n. Henry Crane. luibert 

Its !■ . - ; ..:'. i, .1 l.i l!..n William Nay, Vbraham Holmes, 

II. mi l.l-ii II. in. in H\. in-, Samuel Smith, NathalH.il VI -, Wil- 
liam Smith, .hihii steel.-, liarth. .I.nneii Thayer, lluedi Miller, Samuel 
Mill i .Ii William White, Richard Hovey, Elihu Penniman, Kelso 
..... ii.. I,.., Steel 

Rev. Elijah Dunbar was settled as pastor October 

i.:. 1799, and remained until June 27, 1S27. The 
church edifice was repaired and rededicated Feb- 
ruary 22, 1826. July 4, 1826, the "Congregational 
Society iii Peterborough " was formed, and the first 
meeting held January 27, 1827, with General John 
Steele moderator. 

The following is a list of pastors from this time to 
the present : 

Revs vi.i.-i vi.L.,1. D I' ..inn" JT, 1-::, i" September 9, is4s ; Charles 

It. .hu, -"ii. I' 111I..1 1. 1851, t.. .Inly I, ls;,n ; C. IV Ferry. .Tune 13, ISO". 

to Dece i I, 1869 I-. Porter, luneS 1870, to V.ugust 1, lsT'J : 

vi. lain, a, vv Jackson, January J. 187 ;, to 1881. Rot. William W. Wal- 

hridfre became pastor Scpti-inher 1. Issl, and is the present incumbent. 

The Union Evangelical Church.— The Presbyte- 
rian Church was organized in 1822, being a secession 
ot members of the Congregational Church who were 
not pleased with the Congregational form, and others 
who could not adopt the liberal views of Dr. Dunbar's 
society. 

The first house of worship was erected in 1825, 
at Gordon's Corner, and was dedicated October 
4th of the same year. This building was occupied 
untill839. In 1840 the present church edifice was 
erected in the v illage. 



PETERBOROUGH. 



The first pastor was Rev. Peter Holt, of Epping, 
from March. 1826, to .March. 1835. The society was 
without a pastor from 1837 to 1840. Rev. N. Pine 
was pastor from June 8, 1836, to January, 1837, and 
Rev. J. Barrett supplied till February, 1839; J. R. 
French was installed March IS. 1840, ami remained 
until 1847; Henry .1. Lamb was pastor from July 14, 
L847, to December, L852. 

During the year ISM, much dissatisfaction i-xi-.tin.tr 
with the preaching of Mr. Lamb, a number of the mem- 
bers of the Presbyterian Church, by the decision of 

the Presbytery of Lond lerry, were recommended 

to different churches in the vicinity. In 1853 the same 
persons, with others, were, by advice of council, or- 
ganized into a Congregational Church, whose officers 
were Nathaniel II. Mo., re. Joel Fay and Andrew A. 
Farnsworth. April 21, 1858, the Congregational 
and Presbyterian Churches, by mutual consent, and 
advice of a reference committee tor both parties, were 
organized into a church to be known by the name of 
the Union Evangelical Church. 

Rev. George Dustan was ordained pastor of this 
church in October, 1859, and remained its efficient 
pastor more than a quarter of a century. He was 
succeeded February 26, 1885, by the present pastor, 
Rev. Austin II. Ball. 

In I860 tlie church edifice was repaired and en- 
larged at a cost of about three thousand dollars, and 
in 1873 a neat and commodious chapel was erected 
costing nearly two thousand dollars. 

Methodist Church.— Methodist services were first 
held in this town by Rev. Z. Adams, in 1819. The 
church was organized in October, 1824. The first 
class consisted of Adam and Phebe Penniman, John 
Shearer, Jean White, Elizabeth and Fanny Gregg. 

The society worshiped in school-houses, private 
dwellings and the town-house until 1840. September 
16th of that year their first house of worship was 
dedicated. 

The following is a list of the pastors to the present 
time : 

■ ' I • - " ■ . h i I I ;■', .l.ilm ,I,kk-s ; 

1830-40, J. C. Cromack; 1840-tl, B. D. Brewster ; 1841-42, 0. H. Chase ; 
1842-14, JamesAdams; 1844 45, Moses A Howe ; 1846 16, Elijah Mason ; 

1846-47, Franklin Furber ; 1847-49, RufuaTilton 1-1 • -I Ibl fee; 

I- i a, I - li ."I . I '■ 'I. < M I'm ; 1854 I. in 

ball Hadley; 1855-57, William H.Jones 1857-59,] nville i Mil! 
1859-60, George S I;., mm, 1860-62, B I Danfortb 1862-64, S. I. East- 
man . 1864^65, in- ph Fawcetl ; -■ ; i Drap 1867-68, Silas 

i I ]• Hamblet ; 1871-72, S lei Deedle ; 1872-73, 

Samuel L. Better; 1873, Mi irtF.Baxtei ; 1 -T... I II Hillman; 1S77-7S, 
E. P. F. Dearborn ; 1878-9, J. I,. Harrison; 1879-80, Mi Presbj ; 1880-81, 
Mr. Windsor; ls.M-sj, v.,.;tin , I--- -.:, .1 V Iiniv, I— ;-.".. 

Baptist Church.— The Baptist Church was organ- 
ized December 19, 1822. Jonathan Faxon was the 
first deacon and Moses Dodge the first clerk. Elder 
John Cummings, who organized the church, supplied 
them with preaching for several years. The first 
regular pastor was Rev. Asa Niles, who remained 
during 1825-26. The following have been his suc- 



Revs. John Peacock (supply i, / .l..m-. l-ln-l; i m i l-t- 

B i- I, 1861 -67 . « o Vyer, 1871-74; i '. F. Myers, 1875; 
Rev, David Gage, from November, 1880, to Maj I, 1881 Rev. ] Id 
Herring, from Maj I, ISM, tu .luniwry, ls>W ; it..\ Kdward Greene, 

li'i.iu > I : i re 1 1 I. ISM1, lu May I. tSSl, shun wliirli 111. -iv hi- l„ , i a 



The first church edifice was erected in 1822 on 
High Sheet, and was enlarged in 1834. The pres 

em house of worship, on Main Street. «as completed 
in lsti', and dedicated in the summer of that year. 

St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church. Prior to 
1874 Mass was said in this town by priests from 
Nashua and Keene. In that year, however, Rev. P. 
Holahan located in the town as pastor, and remained 
until 1876, when be was succeeded l>\ the present 
pastor. Rev. Edmund Buckle. The church edifice 
was dedicated May 14, 1876. It was erected at a 
cost of about five thousand dollars. 



(HA PTER IV. 

PETERBOROUGH— {Continued). 

Mi'li'M Hi-I<M -. 1 in v — Tlio Iliuh S. It.-ol — First Na- 

tumal Bank— Savings-Bank— The Pres — Masonic— I. ol 1 

Ti'\\ n-J 1. nisi — Manilla' ttui>- I'ust-i Hlki-— Population. 

Medical History. 1 — Dr. John Young was the first 
physician who practiced in Peterborough. His early 
history and life is but little known. He was horn in 
Worcester, Mass., June 2, 1739, and studied his pro- 
fession with Dr. Green, of that town. He was con- 
sidered one of the best read men of his day. and the 
community held him in very high esteem for his 
medical knowledge and skill. 

He came to Peterborough about 17<i4. He there 
sustained the reputation of being one of the best 
physicians of his day, and was extensively employed 
in all this and the surrounding community. 

Although Dr. Young continued in a full practice, 

be became very ] r. probablj from two causes, — one 

being the small fee and slow pay which he was com- 
pelled to accept in the then new country, ami much 
of that must come in the way of farm produce, as 
there was not much money in the community; the 
other being the habit of intemperance, which be- 
came strong with him. in consequence of which be 
was obliged to ask help from the town in bis latter 
years. He bad two wives and ten children. Hedied 
of a cancer of the face, after a long illness, February 
^7, 1807, aged sixty-eighl years. 

Hi;. Kendall Osgood came to Peterborough in 
1788. He was a well-educated gentleman, hut was 
in. i successful in his profession. The history of the 
town speaks of him as being a man of considerable 
means, acquired while acting as surgeon in a pri- 
vateer during the last partof the Revolutionary War; 
I. at lii- great pomp and show in dress, etc., led the 



lily .Ic.lm II. rutin. VI.: 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



good people, clad in their coarae, home-spun material, 
to soon tire of him. He died August 19, 1801, aged 
forty-five \ ears. 

Dr. Jonathan White, sou of John White, Sr., was 
educated as a physicion. Jle studied with Dr. John 
Young, and completed his studies in Boston. The 
blight of intemperance rested on his early career, and 
closed his professional life almost as soon as begun. 
He died miserable and degraded at Carlisle, Pa., 
having enlisted as a common soldier in the War of 
1S12. 

Hi:. David Smiley was born in Haverill, Mass., 

April 10, 1760, and came to Peterborough in 17s2. 
He married Miss Rachael Johnson, of this town. In 
1793 he began the study of medicine with Dr. Stephen 
Jewett, of Eindge, and his practice commenced 
almost simultaneously with his studies. Though not 
fully educated, his practice extended over a large 
country, and he enjoyed the confidence of the best 
families. lie retired from practice when the' infirm- 
ities of age compelled him to, and died October ■ '■, 
1855, aged ninety-live years and six months. 

Dr. Thomas H. Blood came to Peterborough 
some time previous to 1798, and left town about 1801, 
and removed to Massachusetts, where he was State 
Senator and brigadier-general in the State militia. 

Dr. John Mussey came to town in 1800. He 
never practiced much, though a regularly educated 
man. He died January 17, 1831, aged eighty-five 
years and four months. 

Dr. Thomas Peabody is remembered by the 
elder people as a "Tramp Doctor," with a secret 
remedy which he called bis "Arcanum," supposed 
to be a preparation of antimony. With In- secret 
remedy he dispensed his skill equally to man and 
beast. Hi' died in Greenfield November 6, 1822, 
aged fifty-seven years. 

Dr. Willis Johnson was born in Sturbridge, Mass., 
December 21, 1786, and came to town in 1808, and 
remained till 1814, when he removed to Mason, and 
died in 1X50, aged seventy-three years. He always 
enjoyed the confidence of the community. 

DR. JOHS STARE graduated from Harvard Col- 
lege in 1804, and came to town in 1808 or 1809, and 
removed to Northwood in 1814, where he died Sep- 
tember 8, lx.'il, aged sixty-seven years. 

Dr. David Carter came to town in 1x12, from 
Marlborough, and removed to Dublin in 182b, where 
be died in January, 1828. 

Dr. Jabez B. Priest came to town in 1816. He 
married Fanny Moore, April 4, 1820, and died August 
17. 1826, of epidemic dysentery, survived bj his 
widow and two children. He attained a large prac- 
tice and was quite successful as a physician, his 
business extending over a large country. 

Dr. Samuel Richardson came to town in 1820. 
and was in active practice till he removed to Water- 
town, Mass., in 1838. He was a successful physician. 

Dr. William Follixsisee was born in Frances- 



town December 12, 1800, and received his degree 
from Dartmouth College in 1825. He came to Peter- 
borough in 1826, and succeeded Dr. Jabez B. Priest in 
his practice. He was twice married, — first, to Hannah 
.1. Follinsbee, second, to Rachel P. Moore. He 
was a man of influential standing and wealth, was 
president of the Peterborough Savings-Bank at his 

death and was sent to the. •state Legislature in 1X42- 
4:i. He was endowed with tine practical ability and 
enjoyed a large patronage until his death, which oc- 
curred May 30, 1867, of heart-disease, aged sixty-six 
years. 

Dr. Richard Stelle received his A.M. and M.D. 

degrees from Dartmouth College, began practice in 
1826; not succeeding, left town and died at Durham, 
1870, aged seventy-three years. 

Albert Smith, M.D., LL.D., was born in 
Peterborough June IX. 1801, and received his A.M. 
from Dartmouth College in 1825, his M.D. in 
1833 and LL.D. in 1870; also an honorary M.D. from 
Rush Medical College, Chicago, 111., in 1875. He 
commenced practice in town in 1838, and married 
Miss Fidelia Stearns, of Jaftrey, February 2b. 1828, 
who survived him. He held the position of profes- 
sor of materia medica and therapeutics in the 
Dartmouth Medical College from 1X40 to 1870, and 
the same at the Vermont Medical College, Castleton, 
lor the term of 1857, and at the Bowdoin Medical 
College, Maine, ill 1859. He was always an active 
member of the New Hampshire Medical Society, and 
was an honorary member of the New York .Medical 
Society. He continued in practice until his death, in 
February, 1878, aged seventy-six years and eight 
months. 

Daniel B. Cutter, M.D., was bom in Jatfrey 
May in. 1808. He graduated A.M. from Dartmouth 
College in 1838, and M.D. from Yale College iii 1835, 
and commenced practice in town in 1837. Delias 
been twice married, — first, to Miss Clementine Parker, 
of Jalfrey; second, to Mrs. Tryphena T. Richardson, 
of this town, lie has been for many Years on the 
Board of Education, and also intimately connected 
with the Peterborough Savings-Bank ; was a member 
of the State Legislature in 1852; he was made histor- 
ian of Jaffrey in 1872, and compiled and published 
an excellent history and centennial report of his 
native town in 1881. lie has had an active andsuccess- 
ful practice, and has accumulated a competency, but 
has of late retired from active labor. 

Dr. Seavey and Dr. Chase, homceopathists, were 
in town lor a short time, but no one remembers much 
of them. 

Dr. George Greely came to town and re- 
mained for a short time. 

Oliver L. Bradford, M.D., was bom in Frances- 
town, lie graduated from the Homoeopathic Medical 
College at ( leveland, Ohio, and came to town in 1861. 
He attained a. large practice, but removed to Ando- 
ver, .Mass., in 1867. He is a bachelor. 



PKTKKIIUKOUGH. 



iii;5 



John Hurd, M.D., came to Peterborough from 
Etindge in 1860, and after remaining in town foi six 
or eight months removed to Hillsborough. He was 
a man of good ability. 

Lev] Dodge, M.D., was born in Francestown 
January, 1819,and graduated from the Homoeopathic 
Medical College of New York City in 1865, and came 
to this town in 1867, where he practiced until 1873, 
when In- removed to Fall River, Mass., and practiced 
until his death, January 15, 1881, aged sixty-two years. 
He was a man of education, character and sterling 
ability, and attained a good practice. 

W'illarh D. Chase, M.D., was born in Claremont 
December 4, 1836, and graduated from Harvard Col- 
lege in 1866. He settled in Greenfield, but removed 
to Peterborough in tin' spring of 1868, where he 
enjoys an appreciative patronage. He married, 
December 30, 1869, Miss Josephine L. Clark, of Wil- 
ton. II.- is connected with the Peterborough Savings- 
Bank; has been a member of the Board of Education 
and Public Library committee. He is an active mem- 
ber of the New Hampshire Medical .Society. 

Mahv Ann Theresa Kimball, M.D., was bom in 
New Ipswich August 31, 1827, and removed, with her 
parents, to town in 1830. She graduated from the 
Boston University in 1870, and immediately com- 
menced practice in town where she died, June 20, 
1882, aged Sfty-four years and nine months; un- 
married. She was a strong and consistent advocate 
of homoeopathy, ami practiced it without deviation. 

CHARLKS F. OBER, M.D., was born in Nashua 
March 2, 1848. He graduated A. 15. from Dartmouth 
College in 1873. He married Miss Jennie E. Fitield, 
of Milford, in June, 1875. He followed teaching in 
New York until 1876, when he commenced tin' study 
of medicine, and graduated M.D. from the University 
Medical College in 1879, and immediately commenced 
practice in Lowell, Mass., where In- received the ap- 
pointment of attending physician to St. John's 
Hospital, ami also a membership on the staff of the 
City Dispensary. He was elected Fellow of the 
Massachusetts Medical Society in 1880, and came to 
this town in November, 1881, where he now resides. 

John H. Mayo, M.D., was bom in M (town, 

Washington County, Vt., May 18, 1857. He was edu- 
cated at the State Normal School, Randolph, and 
followed teaching until he commenced the study of 
In- profession, and graduated from the Hahnemann 
Medical College, Chicago, 111., February. 1882, and 
came to town in July, 1882, where he now enjoys an 
appreciative patronage. He married Miss Alice M. 
Gould, of Northfield, \'t„ June 21, 1883. 

John Harrison Cutler, M.D. 1 — The Cutler family 
is of English origin, and was represented in this 
country in the early part of the sixteenth century. 
There is a tradition in the family, — and English rec- 
ords, if they do not confirm, rather favor the posi- 



tion,— that Sir ( iervase Cutler, who married a daughter 
of the I Mike of Bridgewater, was the ancestor of the 
Cutlers who came to America, and from the records 
we feel assured that as early as li;:;.~>, James Cutler 
was in Watertown, Mass., and was an original 
grantee of land in the northerly part of the town, on 
the road to Belmont, and in 1649, James Cutler and 
Nathaniel Bowman purchased >>i Edward Goffe two 
hundred acres of laud in Cambridge, near the 
Watertown line, and in 1651 he sold bis share to Bow- 
man for thirty-nine pounds. It is probable that Cut- 
ler and, perhaps, Bowman moved from Watertown 
about this time. Cutler settled at Cambridge I um- 
near the 1 !cil ford line ; a part of this farm was owned till 
recently by the widow of John and heirs of Leonard 
Cutler. This house must have been one of the first 
erected in the precinct. 

lie was born about 1606, and probably married 
before he came to this country. His wife, Anna, 
died, and was buried September 30, lb44, and he 
married, second, March 9, 1645, .Mary King, widow 
of Thomas King, of Watertown, who died December 
7, 1654. 

He married, third, 1'liebe Page, daughter of John, 
about 1662. He died May 17, 1694, aged eighty-eight 
years. He had thirteen children, of whom James was 
in t be di i eei ;nii estral line. 

J, inns Cutler (2i, nt Cambridge Farms, was born 
November li, 1635, and married, June 15, 1665, Mrs. 
Lydia Wright, of Sudbury. He died July:;], 1685, 
aged fifty years. He had seven children, of whom 
Thomas was in the direct line. 

Thomti.x Culler (.')), was born December 1">, lb77, and 
married Sarah Stone, daughter of Samuel and Dorcas 
Stone. He was constable in 1719 and selectman 
in I7l'!>. '31, '33 and '34. He bad eight children, of 
whom David was in the direct line. 

I >,i r 1,1 I ',,11, , i t ), was bom August 2(1, 1 7U.>, and mar- 
ried Miss Mary Tidd, daughter of Joseph and Mary 
Tidd. They were admitted to the church April 14. 
172S. They resided on the old homestead, near the 
Bedford line. He was constable in 1746 and select man 
in 1749, '50 and '51. His will, dated September 13, 
17~>8, ami proved February 9, 1761, mentions wife. 
.Mary, sons,— David, to whom he gave the farm in 
Weston (now Warren), on which he then lived; Joseph, 
to whom he gave the place in Weston on which he 
then resided; Solomon, to whom he gave tin somb- 
erly part of the homestead; and Thomas, to whom he 
gave the rest of the home farm; and daughters, — 
Abigail Hodgman and Mary Page. 

He was a man of g 1 property, bis inventory of 

personal property beinu C\l'-', !::.«. :{</. Hemadeample 
provisions for bis widow, providing "thai Solomon 

and Thomas should supply her with a horse, two 
cows, and furnish- her annually with twelve bushels 
of corn, four of rye, one bushel of malt, sixty pounds 
of beef, one bundled and twenty pounds of pork, 
three barrels of cider and ten cords of wood, cut up 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



and tit for fire." He died December 5, 1760, of 
small-pox, aged fifty-five years. She died May 25, 
L797, aged ninety-three years. Thej had eight chil- 
dren, of whom Solomon, the sixth child, was in the 
direct line. 

Cutler 5), was born in Lexington, May 10, 
17 1" i Ma> 15th, as stated by 1 »rs. Bond and Hud- 
son i. 

He married, December 2i, 1761, Rebecca Page, of 
Bedford. Tin \ removed to Rindge, N. il., probably 
in 1771, and were admitted to the church by letter 
from the church in Lexington March 21, 1772. Cap- 
tain Cutler lived many years as a farmer and inn- 
holder about one-half mile from Rindge Centre, cm 
the Fitzwilliam turnpike, on tin- farm subsequently 
occupied by Dr. Thomas .lewett. lie \\ as styled 
lieutenant in 177-"> and captain in 1777 and subse- 
quently, on account of commissions held in the home 
organizations. In 1777 he was a member of Captain 
stun.'- company, which marched in response t<> an 
alarm at Ticonderoga. lie was selectman in 1770, 
'77 and '83. His wife, the mother of eight children, 

died October 18, 1782, and he married, sec 1, Hep- 

sebeth Hush, of Stirling, .Mass.. by whom he had two 
children. 

tier (6), the oldest son of Captain Solomon. 
who was in the direct ancestral line, was horn Sep- 
tember 20, 1762, and married, December 29, 1785, 
Elizabeth Carlton, daughtei of James and Elizabeth 
(Sherwin) Carlton, lie always resided in Rindge. 
He was a tanner ami held the offices of constable and 
sexton for many years. Many of hi- quaint, original 
sayings arc not forgotten by the aged, who remember 
him. He died A m; ust '. i. ls::s, ;igod seventy-six. and 
his willow died February 14. 1859, aged ninety-three. 
He was the father of nine children, id' whom ( , 
the tilth son, was in the direct line. 

' 'harles t 'ml, r(7), was born Xo\ ember i'.s, IT'.itl, and 
married. October 18, 1831, Melinda Wright, daughter 
of Abel and Zilpha (Rice) Wright, of Ashby, Mass. 
She was born July 22. 1805, and died August 9, is 47. 
having been the mother of three sons and four 
daughters, five of whom (two sons and three daugh- 
ters) survived her. He married, second, -March 5, 
L848, Esther Whitcomb, of Saxton's River, Vt.. who 
is the mother of one son, Virgil M., with whom she 
now resides in Cambridge, .Mass. 

Captain Cutler was a farmer, and always resided on 
the "Captain Asa Sherwin place," in the north part 
of the town (Rindge . 

He died February 15, 1864, leaving threi sons and 
three daughters, the second of whom, John Harrison 
is the subject of this sketi h. 

Jh/di //• :/ />., (8) was born in Rindge. 

Cheshire County, \. 11.. February 16, 1834, and 
" after receiving a liberal academical education, he 
commenced his professional studies under the direc- 
tions of Dr. O. II. Bradley, of East Jaflfrey, N. H., and 
graduated from the University of Vermont in 1861, 



having been indebted to his own industry for the 
means which enabled him to pursue his studies. 
Alter a brief practice in Greenville, N. H., he was 
appointed assistant surgeon in the army, and remained 
in the service until the close of the war, when he 
located in Peterborough, where he has continually 
enjoyed a liberal and appreciative patronage." 

I'.e.-ides hi- professional labors. Dr. Cutler has always 
taken an active interest in public affairs. As early as 
1N72 he became interested in the State militia, and 
held a commission as major-surgeon from that time 
until the organization of the National Guards, in is;;, 
at which time he received a like commission in the 
Second Regiment New Hampshire National Guards, 
and held it in active duty until he resigned, in lssi. 

He has for several years been an active member 
of the Peterborough Public Library committee, 
making, with his associates, important improvements 
in its entire system and valuable acquisitions to its 
literary standing. He has held the position of presi- 
dent of Contoocook Valley Savings-Bank since its 
organization, and for several years past has been a 
director in the Monadnock National Hank, at East 
Jaffrey. 

At the organization of the Peterborough Improve- 
ment Company in .Tune, 1884, he was made its 
treasurer, and has held the office since. He also 
holds the position of secretary and treasurer of the 
Monadnock Railroad Company, whose office is at 
Peterborough. 

He was elected a member of the State Legislature 
for 1883 and bs.S-l, and took an active part in its 
transactions. He is also an active member of the 
New Hampshire Medical Society. Professionally, as 
well as in business transactions, Dr. Cutler is an in- 
dependent actor, never hesitating to assume any legit- 
imate responsibility which may result in good; this, 
with the good judgment and cautious deliberation 
always at his e mand, coupled with his acute pro- 
fessional ability and generous sympathies in the sick- 
room and at the surgical table, renders him a success 
in all of his associations. 

In society associations he attends the Congrega- 
tional Church, but possesses liberal views. IF' is a 
member of Altemonl Lodge, and an officer in Peter- 
borough Royal Arch Chapter of Masons, and also a 
comrade (surgeon) in Aaron F. Stevens Post, No. 6, 
G. A. li.. and a Fellow of the Webster Histori- 
cal Society, while his skill in horticulture and 
pomology has given him an early membership with 
the Patrons of Husbandry. 

He was married, .Tuned, 1865, — while in the army. — 
at Dale Fniied States Oeneral Hospital, to Miss 
Martha Louise, daughter of Samuel and Hannah 
(Shedd) Ryan, of Jaffrey. 

She was born November 30, 1845, and is the fourth 
generation, paternally, from Daniel Ryan, M.D., who 
came from Ireland a- surgeon of a vessel about 17o(), 
and settled in Tewksburv. Mass. His son. Samuel 





JoC^^t^k^ 



PETERBOROUGH. 



667 



Ryan, M.D., came to Sharon, X. II.. in 1790, and his 
son Samuel Ryan was a farmer and dealer in lumber, 
and owner of the famous Ryan Strain Mills. He was 
a leading man in town, holding all of its important 
offices. In 1854 lie removed to Jaffrey, and became 
prominent as a leading citizen. He was several years 
a selectman, and represented the town in the State j 
Legislature in 1863-64. He was also for many years, 
until his death (Maj 5, 1876), a director in the Mon- 
adnock National Hank. Mrs. Ryan was a daughter 
of George Shedd, Esq., of Peterborough, and is still 
a resident of Jaffrey. 

They have had five children, all of whom are 
living,— Samuel Ryan, horn April 29, 1866, a gradu- 
ate from the Peterborough High School, and now 
at Cushing Acad. any. Ashburnham, Mass.; Charles 
Henry, born September 9, 1867, and ( lastella Melinda, 
horn November 21, 1869, both in Peterborough High 
School; Martha Evangeline, born October 20, 1875; 
Am. Louise, horn August 22, 1 s?7. 

The following is a list of the natives and inhabi- 
tants of Peterborough who became physicians and 
settle! elsewhere : 

Reuben D. Mussey, M.D., LL.D., was horn in 
Pelham June 2:;. 1780, and removed to Peterborough, 
with his parents, in 1800. Graduated A.M. from 
Dartmouth College in 1803, and Bachelor in Medi- 
cine in 1805, having been indebted to his own in- 
dustry for the means which enabled him to continue 
Ins studies, lie practiced for some time in Salem, 
Mass., where he distinguished himself for his scientific 
attainments as well as skill as a physician and 
surgeon. Leaving Salem, he pursued his studies in 
Philadelphia, and proved in one of his several experi- 
ments, conclush civ, the' theory of "absorption by the 
skin," in direct opposition to a former theory of the 
celebrated Dr. Rush, which was the subject of his 
theais at his second graduation at Philadelphia. 

In 1814 he was appointed to the chair- of theory 
and practice and obstetrics at Dartmouth < lollege, and 
from that time to 1837 he filled all of the professor- 
ships in the Medical Department of the institution, 
in addition to all of the important surgical practice 
in that region, lie also during that time Blled the 
chairs of anatomy and surgery for four years tit 
Bowdoin College, -Maine, and the chair of surgery at 
the Medical College of Fairfield. X. Y„ in 1837. In 
1838 he removed to Cincinnati, Ohio, and by invi- 
tation took the leading part in the Ohio Medical Col- 
lege, there located, for the next fourteen years. 

He then founded the Miami Medical College, and 
labored assiduously in its behalf for six years, when 
he retired from active profes.-innal life, though still 
retaining till of his ardor for his chosen profession. 
He now — in 18AS — removed to Boston and spent the 
remainder of his days in the family of his daughter. 
where he wrote the work entitled " Health : Its 
Friends audits Foes." As an operative and scien- 
43 



tific surgeon he attained a national reputation, having 
performed all of the capital operations iii surgery. 
He operated forty-nine times for lithotomy, w ith only 
four fatal results ; for strangulated hernia, forty 
times, with but eight fatalities. He was the first sur- 
geon who ligated both carotid arteries at once in 
the same person with entire success, which opera- 
tion gave him great ielat both at home and abroad. 
He visited Europe twice for the purpose of profes- 
sional and scientific improvement. Is an operator 
he was bold and fearless; as a teacher, impressive 
and earnest, ami always beloved by bis students. 

He married, first, Miss Mary Sewell, of Ipswich, 
Mass., who survived the marriage only six months; 

second, Miss Hitty < >-_ I. of Salem, Mass., who died 

May 14, 1866. 

He died from the infirmities of age, June 21, 1866, 
aged eighty-six years. 

DE. I REDEEICK A. MILLER was born in Peter- 
borough July 15, 1789; he studied with i>r. Starr, of 
this town, and Howe, of Jaffrey, and attended medical 
lectures at Dartmouth College, and died at Manches- 
ter, July 28, 1869, aged eighty years. 

Dr. David Mitchell was bom in Peterborough 
May 31, 1782. He studied medicine with Dr. Howe, 
of Jaffrey, and attended lectures at Dartmouth < 'ollege. 
Lived at Bradford, and died January 21, 1821 aged 
thirty-nine years. 

Jesse Smith, M.D.. was born in Peterborough and 
graduated A.M. from Dartmouth College in 1814, 
and M.D. from Harvard College in 1819. He 
was appointed professor of anatomy at Dartmouth 
Medical College in 1820, and soon after he accepted 
"i ships of anatomy and surgery in the Ohio 
Medical College, at Cincinnati, which he retained 
until his death. He became eminent as 
He was an independent thinker, with an indomitable 
will that overcame till obstacles, and his wide profes- 
sional culture rendered him an interesting .and in- 
structive lecturer. He married Eliza Bailey, of 
( harlestowii, who survived him. He died of cholera 

in July, Is::.",, aged forty years, after fourteen I -' 

sickness, a victim to his prole-si. ma I zeal during the 
prevalence oJ I he disease in that city. 

William Little, M.D., was born in Shirley, 
Mass., October 20, 1753, and came to Peterborough 
with his parents in 1764, and studied medicine with 
Dr. Young. He settled in practice at Hillsborough 

Bridge, and was drowned in the I Ymtoocook River. 

Robert Smith, M.D., was born in Peterborough. 
He practiced in various place-, and died in Addison, 
Yf. 

William II. Peabody, M.D., was born in 
Me., and came to Peterborough with his parents in 
youth. He graduated from Dartmouth College in 
1826, and commenced practice in Gorham, and died 
there March 2. 1843, aged forty-two years. 

Hieam J. Edes, M.D., was born in Peterborough 
July 17, 1815 ; graduated from Hampden Sidney Col- 



MISTiiliV <>]•' HFLLSl'.ulKinUI COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



lege, Virginia, in 1844. He settled in Missouri, but 
during the Kansas troubles removed to Cedar Rapids, 
Iowa, wlu'iv lit' now resides. 

David Yoi sgman, M.D.. was born 
borough August 26, 1817. He graduated from Dart- 
mouth A.M. in 1839, and M.D. in 1846, and settled 
in Winchester, Mass., where he practiced for ten 
year>. and then removed to Boston, where he is now 
in active practice. 

George H. Ingalls, M.D., was bom in Peterbor- 
ough March 15, 1805, and graduated from Berkshire 
Medical College in 1837, and located in Proctorsville, 
Vt., in 1838. His health failed in 1848 
turned to his native town, where he died, of consump- 
tion, May 26, 1849, aged forty-four years. 

Luke Miller, M.D., was born in Peterborough 
August 18, 1815, and graduated from Norwich Uni- 
versity in 1841 and Woodstock Medical College in 
1844. He represented the town in 1845 and '46; 
commenced practice in Troy, N. H., and afterwards 
in Winchendon, Mass., where he acquired a reputation 
He removed to Chatfield, Minn., in 1857, 

where he was s i engaged in a laborious practice, in 

which surgery had a special prominence. He was 
elected eight successive years from 1862 a Si nator to 
the Minnesota Legislature. He held appointments 
under the Governor during the War of the Rebellion; 
was on the hoard of trustees of the Asylum for the 
Insane for several years after it was established, and 
li;i - also held important offices in the railroads of 
He now reside- in I.aneslioro', Minn., 
where he enjoys an active practice. 

John G. Parker, M.D., was bornin Peterborough 
July 2,1818. lie graduated from Norwich University 
in 1847 and Dartmouth Medical College in 1852; 
practiced in Dublin twelve years, and removed to 
Warner in 1865, where he died September 12, 1869, 
aged fifty-one years. He sustained a high reputa- 
tion professionally and as a citizen. 

E. Coolidge Richardson, M.D., was born in 
Peterborough April -~>, 1*21. graduated from Harvard 
College in 1842, and resides in Ware, Mass., in the 
practice of his profession. 

James Morrison, M.D., was born in Peterbor- 
ough June 20, 1818 : graduated A.M. from Harvard 
College in I -i I and M.D. from the University of 
Maryland in 1846. He was resident physician of the 
Baltimore Infirmary until 1S50, when he removed to 
San Francisco, Cal.. where he practiced until 18o4, 
when he spent two years in Europe in the study of 
his profession. 

Returning to San Francisco in 1858, in addition 
to an extensive practice, he assisted in thi 
tion of the first medical school on the Pai 
in which, for five years, he filled the chairs of theory 
and practice of medicine and pathology. He was a 
trustee of the University of the Pacific and vice- 
president of the California Medical Society. He left 
San Francisco in 18ii7 and settled in Quincy, Mass., 



in 1869, where he was chosen president of I In- Nor- 
folk County Medical Society early in 1882, but died 
May 20th of the same \ ear. aged sixty-four years. The 

posif - to which he was elevated are the strongest 

indications of his eminence. He was twice married, 

in- sec ! wife surviving his death. 

Frederick A. Smith, M.D., was born in Peter- 
borough June 18, L830. He graduated A.M. from 
Dartmouth College in 1852 and M.D. in 1855. He 
was assistant at Blackwell's Island. X. Y., for one 
year, ami settled in Leominster. Mass., where he died 
20, 1856, aged twenty-six years. He was 
well fitted in taste and education for his profession, 
and gave promise of eminence. He married Miss 
Frances Gregg, of Belleville, X. J., June 18,1856, 
who survived him. 

Edward J. Cutter, M.D., was born in Peterbor- 
ough July 5, 1855; graduated from Harvard Col- 
lege in ls;7, and resides in Boston. 

Lawyers. — Jeremiah Smith, James Wilson, Ste- 
phen 1". Steele, James Walker, Artemas L. Holmes, 
David J. Clark, Edwa i.l S. Cutter, Charles G.< Ihenej 
George A. Ramsdell, C. V. Dearborn, Albert S.Scott, 
Rile) I'.. Hatch. Eugene Lewis, Ezra M. Smith. 
Frank G. Clark. Daniel M . White. R. B. Hatch. 

Peterborough Academy was incorporated De- 
cembet 28, 1836, ami in L837 a neat school-house, 

forty-seven by thirty, was erected in the village on a 
beautiful and convenient site, presented by Genera] 
James Wilson for this purpose. The academy con- 
tinued lor many years and finally declined. 

The High School was established in 1871, and was 
opened in August. 1871, under the instruction of 
Thomas 1'. Maryatt, graduate of Dartmouth College, 
1871, with about fifty scholars. Nathaniel H.Mor- 
rison, LL.D., of Baltimore, Md., presented the school 
with philosophical apparatus valued at about two 
thousand dollars. 

The Peterborough State Bank, with a capital 
of fifty thousand dollars, went into operation Janu- 
ary 1. L855; A. C. Cochran, president, ami Charles 
G. chciny, cashier. Mr. Cheney resigned May lii, 
1862, and William G.Livingston was elected to fill 
the \ aeancy. 

I his bank closed its operations May 27, 1865, when 
the First National Bank of Peterborough was estab- 
lished with a capita] of one hundred thousand dol- 
1: rs. Che office of president Incoming vacant by the 
death of A. C. Cochran, Esq., June 27, 1865, Fred- 
erick Livingston was elected to fill the same, which 
office lie still holds. William <J. Livingston resigned 
as cashier August 1, 1867, and Albert S. Scotl was 
elected in his place. Mr. Scott held the office till 

\]>iil 24, 1871, when lie resig I. and was succeeded 

by the present cashier. Charles 1'. Richardson. 

Peterborough Savings-Bank was incorporated 

in 1 V I7. It \\a- organized in l.s.V.i hy the choice of 
John H. Steele, William Follansbee, Timothy K. 
Ames, Whitcomb French, James Scott. Albert Smith. 



PETERBOROUGH. 



Daniel B. Cutter, Samuel Nay. Abraham P. Morrison, 
Abial Sawyer, Norton Hunt and Samuel Adams as a 
board of trustees. 

John H. Steele was chosen president and George 
A. Ramsdell secretarj and treasurer. January 12, 
1863, John H. Steele resigned his position as presi- 
dent and trustee, and William Follansbee was chosen 
president of the board. George A. Ramsdell resigned 
as treasurer April 30, 1864, and Rile) B. Hatch was 
elected to till the vacancy. The office of president 
becoming vacant by the death of Dr. William Fol- 
lansbee, Dr. Albert Smith was elected to this office, 
July 6, 1867, which office he still holds. 

The bank buildings of the Peterborough Savings- 
Bank were erected during the season of 1870, and the 

first meeting for business was held in the new r ns 

February 20, 1871. R. B. Hatch resig 1 the office 

of treasurer April 5, 1873, and Mortier F.Morrison 
was elected to till the vacancy. He entered upon the 
duties of secretary and treasurer April 17, 1873, ami 
still holds the office. 

The Press. 1 — Tin' first newspaper in town was 
published by William P. & John S. Dunbar, and 
commenced in the last part of 1829, which was called 
the Hillsborough Republican and New limn], shirr 
Clarion. It was edited by Rev. Elijah Dunbar. It 
was printed in the building near the bridge, on Main 
Street, afterwards known as Joel Frown's store. It 
had a short duration, for it closed April 29, 1831, with 
the ninth number of its second volume. 

The second paper, a little sheet in pamphlel form, 
called the Peterborough Messenger, was published by 
Samuel F. Brown in the summer of 1847, and discon- 
tinued after about ten months. 

The first number of the Cbntoocook Transcript, 
published by Miller & Scott (John R. Miller and 
Kendall C. Scott), was issued June 2, 1849, with four 
hundred subscribers. It has been continued unin- 
terruptedly to this time, the present proprietors hav- 
ing early changed the name to that of Tlie Peter- 
borough Transcript, by which it is known. 

During the first two years of its publication, for a 
portion of the time, it was edited by Albert S. Scott, 



Esq., ami they were also indebted for many valuable 
contributions to tin- students of Ban ard I 

At the expiration of two years, the subscription- 
list in the mean time having doubled, the paper passed 
into the hands of K. C. Scott. Elias Cheney was the 
next proprietor, who sold out to Charles Scott, and 
by him it was again sold to K. C. Scott, and after 
some years passed into the hands of the present pro- 
prietors, Famum & Scott. 

Altemont Lodge No. 26, F. and A. M.. was char- 
tered June 14, 1815, in Dublin. It was subsequently 
removed to Peterborough. Its charter was surren- 
dered in 1840, and restored in 1849. The lodge is 
now in a prosperous condition. There is alsoaRoyal 
\rel, Chapter in this town. 

Peterborough Lodge, I. 0. of 0. F., was chartered 
in February, 1846. There is also a Rebekah Degree 
Lodge here and an encampment. 

Town-House. — The first town-house was built in 
1830, and the present one in I860. It is a neat and 
commodious building. 

The Manufactures of Peterborough have been 
quite extensive from an earl) day. The "Old" or 
"Bell" was incorporated December 20, 1808. In ad- 
dition to this, there were also the Eagle Factory, 
South Factory. North Factory, Phoenix Factory and 
Union Factory. Woolen manufacture has also been 
carried on here. There are also other branches of 
manufacture which add to the importance of the 
place. 

Post-Office. — Fhe first post-otliee was established 
October, 1795. The following is a list of the post- 
masters from that time to the present : 



Smith's History. 



Unity Stcflr, app"iiit< 'I May 1 ., ls.vt. 

Hiss s. M. Gates, appointed Februai | I. I S61. 

.ImIih I;. Miller, appoint''! Aii'.-uM IT, 1st,!. 

w. lv lim > i . 1882, present incumbent. 

Population.— In 17D0, Mil ; 1800,1333; 1810,1537 
1820,1500; 1830,1983; 1840,2163; 1850,2222; L86I 
2265; 1870, 222X; L880, 2207. 



HISTORY OF SHARON, 



CHAPTER I. 

Origin— Incorporation— Petitions— First Settlers— Town Clerks— Repre- 
sentatives—Military Record— Population, 

Tin: territory iii this town w:is formerly the wes- 
terly portion of Peterborough Slip, and retained the 
name after the east part was separated and incorpo- 
rated into the town of Temple. By an act passed Feb- 
ruary (J, 1789, the inhabitants were invested with the 
privilege of levying and collecting taxes for there- 
pair of highways, and the laying out and building of 
the same; anil by an act passed .Tunc 19, 1789, they 
were authorized to levy and collect a tax of one penny 
per aire annually, for the term of three years, for the 
purpose of repairing roads and bridges. January 24, 
1701, the town was incorporated by its present name. 

Petition for Annexation to Peterborough: addressed 
loth'' General Court, 1777. — "We the [nhahitance of 
Peterborough Slip as Your Humble Petitioners do 
Beg Leave to Aquant Your honors that wehave Voted 
to be Anexed to Peterborough and Are Yerry Desirous 
for the Same for our Number 3 BeingSo Small that we 
» annul lie a town of our Selves Nor have Any towne 
Privilidges while we Are in this Situation and we 
humbly Pray that Your honors would take it into 
consideration and if it be Your Minds to Grant Us 
our Petetion Which we Now Request of Your hon- 
ours let it be Don Soon as may be — 

" And we Shall Ever praj &< ' 

" Peterborough Slip .May l'7' 1 ' 1777 

"John Taggart, Jn° Swan, Jon" Taggart, J r , John 
Swan, .Inn', Samii 1 Milliken, John Whitemore, Gil- 
bert m'cay, William Milliken, .lame- Milligen, John 
m'allaster, James M'Nce. Benj : Nutting, Josiah 
Crosby, Sam 1 Gragg, Jn° Eliot, Andrew Conn." 

Petition for ■',< 1,7 ,,/ /iir,,,-j>of<:/i<ni .• addressed to 
the General Court, L786.— "The petition of the sub- 
scribers in behalf of the Inhabitants of a place called 
Peterborough-Slip in the County of Hillsborough in 
said Slate humbly sheweth, 

"Thatthesaid Inhabitants have lor many years 
laboured under great inconvcnieneies ,V diliieulties in 
not being vested with corporate powers — 

" That the said place called Peterborough Slip is 
r,70 



surrounded by incorporated placet — Peterborough on 
the north, Jaffrey on the west, Rindge & New Ipswich 
on the South & Temple on the east— & that it cannot 
with convenience be annexed to either of those 
Towns — 

"That the number of Inhabitants in said place 
now Amounts to one hundred & eighty, And the 
number of Families to forty: That the said Place 
contains about seventy lots containing upon an aver- 
age One hundred acres, & is capable of making fifty 
good Farms or settlements — That your Petitioners 
are very desirous of enjoying, in common with their 
fellow Citizens, the Blessings resulting from a Gospel 
ministry — publick Schools — good roads & all the 
other Benefits that flow from an organized >V- well 
regulated Society— And your petitioners beg have to 
observe that should your Honours be pleased to en- 
corporate them, in their present situation, that most 
of the difficulties >v. embarrassments which they now 
feel, would still remain; & that the only expedient 
whereby your Petitioners may be relieved, is, as they 
humbly conceive, that a small Piece betaken from 
each "t' the Towns that join upon said Peterborough- 
Slip on the north and west and be added thereto — 
Your Petitioners humbly conceive that if One mile 
be taken off the east end id' Jaffrey & one mile from 
the south end of Peterborough, as tar as they adjoin 
upon said Peterborough Slip, that such an accession 
would make them competent for all the purposes of 
corporate Society, and in no degree injure the said 
Towns of Jaffrey & Peterborough— Your petitioners 
are led to conceive thus of the matter from these con- 
siderations; That the said Town of Jaffrey i- now 
seven miles from west to east, A only live from North 
to South; So that, when that part of said Jaffrey, 
which it is the wish of your petitioners may be an- 
nexed to them, shall be taken off, the remaining part 
will be large enough for a Township & will better ac- 
commodate the Inhabitants than now. 

"That as to the said Town of Peterborough your 
petitioners beg leave to observe, thai a tract of land 
unincorporated, called Society, lies adjoining to Said 
Peterborough on the North— that this Tract is also 
surrounded by incorporated places And may very 



SHARON. 



671 



conveniently. At least a part of it, be annexed to said 
Peterborough, And will more than compensate for 
that part of Peterborough which may be Annexed to 
said Peterborough-Slip — 

"Your petitioners Therefore pray that your Hon- 
ours would be pleased to annex. One mile taken oil' 

the east end of said Jaffrey, & One mile taken off the 
South end of said Peterborough, t" the Trad of Land 
now called Peterborough-Slip, and incorporate the 
whole into a Township vested with all the privileges 
of corporate Societies in this State and as in Duty 
bound your Petitioners shall ever pray— 

"John m°ALLASTER ") Committee 

"Sam 1 oi: ujg of 

"Sam 1 Millikex J Peterborough Slip." 



This petition 



Mi'd and dismisses 



Petition for Authority !<> levy and collect Taxes /■«■ the 
repair of Highways, 17x7. 

"The petition of the Inhabitants of a place called 
Peterborough-Slip, in -aid State, 

" Humbly sheweth, 

"That your petitioners, by reason of their being 
unincorporated, are subject to many inconveniences, 
among which are, first, That they cannot lay out new 
high- ways— Second, That they ."011101 tax Xon-resi- 
dents lands, nor lands unimproved, to help make and 
repair highways — And, Third, That they cannol com- 
pel! persons wdio are unwilling to labour on highways 
to work on them at all: Wherefore, your petitioners 
pray that your Honors would enable, empower and 
fully authorize them to lay out high-ways in said 
Place, where necessary — to tax the Non-residents 
lauds and lands unimproved, in said place, for the 
making and repairing highways in said place — And to 
compell the Inhabitants of said Place to make, mend 
A: repair said high-ways— in as full and ample a man- 
ner as the inhabitants of incorporated towns and 
places in this State are by law authorized to act and 
do in such matters — 

"And your Petitioners as in duty hound shall ever 
pray. 

"June 25" 1787. 

".Ioiin Prenth i: for the Petitioners." 



- Voted unanimous not to let Peterborough Slip have 

any part oil' the east part of sv> town. Voted to 
Chuse a 1 mitt< f live men to Petision and Re- 
monstrate the General Court of this State thai the 
Prayr of the Petision of Peterborough Slip he not 
Granted < 'hose M' Laban Ainswortb Esq' Roger 
Gilmore, Lieu' Joseph Bates, Adonijah Howe, Co!" 
Jed 11 Sanger — 

'■ Voted that the Committee make a Draught and 
Lay the Same before the town at an adjournment of 
this meeting Voted to adjourn this meeting to Thurs- 
day n, :24 of May instant at three O Clock afternoon 
May '"24 17X7 the inhabitants of S' 1 Jaffrey being 
meet acording to adjornment the Remonstrance 
Draughted by the affore Said Committee being read 
Voted to except the same. Voted that the remon- 
strance be Presented to the General Court of this 

State 

"A true Coppy Attest 

"Adonijah Eowe, Toxon Clark of Jaffrey." 

First Settlers.— Among the firstsettlers wereCap- 
tain William Taggart, Lieutenant McAlester, Samuel 
Millican, Josiah Crosby, Thomas McXcc. Gilbert 

McCoy, Samuel Gragg, John Marshall, John Swan, 
Abjar Spofford, David Moor, Adam Conn, John 
Whitman, Reuben Law, John Taggart, Joseph Barnes, 
Joseph Miller, John Duncan and James McNee. 



The foregoing petition was granted by an act pa; 
February 6, 1789. 



-ed 



Relative to Peterborough Slip, 17x7 
" Jaffrey June 



17X7 



"This may certify that at a Legal meeting of the 
Freeholders and other inhabitants of the town of 
Jaffrey (qualified by Law to vote in town meetings) 

meet on may the 10—17x7 for the Porpos Si 1 ing 

what the town would do in regrard of Peterborough 
Slip haveing a mile off the east Tart of Jaffrey.— 



1701-96, Samuel Mill'' a 1 1 




1708 i i ■ Samuel 


Millican , 1804-7, William Tag 




can; 1809 n. Ben- 


ia. 1,111 Russell ; 1812, Asa Ban 




Ryan ; 1816-10, M- 

i-ii, Bi n- 


h | : „..„j| L842-4S Hath 


,, m [84^ | |., 


mas Mi Coj 1850- 




„.| Naj i 


l,an Moore ; 1855- 


58, James Taggart; L859-61, 


sir, ii Bacon, Jr 


, 1862-03, Fred. A. 


, ,.ii 1 ■ 1 G8,Stephen II. 


Bacon ; 1800-70, Natl 


in M v ; 1871-72, 


II. li. Evans; 1873-84, Benjai 


mi II Sanders. 




REPRESENTATIVES. 





1853-54^ William Livingston 1855 i7, Phineas II. Taggart ; 1858-59, 

,!,„,„ BeD | . [86o t \\ |.. i . i i - ' G3, Stephen A. 

I ,, . \ i , , 1806-07, John B. Shedd; 1868, 
.lulu, \ Kadlec 1869-70, Stephen II Bacon ; 1871-72, Nathan Moore; 
l873,JohnA II. nil. > 1874-75, Benjamin H. Sanders ; 1876, Derostos 
I' Emory; 1877, Henry E. Bond 1878, John A Hadlej I B 

Taggart. 

Military Record.— The following enlisted from 
Sharon during the late. Rebellion : 

,, i Davis, OliverO Davis, RandallA. Davis, Luther Davis, Alfrfid 

n v .,,| w,ii., i:,,,i William li Hardej Alfred C Taggart, Jack- 

I, , ■ .. v ..... „ j. Hadley, 1 i | I B Hey, W illiam Milli, an, 

I | ,. n ,,. in Henry B i rackson Taggart, War- 

ren Nicholas, Henrj Nicholas, Elishi ,111 rederi, k- 

Population.— The present population of the town 
is two hundred and three. For information 
ing this town we are indebted to Mr. J. A. Hadley. 



HISTORY OF TEMPLE. 



CHAPTER I. 



Geographical— , inoinnl '.rant,.— I h. ' ' i^— Incorpora- 
tion of Town— First Ton u-Meeting— !'■ I ir i..Ti !o, I rporation— 

Second Petition for Incorporation— Documentary History— Various 
Petitions— Lottery— Inhabitants m 17*4— Columbian Library. 

The town of Temple lies on tin- southwestern part 
of the county and is bounded as follows : 

North, by Pctei-hoi-outi'li, Greenfield and Lyndebor- 
ough; east, by Lyndeborough and Wilton; south, by 
Mason and Now [pswich ; west, by Sharon and Pe- 
terborough. 

This township embraced several traits of land 
granted to individuals by the government of Massa- 
chusetts prior to 1740. The territory was granted by 
the Masonian proprietors in November, 1750, with 
the usual reservations. For some years it was called 
Peter! iorou<rh Slip, and included the present town of 
Sharon. 

The town was incorporated August l'H, 1 7iiS, and 
included one tier of lots on the west side of Wilton 
and the easterly portion of what was formi I 
as Peterborough Slip or Sliptown, and was named for 
Hon. John Temple. Ephraim Heald was authorized 
to call the first town-meeting, which duty he per- 
formed, and the meeting was held at the house of 
Zedekiah Drury, October 10, 1768. 

A dispute concerning a strip of land between this 
town and New Ipswich resulted in favor of Temple. 

i'.v an act passed January 12, 1781, a trad of land 
containing about four hundred acres, lying north of 
this town, called P.orland's farm, was annexed to 
Temple. 

January 29, 1789, some territory was severed from 
the southest coiner nt' lvtei'liorouiih, and annexed to 
tins town. 

By an act approved June 11, 1796, a considerable 
tract of land was severed from Lyndeborough and 
annexed to Temple. 

Petition for Incorporation.— The following is a 

copy of the petition for the incorporation of the 

town : 



" w -■. the In!i ah, taut- rough-Slip, in S d prov- 

ince Humbly petetioti yum K\, .11- m\ an.l Honours That where as The 

Mu Had mi- ks Mountains Kuns a Tins- nir Tow ,,-liip. win. h i- Ilnj .,- 

I Roads, So That we Cannot Si ttle The public Wo i 
one side of tin- il-'iiiinu-.- ..- i ..11 [a-'tl tlor sol oi ih \l .u u - 

; ; I h.il w. May F.c IiiY.ol, ,1 \olli I ,n u 

lid - ro ih' ioii ,n in i; I, to mi.- i;,. 1.11,11,0 ait peter- 
east 1 rner, 11 % west on s d Peterborough Line Tilit 

* in toaBeecb, Cre< marked Being the Northwest Cornerof the Lott, 
X" Eleven, in the Eighth Hang,- it lot 01 s>i p. lc horiuighslip, Then 
Running South llotwoo,, rho |;|, 1, nil, ,V Tnehctlrl.ots. on a l.moiiialko.l 

on Hi. pinnai ; I 1 Mounl line til it o,,mes to the Xmii. 
• ''. 1 - 1 ', , - 1. o. . -nil Kunningon the pinnacle of 

n, o 11. ,,,.•.,,,,. rhxough the Lota Twelve in tin- Sixth and fifth Ranges, 

01, a lane marked to a Spri S 1 -I wesl I on no 

i oi Twelve in the Fourth Range, Still Runing on the pim 
Mountain, Through the Lots thirteen in the fourth Range and fourteen 
4 fifteen in the Third Range, 01, a lino marked on the pinnacle of the 

Know n la 'I'll, Nam, of Molt. tt> In ■■. I'lioii Ifunin. W'-t at„,nt fifteen 
Rods I- the wesl Lii I thi I it I Iftei 11 it thi - ad Rang PhenI 

boat Easl 1 N " Ipswich North Line To the Southeast Corner of Sd 

1- • io igl Slip, -nil Runing Easl on wilton South Liu 
1 1 1 o 1 ; . ., Kline- Noiih itetween the Eighth & Nineth Ranges 

I I O - ' I" > Too,' of Lot- to I 

South Ian., I !,■■,. I :..:,,:._ W . -I on mil,,,. Ninth 1. 1 no a In I | lOrOUgh 

Slip Norl I . 1 peterbi rotigh East Lino. Then Sunii 

|io,o,l. a. 11 :h Kan 1.00 to u 10 south Fast Coiner first mentioned— all So 

no II blej pro, moo l.v oil- mi ' ! I I W ill 'i 

no be 01., I up To Them By yol Lai 

, . 1 .,0 Sid, '! '.'' ,; 1 .,11, 'l and known B> The Nai I The Mo, I 

Slip, and We ill l'ut\ l',„uni -hall tin [nay: A: C potoi l„ n'oiiol, -1 , |. : 

11 \pol.l7os. 

■ i ,: in, i- Blood, 1 

"JOHH MaKSIIAI. 



1 Colli; 



This petition, however, was not granted, and on 
the 101 li of tile following June a second petition was 
presented, as follows : 

rth and /,'■- I Com 

" W In n a- tin M.,;,., o 

pet i i oroughslip « , b ,- Im] ra, ti< able fol Roads bo that 

,, n, oi in i toscttli the pul lii k worshi] "t God soas to i,, l 

■ ii both sides oi the fountains no the Enl 
the East side of the Mountains Humbly pray your Excellency and 

II,,,,,,,,, - thai we may Hav, pal i oi ■■ ■ thai no ,n,,\ 

be anexed to wilton from the penicle of the mountains a Gri 

1 1,,,,, Hi- o i [.,,,!, in the pot it ion laid before your Excellency arid II "i, . . - 
lo "in i ',.,,,,,,, (too the fourth .f tua\ L;ot and we in dm ■ 

i : . io , [768 

■ /odolnah dun v. Thoiiia- inar-hall. Soth ' ,,bb, Jonathan Bl 1 Jul.. 

Joseph Heald. Jonathan Drury. VlbcSc won,,,. i,,i in i ,,,: 



673 



Benj" Cutler, , 



Heald, Josiah Robim 

Eklad Spafford, Petti 
Garshom Drury, tlio 
Emery, Daniel Drury, 



i Drurj Jun, r. .1 - 1 1 i i-i. herd s.-n, John 

l; / u- Riohnrils..n, Oliver 

.; : 11 tynard, Stephen < lobb, 

1. /. ... I 1 Hi l'nui .Inner, Nathan Drury, 
1, st, ph. 11 parlin John Heald, Zei hariah 
Ham Brew, 1 .1 -lm. CM M.iiah Guold, 

Foster, E/.rk i,l <: I.,l.\ .hi. i-i-i-i *.mo Emory, Ebnezer 

Drury Junr, Elea ei Cayloi • n Fell! Pet 1 Felll John Brown, Jo- 
William I'iiim -ii"- An-, 'i. Jonathan Avery, Benj" 

1 -, ph R.--1 llphrsnii Hi'itM.' 

. This petition was granted, ami tin- town was incor- 
porated, as mentioned above, Augusl 26, 1768. 

DOI I MI.NTUIY HISTORY. 
Relative to somt Vai • i ' \ddressed to tin Assembly, 01 Commit- 

tee of Safely, 1776. 
"Having providentially net with some Suspicious Circumstances in 

the Appearance and Behaviour of f ■ men passing tin-,.' this Town— 

We pursuednii P aratl '* ■'" ' 

., |„.ai-,-,l plain Hum their own Account that they had been 
5, ,n from some part ol New S irk, by Committees in thai Quarter, to Ex- 
eter on suspicion at least of unfriendliness to y I'm- of Annul, a— and 
that they had been allow'd a large Liberty ,.t Yard at Exeter, whieh they 
improved in attempting an eseape— their Nam— hi then own A- 'emit 
are Stephen Hunt, Asa Drown, Jacob Mote, lli-h ., lb- Me, ,lo net 
pretend any of them to have ,]..ne aiiythin- for America, but only as ex- 
pressly Called upon ; lb., Ih.-i would ev use thouisolios from any direct 
Opposition— We have s.nl , ,u down to bo ,li-]io.e,| ol a, the Hon^ Court 
shiill tliink proper— 

"The expenresof Apprehending and Cnnvoyin- tln-m I" thi- Town 
-.,,1 -in ils particulars on a paper by itself— amounting to 



al sol, lie!-, Ill, Husband 

Regiment I 



In, lm, Corn at 1 ■- pet bushil en- 1-1 

bushil 1 lb Hi: b 


'ISO 

Drm 


me bushil ol 1: 

, being a sold 


S, 1 "1- Rig" ' 11" » a by mo 

"Temple May 27—1779" 




■'Mi i;i, 


Mrs. Unity als,, signed rei 


eipts 


us follows: 


"June lo, 17711, 1 bushel Corn 







N,o. 'jo, " i " "2 

"Received of Benj' Cutter on, 
bushile oi Corn at 3- — 
and Nine pound of Cash 

i „ i:,_ .1 So], lie, in tl 

"Temple April 1—1779" 

Mrs. Eillsgrove also gavi 

"May 177:i, bushel ,-1 1 lohl 



of Ephrain 









, 177C 



'Sam 1 Howard a 
"Davih sriirmih ] Committee /o! 
"John I'll hi .if "e rot™ of 

" Sam» Websteb I Temple." 
"Efhraim Heald j 
"Received of the Town of Temple by the Committee the sum ol 

Ninety Two Dollars in lull for enlisting into the Cntiii.-i. 

soldier in part of the Quota of the Town abovesaid ol the three Battal- 

lions rai-ing in lie State of Newhamshil 



'Temple March 28, 1 



'Testis 



1 John HiLLSGROVE. 
" Sam' fl ,. 11-11 a." 



i 01 i Ti mph bj Hie Committee the sum of Ninety 

Two Dollars in full lot enlistine into the Cm! mental -eivi, e as a soldier 

' the three Battall - 

raising in the State of Newbaiup-lore. 

"Temple March 28, 1777 u 

Re, ,1 of John Ciagin, nliver Heald and S, 
Receivars for the Town ,,l Temple ..I the soldier i:.,b — 'I 
affix'd to bur Names foi enlistment in y« Continental 



Hub lm 



'James — Hutch 



' Temple April the 



7— John Drury :50, 



April 9, 1777, Josiali Slmic si.-j.-n.-il a similar receipt 
for thirty pounds, and Benjamin Smith did the same 
April 7th of the- same year. 

n Soldiers' Wives. 

'■r.ee'i ,,f the S.-l ten of Temple tew bushel of 1, 

I, i lln-band Elijah Alan-field being a -ol.liei n 
Regiment— I say lb- ■' by me 

ii Mansfield. 
"Temple Jan' 4 : 177s " 
•' Then Received Ten dollars of An helaus Cuniming- one of the Com. 



.lulyjc, 



: of Corn, - bush, 1 of Rye, and 

ill cash, of dipt. Cr-honi loin Y 

Oliv, i Heald 
63, ',. 0, . ash 

'.17, 0. continental money. J 1 v bushels Cot 

bushel, I n bi.-ii' 1- Rye at 1-8 prbush. 
Heald 



i of 



In,. 



177- : addressed to 



!i ,,, I;, A . apt (I, [Shore 
ih" Reliel Of 



it lu- 


lots Weill on r.-piest to 


ll.. 


liken out or 


1 It w 


, i.- before t 




I ., in,| tor a man and 


K I 


ng— £2-6-0 




r Honours Ihul II 




ill,,] upon to 


,-i a 


d your petiti as in 



" u illiam Drury of Temple in 

Dn ■ i ompani sheweth that hi 

Tii .,n,i iroga "u the alarm in Jul 

and that at ' harlest 

brook out of -bitliaiu Whit-- I 
found him, and that I paid for li 

hois to Go afeter him and foi stn 

■- W'h.-refoi'e your p. liH'.it, i II' 

be Kepai'Ulli'l -111, I ,'1 tW, p, ,1111,1 

Go with iii- horse foi the defem 

in, i, H, tl Shall I',"' i ','■■ ■■ ' 

"Temple Feb* 2n> 1778 " 

Sworn to before Francis Blood, justice of the peace. 

Capt. Robert Fletcher's Petition : mid 1 ' On Council 

1770. 

" The petetion of Cap« Robert Fletcher of Temple in th, Count} I 

luiiebi, sheweth thatyoui pet net 

C omman ded upanj in the volentear in Col° Eno, Hal, 

on the Island "flloail Island in the Month of Annus! In-l lh.il II. mi 

Spaulding of Stodard was in my Company the whole tim, 

your petitiOUel . aoi. .1 a h"t ol He' Company to the Committee on Claims 

ataMusterRollandGave an abstract that I did not 



lVe pound tWOShlllil 

pray &c — 



May appear— Therefore your pet, holier 

, l,e Repaid to Me win ll 

and your [leletiotier as in Duty Bound Sb 

"Temple March y -J- 1 1779" 

■.The II u: ' 
Petitioner ii ".nit in ' apt Fry- ('..mi 

melsRidg' the ll' 1 ' „f Feb-- 1777 that h. inarched with the first Devii 
the first of April to Ticondaroga— & Discharged the duty of a Leiu 

. 
. a Continued th, re til Ap- 30 1778 when 
l„ Continue,! implications f ,y Family of their I 



074 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



1 Discharged Come bom, , pi 

Soi foiDepre- 

therefore j 'peteti i 

"'" < :,] - '"s, ',,-,.„,,,, , ,,;_,, „.,„,„ 

I a tj Shall Ever| 



' Temple Febr 14— 178 






The committee reported in favor of allowing him 
the depreciation of Ins pay. 



far 



• B *' Hewesof Boston to the Honourable i ouncel and 

ol il- St. Ne* Hampshirefo. th. Fur- 

',„o,,t..f clln-s Ma.„,la,t.. n mi, l„ |,i,a in the Town ,,f 
Temple in this State— 

" Y "" r l """ 111 " I'etiti.me. Prayplli thai .... he. n at so (ileal 

got the Manufactory . ,„,] i„ ,„_ , „. 

ithout Pul.liok In. . ...... i,i , L„tteri ,mvj 

"'- ■' "" ' ' Honej to biii s it to Perfection, 



to Proci 



■ I'uMlieJ 



Levi Peirce, Silas Bn 
Abner Felt, Ezekiel 



3. -.I !■ , Ju 1 \. ...... I , 



nM. mi.. 1. 1. Gideon powers, Jacob Foster, 
i ■- ' ■ Iburn, John Path ,. I 

I. -I'-hn st..w.ll, Jnsiah Kisk, William 

'■•' M Abraham I'm- , JohnCragin, 

Lowel, \,„l,..,v Lane, Jonas 
1 '• ' " l; '"'"' Inieli, liani.-l Ileal. 1. Oliver Heald, Ephraim Co- 

"■""■ ■'""''" Sl ■ Al ""l H.dt. Joseph Ki.l.ler, .l,,|,„ M'Allaster James 

Millike,,. W... Millik,,,,, .I......I, s.v.Mr. Jai M LS 

'•■ .1 "I.,. -v...„ ..1, ..,.,.), Miller, Nathan Boyn- 

1 '" h " Marshel, Reuben Law, Bob' Potter, John Taggart, Benjamin 

i ■ . U -I Ho, , Jam 
miah Andrews, John Tagyait, ,;.rsl,,„„ l„„r.v, Pavi.1 s. , , 
.lull. Nathan Whee^r.John Bnrnap, Saim Holt, Ezekiel Jewett, Francis 
. Varon Colman " 

Soldier'i Certificate, 1784. 

"These ....... , indrews is Father & heir t, 

Andrews a Minor late o1 Temple Deceas'd— who was a Soldierinthe 
ny— Hired bj S« Town ol Tempi, — 



i ..mi 



■ Haled 'IV 



. Dei 



. 



Authority 
1781. 



'''""'"' of the .1/..,,,,.,, , . ,,, ;.,, tottery: ..././.. , | 
Court, 17.-J 

humbly sheweth thai 
1 '' M ' H Hewes o B monwealth ol 

""" ,; ' ''" '"' ll ' 1'''" ' ,h "era! I I ,i , ,,,i State of STew- 

aMarch A D: 1781, ...... i 

tewes in setting y md caiTyin; . 

f ! " I ' "■" ' !tat ' ■ i; la PP dnting i-mii p. -. 51 ,, 

' ' ' '" ' ' : : ,: ' ' '' "" : ~- '" l'"i-i,a,i f their trust, 



iverthe thougl 
. appointed b, 

>.'!. II. in. ... .., k,„.V leije,. ■ 


ts of 
the 


i... .j..--, ... pi inting said 






sllrl. .slims af in,,,,, ■> as 

ol said lotterj and, fo 


II,. 


;;:,; 


lubitan Iccounl to thi 




.1 foi 



" E " Brown , of 

"F. Blood J Temple. 

;,'.;...•... to m,i /„. ,„,,/,, , L7g5 

"Humbly Shewe Selectmen of Temple in the County of Hills- 

..- ", s Town -Th bi : 

' ' ll ' , " 1 ". n >'"'>' pasl li\ wl,i . , ....... [livid. ,] 

i-rt rail" K" 12 and the Easl pari i all \ .. 1 1.. R, , 

Surcumstances of Towns that Nov 

Easl Bigimenl we Suppose «..-,,.„ then laid befon the Hoi 

we beliveif they had it would Nol l,.u. ..... ■..,,, i.i, ,,,.«,. i,,.- i...n,. 

'" S| . V Thal l! " I N'e« 1, -.■. 1 Bason Wilton Temple 

Peterborough Lyn.M,.,r..ue|, s n ll..,,... 1. a Peterboroughslip was 

■'" formerlj of the ttftli E, Iment— That they pay £49—15 — ln.lt... 

lve ' ' :l " ""' ' ' '■'"•' "■ , ' ;1 " ''•>•• ■ ■'■ « ill Appeal i.i last proportion 

v ' ' ,: ' '• Vl -' oi i-'i. as i.\ S' vote m/i Binge Fitzwilliam 

fatfrey Maril rough Dublin a Packersfleld pays but £32 13— which ie 

'"' "■' ' tbirdi i much, oi in other words we pay UT-is tii.i more to 

■■•■■■.■■ i . i ■-,„.,. i| mn half they paj -That we in 

' -..'.. irSi tha then 1100 poles was return'd in the 

\n.l that most of the Towns in the Easl Beg was Settl, I 

!•-«,. I. Wilt. .ii M11-..1, v, i . • , ;, , ■.,„,,,„., ,,,■ feara 



New-Hampshire 

10" 1783 
... Town ..I Ten 
..i Twentj one years ol Age 



pole Tax Taken 



Sworn to before Franci 

Inhabitants in 1784.— Th,. follow 
in 1784: 



"SamI Howabd 

"BE.N .: 

Bl 1. justice of the ]>eace. 



.iliz.iis 



r Number- 


\n l thai there , 


: 


wit) Ileal. 


"ill-.,., Vbbot 




('!, llllot- 


lules a hi. 1 


is only ll. .mi. ..I, 


ren.w their Com 


lition i, 


Tliatil, ev, 




, sidei oui Si 






we humbi} pray 


Excellenci 


v 1I..I,,,. 


Big, (towi 


Ne« [DSwich A 




11', 1 the 




1 totheii foi 


Number 01 that ' 


he Divis 


nent may bi 


Male N,|| A V0il 




. Hi.-, as 


■ ... , h. n 


,.v bound shall p 






■ 27-1785. 








s Stii l ...... 




.b< Howrd, Ben, 


.i Vento 


..a- Gei-sl 


1,"-. Ezra 


Drurv. Abrahan 


1 hi, -in 


aleb in..-, i 


rd, rge Conn 


David 1 me-, Joshua To, 




mi-. Tl m- M 


rshall, Jonathan 


Marsha 


. all i. Ban 


roft, John Ball, J ,i Lovejoj 


Benj an 


v.th' Ball, 


Nath" Ball .1'. A 




- Lowel 


', Jacob Lo 


.11. .I..-.,!, Heal. 


J', Benj. Cragin 


Kl.li.,1 .- 


■•wet, Nath 


Ili.d Jewel. Willi. 


,„ Jewet, Oliver Whiting, 






John Andrews. 


i : 


nil Fering 


n, (In- X mark . 


Samson walker, Levi r. ,, 


Ret, 




ini - Heald, Benja Cutti 



W Ie,. 

Tho Sen 

vid Drurj 

Felt, /. badiah Dinsm, 

Avery, i.h,, In ry, I 

lei, simual Buri.ili, 



Griffin, Jonathi 



i fors- 



" Joshua Todd, Caleb Bam i. 
mi Manser, Benj Cutter, W , 



Howard, Mos, - 
Abraham Shelden, Benj- Cra- 
I ...|.i! lew. . 



I. | BI i i BI 1.1'." 

"Voted toanswei Bequest of Joseph Richardsen and ..then, Inhab- 
itants ol la., borough Relative to their beingannexed te Cemple Pro- 
vided they will obligate themselves t i , tl bj to involve si 

Town "> ' ' ..,- annexed or 

..n ,\cr^ of Moving the Meetin .. i.... $ 



'Temple Ma, 



T Clerk. 



COLUSIBIAS LIBRAKT. 

to thi ' ml < 



lai Sature- 
" and your Petit 
•' Temp] :fl 2 



i ■ 

I us EdVi \l:l>- j 



Columbian Library was incorporate I 
The following were residents in 1799: 



Senate, 1784^-85; judge of the Court of Common 
! held numerous offices in town. He was 
born in Concord, Mass., March 18, 1735 (0. S.), and 
died in 181 I. 

As eat ly as January 12, L775,the town sent "about 
40 bushels of rye" to " the Poor of yHown of Boston." 

The following marched to Cambridge on the alarm 
of April 19, 1775: 



Jr., Ebe 

li lair 



aey, I 



The follow in- wen 



Sam We 
Ezekiel 



Peter Felt, Caleb Maynard, Da 
Kath> Barrett, Benjamin Pai 
Walton, Eliae B03 nton, Jo iah 
Felt, Eliot Powers, Timothy i 
Oliver Whiting, John Brown, 
Patterson, Gidei P 1 

Thomas Towns J», David Ti 



Tli 



T..«ii 



CHAPTER II. 

TEMPLE— {Continued). 

War of the Revolution— Soldiers Na Francis Bl I— War 

of the Rebellion— Ecclesiastical History Congregational Church- 
Baptist I hurcli- I no oali-t I'll 111. -h -1 ..It.-.- Ora.liiat.- 0I.1— 1 a - 
ti.ry— Familii^— rii>-i. i;m>— I ivil iloti.i v. 

War of the Revolution.— In the War ofthe Rev- 
olution Temple responded promptly with nun and 
means, and the record of the little town during that 
struggle i- one in which her citizens may justly feel 
patriotic pride. 

G il Francis Blood was a prominent man in 

the town during the Revolution. He was a member 
ofthe House of Representatives in 1777, and on Sep- 
tember 27th of that year was appointed commissary 
to attend a guard sent to conduct prisoners of war to 
Portsmouth. He was appointed January 27, 1781, 
one of the two "collector-generals of beef" for the 
army; member of the Council in 1784. and ofthe 



Bunker Hi 
iredeen, Peter 1 
hn Hillsgrove.i 



The followim; belonged to ihe two 
in 1 775 : 

.Ciiathaii Av.i v. s.a]] i ,,1,1.. s 1 ,.1,1,, loni.l 1. 

a. 1 1 1. 'i. E 1 lalo, J. ieph Kidder, 

lw. 1-. .1..-, |.h l.'n lianl-..n, sil.. I.'i. I. Sli.klirv, llriiji 1 s 

Todd, Peter « heeler, David Townsend, z. i * ■ 

The following were in Captain Ezra. Towi 
pany : 



iter Davis, Z 
iwers, Gideon 

Smith, John 



Si lei Vvery, Jonathan Avi 

John Hillsgn.v.. 'I'll.. 1, no falt.rs. 
William MaiiMii. ,l..lm Mattlirv, 



The following marched to baratog 
Drury's company, in September, 1777 : 



el Bredeen, Zedekiah Drurj 
Hutchinson, V\ ildei Kidder, 
iln Smith, K. Miller, Samuel 



Captain 



11, v. /. Drary, 
Holt, Samuel 

tinsi e, Cap- 



ahsent 



The following wentto Rhode Island: 
twenty-three days: 

1, ..,.], „, |. mt, Iiolii.'1-t I'l.l.li. 1. .1 , — 1 .1 1 Kiililfl', [lani.-l H.-al.l. oi.l.a.li 
]..,,.. ,... I' -or-, .li.-lma l'.,-T. 1, .l.i-lnia Ul. lial.U..n. S. U. Sti.kll.i.., 

1 I . |. M.. 0I1, ill. 1'.. in...... 

Samui 1 W In '■!•■!. .lai"' ■ !'• .'■ s a'lia 1 -!"«' ". Josiali Stone. 

Sil n .11 men, as follows, " marched on the alarm at 
i loos, at ye time Royalston was burnt: " 

. IV, William Unity, At let H..II, Siilnil.'l II. .It. Caul Sriek- 

nee, Nathaniel Jewett, Francis Cragin, S. R. Stick , S I'arlin, D. 

Heal'l. Siiii.-..ii 1 ' a liuriiap, Z. Emery, S Walker, 

four days. 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



War of the Rebellion— During the War of the 
Rebellion Temple responded promptly to the various 

calls for men, and the n rd of the town through that 

conflict was an hi 'able one; men and money were 

promptly furnished. 

Ecclesiastical History. — It is probable thai 
was commenced in this town prior to its 
incorporation. The first minister was Rev. Samuel 
Webster, ordained October, 1771. He died August 
4. 1777. After the death of Mr. Webster, various per- 
sons filled the pulpit until October, 1782, when Rev. 
Noah Miles was ordained " in y* new meeting-house 
not yet finished." He died November 20, 1831. His 
were as follows: Revs. Leonard Jewett, 
Walter Foil ett, George Goodyear, George Williams, 
Isaiah P. Smith, Royal Parkinson, S. D. Clark, 
W. L.S.Clark, J. S. Bassett, John W.Haley, John 
Mellish. 

An Universalist Church was formed here in 
1832, under the name of the Union Society, and the 
distinguished Hosea Ballou was the first pastor. A 
church edifice was erected - i after. 

Glass-Factory.— Mr. Blood, in his " History of 
Temple," says : "Strange as it may seem to us, there 
is little doubt that the first American manufactory of 
-lass W as erected in the town of Temple." The 
builder and owner was Robert Hewes, who was born 
in Boston in 1751. He was a "celebrated hone- 
setter and fencing-master." The factory was sixty- 
five feci square. It was started in 1780. 

Families. — The following family names, identified 
with the history of the town, are taken from Blood's 
" History of Temple . " 

Ball, Barkei Bio I Bi ntoii Captain Elias Boynton was in the battle 

of Bunker Hilli. r.i..\vn. Cm nap, i ' 

in--. K.lwai.N Captain Kl. ' •■/. i IMwards was with the company ol the 
Art. m Miiiui. M. :i al I Bri Ige, ' when they met the British), Kar- 
en Felt, 1'i-k. Fosti i, Gardni i. Heald o.u rous familj ; Peter Heald, 

i ■•'•■! H.ali! t.imiiy, v I,, born in Tem- 

II. m I. ."- .!.■«. -II. k.-M -. Ki.l.l. a, kn.u-l.i 

in. M:i-mm. m.i. Mill i e. ii. :, i . . i . . Piper, Powers, 

Pr.itt. S.-uilr, Shatlurk, Sli.Twiii.s,,,, |,i,„_ S|„, M ,„,| Walton, Wheeler, 
w hytynge, and w hiting 

Physicians.— The earliest physicians in Temple 
were Drs. Silas Durkee, Brown and Taylor. Dr. 
James Crombie located here in 1798, and remained 
until 1820. Other physicians have been Drs. - 
Fobes, S, Cumings, Nathan Jones, A. 11. Wilder, 
Raymond, Nathaniel Kingsbury, 1). S. Prescott, G. 

A. Phelps, Henry J. Young and J. M. Bl 1. There 

is no resident physician in the town tit the present 

Schools. — The first reference to educational mat- 
ters is under date of March 4, 1771, when it was 
" Voted to have schooling and voted to raise £8 L. M. 
for schooling." From that early day to the present 
time Temple has kept abreast with the rapid stride 
of educational progress. The hist appropriation for 
support of schools was seven hundred dollars. The 
present Board of F.dueation is tis follows: 



Wheeler, Charles E. Rockwood, A. B. Davidson, J. 
0. Whitcomb, Thomas Derbyshire. 

Civil History.— The following is a list of repre- 
sentatives from 1776 to the present time: 

I' ■■"■ it Bl i 1776 to 178 '.. Thomas w. Smith I 

: ' .. 1784, -... '86 90, i-.. u i, n 

Benjamin Cragin, 1788. 

AMjab w heeler, 1794. E , ; Cutt ]S , 4 .^ .- 7 

: " ; ' : ' 7 ' "'■'*. IS "°. Danii-IFelt 1865 

'"■ IIJ '"" :; ''"''"'■ ""■ " T ""■ (Nocho i- 

Jamee Killam, 1859 

.hum- kill 



Havi.1 I'.ttt. 



James Crulnliir. lsli.. 



A 1'UIlllllillg-, ISls, in, _',', . I 

Jesse Spofford, 1822 '23 
David Stiles, 1825, .... 27 



I cm. i. w inn,,;;. i.y;-j-r.:;. 



Elbridge Cutter, 1866. 

!;. v i .. 
""""" >''"'" ''- s i -"• '■" SI' MoeesM. Baloh, 1869. 

■- Isaiah Wheeler, 1870, '71, '72. 

Nil "" < " " , "- •'' - '- ;; - ■'■'• FreemanJ. Holt, 1873, '74. 

' ' '' rge E. . .11. in 

Supply W. Edward 
1838 '" Charles K. Colburn 

Nathan klliiJ.iltv. 1-41. I-. 



..!.- M ll.aM. lssa. -si. 
TnW N i I I ill.- FROM 1768 TO 1886. 

Nathan I ',.11.111 n , J] I- ■ 
'40, '41, '42, '58, .'. 

lid i-l, II. '45, '46, 
'47, '48, '49, '60, '51, 



;..-, ..". 70 
Samuel Howar 

, , ... 
Daniel Searle, 1802-20. 
Xathan \VI.,.,|.i , l-_i> jl. :j. 

'26, '26, '27 
David Stiles, 1823,'24. 

Ml.'.;... 



v.. 



BI< (GRAPHICAL SKETCH. 



M Llnll SUPPLY V7. EDWARDS. 
Maim Supply W. Edwards is the fifth child of 
Nathaniel and Sarah (Wilson) Edwards and was 
born in the town of Temple, X. H., April 9, 1817. 
His grandfather, Captain Ebene/.er Edwards, was horn 
in Acton, Mass.. March '2.'<. 1737. He was a member 
of the V-toii Company of Minute-men under com- 
mand >ii Captain Davis, and did service during the 
War of the Revolution. He was on Dorchester 
Heights at the sice.,' of I'.oston, and after the evacua- 
tion of that city worked as a carpenter on the fortifi- 
cation of the harbor, at the same time doing military 
duty. He removed to what is now Sharon, in 1777, 
and to Temple, X. 1! , in 1780. About 1786 he built 
what is now known as the " General Miller House," 
and resided there until about 1819. He was a man 
of character and importance in the town, and the 
records show that he held all the principal ollices in 
its gift. He was twice married, first to Lucy Wheeler, 
of Lincoln, Mass. They had eleven children; she 
died November 20, L800. His second wife was Mary 
Flint, also of Lincoln. Mass. She bore him four chil- 
dren,— Captain Edwards died March 21, 1826. Na- 
thaniel, his fourth child, was horn May 26, 1785. He 



677 



married June 10, 1808, .Sarah Wilson, of New Ipswich. 
Their children were Sarah, Mary, Abby, Susan W., 
Supply W., Elizabeth, Nathaniel I', and Charles W. 
Major Supply W. Edwards had no advantages for 
education in his youth beyond what the public school 
of his native town could furnish, and his attendance 
to this was limited to the winter terms. Being one 
of a somewhat numerous family, in moderate circum- 
stances in life, he was taught to labor as s l as his 

growing strength could make his services of anj 
value. As soon as he was of sufficient age he learned 
the trade of stone-masonry, and this he has made the 
principal occupation of his life. He made it a rule 
at the beginning to do whatever he undertook con- 
scientiously and well, and to that rule he has adhered 
through life ; and to this may be attributed the suc- 
cess he has attained. His work may he seen in his 
own and all the surrounding towns and villages. In 
addition to his work at masonry, he purchased a farm 
near his grandfather's old homestead, and has carried 
on tanning quite extensively and with marked success. 
His farm buildings are among the best in the county. 



He married, December Id, 1840, Elizabeth Winn. 
She was born August 2, L820. Their children are 
John Wheeler, born Maj 28,1844; Charles Warren, 
born January 12, 1847; <i 'ge Walter, born Febru- 
ary 14, L849; Edwin Brooks, born Maj 3, L851; Em- 
ma Josephine, born January 8, L853 ; Alma Jane, 
born January L3, 1856. 

Mrs. Edwards died September 11, L883. Major 
Edwards has practically retired from active business. 
His son-in-law, who resides with him, conducts his 
farm for him. 

In 1876 77 he represented his town in the State 
Legislature, and has, at different times, held various 
minor offices. In 1840 he was chosen major of mili- 
tia under Colonel Little, and served in that capacity 
four years. Among the prominent traits of Major 
Edwards' character may lie mentioned pet 
and punctuality. He is prompt in performing what- 
ever he promises or undertakes to do, and is a man 
much respected by his neighbors, among whom his 
life has been spent. 



HISTORY OF "WEARE. 



BY WILLIAM LITTLE. 



CHAPTER I. 

Topography.— Weare is in latitude 43 
Longitude 71 41' west. It is fifteen miles from Con- 
cord, the State capital, eighteen miles northwest of 
Manchester and seventy miles from Huston. It is 
bounded north by Henniker and Hopkinton, east by 
Dunbarton ami Cotfstown. south by Goffstown, New 
Boston and Francestown and west by Francestown 
and Deering. Its area is :i3,G4S acres and it has 23,- 
392 acres of improved land. The length of the town 
is about seven and one-half miles, the breadth six 
and one-half, and in territory it is the largest town in 
the county of Hillsborough. 

Weare has four mountains in the central part of 
the town on a line running nearly northeast and 
southwest,— Mt. Dearborn (1229 feet high), Mt. 
Wallingford I 1213), Mt. William (1108)and .Mt. Mis- 
i). There are also thirteen hills, each about 
1000 leet high,— Kuncanowet, so called by the Indians 
from Kunnaway (a bear), wadchu (a mountain) and 
et la place), meaning "the mountain place <>! the 
hear". Sugar, Burnt, Rattlesnake, Craney, Hogback, 
Chevey, Mine. Toby, Odiorne, Boar's Head, Barnard 
and Raymond cliff. 

Two rivers flow through the town, — the Piscataquog 
and Middle Branch. The Indians gave the aame to 
the first, ami it is from Pos (great), attuck (a deer) 
and quoag (a place), meaning " grea i deer place," or 
" a place of many deer." The correct spelling of the 
word i- " 1'oseattaipioag." In Deering the stream is 

sometimes called Nomkeag from Namaos (a fish) 
'ill keag (a place), meaning "fish place." 

Twenty-nine brooks enter these two rivers. — Cram. 
Ferrin, Lily-pond, Emmons, Eight-Loads Meadow, 
Currier, Peacock, Meadow, the Otter, Huse, Alex- 
ander, Bassett, Choate, Felch. Cilley, Bog, Chase, 
Huntington, Trinity, Getchel, Breed, Half-Moon 
-Meadow, Center, Dustin, Thorndike, Putney, John- 
son, J ludh-y and Hadlock. 

There are three considerable ponds, — Ferrin. Duck 
and Mt. William. The latter contains one hundred 
and twenty-eight acre- and is forty feet deep. 

Geology.— The oldest rock in Weare is porphyritic 



gneiss. It forms what were once two islands standing 
out of the sea, — North Weare and Raymond cliff 
Lake gneiss abounds in the northwest part of the town, 
als.i near Clinton (irovc, Mt. Dearborn, Odiorne Hill 
and the east base of Mt. Misery. Mica schist forms 
Rattlesnake Hill ; there is an outcrop of it two miles 
north of Clinton Grove; also near Mt. Misery and 
Odiorne Hill. Ferruginous schist is found on the 
summit of Mt. Wallingford and throughout the west 
part of the town. It reddens the mica schist rocks. 
Fihrolite schist makes the top of Mt. Misery. Rock- 
ingham schist forms the huge masses of Mts. Wal- 
lingford and William, and it rests upon the lake 
gneiss underneath. Mont Alban rocks are on the Kun- 
canowet Hills. Steatite or soapstone crops out on the 
east slope of Mt. -Misery. Crystallized radiated 
bunches of talc are disseminated through the Boap- 
stone and with it are minute bits of pyrrhotite, 
arsi Qopyrite, asbestos and crystals of feldspar. 

There are many remains of the glacial period to be 
seen in Weare. Stria' are on all the rocks. Lenticular 
hills abound in the southwest part of the town. 
Boulders by the thousands are strewn thick on the land. 
The Elephant boulder on Mt. Wallingford, the Trav- 
eler and the Dolmen on Barnard Hill, are curiosities; 
some of them will weigh two thousand tons or more 
each. Embossed rocks {Roches Moutenes) arc abund- 
ant. Precipices on the southeast slopes of the hills 
show where the ice fell down like an avalanche. Ter- 
races made of the material ground up by the ice sheet 
are in the river-valleys. Kettle-holes are common in 
the great beds of drift, and pot-holes worn in the solid 
rock are high up on tin' hills. 

Flora — There are thirty-eight native trees.— white 
pin.', pitch pine, red pine, black spruce, balsam fir, 
hemlock, larch, red cedar, arbor vitas white maple, 
red maple, rock maple, striped maple, beech, black 
birch, yellow birch, white birch, gray birch, white 
oak, red oak, chestnut oak, scrub oak. chestnut, elm, 
butternut, walnut, hickory, basswood, white ash, 
brown ash, leverw 1, ironw 1, poplar, white pop- 
lar, willow, black cherry, buttonwood. Eleven or 
more foreign ones have been introduced. — Lombard}- 
poplar, locust, horse chestnut, balm of Gilead, thorn. 



WEARE. 



quince, apple, pear, peach, plum ami cherry. There 
are a great number of shrubs and a multitude of other 
plants. 

Fauna. — In early times moose, deer, panthers, 
wolves and bears were very plenty. These have dis- 
appeared. Wolves at times were a meat pest; the 
Stat.' uttered large humifies lor their heads, and Weare 
in 1780 was so much troubled with them that it was 
proposed to offer an additional bounty for their de- 
struction. The otter, hedgehog, raccoon, with its 
cunning, half-human face ; rabbit, two kinds; red fox, 
black fox, woodchuck, skunk, musquash, mink, stoat, 
weasel, squirrel, four kinds ; hat, mole, rat and mouse 
now abound. Two or three kinds of wildcats occa- 
sionally visit the town. 

Indians.— The valley ,,t' the Piscataquog was a 
noted hunting-ground for the Indians. It was their 
great place for deer. The tribe who occupied all this 
region was the Nipmuck, a name derived from nipe 
(still water) and auke (a place), the letter " m " thrown in 
for sound, and meaning " Fresh-water Indians." They 
were divided into numerous clans, each clan bearing 
the name of the particular place where it happened to 
live. 

The Indians built their wigwams on the meadows 
by the streams, where they could plant, hunt and fish. 
Many of their stone implements have been picked up 
by the farmers. 

Moses A. Hodgdon found several arrow-heads on his 
farm at the fork of the Peacock ; they were of a light 
slate color; he also found a mortar pestle or stone to 
dress hides and some stone axes. Mr. (Jove, who lives 
near by him, found a few arrow-heads. Thomas and 
John Follansbee, on their farm by the Piscataquog, 
found a stone-knife, spear-heads, a skinning-stone, a 
mortar of stone in which they pounded their corn, and 
on an intervale several old fire-places, paved with 
stone. The Felches found a -tone axe near Hogback 
Hill. 

In the time of King < reorge's War. 1744-47, Timothy 
Corliss, a hunter from Haverhill. Mass., had his 
camp on the meadows of the Peacock. A party of 
Indians, who were prowling about the border settle- 
ments, found, captured and carried him away to 
Canada. He came back after the war was over and 
eventually settled in Weare. 

Explorations. — The first white men to visit Weare 
were, no doubt, hunters and trappers. Captives taken 
by the Indians may have journeyed through the land. 
During the Three Years or Lovewell War, Massachu- 
setts offered a bounty of one hundred pounds f< >r every 
Indian scalp brought in. There is a tradition that 
Captain John Lovewell, the celebrated Indian fighter, 
marched through our town with a part)' of scouts, 
killing a black moose on the way. and went as far as 
Mount Lovell, said to have been named for him in 
Washington. This was in 1723. He, with his men, 
afterwards killed ten Indians in the night, by a small 
pond in Wakefield, getting a thousand pounds for 



their scalps, and was himself killed by Paugus and 
his braves at Lovewell Pond, in Krvelmrg, .Me. 

Lovewell's great success roused others to hunt the 
Indians, and no less than seventeen seouting-parties 
went marching through these northern \\ Is. 

Captain Daniel Pecker was captain of one of these, 
and, as tie and his company are the first recorded 
white men whoever set to,,t in Weare, we shall give 
his "Scout Journal" in full. The company was raised 
in Haverhill, .Mass., and the following i- the journal 
of its inarch : 



■CUT. I'E'Kia: S Jol UNAL. IiEC. 12, 
' i« written uii tf. 



[The i 

'A ourual . -f ii i v pi .lm-~ n> mi Seen. I M.u.ii aft. a 

"172.;. Nov"' 33.— Victualed part of my Company— 
"24. — Sabbath day — 

' 2.V \ i. in il. .I 1 1 tli.. [■ part of my Men— 

"2(i.— Marched from Haverhill— Westward 11 mil — 
"27. — Mar.he.l further Westward— 12 miles— 

"28 -We got to Dunstable— 8 miles— Thanksgiving Day— 

"29. — Lay by, by reason ofbad Weather — 

"30.— Marched t.. Nashua River,— 8 mile — 

"Dec : I. — Marched up to Pennechuck Brook al t North\ 






'I ■ 1 ..I. ..lit \ : W: up I.. S.. uli. -an ,t ... I'l-nl the [tiler.— 

■'.:. — Mar.he.l l.v rnheiiotiuek hilt. — 14 Miles— 

■■ ! —Steering Northward to ;. at Mountain & 50 sent .mi a Scout t... 

the hill to see w hat thev eoul.l Discover, heme S miles— 

"5.— Steering about North ,t by East up to Poscaiia.pi 
crossed Said River,— 12 Miles— 

"i;,— Sr.-eiine. aliout N : E : over another pint .1 I'.-'io.... I: 

at...ut hi n e|,„ k, I s.-ni la-hf M mi. mi. I.u (lie e, .nnna u.l . .1 .1 .,,,;. than 
Ki.l.in. up !.. C, .Ii I... ..■'... h I in. r .V e. [.-turn tin thirl .|a\ t. . in- ill Su.u- 

cok Itiver. and then w.-nt with the r.-st . .f m> i' j \ ... I'.l.ek 1: '. 

-14 Miles— 

"7 .vs. — lav son by reason ofbad Weather- 
Man I..-.I i 1!.J. In ■■■.. I ■ i. e M.i I. It h .■ i , agai list 

sun k. being a Stormy l'ay ..f Su..\\. the seout returning to me at 

nielit. ,\ loll me they h. el inarehe.t up I., sum. ..I Ii..' Southerly Bran- 
ch. ■-•■! ' , I. Itiei'i if - & Discovered Nothing— 

" Man heil troiu Aiinah....ks,.t hill, t lost M en imaek Iti\ . I ■. - -i .. 
ing a smith Easterly Course, Starched to Great Massapisset pond, — 16 

■■11 —Mar. he. I from Mas-apis-et p.. ml to the N.atliniu -t part "I ' he- 

shin ,—16 miles— 

•■ 12.— Marched from thence t.. Haverhill,- 

'■ Daniel Ii ckeb ' 

Grants.— Previous to 1740 all the territory west of 
the Merrimack Liver was claimed h\ Massachusetts. 
New Hampshire also laid claim toa partofit, .and the 
case having gone on lor a long time, Massachusetts Le- 
gal] to think she might he beaten, and, to give her 
citizen- the profit that might arise from the sale of the 
lands, til, out 1725 began to make grants. She tried to 
hide her avarice by a show of patriotism, and on the 
pretense that she needed a line of towns on the iron- 
tier to k.cp out the French and Indians, laid out and 
gave grants of a double row of nine towns from the 
Merrimack to the Connecticut, and four more towns 

on the ea-t side of the latter stream. 

Then she voted nine towns as a bounty to the heirs 
of the men who fought in tin- Indian War with King 
Philip in 1675, and these were known as the nine 
Narraganset towns, hut only seven of them were laid 



630 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



To reward the men who went with Sir William 
Phips, in 1690, to fight the French and Indians in 
Canada, a score or so of towns were granted, called 
Canada townships, one of which was our town of 
Weare. Those in New Hampshire were known as 
Canada to Beverly, Weare; Canada to Dautzick, 
Bow; Canada to Salem, Lyndeborough ; Canada to 
[pswich, New Ipswich ; Canada to Harwood, Peter- 
borough ; < lanada to Sj Ivester, Richmond ; ( lanada to 
Rowley, Rindge ; and Canada to Baker or Stevens, 
Salisbury. 

Weare was granted to Captain William Rayinent 
and company, on the petition of Colonel Robert Hale 
and others, by the General Court of Massachusetts, 
May, 1735. The grantees had live years to settle 
the town; each one was to build a house on his re- 
io1 or share, eighteen feel square ami seven 
feet stud, plow and bring to English grass tit for 
mowing six acres of land, settle a learned orthodox 
minister, build a convenient meeting-house for the 
public worship of Cud. and eaeh was to give a bond 
of twenty pounds to do these things. The town was 
to he laid out at once at the charge of the province. 
Colonel Hale and John Wainright were a committee 
to do this, and William Gregg, of Londonderry, sur- 
veyor, with Isaac Gray and Jeremiah Butman as 
chainmen, went to Weare and did it. They made a 
plot of the town and returned it witli a short descrip- 
tion under oath February 17, 1736. 

The town was divided into shares, many sales were 
made and, that the deeds might he properly recorded, 

"the township granted to Captain Raymenl and 
company," with other townships near by, were de- 
clared to he a pari of the county of Middlesex, in the 
province of Massachusetts. This act was passed 
February 2, 1 7: : 7 . Man) deeds of lands in Weare 
are recorded in the registry of that county. What 
these proprietors ever did towards the settlement of 
tin- town we have never been able to learn. 

Halestown was the first name of Weare, so called 
from Colonel Robert Hale; "to Beverly " appears as 
it- name on Thomas Jaffrey's map of New England, 
and this name was given because most of the grantees 
resided in Beverly. " Beverly-Canada," or "( lanada to 
Beverly" were other names tor Weare, which are 
found in "Douglass' Summary," written in 1746-49. 

The settlement of the line in 1740 between the two 
provinces, located our town in New Hampshire, and 
the Masonian proprietors, who had bought out Robert 
Tufton Mason, granted it September 20, 1749. to 
[chabod Robie and seventy-nine others. " Robie's 
town" wis, more or less, the fifth name lor Weave 
loi i lie next fifteen j ears. 

Bj tle> term- of the grant thirty families should be 
settled on said grant in tour years, having a house, 
sixteen feet square or more, and three acres of land 
cleared and fitted for mowing and tillage. Ten 
families more should be settled in town in the next 
two years. A meeting-house for the public worship 



of Cod should be built in six years ami constant 
preaching maintained alter twelve wars. A good 
saw-mill should lie built and all wdiite pine trees fit 
for masting the royal navy should be reserved to his 
majestj '.- use forever. If these things ami -ome others 
an- col done ill times specified the grant shall be 
forfeited, but if an Indian war should break out the 
linn the war lasted was not to run. 

Settlement. — The proprietors went to work at once 
to comply with the terms of the grant. They laid out 
the town into lots ami divided them ; they cut out a 
way to the Centre Square and built a bridge over the 
Piscataquog. 

Then they built two log cabins ami hired two men 
to go and live in them ; the men never went, but in 
17">0 they succeeded in getting one man to move into 
town. 

Nathaniel Martin was the first white settler ot 
Weare. He was from Bedford and had married the 
daughter of Colonel John ( lotte, one of the proprietors 
who probably got him to move into town. Hesettled 
on the east bank id' the Piscataquog, about fifteen 
rods from the river and one and one half miles above 
the present Oil-Mill Village. He built the first saw- 
mill at the latter place about 1760. 

John Jewell, from < >ld Derryfield, now Manchester, 
was i he second settler, lie moved into town in May, 
1751 and built bis cabin in South Weare. The place 
where it stood is still pointed out. It was on the 
north side of the present road from Oil-Mill Village 
to Dearborn's tavern and about one fourth mile from 
the latter place. Hi- sons, John Jewell, Jr., and 
Jacob Jewell, came to Weare with him. His daughter 
was the bride of the first wedding in town and they 

had a wedding lea-! consisting of' bear's steaks and 
Jofhain beans. A wild bear from the woods was killed 
for the occasion and the beans were procured from 
Jotham Tuttle, hence the name Jotham bean-. 

Thomas Worthley was the third settler, lie was 
originally from Bedford, hut came to Weare from 
GofTstOWI] October, 1751. lie settled on the west 
bank of the Otter near a cold spring and a few- 
rods east of the north road from Oil-mill to South 
Weare. His old cellar is yet plain to be seen, and his 
wife'- grave, paved with white pebbles, is near by. 
By bis cabin was an open meadow, where ome was a 
beaver's pond, ami from it he got wild grass for his 
siock. His sons,— Timothy, Jr., Jonathan and 
Thomas, — came to Weare with him, and one of his 
daughters married Jotham Tuttle, who found the 
beans for Miss Jewell's wedding. 

Moses Quimby was the fourth settler. He came 
from Derryfield to South Weare and built his house 
near when the meeting-house now stands about April 
8, \l'rl. He was born in what is now Danville (for- 
merly llawke). 

Timothy Corliss, originally from Haverhill, Mass., 
came from Bedford about December 6, 1753 and sat 
down in South Weare near where stands the present 



church. He was the father of Timothy, Jr., who was 
carried away bj the [udiatis during King George's 
War; and the smi probably came to Weare al the 
same time ami they lived together. 

William Quimby came from Derryfield to Weare 
late in the year L753 and settled in Smith Weare 
.'..nil one-half mile south of the church. 

'ih. se were all who came in the Erst four year-, and 
the grant would have been forfeited had not the old 

French and Indian War..- letimes called the Seven 

Years War. broke out. The exception in their grant 
of an Indian war saved them. 

While the war was iroing mi new settlers were lew 

and tar between, hut the following came on or about 

the dates named : 
Aaron Quimby, L754 Jeremiah r..ih--, i;.; < -..i.-i. lanei.v. lTr.s ; 

J.. than) Tllttle, 17.V.P; IS, .ml I,itll,\ 17.~i!i ; Joshua Maxfielil, 17r.ll ; Joshua 

Corliss, 1760 Caleb Uwood, 17 nines E reon, 1761. 

Mary Corliss, born June 2, L759, daughter oi Jere- 
miah t 'orliss, was the first white child of Weare. 

Miss Lydia Jewell, daughter of John Jewell, and 
were the first couple married. 

Abigail ( 'orliss, wife of Joshua Corliss, decea ed 
March 17, 1763, was the first one who died. 

When the war was over then the tide of immigra- 
tion flowed faster and these settled about the dates 
given : 

Stephen Elners.iii, I7i.j ; sti'l'lnn 1 jm r-.ni, .h., 17'1'J; Mn-r- Oil.\ 



Saw-Mill.— The proprietors, March l(i, L752, voted 
to build a saw-mill on the twenty acres of land set 
apart tor that purpose, and Moses Blake took the 
contract to do the work and put in a strong dam lor 
seven hundred pounds old tenor. The proprietors 
were to find the mill irons, saw and all time, to fit 
the mill for work. It was built on the Piscataquog, a 
shortdistano aboveEast Weare. where Unlit, Peaalee's 
mill now stands. At this place there is almost a natural 
dam across the stream. At a proprietors' meeting. 

held < telwbcr 24, 17-"'2, Blake reported that lie had 'jot 

l lie mill done ami Mm-. - Wadleigh, the man t ln\ had 
chosen to judge of that fact, said lie had helped build 

it in the tw ■ three months just past anil that it was 

done in all things. This was such good news that they 
VOti d t.. pay Blake and not hold him to do any more 
work. It was good luck for the contractor licit he 
bad the work done and the money in his pocket. In 
a very short time there came an immense freshel 
which swept the dam and mill away. When the 
waters subsided some one gathered up the mill irons 
and hid them under a great pine log on the hank of 
tin- stream. Robert Peaslee found them there more 
than three-fourths ofa century afterwards. 1828. 

The Old French War.— Many of the settler., of 



Weare were nut iii iheold French war, some of the 

early ones going from Weare and others from the 

towns where the} lived before they c i to Weare. 

Their name- are ; 
Captain N'athi 



Martin n.n Id n Ebi u . • Sim i> r. Joshua 

i oi , -i, | . i L . r i e. ..I-. , .i.ih ii Wnithley, .lereiniahCorlia , Jacob Jewi 11, 

l i i ' |. ni, \ -ii u. .al., M I In-. William Darling, 

John Darlin I u i ) 1 h W orlhl. j I oi ... Im 

Ordway, I' I I men in, Cat. Emery, Boi Littl B 



Vye 



Eaton, 



tman. 

Meeting-House.— We are not certain al t the 

time the first meeting-house was built. There was 
one in South Weare about 1768, and we think the 
proprietors must have built it several years before 
that date to fulfill the c litions of their grant. Ii 

stood at the fork of the roads about one half mile 
west ol lie- present cliureh, south side of the I leering 
road and wes! of that I,, New Boston. Jacob Jewell 

probably gave the land on which it stood. It was 
never completed, but both religious and town-meet- 
ings were held ill it. The A ntipado-l'.apt ist Cliureh 
claimed to own it and afterwards sold it. 

Incorporation. — The town thus far bad not been 
incorporated, no town-meetings had been held, no 

taxes raised, no highways laid out and no bridges 

built. These things were sadly needed, and so they 

gut up the following petition : 

"PETITION of INHABITANTS "1- HALE'S TOWN, SOW 

WEARE. 

Provlnci "I 1 To his Excellency Bening Wintworth, Esq' 

\.-w Hampshire. [Capl General ..ml Governo) and commander-in- 

Chiei hi .eel ...... iiu- in- Majesty's Proi New HampBhier, tjie 

'tli,. Ii iiiii I.I.. felt I lii. n ..I lie I ii lull il III 111-', it 1 1 nit 'I'm. I ..I l.i I i.l klli.v'.li 

i,\ ii,, ,,. i Hails Town, otherwise called Col Wearee Town, Hum- 
bly sliru i r It : 



[mmunitye I '■' ' ' ■'■ '. - '" ' " I'im m .. .""i >..in c itilinuers, as in 

■ ■ \, :l Heath, Stephen George, Caleb Emory, T] as Worthly, Na- 
thaniel i'.. Oi-. John Mud . •. ' n miah I orlh . Fai o linbe 

w,ih. .ni llui. i i men, Stephen 

|, ,.,,,, Stephen Emerson, Jr., Benonj Coben, Bond Little, Jacob 

Jewell, Mm. I. ..in Johnson, Jonathan Atw I.John Simons, William 

Darling." 

Helming Wentworth, Governor of the Province, 
w ith the advice and consent of his council, on the 
21st day of September, 1764, issued an order, often 
called a charter, wherebj the inhabitants of " Hailes 
Town," as they called it, wen- "ereeted and Encorpo- 
into a township with town privih . 

I lie do ni c scited the hounds making thi town 

six miles square; annexed a slip of land mi the south 

long and one mile wide 

Masonian proprietors and often called lie 

named the town Weare; gave the inhabitants all the 
.limit. , privileges, immunities and fran- 
. h other town- enjoy; reserved all white 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY. NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



pine tnes tit for masting the royal navy, and also the 
right to divide the territory of the town; promised 
that private property should be held inviolate bj the 
owners; that they should choose their own "Hirers 

and transact their own town business; appointed 
John Goffe, Esq., to call the first town-meeting and 
preside therein, and declared that hereafter the an- 
nual town-meetings should lie held mi the second 
Tuesday .if March. 

First Town-Meeting— Colonel John Goffe .ailed 
the first town-meeting September 28, 17H4. It was 
held at tin' inn of Lieutenant Jeremiah Allen or 
Tuesday, October 9, 17<;4. John Goffe presided. 

•• Voted, to Except On- Charter. 

'- Voted thai tl • i i I bj Powl. 

" The - i n that sl.all-1.- ■ - »■ . --.-.. the v-ai -sli.illli.iv- n.iallr.uan. -.-■ 

fur tlu-il- lali.u Kxeept 'hal --S Inn n Ijv tin- 'I'uwii. 

" i hose Jeremiah Corliss, Town Clark ; Capl Natl i.-l Martin, John 

Mi : M - ■ ..mi ml..-, .l-e iiii.il, r..,li- ...,.l \i.... - Oil- Selecl n: 



e; Abraham Johnson, Asa Heath, Hog Reafs; Na- 

for pr ihing; Forty-Eight |«.im.ls old Tenor foi 

■ - ..ml Charges in Gitting thi Chartei . Eighteen 

■ Cornel Goffe's Trouble for Swaring theoffi. ere a. ..I 

'■ A I 111- Kl-C'-TiI l.v in-, 



First Inventory.— Aaron Quimbe at once took 
the invoice. The citizens were thus taxed: 

.i « ,i 

.lain.s Emerson 6 10 

Jonathan Cle nt 12 16 

Ezra Clement 6 10 

Jotham Tuttle 7 In u 

Stephen George - ,, ,, 

1 1- ...- Worthley i. .. . 

Jonathan Atwood In .; 

Caleb Am I II .. .. 

.1. -i. ill Brown 

Stephen E -son 24 IT 

si-|.li-ii I-: isnii, ,lr - 

Mosea Gille 1.-, i,, u 

ia|.|..in N.il li.ini-l Miirlin 17 

Ben '..I. in ii 6 i> " 

alosee Huse g ],, ,, 

JoshuaCorlles 9 n (l 

Nallialil-1 C, i-lJ-5 ; ,, ,, 

Caleb Km. -iv 6 ii ii 

Timothy Corliss g l„ ,, 

Timothy c.ill-.li II |,, ,, 

Jeremiah Colles 11 pj 

Joshua Martin 1 (l n 

Thomas Worthly I,; | 

Pi ..-tin 

William I'.etin 1:; 4 

.l.-I-iiiiali AH. -n. K<.j ] ;. j 

JohnJewoll 19 14 -, 

M '.'■ 1- I j ,, 

Samuel Nut 9 10 .1 

1 Dicke ,-, ,, i, 

John Mudget 9 | 

A-.. Heath 9 

- 1 " 11 " s ' - 8 

William Hutchins ., ,, ,, 

r Bayly ._, (( l( 

[nsine .1... .-I. Jewell - I 

George Little • • j , 3 , 



Second Town-Meeting.— The next town-meeting 
was held March 12, 1765, at Jeremiah Allen's inn. 
The town otricers were chosen by "hand votes," and 
th.v w.-ie to have no pay for their labor except the 
charges "borne" by the town. Voted to build a 
pound ; that Insign Jacob Jewell and Asa Heath be 
deer keepers; thai Jonathan Clement should keep 
the charter; that eighty pounds, old tenor, should be 
raised for [.reaching, which should he at the house oi 
Esquire Allen; fifty pounds to defray town charges. 
From 1764 to the present time Weare has never failed 
to hold its annual town-meeting. 

First Church.— The vote of eighty pounds t.. pay 
for preaching brought many preachers to Weare. In 
1766 Samuel Haven, of Portsmouth ; John Strick- 
land, of Andover ; John Houston, of Bedford ; and 
David Met rregor, of Londonderry, were each paid one 
pound four shillings for preaching. Elders Samuel 
Hovey and Hezekiah Smith preached in South Weare 
several times during the two years previous to April 
19, 1768, and Elder Pelatiah Tingley came to town 
January '.'. that year. "God was pleased," says the 
church record, "to follow with his blessing," and on 
said April 19 the Antipaedo-Baptist Church of Christ 
was gathered. They adopted a Covenant which had 
for its principal planks, first, the doctrine of election. 
"That all y e Elect were personally chosen in Christ 
before y" Foundation of the world;" second, that once 
elected always elected, no matter what they might 
do; they said distinctly the elect " can neither totally 
nor finally fall Irom the state of grace, but shall 
certainly I.,- kept by the power ..f God and I..- eter- 
nally Saved," and third, that the wicked or non- 
elect shall he turned into hell to experience misery 
and torments through all eternity. These were sweet 
mild doctrines full of God's love. 

Tl riginal members who signed the covenant 

mi.: Caleb Atwood. John Simons. Ebenezer 
Bayley, Elizabeth Atwood. John Ardway, Enoch 
Jew.l. John Mudget, William Hutchens, Abigail 
Hutch, ns, Sarah Mudget, Mehitable Ardway, John 
Jewel, .Mary Corlis, Louis Corlis, Betty Simons, Ruth 
Little. 

The above signed their names with their own hands, 
and the following had their names written after- 
wards : 

Nathaniel Corlis, Mehitable Bailey, Molly Corlis, 
Jr., Jonathan Atwood, John Jewel, Jr., Ham. ah 
Jewel, Dorothy Atwood, Martha Jewell. Joseph 
George. These, with the first-mentioned, woe bap- 
tized and received. 

The I. .If .wing were received by the laying-. .11 of 
hands ; Pelatiah Tingley, Jacob Jewel, Joshua Corlis 
Samuel Bailey and John Mudgit. 



WEARE. 



This was the second Baptist Church formed in New 
Hampshire, the first being at Newton, formed in 
1755. 

Eldei Pelatiah Tingley was the first minister, but 
tie was not settled. It was voted, at a meeting held 
in July, 176S, to notify the selectmen that they had 
given Mr. Tingley an unanimous call, " in order that 
they might have opportunity to do as the Lord might 
direct them about it." 

August 23, they met to consult about the settle- 
ment, and "On Account of Some unsatisfactorious- 
ness in Mr. Tingley's mind (& perhaps some others) 
it was concluded this Day to determine >" .Matter for 
y e Present by Lot, Accordinly alter Prayer & a public 
Discourse «>n y e peaceable Kingdom of Christ & of 
y* Nature of Casting Lots & in a Solemn Manner 
:ommending the Decision of y Matter to y c ' Lord 
proceeded to draw: And y° Lot fell not to settle now 
on y present invitation of y e Church." 

Elders Hezekiah Smith, Shepard, Greenleaf and 
Hovey also preached with this church at intervals 
till 1773. 

The church did not get along very harmoniously; 
one-half of it was generally engaged in disciplining 
the other half. 1, otters of admonishment were plenty. 
Brother Enoch Jewell, who had been admonished 
November 17, 1769, met with the church August 3, 
1770, and after prayer " Confised he had Dune rouge 
to the Caus of Christ in Commiting forniflcation and 
Such like sins and Desierd for giveness of the Chh 
and to be recvied in to you en again which thing 
was granted to him." 

August 24, 177H. tin church heard the charge 
brought by Sister Mehetabel Bayley that she had 
seen " Sume of the other Sisters Do & She thought 
it was not Lawful to Do which was this putting 
Linnen and wooling yarn together. She was affrade 
they put too much of it together." The church 
found she had not eommeneed tin- action rightly and 
dismissed ii. 

Brother Caleb Atwood was admonished fir "gaging 
Joseph Qui mbe maier." He confessed and was re- 
stored. 

Sister Ordway had brother Joseph Webster up. 
Webster had charged brother John Worth with 

"Saying that if Sinners would do what the} Id 

they would have an Esier place in hell than in a 
Chh meeting" in Smith Weare. The church found 
then did Ilot hear him say any such thing. 

But soon a great schism arose. The point on which 
they split was "whether ministers should exhort 
sinners to repentence, or should simply tell them 
God's law. and then leave them to God." Brother 
Joseph Corles maintained the latter, "hut it served 
to be to mi porpurces." Elder Samuel Hovey held 
another way. They had a. great council to consider 
the matter. Four ministers and three deacons from 
abroad were present and debated the point. The\ 
made a report which did no good. 



August 1, 177:;, Elder limey preached his mind, 
and then the -term burst. They held a incline. g i 
mad, adjourned, and so full of pious wrath were they 
that they did not meet again fur eight years. 

Schools.- -The first effort made by the town for a 

public school was in 1769. At the annual town 
meeting held March 14th, " Vnliil to raise money for 
Schooling, and voted to the Nigitive." But, before 

the meeting was dismissed, they " Voted to Reconsider 
the Vot that was to Raise money for Scoling, and 
Voted to the Negitive, and Voted five pounds Law- 
ful monej for Scl ling to aier a scoll da ." 

The next year, 1770. nothing was dune at the an- 
nual meeting for schools; but, August 161 h, " by Vert} 
of a pettion from a number of Signers to See if the 
town will Raise money to hier Scholing this year," 
the selectmen called a town-meeting to be held Aug- 
ust 30th, when it was " Voted to Raise money for 
Scoling." " Voted to Raise fifteen pounds for Schill- 
ing." " Voted to divide the money into destriets." 
In 1771, thirty-five dollars were raised for school- 



In 1772, fifty dollars; thii 



ivided as folio 



"paid to the d 


rtrict bv Capl Awoode :'• 


3 





paid i" tin- new 


Boston Rode 1 


■1 





paid to the 


oting R 1 1 


17 


; 


, 1 to I'll ill., i 


.- Road 1 


II 


: 


paid in rediah 


low l"i i In' north Road 1 


17 


e 


paid i" .!■ diah 


i.iw for theSenter Road 2 


16 


: 


Paid Belecl 


ii ii foi going aftei a gri arSi hool mas- 






tei and gi 1 


ing lei., ,i| rabated 1 


1 


U 


paid i" Doi tor 


',.-•' !..! I.e. II,- lie' Oh. Hie ,.( 1 le ji.inni.i 






School 


I' 


1. 


| 


paid the Select 


I, n lur IloMitej. I lie Si'llenl in :y into 






deBtricts 





5 


1 



In 177:'. and 1774 money was raised for schooling: 
hut in 1775, after the war began, voted June 19th, 
"to Drop the Chooling for the present." Nothing 
more was done for schools till 17711, when it was voted 
to raise three hundred pounds, and "all Delinquent 
Destriets Neglect or refuse to hire masters or mis- 
tresses, their proportion of School money shall he 
turned into the town Stock." Schools were kept this 
year; for we find that, in 1780, the town " Voted that 
the mountain Destrict and the Destrict by Caldwell 
Shall Draw theire Proportion of School money for 
the year 1779." 

Then there were no schools kept till 1785. Sixty 
pounds, lawful money, were raised that year, and 

" the selectmen an- to Divide the town into Destriets 

ami in provide tic Schools." Since 1785, sc! Is 

have been regularly kept. 

There was a grammar-school part of the time hold- 
ing its sessions in different places in town. Often ii 
was online. 1. and in 1 7-^7 the town was indicted ami 
tiiied lor its neglect. Soon after this the law compel- 
ling towns to support a grammar-school was repealed. 
lie schools at first were kept in the houses or 
barns of the settlers. In 1789 a low school-houses 
were built by the districts, and in 1793 the town 



684 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



voted to build school-houses in each district by a tax 
in proportion to the school-tax, and give credit to all 
who have already built houses. 
\ committee was chosen in 1806 to divide the town 
into districts (the selectmen had done it before), and 
they reported the following: 

•• \ . \\ Corner.No 1, Pago District, No 2; Shugar Hill, No. 3; 
School Hill, No I , Hoil No i ttelvin, No 6: Worthlej No : , i apl 
Hadley, No. 8 ; George, No. 9 Baylej No.10; Hodgdon, No. 11 ; To- 

l.i. , No 12; C i. No i I 

New districts were afterwards formed from time to 
time, till there wore twenty-six of them. 

In 1853 a committee was chosen to "rebound and 
make new school-districts;" they acted, reported, 
and the town accepted the report; then began a fight 
that lasted several years; dozens of petitions were 
put in, dozens of votes passed, and but few were sat- 
isfied. Another committee was chosen to re-district 
the town in L866. Thej did the work, made a report, 

the town accepted it, and for years every attempt to 
alter it "was voted down with a rush." 

Superintending school-c nittees were first ap- 

poii I about L829. In 1837 voted that thej should 

not visit the schools ; in 1847, that they should visit 
each school twice a war for one dollar a district, and 
in L850 that they should publish their school-report, 
and that the town should pay for it. 

Pine Tree Riot. — The Masonian proprietors, in 
their grants, and Governor Benning Wentworth, in 
all In- charters, had a clause reserving to the king 
all "White Pine Trees" tit for masting the n >\ :i 1 
navy. In 17:22 the New Hampshire General Court 
passed an act making it a penal offence to cut such 
trees twelve inches or more in diameter, — a law that 
stood till the time of the Revolution. The tine for 
cutting a tree twelve inches through was live pounds; 
twelve to eighteen inches, ten pounds; eighteen to 
twenty-lour, twenty pounds; and twenty-four and 
more, fifty pounds; and all lumber made from such 
trees was forfeited to the king. 

This law was not popular ; farmers wanted such 
trees fur their houses, preachers fur their churches 
and mill owners to saw. In 1771 Governor John 
Wentworth was appointed " Surveyor of the King's 

woods." He had many deputies anil tried to enforce 

the law. They rode about the country, searched the 

saw-mill yards and if they found any such trees they 
affixed i he broad " R " mark, libelled and sold them 
and turned the proceeds into His Majesty's lr.a-ur\. 
A deputy went to Weare; he found two hundred and 
seventy logs from seventeen to thirty-six inches in 
diameter, in Clement's noil yard at Oil Mill village. 
They were marked, and complaint and warrant made 
out against Ebenezer Mudget who had got them in. 
It was put into the bands of Benjamin Whiting, Esq., 
oi Hollis, sheriff of the county, for service. April 13, 
1 77 j, be went with his deputy, Mr. Quigley, of New 
Boston, to Weare to serve it. Whiting arrested Mud- 
get, who agreed to give hail in the morning. The 



sheriff and his deputy then went to Aaron Quimby's 
inn near by for the night. The news that the sheriff 
had cum, for Mudget spread over town like wild-fire. 
Scoi s of men said they would hail him. Thej gut 
together at his house ami made a plan how to give it. 
Mudget went to the inn at dawn, woke the sheriff, 
burst into his room and told him his bail was ready. 
Whiting jumped out of Led. chid Mudget for coming 
so early and went to dress. Then more than twenty 
men rushed in, faces blacked, switches in their hands 
and went to give hail. Whitingseized his pistols and 
would have shot some of them, but they took his 
small guns away and with their rods heat him to their 
heart's content ; two on a side holding him up from 

the II • by his arms and legs while the rest crossed 

out their account of all logs cut. drawn and forfeited 
upon his hare hack much to his great com fort and de- 
light. They made him wish he bad never heard of 
pine trees lit tor masting the royal navy. 

Quigley, his deputy, showed light ; they had to take 
up the floor over his head and beat him with long 
poles thrust down from the garret to capture him, and 
then they tickled him the same way. 

Their horses, saddled and bridled, with cars, manes 

and tailscut and sheared, wereled to thedoor and the 

a told to mount. They refused ; force was 

applied ; they got on and rode off down the road while 

jeers, jokes and shouts rang in their ears. 

They were mad ; they would give the Weare men 
a dose of the law; they went to Colonels Moore, of 
Bedford and Lutwyche, of Merrimack, and from their 
two regiments got a posse comitatw. This with guns 
anil swords marched up to Weare ; but the rioters bad 

tied to the w Is and not a soul of them could be 

found. But soon after one was caught and put in 
jail, and the rest gave bail to come to court. 

At the September Term, 1772, they were indicted, 
and when brought into court plead " that they would 
not contend with our lord, the King; but submit to 
bis < irace." Then the court imposed a fine of twenty 
shillings with costs and they went free. Meshech 
Weare, who gave bis name to the town, was one of 
the judges of the court, and the light tine imposed 
shows that hedid not like the law any better than the 
nun who cut the logs. 

War of the Revolution.— The prohibition to cut 
pine trees was as much an oppression as the tax on 
tea, and the Wean- riot was as great a feat as the Bos- 
ton tea partj and would occupy as prominent a place 
in history if only as well written up. Taxation with- 
out representation, the stamp act, the tax on molasses, 
the law that all exports should be sent to England 
and that England should furnish all the imports, tin 
attempt to govern by force and the quartering of 
troops on the people roused the colonists to armed re- 
sistance. 

lie- battle of Lexington woke up the land and hun- 
dreds of New Hampshire men hurried to the scene of 
action near Boston. Thirteen citizens of Weare 



WEARE. 



marched at once to Cambridge. They were Captain 
Jonathan Atwood, Caleb Atwood, Nathaniel Weed, 
Samuel Worthing, Mark Flood, Samuel Caldwell, 
Abraham Melvin, Samuel Brocklebank, Philip Hoit, 
Aaron Quimby, MardeD Emerson, Ephraim Hardy 
and Levi Hovey. Bui these men soon came home; 
some of them enlisted, and the following were in the 
battle of Bunker Mill: Jonathan Page, Stockman 
Sweat, Reuben Trusell, Ebenezer Sinclear, John 
Flanders, Jacob Flanders, Ephraim Hadley and Sam- 
iiel Caldwell, Jr. These also went to Cambridge al 
the time and might have been in the battle: Marden 
Emerson, Joshua Maxfield, Jacob Carr, Joseph Hunt- 
ington, Joseph Colby, Jesse Bayley, Asa Heath and 
Daniel Watson. Captain Aaron Quimby, Lieutenant 
Henry Tuxbury, Jonathan Worthley and Moses Fol- 
lansbee went to Canada ; others from Weare went to 
Coos, to St. Johns, to Mount Royal and La Prairie. 
Some tramped with Colonel Benedict Arnold's de- 
tachment through the Maine wilderness to Quebec; 
twenty under Lieutenant Timothy Worthley marched 
to « ' . 1 1 1 ■ i • 1 i to join ( laptain Henry Dearborn's company ; 
five were in Captain Henry Clement's company at 
New Castle and three wen' in the tirst New Hamp- 
shire regiment. 

In order to learn who were true to the colonies and 
who were Tories i lie New Hampshire Committee of 
Safety, April \2, 177(1, sent out the following: 



i.t iii.- linn 



bo Signed b) a Number ol men who ipcan to be well .1 iated, to De- 

f.-Ilil l.y nuns the I 111! ■■■! I oliom- ;i-.onsI Hi.' liuslili' nUrlliptfi Of tbf 



Hi- Sel i.-" ol Weari ba ?e R 

s u l.y ill., (nlmbitcnce "I Said V 

l.l.TS .■! Hi.' [iii'laration \vi' mako K.-tui 11 

i- li' ■ l.it.iti'.n. ;i l.isl ul theii 11:1 s is on 











VSS0C1 \TI"\ n 


" We, 11 


isubscr 


bers 


doherebj 


olemnly 


"Ml, 1 


Mi.' ill 1 


ofo 


ir power, 1 


,),",,., 


with a 


ins 


oppose 


the 


ostile 1 ■ 




1;., Ill- 


th 


l'nit...l 


Am 


in .in Coli 


lies 


s' in 




1 HV.,1 


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tley, \\ 


well, Joni 


Robie, 


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inn Jones 


Sal v.. 1111 


Blak 


Y.i. 


ki.0 Ki 


il.al 


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iinball, 


Worn 


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Eaton 


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brae] 












Paige, 













'I 



■I-. Moses 
hy Tux- 
Mo. hit, 



I .-i-riii. \-.i W Inlii'k. 1. 'I .1.1 1 ! .1 

..'. - b Sargent, Jonatb in M iod I ..'. b '. 1 

Aaron ilninlii', Uaar Tilxlniry, M..s.s oiimil.... .1"--.' 1 I. on. ait, Saiiiuol 

Selty, Jonathan I la. II... k, Si 1 Easman, .1 itban Worthley, Samuel 

Ordway, John Colby, Jr., Tho -1 ' 11 ?, Daniel Bayley, 

Timothy Wurtlilry, St. 1 I .... - .... I 1 1 , .. 

Whitaker, Isaai Sargent, Thomas Worthly, T hj George, Joseph 

Hum.. Peter Rogers,Ji .Joshua Macfield, Samuel Brockelbank, Ephraim 

i. raon, I.. irg M"' I I] ■ - 11 1 tatban Clemeni 

Joiliain Turtle, Mark Flood, Philip Sargent, Joeepl Hadlock, Joseph 

On.-iilii'. Daiii'-I Ha.l|.\, -.Hi I'll. 'in- n, Ben Flanders, John 

Jewell, Timothy Co l.-.s J..s, T .l, lla.lloik, .li . Ho ,.1 M.,00,,1 . .1. .1, 1, M,,,l- 



5et, 



111,- 



Crani, Daniel Gullnslia, .lacoli lirav.-, .la... I. I.'iiu-I.!,. !,.-iali li.iwn. 

Joseph Hunton, Moses Boyt, Jr., Jacob Tuxbury, NIeodemua Watson, 
Samuel Worthen, .John Onhvay, I'ani.l o.nil.i, .!..- |.h Kills, jfosos 
Folonsbury, Joseph Webster, John Clio, .lonaihan Marlnin, Xatloui 
Goud, John Iliilitiii-I.ai, 'Hi. una- 1 oll.v. J . ■■■ I in 1 1 1 rani, Timothy Cilis, 

Jr. M-s.- Flood. .I..I111 I'a.n. Sim. .a, II.o.v.I. s I ni.i-on. Manl.-n 

Emerson, William Out-mby,— 1:;1. 

"Colony or New Hampsbibk— 
" To Die Hon. Committee of Safely >■/ this ' 'olmy : 

" Whereas wo tlo- Si'li'rliii'U of Wrap, havo rails. '.1 l[n- II.-. Iaiatk.n to 



. |. „,..,,. James Buxton, Joseph Parkins Samuel Colings, John Chase, 

\ i.-l ll.v.i.s ,.| lluniiii-toii. salon. '1 llayl.y, .lolin .1. .', . 1 1 

ge lla.ll.y. Nalli.iioil e.iili.-, \liialiatn Molvon, Asa lloalli, .losi-ph 

As the war went on Wean furnished more men. 

The town paid small bounties for volunteers at first, 
from two 10 ten pounds. And then there were drafts 
and men furnished substitutes and paid line- Largei 
bounties were paid and as the value of the paper 
money depreciated almost fabulous sums were given 
tor volunteers and substitutes. When the pap< 1 
money was worthless the government called lor taxes 
in corn and beef. The town of Weare hauled anil 

delivered her corn at Salisbury, .Mass. There were 
loo f collectors. Soldiers were lined ami paid in 
corn or live cattle. The town's committee to hire 
soldiers paid to Daniel Straw " Twenty Bushels ol 
Good Indian Corn Per Month." Robert Colens was 
paid " Sixteen Middling three year old heifers with 
Calf or Calvs By their Sides." David Greelej was 
paid " Fifteen Midling Heifers three years old with 

each a 1 all' hy her side." 

Weare, with only a population of eight hundred 
ami thirty-seven, and with one hundred and fiftj of 
these Quakers, who had scruples against, lighting, 
sent one hundred and eighty -three men into the arnn 
during the War of the Revolution. Nearlj everj prom- 
inent citizen and even a few of tic Qua] 1 
in the army at some time during the war. 

When Cornwallis surrendered the people look 
heart. Peace and independence seemed assured, am! 

appropriation.- were madl :e more lor schools and 

preaching. 

Churches — Baptists. — The Baptist church woke 
up (o life again ami had the following preachers 
Samuel Fletcher, 1782 ; Eliphalet Smith, 1783 ; Amos 
Wood, L788-98, the most popular minister whoever 
lived in town; Job Seaman, 17'.>S ; Thomas Rand. 
1799; [siah Stone, 1801; 'lie. ma- Paul, 1802; Sam- 
uel Applebee, 1803 ; Ezra Wilmarth, 1804; Otis Rob- 
inson, 1805; Henry Veasey, L806; William Herrick, 
1807; George Evans. L808-12; but none of thesi 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



after Amos Wood were settled. Elder Ezra Wil- 
marth came back in 1813 and preached till March 13. 
1817. John B. Gibson, 1818 to April 21, 1822; he was 
accused of intemperance and had great trials; Elder 
Wilmarth returned in 1823, — he gol up a great re- 
vival, difficulties were settled, backsliders reclaimed, 
the church refreshed and sinners converted. He was 
dismissed October 17. 1826; Joseph Davis, April 17, 
1827 to September 15, 1 530. 

tip to 1829, the society had included the whole 
town and the minister had preached alternately at 
the meeting-house in South Weare and at the north 
meeting-house at East Weare. Then the East Weare 
members desired to set up for themselves ; twenty-one 
members were' dismissed from the first church and 
formed the second Baptist church at East Weare. 
Both societies, after this, were weak and the first so- 
ciety had no regular minister. 

Elder John Atw 1 administered tin ordi ice to 

them once or twice ; Nathan Chapman labored with 
them one half of the time in 1832-33 ; Lewis E. ('as- 
well made them an occasional visit; S. G. Kenney 
was with them a few months in the summer and fall 
of 1836 ; Ferdinand Ellis preached to them part of 
the year IS:'.'. i. and < 'aleh Brown was with them some 
part of the time in 1842. 

Abraham Morrill was one of the pillars of this 
church ; he stood by it for nearly half a century and 
was one of the last survivors. He was present at its 
death. August .'!i>, 1843, and made the sad record of 
its demise. 

Baptist Churehai East Weare.— It was formed No- 
vember 28, 1829. It had twenty-one members at 
first. Rev. Asa Niles was the first pa-tor, 1830; 
Nathan Chapman was ordained July 4, 1832 ; Lewis 
E. Caswell, 1834-42; Caleb Brown, 1843-47; S. O. 
Kenny, 1847-40 ; John Upton, 1849-51; E. H. 
Smith, 1851. 

In 1856 the church contained seventy-two mem- 
bers — mostly females. 

'■lHonalhts. — A church was formed at Easl 
Weare, June 17. 1789. It was always weak. Rev. 
William Sleigh was one of its first preachers. Rev. 
Mr. Shearer preached for it. Rev. John Clayford, 
from England, was ordained its pastor, Octobei ' 
1802, and was dismissed May 4, 1808. Ii had some 
preaching after that ; but it soon died, — one strong- 
minded woman leading all its members into the Bap- 
tist fold. 

A Coiigreiratioiialist Church was formed at South 
Weare, Februarj 1. 1876. Rev. A. 15. Palmer was its 
first pastor; resigned May 1,1878. Charles H. Taint- 
orwas pastor, March 25, 1879, April 22, 1880; John 
A. Rowell came July 16, 1SS0; left November 20. 
1882. John Bragdon preached three months in sum- 
mer of 1884. No preaching since. Whole number 
of members, thirty-eight. 

/>.■<■- 117'V Buptixt*. — A church was established Octo- 
ber 'Jo, lso,;. Their first ministers were Elders Timo- 



thy Morse. Joseph Quimby, Elijah Watson, Joshua 
Quimby, Ebenezer Chase and Moses Bean. Elder 
Hezekiah I>. Buzzell was pastor from March 8, 1813 to 
1829. He was a man of good ability, and was a mem- 
ber of both branches of the State Legislature. Many 
other Free-Will Baptist ministers were about Weare 
during his pastorate. David Harriman was the next 
pastor, 1829-37; David Moody, 1837-40 ; Sister Par- 
ker, 1840-43; John G. Tuttle, 1848-18; Rufus Hay- 
den, 1848-50; John Kimball, 1850-52; W.C.Stafford, 
1852-53; \<a Rundlett, 1854-55; N. B. Smith, 1856- 
61; David Moody, 1862-63; 0. C. Lane, 1864-65; 
N. Young, 1865-66; J. M. L. Babcock, 1866-68; N. 
B. Smith, 1868-70; D. Moody, 1871-73; Sister Saul- 
paugh, 1873. 

Transient ministers who preached about this time 
were J. M. Coburn, 1871; N. L. Chase. L873; Jo- 
seph Granvill, 1874, and D. J. Quint, 1875. 

This church, often called the First Free-Will Bap- 
tist Church of Weare. was the parent of four other 
small churches. About 1877 it died. 

Deering Church. — Many of its members were from 
Deering, and May 5, 1830, they were "dismissed for 
the purpose of forming a separate and distinct 
church " in that town. 

Free-Will Baptist Church in North Weare.— Its 
members were from the First Church. They were 
dismissed March 29, 1838, and immediately organized. 
The church at first consisted of seventeen men and 
twenty-two sisters. They called themselves the Second 
Free-Will Baptist Church in Weare. Their ministers 
have been Revs. Amos Emery, Benjamin Locke, Ru- 
fus Hayden, Plumer Chesley, J. J. Wentworth, David 
Moody, N. B. Smith, Clarion II. Kimball, Sullivan 
Cicero Kimball, Moses Folsom, Joseph Granville, 
Daniel I. Quint. George W. Pierce and some 
others. A Methodist minister is now preaching for 
them. 

Third Free-Will Baptist Church at Fast Weare. 

"The Little Free-Will Baptist Church in the north- 
west corner of this town " was formed before 1830. 

I' mi i:i;sa lists. — The Rev. John Murray, father 
oi Universalism, preachedin Weare some time in the 

last century. Aimer Kiiceland. a hero office thought 
who went to prison for his opinions, lived in town in 
1803, and preached in private houses and school- 
houses, for the Evangelists would not let him and his 
followers into the meeting-houses. Hosea Ballou and 
Walter Balfour preach, d occasionally, and in 1808 or 
1809 a society was formed. Ministers who have re- 
sided in town and preached are Sebastian Streetcr, 
180'.i-12; Squiers Streeter, 1812-16; Russell - 
Robert Bartlett; J. R. Atkinson, 1840; Elbridge 
Trull: Frederick Foster. Others who have supplied 
the pulpit are Revs. Mr. Anderson I a Scotchman), 
Walter Harriman, William Hooper, G. L. Demarest, 
Dr. Emerson, It. S. Fisk, Mr. Turner and Dr. A. A. 
Miner. 

Quakers.— The Quakers settled in Weare at an 



early date before the Revolution. They have two 
meeting-houses. 

The Second Ai>\ f.n i i-i- had a society about 
1843. 

Shakei'.s lived in town near Rattlesnake Hill and 
held meetings early in the present century. 

Meeting-Houses.— The first meeting-house in 
Weare, as we have said, was probably built by the 
proprietors before the incorporation of the town in 
17G4. The second was built at East Weare in 1786. 
Its pews were sold in advance in September, 1785. 

The third was at South Weare, built in the same 
way, by selling the pews. They were sold in 1788 
and the house built in 1789. The Quakers also built 
their houses about this time and the town-meetings 
were often held in the one near the Center. A meet- 
ing-house was built at North Weare about 1840. 
The Universalis built one at Weare Centre, in con- 
nection with the town house, about 1835, and the 
Calvinistic Baptists builtoneat Easl Weare in 1836 at 
a cost of eight hundred and fifty dollars. The Free- 
will Baptists also built a meeting-bouse at East 
Weare, in 1840. 

Weare has had more religious societies and church 
buildings than any other town of its size in the 
State. 

Small-Pox.— A hospital was established at Dun- 
barton in 1793 for inoculating persons for the small- 
pox. 1 Dr. Sawyer and Mrs. Jimison kept it. James 
Hogg and others, of Weare, had children there sick. 
Dunbarton people were uneasy about it, and their 
selectmen notified the parents that they should semi 
the children home to them February 27th. Weare's 
selectmen were informed and asked that the children 
might have it at Lieutenant James Eogg's house, or 
that a place might be provided for them. There was 
great excitement. February 28th a town-meeting was 
called to be held March 2d to see what should be 
done. The town was wild. All came to the meeting 
and they voted unanimously that Lieutenant Hogg 
should be notified to remove all infected persons and 
infection of the small-pox out of the town forthwith. 
Jesse Woodbury and Philip Sawyer were chosen a 
committee to see that it was done. The town in pass- 
ing this vote did not seem to care what other town was 
afflicted with the small-pox if they could onlj gel rid 
of it. 

But the children and the small-pox did not go, and 
a pest-house was built at once. It was located in an 
out-of-the way place on Burnt Hill, and the patients 
taken there. One died and was buried near by. 

The following bill shows the customs of those 

thlleS: Wb.ks, April, 1793. 

"The Town Due to Obsidian Eaton on ace it ol the - 



I Several would be inoculated and go through with th< dis ise. Thej 
:re called „ class. 



L,"-|,i!ii; . h, >!-,■- A I.M.Iuiir- . ni'ii 

to I pint sim^ & l mug Egg pop 

to keepin- T ]ml -. ■ a I ..I. n 

toSniugs-W I .-I, 

'••• ' 

1 i|u.nl W in,- 1,1, -I,! !,;,,I I,-! IV. H, 

1 'I" "< Wine 

my s,lf, ii„l Aav.,11 liuriihaiii .V l',,in i ivn ,,nt- lvi\ 
l pail Sheats S 1 qt, w I. a I qt. N. E 



Samuel Bean's children were taken to the pest- 
house, and he was much vexed. One night he stole 
them all away. The selectmen took the advice of 
John Prentice, a lawyer of Amherst, and then broke 
open the house where the children wen- and carried 
them back. Then they arrested Bean ami made him 
give a bond for good behaviour. The child that died 
was Bean's. 

Town-House.— 'the first one was built in 17!>7. It 
was located on the road a short distance southeast of 
Duck Pond. Before it was finished, but after they 
had held one town-meeting in it, Ezekiel Kimball, Jr., 
set it on tire and " it was burned to ashes." Ezekiel 
ran away and hid in the great "Moose Bog" swamp. 
Ebenezer Peaslee hunted him out by stratagem, hail 
him arrested and arraigned. He gave hail and his 
father settled the matter by paying one hundred dol- 
lars. The house finally cost four hundred and sixty- 
eight dollars, ami town-meetings were regularly held 
in it tor the next thirty-five ; ears. 

Minute-Men.— There was trouble with England. 
She persisted in insulting the United States ami im- 
pressing her seamen. France despoiled our com- 
merce, the Algeriue pirates preyed upon it am] the 
Indians upon the frontier were hostile. Congress 
wished for troops to he in readiness in every town, 
and provided pay and bounties tor "minute-men." as 
they were called. 

The town of Weare, November 27. 1794, being pat- 
riotic, voted a bounty of two dollars to each soldier 

that shall enlist to he in " Redness" at a i ient's 

warning in defense of theUnited States. December II, 
17'.i7, voted a bounty of two dollars, and nine dollars 
a month in addition to what 1 longress voted, to min- 
ute-men when in actual service. 

The War of 1812.— In 1809 war was imminent 
with England. Weare showed her patriotism again, 
and. March 14th, voted a bounty of two dollars each 
to our proportion of soldiers to make up the one hun- 
dred thousand called tor, and live dollars per month 
in addition to what the Government allows them. 
May 30th, they chose Daniel Moore and Captain 
Samuel Eaton a committee to provide a I 
ami other military utensils for the town, the Legis- 
lature at its last session having passed an act that this 
should lie done by towns. 

In 1812 war came. The Republicans of Weare 
were in a majority and were in favor of prosecuting it 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



vigorously. But there were some Federalists who 
bitterly opposed it. A town-meeting was held, July 
3d, to provide troops, and alter much discussion, 
some loud talk and a great deal of wrangling, 
" Voted, To give and make up the wages of those sol- 
diers wdio shall he drafted from the militia, or to SO 
many of them as shall enlist, as will make the town's 
proportion of the one hundred thousand men to be de- 
tached from the United States Militia, fifteen dollars 
per month and two dollars bounty to be paid on en- 
listment or draft and four dollars addition thereunto 
when called for to march into actual service." Alter 
passing a vote that the expense of the militia lie de- 
frayed the present year by the selectmen, as usual 
they adjourned, and Joseph Philbrick, tin- clerk, in 
making his record, said, "Thus ended a clamorous 
meeting." 

The following men went from Weare: Ephraim 
Philbrick and Isaac Grant were in Captain Benjamin 
Bradford's company, Colonel Aquilla Davis' regi- 
ment. Lieutenant Stephen Emerson, ensign Ninian 
Follansbe, sergeant John Gale, corporal Thomas 
Eastman, George Alley. Jonathan C. Butterfield, Wil- 
liam Clough, Daniel Emerson, Jr., Thomas Nichols, 

Archibald Stinson and .Moses VV 1 were in Captain 

Trivett's company, Colonel Steele's regiment. Ser- 
geant Ebenezer Wilson. Jacob Barrett, Robert 
Clough, Nathan Oram and Nathan Johnson wore in 
Captain Rollins' company (Captain Rollins was 
from Weare). Phinehas Stone, of Weare, was cap- 
tain of a company in the First Regimenl (Col 1 X. 

Fisk's). His men from Weare were Richard W. 
Cooper, musician ; Oliver Belcher, James Butter- 
field, John Colby, Jonathan Flanders, David Grant, 
William Cray, Luther Locke, Jonathan Ordway, 
John Philbrick, George Philbrick, William Pope, 

Nathaniel Peaslee, Benjamin Tcnnv, Jr.. and G go 

Woodman. The latter company went to Portsmouth, 
September 1l', 1814, did actual service for three 
months and were honorably discharged. 

Spotted Fever.— It occurred in 1815, '1H and was 
prevalent throughout New England. .Many died in 
Weare. 

Town Farm. — In 1824 Joseph Philbrick, William 
Whittle and Abraham Morrill were chosen a commit- 
tee to report at the next annual meeting about the 
support of the poor, and in 1825 they said a farm 
should lie bought. Being continued in office they 
reported the next year. 1826, that they wire not in 
favor of buying a farm, they hail changed their 
minds, but of setting up "an establishment" for the 
town's poor. They thought this was better than the 
former practice of humanely putting them up at 
auction and striking them oil' to the one who would 
keep them for the least pay. There were eleven 
paupers this year. Mary Bailey, aged ninety-two; 
Thomas Worthly, son of one of the lirst settlers, eight \ - 
nine; Hannah Flood, eighty-four and Sarah Collins 
were among the oldest, and Mary Matthewson. aged 



two, daughter of Sally Kinson, twenty-one, was tie 
youngest. They were all let out to a contractor to be 
supplied by him and he was also to buy books and 
send the children to school. 

The question slept for twelve years. In 1838 Os- 
good Paige, Abraham Morrill and Levi Gove were 
chosen a committee to look up and report on the sub- 
ject of a "Poor Farm." April 14th they reported 
they had examined the John Robie farm and the 
Abraham Morrill farm not quite so good. They 
strongly urged that a farm be bought, and said, "We 
are bound by every principle of virtue and religion to 
mitigate, as far as possible, the sorrows and sufferings 
of the unfortunate poor," and that they could do it 
best on a farm. The town was convinced ; they ac- 
cepted the report, voted to buy a farm and to hire of 
the agent the "Surplus revenue" and pay for it. 

They also voted that the " poor farm " should be a 
house of correction, and chose Amos W. Bailey, 
Daniel Page, Jr., and Moses Peaslee a committee to 
draft and report suitable by-laws for its proper man- 
agement. 

Surplus Revenue.— In 1837 the Government of 
the United States sent to the several states large sum- 
of money, called the "surplus revenue." New Hamp- 
shire divided the money among its several towns. 
Weare voted to take the money, and chose Amos W. 
Bailey agent to receive it from the State Treasury 
and loan it in sums of not less than twenty-five dol- 
lars, nor more than four hundred dollars, at six per 
cent, interest, to be paid annually into the town 
treasury to defraj town charges, and that the agent 
take good security subject to the approval of the 

selectmen. 

In L838 a part of this was taken as we have seen 
to pay for the poor-farm. In 1843 the citizens voted 
to put one-half of it into their own pockets, in other 
words, to take it to defray town charges, anil that 
Ebenezei Gove he an agent to take care of the rest 
of it. In 1846 some tried to divide it among the 
citizens, but the majority decided not to do it. The 
next year at the March meeting they voted to distrib- 
ute it equally among the legal voters, and < (ctolier lit li 
chose Cyrus E. Wood agent to do it and record the 

names and amount each received. They got lol- 

lar and forty-five cents apiece. Thus went the Sur- 
plus Revenue; they could not be content to keep it 
as a fund, and so spent it in just ten years. 

Mexican War. — Only one man enlisted from 
Weare, and he was a citizen of Collstown. 

New Hampshire Central Railroad.— It was char- 
tered June 24, 1848. Its Board of Directors were 
David Steele, president ; Muses Sawyer, North Weare ; 
Charles Stinson, Dunbarton ; Perry Richards, New 
Boston ; Horace Chi Ids, Henniker; Moses A. Hodgdon, 
Aimer Hoit Weare; John S. Eldridge, Boston.— Lewis 
Smith was clerk; Samuel H. Price, superintendent : 
Abraham Mitchell, roadmaster; Joseph Knowlton, 
freight agent; and James Priest, wood agent. Work 



r,Mi 



was begun in 1849; the road was completed to Oil Mill 
village January 1850, and in February following the 
ears began to run regularly to the latter place. They 
reached North Weare in November and Henniker 
December 10, 1850. The ears did not run above Oil 
Mill till the road was built through to Henniker, 
then regular trains were put on. The first conductor 
was Robert Moon- of Henniker, from December 10, 
1850, to September 1, 1853. Charles Henry Hurlburt 
conductor September 1, 185:; to 1855, and Charles W. 
Everett since that time. The road fell into the hands 
of Joseph A. Gilmore about 1853, and the name was 
changed to the Merrimack and Connecticut Rivers 

Railroad. Sunday, October 31, 1858, Gill e tore 

up the rails between North Weare and Henniker, 
much to the disgust of every one living on the line, 
and soon after tin' road became the property of the 
Concord Railroad. 

Four trains now run daily between North Weare 
and Manchester and two trains on Sunday, and the 
road pays good dividends on the amount the Concord 
railroad paid for it. There are four stations in Weare 
at the present time, — Oil Mill, Everett, East Weare 
and North Weare, — and the road is now known as the 
Manchester and North Weare Railroad. 

War of the Rebellion. — Fort Sumter was fired 
upon April 12, 1861, and the war began. President 
Lincoln called for seventy-live thousand troops, and 
New Hampshire sent her first regiment into the field. 
Soon there was another call for more men. and. May 
25, the town voted to pay each soldier who enlisted 
from Weare nine dollars a month in addition to what 
the government pays, and to each nurse from this 
town an amount sufficient to make the pay up to 
twenty dollars a month. Also, those who en- 
list in the navy before August 27, shall be paid 
one hundred dollars — if they will count on the town's 
quota; the selectmen to hire all the money and pay 
all the volunteers when they are mustered into ser- 
vice. November 10, 1861, the town voted town aid 
for the families of volunteers, in addition to the 
State aid. 

August 12, 1862, the town voted to pay two hundred 
dollars to each volunteer, the money to be hired to 
do it. 

September 8, 1862, the town affirmed the acts of 
the previous meeting and also voted to pay the nine 
months men two hundred dollars each. 

September 8, 18(i:.l, the town, by vote, paid three 
hundred dollars to each drafted man or his sub- 
stitute who shall be mustered into the service 
this time the States and the United State- each paid 
three hundred dollars for a soldier, making a bounty 
of nine hundred dollars to every man who went to 
the war. 

December 2, 180:5, the selectmen were authorized 
to hire money to till up Weaiv's quota under the call 
of the President October 17 L86 !. 

June 7, 1864, voted to pay those who have enlisted 



or been drafted to till the last call, three bundled 

dollars, the selectmen to hire the money. 

June 27, 1864, the selectmen were authorized to 
procure the enlistment of such number of soldiers as 
will be needed to fill the next call of the President, 
the selectmen to hire the money. 

August 29, 1864, the President had called lor the 
hundred thousand more troops. The calls cam. t lock 
and fast. At a town-meeting held this day, voted to 
pay to each volunteer who shall enlist from this town 
for one year, one thousand dollars, for tv 
eleven hundred dollars, and for three years, twelve 
hundred dollars, the selectmen to hire thirty thousand 
dollars to pay the volunteers or their substitutes. Six- 
teen to eighteen hundred dollars was a good, substan 
tial bounty. 

December 17, 1864, the town resolved that the 
selectmen be authorized to pay to every man three 
hundred dollars who may be drafted and accepted or 
has furnished a substitute since the last call for five 
hundred thousand men, and hire the money therefor. 

This was the last of the bounties. One giganth 
effort was made to crush out the rebellion and more 
than a million men were sent into the field. The 
effort was successful. Had the war continued a few 
years more, the North would have been bankrupt 
and secession a success. 

Weare sent one hundred and fifty-nine of her 
citizen- to the war as volunteers and her drafted men 
put in fifty substitutes.— 2011 men in all went from 
Weare to the war. 

Roll Of Honor. -The following are the naue- of 
the men of Weare, who gave their lives to their 
country : 

EllTi.Uv Ilu-tiTi, Ninth lii-mmi-lit ; I, illf.l lit .l.irk-uii, lll-t. 

Ju» pli II • • m ■'Hi -I .ii Fort 

Lindlej Folia] I ted at - ■ I lv ' 

Chillies 10. P.-iislee, killf.l .it W iIM.ii.i-I.mi . \ ., 



t'onrt.-tith It. -inn lit, died. 
i Regiment 

died nt Hilton Bonge. 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Ellin.]-.' |i.:ul„.rii, Sixt.-.-mh II.-iin.iil ; .li.-.l .1! e..n.. , ,1 .1, N. II. 
Siijiim.i li.-anl. Sixteenth l: ■•..mi. ill : ili.-.l. 

iim...i\\ Chase, Si [eei B lied at Baton Rouge. 

Honry Clement, Sixt.-i nil. lieeiment ; Jii-il. 
Union Dow, Six nth Regiment ; died. 

'-" r.lrli, Sixl- : i . ,li, .1 at NV» Orleans. 

William Thorpe, Sixteenth 1;. — nn.ul , .li.-.l 

Division of the Town.— Many attempts were made 
near the close of the last century to divide the (own. 
but none of them were successful. There was an 
effort to take portions of Weare, Goffstown and New 
Boston and make a new town ; this failed, and, in 1876, 
many of the inhabitants in the southeast pari of the 
town wished to sever a portion of Weare and annex 
it to Goffstown ; this shared the fate of the earlier 
efforts. Two parishes for religious purposes was a 
favorite scheme of the East Weare < Ihurch, but they 
never could accomplish it. The only thing of the 
kind that met with any favor was the forming of two 
military districts for training purposes. 

Stove to Warm the Town-House— About 1840. 
after building the new town-house a1 the Centre, the 
town refused to buy a stove to warm it. and it was 
only after voting on the question several years that 
one was bought. The same penuriousness was seen 
in wanning the meeting-houses. Ministers preached 
with their overcoats and woolen mittens on ami the 
women kept their feet warm with the old-fashioned 
foot-stoves, with a dish of live coals therein, for years 
after the first efforts were made to put in stoves. 
Money was appropriated for such purposes grudgingly. 
Wealth. — But Weare's citizens arc more generous 
now. Each year the sum of fifty dollars is appropri- 
ated to decorate the soldiers' graves; the town-house 
has been remodeled and modernized, a level floor of 
Georgia pine has taken the place of the sloping floor 
of spruce and hemlock, comfortable settees have sup- 
planted the hard plank seats of former days and other 
improvements have been made. A receiving tomb 
has been built, a hearse procured, road machines 
bought, and two thousand five hundred dollars apro- 
priated, and paid for the reservoir at the head of the 
Piscataquog. One item alone shows their prosperity ; 
they have $357,742in savings-banks, the tax on which 
more than pays the State tax of the town. 

Town-History.— About 1881 the town chose David 
Cross, Abner P. Collins, Robert Peaslee, Josiah G. 
Dearborn and Sylvester < '. Gould, a committee to 
prepare a history of Weare. From data in part furn- 
ished by (hem this sketch has been written. 

Temperance. — A few generations ago there was 
a cider-mill at nearly every other house and every 
ordinary farmer put seventy-five to one hundred 
barrels of cider in his cellar each fall. Some also had 
a barrel of rum or other strong liquor with it. It was 
a common thing for men to drink a quart of cider at 
a draught without once taking their lips from the 
mug. Now the apples arc sent to market bringing a 
good priei>. A little cider is made for vinegar or to 
be used in a proper manner and the old eider guzzlers 



who went from house to house drinking are all in the 
graveyard. 
Education and Religion.— Better school-houses 

have been built and better schools are had ; better 
churches have been provided and they are kept in 
better repair. 

We would not detract from the merits of our an- 
cestors; they were patriotic, public-spirited and 
virtuous. But the people of Weare to-day are much 
better off; have more property, better houses and 
furniture; more intelligence; are more temperate; 
have purer morals; a truer and freer religion, and 
live twenty years longer on the average than did the 
inhabitants of "y e olden times." 

Manufactures.— Weare is chiefly an agricultural 
town, but a great variety of manufacturing has been 
carried on. The following articles have been produced 
in Weare; Woolen goods, cotlon goo. Is, lumber, 
Clocks, ready-made clothing, hats, linseed oil, pump- 
kin seed oil, cotton yam, woolen rolls, skimmers, nails, 
hinges, wooden ware, starch, carriages, sleighs. 
musical instruments, toys, boots and shoes, matches, 
leather, barrels, tubs, kits, sugar, skivers. 

The following aged persons lone died in Weare: 
In 1800 (or about that time). Thomas Worthley, aged 

106 years; in 1843, BetS\ Sargent, aged 100 years; 

in 1860, Hannah Peaslee, aged 101 years ; in 1869, 
Fannie Morse, aged 100 years and nine months. 

Census of Weare.— 1 768, 268; 1773, 884; 1775, 
837; 1786, 1574; 1790, 1924; 1800, 2517; 1810, 2634; 
1820,2781; L830.2430; 1840,2375; 1850, 2435 ; 1860, 
2310; L870, 2092; 1880, 1829. 



REPRESENTATIVES 




Sam ii i Page, 177.".. 


John I.. Hadley, 183 1 34, 3 


'36 


John Worth, 177:.. 


37, '38, '46, '-17, '48. 




G Hadley, 1776, L803. 


Thomas Muzzey, 1835, '37 




Samuel 1 aldwi 


.l.ilm Eilniuii'K I S'.s, '.;. 




Itli.iMi.n Eaton, 1780. 


.1 — w liittake] (839, '-]" 




Sa 1 Phill i 1 1782, • 


William w Ibury, 1840, '41, 

'48. 

Jonathan G. 1 olby, 1842, '43. 


'42, 


rohnHod don L789 




01 ad h 1 . ton, 1 . 12, 93 '94 '95 


Daniel C 


'46. 


a IB 1 ■ i. . i: H 


'47. "... 
Eheney.er Gove, Is 11. '45. 




Jabej Mi roll. 1799, 1800, di i 


libel B, Cram, 1849. 
Sa.. je] C. Eastman, 1849, '60. 




.lames Caldwell, 1806, '06, '07, '08. 


Hiram Simons, 1850, '59. 




Jonathan \uv 1, 1809, '10, '11. 


William II. Gove, 1851, '52, 


'65 


Dauiel Moore, 1810, 11. 


'71 Speakei .it the House, 


Samuel Eaton, 1812, '13, "17. 'Is. 


1871. 




'19, 20. 


Peter Dearborn, 1851, '52. 




r, 1813 


Josiah G Dearborn, Is".;;. '54, 




ii nekiah D Buz/.ell, 1814, '16, 


i raD t, 1853 54 




'16, '19, '20. 


David Gould, 1.X55. 




Abraham Morrill, 1815, '16, 17. 


John Bartlett, 1856, '57. 




Is, '21, '22. 


Robert B. Caswell, 1858, '60 




Jam- Wall ice, 182] 


All... Morrill, 1868. 




.1 rial Dmnl i 1823, '24 


Jonathan B Moulton, 1859. 




A - w Bailey, 1825, J' :7. 


Simon il Grove, I860, '61. 




Tristn ..n. n, L825, J.'.. ''.'7, It 


Moses A Cartland, 1861. 




s ii I', lull,,-, (S2S, 'I"), MO, '31, 


Moses A. Hodgdon, i 1 




'32, '41. 


Zil.a A. 11. .m, 1862, '63 




Daniel Page, Jr., 1829 i . 


Abraham 11. Story, 1864, 
Ira Gove, 1864, '65. 




Seth V ' illey, 1832, '33, '34. 


Abner P. Collins, 1865, '68 







0&m xiJ^f/?j7U 



Jonathan Buxton, 1866, 
Moses Sawyer, 1866 
Charles Ballou, 1869, '7" 

Alonzo H. W i. 1869, '70. 

CharlesW. Everett, 1-71 
George W. Colhy, 1872, '73. 
John Thorndike, 1872, '73. 
Lindley M. Sawyer, 1874, '75 

iiu, i i rost, 1874, '7.'.. 

Mi... ii B Johnson, 1876, 7:. 



BioanAHin.'AL skktojiks. 



HIRAM SIMONS. 

Hiram Simons, son of Christopher and Nancy 
(Locke) Simons, was born in Weare, Hillsborough 
County, N. H., February 22, 1805. Being the eldest 
of nine children, he was necessarily looked upon as a 
help in the home duties and interests, and as school 
advantages We're not as easily attained as now. his 
were consequently restricted to short terms. But his 
naturally quick and keen perception in active busi- 
ness matters raised him to a high degree of capacity 
in all and every position in which he took an in- 
terest. In early life he labored on his lather's farm, in 
the southwest pari of Weare. When about twelve 
years of age, his father purchased a large lot of land 
in the southeast part of Weare, where he carried on 
the "oil-mill" business, buying large quantities of 
flax-seed, which was converted into oil, after which 
the meal was fed to cattle. They also owned a 
saw-mill and wheelwright shop, all in very active 
operation. After Hiram became of age, his father gave 
him a small compensation for his labor for one year. 
Then he went into mercantile business for himself, 
taking for partner Harrison Hobson, of <»il Mill Vil- 
lage. This village derived its name from the Simons 
oil-mill, which was afterward converted into a 
tloin ing-mill. 

About 1833, Simons & Hobson moved to Wear. 
Centre, then quite a thriving little village, where 
they continued in mercantile business, prospering 
finely. Hiram engaged in lumbering quite exten- 
sively. After locating at Weare Centre Hiram 
Simons was elected postmaster, was also justice of 
peace, was very active in the town interests, took a 
deep interest in the prosperity of the village, pro- 
posed and helped build a church ami support a pastor. 
He will be remembered long by those who attended, 
as one who took an active part in its prosperity; 
played bass-viol in church while he remained there. 
He officiated as selectman, treasurer, collector for a 
good part of his stay at the village, was Representa- 
tive in 1849, 1850, 1859,— all of which offices he filled 
with great honor. In 1860 In- moved to Manchester, 
N. H., where he remained until his death, June 
1. L882. 

He married M. Almeda Chase, .laughter of John 



and Lydia Chase, of Weare, September I. 1842. They 
were bli ssed with a son, Maj -~\ 1843, earned Hiram 
Augustus Simons, (in October 11, ls-)7, another son 
was bom, named George frank Simons, treasures 

which were not spared them long. Augustus was 

sent to .\.'u London, V II., school at fifteen years of 

age, and was a very tine scholar. He came from tie 
school of books and enlisted in the school that tried 
all people's souls — the Rebellion. He went out in 
the first licet to the Southern Slat.-, enlisted Sep- 
tember 4, 1861. He went as musician, served one 

year of hardship, came I ie September 5, ISt'.L', 

stayed with his family one year; then, in 1863, came 
the loud and imperative calls for " more men." The 
noble boy responded once more, and as he bade his 
dear ones goo.l-bve, he said. " Good-bye ! good-bye! 
I'll come home nil rhjlil .' nil riijlil .' " He did come 
"till right' - the next July. Hut \oieeless was the 
dear form that left home so short a time before. He 

died in Washington, D. C, July 19, 1864 at Columbia 

College Hospital, at the age of twenty-one years, one 
month and a lev days. This was a hard blow for his 
parents and brothers. But they bowed submissively, 
feeling that it was well with the dear one who bad 

"gone first," or, as he expressed it, "some one must go 
first ; it might as well be me as any one." The next 
summer dear Frank was called. He died August 9, 
1m;.".. aged seventeen years, ten months and a few 
days I 'hen the parents were alone, feeling deeplj 
bereft, yet with a hope and trust of meeting their 
dear ones again when they too shall pass over to 
the shining shore. 

Hiram Simons' lite was a very active, industrious 
on.-; ever ready to help the needy, both in words of 
kindness and deeds of charity; quietly and unosten- 
tatiously were his kind acts performed, but never 
t,, be forgotten by the recipients. II.' had acquired 
a handsome competency by his own industry, some 
two hundred thousand dollars of which his four 
surviving brothers, one sisirr and one uieci 
sixteen thousand dollars each of his property; of 
the remainder his wife has control, ami of which 
she ha- bestowed liberally where needed. Hiram 
Simons lived the motto of his heart: "This life is 
short, and we should miss no opportunity of giving 
happiness to others." His hist days were the ful- 
fillment of this aim. Never an ill word passed his 
lips : if he could m.i speak well of a person he would 
not speak at all. He passed happily to rest on the 
first day of June, 1882. 



LEWIS SIMONS. 

\, Ml ,ir_' the man) successful business men of Hills- 
borough ( lounty, no .me is better entitled t.. conspicu- 
ous mention that! Lewis Simons, who has attained his 
ore years and ten " within the county where 
both he and his father before him were born, and from 
whose forests and timbered wastes he has cut for him- 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



self a fortune, while by his industry and integrity he 
has perfected a character as enduring as the granite 

hills of his native State. 

His father, Christopher Simons, was born in South 
Weare, and lived on the family homestead until two 
years alter the birth of Lewis, August 12, 1815, when, 
with his family of seven hoys ami two girls, he moved 
to the flourish inn' village in the same town, then and 
since known as the Oil Mills, and purchased the mills, 
which gave the place its name and fame. 

En the year 1825 the business of the mills had so in- 
creased, under the excellent management of the 
senior Simons, aided by the efficient services of his 
boys, that it was found uecessary to rebuild ami en- 
large the capacity of the mills; and the raising of 
linseed and its manufacture into oil was a source of 
prosperity to a large and thriving community. It 
was not mi. -,,111111011 t,, see over five hundred bushels 
of seed at a time in the bins, and so long as the rais- 
ing of linseed was as remunerative as other branches 
of agriculture, the business prospered ; hut, with the 
lack of material, it languished, and in 1S3j! the in- 
dustry was abandoned; the oil mill was leased to a 
party who utilized it as a pail factory until 1847, 
when it was totally destroyed by fire. 

Upon leaving the oil business, the senior Simons 
devoted himself to the care of his large farm, which 
he had secured by his industry and economy, and car- 
ried on also quite a thriving business in the saw-mill, 
which he owned in the same locality. He was a type 
of that invincible manhood which, in the early days, 
could master obstacles that in the light of modern 
civilization would seem overwhelming; and his suc- 
cess was not less marked by the comfortable fortune 
which he amassed, than by the habits of industry, 
frugality and integrity which he instilled into all his 
nine children, and especially his fifth son. Lewis, the 
subject of this sketch. 

Notwithstanding his limited opportunities lor ob- 
taining au education, young Simons nevertheless 
made the most of the means at his command, and, 
ivith the same untiring <le\,>ri,,u and patient applica- 
tion which had characterized his life he mastered what- 
ever he undertook. With only eight or ten weeks of 
district school in a year, and ,,ne term of instruction 
at the Henniker academy in the fall of 1835, where 
he was a class-mate with the late ex-Governor Har- 
riman, he became proficient in scholarship and 
taught school with marked success in his own and 
other districts in his native town for five consecutive 
winters. When not thus engaged he worked in his 
iw-mill, laying there the foundation for his 
future business success in life. 

In 1843 he went into trade at Oil Mill village, hut 
this was not congenial to his tastes, and in 1845 he 
abandoned it to follow the bent of his earlier inclina- 
tions. In his father's saw-mill he had acquired not only 
a thorough knowledge of sawing lumber, but a strong 
desire to engage in the lumber business lor a livelihood. 



This desire had now fully ripened into a determi- 
nation. The wisdom of his choice and the pertinacity 
with which he has pursued his calling are fully evi- 
denced in the splendid success which he has achieved 
and the enviable reputation which he has won as a 
man of broad judgment, of conscientious prudence 
and of large business energy and integrity. 

His first venture in the lumber business, in 1845, 
was with his lirother Hiram, with whom he remained 
in partnership until is.",:;, living meantime in Weare. 
In that year he sold his one-half interest in the busi- 
ness to hi- partner ami took up his residence in Man- 
chester, having purchased a tine residence on the 
west side of the river, in that part of the city then 
known as"Squog," but now graced with the more ele- 
gant title of West Manchester. Her die continued to re- 
side until 1860, when he built his present spacious and 
attractive residence at the corner of Brook and I Ihesl 
nut Sheets, in one of the most desirable locations in 
the city. Here for a quarter of a century he has 
summoned the immeasurable influences of a happy 
home to aid him in successfully prosecuting the 
business of his earlier years. 

He brought with him, to this new home, his wife 
Hannah W., daughter of Charles Gove, of Wean, 
whom he married in 1840, and her three surviving 
children, — Langdon, born July 20. 1841; Almeda, 
born November 24, 1*42; and Minot, bom June 12, 
1849. 

Three other boys had previously been born to 
them, hut they had faded beneath the touch of the 
grim messenger, early in life, and, in January, 1861, 
the faithful wife and devoted mother was summoned 
to join them in the better land. 

Subsequently Mr. Simons married Mary J. Gilmore, 
who still shares with him. in happy contentment, the 
fruits of twenty year-. ,,t wedded bliss. 

The youthful Minot found, in his new mother, all 
the affection and devotion which he had lost, and, 
through the lew years which he was permitted to re- 
main in this happy family, and especially through 
the trying ordeal which preceded his death, no 
greater love could ha\e been manifested, no more pa- 
tient or self-sacrificing care could have been be- 
stowed. To this m, ist fortunate union much of Mr. 
Simons' prosperity in life is due. 

His son Langdon resides in Manchester, engaged in 
the jewelry business on Elm Street. He married 
early in life and has one sou, a bright and promising 
young man, the idol of his grandparents, at whose 
request he bears the name of Minot, in memory of the 
son, whose loss in early maturity so keenly affected 
both Mr. and Mrs. Simons. 

His daughter Almeda is the most estimable wile of 
Darwin A. Simons, one of Manchester's most enter- 
prising and respected citizens. 

In all departments of the lumber business Mr. Si- 
mons has been exceptionally fortunate. His judg- 
ment in estimating values, his thorough knowledge of 





£^>gyzc 



<? 



-2^7^! 



WEARE. 



all the details of working and sawing lumber, his 
large executive ability and thorough personal devo- 
tion to the management of his business, together 
with his sagacity and prudence in putting Ins 
merchandise upon the market at the right time, or in 
pro-en inir and holding his lumber until a bi tin mar- 
ket would ensure tor him its full value, have won for 
him not only liberal wealth and the enviable reputa- 
tion which his success financially demands, bul with 
this, and better than this, his strict, unswerving in- 
tegrity in all his alt'airs have ensured to him the full 
confidence, appreciation ;md esteem of all with whom 
he has come into contact. Hi- counsels have been 
widely sought, his methods scrupulously copied and 
his influences largely felt. 

For about eight years he owned the farm and mill 
at the outlet of Lake Massabesic, with Gilman 
Clough. who learned bis trade of the Simons in 
Wcare, and in 1863 sold to Clough his one-half inter- 
est. Since 1855 he has been extensivelj associated 
in the purchase and working of immense tracts of 
woodland, with J. M. and D. A. Parker, ofGoffstown, 
and his active labors in the lumber business look back- 
over aperiod of forty years. In all this time, notwith- 
standing his business was immense, furnishing to one 
party in one year ten thousand cords of wood, yet he 
never let the smallest detail escape his attention. < >ut 
of the many millions of lumber which he has handled, 
oftentimes accumulating on his hands for a bettei 
market, not five hundred feel were ever wasted. His 
career in this business, which, more than any other. 
taxes the judgment and common sense, has been almost 
phenomenal, and he justly enjoys, in his declining 
years, the well-earned fruits of his life's labor. 

As a public-spirited citizen he lias stamped his im- 
press upon the history and growth of our city, and 
many of the finest blocks and buildings are the results 
of his industry. Besides his beautiful and valuable 
homestead, he has been instrumental in building the 
Mercantile Block and Music-Hail Block, Manchester, 
both beautiful and costly structures, situated on the 
main thoroughfare and in the heart of the business of 
this metropolitan city. He also helped to erect a large 
brick block on Elm Street, known as Webstei Block, 
and a large tenement block on Pearl Street. In all of 
these, and in other valuable pieces of real 
this city, he is a large owner, and tow of Manchester 
citizens have been more fortunate in their financial 
affairs. 

Although ready and willing always to assist in any 
laudable enterprise. Mr. Simons has never sought the 
honors of political favor, nor held other offices of 
trust than justice of the peace, and, in 1855, alderman 
in his ward, although the representative of the mi- 
nority party. 

The reasons are obvious. In his earlier years he 
was too much engrossed in his own affairs 
litical preferment, and latterly fortunately, doubtless. 
for him, however much community may ha 



from the loss of his valuable services, he has been 
a tenacious adherent of the old .lellersonian do, nine-. 
bringing him a multitude of unsought Dei 
nominations, only valuable until election day. In 
188 I he was I he nominee of Ins partj for Mayor, re- 
ceiving in the caucus over twelve hundred votes, a 
greatei number than was ever given to any former can- 
didate. For years he was g regular attendant and an 
enthusiastic worker in the Universalis! Society, lend- 
ing a willing hand and open purse to the prosecution 

ot'every g I work for the benefil of the church and 

society, and equally ardent and liberal in resisting its 
persecutions. Of late years he has attended the 
Unitarian Church and has been president of its 
board of trustees. 

He has never yielded to the infatuating charms of 

nidations of any kind, possibly on 
of bis early interest in military affairs, which en- 
grossed his attention and engaged bis bonis of re- 
creation. 

At the age of eighteen he picked bis flint, shoul- 
dered bis musket and became a real soldier in the 
Volunteer Militia I lompany of bis town. He plucked 
easily whatever of laurels for military achievements 
were obtainable in the militia service, and, with ac- 
cumulating honors, lie joined, first, lie G 
Light Infantry and after that he achieved distinction 
in a rifle company of that time. 

Every year, to the date of the disbandment of the 
State militia, he did military duty, in .very rank 
of the line, and was hence admirably 
by instinct, education and experience to take 
upon himself the high honor and supreme mili- 
tary distinction of becoming a member of the 
Veterans, then in its infancy, whii h 
he did in 1855. for thirtj years he has bei n on ol 
it- most useful and influential members, holding, in 
succi ssion, every office in its gift, until, at the last an 
nual meeting in L885, he was honored by a unani- 
mous election to the office of Commander, which he 
declined to a tain thecommandof 

Company A as its captain, which position he has held 
for several years andstill continues to fill most accepta- 
bly. The prosperity and high standing of this famous 
il home and abroad, is largely due to his 

devotion, prudenceand careful oversight in the in iii- 
ol all it- affairs. 
'1 in- brief historj of the life of one of Mai 
most honored citi/ens would he incomplete if dueem- 
phasis were not laid upon the stilling integrity 
innate moral dignity of its subject 

life and under all circumstances. 

Erect'in stature, elastic in -ii [i I., -1; and well pre- 
served, thoi 

amiable, kind and always genial, bis acquaintances are 
universally bis friends, whose, fidenceand approba- 
tion no man in community possesses to a larger extent. 
Absolutely temperate as to intoxicants, he has also 

tirelj from the 



id 
ry walk in 



Ill' 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



forms, and no man ever heard from his lips a violent 
or profane word. In short, Lewis Simons is, in the 

broadest and truest sense, an honest man. 



MOSES SAWYER. 

Moses Sawyer was born in the picturesque little 
town of Henniker, N. II., October 26, 1803. He was 
the seventh generation from William Soyer, who 
emigrated from England to America in 1632, and 
commenced the hard life of a pioneer in the little 
town of Newbury, now Newburyport, Mass. Some 
of his children united with the Society of Friends, of 
whieb religious organization his descendants have 
remained members to the present time. 

The subject of this sketch was little indebted to 
our public institutions for the unusual fund of in- 
formation which he possessed. The world was the 
school in which he was taught, and a few well-chosen 
books constituted his early library. 

At about the age of fourteen he left the home of 

his ehildb 1 to learn the trade of dressing (doth, 

and subsequently went to Amesbury, .Mass., and per- 
fected himself in the art of manufacturing woolen 
goods. Here he made the acquaintance of John G. 
Whittier and William Lloyd Garrison, and at the 
solicitation of the latter subscribed for the first num- 
ber of the Lihrrnlor. which is now in his possessiou. 

When twenty-eight years of age he determined to 
go into business for himself, and bought a water 
privilege in North Weare, X. II., where he erei ti d a 
mill ami formed a company to manufacture woolen 
goods. He had little other capital than his hands 
ami his natural energy id' character, yet he started 
one of the first, if not the tirst successful woolen mill 
in New Hampshire, when Manchester contained only 
one house, and Peter Cooper was trying experiments 
with the first locomotive. 

After several years of prosperity a new company 
was formed, of which lie is still the airent. He has 



always been known as a straightforward, honorable 
business man. 

A member of the Society of Friends, both by faith 
and inheritance, he has been prominent in Church- 
work, particularly that which showed itself in deeds 
rather than words. 

He was an Abolitionist from the very first ; in the 
days when the name was as repugnant to what is 
called "Society," as the name "Christian" was to the 
Jewish Sanhedrin. or "Puritan" to the established 
Church of England in the days of Charles the First. 
No heart beat more ardently for the great subject of 
human rights, or felt more keenly the injustice of 

holding human beings asslaves ; ami he let i ppor- 

tunitv pass to do his all in aiding the cause. His 
house was one of the stations on the "underground 
railway." and it was there that Frederick Douglass 
commenced the writing of his autobiography. 

The temperance movement, and every other philan- 
thropic work has always had in him a strong advocate, 
and be has given freely of his means for their support. 
To champion wearisome causes and take the part of 
the oppressed was his nature. It was nevera burden. 
But he never sought publicity in any field or held 
political offices except at the earnest request of his 
friends, vet he represented the town in the Legislature 
in 1866, was the first president of the Hillsborough 
I 'oimty Bible Society, one of the trustees of our State 
Orphans' Home, beside holding many other offices. 
And now that tor him the sunset hour has come, and 
the activities of business life are over, he has leisure 
tor reading and study, and we trust he may be long 
spared to gather the fruits of a well-spent life. 

Mr. Sawyer has been twice married. First to Re- 
becca B. Morrill .if Seabrook, N. H., and, several 
years after her decease, to Hannah Bassett Jones, of 
Gilmanton. He has three children still living: — 
Henry Abbott, a graduate of Dartmouth College; 
Ellen Rebecca, wife of J. Fred. Smith, of Fishkill, 
X. Y., and Mary Elizabeth. 




/'j/ t j ■2^'s-f^Ut 



HISTORY OF WILTON. 



BY REV. A. 



LIVERMORE. 



CHAPTER I. 



THE TOPOGRAPHY OF THE TOWN, ITS GEOLOGY, STREAMS, 
HILLS, TERRITORIAL LIMITS, SCENERY AND CLIMATE. 

The town of Wilton is situated in the southwest 
part of the county of Hillsborough, State of New 
Hampshire, in latitude 42° 50' north, and in longi- 
tude 5° 8' east from Washington, D. C. The original 
grant of territory by the Masonian proprietors in- 
eluded forty-six shares of two hundred and forty 
acres each, or one hundred and thirty-eight lots of 
eighty acres each, or about twenty-eight square miles, 
and not far from sixteen thousand and seventy acres. 
But, August 2G, 17u8, a range of lots, half a mile wide, 
was set oft' to the adjoining town of Temple, on the 
west, leaving Wilton an oblong parallelogram, seven- 
teen hundred rods long from north to south and 
fifteen hundred rods wide from east to west. It lies 
eighteen miles from Nashua, forty from Concord, 
thirty from Keene and fifty-eight from Boston. It 
is bounded on the north by Lyndeborough, on the 
east by Lyndeborough and Milford, on the south by 
Mason and Greenville and on the west by Temple. 

Its geological formation is chiefly granite and 
schist, making a very uneven surface and hard but 
strong soil, rising into lofty hills, which crop out with 
extensive ledges, and sinking into deep valleys, the 
beds of whose streams are filled with bowlders, large 
and small. There are but few plains or patches of 
sandy soil. The original forest growth was very thick 
and heavy, and indicated a deep, rich soil. The most 
valuable mineral products are clay, suitable for brick- 
making, and l>cd> or large bowlders of granite, capable 
of being worked for building materials. 

Only a small portion of the town is covered by 
water. There are no lakes or ponds, except artificial 
ones, to create mill-power. The principal stream is 
the Souhegan River, said to be so called by the 
Indians as " the River of the Plains," which rises in 
Great and Little Watatic Lakes, in Ashburnham, 
Mass., runs under the name of the South Branch into 
New Ipswich, where it joins the North Branch com- 
ing from Pratt's Pond, in Jaffrey, passes through 



Greenville and enters Wilton on the south, from 
eighty to one hundred rods east of the southwest cor- 
ner of the town. Thence its course is northeasterly 
until it enters Milford. Two streams join it from the 
west and north as it passes through Wilton, — Gambol 
Brook, with north and south branches, and North 
Stream or Stony Brook, which also has two con- 
siderable blanches. The Souhegan falls into the 
Merrimack in Merrimack. These streams, with 
smaller brooks falling into them, form the water- 
courses of the town, and supply the power for numerous 
mills ami factories. 

The bold sand-hill bluffs at various points, especially 
along the Souhegan Valley, indicate the points where 
the great eddies left their deposits whin immense 
streams filled these valleys to their brim, after the 
glacial period in the history of the earth gave way to 
a warmer temperature. Owing to the granite forma- 
tion, there are no actually perpendicular falls or cas- 
cades in town, as in the limestone formations; but in 
several instances there are rapids of considerable 
height and interest, as Barnes' Falls, on a branch of 
Stony Brook. 

While there are no mountains proper, there are 
many high hills, commanding wide prospects and 
separated by deep valleys. Such are Abbot Hill, in 
the southeast part of the town, a long, broad eleva- 
tion, sloping up gradually from the bed of the 
Souhegan; Kimball's ami Mansur's Hills, on the 
southwest, the highest elevations in town ; Russell's, 
or Lone-Tree Hill; Bade's Hill, near the Centre; 
Flint's Hill, in the northwest ; and Bale's Hill, in the 
northeast. All are high eminences, commanding a 
complete view of the basin, which centres in the town, 
formed by the Temple, New Ipswich and Lynde- 
borough Mountains, called the Pack Monadnock. 

The climate of Wilton is the climate of New Eng- 
land on its northern hills and mountains, — a long, 
severe winter, usually with high winds and deep- 
drifting snows, a short and checkered spring, a hot 
and luxuriant summer and a brilliant autumn, with 
the foliage turned to brown, crimson and gold. Its 
climate is one of extreme- of heat and cold, but vivid 
and picturesque with the drifting snows of winter, the 
green herbage and foliage of summer and the gor- 



096 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY. NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



-.•mis color- of autumn, and stimulating to body and 
mind. In the early history of the town, autumn and 
spring were more nearly merged into winter and 
summer. The snows fell into deep forests, where 
they lay comparatively uninfluenced by sun or wind 
until a late spring, when the sun was high. Then 
overflowing fre.-hets ru-hed down the hills and moun- 
tains and tilled the valleys, sweeping everything 
before them, and summer suddenly hurst upon the 
laud. Then, too. the transition from summer to 
winter was not less rapid, and not seldom the fruits 
of field and orchard were surprised by sudden frosts 
and snows. But since the heavy forests have been 
largely cut down, or have been succeeded only by 
slighl second growths of young trees, and the surface 
has been more exposed to the direct sun and wind, 
the seasons have become more changeable and fluctu- 
ating, and rapid extremes of eold and heat succeed 
one another. The cutting down of the dense iorcsts 
has dried up the smaller brooks and meadows, 
caused severer droughts and opened the way tor the 
more rapid descent of the rams and melted snows into 
the water-courses, and sudden and more injurious 
tl Is, as in the disastrous freshet of October. 1869. 

But if we take all the features of the climate into 

c sideration, we shall come to the conclusion that it 

is fitted to develop a hardy and vigorous race of 
people, with great activity and endurance ofbodj and 
mind. 

Of late years a marked social change has come, and 
many people from the cities and the seaboard annu- 
ally resort to the hills ami mountains tor health and 
invigoration, in the summer months. IV 
two hundred boarders find accommodations in Wilton 
during the warm season, and enjoy its healthful air, its 
charming drives and walks and its beautiful scenery, 
while not a lew build hero tasteful country cottages 
for their homes nearly half the year. 



(II \ I'TEE II. 
WILTON- 



TllK vegetable and animal productions of the town 
have not differed essentially from those of the other 
town- in this county already described in this work. 

The original forests sisted of pitch, white and 

Norway piues to a great degree, and furnished excel- 
lent timber. White, black and yellow birch. 1 ch, 

white, red, yellow and scrub oak, poplar (native and 
Lombardy), chestnut, butternut, walnut, white, red 
and rock or sugar maple, ash, willow, ba— wood, horn- 
beam, leverwood, elm, cherry (white and red), hem- 
lock, spruce and fir abound. While the first, and 
even the second, growths of timber have been princi- 
pally cut off, probably more acres are now in woodland 



than were fifty years ago, but the trees are. many of 
them, only saplings. 

The shrub- and flowers are those common to a 
northern climate and a mountainous country. The 

fields, v Is, pastures and roadsides are gay with a 

uie.it variety of flowering plants,— from tin- wind- 
flower and May-flower of the spring to the laurel, 
daisies, lilies, primroses and buttercups of summer, 
olden-rod, John's-wort, life everlasting and 
cardinal flower of autumn. Many exotics also have 
become domesticated in the town. Numerous wild 
berries — mulberries, sumac, bogberries, barberries and 
others — beautify the summer and autumn scenery. 
The herbage, too. of the northern temperate zone, the 
line, green turf and the many delicate grasses give 
exquisite pleasure to the eye as compared with the 
coarse grasses of warmer climates. 

The wild animals were, at the time of the early 
settlement of the town, the bear, the moose, the deer, 
the wolf, the catamount, the muskrat, the mink, the 
weasel, the woodchuck, the skunk, the rat. the rabbit, 
the fox, the hedgehog, the red. gray, striped and fly- 
ing squirrel, the otter, the raccoon, which peopled the 
woods and fields. 

Abiel Abbot, one of the early settlers, was treed by 
a bear, which watched him till, wearied by the delay 
and annoyed by a small dog. he withdrew. Lieuten- 
ant Abraham Burton sometimes trapped bears. In 
the winter wolves came down from the mountains in 
search of food, and were killed by hunting-parties. 

Tradition reports that two i ise have been killed in 

town, one near Mason and one near wdiat is now 
French village. Heaver-dams are yet to be seen on 
the Whiting and the Dale farms. Hut the hunter 
finds little now to raise his enthusiasm or reward his 
toil. The aboriginal animals have departed with the 
aboriginal men. Civilization has driven them from 
their ancient haunts. 

Of birds, the largest, the wild turkey, wa- shot in 
town as late as 1 7 '. • 7 ; but. owing to the absence of 
[>ouds or lakes, few wild geese or ducks or loons have 
been known, though the long, black lines of the for- 
mer, ranged in harrow-like array against the blue sky, 
may be seen making their semi-annual migrations, 
and heard by their peculiar penetrating notes. The 
eagle has been occasionally shot in town. The 
smaller summer birds are numerous, and increase 
rather than diminish by civilization, as their means 
ol' procuring food are improved by the gardens and 
grain-fields of the farmer. The robin, sparrow, 
yellow bird, whippoorwill, thrush, crow, hawk, king- 
fisher, woodpecker, oriole, catbird, blackbird, bobo- 
link, pigeon, bluejay, snowbird, scarlet tanager, par- 
tridge and butcherbird are found here, and the sum- 
mer woods and fields are musical with these natural 
choristers. 

Few or no reptiles of a venomous kind are known 
to exist at the present day. The rattlesnake has dis- 
appeared. Tradition reports that one was killed on 



WILTON. 



the spot where the house of the late Mr. [saac Blanch- eighteen feel square and seven feel stud, ;it least ; that 



ard stands. The black-snake, striped snake, green 
snake, the house adder and the water snake are the chiel 
species. Lizards are occasionally seen. Frogs and 
toads are abundant. Hats are common. 

The insect world is largely represented. Flies of 
all species, wasps, bees, wild and tame bornets, ants, 
spiders, mosquitoes, bugs of every variety and grass 
hoppers, which, though small in size, often pi iduce 
serious results upon the harvest-fields of the farmer, 
are abundant in summer. 

Of fishes, the largest, the salmon, were caught in 
theSouhegan as late as 177:; and 1774. The trout, 
shiner, sucker, minnow, juke and pickerel were com- 
mon in the streams, but seldom now reward the 
angler's patience and skill. 



of land should he cultivated; that the 
habitants should settle a learned orthodox minister, 
ami build and finish a convenient meeting-house for 
the public worship of < lod. 

Sewall Putnam, Esq., who is authority on all ques- 
tions relating to tin- early history id' Wilton, says. — 

"'I'll' i- i- no doubl Unit Hi' ■ 

M.ntliea-t , ( ; N 1 ..!' S;i l.tu -I a n.i i la The ..1.1 people ol \\ ilton, many years 



CHAPTER 
WILTON— (Com 



III. 

d). 



contil 1 west would run betwi 


,n Ml 


M;i ik 1 loir sand .Mt. 1 loo's houses. 


That ShOWH Mm: 


..1 t 


,.■ present town ol W ill 


Salem-Canada 






in 1739. Jacob and l pfaraii 


i I'm 


urn. John Hill.- and John Badge] 


comment ed d - ttlemenl ull tin 


BOUtl 


■ i ly pari "i tin' territory thus hii.l 


oul m| Salem 1 lanada. Kphrah 


i I'm 


mi loi ated mi whal ,- now Iol No 


l 1. in Hi. Ml, ran ;i al Hi' mi' 


secti 


hi ol tli-- roads near the north whip. 


terj 1 a daughter of hi" was 


tie, 1 


rst child born in Wilton. 



I'KoPIUETAKY HISTORY — SALEM -CANADA — Till INDIANS 
—NO. 2 — INCORPORATION — SLIP ADDED TO 1 EM CLE. 

The first movement toward the settlement of Wilton 
was made in 1735. On the 19th ol' June of that year 
a petition was presented to the General Court of Mas- 
sachusetts, by Samuel King and others, for relief, in 
consideration "of their sufferings" in the expedition 
to Canada, under Sir William Phips, in the year 1690. 
Agreeably to the old Roman method of rewarding 
military .services, by colonizing the veterans, a com- 
mittee was chosen, consisting of Samuel Wells, Esq., 
Samuel Chandler and John Hobson, to lay out a 
township, containing six square miles, west of the 
Xarragansett town, called No. '■',, and return a plat 
thereof to the court, within twelve months, for con- 
firmation. 

This tract, including Lyndeborough ami the north 
part of Wilton, received then the name of Salem- 
< anada. The term Canada was obviously given on 
account of the remembrance of the expedition to 
Canada. The prefix of Salem was, probably, due to 
the fact that, in the early history of the country. Es- 
sex County. Mass., of which Salem was the shire town, 
or capital, was represented as extending hark, west- 
ward from the sea-hoard, to the Connecticut River, 
covering, of course, as may he seen by the map, the 
territory now occupied by the towns of Lyndeborough 
and Wilton. It has also been suggested that the 
signers ol' the petition to the General Court, for relief, 
may have been residents of Salem and the vicinity. 
The town of Salem-Canada, six miles square, was to 
he divided into sixty-three equal shares, one of which 
was to lie tin- the first settled minister, one for the 
ministry and one for the schools. The conditions of 
settlement were: that on each share, within three 
years, a good family should be settled, a house built, 



'■.Jii.'i.l. I'ntiriiii I- ate.l mi Hi.- -ontloa-t |ull "1 I. 't No I ., in tli. .Ml, 

range (tli anal 1 .01111. 1 . it the lots was a largo pinn ..n tli.' north kink 

of thestrea i Bhort distance below tl 1,1 saw-mill). II.- built the 

nous. '■ Mid I McCarthy now lives, [t was two storiei in front 

mill ..in- li.i.-k. 111.- front rafter" l,<-ing -.In .it. aii.l tin- to' 
Manyoftheold houses were built in thai style ..I archil 

house remai 1 in that snap.- until it was i.-m.i.l.-l. .1, with some addition, 

bj Mi . Joseph « ilson, ., I,- i' ..i ■ i" t ire hcsold it mid rem 



New 



Ol It.' 



■-.I.ilin liitl.' - tivst ' mil)' v :i inn where tin- roads 
old house that In- afterward- Imilt. n.'W owned liv S II Dunbar, and it. 

-aid I ' I" Hi til-t t»"-t> I. Il In'ii-,- Imilt in W iltMi. It 1- lined be- 
tween the outside mid itiM.I. Iiiiii.li Willi 1,1 i. I., lor 1'i.ite, tinli agaihst thi- 
ll l, lull- tin In il, :i in,,! in |„'-. "ve ill ni . I, .1,1. Hale, John Hale, Jr.. 

and John Hale (3d), "ho died April :;. 1843, and was sold al auction bj 



nil,- east .1 Dal. " In D 
illy went tn a bloek-hoiise, 
"-works in Lyndeliorntigh. 
nursing lint what his wife 
February. IT In, the first 



a pathetic description of the sad 



I Ir. Peabody gi 

circumstance^ : 
"Ik- died in tin- night, 'tin- nearesl neig i ■■ 

i lid lie -I el lei- ' "v. led deep With >li>.w 111. 

th,. i, ,d as t..i' rest, left her children with their breakfast, and with strict 

:.i awake then father, as h. was asleep, and putting on 

U ii|, her. \ lie,- was holloaed ...it for .. .'Mini, and -... in the solitude, 
was he committed to tin- earth." 



id her child- 
t eight vears 



After her husband died, Mrs. Badge 
ren, of whom she had three, the oldest 
old. went to Hollis. 

The remarks of Mr. Putnam follow: 

'■ Vugusl -Till, lifter Mi . Iladg.i - .1. ,ll, a langhlei was I.mii t., Mis. 

i rson 1 Ho id was 

the father of our respected townsman, I 'avid (ram. Mr. Gideon Cram, 

late ,,l I.i ii. le _-li, «ii." lie ir s.,11. nli" was the falher ..I' Mrs. Man 

I", was Hal I l'"i lea gran. In... b 



settle 



The first settlers were front Danvers, Ma--. For 
after the settlement began, the wife of 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Jacob Putnam was the only woman who resided per- 
manently in the town. During one winter, such was 
the depth of snow in the woods, and Buch the distance 
from neighbors, that for the space of six months she 
saw no one but the members of her own family. 

Indians. — The Indians of this vicinity consisted 
principally of the Pawtucket tribe, who had their head- 
quarters, and, perhaps derived their designation from 
Pawtucket Falls, on the Merrimack River, near Low- 
ell, Mas-. The back country and the streams feeding 
the Merrimack River were their chief hunting and 
fishing-grounds. No permanent settlements of the 
aborigines seem ever to have been made in Wilton, 
though they traversed its territory for game. There 
were no large ponds or rivers to attract them, and 
they had no motive to make their habitual residence 
on the granite hills. They left few. if any, traces be- 
hind them,— perhaps a few arrow-heads, or hatchets of 
stone. Mr. Putnam reports that on lot No. 13, range 
4, in the pine woods east of the Stockwell [dace, was 
a place dug out some ten or twelve feet square, which 
was supposed by many to have been an Indian camp, 
occupied when on hunting expeditions. Hill and 
valley, river and mountain, remain as the unalterable 
features of nature, but the children of the ancient 
wilderness have passed away forever, leaving scarcely 
a trace behind them. The one certain memento of 
their race is the name of the principal stream, the 
Souhegan, or Sowhagon, as it was sometimes spelled, 
signifying, as is said, in theirdialect, " the river of the 
plains.'' 

So tar as is known, no person belonging to Wilton 
was carried into captivity or killed by the Indians, 
except Henry Parker, Jr.. in the French and Indian 
War, 17o7. in the massacre of Fort William Henry, on 
Lake George. 

When apprehensions of attack arose, the settlers 
went into neighboring garrisons. Dangei 
about ten years. One garrison was in Milford, near 
the Peabody place, on the north bank of the Souhegan 
River. Another was in Lyndeborough, near Mr. Eph- 
rairn Putnam's. The anxieties of the pioneers were 
such that, in 1744. they sent the following petition to 
the i tovernor ami ( louncil of the Province ; 



st Tin: INDIANS. 



' 'IV. liis F.xielleilfv. I'.-niiiii- W etitw.-rth, Ks-j,. '. ,., , i n,,i an.leomiiiau.ier- 
in-Chief -if bis Majesty's Province ..(' New Hampshire 



••The petition of tli- Inhabitants ,.f S:ilrin i ana, I.,, to 

Humbly shews That your petiti- -mi- . -ily expeseil p, 

- I have not men Sufficient for to iiefenil us, Thattho there 
l... bul few of us, vri we have laid out oui estate.-, to begin iu this place, 
so that we shall be extremely lent if wemust now movi 

God. i. oui laboi i, a ane ( rop oi i -m en the ground^ 
and tho' we have a Garrison in the town, Built b\ Oi.hr <-f Muj. I.ovell, 
yet we have nobody empowi red so much as to - t a w ii h 
men to keep it ; we would pray your Excellency that «< D 

i In- iio\ernmi nt. iii Bending us some Bouldieig, to Guard 
anil Defend us, as in your wisdom von shall think proper. 

"Though we are but newly added to this Covet nni'iit. y.-l we pray 
your Excellency not to disregard us, hut to assist ns, that we may keep 



Joseph II 



-s and do service for the government hereafter A ml your Te- 
as in iluty Bound, w Ml ev.-r pi av. 

"John Cram, -ir 
John Cram. 
I ia\ nl Stevenson. 

John Bale. Jonathan train. 

Ephraiiu Putnam. Benjamin Cram. 

Abraham Leman. 
i 16th, 1711." 



No. 2.— The grant of Salem-Canada, in 17:;". by the 
Massachusetts General Court, and the settlements 
formed in it, were followed, in 1740, by the ion; m a 
new township from the proprietors, holding under the 
charter of John Tufton Mason, to a company of pur- 
chasers, forty-six in number. Many of them never 
resided on the lands, but afterwards sold them to 
settlers coming in. These shares were drawn by lot. 
The deed conveying the land was dated October 1, 
174'.'. at Dunstable, and the lots were drawn on Octo- 
ber Pith. The name first given to the new township, 
which included on the north a part of Salem-< !anada, 
was No. 2. 

The following conditions were prescribed by the 
proprietors to the grantees: 

1 1'w-, h-t- ,-f ei-lity acres '-a. h should be set apart to .i 

building of mills. 

: ota- -hare - -f two hundred ami forty aires should be given to the 
first minister. 

■ One share Bhould in- set apart f.u the Christian ministry. 

!. on-- -htm- Bhould b.- given I" scl 1- 

.--. 'flu share-holders should make .,11 roads. 



- r-- -i .-- i.,.l-l. r- -1,--.,M -ttl. .,„ i build houses -a. forty lots. 

1" 'Iii n-'t ttillillili-' thee I ii-. except ill case --f an Indian 

war. wen- lo foifeit tie- ■ 
11. White pine trees were to be I.-- tve.l t--t tie- British navy. 

This new township, which, with new territory on the 
south, included a portion of Salem-Canada, received 
tin- name oi No. 2, as stated above. This name was 
continued till 1762, thirteen years, as the title of Sa- 
lem-< lanada had been for fourteen years, viz. : 1733 to 
1749. No. 1 became afterwards Mason, Xo. 3 became 
Lyndeborough and No. 4, Charlestown, X. II. 

Wilton Proper. — In 1761, June 18th, the following 
petition for incorporation, was addressed to Governor 
Benning Weutworth : 

PETITION For INCORPORATION. 

1- iicy. Binning W.-ntworth, Es-| , Governor, .Vc. in tin- 

I'rovtn 1 New Ilalllp-hlle, ainl the Honorable 111- Mate-tv - 

I oiiii.il ,-t saiil Province : 

''Tb' l-etlti f US, the -111-- ill ! 

Landinsaid lv : five miles square, called and 

known bj tb.- name of Sumbi - .'. whii ll Township bound 

rand southerly on Peterborough slip ami Number 

l. Easterly on ye Mason's Grant, not taken up ; which Tracl ol i i is 

earTaxed t-> the Province 
with other Town- 

"Wewould, therefore, Humbly request of your Excellj 
that we ma} i- [ncorporated into aTi --- nship, and be invested with sucb 
Privileges and Immunities as othei Towns be-, 1 i-. . n|.-\ m 1 1, ie 

ye more easy carrying on our Public affairs ,vc. ten! tha t 
tb- so ol i'- a potation may be B. -iiiiih-il a. .oi iii u g to the Grant of the said 



Mill. 



t .Smith. 

in Vance 



John Burton. Robert Ii.nU. r. 

Philip Pntnam. David Barker. 

El ■ nezet Perry. John Di 

Jonathan Greele. Benjamin Thompson. 

Hugh Sinyli... Samuel Manaur. 
Jacob Putnam." 

The prayer of the petitioners was granted, and the 
town was incorporated, June 25, 17i'>2, under the name 
of Wilton, derived from an ancient borough in Wilt- 
shire, England. This act of incorporation was to con- 
tinue in force till January 1, 1765. The first town- 
meeting was held June 27. 17G2. A second act of 
incorporation was granted, January 2, 1765, signed by 
Hon. Benning Wentworth, Governor of the Province 
of New Hampshire, "to have continuance until His 
Majesty's pleasure shall be further known." As His 
Majesty and 1 1 is Majesty's successors have, so far as is 
known, taken no exception to it, it is presumed this 
act of incorporation remains valid to the present day. 

Addition of Part of Wilton to Temple.— In 1768 
a petition was addressed to the Governor and Council, 
by the inhabitants of Peterborough Slip, the part of 
Peterborough lying east of the mountains called Pack 
Monadnock, to have one mile of the west part of 
Wilton, and extending the length of the town, five 
mile-, added to Peterborough Slip, to form an inde- 
pendent town. To compensate tor this -lire of a 
mile wide being taken off Wilton, the petitioners also 
prayed that one mile wide of territory might be added 
to the town on the east. The people of Wilton ad- 
dressed the authorities with a counter-petition, asking 
that Peterborough Slip itself might be added to Wil- 
ton, and deprecating any addition on the east. But 
the petitioners of the Peterborough Slip prevailed over 
the Wiltonians, and a tract half a mile wide and five 
miles long was taken from Wilton and added to Peter- 
borough Slip, constituting the town of Temple. 

Thus, after all these changes of names and bounda- 
ries, of Salem-< lanada; No. 2; Wilton five miles square; 
and Wilton four and a half miles wide by five miles 
long, as at present constituted ; we have the proprie- 
tary and territorial history of the town of Wilton up 
to the present time. 



CHAPTER IV. 



TOWN INSTITUTION'S — MEETINGS— OFFICERS — DEBTS- 
TAXES— HOUSES— ETC . 

It has been said that American liberty was born in 
the cabin of the "Mayflower" in 1620, when the 
Pilgrims made a covenant with one another, and 
45 



signed it as the instrument of their civil and religious 
polity. But its earliest effective institutions were the 
town church, supported by the taxes of all the peo- 
ple, and the town-meeting, to which all freemen were 
admitted and which regulated all municipal affairs. 
Thus more than a century before a thought was enter- 
tained of a free and independent nation, separated 
from tin- parent country, the citizens of the colonies 
were virtually put to school in the knowledge and 
practice of public and official duties in St 
church, and were trained to administer the affairs of 
the nation in peace ami war. 

De Tocqueville, in his " Democracy in America," 
the best work by a foreigner ever written upon our in- 
stitutions, says, — 

" In \.w En -l:i ii. 1 p. lit i. at 111.- tin. I it- ..ri-in in tli.- town-hip-. I it 

may !>e Sliil that .-ai'h ol thrill a ia ilialh t'.a 1 all ilalrp. n.l. lit natl-.n. 

'- Iii tin. Amrii' an town-hips [...wit has hren distributed with admira- 
ble skill for the purpose of interesting the greatest possible number of 

peis.ai- in th.- mi. m w.-al. 

'■ Tln-.v pnssr-s no. a.haiit.i",.-, Hhi. h -h-.n-h- .-van- th,. interest of 

nialikili.l, nalii'ly,— in.lep.-n.h-IRa- atl.t until, -rity h i- in. . ait. --tat.lv 
. i.-- an.l lial.it- ..f i.-i.uhli. an i:..\ .a nin.-iit in the United 

Slat.- w.-t. hi -I , r. at.-.l In III.- t..\\ li-hipsali.t tin- I'luvin. ial A— .-iiiI.1i.-b, ' ' 

A good illustration of this public spirit and interest 
in the common weal, which was strengthened and 
cherished by the township system, is found in the 
records of the town, dated July 15 ami September 8, 
1774, in which the inhabitants enter into a covenant 
of non-importation and non-consumption of British 
goods. This instrument is given in full subsequently 
in the chapter on the Revolutionary War. It seemed 
a trifling thing for this little community of farmer 
people, perched mi the granite hills of a sparsely in- 
habited State, thus to fling defiance in the face of a 
great nation, but it had its serious meaning and 
weight. The act showed a determination to repel 
unjust laws by sacrifices of comfort and peace, and to 
vindicate the cause of freedom at whatever cost. It 
nls.. showed sympathy and made common cause with 
the sister colonies, wdm sulleriiig from the stamp act 
and taxation without- representation and other inva- 
sions of the rights of British freemen, needed the 
support of their brethren. That same spirit ac- 
irce as it proci eded sent " the embattled 
farmers" t.. Bunker Hill and Bennington, and finally 
after a war of eight years with one of tht 
p. overs of the old world, won the independence of 
the new. 

Town-Meetings, Etc.— These were usually held 
annually tin- second Tuesday of March. A public 
notice was posted by the selectmen, informing the 
people when, where, and for the transaction of what 
business the meeting was called and summoning the 
legal voters to assemble and discharge their legal 
duties as freemen. The assembly in early times was 
held in the church, but at the present day in a town- 
house or hall, built for the purpose. A presiding 
officer called, a moderator was chosen, and prayer was 
offered bv the minister of the church. A town clerk 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



was elected to record the proceedings. A board of 
selectmen, usually consisting of three men, was 
chosen to administer the affairs of the town, relating 
-, roads, the poor, taxes, etc. A representa- 
tive was chosen to the General Court or State Legis- 
lature, also town treasurer, town collector, superin- 
tending school committee, tithing men, constables, 
etc. Reports were read by the officers of the preceding 
year in relation to roads, schools, taxes, bridges, and 
all matters pertaining to the welfare of the town. Thus 
the town-clock was wound up to run another year. 
It was really a democratic republic in miniature. All 
power sprang from the people ami was referred di- 
rectly back to the people as the legitimate source of 
all human authority. In these political schools the 
people were nurtured and strengthened lor the days to 
come, the " times that tried men's souls." And the 
permanence and success of the republican system of 
government depend to a considerable degree upon 
the extension and efficiency of the public town-meet- 
ing. This is the uest egg of the political system of 
America. 

One who long filled important offices in town and 
who has been a careful observer remarks, — " ] am 
unable to perceive where we have in our political 
organizations any that are purely democratic, except 
in the towns and wards. All our other organizations, 
city, county, State, etc., are representative, and I 
think only in New England is the pure town organ- 
ization still retained." 

Town Debts and Town Taxes.— The expenses of 
the town for the church, schools, roads, bridges, pub- 
lic improvements, the poor, etc., were met by taxes 
levied on all property, real and personal, collected by 
an officer appointed for the purpose and paid over to 
the treasurer, to be disbursed by orders signed by the 
selectmen. Unfortunately in many States since the 
formation of the government the township system has 
fallen into disuse, and so there has been in some re- 
spects a perceptible decline in municipal liberty and 
spirit which augurs ill for the future of the country. 
Reports of public affairs arc now printed, not read 
before the assembly of the people ami submitted to 
their judgment. There is no discussion in the 
presence of the legal voters of the interests of the 
public and the caucuses cut and dry the measures to 
be adopted and the men to be chosen in office, while 
the town-meetings only ratify what has been deter- 
mined on elsewhere. The restoration of the town- 
meeting to its primitive place and power and its 
extension to all the States of the Union would be a 
most beneficial agency in the progress of America. 
All hail to the town-meeting! 

Town Hall or House.— As already seen the earliest 
town hall was the Congregational Church. The 
civil as well as the religious meetings of the town 
were held there. The moderator and town clerk oc- 
cupied the " deacons' scat " in front of the pulpit, the 
voters the pews and the spectators the galleries. The 



burning of the church in L859 led to the subsequent 

building, the next year, of the town hall, situated on 
the common in the centre of the town, just south of 
the site of the church, and in this hall the town meet- 
ings were held until 1868, when it was voted to sell 
the town hall, and the meetings were held in the 
depot hall at the East village. The town hall at the 
Centre was sold to a company and called Citizens' 
Hall, and is used for lectures, social meetings and 
amusements. At the annual meeting in 1883, it was 
voted by the town to erect a town house at the East 
village "for the convenient transaction of the public 
business of the town." The lot of land was given by 
the Messrs. Whiting and the building was erected at 
a cost of about twenty thousand dollars and dedi- 
cated January 1, 1885. 

Town Church and Town Schools will be treated 
of under the respective heads of "The Ecclesiastical 
Affairs" of the town and" Education." 

Town Officers, Census, Etc., will come under the 
head of the chapter of Statistics. 



CHAPTER V 



I ci I INI W| R'AL AFFAIF 



No more important subject is connected with the 
history of New England towns than that of religion 
and religious institutions; for the general spirit and 
motive which prompted the first settlers to "leave their 
homes in the old world and brave the perils of the 
wilderness in the new, was their desire to have free- 
dom to worship God. However imperfectly they 
carried out the idea, and however they may have 
been at times inconsistent in trespassing upon the 
religious freedom of others, their religious interests 
were their supreme interests. For these they lived, 
labored, prayed and suffered. If other lands and 
climes may boast of richer soils, milder skies, more 
precious mines, it is the glory of New England that 
the motto of her homes and her churches, her States. 
her schools and colleges was Christo et ecclesioe, to 
Christ and the church. 

Churches and Church Buildings. — We have al- 
ready seen the origin of the religious history of the 
town in the provision made by the original grantors 
to establish a town church, as was customary in those 
days by assigning one -hare of two hundred and forty 
acres to the first minister and one share of the same 
extent to the ministry in general. This town church, 
to the support of which all contributed by annual 
tas and on whose services almost all the inhabitants 
regularly attended, was for many years the only church 
in town, and went under the name of the Congrega- 
tional church, that being the form of the church gov- 
ernment. 



701 



The same grantors had also made it a condition in 
the original instrument oi* settlement, that a church 
building should be erected by November, 1752. This 
condition was fulfilled, ami a log church was built 
not far from the spot on the common, at the centre, 
where the Unitarian church now stands. It continued 
to be used for about twenty-one years, and was then 
taken down. The first minister was Rev. Jonathan 
Livermore, a son of deacon Jonathan Livermore, of 
Northborough, Ma-s., born December 18, 17ii'.i, grad- 
uated from Harvard College, 1760, was ordained De- 
cember 14, 1703, resigned February, 1777 and died 
July 2o, 1809. A sketch of his life and character is 
given elsewhere. 

The second meeting-house was a large two-story 
building, situated a little to the north of the old one 
on the common. It was built like the first one at the 
expense of the whole town. It had a porch at the 
east end and one at the west end. It had a high 
pulpit, after the manner of the times, over which was 
suspended a large sounding-board. Two rows of large 
windows extended round the building. The pews 
were square, with seats that turned up in prayer-time, 
and were let down with a distinct emphasis at the 
close. In front of the pews, before the pulpit, were 
open seats for the deaf and aged. Galleries were 
built on three sides of the church, supported by pillars 
planted in the church floor, divided into pews, and 
opposite the pulpit provided with seats for the sing- 
ers. In the early days, the attic, to which there was 
an ascent by a trap-door, was the powder-arsenal of 
the town; the earthly and the heavenly ammunition 
being thus stored under one roof. Originally there 
was no bell, but one was placed in the cast tower or 
porch in the year 1832. 

At the raising of the church on September 7, 1773, 
a terrible accident occurred. When the frame was 
nearly up one of the central beams broke and fell, 
owing to the failure of a post that supported it, being 
rotten or worm-eaten at the core. A large body of 
timber, boards and tools, such as axes, iron bars, 
adzes, etc., and upwards of fifty persons standing on 
the beams all tumbled down, in the middle of the 
building, some thirty feet to the ground. Three men 
were instantly killed, two died soon after of their 
wounds, others were crippled for life, and of the fifty- 
three that fell not one escaped without broken bones, 
terrible bruises, or cuts from the axes and other tools. 
As many of them were picked men from the town and 
the vicinity and were heads of families, it can be 
imagined what was the consternation and grief in the 
sparse population at that day, and how great was the 
loss not only at Wilton but to the neighboring towns. 
Upon reflection on the event in later times it has been 
not unnaturally conjectured that possibly a previous 
vote of the town may have had something to do with it, 
and that it was not altogether an accident, but the re- 
sult of too much good cheer and self-confidence on the 
part of the master workman and his associates. 



At a town-meeting June :;, 177.'!, it was " Voted to 
provide one barrel of West India rum, five barrels of 
New England rum, one barrel of good brown sugar, 
half a box of good lemons and two loaves of loaf- 
sugar for flaming ami raising said meeting-hoine." 

The people recovered their courage ami t ipleted 

the church, which was dedicated January 5, 177o. 
The pastor, Rev. Jonathan Livermore. preached the 
sermon (which has since been published), from 
1 Chron. xxix. 14. 

Ibis church was struck by lightning on Friday, 
July 20, 1804, and, according to the narrative of Rev. 
Thomas Beede, then pastor of the church, "one of the 
middle posts at the east end was rent from top to 
bottom, the windows were burst out, and pieces of 
lath ami plastering were sent from the east to the 
west end of the house with a force sufficient to break 
glass; when the charge reached i he ground it took a 
horizontal direction and left visible marks upon the 
surface for several rods before it was conducted into 
the earth. There was no lightning-rod then attached 
to the house." One was afterwards put upon it. 

The second minister of the church was Rev. Abel 
Fiske, born in Pepperell, Mass., 1752; graduated at 
Harvard College 1774; was ordained in Wilton No- 
vember 18, 1778; and remained the pastor of the 
church until his death, April 21, 1802. 

He was succeeded by Rev. Thomas Beede, born in 
Poplin, now Fremont, N. II., 1771; graduated at 
Harvard College 1798; and was ordained in Wilton 
March 2, 1803, and resigned his charge, January 15, 
1829. 

The organization of the church was at first by a 
covenant agreeably to the method of Xew England 
Congregationalism, not by a specific creed. The first 
church in Plymouth, where the Pilgrims landed, was 
organized in that way and still retains its covenant. 
During Mr. Beede's ministry a creed was adopted, but 
subsequently it was dropped and the church reverted 
to the original method of a covenant. This caused 
dissatisfaction among some of the members, and "a 
Second Congregational Church" was formed July 18, 
L823, holding Trinitarian views. It consisted of 
seventeen members at first. 

Rev. Stephen A. Barnard was ordained over the 
First church January 13, 1830, and resigned his office 
April 25, 1833. 

Rev. Abner D. Jones succeeded Mr. Barnard and 
was ordained January J, 1834. 

He was succeeded by Rev. Nathaniel Whitman, 
who was installed October 5, 1836, and continued 
pastor of the church till 1843. 

The following ministers succeeded Mr. Whitman, in 
rapid rotation, as pastors : 



702 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



During this period several other ministers have, for 
a short time, supplied the pulpit. 

The Universalist Society.— The second religious 
society established in Wilton was that of the Univer- 
salists, in 181;.!; hut it had only occasional preaching, 
no settled pastor and no meeting-house. It was cus- 
tomary for them to meet in the Brick Hall, and in 
later years they had their services in the First Con- 
gregational Church. 

Baptist Church. 1 — The Baptist Church in Wilton 
was constituted April 7, 1817, with eleven mem- 
bers: Pierce Gage, Joseph Holt, William Mansur, 
Ebenezer Chandler, William Howard, Jabez Gold- 
smith, Joseph Smith, Abigail Smith, Lucy Smith, 
Mary Goldsmith, Chloe Bales. The lust surviving of 
these was Deacon Joseph Smith, who died March 1(1, 
1883, aged ninety-four years and live months. He was 
made deacon very soon alter the church was consti- 
tuted, and held the office till his death. He was a 
man of deep piety and fully consecrated to Christ. 
Associated with him in the deacon's office, during 
most of his active life, was Deacon Timothy Gray. 

The same day the church was constituted, six were 
added to its membership by letter and seven by bap- 
tism. By letter, — William Goldsmith, Hannah Gold- 
smith, Anna Upton, Ketsy Holt, Esther Holt, Sally 
Mansur; by baptism, William Bales, William L. Bales, 
Timothy Gray, John Peabody, Susannah Smith, 
Nancy Cray, Sally Peabody. 

For some years previous to this a lew residents of 
Wilton had embraced Baptist principles and had 
united with the Baptist Church in Mason. The pas- 
tor of that church, Rev. Wijliam Elliott, frequently 
visited Wilton and preached to the people assembled 
in private bouses, the school-houses of the town being 
closed against him. The truth, however, could not be 
bound; quite a number received it gladly and em- 
bracing the same became consistent Baptists. 

During the winter of 1816-17 under the labors of 
Rev. < reorge Evans, the Spirit was poured out. Some 
were converted and the desire to have a church in 
Wilton, which had been for some time burning in the 
hearts of the faithful few, was so much strengthened 
that they resolved to organize a church and did so as 
above stated. The church thus constituted had no 
pastor for fourteen months, but was supplied a part of 
the time by Brother Benjamin T. Lane. Eleven were 
added to the church during this time. 

In June 1818, Rev. Ezra Wilmoth was settled as 
pastor, the church then numbering thirty-live. He 
baptized forty-nine. 

He was succeeded in February 182:!, by Rev. Bene] 
Lathrop, who served one year. After this for a while 
the church was supplied by neighboring pastors. 
From February 1823 to October 1827 twenty-five 
were baptized. 

In 1827, the church and society built its present 

);■ i;, , George C. Trow. 



meeting-house at Wilton Centre. November 7th it 
was dedicated, and the same day Brother Simon 
Fletcher was ordained. He served the church three 
years and baptized three and was succeeded in 1830 
by Brother Caleb Brown. He was ordained and 
served the church two years, and during the time 
eleven were baptized. 

In L833, Brother Harrison Strong was ordained. 
He served two years and baptized nine. 

He was succeeded in June 1835, by Rev. John 
Cannon, who served one year and baptized seven. 

Alter this Rev. Ezra Wilmoth again served the 
church for a season and baptized seven. In August, 
1838, Rev. N. W. Smith became pastor; he served 
eighteen months and baptized two. 

About this time fourteen members were dismissed 
to form the church in Lyndeborough. Thus the 
church at Wilton is a mother as well as a daughter. 

In June. 1840, Rev. J. P. Appleton was settled as 
pastor. He baptized twenty-nine. He was succeeded 
by Rev. Henry Tonkin, in April, 1843, who served 
seven years and baptized eight. 

In 1850 Rev. Horace Eaton became pastor. He 
served four years and baptized eighteeen. From 
1854 to 1860, the church had no pastor. During this 
time three were baptized. 

In August, I860, Rev. Nelson I!, .loins became 
pastor. He baptized eleven and closed Ins labors in 
1864. In December 1866, Brother S. C. Fletcher was 
ordained as pastor. He served the church seven 
years and baptized forty-nine. 

In 1867, the church and society built a parsonage 
at I iray's corner. 

In 1874, Brother William Libbey was called to be 
pastor and was ordained in October of that year. He 
baptized four and closed his labors in March, 1877. 
The church at once extended a call to Rev. J. H. 
Lerned, who commenced his labors in May. He held 
the pastorate sixteen months, but his health per- 
mited him to occupy the pulpit only a few months. 
Two were baptized. 

February 17, 1881, Brother George C. Trow was 
ordained and installed pastor of the church. 

The church has existed sixty-eight years and has had 
sixteen pastors. It lias winessed many precious re- 
vivals and has had baptized into its fellowship two 
hundred ami forty-four. Four of these are or have 
been preachers of the gospel. 

Second Congregational Church.- — The Second 
Congregational Church of Wilton was organized 
July 18, 1823. It consisted of seventeen members, 
five male and twelve female. It resulted from the 
conviction that the views and teachings of the 
pastor of the church of which these persons were 
members were not in accordance with the Bible, the 
chief difference of opinion being in respect to the 
doctrine of the person of Christ. The new church 

-' I'.v Rev. Alfred I i. Cracj 



WILTON. 



retained the confession of faith and covenant of the 
old church, thus showing that they were not dis- 
senters, but held firmly to the old-time creed. Pre- 
vious to the formation of the church an ecclesiastical 
society had been organized, May 16, 1823. It con- 
sisted of those men who afterward joined in the or- 
ganization of the new church and some others. Public 
worship was held for a time in what was known as 
" the Brick Hall ; " it was over a store at the < lentre 
of Wilton. The church was without an installed 
pastor until December, 1830, when Mr. Wm. Richard- 
son, of Andover Seminary, was ordained and in- 
stalled pastor of the .Second Congregational Church 
of Wilton. During the more than seven years since 
its organization, public worship had been maintained, 
sometimes by the aid of a minister; often a sermon 
was read and other acts of worship conducted by 
" the beloved physician,'' Ebenezer Rockwood, M.D. 
The first meeting-house of the Second Congregational 
Society was erected in 1829. It was dedicated January 

1, 1830. 

The pastorate of Rev. Wm. Richardson continued 
till October 27, 1840. Rev. Dr. Humphrey Moore was 
invited to become their pastor. He declined the call, 
but served as acting pastor for nearly two years. Rev. 
Charles Whiting, second pastor of the church, was 
ordained and installed January 4, 1843; he was dis- 
missed February 13, 1850. Soon after his removal an 
attempt was made to unite the two societies. This 
proved unsuccessful, and the church again opened its 
house of worship. In the summer of 1851 an invita- 
tion was given this society to remove its place of wor- 
ship to East Wilton, where there was no meeting- 
house. September !>, 1851, it was decided to accept 
this proposal. A house of worship was erected at 
once, which was dedicated June 10, 1852. F:om Rev. 
Charles Whiting's dismissal, February 13, 1850, until 
February 21, 1850, when Rev. Ebenezer S. Jordan 
was called, the church was without a settled minister. 
Rev. W. W. Winchester was with the church two 
years of this time, but declined to be settled. Mr. 
Jordan resigned November, 1859. Rev. Daniel E. 
Adams, of Bangor Seminary, was ordained and in- 
stalled pastor December 5, 1860. His was the longest 
pastorate the church has had, terminating May ::, 
1876. Rev. J. Newton Brown commenced labor as 
acting pastor December 1, 1876, and served the church 
till August 15, 1878. The present pastor. Rev. A. E. 
Tracy, began his services September 1, 1*711, as acting 
pastor ; was installed May 3, 1880. 

The deacons of the church have been: Burleigh 
French, chosen January 19, 1824; Abel Fisk, chosen 
September 2, 1831 ; Oliver Barrett, elected September 

2, 1831 ; Hermon Abbot, elected June 6, 1852 ; Wm. 
Sheldon, elected June 6,1852 ; Chas. Wilson and Asa 
B. Clark, chosen December 10, 1875. 

Very soon after the formation of the church a 
Sabbath-school was organized. About twenty mem- 



bers comprised its whole number; now it includes 
more than two hundred. It very soon collected and 
has ever since maintained an interesting and useful 
library. The whole number connected with the 
church since its organization, up to January 1, 1885, 
was four hundred and eighty-six. The membership at 
that date was one hundred and forty-seven. An 
addition of twenty pews was made to the meeting- 
house in 1857. Again, an addition was made to receive 
the fine pipe organ, the gift of individuals to the 
society. 

In 1858 a vestry was built for social meetings. This 
was sold, and made into the pleasant home now occu- 
pied by N. D. Foster, Es.j. The present two-story 
chapel was built in 1867. 

Biographical Notices. — liev. Wm. Richardson, 

first pastor of the Second Congregational Church, was 
bom in Gilmanton, N. H., March 4, 1801 ; graduated 
at Andover Seminary, 1830; ordained pastor Decem- 
ber 15, 1830 ; pastor from 1830 to 1840 ; acting pastor 
at Lyndeborough 1840 to 1*41 : pastor at Deering, 
N. 11., 1842 to 1846. His eyes failed him and he lived 
in Manchester, N. 11., from 1*40 until his death there, 
September 6, 1869. His wife, olive Tilton, of Gil- 
manton, is still living. She was a lady of superior 
qualities. 

Rev. < 'has. Whiting, the second pastor of the church, 
was born at Lyndeborough, N. H., July 23, 1813. He 
graduated at Dartmouth College, 1830, and at And- 
over Seminary, 1*42; ordained January 11, 1843; 
pastor from 1843 to 1850; acting pastor 1850 to 1851 ; 
pastor in Fayetteville.Vt., from 1851 till his death, May 
5, 1855. His wile. Sarah Wyman, of Greenfield, N. H., 
survived him, but is now dead. 

Rev. Ebenezer S. Jordan, third pastor of the church, 
was a native of Maine; as also his wife. A graduate 
of Bowdoin College, of Bangor Seminary; for a time 
resident licentiate at Andover; ordained at Wilton, 
December 17. 1857 ; dismissed December 5, I860. He 
is now settled at Brownsrield, Me., where he has been 
pastor since 1874. 

Rev. Daniel E. Adams was born at Camden, Me., 
1832 ; graduated at Bangor Seminary, 1860 ; installed 
pastor in Wilton, December 5, 1*60; dismissed May 
3, 1876. He went directly to Ashburnham, Mass., 
as acting pastor, and is there still. His wife, Ellen F. 
Kingsbury, of Keene, N. 1L, died May, 1**2. He was 
married, February, 1**4, to Miss Marion E. Center, 
of Wilton. 

Rev. Alfred E. Tracy, present pastor, was born in 
West Brookrield, Mass., July 2, 1845; graduated at 
Amherst College. 1869, Andover Seminary, 1872; or- 
dained and installed at Harvard. Mass, September 4, 
1*72; dismissed September 1874; pastor in Ocono- 
mowoc.Wis., from 1874 to 1878; supplied church in 
North Springfield, Mo., from November, 1878, till 
June, 1879; commenced as acting pastor in Wilton, 
September 1, 1879; installed May 13, 1880. His wife 



704 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



is Kate S. Harwood, born in Bennington, Vt. ; her 
home at the time of their marriage, North Spring- 
field, Mo. 

Liberal Christian Church. 1 — This church was or- 
ganized in the East village of this town, two miles 
from the Centre, in 1869. Its church edifice was 
erected and dedicated the same year. It contains 
the usual modern improvements, including a vestry 
in the basement; also a lecture-room, Sunday- 
school room, ladies' parlor and kitchen, with all 
its needful accompaniments; also a furnace, a fine 
organ and bell. Its site is very fine, being in every 
respect one of the best in town. The whole cost about 
ten thousand dollars. In their organized platform the 
words church and society are used in the same sense. 

The following articles are contained in their plat- 
form of fellowship : 



ail'l US U IUeallS ef Usefulness In etllelS. 

"Art. IT. We thus declare and claim to be members of the great union 
"fall Christian disciples, of which Jesua Christ is the living Head, by 
thu will of God. 

"Art. III. * * Receiving Jesus as our (liviii.dyegiven Tea-tier and 

Guidi . and e stlj seeking t.. have in u- a nieas f the Spiril that 

was in him, we pledge ourselves to follow tin' truth asit shall be made 
known to ..in minds, both m belief and in life. 

■'Ait. IV. We will co-operate by contributing, of our time, interest 
and means, in sustaining tin- institutions ..f r.ligi.ui, and in all christian 
w.,rk that shall he undertaken hv llii- I' n 

"Art. V. Any per- nav I me. mhei ..1 (his I'limn hv signing 

this h.riu of association, no objection being made by these already tnem- 

The preceding is an extract from the records of the 
Society. 

Names of settled ministers: Aubrey M. Pendleton, 
from March, 1869, to 1875; Charles H. Tindell, from 
April, 1*77, to November, 1878; James J. Twiss, from 
November, 1.87'.), to April, 1884. Several others have 
preached here as supplies tin- a limited time during 
the past sixteen years. 

Salaries paid ministers by the society hitherto about 
one thousand dollars per annum. 

The audience room of the church has sittings for 
three hundred. The society is now tree from debt, 
and has a good amount of pecuniary ability, though 
its membership is not very large. 

Catholic Churches.-— The first Catholic services 
were held in Wilton in 1867 by Rev. Father O'Don- 
nell, then residing in Nashua. The entire Catholic 
population at that time was seventeen families. At 
this period there was already a small Catholic church 
in Milford, where services were held regularly once a 
month by Rev. Father O'Donnell. 

In L879 Rev. I'. Holahan was placed in charge of 
the Catholic populations of Milford, Wilton and 
Greenville, then Mason Village. Father Holahan 
resided in Milford. From that time Catholic services 
were held in Wilton twice a month. In lour years 
ilie Catholic population of Wilton trebled itself. In 

Bj O, , 1. Sumner Lincoln. - By Rev. Edmund E, Buckle. 



1877 Rev. E. E. Buckle was appointed to the above 
in is-iiuis. Father Holahan going to Keene. 

In the autumn of 1881 a Catholic church was built 
in Wilton by Rev. E. E. Buckle, who took up his 
residence there. The Catholic population at this day 
is about live hundred souls. 

Church Edifices.— The First Congregational Church 
has had three houses of worship, all of wood : 1. A 
log church, 17o^-1772, which was taken down after 
being used twenty-one years ; 2. The large old-fash- 
ioned church which was burned after being in use for 
about eighty-four years, 1775-1859; 3. The one now 
standing, 1861-1885. 

The Baptist Church has had one brick edifice, 
which has been in use as a house of worship for about 
fifty-eight years. 1827-1885. 

The Second Congregational Church has had two 
houses of worship, one at the Centre. 1830-1851, and 
at the East village, 1852-1885, both of wood. 

The Liberal Christian Church litis one house of 
worship, built of wood in 1869, and still in use, 1869- 
1885. 

The Catholic Church was built of wood in 1881- 
1885. 

Eight houses of Christian worship have been built 
in Wilton, first and last, of which five still remain. 

Not far from fifty clergymen have been engaged in 
the ministry here in all the various churches. 



ill AFTER VI. 

WILTON— (Continued.) 

MANNERS AND CUSTOMS AND EARLY REMINISCENCES. 

So simple, yet so graphic, a picture of the New 
England manners and customs of the earlier times is 
given by one of the honored sons of Wilton, Dr. 
Abie! Abbot, that we give it entire. It is contained 
in the Wilton Centennial: 

"I will siva w.i.l about Sunday of olden times, on Saturday even- 
ing He- work ..f the week was finished, My father, aftei washing and 
putting on a skillet ol water, would get his razoi and soap, -it dew,, by 

He- I"' a,„l take ell his |.e,||,|, alteiwhllll heWellld hike hi, 1 '. 1 1 . 1 . • , 
sellle S seme Othd heel*. M \ til. I, attl-1 W.|sllil|- tile |ieI..|e.S. 

etc., and preparing l..r Sunday feed, used t,. make hasty pudding fur 

supp, ,, which was eaten in milk or, il that was wanting, with buttei 

I he hill, , Midi! l, w. I. put te Led , . Illy ill the BTI OJUg 

>e\ t ,,'n , ,. ,,1 ., , 1, ■ r . I . i in I he lhl.|e and etleied a prayer, S 1 alter 

which the younger part of the family and the hired help went to bed- 
indeed the family every night went to their rest soon alter supper, espe- 
cially iii tin- summer. Saturday night and Sun, lay and Sunday night a 

perfect stillness, no play going on, no laughing. The t us who were 

'Id -h took il. e Testament, or learned the Catechism or a hymn, 

and read in the Testanu n1 03 prime! to fathei or i nether in the me ruing. 
For breakfast, when ue h.,,| milk siitli. lent, we had hread and milk , 

when this failed, i.ean and . orn porridge was the substitute. Some time 

alter the He\ ,,1 uti, marv wai. f.e Sunday morning tea and teasl were 

often used \- we lived at a distance fi meeting (nearly three miles), 

these who walked set out pretty s , aller nine ...leek, and tleee who 

red. en horseback were ehligeil te start -, ,..n att.l them: the roads and 

pole bridges were \.i\ had, and (he horses always carried double, and 




wfe 






i m M 



. .f Hi.- saddle lii-f.'iv Mi. falh.-i All ». mi I.. I. n- .-\..-|.t s 

> . : i.,. .iii.i i ,i.. .,.■■!■■ ■■ ■■■■■■■ ild not taki 

" : ul " " 

ttie pudding, I><'il. and ' ■' : ' 

Those who went i - used to pul int. tli 

- e Bhort-cake 01 loi H 

meeting at four o'clock, often much late] 1 .hit.l\ tin w. 

the table, and the men took i-ar-- ...t th>- ■ »- -t -• -. .m-l in tin- wn 

otbel cattle, etc li short days it would ..ft.- sninli.uii I. 

very Boon after, we got home The sled with oxen was often 
meeting when the snow «..- deep, or by tin-" who did not keep 
Vft, i suppei the ■ I ildren and > mngi r part "' ''" ' '""' l "" : ' ' 
n ! i-ad in tli.' 'IV-tam- lit ami l'lini. I, and, It* then- v, 
..ul ili.-n r..t.. I, . -.„ ; Hi. -A ii.l.i - .iH.l Mil". -I" i-t liyinnsaiid 



|.. - i I ai v\ ill- 

i i guage was use 
to i-"i Industry and . 



li. i-.. n. .t 



Ali.!..v.-t A. a.l.-mv. I .!■■ 



k that |.r..tal 
;..\i.liilii'ii.ir 






li. .11. i-.l. and It "a- -ii|; ■■■ 

was a!-. nt tin- '""i *uiid '"' •• ,l '" 

visit . ill-, bowi vi :. '.- 

i abits, I supp - . !• i ■■!■ n 

i t t II- ■ ' r.-.'hti.i; gluuii 

-mi. lav was gone orwould not come. 
say ah,. lit Sunday, iv .-|.l that tin- m.-.-t 

•■ Now whs re -hall I say? A 

poor enough. We used to read, -|„ 1!. " 

t.-i. hers were not taught. The | 

the Bible or Testament were tli ■ I kl 

who u.i- then a -,.| Inn ire i liege, 



Speaking ul tin- mothers, the same writer as above 



■ -. and tln-ir linsiu.-ss,_,,nr Hi'' 

Their living and dress | luceil i 



provement m tne soutn nisi 

tl.--. - I 

ul \\ 111. ai I" ' 

sound theology I venerate 
thing ■ I-.- t"i theil anxiety 
education, literal-) ind relif 
have li" doubt it did them 



in.. n joy : 
Tl."> wen 

The 
Sawyer 
age : 

ii 



mutual, and ai I and relief, a- lar a- possible, were afforded, 
indeed one family— all iu< -nil.i-i- "f syinpathi/ins hndy." 

■ illnu iii-' reminiscences arc by Mrs. Vehsah 
Allan, of Marion, Me., eighty-four years of 

ed a postal l « ill ■■■ ■ - 

proposed to publish a history of Wilton. It would be very 



II. „l | the p. a "t i ready write] in my a.l- 
the liistorj earl} recollei tions • •( 



lid-.', ha.-iv l.n.l.lui- and lu-.la . I.I -ad and 

etc. When there was company t" entertain, c 
coffee. Pewter basins or porringi i- and - mi 



I ui'li able 

, ..Hi, i- ili.it will give clearer 

uill iiv I', etati 

,.-.,.- ..I age, when 1 left f..r 






neighbor came in for any purpose he was asked to drink I r or cider. 

When women visited theil m i_hh..i- they w.-ut early in Hi" .." r 

carried their work, and ntniind h > before >nnd.iwn l i take ca] tl 

milking the cows and s.. forth. Tln-ir i-iii.-it.n nt \\ as i n.nly 

short-cake, baked by the fire, and tea, except in the early part of the 
i: . ,| ,i, nary wai I'-i the visit they often put on a clean chequered 
apron and handkerchiel and short, 1 gown 

'■ In the winl. r >.'\.-lal ■■! I In- !.■ i _ t ■ > ■ a- w-aild in- I f.-i a -,. i.il ,■ fil- 
ing, and would Inn. a Biipper. There were ilect parties ; all wen 

neighbors, the Scriptun sense The maid and boy in the family the 
sain.- a- tin- rhiMi.-ti m all i.-|..-it- I -I" n.-t recollect evet hearings 



store which, I presume, -land- close to the dwelling-house o 
about i:''....i 1797, In- filled his-store. Tl. ■■ "Id I k.- whii I 

.i, a, thai In- Had. .- I 

the surrounding .a ad, ling towns which traded at hi- stol 

exchanged produce foi - :-. >w I' as halt' i ■ 

ahes, -t Here i- a -mall sample of a bill I 
charges, etc., February, I-"'-. 



beans, rye, 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



• Dd>'"r t" X>it!i.n,id .S.Kcv-.r 



'Feb. 3, 1 lb. ofeugar, li 



ug of flip 

■Is of ashes, at 9d 

2s, 9d. : 1 < 



1 lb. shells, 1« :; 6 

: G I I- i bushel . 2 busl >ls of beans ' 

"Federal money had not taken the pla I pounds, shillings and 

1"- '-"i came mi practice Boon after. 

"I' w &« '"'"li to go to the store with Bmall articles of j luce to 

<* ''"'-'■ for 8 1- ; " was often a Intl.. stimulus would be called in,, 

will, the mistaken idea that it would 1 i - 1 . t . • 1 1 1 1 . . ■ i ;uv, md ]; r would 

'"' "'""' easily borne; verj few accounts were ■ I without many 

charges of the vile beverage The mug holds a quart, the half mug a 

pint. In winter flip was i mouly called for, which was made from 

1 i • '"' Iron, called the hottle, wa lei i in the fire-place to 

have if quickly heated to warm the 1 r. West [udia mm. with loaf- 

i i rackei and nutmeg grated ovei it, in idi .. drink worth 
tin- pi h'e; toddy was a mixture of rum, siif;ai' ami water, with other fix- 
ingsii required blackstrap was sirnply rum and molasses. Spirituous 

1 pli . no partii -. no l» n. in- i i_i,' i ... 



■ ■ iv ■ l.ii-I -a a I'll. -II. I si. I, .■•.,! ,. , 
: i.li. !>].". in tin- families, 1. nt fire-places 

w :• ■■• 1 -■• rliMll^li t" a.llint a l-tl _■- I"- at tin- ha, k, Willi a ti< 1 1|.|- in.| as 

ll! -" " " ' andirons in front, with a l I supply ol « Ion the top. 

T '•' - le afire that was a joy to all the family, and often a pine would 

1 ■ addition t.. make a little more light lor t hildn a ■ 

I - by fol ti..- morrow's school. Our brooms were made frc 

yellow hiteh, -tii|.)„-,l ; at Inn. - w. It.iij t.> us.- small hemlock lwi u -, 

"These] Is weie w. -II attended, eniisi, I, .rim: it,,. ,!i-i.,m .■ t.. walk; 

tliere was some very cold w.atli.-i ; it ma. I I.I I. ami* ami t'.-.i. n, -,e 

'"' us children . loubt wn !,.,.! .-. t ., weathei with .jm i-- a iiumliei .■! 

degrees below ri tided with the warm clothing that 

,! '-' blest with now, yet the: were punctual at si- I. Teachers 

" "•* "I"-- boarded in -i ■ n -.i I i - i length, n li..- -. I I the 

I passed off with little variation, 6ewine was taught with 
ifailiiii: and spell ine ; the lesson was learned from Perry's spelling hook ; 



shoulders to draw the wool through the cards, and not unfrequently 

'here would !»■ parties ai ig II,.- young] pla to help each othet in 

breaking wool, which was considered half carded, when they had fin- 
ished (heir alien,..., n work. 

" 'flu ii I a. 1.- Nathan Martin would timl his way to the house. Though 
blind he could fiddle. Very h-w in those days hut could nil, the lightfan- 

'■'-li' '"• 'I ni.ani.,1 in I nolo Nathan's' violin. 

'■■-■ii wasof I, manufacture, suchartii let of i omforl 

as undershirts, diawers and even lined punts, I novel heard mentioned 
before 1812. The hist carding machine near Wilton, was in New Ips- 
wich, not earlier than 1808, wool -was carried thereto be carded. Flax 
"-'■i"-'-' '" the majority ol B immei clothing was mostly 

made from Ma\ anil eottoll 

irdoi my dissension of religious opinions until 

lsos. Tin- first ministel- ..I tin town ask..,l ilisii,is-i..n, why I never 

heard, but always beard him spoken of as a trulj a I man, he nevei 

» ' '' '' '-'■ '"' ■ '■ ''■■'■ ' ' '■■ "■' '. on ..at ll. was .conversing with 

a friend about tl tola liberal education, said he, 'Had 1 known that 

"" sou, .vhom 1 have educated, would Lave chosen a legal profession, I 

never should have expended ich for him. Hisfriend made answer 

'" ]''i". 'I' " I ible foi lawyi rsto 1»- i bristians.' -1 believe it,' said 

be, 'but it i- oo ran 

"Hi- .hail, was very sudden, - , aftei he retired something unusual 

a;,],..,!..! in I,,- 1. 1. at hi,,-, hi- wit.- spoke to him. he I.- no answer, she 

went ha a light, when she returned life l.a.l departod. He was the first 
persoi .I in ill.- South Cemetery. Rev. Abel l-'i-k was the next min- 
ister. I think he was very much beloved by the people, and they hit 

] " f l ""- I" ■' 'I' as Beede wa- the next ordained minister, some of the 

I P'e »•" so pleased thai they expressed themselvesas having their 

I,.-- more than made up to them. 

"Mr. Beede was a gentleman wl ild win the youth bj histeach- 

ings in 5i I.....' ..... I ..,,i ..i s. I i. his kindness in various ways, bisjudi- 

' -n-lvi.e 111 little, htli.nlties, .-vol t.-a-lv to loml.-r assistallee I., the 

" ly, 'I It could not always i ieeds it was always in words of 

sympathy ami en. niiiae.enie!it w In, li had the effect to do g 1. How 

many have I n II' I in tln-ii . "In. ati.'ti |.\ hi- .11. a :- t.aily tor 

' "' n > '"' th.-n- ,-..|h_i.,t,' .-"in-. 1 1..- tew advantages 

with whii Ii I wa- 1. 1. I I owe l.. .Mi. an. I Mrs. Beede. II,- was my Inst 



ill,. 



, Is ,7 i.. 1812 
'- 



Liet a. ,11 llllt,, I Will,. 'lit l.ivilii; 
»l- <•'' 1 .1. HI''. 1,1 I - |'|' .:■' 

iritahly. 'Toeri wa- human, 
vited all ii,- children who would 

!-h.. use, neat' the Illeeting-hoUSe 

.lay appoint,'. 1 ti.. :.■ wa- ., -i, at 
ll,.,.' w.',.' s.'iii,' , I exe.-llenl 

lie ml. - t.'t voi ..I i.iii-i,' ii, those 

I ■ ■ . ■, pUshl ■: . theln-t 



man Mansur'a field, on the th side of the 

li""S' has I ii hujlt at.,, nt half a mil,- toward 

a thing as bringing a pail of watei inn... - 1. 
thought out of order ; how many times the 
well which belonged to the house, late! own.. I 



ilm ' 



I, a 



part . t >li. Gil- 


reraembei it now. 


-.- then a new 


" In th.' iiiiin-li v 


village. Such 


singing. Thcj -an 


. iii.i have I ti 


line, commence the 


.•■1 t" run l" Mi.- 


In," ami tiny would 


arkhurst : how 


singers » i-l ■■! i ■ in 


kct' that hung 


had three sessions a 


"ti the .nil. ami 


est in them. Alter 


lays. 


the Bingillg ; tin- w. 


have worshiped 


;t. years, thi * wouli 


years ago. 


tin -n pn judii ■ wa- 



■■ and the pastor, Rev. 

■■ '.111 lulVl.lthrl- W..|>lljpri], ht.U SM I 
■ -■•II. ll tl.i\«., \-...||.|i'llti- -ll-' .liil Iio| 

•i. a d the soul Liu . board. 

.-. n. ;..- : ■!._ si rmona 

'" passed from one to another, to keep 

- were >>iv well filled, verj few stayed 

r meeting-h iuse ".■- not conceived 

ettled by farmers ; <-\. ry family manu- 

lll'l Mi— III.- W.m.I .iil'l 111- fcliuik' part 



. •■! tli.il -. hoOl 



Ml i 



I lie in in i -I iv .- 1 Ml' l'i-k lli._\ I i.i' I what i- I. Tin, .1 . niurr^atinlial 

from David - Psalms . the Deai ■ n would read -i 

line, all [h<- people w ( .iil. I I.'lluu In::.. 

finish the psalm in thai way. At last the younger 
irove.anda Mi Heuri k was hired ... teach. He 



uM-;tI ititt'l- 

music with 
n iiilvam-fil 



M.i^-.u. it 
Wilton. 

■•Tli. -iv - 



■ ■t Btop to hear, one said he 
■i i' 1 tyed . i. ..I any place, 

li. i did doI lik« tl ■ ■!■ >.i - 
ned H..' Baptist flum-li in 
: Clmn h wa- ■■i^.iiu/. .1 in 



:.' veteran that was very much pn-jinlhrd a-ainst a rei- 
tain iiiiiii-rrr wh,. ,-.\<.'liaiigt.'il with >h . Il.-.-.l., tli.' ..Itl gml Icman <iiil 
nut liiiml liitu wli.-ii li.- si-ati.-il liim-.'lt !n tli,- I„m1\ -.-ats. ||, start'-d fur 
thed -'- ■■■■: i :i- In' Inn i i.l wiiii wa.-, I.i pi.-arh, .1- hr ] ,,,-■-.■, I |, , 1 1 1 »: * .] ' 

a man si i.l to him ' star and hear the rest.' Ho replied, ' The di'el a bit ol 

it, I have heard enough of it aliiM'ly.' * * * * * 

"In 1815 there wasa society called th.' Literary and Moral Society, for 

the benefit of the young people. Tl xercises were writin 

claiming and the dia ussion of Buch questions proposed as would give in- 



■ tin- m.-uiht-rs. K.-v. Tin 



Ilrr.l.- \ 



WILTON. 



707 



of his remarks have 1 nablessing tometothe present day. Questions 

in Philosophy and "Mason, on Self-knowledge, - were for our study. I 
believe il ended in a Lyceum. 

- III IS. H i,n epidemic visited til,' t oNV II Solll' t II i II n like the t.V ph II- l.'O'l, 

many families were sa.lly attli.to.l Rev. ibel Hsk and the physician, 

Dl Kockvt 1, were the first who were taken with it. I think there 

werebnt two families thai escaped leylii Ion the outskirts oi the town. 
The physician that attended » - Di Preston, Sr., of New Ipswich, he 

rode night and da} until Dl R I i 1 wae able to assist, one family 

lost -i\ iSi Keyee father, m. ther, three sons an I 

Many suffered for wanl if pi per care, there we I e) gh to care for 

I., i. i, who were able. Very fev, were willing to come from out of town 

i... h ... .1 th, fever. Tli.' Ni.rt! in.tt'iy will t"ll of tin' iiin.il»a- l.y 

tin' ^rave-tones which years Inn i' I...1 ..l.litcrate.l. A pe.lh i « :.- t h. .nel.t 
I., have introduced th. 

" In conclusion, 1 look back on the friends in the town where I had 
m\ eai lies! associations, 1 know nol it any neai my own age are living. 

i;. I... points 'over 111. i., 1 .-I ' . i "".. I tin- river,' llie "l'l l.-n i.l- mark, the 

churchon the hill, has fri.ii.' it.... >i_l.t. «li.ri' iiiv parents, l.i ,.t 1,,-r ~ nu.l 
sisters worshipped Change, change is -written on many things, and 
Wilton lias had its share. 

" Although my l"t has l-.n ra-t i n a i" I li"i locality, I still Wing to 

tl temory of the early associations of my childhood, an. I the boatman 

will call forme to land me on the shore 'over there,' where man) ..,. 
gone before, and not a great while heme it will be my lot to go as they 



CHAPTER VII. 



l'AI 1'ICIIISM ANH INS VMTY. 



In the earlier stages of New England civilization 
the conditii f the abnormal members of the com- 
munity, such :is paupers, the insane, orphans, slaves 
and criminals, was a hard one. Puritanism made 
men and women stern, resolute, firm, severe, but not 
particularly gentle, <•■ an j>a-si< .nat i-, sympathetic or 
humanitarian. God himself was looked upon as 
King and Judge, rather than as the Universal 
Father. If men suffered, the feeling- was that they 
ought to suffer. It was the Hebrew code, rather 
than the Christian, — an eye for an rye anda tooth for 
a tooth. The Indians were regarded and treated as 
the children of the devil and worthy of extermina- 
tion. They were often sold into slavery. Slaves 

were made even of white men. Little ( passion 

was felt for those who fell out of line and did nut 
keel' step with the march of society. The poor were 
sold at auction, tor their maintenance, to the lowest 
bidder. The insane wen- regarded with superstitious 
awe, and often shut up in cold and filthy out-houses, 
sometimes chained, without tire, suitable clothing, 
proper food or medical attendance. I knew, in one 
town, where a man was confined in a rage for thirty 
years, from which he had never been out but once. 
The treatment of criminals was harsh and vindictive, 
and the condition of jails and lock-ups was a reproach 
to civilization and Christianity. Orphan children, 
apprentices and the friendless often experienced little 
mercy or commiseration from those who had them in 
charge, or from the community. Domestic and school 



discipline, even to the morefavored, was grounded on 
the proverb of " sparing the rod and spoiling the 
child." Such was the general character of the 
times, to which there wen-, of course, many notable 
exceptions worthy of all commendation. 

I'.ut till these features are so changed now that they 
appear as almost incredible to later times. There 
have been no reforms more remarkable than those oi 
the amelioration of the condition and life of the 
weak and suffering classes. The leaven of ( Ihristian- 
ity has been leavening the whole lump, and reaching 
out and down to the very outskirts of society. The 
spirit of Him who came not to destroy men's lives 
luil to save them, and to seek and save' the lost, is be- 
coming the corporate spirit of Slates and cities. 
When we consider the progress of the last one hun- 
dred and fifty years in the direction of humane and 
benevolent activity, we cannot but hope for still 
greater and more beneficent changes in the near 
future. 

The Ccnhiniiiil Pa in I'lild tells us that 

"The first pauper in town was hy the name ofsti-att who received 

....I from il.- town hei the Revolul r tin- time till 1830 there 

were bul seven families-and these but in part— who wen- supported by 

aionally received aid In 1830 a farm i"i the i was purchasedand 

were nearly sufficient, in most years, to paj the wages of the overseer and 

lamily an. I lor tin- su[,]..al t ..! th.' | r." 

Town Farm.— At the annual town-meeting in 
March, 1830, the town voted to purchase a farm on 
which to support the poor. Joel Abbot, I diver Per- 
ham and Daniel Batchelder, selectmen, and Jonathan 
Parkhurst and Jonathan Livermore were appointed a 
committee to purchase a. farm, stock, tools and furni- 
ture, and employ a man and his wife to manage the 
same. 

The paupers were supported on this farm thirty- 
eight years. At the annual town-meeting in March, 
is.;-, il,.- town 



lit a committee of three to .lisposo of 

the personal property on the town 



" I'.'/.W, '['hat llie s.'l'Ctlnen a|,|" 

.1 t sell th. town farm." 

- I"'"', Tli.. I ihi- commit sel 

farm on the 1st .lay ..f April next." 

•• Voted, That this committee be authorized and empowered todisposi 

of, sell and convey sac I farm and to give a .1 1 ..I the same." 

The farm comprised lot No. 8, in the eighth 
range, and about three-fourths of lot No. 8 in the 
ninth range of lots. The farm was formerly owned by 
Nathan A. Whiting. After tin- town sold the farm 
the paupers were provided for by i ontract. 

Hillsborough County Farm.— The increase oi 
manufacturing at Manchester, Nashua and other vil- 
lages in the county, and the law passed in 1841 mak- 
ing void all "settlements'" gained in the towns prior 
to L796, added much to the number of the paupers to 
be supported by the county. 

The county judges— 1 Ion. Jacob Whittemore, of 
Antrim, and lion. Jesse Carr, of Goffstown — at that 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



time had the superintendence of all matters relating 
to the county paupers. For the purpose of lessening 
the expenses to the county of maintaining the pau- 
pers, in the latter part of the year 1849 they pur- 
chased ofNoyes P ■, Esq., of Goffstown, a farm, for 

which was paid ten thousand dollars. 

At the session of tin Legislature of 1851 the Rep- 
resentatives of Hillsborough County met in conven- 
tion for the purpose of examining the financial af- 
fairs of the county, and the following resolve was 
passed : 

"Baolvid, That Jonathan D. Clement, of Weare, he and is hereby ap- 
pointed, in behalfoi this convention, to make examination into and 

thoroughly inve&l g ti th< tn cial affairs of the countj foi thi last five 

yearB,and to mak< andreport to the next count) convent] 

-t;itriiioiit "I Tin ;■ iCiirr- h -I .-.e I, ■■[ -:.M vimi'-, I a Jul! and particular 

lid affairs In detail, for each oi I In' two last years, and that 
said Clemen! have power to send for persons and papers in making Baid 
investigation 

This resolution, having been considered bj the con- 
vention, was, on motion, adopted by unanimous rotes. 

Mr. Clement submitted his report to the Conven- 
tion of Representatives of Hillsborough County, in 
convention, June session, 1852. From that report 
we take the following account of the expenses of the 
county for paupers in 1 1 1 « - years named in the report : 

Cash paid October term, 18+6 84,328.13 

Cash paid January term, 1847 .... 379.03 

Cash paid April term, 1847 1,00 I .0 

89,710.60 

Cash paid October term, 1 s 17 5,931.18 

Cash paid April term, 1848 ..... t.cis.v:: 

Cash paid October term, 1848 8,563 15 

Cash paid April term, 1849 6,096.76 

12,660.31 

Cash paid IMnlier twin, 1 sill 7,518.94 

Cash paid April term, 1850 6,554.53 

14,073.47 

' •' ' I'ni.l llrtnl>.T tiTin, IS.'.II J.'.ln un 

Cash paid .January term, 1851 -Jl-l.nS 

Cash paid April term, 1851 2,487.32 

5,048.80 

I '.i,;, j„,i,l/„i ..,.,,,„-,•/ ,,/ (■„„„/,, l\ni„. 

Cash paid o,n,l„i t.-rm, 1sr.ii |,i 50 W 

Cash paid January term, 1851 l,Ti;4.77 

i ash paid April term, 1851 1,707.76 



Total for th,' years lsM'-al $10,171 1 I 

In February, 1850, the judges notified the several 

towns that the establishment in Goffstown was ready 
to receive paupers. 

In the report of lN-ifl is the account 



The firsl report of the justices was dated September 
•".. 1850, the institution Inning been occupied about 
six months. 



At that time there had been one hundred and 
seventy-six paupers at the farm, eighty-eight having 
been the largest number at anytime, and seventy- 
seven being the average number. 

The law passed by the Legislature in 1855 re- 
modeled the judiciary, abolished the offices of county 
justices and road commissioners, and created the 
olliee of county commissioners, with the same duties 
and powers of those of the county justices and mad 
commissioners. 

In the report of the commissioners, dated Decem- 
ber, 1S")7, for the year previous, the expenses of the 
paupers areas follows; 

At the county farm $4,546.33 

Paid to towns for sup] oi county paupers 5,544.73 

To pay spi-i.-ialrn.iti acts, X.-w Hampshire Asylum, printing, etc. C14.32 

Total 510,705.38 

Whole numbei of paupers at thi farm, 281. 
Average number, Ni 1 . 

Xumla-r nf wi-i-ks' ln-anl nf panp. is, M;vl. 

The Legislature, in 1860 or 1861, passed a law making 
void all settlements gained prior to 1X40, that threw 
the support of most of the paupers upon the county, 
and caused the sale of the farms that were owned by 
the towns on which the paupers had been supported. 

The next report we have is for the year ending 
January 1, lSii.S, which was the year the paupers were 
removed from Goffstown to Wilton. 

Late in the year 1866 the buildings at the farm in 
Goffstown, with the exception of the barn, stable and 
corn-barn, wen- destroyed by lire. 

The representatives of the towns of Hillsborough 
County, in convention at Manchester, in January, 
1807, instructed the county commissioners to sell as 
speedily as possible, consistent with the interest of 

the county, at public or private sale, the county ] r 

farm at Goffstown, in whole or in parts, and such 
parts of the personal property connected with the 
farm as they deem advisable, and directed and author- 
ized them to purchase the Whiting farm, in Wilton, 
s" called, at an expense not exceeding the sum of 
twelve thousand five hundred dollars, and directed 
and authorized them to erect such further buildings 
on said farm as may be necessary for the accommo- 
dation of the county, at an expense not exceeding 
ten thousand dollars. 

The county look possession of the farm April 1, 
1867, and a building was erected of wooden materials, 
eighty-two by forty feet, three stories high, with 
cellar under the whole, cemented bottom, and par- 
titioned into rooms suitable for the purposes needed. 

The farm is bounded on the west by Temple, and 
the north line is one-half mile from the south line 
of Lyndeborough, and contains four hundred and 
thirty-six acres; also, northwesterly from the build- 
ings, a lot of one hundred acres, that is bounded on 
the north by Lyndeborough line, is included in the 
farm. Since the farm was purchased by the county, 
there has been expended in building, including the 



7(19 



boiler-house and boilers, over twenty thousand dol- 
lars. 

In 1884 a wind-mill, with the necessary apparatus, 
was put in for raising water int. > the building, at 

a cost of five hundred and twenty-one dollars. This 
arrangement has proved satisfactory. 

A number of years since the establishment was 
made a county House of ( 'onvtion, which adds to 
the number ol' (hose that are able to work. 

While Captain Buinpus was the superintendent, 
twelve an-.- of the pasture west of the buildings, to- 
wards the intervale, wire cleared of rocks; and since 

the present superintendent, Mr. Charles A. Stiles, 
has had charge, twenty acres north of the buildings 
and ten acres east of the road have been cleared of 
the rocks, with two acres that have been commenced, 
which, when completed, will make forty-four acres 
changed from rough pasture land to smooth fields. 

The old walls have also been cleared off, making 
but one field on the west side of the road. On the 
southerly part of the farm is a large orchard of nearly 
all Baldwin apples, from which, in 1883, were taken 
twelve hundred bushels of marketable fruit. 

We extract from the report of 1873 the following 
statistics : 

Number at tin- almshouse January 1, 1st.', Ins. 

Admitted during tli<' year, 1 In. 

Deaths during the year, 11. 

w eeklj average during the year, lis. 

Number al the. shouse January 1, 1st::, 120. 

Of the one hundred and forty-six admitted during 
the year, twenty-nine were sentenced to the House of 
Correction. 



From the report for the year 
we take the following statistics : 

Number at tin- almshouse May 1, 1883, 2 
Admitted t. . May I, 1884, 253. 
Disi barged to May 1, ism, 243. 

Support-al ana pail ially suppoi t.,1, 4'.i7. 

Births, 11. 
p. aths, 21 
Weekly average, 266 

Nulnl'er at rh. ;ilius-le m-e May 1, lss-l. 
For Bupport of paupers al 

F,,r support of p.uipris ii 



Total 'est of supporting paup.Ts in tin unty of Hillsbor- 
ough from May 1, 1883, to May 1, 1884 837,103.57 

Since the county farm has been established in Wil- 
ton, three chaplains have held office, — Rev. S. < '. 
Fletcher. Rev. I. S. Lincoln and Rev. George ( '. Trow. 
Me. -is. Fletcher and Trow are Baptists, and .Air. 
Lincoln Unitarian. The last gentleman officiated 
for ten years, ending May 1, 1884. 

There have also been two superintendents, — Captain 
G. G. Bumpus and ( '. A. Stiles Esq. 

Crimes and Punishments.— J n the time of our 



fathers, whipping was a common punishment lor small 
offenses, such as petty larceny and assault and bat- 
tery. This custom is revived in several States of 
the Union, as the proper infliction for wife-beaters 
and other despicable criminals. But cruelty in general 
only begets more cruelty and barbarism. Wife-beaters 
arc almost without except ion drunkards. To prohibit 
liquor-making and liquor-selling is the sure method 
to stop wife-beating. 

At the County Court held at Amherst ( October, 1771. 
Jonas Stapleton was sentenced to he whipped twenty 
stripes, and to he sold as a slave lor seven years, pro- 
vided he could not paj his tine. It is not stated what 
his tine was. 

An oak on the Wilton common was. in very earlj 
times, the whipping-post. A culprit, condemned to 
this punishment lor stealing clothes from a clothes- 
line, while undergoing the lash, made his shrieks 
heard across the valley, a mile away. An old lady 
relates that, tit a later period, a whipping-post, eight 
or ten feet high, stood at the southeast corner of the 
common. Here justice was administered by the offi- 
cers "f the town to till violators of the law. The 
same post was also used as a bulletin-hoard for no- 
tices. 

Aggravated crimes have been very rare in Wilton 
history. Robbing graves was at one time carried 
on to some extent, but though the offenders were 
strongly suspected, and almost certainly identified, 
no positive proof could be obtained sufficient for 
an indictment and conviction. A document still 
exists in which it is recommended to the town 
to ferret out such heinous doings, and to re- 
munerate a detective who had been employed to 
visit Boston and bring the criminals to justice. But 

though some persons tied IV town, no arrests were 

made, and the whole affair subsided. At another 
time a native of the town, no doubt deranged, dis- 
interred a body in the North Cemetery, and carried 
the bones to another State and showed them to some 
persons. 

In 1 s« ;r, ., supposed horse-thief was passing through 
town and was arrested and indicted, tinder the name 
of W.J. Hunter, alias George Brown, but the evidence 
failing to convict him, the man was discharged. 

Some \ ears ago an altercation took place on the pub- 
lie street in East Wilton, on Sunday, in which Thomas 
Broderick, of Milford, struck one Doyle on the head 

with the edge of a 1 id. Doyle tell and died in 

a few minutes. Broderick was convicted of man- 
slaughter and sentenced to the State Prison for a 
term of years. Alter about one year's imprisonment, 
he was pardoned out by the Governor, on a peti- 
tion signed by a large number of the citizens of Mil- 
ford. 

About the year 1868 two young men— Newgent 
and Howard — committed several burglaries at East 
Wilton, but were arrested in 1'elerboroiigh, and tried 
and sentenced to the State Prison for three years. 



710 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Less than a month elapsed between their crime and 
their punishment. 

About the year 1870 a young man by the name of 
Barry was convicted of committing a burglary at 
East Wilton, and sentenced to the Mate Prison for 
two or three years. 

The greatest slunk ever given to the public morals 
and the honorable repute of the town was by the 
repeated crimes and public execution of Elwin W. 
Major. January 5, 1877. Major was born in Goffs- 
town and was about thirty years of age. lie had 
removed with his parents, at live years of age, to 
Randolph, Vt., thence went to Manehester, X. II., 
when nineteen years old, where he worked for some 
time, then removed to Iowa. He returned East, 
worked tor a time in Goffstown, and then went to 
Wilton, working in a mill and cabinet-shop, and 
finally on a farm tor Moses Lovejoy, whose daughter 
Ma he married in 1869. On the 20th of Decem- 
ber, 1S74, .Mrs. Major was taken suddenly ill, and 
on tin' evening of the same day died. Her sudden 
death led the town authorities to investigate the ease, 
which resulted in evidence that led to the belief that 
Major had purchased strychnine in Nashua a lew 
weeks previously, and also of his criminal intimacy 
with another woman in Wilton. These discoveries 
were followed by other facts, which, added to Major's 
questionable reputation, convinced people that he 
was a murderer. 

Major was arrested, and, after two trials, was con- 
victed of murder and sentenced to be executed January 
•">, 1875, on which day he was hanged at Concord, in 
the precincts of the State Prison, protesting his in- 
nocence to the last. 

George Peacock, in 1 ^7 ^ < .r L879, was sentenced («> 
the State Prison lor three years tor burglary at East 
Wilton, but after one year's imprisonment was par- 
d jd out by the Governor on petition. 

None of the criminals above named were natives of 
Wilton. 

Statistics prove that by far the greater part of the 
pauperism, insanity and crime in the community are 
due to the use of intoxicating liquors. 



CHAPTEE VIII. 

WILTON— {Continued). 

Schools, LIBRARIES, EDUCATION, ETC. 

Schools. 1 — Wilton was first settled in 1739, and was 
incorporated asatown in lTiii'. Recognizing the pre- 
vailing sentiment of New England respecting the im- 
ol tree schools, the grantors of the land con- 
stituting the principal part of the township, in order 



By G ■-•■ L. Dasco 



to encourage settlements, set apart one share, which 
consisted of two hundred and forty acres, for the use 
ofschools. This land was sold before the town had 
become so fully populated as to render it very valua- 
ble, and the proceeds invested as a small fund, the 
annual income of which was appropriated for the 
purposes for which it was designed. 

The first record which we find respecting schools, 
excepting the locating of the school lots of land, was 
in 1767, when the town voted "to raise six pounds, 
lawful money, for a school this year," and "chose the 
selectmen a committee to provide said schools." For 
the next ten years about the same amount was 
annually raised, and the schools were kept in dwell- 
ing-houses in different parts id' the town, as would 
best accommodate the inhabitants. 

In the midst of the trials and embarrassments of 
the Revolution the interests of education were not 
neglected; provision was made every year for the 
maintenance of schools. From the close of the war 
till the end of the eighteenth century a larger sum 
was appropriated tin- schools than for town expendi- 
tures; and down to the present time the amount 
raised for the free education of the children of the 
town has always been largely in excess of that re- 
quired by law. 

School Districts. — In 1787 a committee consist- 
ing of nine persons divided the town, which com- 
prised twenty-five square miles of territory, into " five 
districts tor the purpose of building or repairing 
school-houses at the expense of each district." In 
1807 the selectmen, by vote of the town, recon- 
structed the districts and constituted eight, which 

were thenceforward designated by numbers. Subse- 
quently two additional districts were formed from 
portions of these, so that the township now contains 
ten districts, having eleven school-houses, containing 
thii Men school-rooms. 

School-houses. — The school edifices of the early 
limes seem to have been designed to withstand the 
vandalism id' the boys rather than to afford comforts 
and conveniences for the pupils. They were warmed 
— so far as they were made warm at all in winter — by 
huge open fire-places, in which green wood ex- 
clusivi hj Mas often burned, and there was no need of 
any special arrangements for ventilation. The seats 
and desks were made of plaid; from an inch and a 
half to two inches in thickness, the dimensions of 
which, however, were soon materially diminished 
under the operal ions of the busy jack-knives of idle 
scholars. 

The first school-house of improved construction was 
built in 1*4^ in the district of which Rev. Warren 
Burton was a native. The seats in this house consisted 
of chairs, graduated in height ami size to correspond 
with the varying ages of the pupils, and firmly fixed 
to the floor. Ample space was afforded, means of 
ventilation were furnished and the house was at first 
warmed by a furnace in the basement. Schoobhouscs 



WILTON. 



711 



ou a similar plan were soon alter built at the centre 
of the town ami at East Wilton, the principal 
villages, and those in other districts have been re- 
placed by new ones or remodeled till, at the present 
time, there are only two which are not adapted to the 
purpose for which they were designed, and even these 
are a decided improvement upon those of fifty years 
ago. 
Courses of Study vxi. Methods of Instruc- 

XION. — One hundred years ago the branches ..t' study 
were limited to reading, spelling, writing and arith- 
metic. The methods of instruction, even in these, 
were extremely imperfect. The pupils had no text- 
books in arithmetic. The schoolmaster usually— not 
always — possessed one. He communicated a rule 
orally to his pupils, who wrote it out in their 
'•manuscripts," which generally consisted of a few 
sheets of coarse paper stitched within a brown paper- 
cover. Then an example under that rule was given. 
Which the scholars solved, and copied the operation 
into their manuscripts In-low the rule. When a suf- 
ficient number of examples had been thus disposed 
of, another rule was given, and so on till tic mathe- 
matical education id' the student was completed. 

The branches of study now pursued, even in our 
rural schools, include reading, spelling and defining, 
penmanship, arithmetic, grammar (including analy- 
sis), geography (including physical geography as a 
distinct branch,) history of the United States, physiol- 
ogy, algebra, geometry, book-keeping, natural philos- 
ophy, and sometimes chemistry ami botany. 

Teachers. — Until within the last thirty years 
schoolmasters were almost invariably employed in 
the winter and school-mistresses in the summer. If 
a lady teacher was placed in charge of a winter 
school, she was always one possessing masculine 
traits. A change has gradually taken place, and at 
the present time our schools, with very few excep- 
tions, are taught by females. 

Many of the teachers, both men and women, who 
have assisted in forming the intellectual and moral 
character of the successive generations of youth in 
Wilton, have been eminently fitted for their vocation. 
In 1782 an intelligent and public-spirited citizen of 
the town, convinced that the schools were nearly 
worthless, hired a Student at college to teach during 
his vacation, and invited bis neighbors to send their 
children to the school free of charge "This," re- 
cords the Rev. Abie] Abbott, D.D., a son of the cit- 
izen referred to, "gave a new complexion to the 
school in the south district; and for a number of 
years alter, qualified teachers, usually students from 
college, were employed about eight weeks in the 
winter. Soon after the improvement in the south 
district some of the other districts followed in the 
same course. To this impulse, I think, we may im- 
pute the advance of Wilton before the neighboring 
towns in education and good morals." 

Among those who, at various times, taught in the 



district schools of the town, and afterwards became 
widely known as public men, were Professor John 

Abbott, of Bowdoin College; Benjamin Abbott, 

LL.D., for many years principal of Phillips 
Academy, at Exeter, N. II.: Rev. Samuel Bar- 
rett, 1>.1>., of Boston; Rev. Samuel R. Hall, first 
principal of the Teachers' Seminary, at Andover, 
Mass.; and Rev. Warren Burton, author of the 
"District School as It Was," ami in his later years 

eminent for his labors in the cause of home educa- 
tion. Of these, -Air. Barrett and Mr. Burton received 
the rudiments of their education in the schools of 
Wilton. 

In 1803, Rev. Thomas Beede was installed as min- 
ister of the town ami remained in that capacity till 
L829. He was a ripe scholar, a man of genial 
manners, and deeply interested in the improvement 
of the young. In addition to bis pastoral labors he 
somel IS taught one of the district schools, some- 
times a select school, and also gave instruction to 
advanced students at his home. His influence in 
promoting the educational interests of the town was 
incalculable. A remarkabl] large number of the 
young men of Wilton acquired a liberal education 
during bis ministry. 

Text-Books.— The text-books of a century ago. as 

recorded by one who attended school at that time, 
were the Bible or Testament, the Primer and Dil- 
WOrth's Spelling-Book. As the wants of the schools 
have demanded, new books have been introduced. 
When improvements have been made, those improve- 
ments have been adopted. But the town lias never 
been given to frequent changes. When a thoroughly 

good 1 k was in use it has not been discarded merely 

because something new has been offered. Adams' 



Arithmetic, under its successive forms oi the Scholars 
Arithmetic, Adam-' New Arithmetic, Adams' New 
Arithmetic (revised edition) ami Adams' Improved 
Arithmetic, was used for nearly seventy years, and 
Warren Colburn's Mental Arithmetic for about fifty. 
It is only within the last yeai that these works have 
he, ii gupi rsedi d. 

-i ri i:\ 1-lnN OF Sill ,S.— For more than twenty 

years before the State made any provision for the 
supervision id' schools the town of Wilton annually 

chose - e of its best qualified citizens a committee 

to inspect the schools. It is worthy of note that oui 
educational interests have always been kept free from 
any connection with party politics. Th' 
have led the appointment of superintending school 
committee— since that office was established by the 
law of the State— to the selectmen and those offi- 
cials, to their honor be it recorded, have never seemed 
to be influenced by partisan leadings in making their 
selections. 

SELECT Schools.— At various times for seventy- 
five years past skillful teachers have opened private 
schools, for one term in a year, which have partaken 
more or less of the character of High Schools. These 



rl2 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



have been largely instrumental in raising the stand- 
ard of education in the town. There has been for 
some time a select school at the principal village, 
continuing through the year, which affords ad- 
vantages equal to those which are found at respectable 
academies. This school gives promise of being a 
permanent institution. 

Literary Societies. — Under the inspiration of 
Thomas lieede, ami aided by some intelligent young 
men and women, an association was formed in 1815 or 
1816, called the Wilton Literary and Moral Society. 
our of its members has described it as follows; 

" The Ill'-lllbei-S "f thi- -ally Society coll-i-teil of yolim,' L. r e Ill I. Ml I. '11 1111,1 

knlies, ami there were ii lew v hoys liki- nivsrll it II,, time, wli-, li.nl 

a literary taste, such us hi ailiuit theln t ._> a coiiipaiin uiship wit li their mi- 

p.'iaii-. \\ i- met at fit si <• a \o ■ k .<i fa t m Jit, .it "\|r. Beede's bouse, 

and then in a parlor of the Busb House, ■- ' .. tobecalled Weshould 

have been lost in lie* spaciousness ■•! a liali. I !ntv our navri'il Castor 
(.resale, I nvi.aih iinilei the titli- of Ileum ra, it 1 rightly remember. We 

discussed literary ami moral questions orally or by untitle. In, 1 1. sub- 

it .a each meet in;; to be written upon against the next, 

and read before (he society ami then put into the hamls of the Instructor 

to 1 OrreCted. These Were to me, ami I iloilht Hot to tie- i,s|. .l.-li-ht- 

[mpulseG were there given which, in the chain of causes, 
must, I think, have been of valuable conseijiictice." 

The next step in the general enlightenment of the 
town was the establishment of the lyceum ami the 
lecture course. Questions were debated and lectures 
given, agreeably to the general practice of these asso- 
ciations. The speakers and lecturers, generally id' 
home origin, gave their services without pay. It was 
later that large sums were paid for lecturers from 
abroad, who made lecturing their special work, and 
wdio wrote their lectures in the summer and delivered 
them in the winter. A still later method has been the 
Lecture Bureau, which sends out annual circulars of 
eminent lecturers, humorists, singers, etc., with a list 
of their subjects or performances for the winter's cam- 
paign. 

Sunday-Schools. — The fust Sunday-school was es- 
tablished in May, 1816, in the Congregationalist 
Church, of which the Rev. Thomas Beedewas pastor. 
Two ladies, -Miss Phebe Abbot, afterwards the wife 
of Ezra Abbot, Esq., of Jackson, Me., and the 
mother of Professor Ezra Abbot, D.D., LL.I)., of 
Cambridge, and Miss Sarah White Livermor. — were 
leaders in the enterprise. Thisschool was one of the 
first, if not the first, in the country, devoted especially 
to religious instruction. 

Seventy children attended the first season. 

The book used was the Bible, and the Bible only. 
Sunday-schools are now established in all the churches 
in town. 

The Columbian Library was incorporated June 9, 
1803. Ebenezer Rockwood, Jonathan Burton ami 
Philip Putnam were the corporate members. The 
records of the library have not been found. About 
the year 1820 the company was dissolved, ami the 
books sold or divided among the stockholders. Among 
the books which can be traced may be mentioned 
Hunter's "Sacred Biography" and John Adams' 



" Defense of the Constitution of the United States," 
in three volumes. 

The Ministerial Library, belonging to the First 
Congregational Church, for the use of the ministers, 
was established in 1824 by Rev. Abiel Abbot, D.D., 
who gave a large number of books to it. It was in- 
corporated and placed in the hamls of five trustees, 
who were to fill their own board. The library has 
an endowment fund, the income of which goes to the 
purchase of books. All ministers in town are en- 
titled to the privileges of the library. 

A Parish Library also belongs to the First ( longre- 
gational Church, consisting of several hundred vol- 
umes, and open to all the members of the parish. The 
Sunday-school libraries of the various churches con- 
tain a large number of volumes, which arc tor the 
use of the teachers and scholars of the several 

Societies. 

The Public Library.— By the efforts principally 

of Lev. A. M. Pendleton, then pastor of the Unita- 
rian Church in East Wilton, a public library was 
established in town, consisting of about two thousand 
volumes; but in the great fire of December 29, LS74. 
a. considerable part of the library was destroyed; 
partially insured ; and in the great fire of January 
20, ISM, it was almost entirely burned up. It has 
been proposed to re-establish this library and open it 
free to all the inhabitants of the town. 

Doctors. — Dr. Ebenezer Rockwood, a graduate of 
Harvard College in 1773, ami Dr. Timothy Parkhurst, 
a graduate of Dartmouth College in 1813, were for 
many years the wise and skillful physicians of the 
town. Dr. John Putnam also practiced medicine 
a long time in Wilton. 

Dr. Crombie ami Dr. Kingsbury, of Temple, Dr. 
Twitchell, of Keene, Dr. Adams, of Mont Vernon, 
Dr. Spalding, of Amherst, and Dr. Dearborn, ot 
Milford, have also been called upon to visit in their 
professional capacity the sick and suffering in Wil- 
ton. Drs. Trevitt, Fleeman and Hatch are at present 
the physicians of the town. 

Lawyers. — For many years no lawyer resided in 
town. Hon. Charles H. Burns, J. E. Spring, Esq., ami 
W. II. Grant have officiated in that capacity. 

Graduates of Colleges.— One of the tests of the 
appreciation of the advantages ami privileges of edu- 
cation is the eagerness with which the higher education 
of academies ami colleges is sought and the sacrifices 
in lib I,, secure it. Wilton has sent many of her sons 
to colleges and universities. The following is the 
list of college graduates, as near as we can ascer- 
tain it: 

The following persons have graduated at Harvard 
College; Rev. Abiel Abbot, D.D., 1787; Rev. Jacob 
Abbot, 17'.lL'; William Abbot, Esq., 1797; John 
Stevens Abbot, 1801; Solomon Kidder Livermore, 
Esq., 1*02; Ebenezer Rockwood, Esq., 1802; Samuel 
Greele, Esq., 1802; Samuel Abbot, Esq., 1808 ; Rev. 
Samuel P.arrett, 1818; Rev. Warren Burton, 1821; 



713 



Rev. Abiel Abbol Live re, L833; Hermon Abbot 

was two wars in Harvard College. 

The following are the graduates of Dartmouth 
College: Daniel Rockwood, Esq., 1811; Augustus 
Greele, Esq., 1813; Timothy Parkhurst, M.D., L813; 
Abner Flint, Esq., 1821; D. .Morgan, Esq., 1835; 
Rev. Lubim Burton Rockwood, 1839. 

The graduates of Bowdoin College are Professor 
Joseph Hale Abbot, 1822; Rev. Ephraim Peabody, 
1827; Ezra Abbot, Esq., 1830; Abiel Abbot, Esq., 
1831. 

Graduates of Vale College,— Rufus Abbot, M.D., 
1834; Rev. Alvah Steele, three years at Yale, but 
did not graduate; Levi Abbot, Esq., 1840. 

Graduate of Amherst College : Charles Abbot, Esq., 
1S35. 

Graduate of Middlebury College: Samuel Flint, 

Esq. 

Rev. John Keyes and Rev. Nathaniel Abbol were 
natives of Wilton, and received, alter leaving town, 
a college education. 

William Barret, Harvard, 1859, practicing law in 
St. Paul, Minn.; Joseph Chandler Barrett, Dart- 
mouth; Charles D. Adams; Everanl W. Dascomb 
was one year at Oberlin, and graduated at Hobart 
College, Geneva, N. Y., 1880, valedictorian. 



CHAPTER IX. 

WILTON — {Continued). 

INDUSTRIES, MILLS, MANUFACTURES AND TRADE. 

Benjamin Franklin, when, more than a hundred 
years ago, he traveled through New England, forecast 
its destiny, for he saw its numerous and rapid streams 
and its immense water-power and predicted that it 
would be a great manufacturing community. 

Another feature leading to the same conclusion is 
the character of the people, as distinguished by gen- 
eral education, skill and inventiveness. The me- 
chanical power and the intelligent population both 
combine to make mechanics and manufactures lead- 
ing interests. Water and wind will ever be cheaper 
propellents than steam and electricity. The course 
of events since Franklin's time has justified his 
sagacity. 

The occupations of countries are largely deter- 
mined by climate, geological formation and the race 
of men. The sea-coast and islands make a commu- 
nity of sailors, merchants and fishermen. The plains 
and prairies destine men to husbandry; the hills 
ami mountains to grazing and mining; the brooks 
and rivers to manufactures, and so on to the end of 
the chapter. 

The early settlers of Wilton had to contend with 
many difficulties. They had no mills, no boards, no 
clapboards, no shingles. The first burial was in a 



rude coffin hollowed out of a tree, with a slab hewn 
from the same lor a lid. The houses were built of 
logs. Earth supplied the place of mortar. The axe 
was the chief tool, for glass was used mica, for 
floors the ground, for window-frames lead, for chim- 

nies clay, for plates w len platters, for roofs split 

rails and earth, for paths blazed trees, and for roads 
corduroy or logs ami poles. At first there was n<> 
mill to grind their com nearer than Dunstable and 
afterwards Milford. The pioneer must travel miles 
and miles along his Military path through the wild 
woods with his bag of grain on his back or on a 
sled to reach a grist-mill, ami return the same weary 
way to supply bread-stuffs for his wile and children. 
The grantors of the town, in order to promote im- 
provements, set apart two lots of eighty acres each 
for encouragement for building mills. 

The first mill in Wilton was the grist-mill at 
Barnes' Falls, built by Samuel Greele, one of the 
grantees of the town, the father of Major Samuel 
Greele, and grandfather of Captain Samuel Greele. 
it was on lot No. 15 in the fourth rang.', being one 
of the lots drawn for mills. 

The first saw-mill was that of Jacob Putnam, situ- 
ated a short distance west of the northwest corner of 
lot No. 15, and very near, or on the line between 
lots Nos. 15 and 16 in the fifth range. 

A saw and grist-mill was built by Hutchinson at 
the East village, on the same spot where one stands 
now. 

On lot No. 20 in the fourth range, on the brook 
that flows by the present glass-house at South Lynde- 
borough, a few rods above where it unites with 
Stony River, a grist-mil! was erected by Deacon 
John Burton. These mills were all erected before 
the Revolution. 

Near the knob-factory oi Samuel Smith, at the 
West village, on the Gambol Brook, there was, for- 
merly, a grist-mill and fulling and clothing-mill 
owned by Uriah Smith, It was burned in 1781 or 
1782, but the remains of the dam may still be seen. 
Rev. Jonathan Livermore built a saw-mill on 
Gambol Brook about the time of the Revolution, on 
the site now occupied by his descendants for a saw- 
mill, with shingle ami -lave machinery. 

At the time of the centennial celebration there 
was the following record made of the industries of 
the town: "There are now eight saw-mills in opera- 
tion ; five grist-mills; three tanneries; two fulling- 
mills; one bobbin-factory; one cotton-factory, burnt 
in 1839 and not yet rebuilt; one starch-factory, 
owned and carried on by people from Wilton 
(Messrs. Ezra and Samuel Abbot), but itself in 
Mason; four blacksmiths; ten shoemakers, including 
journeymen; two cabinet-makers; one hatter; three 
stores; two taverns." 

The Wilton Manufacturing Company was formed 
in 1848 with a capital of fifty thousand dollars, and 
Joseph Newell, Eliphalet Putnam, Ziba < ray, Kan- 



714 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOKOUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



iel Abbot, Esq., William L>. Beasom, Chirk (_'. 
Boutwell, Royal Southwick, Elbridge Reed and 
Tappan Wentworth as principal stockholders. 

The mill was built in 1849, and the wheel and 
shafting put in in 1850, and commenced to make 

carpet-yarn April G, 1851. The mill was of w 1, 

ninety-eight by forty feet, two stories, with basement. 

A wheel-house thirty-two by thirty feet, one story, 
with hasement for washing wool, and one-half of room 
above for repair-shop. The wheel was a breast-wheel, 
twenU -lour feet diameter, with twelve-feet buckets. 

There was also a dry-house, a wool-house and our 
double cottage-house built. These, with the old 
boarding-house, were all the buildings owned by the 
company at the commencement. 

The first lot of machinery consisted of six spin- 
ning-frames, three twisters, drawing-frames, pickers, 
and other small machinery to match; also one set 
of cards and one jack for making filling. From 
this small beginning new machinery was added from 
time to time, until the mill contained fourteen spin- 
ning-frames, seven twisters and a corresponding 
increase of new and modern machinery, including 
English combers. The machinery was increased for 
making filling from one set to four sets. 

While this increase of machinery was going on, the 
building had to be correspondingly enlarged. In 1858, 
forty feet were added to the length of the mill, making 
onehundred and thirty- eight feet long. In 1865another 
addition was made in L form, fifty by seventy-two 
feet, and one of Swain's turbine wheels of one hundred 
and thirty horse-power took the place of the old 
breast-wheel, and was run/until the mill was burnt, 
March (i, 1872. 

May, 1851, there were on the pay-roll forty-nine 
bands, and the pay-roll of that month was $788.34. 
The pay-roll of January, 1872, one hundred and six- 
teen hands, was $2371.41. The mill was in operation 
twenty years ami eleven months. A short time at 
the commencement the superintendent was Mr. 
Ripley. Mr. Elbridge G. Woodman was superin- 
tendent the remaining part of the time the mill was 
in operation. 

One of the most serious changes in the industries 
of the country has been the virtual abolition of the 
system of apprenticeship. When our forefathers 

a over the sea they brought the European method 

of initiation into the industrial trades by a long 
period, usually seven years, of careful training and 
practice. When an apprentice or negro boy ran 
away, it was customary to advertise him and offer 
one cent reward. It is questionable whether me- 
chanical work is as thoroughly done under the pres- 
ent system as the old one, where years of careful 
training and practice, under experienced master- 
workmen, habituated the apprentice to accuracy and 
skill in every detail of his trade. 

Industries of Wilton according to the Census 
of 1850— Saw-mill, carding-machines and cloth 



dressing: Capital, $1200; boards, 100,000, $1000; 
shingles, 50,000, $125; lath, 40,000, $80; carding 
and cloth-dressing, $300. Benjamin Hopkins, saw- 
mill: Boards, 50,000, $450; shingles, 10,000, $25; 
lath, 24,000, $48 ; shuttle-woods, 6000, $120, Nahum 
Child, saw-mill and grist-mill: Boards, 125,000, 
$1125; shingles, loo.ooo, $250; toll for grinding, 
$300. John A. Putnam, saw-mill and grist-mill : 
Boards, $450; shingles, 100,000, $250 ; table-legs, 4000, 
$240; toll for grinding, $50. Willard French, saw- 
mill: Boards, 200,000, $2000 ; shingles, 100,000, $220. 
Jonathan Livermore, saw-mill: Boards, 75,000 ; shin- 
gles, 30,000, $775. E. Putnam .V Co., bobbins, knobs 
and machinery, $2650. William Shelden, bobbins and 
spools, 125 cord timber, $11,000. Abijah Hildreth, 
saw-mill and grist-mill : Hoards, 120,000, $1200; shin- 
gles, $80; grinding, $75. Joseph W. Killam, furniture : 
Stock, $1850; product, $5500. John Burton, table- 
frames : Stock, $10 ; product, $800. Jones, Lane&Co., 
boots and shoes : Capital, $7000 ; stock, $8000; num- 
ber employed, 20 males, 12 females ; product, $17,700. 

Manufactures of Wilton in 1885— In 1882 the 
site, where two mills had been burned, was purchased 
by the Colony Brothers, who erected a building of 
brick, one hundred and seventeen feet long, fifty-four 
feet wide, three stories high, with basement; boiler 
and engine-room on the west side and dyeing-room on 
the south. 

The size of the mill is seven set. Early in 1883 
they commenced the manufacture of woolen flannel, 
medium grade; color, blue and scarlet. Number of 
hands employed, seventy; the power, steam and 
water; the mill is warmed by steam. 

Tin: Wilton Company. — Capital stock, thirty- 
thousand dollars. Charles li. Burns, president; John 
A. Spalding, treasurer; Charles A. Burns, clerk. 

Mill nmenced January 1, 1883, the manufacture 

of cotton warps, yams and twine. Number of hands 
employed, thirty-eight; power, steam and water; the 
mill is warmed by steam and lighted by gasoline. 

Milk has been one of the principal products of tin- 
farmers of Wilton for the last thirty years. A ear 
was started from Wilton in 1852 tor conveying milk 
to the Boston market. At the present time 1). Whit- 
ing & Sons run four cars to Boston daily, — one from 
Hillsborough Bridge, one from Wilton, one from 
Milford and one from Concord, Mass. 

Owing to the impossility of furnishing the right 
quantity for the Boston market, the loss to the milk- 
raisers by keeping a small quantity at home when the 
quantity was Hush, and the inconvenience to the 
contractor to collect to supply the deficiency when 
the supply was short, induced Mr. Whiting to con- 
traef for more milk than the market took and work 
the surplus into butter ami cheese. 

For a few years the Messrs. Whiting have deliv- 
ered daily about seven thousand gallons at Boston 
and the surplus has ranged from about two hundred 
to three thousand gallons daily. For a few years 



WILTON. 



715 



the months that have furnished the least milk have 
been August and September. 

The pay-day for the must of the milk they buy is 
about the middle of the month, for the milk of the 
preceding month. 

The Messrs. Whiting have a saw-mill that they run 
several months in the year, in which, beside the board- 
saw, they have box-board and stave-saws and saws for 
sawing wood, planing-machines and machinery for 
making keg aud-barrel heads, and forpreparing the box 
stock ready to be nailed together. They grind in their 
grist-mill about one hundred and twenty-live ear- 
loads of corn annually, which, with about one hun- 
dred car-loads of feed, is, a large part of it, sold to the 
milk-raisers. In addition, they have a large run of 
custom grinding. Their power is eighty horse-power 
steam and seventy horse-power, water. They also 
sell about live hundred tons of coal and three hun- 
dred and fifty cords of wood annually. 

Levi Putnam has a saw-mill, planing-machine and 
turning-lathes, and manufactures trunk stock and 
trunks. Power, water. 

Daniel Cragin has a saw-mill and machinery for 
manufacturing knife-trays, dry measures and sugar- 
boxes. He employs about six hands. Power, steam 
and water. 

Nathan Barker, grist-mill ; Hermon Hopkins, saw- 
mill, clapboard and shingle machinery and turning- 
lathe; .1. & II. 11. Livermore, saw-mill, shingle and 
stave machinery; Henry 0. Sargent} saw-mill and 
turning machinery ; James H. Holt & Son manufac- 
ture knobs and milk-can stopples, and have a cider- 
mill; Samuel W. Smith manufactures knobs; Flint 
.y (hay, wheelwrights and carriage-makers: A. J. 
Parker, wheelwright and carriage-maker; Bales & 
Putnam, jobbing blacksmiths and carriage-smiths; 
!1. N. Graj & Son, jobbing blacksmiths and carriage- 
smiths; C. B. Smith, jobbing blacksmith and car- 
riage-smith ; carpenters, C. A. & H. L. Emerson, 
James L. Hardy, William D. Stearns, Jeremiah Dris- 
coll, L. A. Tyler, Edson 1). Frye, J. H. Hutchinson 
and Albion Flint. 

S. H. Dunbar, meat and vegetable market; S. A. 
Spalding, meat and vegetable market; Joseph Lang- 
dell, livery stable (has about twelve horses); F. P. 
Kent, livery stable (has about eight horses). 

Wilton Savings' Bank, — Josiah Fleeman, presi- 
dent ; Moses Clark, treasurer. 

Druggists, Dr. Henry Trevitt and H. A. Powers. 

Stores. — S. N. Center & Son, fancy and dry-g 1>. 

boots, shoes and groceries; George A. Carter, dry- 
goods, boots and shoes; David E. Proctor, flour, meal, 
groceries, boots, shoes, hardware, — a general assort- 
ment store; George W. Wallace, clothing and furnish- 
ing goods ; Levi W. Perkins, clothing and furnishing 
goods ; Miss S. A. Smith, millinery and fancy goods; A 
0. Barker, groceries ;.C. W. Edwards, groceries; E. 
E. Hutchinson, groceries; M. P. Stanton, tish and 
groceries ; P. Ring & Son, variety-store; S. K. Fos- 



ter, stoves and tinware; Stickney, undertakers' 

furnishings; Henry A. Holt, writing-desks and fancy 
boxes (employs, on average, live hands) ; Henry W. 
Hopkins and Francis B. French, writing-desks and 

fancy boxes. 



C PI A P T E R X . 

WILTON— fcW/ ,d . 

ROADS— POST-ROUTES — < A K PIE US— POSTMASTERS — STAG- 
ING AND RAILROADS. 

Tm; facilities of travel, intercourse and the com- 
munication of intelligence were, of course, in the 
time of our forefathers, of the most meagre kind. 
Loads— one of the tests of civilization— were few and 
poor. It might be said, as in the time of the judges 
in ancient Israel, that " the highways were unoccu- 
pied," or, rather, that highways were not yet opened 
and that "the travelers walked through by-ways." 
Foot-paths from house to house, trails through the 
forests, marked by blazed trees, were the firsl con- 
veniences of the settlers; and as roads for carriages 
were gradually opened, fords and ferries were slowly 
succeeded by bridges, and logs and rails were laid 
down for rough corduroy highways. The roads ran 
usually over the hills and shunned the valleys, as the 
settlers lived on the heights, and avoided the low- 
lands, as being marshy and damp aud subject to 
floods, and more exposed tosurprises from Indians, 

It was rather remarkable, and showed the high aims 
of the pioneers, that while they early set apart a por- 
tion of the land beforehand for the support of churches 
and schools and public improvements, that they left 
the road aud bridge-building to the immediate care of 
the settlers and thi' tardy votes of the town. Roads 
would come of themselves by stress of necessity , but 
the minister, the teacher and the miller must be put 
beyond doubt or neglect. Bread for the body and 
bread for the soul must be subject to no contingencies. 

And in due time the roads came, as they were forced 
upon the public attention. But as it was, there were 
ten appropriations lor the church and the schools 
where there was one for bridges and roads. These are 
some of the ancient records of economical appropri- 
ations, — 

"March 9,17(i7. Allowed Tim. .thy I'd. Inn [...unds t.-n shillings Hi- 
rer, old tenor, for planks for covering th'- bridge near r.n> .1 . l' N ii,:i m - 

"April -27, 17bS. Th-lib laerning raising money 

to rebuild the bridge near C.ipt. Nathan i I o tcli 

But they soon thought better of it, and voted 

•.t.i raise nine pounds, lawful money, to rebuild I he Lrid-.- 

hv t'apt. Nathan Hutchinson's mill, and that e.n-li ]-r.,.nsI Id havi 

the liberty to work out hi- rat- to th- sum aforesaid. 

" April 25, 1770. Voted to raise twenty pounds to rebuild the bridge 

over the river known by the name of Parker's bridge. 

pt. 28, ITT" Voted to tin- thirteen ].,un.l-, lautnl ney, to i 

build l\iik. i s bud--, so-called. 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



" The following bridges allowed tube maintained by the town : Par- 
ker's bridge, the bridge by Capt. Nathan Hutchinson's mill, the bridge 
over the river by timothy Dale's, the bridge to LyndeboruiiLdi, the bridjre 
by Jacob Putnam's saw-mill, the bridge by l»;i\ i.l K c 
I .rii _._- over Gainbrel bruuk. 

"April 14, 1772. rotedto raise thirty pounds, lawful money, to re- 
build and repair the town lucl-os in -aid town. 

■' I'c.'eJ that oa> li pel Son M\> <1 to -aid bl 1.1l;cS -lionU h.i\ ■ - 1\\ o chilli nits 

pei 'l.i%, and each yoke ol oxen one shilling per day. 

•■ Voted that each person should he 1 , in their day's work at -00 11 o'elo, k 
in the forenoon. 

■' Voted to raise one hundred pounds, lawful liloli-y, to be laid ..lit in 
liKikme, and repairing the hi-liways the present year. 

" I'o/,J toallow each person taxed 111 town two shillings and ei-ht 
pen..-, and eaeb yoke of ox.ii on,- shiHinc, and four pence per day, and 
each cart and each plow eiiiht peine per day. 

" April 'jo, 177; 1 ! ■■ t. i.n.c titr\ pounds, lawful money, f.r high- 
ways the present year. Voted to allow the same per day for men, oxen, 
plow and cart as fin- \ c;u 1. 1.: 

As tin illustration, at a much later period, of the 
heavy expenses of maintaining the mails anil bridges, 
and building new ones, the town expended in twenty- 
one years, from 1825 to 1846, the sum of $23,924.41 in 
extra sums for that purpose, besides the regular high- 
way tax of from six hundred to eight hundred dollars 
annually. 

The first mail-route through Wilton was over the 
old County road, through the north part of the town, 
from Keene to Portsmouth, about 1788. The first post- 
rider, Ozias Silsbee, was succeeded by Messrs. Wright, 
Phillips and Thayer. The latter died very suddenly 
in Amherst, of injuries received in a playful scuffle 
with Mr. Cushing. the editor of the Cabinet, August 
1,1807. 

Mr. Daniel Gibbs succeeded Mr. Thayer, and ear- 
tied the mail on horseback some eight years. The 
mail-pouch was about two feet long, and from eight 
to ten inches wide, but amply sufficient to carry the 
postal matter that passed over the road at that time, 
in a pair of saddle-bags he carried newspapers and 
express packages. He passed down through Wilton 
on Sunday ami back on Thursday. During the Wat 
of 1812 he was accustomed to call out the ion-, good 
or bad, to those within hearing, as for instance, 
"Glorious news! Commodore Perry has captured the 
whole British fleet on Lake Erie," or, if the news was 
tin reverse, with a melancholy expression, "Bad 
n.ws! The British have captured ami burned 
Washington." He began to drive a wagon about 
1816, and carried some passengers. He was prompt 
and faithful in the discharge of his duties. Mr. Gibbs 
died in Peterborough at the age of seventy-three, 
September 25, 1824, by being thrown out of his wagon 
at the great bridge over the < lontoocook, on the rocks 

I'! flW . 

Before the establishment of the post-office, in 1816, 
a number of copies of tin- Xfir Jfim/i-Jiirr I'tttrhit, 
published at Concord by Isaac Hill, and one or two 
copies of the New Hampshire Sentinel, published at 
Keeue by John Prentiss, were brought to subscribers 
in Wilton by Mr. Gibbs. But the majority of the 
people took the Farmers' ' 'abinet, published at Amherst 
bv Richard Boylston. The subscribers in turn went 



for the papers on Saturday, and they were distributed 
on Sunday. Mr. Boylston kept the tally, and marked 
the paper each week of the one whose turn was next. 
Letters, too. were superscribed and forwarded to 
"your turn next." and thus reached the post-office at 
Amherst. Verily, those were the primitive times. 

About the time of Mr. Gibbs' death the post-route 
was changed from the north road to that through the 
middle of the town. Mr. Gibbs' son succeeded his 
father, and drove a two-horse carriage until 1828, 
duly 7th. when the four-horse coach-line from Keene to 
Nashua was started. Different owners — Messrs. F. 
Lovejoy, Joseph and John Holt, T. Smith ami L. 
Winn — were partners in this enterprise. About 1833 
an accommodation line was established, and a coach ran 
each way through town daily. On the opening of the 
Boston and Lowell Railroad to Lowell, the line was ex- 
tended to Lowell. As the railroad was extended 
farther into the country, successively to Nashua, 
Danforth Corners, Milford, and finally to Wilton, 
December, 1851, the stage-line was shortened. The 
siicces.si\|. drivers, well remembered by the older 
inhabitants, were Messrs. John Holt, John Larch, 
Benjamin P. Cheney and Captain Porter. The busi- 
ness on this line was continued till October, 1870, 
when tin proprietors sold out to the railroad company. 
The railroad to Greenfield was opened January, 1874. 
which took the stage-coaches on that line from Wilton 
after a service of about forty-six years. 

The Forest r'flad, in the north part of the town, was 
built in 1831. Mr. Joy. of Nashua, started, in 1832, a 
line of stage-coaches, which ran to Charlestown, X. 1L. 
on this )o;id. At various periods, besides Mr. Joy. 
other proprietors and drivers were concerned in this 

enterprise, — Messrs. \V Is. thcWymans, Penuock, 

Dane, Tarbell, Morrill, Phelps, Hall, Harrison, 
Howison and Prouty. 

The drivers on the road, other than the proprietors, 
were Messrs. Leavitt, Harris, Pettengill and Sanborn. 

An accident to a stage-coach on this road at one 
time cost the town over one hundred dollars. 

After the river road from West Wilton to East 
Wilton wtis built, the Btage-coaches from Keene to 
Nashua ran on this route for many years. 

The road from Gray's Corner to Greenville was 
completed in 1843. Soon after, a mail-route was 
established on this line from Manchester to New Ips- 
wich. Coaches with four and two horses have been 
run at different times, but at present the mail is car- 
ried with one horse. The drivers have been Messrs. 
Porter. Thomas. Sanborn and Batchelder. 

Soon after the railroad was opened to Greenfield, 
the post-route from West Wilton to East Wilton was 
established, and Mr. Abiel Frye carries the daily mail. 

The Wilton post-office was established October 1, 
1816. The following is a list of the postmasters, and 
the date of their appointments: John Mack, October 
1,1816; Elijah Stockwell, February 21, 1824; Harvey 
Barnes, April 4, 1826; Stephen Abbot. February 27, 



WILTON. 



1828 ; Ezra Buss, January 4, 1837 ; Timothy Park- 
hurst, January 3, 1838; Isaac Blanchard, June 7, 
1845 ; Varnurn S. Holt, February 9, 1856 (the title of 
the office was Wilton) ; Varnum T. Holt, April 16, 1855 
(the title of the office was Wilton Centre) ; Varnum 
T.Holt, April 23, 1856; Philander King, April 21, 
1858 ; Henry O. Sargent, December 10, 1877 ; Ballard 
Pettingill, February 24, 1831 ; William M. Edwards, 
January 4,1833; John Merrill, January 19,1835; 
William M. Edwards, October 30, 1835; Ephraim 
Hackett, February 14, 183(1 ; James M. Dane, Feb- 
ruary 17, 1842; Albert Farnsworth, July 22, 1853; 
Leonard Pettengill, February 28, 1854 (the title of 
the office was East Wilton) ; Leonard Pettengill, April 
16,1856; Nathan Flint, July 20,1861; William J. 
Bradbury, December 14, 1869; Alfred E. Jaques, 
August 4, 1875 (the title of the office was Wilton). 



CHAPTER XL 

WILTON— (Cbnftniied). 

CEMETERIES, EPIDEMICS AND NECROLOCSY. 

Besides the lour cemeteries at present in Wilton, 
viz.: the North, Centre, and East and County Farm, 
there are four other private burial-places, where a 
few bodies have been interred. 

The earliest is the spot where John Badger was 
buried, the first white person who died on the terri- 
tory now included in Wilton, "a little north of the 
road," as an intelligent informant stated, "running 
east from the Dale place, either in the field or pasture, 
probably in the pasture." The exact locality is now 
unknown. 

Philip Putnam, Esq., a few years before he died, 
built a tomb near his house, in which be, his wife and 
two sons were buried. 

Lieutenant John Hutchinson, his wife and two 
suns were buried in the lor back of his house, in the 
East village. 

Mrs. David Cram, who died of smallpox in 1853 or 
1854, was buried on the farm belonging to the 
family. 

The following measures were early taken by the 
town to provide suitable interment for the dead: 

Jane 27, 1771, " Voted to raise £1 16s. to provide a 
burying-cloth for said town, and chose Nathan 
Blanchard and Aimer Stiles a committee to provide 
said cloth." 

The first entrance on the town records relative to 
the bin ying-grounds is found in a warrant for a town- 
meeting, dated September 17, 1772, Article 5, as fol- 
lows : "To see if the town will vote to clear and 
fence the burying-ground in said town, and to raise 
money and choose a committee for that purpose." 

At the meeting, October 5th, the fifth article was 



dismissed; but in a warrant for a town-meeting, Maj 
20, 1773, is the following: 

acre of land for a burying-pla© t-' mid town, On- Ee, therefore, fourth- 
ly, i.. seeil Mi.' town will pay Mr John Cram eighteen shillings, I 

money, f oe other half-aci if land adjoining ')•■ old buryin plao 

in said town, and for a privilegi ol t road »i tiighwaj to the same, on 
his giviu^r ;i conveyance of the same. 

At a meeting, held June .". 177.'i, it was voted to 
allow Mr. John (ram eighteen shillings, lawful money, 
for one-half acre of land, adjoining the old burying- 
place in said town, and the privilege of a highway to 
the same upon his gi\ ing com ej ance ol' the same. 

The North Burying-Ground was occupied from the 
early history of the town, being enlarged and im- 
proved from time to time. 

The burying-ground near Mr. Henry Gray's was 
fust occupied in 1809, the first interment being that 
of the first minister of the town, Rev. Jonathan 
Livermore. 

Within a few years the cemetery near East Wilton 
was opened, and improvements and additions made 
to it. Many interments have been made in it. 

The cemetery in the northwest part of the town 
was established in connection with the County Farm, 
and many burials of the inmates of that institution 
have already been made in it. 

Epidemics.— Rev. Thomas Beede, in "A Topo- 
graphical anil Historical Description of Wilton," in 
" Farmer and Moore's Collections," Vol. I., No. 2, 
June. 1822, pp. 69-72, says: " No uncommon sickness 
has ever been known here except in the year 1801, 
when a very malignant and contagious fever pre- 
vailed very generally among the people for a number 
of months, and in many instances proved mortal. It 
is conjectured, perhaps not without reason, that the 
contagion was introduced in a parcel of old feathers 
which hail been brought in and sold by peddlers just 
before the fever made its appearance." 

The smallpox has appeared at several times in the 
history of the town, but has not prevailed to any 
extent. Mrs. David Cram died of it in 1853-54. 

Vital Statistics. — The first child born in town was 
a daughter of one of the first settlers, Ephraim Put- 
nam, by the name of Hannah, March, 1741. She was 
married to a Mr. Woodward, of Lyndeborough, and 
died there in October, 1801, in the seventy-first year 
of her age. 

The number of deaths in Wilton in 1851 was 21 ; 
1852,20; 1853,2(1; 1854,27; 1855,20; 1857,26; 
1858,26; 1859,25; 1860,25; 1861,16; 1862,22; 
1863,40; 1864, 27; 1865,25; 1866,15; 1867,14; 
1868,19; 1869,31; 1870,34; 1871,31; 1872,40; 
1873,26; 1*74. 2o ; 1875,31; 1876,24; 1877,19; 
1878,29; 1879,34; 1880,25; 1881,23; 1882,22; 
1883, 24; 1884, 38. 

The healthfulness of the climate may be strikingly 
illustrated by the low rate of mortality and also by 
the great longevity of many of the inhabitants. In 



718 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



a carefully-prepared list by Sewall Putnam, taken 
from the public records, it appears that from 1791 to 
1884 one hundred and thirty persons have died of 
eighty years and upwards, twenty-four of ninety 
years and upwards, and one, Mrs. Sarah A. Holt, 
who died October 9, 1854, aged one hundred and 
three years, two months and twenty-five days. 



I'll APTER XII. 

WILTON— (Continued). 

FIRES, FLOODS, CASUALTIES, MISFORTUNES, REMARKABLE 
EVENTS, ETC. 

Wilton has not escaped the destroyers which be- 
fall our modem civilization. Especially her losses 
by tire have been comparatively very great. Besides 
the repeated destruction of single houses, mills or 
barns, in two notable instances, in 1874 and 1881, 
extensive conflagrations swept over the business centre 
of the East village, laving waste the principal stores 
and public buildings. But the sufferers have uni- 
formly rallied, with fresh courage and energy, to 
repair their losses and make the place more beautiful 
than before. New stores and dwellings have filled 
the vacant lots, and a substantial and elegant town 
hall now occupies the site of the once spacious hotel. 

But it has become, in general, a serious •juestion 
how the ravages of fire can be stayed in our modern 
world. We have resorted to all the new measures and 
inventions to arrest the fearful devastation, such as 
steam fire-engines, paid Fire Departments, fire ex- 
tinguishers, quick communication by telegraph and 
telephone, fire signals, but millions upon millions 
every month are destroyed by fire throughout our land. 

No wonder that, with all the toil, industry and 
energy of multitudes of human beings, there is still 
so much poverty and misery, when such wholesale 
destruction is constantly taking place, and the fruits 
of their labors are swept away in smoke and ashes. 
The small annual gain of income over expenses, 
averaging in the whole population, is said to be only 
about four dollars to each individual. Only by this 
narrow margin does our American civilization keep 
ahead of utter want, starvation and nakedness. He 
will be a great benefactor of society who shall rise 
eijual to the occasion, and, by some yet unapplied or 
undiscovered instrumentality or invention, say to the 
devouring element, " Thus far shalt thou come and 
no further, and here shall thy tierce flames be stayed." 

Fires. — Hezekiah Hamblet's house, on the west 
side of the road southeast of Abiel Flint's house. 
James Dascomb's barn, 1774, on the south side of 
the road northeast of Mrs. Francis Whiting's build- 
ings. Wood's barn (by lightning), August 9, 1779, 
on the 1 place now owned by Mrs. Curtis Blood. 
Uriah Smith's grist-mill and a clothing-mill, near 



where Samuel Smith's knob-sbop now stands, in 1781 
or 1782. A school-house, near where Mrs. Henry 
Newell's house now stands. Deacon John Flint's 
house, April, 1810, northeast of Mrs. Charles White's 
barn. Colonel Dascomb's shop, March 21, 1829. 
John Parker's house, May, 1833. Wilton Company 
factory, February, 1839. Simeon Holt's barn (by 
lightning). J. Newell's first store at East Wilton. 
Deacon Ezra Abbot's house, 1840. Deacon William 
Sheldon's shop and dry-house at the West village, 
1st) ; second fire, July 21, 1864. D. Whiting's barns 
(by lightning), 1846. Theron Russell's house. John F. 
Russell's house. Joseph Holt's house. The Batchel- 
der house, on the hill east of Joseph W. Stiles. 
David Whiting's Barrett House. Henry Putnam's 
Eaton House. Mrs. Charles Howard's house and 
barn. Abel Fisk's cider-mill, farming tools and 
grain, May, 1853. Jonathan Snow's house. 185(3. 
The old meeting-house at the Centre, the second 
built in town, was burned December 8, 1859. A 
juvenile concert, given by Miss .Mary Thurston, had 
taken place in the evening. The fire, as generally 

believed, set by some malicious pers broke out before 

midnight, and "our holy and beautiful house, where 
our fathers praised Thee, was binned up with fire, and 
all our beautiful things were laid waste." Mrs. 
• handler's bouse, opposite to Gardiner & Blanch- 
aid's. John Frye's house and barn. Stock's house, 
and two children were burned in it. Nahum Child's 
building, where the butter-factory now stands. Wil- 
ton Company factory, March, 1872. Peter 11. Putnam's 
store-house. W. P. Dunklee's shop, where < '. A. & II. 
I,. Emerson's shop stands. Spalding's cooper-shop. 
John Herlihey's house. Freeman's mill, built and 
formerly owned by Philip Putnam. Mrs. Neil's house 
and barn, L873. 

( )n December 2, 1874, a destructive conflagration 
swept over the Fast village. Beginning in a store 
and dwelling on Main Street, it destroyed the spacious 
Whitney Hotel, Masonic Hall, stores, houses and 
other buildings. The cause of the lire was supposed 
to lie combustion of oil and painters' rags. Losses, 
about one hundred ami live thousand eight hundred 
dollars; insurance, about fifty-five thousand dollars. 
.1. Newell's and S. N. Center's buildings, March 15, 
1876. John H. Frye's stable, opposite to the depot. 
Jeremiah Driscoll's house and barn, 1879. 

As if one great fire was not enough, a second fire 
broke out January 20, 1881, and swept away .-tores. 
Masonic Hall, bank, library and houses along the 
most thickly-settled part of Main Street, in the East 
village, on nearly the same site as that of the great 
fireofl874. The losses were estimated to be aboul 
titty thousand dollars and the insurance about thirty 
thousand dollars, (loss Mills, formerly the French 
Mills, 1882. Harvey A. Whiting's bam, June 27, 
1883. Harvey A. Whiting's house, 1883. 

Freshets.— The greatest flood ever known in Wil- 
ton took place ou Monday, October 4, 1869. Rain had 



WILTON. 



719 



fallen on Sunday and Sunday night and on Monday 
forenoon, but no apprehensions of a very high freshet, 
were felt until noon, when the windows of heaven 
seemed to he opened and poured down sheets of 
water such as had never been seen before. In a very 
short time the streams rose to a fearful height, sweep- 
ing away bridges, dams, logs and mill stuffs, mills and 
factories, gullying roads and flooding fields and 
meadows. Brooks became raging mountain rivers. 
Torrents swept down the hills. A cloud seemed to 
have burst over the devoted region. It continued to 
pour until half-past three o'clock in the afternoon, 
when the storm broke away and the sun came out. 
( >nly one bridge in town escaped injury. Roads were 
impassable for weeks. Travel was across fields and 
by fording streams. The woolen-factory at French 
village was undermined and swept down -lie. mi. 
The cost to Wilton of repairing roads and bridges 
was sixty thousand dollars. 

Twenty thousand dollars of taxes were remitted to 
the town by the State Legislature for damages done. 
Other towns shared in the losses by the flood. Per- 
manent marks were left in the bills and valleys of 
the terrible deluge of 1869. 

Many misfortunes have, from time to time, fallen 
upon the inhabitants. The Daniels defalcation sunk 
from eighty thousand to one bundled thousand dol- 
lars. The Milford Bank robbery cost tin people 
of the town some ten thousand dollars. The Pine 
Valley Company failure lost its owners some sixty 
thousand dollars, besides bad debts to grocers and 
traders by operatives. 

Casualties.— At the raising of the bouse of John 
Dale, one of the early settlers of the town, a man 
was instantly killed by an iron bar tailing accident- 
ally on his head from the hands of a man above him 
on the frame. 

The terrible accident and loss of life which oc- 
curred at the raisin- of the Second Church have 
already been related elsewhere. Three were killed, 
and almost all more or less wounded of the more 
than fifty men who were on the frame when it fell. 
Some died afterwards and others bore the marks of 
their injuries to thegrave. 



C H A P T E It XIII. 
WILTON— (Coirfi I). 

FESTIVALS, CELEBRATIONS, CENTENNIALS. ETC. 

With all the gravity and seriousness of the New- 
England Puritan, there was always mingled no little 
of dry wit and a social, festive spirit. 

He had his joke, and too often also his pipe and 
his mug. The huskings, the raisings, the wood-haul- 
ings and bees, the quiltings, the weddings, the balls, 
the sleigh-rides, the wrestling and hunting-matches, 



the trainings and musters testify to the hilarious side 
of the pioneer character. Many of these are now only 
known in tradition. New customs have sprung up in 
the place of the old ones. " New wine has been pul 
into new bottles." The old-fashioned sleigh-ride, 
when a large part of the inhabitants took a fine winter 
day to make an excursion to a neighboring town 
and take dinner, perhaps have a dance and return 
home in the evening by moonlight, is among the 
things that were. If they go now.it is by railroad. 
Halls and weddings are permanent institutions. Of 
old there were no festivals like our modern Sundav- 
school excursions, and the picnic was not known to 
the fathers. Bees, quiltings, huskings and raisings 
and other neighborhood gatherings have chiefly gone. 
Wood-haulings for the parson or a decayed brother 
are superseded by donations and surprise-parties. 
The " Willing Workers " and the " Cheerful Workers." 
the church " Benevolent Sewing < 'ircles " and " Soci- 
ables," have stepped in to occupy the place once 
filled by more boisterous entertainments. 

Children have more festivities than of old and go 
earlier into society. Lodges, granges, societies, ex- 
cursions are multiplying on every hand. The passion 
of resorting to cities, and giving up the farm for the 
shop, the exchange, the bank, and the professions, is 
due chiefly to two things, viz.: the desire to make 
money faster than the country farming or mechanic 
life will allow, and then the eagerness to have more 
society life. These are the sirens that bewitch our 
day. Besides, as communities have grown larger, 
they have split up into cliques and coteries, and the 
old hearty neighborliness has been exchanged for 
fashion and gilt-edged snobbery. Wealth, not man- 
hood or high character, is the open sesame to genteel 
society, so reputed. 

The farmer's frock, the mechanic's apron or the 
house-wife's home-spun dress have no more any beauty 
that man or woman should desire them. 

Service is still a long way behind show, as a key to 
open the chief places at feasts and the high seal- in 
the synogagues. But even if society has grown more 
exclusive, it has, strange paradox ! grown more phil- 
anthropic. The humanities and amenities flourish 
apace. A world of good is being done to the less 
fortunate of our race. 

If men and women have hardened into greater 
selfishness and exclusiveness on one side of their 
nature, tiny have softened into wider sympathy ami 
helpfulness on the other side. Never probably did 
wealth feel its responsibility more to society, or dis- 
tribute its means with a more generous hand than 
now, be it to schools, colleges, libraries, churches, 
missions, philanthropies, hospitals, asylums or to the 
humbler and more private charities of society. 

As good a specimen of the ancient sleigh-ride as 
could be selected is that which escorted Rev. Thomas 
Beede and his bride on their wedding-trip from Har- 
vard to Wilton. He was married to Miss Nancy 



720 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Kimball, of Harvard, Mass., January 20, 1805. A 
number of their friends after the ceremony accom- 
panied them as far as Amherst, X. II., where they 
stopped at the hotel. Here they met a large party 
from Wilton, who had come down to meet their min- 
ister and his new wife, and both companies dined 
together. They then separated, the Harvard friends 
returning to Massachusetts, and the Wilton company 
taking Mr. and Mrs. Beede to their new home in New 
Hampshire. 

The silver wedding of the Hon. Charles H. Hums 
was celebrated January lit, 1881. A large number of 
invitations were sent out and a great host of friends 
and neighbors responded to the call. Many eminent 
persons were present (rom abroad, including the 
Governor, Nathaniel Head, and wife. Many costly 
and beautiful gifts were bestowed on the honored 
couple, and music, dancing and speeches made a 
lively and enjoyable evening. The only pall upon 
the festive occasion was the breaking out of a terrible 
conflagration, elsewhere recorded, a few hours later 
in the same night, which laid a large part of the 
business portion of the village in ashes, destroyed 
Masonic Hall, the Public Library, stores, shops, offices 
and dwellings to the amount, probably, of fifty thou- 
sand dollars or more of total loss. The cause of the 
fire was unknown. 

Several other silver and golden weddings have 
occurred in the town, as the new customs have come 
in, of which a more particular account will be given 
hereafter in a fuller history of the town of Wilton, 
soon to he published. 

As good a specimen of the old-time Fourth of July 
celebrations as can In- found is the following, which 
occurred during Mr. Monroe's administration. The 
account is taken from the Fanners' Cabinet, pub- 
lished at Amherst : 

'•The Anniversary i,f American Independence was celebrated in Wil- 

lull ,,n tin- ttli iiist . Ni previous arrangements having been made, a 
company of gentlemen in that ami from the adjoining towns asaemhled 
for the purpose of doing honor to tin- day which gave birth to a nation's 
freedom— and independence b, lie-.*,. Tinted States. 

"After having heard the Declaration of Independent.' read, Mai. k. 
Wilson was chosen toist-maetcr, who, after having made a short, but 
pertinent address, produced tle^ loll., wing toasts, in which all parties 
appeared to participate : 



rii. Day me celelii 

lie |,,test poslel in 

James l/...,,,,, 



-May 



" Columbia guide with upright skill refln'.l, 
To cheek the rage, and cure the public mind ; 
The North he visits, in the common cause, 
That he may guard their lights with equal laws. 

".'1. James Madison— ye immortal powers that guard the just, watch 
over him in retirement ; soften bis reposi — in fond remembrance cherish 
his virtues and show mankind that g [nesa is your care ! 

"I. New Hampshire — bike her own native untains— though storms 

ami tempests have thundered on her brow, faction lies prostrate at her 
bet SI,,, stands iimiioved and glories in her height. 

" ... II. i! /Vwmer— Discord and her Advocates may attempt to sub- 
vert—but he has the power to save, anil the constancy to preserve. 

" f, tie, J'muu — May it be perpetuated till the n shall cease to give 

her light, and the bright sun himself be extinguished ; yea, till the 



globe shall be annihilated, and, like the meteor's transitory gleam, be 
lost in chaotic darkness. 

"7. The Soldier or* '7b— Rem,, inber, this anniversary was purchased, as 
it were, with the price of his blood ; then let us cherish his age, supply 
his wants, and follow his example, in loving his country. 

"s The Star-spangled Banner — 



lief, , re the , 



J and stripes shall , 



a into a grave. 

-.May they be 1 



"9. The Patriots of South America— May they be reinforced 
God of Armies, thai the Republic in the North may greet 1 

ill the SOUth. 



"By A. Wilson. Esq.— The President of the I' States. The profound 
statesman ; we delight to honor great and good men. May his tour 
through the Union have a happy influence on the people. 

"By Lt. John Stevens— The Gove 
when storms and tempests thunder < 
billows at its feet. 

" By Capt. Benj. Hutchinson, of Milford— The Militia. Maj thej in 
time of peace prepare for war. 

"By Deacon Jacob Putnian— May the partition wall between Federal- 
ists and Republicans be thrown down and all unite like brethren. 

" By Mr. I Hivor Whiting.— The Rev. Clergy. May they cease to preach 
politics, and know nothing among their people, save Jesus Christ, and 
him crucified. 

"By 'apt F. Whitney— The people of Wilton. May that noble spirit 
,,1 peace, unanimity and independence, which shines so conspicuous in 
their character, be as permanent and lasting as it is pure and honorable. 

"By Mr. Israel Herrick.— The fair daughters of Columbia, being tie 
weaker vessel, may they he ' united to a man,' whereby they may be pro 
tected. 

"A well-served field-piece and a band of music resounded the senti* 
ments of freemen to the distant bills, and was by them echoed back to 
the convivial multitude, who at an early hour retired to their several 

homes in harmony and friendship " 

The centennial celebration of the town, in 1839, is 
narrated elsewhere. The one hundred and fiftieth 
anniversary, which will occur in 1889, will be ob- 
served, it is to be hoped, in a manner and with a 
spirit appropriate to flic occasion. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

WILTON— (Continued). 



MILITARY AFFAIRS. 



Five wars have called on our people to supply 
men and means — the French and Indian, 1755, the 
Revolutionary War, 1775-83, that of 1812-15, Mexi- 
can War of 1846-48 and the Civil Rebellion, 1861-65. 

I. The French and Indian Wars.— These were 
prolonged and revived from time to time from 1755 
to 1773. The terror of these wars was that the In- 
dians were readily seized upon as allies of the French 
and officered by their European masters and em- 
ployed to carry havoc through New England and 
New York. They laid in wait as the settlers left 
their block-houses to go out to their fields for their 
day's work, or made night hideous as they dashed 
into some lone settlement with their terrible war- 
whoop, firing the houses, tomahawking and scalping 
the men and carrying the women and children into a 
captivity often worse than death. These incursions 
of the savages kept the whole country in a state of 



721 



feverish alarm and terror and suspended all regular 
business. The pioneers, after great sacrifices, were 
often obliged to abandon their improvements, made 
at great cost, and take refuge in the cities or in the 
fortified towns to escape their barbarities. It was a 
guerrilla warfare of the most terrible character. 

Nor were the early settlers of New England alto- 
gether innocent in the matter. They regarded the 
Indians as the children of the devil, and their ex- 
termination as in some measure a religious duty. 
They superstitiously believed that in ridding them 
from the land they were doing the same sorl of ser- 
vice to God that Joshua and the Israelites did ill 
driving out and slaughtering the Canaanites. 

But, as elsewhere said, Wilton bore but a small part 
in the Indian warfare. No tribe permanently occu- 
pied her territory. But few of her sons were engaged 
in the proper French and Indian Wars. 

Among the troops that were raised to reinforce 
the army after the battle of Lake George, September, 
L755,in Captain James Todd's company, is found the 
name of Ephraim Butterfield; time of enlistment, 
September T2; time of discharge, December 13,1755. 

In the campaign of 1757, in the roll of Captain 
Richard's Emery's company, we find the name of 
Henry Parker, Jr., and Josiah Parker, whose father 
settled on lot No. 5, in the seventh range. He was 
massacred at Fort William Henry when captured by 
the French and Indians. 

In the campaign of 1758, in the roll of Captain 
Nehemiah Lovewell's company, is found the name of 
.[anies Mann, one <•( the earliest sellers in the south- 
west part of Wilton; also Philip Putnam, Ephraim 
Buttenield and Alexander Milliken. They were out 
about six months in the sen ic< . 

The above enlistments are all we find recorded in 
the old documents as belonging to Wilton. But the 
following petition will show painful apprehensions of 
the inhabitants at an earlier period, and the measures 
they took to insure their safetj against these fierce 
children of the wilderness: 

PETITION FOB PROTECTION AGAINST INDIANS. 



" To His Excellency, Bcnning W.nt worth, ICh.j., (Iovciiioi and i' ■ 

inarider-iii-Chicf i.l 1 1 i - Majesty'- l'r. ivin. ._• of New Hampshire : The 

petition of the inhabitants uf Salem Canada, in said 1'rovince, Humbly 
shews, — That yuur petitioner;) live ill a place ei'rath i\ ji.e. .1 U lie- I ii- 

diaufl ami have not men sufficient for t<> Defend us. That tho" there be 
but few of us, yet we have laid out i an c-tate.- In burin in this place ; 
- liial we shall be extremely bull it we must now QlOve off, for we 

ii , l.v He- Blessing of God on our labors, a tine crop of corn on the 
ground ; ami tho' we have a Harrison iii the town. limit by order i.f 
Mai. Lovell, yet we have nobody empowered so much as to set a watch 

mi' it- ii- tea in. 11 1- keep it. We would pia\ yuill bXcell. n -\ that ut- 
ility have some assistance from the Government in sending us some sol- 
diers t" Ouaid and Iiefeinl us, as ill your wisdom \aai -hall think proper. 
Though we are but newly added to this Government, yet we pray your 
Excellency not to disregard us, but to assist us, that we may keep our 
estates and do service for the government hereafter And your Peti- 
tioners, as in duty Bound, \iill ever pray, 

'•John Cram, Jr., Joseph Cram, John Cram, Samuel I.eman, Iiavid 
Stevenson, John Stevenson, John Date; Jonathan Cram, Benjamin 
Cram, Kphraim Putnam, Abraham Lemau. 

" Salem Canada, June Jilth, 1744.'' 



II. The Revolutionary War.— We have 

seen, in the account of the public spirit and patriotism 
of the citizens in resenting the unjust laws of taxation 
and stamp duties in 1774. the [(reparation of the town 
to enter heartily into the final struggle for inde- 
pendence. In (act. the Wilton declaration of virtual 
independence of Great Britain takes precedence in 
point nf time of the famous Mecklenberg articles of 
Ninth ( 'aruliua. 

Many of the town records of that period have, un- 
fortunately, perished either by neglect or tire. We 
are told in the centennial address and appendix that 
" nearly every able-bodied man belonging to Wilton 
was out in the war, and every man in the town either 
did service personally or hired another to till his 
place for a longer or shorter period." At the battles 
of Bunker Hill, Bennington, White Plains, Saratoga 
and others Wilton was honorably represented. Twen- 
ty-two out of its sparse population were killed or 
died in camp or hospital in the war. The whole 
number enlisted was thirty-four known, and many 
others whose names are not recorded. 

A ig the names of those who were in the war, 

and in many instances several of the same name, are 
Abbot, Ballard, Barker, Burton, ("rani. Fry, Gray, 
Greele, Hawkins, Hazleton, Hidden, Holt, Honey, 
How, Hutchinson, Lewis, Martin, Parker, Perrv, 
Pettengill, Peirce, Putnam, Reddington, Russell, 
Sawyer, Wilkins. 

Wilton jiaid at one time £30(i 10.?., and at another 
time £293 9s., as bounties to the soldiers. When the 
Continental currency depreciated in value, in order 
that the soldiers should get their dues, they were paid, 
each, for three months' service, a bounty in cattle, 
twenty head to a man, estimated at eight dollars a 
head. The sum paid instead of the cattle was twelvi 
dollars in the depreciated money. Besides the regu- 
lar [iay by the government and the bounty by the 
town, the town also paid for the clothing. In 1777, 
Ichabod Perry enlisted during the war. Isaac Fry 
-ci\. il through the war. and at its close was honored 
with the brevet rank of major and a letter of com- 
mendation from I ieneral Washington. 
| Nor did the women and children at home bear a 
less honorable or patriotic part while their husbands, 
sons, brothers or fathers were absent in the service of 
their country. It fell to their lot to carry on the 
work at home, not only in-doors, but on the farms, 
anil to provide means to support their households 
and help pay the heavy taxes and bounties for the 
public service. We cannot be so forgetful of the 
heroism displayed in those days that tried not only 
men's, but women's studs, as to pass by unremem- 
bered and unmentioned the soldiers' families at 
home, their labors, dangers, anxieties and sufferings. 

III. War of 1812— The soldiers from Wilton in 
the War of 1812 were Lieutenant Abiel Wilson, Jr., 
Privates Timothy Mclntyre, Oliver Wilkins and 
Aaron Wilkins. They were on the northern frontier. 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Mclntire was slain in battle in 1814; the others were and to their families. The sublime spectacle of a 

out during the war. Aaron Wilkins was out about great nation, rising at the emergency to maintain the 

Union and destroy slavery, is one of the greatest 



two years. 

At the first call for troops to defend Portsmouth, 
August, 1814. Aaron Wilkins, John furrier, Aaron 
Eolden and Samuel Holt went from the South Com- 
pany, and Abner Flint, James Wilson, Emery Foster 
and Abner Shattuek from the North Company. They 
were out about ten weeks. 

At the second call, Seth P. Tyler, Benjamin N. 
Fisk, Joel Severence and Timothy ]!. Abbot from the 
South Company, and Ensign Putnam Wilson, Eliab 
Tapley, Ambrose L. Farnum and Asa Fletcher from 
the North Company. They were out about seven 
weeks. Foster died at Londonderry when on his 
way home. 

Those in the first call were in Captain Timothy 
Putnam's company, Colonel Fisk's regiment. 

Those in the last eall were in Captain William 

Gregg's company, Colonel John Steele's regiment. 

The town gave io those in the first eall a bounty of 

ten dollars each, and to those in the last eall a 

bounty of six dollars each. 

The custom of annual trainings and musters was ob- 
served by Wilton, as by the other towns in New Hamp- 
shire, and a more minute history will lie given here- 
after in the fuller annals of the town in regard to the 
State militia. 

IV. The Mexican War.— It is not known that 
any soldiers from Wilton were out in this contest. 



events in the history of the world, and cannot tail to 
have its moral and political effect upon all future 
generations of the American republic. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



Joseph Newell was born in Reading, Mass., in the 
year 1794. His father died soon after, so that he 
had no recollection of him. His mother married, 
for her second husband, John Cofran, of Charlestown, 
Ma — ., where tin- family were brought up, consisting 
of two .-mis and two daughters. 

After leaving school Joseph was placed in a store, 
and afterwards went into the West India goods busi- 
ness in Charlestown Square under the firm-name of 
Newell and Thompson, where they did an extensive 
business with the country towns of Vermont and 
New Hampshire, which in those days was done by 
the slow process of teaming, the products of the 
country to be exchanged for goods of various 
kinds. 

It was in 1823 when he was obliged to make a 



The popular impression in the North that this war ehange, on account of ill-health, to a climate free 

wa- waged in the interest ot the extension of slavery „,„„ eagt winda :lllli s . |lt air th . (t his stepfatner Jobn 

by the politicians of the South prevented any ex- Cofran, who had been obliged to take a place in Wil- 

tensive enthusiasm lor it among the masses of the ton. New Hampshire, fir debt, advised his son to go 

Northern people. t „ this place ;ls all experimen( and see ,,„„. it might 

V. The Civil War of 1861-65,-In this great agree with him. He had married Lavina Hopkins, 

conflict Wilton did its honorable part by men and daughter of Colonel Samuel Hopkins, of Wilming- 

Mass., the year previous, and with his young 



money. The votes of the town were earnest and 
patriotic in main!. lining the Union, while the 
mothers, wives, daughters and sisters at home bravely 
and faithfully did their part to assist those in the 
field by sending them clothing, food, medicines and 
home comforts of every description, and by keeping 
up the home farms and households. 

There were four men in the First New Hampshire 
Regiment, nine in the Second Regiment, one in the 



wife he started for New Hampshire, never once think- 
ing that his stay would be more than temporary : but 
his health became so much improved by the pure air 
and fine scenery that he concluded to remain for a 
time, and commenced business in the middle of Wil- 
ton. At that time all the business of the town cen- 
tred there, ami the country store was the grand ren- 
dezvous for all the town people, not only to exchange 



'bird Regiment, seven in the Fourth Regiment, ten I their product- but their sentiments and opinions on 

all important questions of the day that might come 
up. and as one can imagine they were many, and 
then, as now, in political times were of Tie same vast 
importance to the different contending parties, ever 
watchful for their country's good. The hall over the 
store was the caucus room ; adjoining was a large 



the Fifth Regiment, two in the Si ventb Regiment, 
fifteen in the Eighth Regiment, three in the Ninth 
Regiment, two in the Eleventh Regiment, one in the 
Thirteenth Regiment, twenty-one in the Sixteenth 
Regiment, two in the First Regiment Cavalry, five 
in tie- first Regiment Heavy Artillery, and fifteen in 



the Lafayette Artillery— in all, eighty-seven. These Free-Masons' hall; the post-office was connected with 
are independent of those who may have enlisted in the store; therefore, one may readily see the many 
military organizations in other States from Wilton. attractions of the central store of one of those old 
The town wa- generous in paying bounties, and New England towns, where not only the affairs of the 
has since been munificent in giving pen-, town but those of the State and nation as well were 
Sions io those wounded, sick or crippled by the war, discussed oftentimes in a most exciting manner. 





-y^c iy\7u^^^^ 



723 



At this period New Hampshire seemed to have 
taken a life lease of the Democratic party. It was 
the law, if not the gospel, of both town and State' tor 
many long years, while the struggling minority were 
ever working to free themselves from the bondage of 
the dominant party, occasionally encouraged but 
only to Ik* defeated. 

Joseph Newell was always one of the stanch, hope- 
ful opposition— a Wehstei Whig from the start. In 
this he was decided and fearless, but annuallj on 
town-meeting day was obliged to succumb to the will 

of the majority. It will be seen that I ccupied a 

barren field tor political promotion, although his 
tastes were not of that kind. 

He clung to the old party to which he belonged 
while ii lasted with the tenacity of life, hut when the 
dissolving elements set in he took to what he consid- 
ered the next best landing, the Republican party, al- 
though with many regrets an. I fond lingerings for the 
past old battle-ground. In 1865 and L866 lie was 
elected to the State Senate, which was the only polit- 
ical office he ever held ; and. perhaps, here I cannot 
better illustrate a point in his character than by an 
extract taken from the Nashua Telegraph : 



liail : 



.1.--11.-.I ti> ai-im a |„ lull ii- in, :e ■' Vmii may argil.' It .ill ,lav, it \"ti 

Ilk,. -.u,l Mi V'A.ll. "inv mill, I is mail,, up ' " An.l il tiiiin.l mil 

that it was made up against the counsel." 

lie was a constant attendant and supporter of the 
old Unitarian Society of the town, and in former 
days his house was always open to the gatherings ol 
the clergy, which were frequent in those times; and 
if he did not fully endorse the creed or belief of that 
denomination tit that time, it must he confessed thai 
the gulf was not widened tis time went on with tin 
development of more liberal ideas. 

When the railroad Ir .Nashua was extended to 

Wilton, it completely changed the old town, and all 
the business forsook the old haunts of trade lor the 
terminus of the railroad on (he river hank in the 
eastern part of the town. 

The subject of our sketch was not long in determin- 
ing the icih course lefl for him to take. He at once 
erected a store and house and afterwards other build- 
ings and removed his business to this more thriving 
situation, where he continued to take an interest in 
the intinx enterprises of the town until 1857, when 
his wife died, and he then commenced to close up his 

While the old town was fast going to decay on 
account of its new rival, till it might have almost 
reminded one of < hiblsmitlfs I >eserted Village, yet, 
notwithstanding the forlorn and forsaken look which 
everywhere presented itself from abandonment and 
neglect, he could never entertain the thought of part- 
ing with his old home, surrounded as il is with 
charming scenery of woods and streams and w ith a 
bold outlook of the grand old Temple Hills which he 



so much enjoyed to look upon in after life. Add to 
this ih, old homestead, built in 1800, where his four 
children were born and the best and happiest days of 

his life were spent. 

With these feelings he was prompted to oiler the 

old store and adjoining buildings to his j 

«'. II. Newell, who immediately altered it into a spa- 
cious summer residence. The old homestead hegave 

lo his eldest Son, < reorge A. Newell, n ho made exten- 
sive repairs and alterations, and also occupies it dur- 
ing the summer months. This, together with other 
improvements, made the place an attractive home 
during the last days of the ..Id gentleman's life, and 
one which he never failed to enjoy. 

Joseph Newell ill any position in life would have 
been called a character. He was, as litis been -aid, a 
positive man. 11 is nature was not of a frivolous kind 
— deception, he had noni — hut with a strong deter- 
mination and decided opinions, strongly tinctured 
with a true sense of justice. He might be regarded 

among men like a how Idet on the landscape, linn and 

immo, able. 

An extract from the Telegraph at the lime of his 
death may not he inappropriate in closing this brie) 
sketch : 



lav) illuming at l li.- a.lvano-il a-.- ,,| e- He, u -m \. .ii * The ,!■-, eased 

,\a- a liatlo- ,,| el,.ul.,..|..u n, Ma — l|.- . to Will ■ 

111. I wa- a |.l,,^|, --Il i/.n an. I ] lit m.i.l I 1 ,,|,, than 



wen paralli I. I,- was a l- I citizen 

rs to e— foi his example was \v..r- 



OAVin WHITING. 1 

David Whiting is the son of Oliver and Fany (Stiles) 
Whiting, and was born at theold Whiting homestead, 
now the county farm in Wilton, New Hampshire, 
August I'll, IS HI. t Hiver Whiting was a native of 

Temple, X. H., and a successful farmer. He was a 

strong, sensible, resolute man, and acquired a . pe 

tence. He had four children, of whom David was 
the otil\ -on. He located upon a large faun in Wil- 
ton and carried it on until declining years prevented 

his gi, ing active at I en I ion lo il. when David look con- 
trol and ultimately succeeded i,. its ownership. 



I:, I II a in 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



David Whiting is therefore a native of Wilton, and, 
with the exception of a few years, lias always lived 
there. His life has been one of great usefulness. He 
received the ordinary instructions ofthe district school 
in his neighborhood, — but the school was seldom, if 
ever, over two months in length, and in winter. In 
summer he did not attend but worked on his lather's 
farm. He began to work almost as soon as he com- 
menced to walk, and he has never been idle since. At 
the age of eight he did the chores and took care of the 
cattle. Although his school days and the hours spent 
in reading and studying books were few, he has. 
through his keen observing powers, acquired a large 
store of practical information, and has become a busi- 
ness man of unusual intelligence. 

With a body aglow with health, knit together with 
muscles as strong as steel, and which has never been 
hurt by intemperance or abuse, and with a mind 
as clear and bright as sunlight, it is not strange that 
we find him, at the age of seventy-five, full of vigor 
and enterprise, pushing along with all the enthusiasm 
of youth. It is useful to record the life of such a man. 
It affords an instance of what perseverance, enterprise, 
courage and fidelity will do. Mr. Whiting possesses 
all these traits, hence hissuccess. 

Betbre he was twenty years obi be kept a store in 
Temple for awhile, belonging to his father; subse- 
quently he went to Fitehburg, Mass., and there erected 
a building in which he carried on trade for sunn' three 
years, ami in the meantime built and sold three dwel- 
ling-houses. He then sold out at Fitehburg and re- 
turned to Wilton, ami to his father's farm. lie 
bought the farm and carried it on for many years. 

Mr. Whiting, October 5, 1830, married Emma, 
daughter of Isaac Spalding, of Wilton. He was 
more than fortunate in his marriage. In all of his 
years since, and in every undertaking, he has been 
aided by the intelligent assistance of his wife, who is 
a lady ol i are beauty of character and whose domestic 
life has been the chief charm of Mr. Whiting's beau- 
tiful home. 

About two years after his purchase of the old home- 
stead, the barn with one hundred and fifty tons of hay 

was burned. This was a severe loss. He had fr 

!iii\ lo seventy-five head of cattle and winter was ap- 
proaching. There was no time to be lost. In this 
emergency Mr. Whiting's grit and courage were mani- 
fest. Storms test ships ; so difficulties and trials test 
men. He secured a company of men, went into the 
woods and cut the trees and turned them into lumber, 
and in about one month completed a barn hun- 
dred and twenty by forty, which still stands, a monu- 
ment to his courage and perseverance in the most try- 
ing circumstances. 

Mr. Whiting in time, made his fi 
most valuable in the State. It was one 
and possibly the largest dairy farm in 
it did not satisfy him. He wanted mo: 

When the railroad was built to W 



I'm one of the 
e ofthe largest, 
i the Slate, bin 
ire business. 



others, engaged a special car, and began to purchase 
milk of farmers and carry it, with the product of his 
own farm, to Boston. Previous to this time there had 
been no outlet for milk in this section of the State. 
It had to be made by the producer into butter and 
cheese. The milk ear was first started by parties in 
Boston, but largely through Mr. Whiting's influence 
and assistance. He was for a time employed on the 
car, but finally purchased the business, at the same 
time turning the management of the farm over to his 
son Harvey, and from that time henceforward has 
been engaged in this enterprise. 

The farm was finally sold to the county of Hills- 
borough and is now used for the County poor. In due 
time Mr. Whiting's two sons, H. A. and G. O. Whit- 
ing, joined him in business, and for many years the 
firm of I>. Whiting & Sons has been one of tin- most 
enterprising in southern New Hampshire. They are 
engaged not only in the milk trade, but in lumber 
and grain. Very soon after entering the milk busi- 
ness, Mr. Whiting began the manufacture of butter 
and cheese in Wilton. He now has a first-class fac- 
tory full of modern machinery, and consumes two 
thousand gallons of milk daily, making about eight 
hundred poundsof butter and sixteen hundred pounds 
of cheese. 

The visitorto the thrifty town of Wilton can 3ee on 

every hand the evidences of the enterprise of I>a\id 
Whiting >V Sons. It is fair to say that to the indom- 
itable enter]. rise of David Whiting the town owes 
more than to any other person. His force and indus- 
try have, for a full half century, been a source of en- 
couragement to all with whom he has associated. 

In 1866 Mr. Whiting erected a large hotel in Wil- 
ton. For years he was its landlord. He was a model 
one. Under his management the "Whiting House" 
became a famous summer result. In 1874, in a dis- 
astrous conflagration which visited the towu.it was 
burned and was never rebuilt. The site was subse- 
quently presented to Wilton by Mr. Whiting, and is 
now occupied by the new town house. He has twice 

represented the town of Wilton in the State Legis- 
lature. 

Mr. Whiting has Ci\^< children, seventeen grand- 
children and two great-grandchildren. His children 
are Harvej A. and George 0. Whiting; Mrs. Frances 
E. Spencer, of Lexington, Mass.; .Mis. Maria A. Van 
\ 1st i ne, of Louisville, K y. ; and Mrs. Lizzie M. Brad- 
ley, of Chicago, 1 11. 

October 5, 1880, Mr. and Mrs. Whiting celebrated 
their golden wedding. He was seventy, she was sixty - 
seven years old. It was a memorable occasion. Chil- 
dren, grandchildren and friends from far and near, 
gathered in the charming home of the worthy couple 
in Wilton, and all were received with genuine, hospi- 
tality for which Mr. and Mrs. Whiting an' so well 
known. More than three hundred people were pres- 
ent and entertained. The day and evening were spent 
in pleasant reminiscences, in merry-making, song 




Qf)6u^~L ^ 




f&^xrX' 



and dance. Many were the tokens of lovea'nd re 
spect that were left with them; and these, with the 
earnest words spoken, indicated the esteem in which 
thej are held by their kinsmen and townsmen and 
friends. David Whiting is a strong, earnest man. 
The world needs such men. 



D \ NIEL CRAGIN. 

Daniel Cragin, fourth child of Augustus and Almira 
(Boynton) Cragin, was born in the town of Merri- 
mack, Hillsborough County, N. 11., December 31, 
1836. 

II, is seventh in line of descent, from John Cragon 
(as the name was then spelled), who was a Scot by 
birth, and whose life was rather an adventurous one. 
The tradition is that at the age of sixteen he was 
forced to join the army of the " Pretender," and at the 
disastrous battle of Dunbar he, with numerous others, 
was made prisoner by the English troops, and in 1632 
he, with over two hundred and seventy others, were 
sent by the British Government to America in the 
ship " John and Sarah," to lie sold into slavery as a 
penalty tor their political offenses. We have not been 
able to learn whether Cragon was sold in obedience to 
this decree; if SO, it was certainly a very mild form of 
.slavery, and he soon obtained his liberty. At any rati', 
on the voyage he was stricken with small-pox, and 
his lite being despaired of, he was about to be thrown 
overboard, from which fate he was happily saved by 
the intercession of a young English lady named Sarah 
Dawes, whom he afterwards married in Woburn, 
.Mass., in which town they resided till their death. 
They had eight children, of whom John was sixth 
(born September 19, 1677, died January 26, 1703.) 
He married I leborah Skelton ; they had three children ; 
the eldest also named ■lahn, was born .March 24, 1701, 
married Judith Barker, of Concord, and settled in 
that part of the town now called Acton, from which 
place he afterward removed to Temple, N. II. He 
had nine children. Francis, the seventh child, was 
horn in Acton, and came with his parents to Temple 
where he grew to manhood and married Elizabeth 
Law. They had a numerous family ; Francis, the 
third child, was born October 24, 177o ; he married 
Sarah CummingS. Their son. Angus/us, was born 

July 19, 1802 ; married December II, L830, Almira 
Boynton; they had ten children, of whom Daniel, 
whose portrait accompanies this sketch, was fourth. 

When Daniel was but six months of age, his father, 
who was a farmer and mechanic, removed from Mer- 
rimack to Temple. Young Cragin was early taught 
to labor, his boyhood being spent on his father's farm 
till the age of seventeen, when he engaged with John 
Newell, of Lyndeborough, to learn cabinet-work. 
Alter three years spent with him, he went to Wilton 
where for a year be was employed in a furniture-shop. 
Then returning to Lyndeborough he, in company 
with a partner, purchased the shop and business of 



Mi. Newell, his first employer. Continuing here with 
varying success something more than a year, Mr. 
Cragin disposed of his interest in the business, and 

came lo what was known a I ilia I time as the " l'u I nam 
Corporation," in the north part of the town of Wilton. 
This was in L858. Mr. Cragin bad just attained bis 
majority, and while, as before slated, be had had some 
business experience, yel fortune had not favored him 
with financial success, and he began business in Wil- 

cash capital often dollars. 

He rented oner n in the l'u I nam Bobbin Factory, 

in winch to carry on his manufacturing. Continuing 

here two \ car- and meet ing with fair success, he pur- 
chased a small building on the site of his present 
factory, and removed his manufacturing there. Soon 
after this he built an addition to his shop, and from 
that time to the present a- the exigencies of his in- 
creasing business have demanded, he has made addi- 
tions to the space and facilities with which hestarted. 
In addition to the water-power which at the begin- 
ning was sufficient to operate his machinery, he has 
since found it necessary to add steam-power, and now 
both are in use. 

About the autumn of 1876, Mr. Cragin began the 
manufacture of dry measures, which has since grown 

to be the leading feature of his business. At the time 
when he undertook this line of manufacturing, the 
machinery in use for the purpose was very crude, in- 
deed ; in fact, the measures were bended and made 
almost entirely by hand. And just here comes a 
practical illustration of the genius or faculty, which 
more than all others has made N.-w England the 
centre of capital and cradle of progress in America, 
Che faculty of invention, that predominant and dis- 
tinguishing characteristic of the Yankee character, 
which seeing a need proceeds at once to devise a way 
of supplying it. With a singleness of purpose and de- 
termination to succeed, coupled with an analytical 
and practical turn of mind. Mr. Cragin began at once 
to devise simple and labor-saving machines to do 
what had hitherto been done only by hand. < rae con- 
trivance after another was made, , xperimented with, 
improved and perfected, until now, by the aid of 
various ingenious, curiously contrived, yi 
IM: n hines, the lumber is carried through the manifold 
p ro , esses necessary to i onvert it into measures of 
various sizes and capacities, in an amazingl) rapid 
and skillful manner, until the vessels are completed, 
the whole work practicall) done l,\ machinery. And 

wliai is] ,everj piece of machinery in Mr.Cragin's 

1:ll ,,,,., except a few of the simpler contrivance,-, is 
the product of his own inventive genius. The im- 
proved facilities which he lias thus created for him- 
_ r ir dave enabled him to produce first-class wori at 
prices which have practically driven from the field 
;l || competitors, SO that in the area which he attempts 

to cover, he has almost a nopoly in this specialty. 

In addif to manufacturing he has dealt more or 



726 



HISTOKY OF llll.FSlloKol 'CI1 COUNTY, XF.W II A M FSI1 1 F K 



less in lumber, real estate, etc., and made other in- 
vestments. Il> lii- been selectman of the town of 
Wilton five years, ami chairman of the board for 
three years. IF- represented his town in the 
Legislature two years, 1875-76, anil in Iss-i was 
nominated candidate lor Senator .in the Democratic 
ticket, Imt with no chance of election as the district 
isstronglj Republican. Mr. Cragin is a stanch yet 
tolerant Democrat, broad and liberal in both political 
ami religious views. He is one of the directors of the 
Wilton Savings-bank. 

He married March 22, 1859, .lane L., daughter of 
John ami Lucette Dolliver, of Lyndeborough. They 
ha\ e no children. 

Mrs. Cragin's ancestors came originally from Eng- 
land ; the name was then spelled " Dolebier." Her 
grandfather was a master mariner ami sailed for many 
years in the China trade. Prior to the United States 
treaty with China. Captain Dolliver was at one time 
immured in a Chinese prison for quite a while for 
some technical violation of some of their customs or 
laws. Mis. Cragin's father was a native of Marble- 
head, Mass., from which place he removed to Lynde- 
borough, X. H., where he is still li\ ing at an advanced 



II. N. Gray was born January 4. 1826, at what is 
known as "Cray's Corners," in the town of Wilton, 
N. H. He is descended from Joseph Cray, who was 
a soldier iii the War of the Revolution, and partici- 
pated in the battle of Ticonderoga. Joseph Graj 
was, by occupation, a farmer, and was a man of great 
energy and tone of character. He retained his in- 
terest in military affairs, anil after the Revolutionary 
War was over he became adjutant of militia, which 
position he held for many years. He was a man of 
robust constitution, full of energy, an early ris< r, and 

noted for his push and vigor. He lived to be 'e 

than eighty years of age. His wife was Chloe Ab- 
bott. Calvin Gray was his son. and was brought up 

on his father's farm. When about eighteen years of 
age, he learned blacksmithing with James Mean-, of 
Wilton, and followed that occupation as long as he 
lived, lie was a genial, pleasant man, and fond ,,f 
the jollities of life. He inherited his father's love 
for military affairs , and rose to the rank of adjutant 
of militia, the same rank his father had formerly 
held. He married Clarissa King. They had three 
children, who survived him: H. Newton; Harriet 



X. (married Henry K. French, of Peterborough, 
X. II., and died, leaving one child); Charles I». 
(married Kate Spaulding, of Mason, and died leav- 
ing no issue i. Calvin Gray was born 1800, and died 
L856. 

II. .\ . Gray was brought up on the farm and in 
the blacksmith-shop of his father, with whom he re- 
mained until he attained his majority. IF then 
hired the shop of his father, and conducted business 
lor himself. Upon his fathei 's dei ease, In- purchased 
of the other heirs their interest in the estate, and has 
successfully prosecuted the business, to which he has 
added carriage-building, to tic present time. He is 
the originator of what is known as the Wilton Wagon, 
and has made a specialty of their manufacture for 
several years. He has the reputation of doing thor- 
oughly first-class work, and ha- that grandest of all 
tributes paid him by his neighbors — (hat of being, in 
all respects, an upright, reliable, truthful man. He 
is a Republican in politics, and a Unitarian in re- 
ligion. 

He married, January 3, L853, Mary Ann Heath, of 
Fane. Mass., an estimable lady. They have three 
children: Ella H. (married William H. Putnam, of 
Wilton, and has live children), Charles X. (married 
Mina O. Jones, of Wilton, daughter of Dr. Jones), 
and William H. (married .Minnie Follansbee, oi 
Wilton). 

Mr. Cray is an industrious, pushing man. and lias 
made for himself and family a beautiful home. Flis 
venerable mother, who is still living at the advanced 
age of eighty-one, is, in man} respects, a remarkable 
woman, possessing a strong mind in a strong body. 
She has been a woman of remarkable activity and 
industry, of clear judgment and sound common sense, 
full of life and energy. She has, perhaps, done more 
labor, and successfully carried through greater re- 
sponsibilities, than any other woman of (he commu- 
nity. She has been a model New England house- 
wife, neat, frugal, industrious and self-reliant. Such 
mothers have given to the world the successful men 
of the world. She has, all her life, prided herself on 
promptitude, never failing to perform to the letter 
whatever she promised: and this trait, inherited by 
her son, has been the key-note of his since-- in busi- 
ness, and his standing as a reliable man among his 
fellow-townsmen. 

It is a pleasure to be able to preserve on the pages 
of history some record of the virtues of such wives 
and mothers. All honor to their memory, and may 
their descendants revere their name, and emulate the 
example of their unselfish, noble lives. 




c/^r^^ 



7^ 



HISTORY OF WINDSOR. 



I1Y .John Q. DODGE. 



CHAPTER I. 

Windsob is situated twenty-seven miles west from 
i loncordand has an area of live thousand three hundred 
and thirty-five acres. It is Unruled on ihe northeast 
and east by Hillsborough, on the south by Antrim, en 
tin- west ami northwest by Stoddard, Cheshire Count} . 

and Washington, Sullivan (' ity. 

The shape of the town is like that of a flat-iron. 
Tin- was caused b) the old State survey and layingout 
of the towns. They began at the east side, on the Maine 
line, and ran west to the west side of Hillsborough, 
stopped there, and began again on the west side of the 
Connecticut River, running east to the east side ofStod- 
dard and Washington, thus leaving this heater-piece, 
as described, the same being granted t Mr. < lamp- 
bell, and lor many years prior to incorporation it went 
by the name of " Campbell's Gore." December 27, 
1798, it was incorporated a town under its present 
name, Windsor. 

Its present population (1885) isahoutsixty-five. The 
soil is naturally very fertile, and there is but little ol 
what would be termed waste land; yet, at present, 
there is hut a small portion of it properly eared for and 
under a respectable state of cultivation, quite a portion 
being owned by a lew whose attention is turned to 
grazing. 

There are three natural ponds. Black Pond is the 
principal body of water. White and Bagley Ponds 
are smaller. Fish abound in each. 

The writer is unable to get much of the early his- 
tory of the town, as in the year 1850 .Mr. Samuel 
Chapman was town clerk, and in June his house was 
burned, and all the town minutes and records, except 
one book, were destroyed. This hook dales back 
to July 1809, except by chance the incorporation of 
the town in 1798 had been recorded in it. 

A Mr. Joshua Lovejoy, who oner made potash here, 
was authorized to call the first town-meeting. 

John T.Gibson was Governor, and thefirst meeting 
we have record of was .March 14, 1809, at which there 
were thirty-four votes cast. The present number of 
poll.- is twenty-four. 

An alphabetical list of all the representatives on 
record is as follows : 



REPR] 5ENTATIVES 

Horace Ui I, i yeai . Charles \ Blam hard, I y ai Jo 1 1 b • I ... ,. 

,,,.,,, |,,. N |.;,vi.t •".Llll>, 1 v.;irs ; Siilnil.-I 

I 'It:, pi. >.n .. - v.;u- . si la- ili.ipni.iii. J yi .11- I .-■I'll I' C!i.i| in. lyr.n- . 



Francis G. Dressei 
years; Nehcniiah .1. 

ii 



,11 11. Flint, J 

J i' 1 

Mark S; 



am! Francis < '<. 1 >resser was tin 
rov s i 1.1 rks 



,„.•! I l,..|. 



Dai 

.. .1 - . \ : 



A,. I. ,i .Li 
McClintock, 14 years ; J Warren Perkins, 2 years George M Russell, 

- ,. , |i. II Sweatt, 7 years 

Archibald McClintoi k was the first town clerl mi 
record, in 1809, and George M. Russell the lasi and 
present one. 

SKI, I-.' nn N 
- w. '- \i.> . .1. ..... . 1 1 - - i ■ - ■ w I (years; S Buck, 1 



bail. ■ \ Blam i. ..el. - years . 
. years Jolin Curtis, 1 yeai 



Chapman, 31 yearn 
John M Curtis,;) i 
years J B Em n 
I yeai I ram i- I 



eph I'li.ipm .... 



years . hi I. FoIb , 



The present hoard arc George M. Russell, Francis 
i ;. Dresser and Mark Symonds. 

The whole amount of mom > paid soldiers during 
the war of the Rebellion was $1613, as follows: John 
C. Knowlton,$100; Joseph C. Chapman, $100; George 
W. Carr (a nine months' man), $100; Charles A. 
Blancbard, $300; Charles A. W Is, $300; Hiel Mc- 
Clintock, $300; Joseph Wright, $413. The last foui 
scut substitutes. 

The town paid, up its whole war debt in two years. 

The first mill in town was built at the foot oi Black 
pond, by Alexander McClintock. about 1790; was 
owned and operated bj aim for sevi ral years and then 
passed into the hands of Mr. Silas Gibson, who after- 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



wards built a new one and also a flour-mill a few feet 
above. Tbe part he built now stands, with an addi- 
tion a1 each end. Mr. Gideon Knowlton bought the 
mill from Mr. Gibson, and for several years large quan- 
tities of flour were made there up to about 1850. 

Mr. Knowlton operated the mill until he died, in 
1863. Ii was then bought by Mr. Daniel G. Dodge, 
who put in a Leffell water-wheel, which, under the 
lull head of water, gives seventy-two horse-power. 
He also put in a board circular-mill, planing machine, 
etc., and did quite an extensive business until he died, 
in 1872. It then passed into the hands of the present 
owner. John II. Dodge, who, in 1S70, leased it to New- 
man & Co., of Hillsborough. They put in a boiler 
and engines, in addition to machines and fittings for 
the manufacture of clothes-pins, and run it for about 
two years; but, being heavily in debt when they began, 
and failing to secure funds, they were obliged to assign 
their property for the benefit of their creditors. At 
the assignee's auction, John G. Dodge purchased the 
entire outfit, and, in 1880, began operations in the 
lumber business, after first having put in a cemented 
stone dam that water will never move nor time decay. 
He now employs a dozen hands on the lumber and 
clothes-pins, ami to utilize the whole power would re- 
quire twenty-live men. 

In 1883, .Mr. Dodge refitted the grist-mill with one 
run of stones lor coarse meal. 

About the year 1819, Mr. Ezra Smith built a mill 
about one hundred rods below, on the same stream, 
for the purpose of dressing woolen cloth. A part of 
the old dam remains, but the mill has long since de- 
cayed. Mr. Samuel Chapman is the only man now- 
living in town who was at the raising. 

There are three other unoccupied water privileges 
between the present mill and where the woolen-mill 
stood, from which twenty to forty feel of fall might be 
had, with water sufficient to do quite a business, the 
year round, in the manufacture of wooden-ware, ami 
there is an immense quantity of good lumber center- 
ing here, with no feasible outlet for it in the log. 

In 1853 there was a steam-mill built at White Pond 
by Mr. Joseph Lund, and until it was burned, in June 
of 1858, he did quite an extensive lumber business. 
Mr. Otis Chamberlin was chief manager. 

The mill was located on the southeast corner of the 
pond, and there were several houses built near by, giv- 
ing it the appearance of quite a thrifty business place. 
Nothing remains now to mark the spot, except partol 
the mill foundation. 

Mr. Judkins built another steam-mill in the north 
part of the town, on the turnpike, about 1856. Mr. .F. 
R. Emerson furnished logs for him, and he did quite 
a business for four or live years. The mill was burned 
and the watchman, Mr. Benjamin Case, was burned to 
death in it. 

Mr. J. B. Emerson afterwards built a little shop 
beside the road, and for several years made bobbins 
by steam-power. The building was then converted 



into a dwelling-house, where Mr. Silas Blanchard, the 
present owner and occupant, resided with his wife, a 
daughter of Mr. Xchemiah Jones, who has in her 
possession some of her father's old account-books. 
They are not dated, but were used when there were no 
J's used. Jones was spelled ( tones, and Jacob, i l-acob. 
She has his goose-quill pen and the inkstand he used 
to carry in his pocket, together with other ancient 
relics. ' 

There was a brick church built by subscription in 
1849, at an expense of one thousand dollars, under 
charter of the Union Religious Society, and dedicated 
April 24. 1850. Rev. Robinson, of Stoddard, Rev. 
Powers, of Washington, and Dudley, of Hillsborough, 
presided. The first board of trustees were Hy. B. 
Sweatt, Daniel Sweat! and Sue] Preston. By virtue 
of his office, the chairman of the board of trustees 
was always made treasurer. The building was situated 
across the road, opposite the cemetery, near Black 
Bond, and was used tor a church until purchased by 
Newman & Co., in 1N77, who remodeled and fitted it 
up for a boarding-house, to accommodate the em- 
ployes in their clothes-pin manufactory. 

The building was purchased by John G. Dodge, its 
present owner, at the assignee's sale, and is now used 
as a boarding-house for his employes. 

There have been two stores ami two hotels kept in 
town. Joseph Chapman kept a hotel and slue about 
1800, for several years, near the Chapman corner. A 
colored lady. Miss Hannah Hackett, carried on a store 
a little above the corner, on the Washington road. 
Air. John Avcrill conducted a hotel on the turnpike, 
(which was built in 1801,) for several years, about 
1827. 

There have been two blacksmith-shops in town, 
where quite a business was once done. One of them, 
near theHackette store, was conducted by Irani Woods, 
and the other, near Black Pond, owned and carried on 
by Mr. Mark Symonds for fifteen years, from December 
I, 1837, during which time Mr. Symonds saved fifteen 
hundred dollars. 

Among the most noted justices we have had may 
be mentioned Solomon Andrews, from about 1800 to 
1810; Joseph Chapman, from 1 810 to 1820; Nehemiah 
Jones, from 1820 to 1830 (Mr. Jones was custom-house 
officer at Hillsborough before he moved here) ; John 
G.Flint, from 1830 to 1835; and Mr. David Curtis 
from 1835 for about ten years. Mr. Curtis was also 
road commissioner at one time. Several others have 
held commissions as justices, but have never done 
much business. 

We have now only two school districts in town, 
with about one hundred dollars of school money. 
District No. 1 has about seventy dollars and District 
No. 2 about thirty dollars. District No. 2 has no com- 
fortable school-house. District No. 1 built, a house in 
1884 which is very creditable to those who favored 
the enterprise. 

Among the most noted men and farmers who have 



WINDSOR. 



lived here and are here now, beginning at the south- years, and has greatly improved the farm and build- 
west part of the town, were David Curtis, a good far- ings. The farm produces nearly three times as much 
iner, active in business and highly respected; Lemuel hay, an. I of a better quality. 

Curtis' house stood in Windsor and his barn across On the road leading to Washington, Joseph I I hap 

the road in Antrim. man has a good farm, and cares well for it. At the 

.Mr. Simeon Buck was a good farmer, and on his Chapman corner is the Ian. owned by Samuel and 

and the Lemuel Curtis place were founded the first Mark Chapman; the soil is naturally good, but they 

settlements in town. have never made any great improvements on the land. 

The settlers selected this place on account of the Mr. Samuel Chapman has done more town business 

high land, from which they could overlook the valleys than any other man that ever lived in town, lie i- 



and see the Indians' camp-tires at night and watch 
their movements. They took their grain upon their 
shoulders and went, by marked trees, to Litchfield ami 
Bedford, a distance of some forty miles, to have it 
ground. 

I in the Mountain road, from Windsor to Antrim, 
were the places of John Sweat! and his son Oliver, 
also that of Samuel Curtis (who went to Contoocook), 
who, with his son, Groavenor, is now doing an exten- 
sive mercantile business. They used to keep good 
stock, ami were good fanners. On the road leading 
east to Hillsborough was the place of James Perkins, 
a good farmer and the owner of a rich farm. Down 
at the foot of the hill was the farm of Reuben Preston, 
extending to Black Pond. < (fall the farms mentioned 
in this part of the town, and several others not men- 
tioned, there is but one farm at present occupied, 
which is that of David Curtis, now in the possession 
of his daughter. 

Mr. Asa Goodell now owns what was formerly eight 
good farms and two large pastures adjoining, lying 
south of Black Pond, making one solid body of land, 
where, thirty years ago, one hundred head of cattle 
were sheltered from the cold blasts of winter ; not a 
single creature received shelter last winter. This is 
not all, for, on the road that formerly led from Wind- 
sor to Stoddard, he owns what was four farms in 
Windsor and hundreds of acres ou the edge of Stod- 
dard, adjoining. His son-in-law, Melvin Temple, also 
on this road, occupies the farm of Daniel Sweat!. 
which he has greatly improved. 

John <i. Dodge has a farm connected with his mill, 
to which he yearly makes improvements. Mark S\ - 
n.onds lias a good farm, which received his careful 
attention for several years after he abandoned black- 
smithing; but for some years past, as infirmities came 
upon him, he converted considerable of it into pasture, 

Harrison E, Russell has owned bis place but a few 



now the oldest man living in the town, and can 
remember when fifty-two families lived in a place 

where not a soul is living now, and over one hundred 
and fifty families that have lived in town that are not 
living here now. One-fourth of a mile to the north 
off the road leading to Hillsborough, is the birth-place 

of the writer, whose father, Daniel G.Dodge, 

from Goffstown in 1845. The farm was stony, but of 
excellent soil, and be far surpassed an\ other man that 
has lived in town in the way of improving his farm 
and buildings. He was a model farmer. In 1868, 

four years before he .lied, he built on, he best 

barns in the county, upon a -tone foundation, which 
he often said (and very truly) would show his foot- 
prints for many years to come, lie would never ac- 
cept a town office, but attended strictly to bis own 
business. This place has an extensive landscape view. 

The youngest son, Perley II. Dodge, now owns the 
farm and takes excellent care of it. 

Next (and last) to the Hillsborough line is Nelson 

St. Severn. lie has a g 1 farm and rare- foi it well. 

In the northern part of the town. .... the turnpike, 
the soil is quite good, but a little more frosty. Here 
may be found Mr. Charles C. Jones, Albert J. Grey, 
Jason D. Wheeler, Francis G. Dresser and Mr. Silas 
Blanchard, all of whom have good farms and are 
thrifty farmers. 

We now have no church, no minister, no lawyer, no 

trouble, no doctor, no hotel, no drunkards, no post- 
office (only in connection with Hillsborough, Upper 
village), no store, no voice in legislation, no paupers, 

I no prospect of having any. Taxes are very light, 

being this year a little above the average, but still 
bring only $6.30 on one thousand dollar-. Tin- roads 
are kept in good repair, and the bridges are few and 
inexpensive. 

There has never been a settled minister, a post- 
office or town library in town. 



HISTORY OF MONT VERNON. 



BY (H A RLES J. -MITII. 



CHAPTER I. 

Descriptive.— Mont Vernon is situated ijo i'j ra| 'li 
ically a little southward from the territorial centre o 
Hillsborough County, being third in the tier of towns 
northward from the Massachusetts line. It is 
twenty-eight miles south by southwest from Concord, 
fifteen miles southwest from Manchester, and fourteen 
northwest from Nashua, and four and one-half mile- 
north from the line of the Nashua and Wilton Rail- 
road, at Milford village. The towns which bound it 
are .New Boston on the north, Amherst on the east, 
Amherst and Milford on the smith and Lyndeborough 
on the west. It is irregular in shape, averaging four 
mill's in length and three and one-half in width. 
The surface is hilly, the larger part of the town being 
a lofty ridge lying between the valley of the south 
branch of the Piscataquog River on the north and 
that, of the Souhegan mi the south. It is emphati- 
cally an upland town. The soil is rocky, hut gener- 
ally deep and fertile, well repaying careful cultivation. 
It seems specially adapted to the apple, several thou- 
sand barrels of this fruit being the annual product nl 
its orchards, and the winter apples grown here have 
long been noted as not excelled by any for their keep- 
ing qualities. 

Its water-courses are limited to five brooks, four 
of which flow southerly to the Souhegan and one 
northerly to the Piscataquog. The largest of these 
streams has its rise in the northeasterly part ol 
the town, flows southerly some tour miles — furnish- 
ing, in the easterly part of the town, two mill-sites — 
to Holt's Meadow, in Amherst, where it unites with 
Caesar Brook, which rises in Mont Vernon village, 
two miles above, and unitedly form Beaver Brook. 

which i ses southward, and, after furnishing the 

water-power to Amherst village, makes its confluence 
with the Souhegan three miles below. A third 

brook, known as llarw I's, rises in the meadow 

northwest from Mont Vernon village, and alter a 
journey southward, from three to tour miles, empties 
into the Souhegan, one and a half miles above Mil 
ford. On this stream are situated Trow's mill, in the 
southerly part of Mont Vernon, and Harts Norris' 
extensive lumber-mill, in Milford, one-fourth mile 

below the southern 1 Hilary of Mont Vernon. Black 

or Purgatory Brook issues from Smith's Pond, one and 
one-half miles northerly from the village, has a course 



of some five miles, and, after receivings large tributary 
from Lyndeborough, known as Curtis' Brook, empties 
into the Souhegan about three miles above Milford 
village. A fifth stream rises in the northwest part 
of tin- town, and, after a course of two miles north- 
ward, discharges itself into the Piscataquog at Paper- 
Mill village, in New Boston. Smith's Pond, a body 
of water located one and one-halt' miles north from 
the village, covers an area of twenty-five acres. Joe 
Knglish Pond is divided between Mont VernOD, New 
Boston and Amherst, the larger part being in Amherst. 

Roby's Hill, rising at the northeast part of the 
town, near Joe's Pond, forms the highest eleva- 
tion. Other conspicuous prominences are McCollom 
Hill, on the northerly line of the town, Beach Hill, in 
the northwesterly section, Carlton Hill, in the south- 
westerly part of the town, and near the village, 
easterly and southeasterly , are Campbell's Hill and 
Prospect Hill. From the summit of the latter, which 
is a broad plateau, elevated some one hundred feet 
above the village, is obtained a prospect most varied 
and extensive. An expanse of country, forty miles 
in every direction, is seen with the naked eye. 
Hundreds of visitors are attracted here every sum- 
mer to admire and enjoy the landscape which this 
noble hill presents to view. 

Moot Vernon village is situated on all eminence 
seven hundred and seventy feet above mean tide- 
water, with its church, academy and a number of its 

elegant resiliences resting on the brow of the hill, 
looking southward upon a landscape stretching forty 
miles away ill beauty and grandeur. Il is built 
mainly upon one street, one-third of a. mile in length, 
and consists of a church, a spacious academy building, 
church vestry, school-house and two stores. Here is the 
Bellevue House, an elegant four-story structure, used 
as the village hotel and accommodating forty summer 
guests. Four other large ami elegant boarding-houses 
are fitted for the reception of summer visitors, having 
accommodations for one hundred and thirty guests. 
Theseare known as " Conant Hall,"" Prospect House," 
"Hillsboro' House" and the " Deanery." Aside from 
these, there are forty-two dwellings. The village, 
though small, is one of the most beautiful in New 
Hampshire, the elements of which are its well-kept, 
shadj streets, its air of thrift and neatness (not one 
of its dwellings being unpainted or in other than a 
creditable condition), — characteristics which it has 



MONT VERNON. 



well maintained for half a century— and, finally, the 
grandly beautiful prospecl which it commands in all 
directions. 

Thirty years since, its basis of support and growth 
was its mechanical industries, then of considerable 
importance. There was a tannery employing ten 
or fifteen hands, two large fancy-box shops, a 
small -Irani mill for dressing lumber and a small 
organ-shop. The superior railroad facilities and 
available water- power of neighboring towns have 
caused the gradual removal of these industries. The 
mechanical business of the town is now of no account. 
The box-factories, tannery ami steam mill were burnt, 
and the owners either retired from business or located 
elsewhere Fiftj years since, the village was a centre 
of considerable trade. Located on the second New 
Hampshire turnpike, a leading thoroughfare from 
Boston to Vermont anil Canada, the tide of travel an. I 
transportation gave it lite ami stir, and supported four 
la wins, three (and sometimes four) stores, one lawyer 
ami two physicians. Railway service has made the 
stage-coach and six-horse merchandise wagon a tradi- 
tion. The glory of the hill towns as centres of busi- 
ness has departed. In 1830 the population of Mont 
Vernon was 763, and in 1880, 516,— a decrease of one 
third. In 1855, F. 0. Kittridge, Esq., an active and 
enterprising citizen, noting the advantage which the 
scenic beauty and pure, dry, bracing air of the place 
would give it as a summer resort, purchased the old 
Ray tavern, in the centre of the village, remodeled 
and enlarged it. and fitting and furnishing it in an 
elegant and tasteful manner, opened it for summer 
company. For thirteen years it was thronged in the 
hot season, and was in all respects a signal success. 
In 1848 the proprietor enlarged and extended it to 
more than three times its former size, giving it a height 
of four stories and a length of one hundred and forty- 
live feet, surmounted by a cupola in the centre. As 
completed, it was asymmetrical, stately and beautiful 
structure, the largest ami best-appointed public-house 
in New Hampshire. April 20, 1*7:!, it was burned to 
the ground by a fire which commenced in the attic. 
It being then closed, the origin of the fire is an unex- 
plored mystery. Not being rebuilt, its hiss has been 
a severe blow to the prosperity and growth of the vil- 
lage. Oilier establishments, which had grown up 
around it, have since been extensively patronized. 
The average number of boarders for the last thirteen 
years has exceeded two hundred. It is known to 
thousands as a most delightful resort to the seekers 
for health and rest. 

The time is probably not distant when many ol 
the beautiful sites for summer residences in Mont 
Vernon will be improved. Three Boston gentlemen 
have led the way, by purchasing and beautifying es- 
tates, which they thus occupy. The in, .si elegantoi 
these is, perhaps, the beautiful place of Rev. Dr. R. 
R.Meredith, which, with its surroundings, -really 
ornaments the south part of the village. 



A.b0Ut two luili-s from the \ illage, near I be westerly 

edge of the town, is " Purgatory," a natural curiosity 
which is much frequented by visitors and excursion- 
ists from all the neighboring towns. It is a deep 

ravine, e than half a mile in length, through 

which Black Brook makes its way. At the "Upper 
Fall," the brook plunges perpendicularly more than 
fifty feet into a deep chasm or pit. from which the 

view upward, of solid wall Of rock on either side and 
dense, overhanging forest, is one of singular wildness 

and grandeur. One 1 bed rods down this deep 

gorge the stream makes several further leaps, known 
as ''Lower Falls." There is a fine grove uear the 
Upper Falls, which is fitted up for picnic-parties. 
The annual " Purgatory Picnic," in August, has be- 
come an institution. The last fathering, in August, 
1885, numbered eight hundred persons. 

Municipal and Ecclesiastical. Mom of the tei 
ritory now Mont Vernon was included in Souhegan 
West, which, in 1760, was incorporated as Amherst. 
In 17*1 Mont Vernon was ecclesiastically severed 
from the parent town by being made a distinct par- 
ish. The separation was made complete by its incor- 
poration as a town, in December, 1803. Its earlj 
civil and religious history are so inseparably blended 
that they must be traced together. 

The first English settlement in what is now Mont 

Vernon is believed to have been made by Sa 1 

Lamson about the year 1740. He came from Read 
ing, Mass., and first settled a mile south of Amherst 
Plain. He lived here about twenty-live years, re- 
moved to Billerica, Mass, and died there in 1770. 
Tradition says that Lieutenant Joseph Prince, an orig- 
inal grantee of Souhegan West, once owning a bell of 
land extending from Bedford line westward to Mont 
Vernon village, first located, about 1710, on the farm, 
about one mile southeast from .Mont Vernon village, 

known as the Jones farm, for many years owned by 
Samuel Campbell. He removed thence to the east- 
erly part of Amherst. 

In 1700 there were certainly fourteen of the tax- 
payers of Amherst resident in what is now Mont 
Vernon. These original settlers bore the names of 
Carlton, Cole, Curtice, Gould, Harwood, Mills, Lam- 
son, Bradford. Averill, Smith. Steel. Wilkins. 

From this date the growth of this section of Am- 
herst was rapid. Four soldiers who lived in what is 
now Mont Vernon served in the French and Indian 
War, closing in 1763. In the Revolution the town of 
Amherst furnished over three hundred soldiers, and 
between fifty and sixty of this number are identified 
as belonging to this section, ami there were probably 
more of those enlisting from Mont Vernon. Two 
were officers, — Joseph Farnum, lieutenant of Captain 
Bradford's com]. any at Bennington, ami Stephen 
Peabody, an adjutant at hunker Hill, aid to General 
Stark at Bennington, ami lieutenant-colonel, com- 
manding a battalion sent to Rhode Island. The pio- 
neer settlers of Mont Vernon were a rough, hardy , 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



worthj people. la man; of them the religious ele- 
ment was strong. Their attendance at church was 
regular, though the route was long and circuitous. 
They early looked forward to the time when this sec- 
tion should become a separate parish. In 1777, Rev. 
Daniel Wilkins. the first minister of Amherst, had 
become so enfeebled by age as to be incapable of 
performing his duties acceptably ; the town sought to 
obtain a colleague pastor. The people of the north- 
west part of the town made this an occasion for a 
strong and persistent effort for separation into a sec- 
ond parish. In the winter of 1777-78 the church 
and town extended a call to Mr. John Blydenburg to 
become associated with Mr. Wilkins as colleague 
pastor. Against this action seventeen citizens of 
what is now Mont Vernon made a written protest, 
demanding that it be placed upon the town records. 
Mr. Blydenburg declined the call. In the spring of 
1779 petitions were presented to the General Court 
by sundry persons belonging to the northwesterly part 
of the town to be set ofl as a parish. The town chose 
a committee to treat with these petitioners in March. 
1779, ami at a subsequent meeting, on the 31st of same 
month, after hearing the report of the committee, 
voted not to set them off. 

In August, 1779. the town appointed an agent to 
prepare and enforce reasons why this petition should 
not be granted before the General ( lourt. 

December 6, 1779, sundry inhabitants of the 
northwest part of the town asked to be voted oil' as :i 
parish, on condition that the inhabitants of that part 
of the town should pay their full proportion toward 
the support of Rev, .Mr. Wilkins and even i aarge oi 
the town, except the settlement of a minister, until 
they could supply themselves with preaching in the 
parish, but the town refused to grant their request. 

In December. 1779, the church and town united in 
inviting Mr. Jeremiah Barnard to become their min- 
ister, whereupon thirty-two residents of the north- 
west part of tin- town tiled a protest, setting forth 
" That, having repeatedly petitioned to be set oil as a 
distinct parish, and their petitions having been re- 
jected, they enter their protest against Mr. Barnard's 
being settled, or any other minister while the\ re- 
mained in conjunction with the town and their re- 
quest not granted." It would seem that their oppo- 
sition to these ministerial candidates was almost 
wholly based Upon their desire to be made a distinct 
parish. Mr. Barnard, having accepted his call, was 
ordained March '■'■, 1780, prior to which a length} and 
earnest protest was addressed to the ordaining coun- 
cil by thirty-seven residents of what is now Mont 
Vernon ami a \\-\\ others. 

Another committee was appointed by the town. 
September 11, 1780, to show cause before the General 
Court why the prayer of a number of the inhabitants 
of the town residing in the northwesterly part of the 
same, asking to be set oil' as a separate parish, should 
not be granted. 



But the people of this part of the town insisted 
Upon having a ministry of their own selection, and, 
in September, 1780, called a council which organized 
here what was called the Second Church in Amherst. 
No records of these transactions, or of the church, 
for the first thirteen years exist: but it is known 
that the first deacons were Oliver Carlton, Nathaniel 
Heywood and Richard Ward, all men of sound or- 
thodoxy and fervid piety. Immediately after the or- 
ganization of the church Rev. Mr. Coggin, of Chelms- 
ford, Mass., preached to a large congregation, in 
Major Cole's barn, upon the importance of immedi- 
ately erecting a house of worship. This, in the poverty 
of those Revolutionary times, was no slight undertak- 
ing, but in the month of April following, each farm 
in the community had contributed its free-will offer- 
ing of timber for the frame and covering of the 
edifice, which still stands on the summit of the hill, 
a monument to those brave Christian men, — the only 
church there is, or ever has been, within the limits of 
the town. It is related that the heaviest timber was 
drawn upon the snow-crust the last of April without 
obstruction from walls or fence,. Lieutenant .lames 
Woodbury gave the land where the church stands, 
and also another lot one-fourth of a mile above for 
the burial-ground. 

So urgent was the demand for the house that, as 
soon as the frame was covered, and before the floor 
timbers were laid, it was occupied without any formal 
dedication. They finished the house gradually, as 
they were able. The first worshipers here sat upon 
rough benches with a single open floor, with nothing 
to warm them but the glad tidings of salvation. The 
old-fashioned, square pews were constructed as the 
families felt able, the "pew-ground" merely being 
deeded by the parish. 

I'lie organization of a church ami providing -a 
place of worship were but preliminary to the renewal 
of their effort to be legalhj set oil' into a second 
parish. They, in March, 1781, presented to the 
General Court, convened at Exeter, an extensive 
petition, setting forth their reasons in asking for a 
separation, in which they did not forget to say "that 
your humble petitioners, in expectation of being set 

oil as a separate parish, did. some time ago, at their 
own proper charge, build a commodious meeting- 
house at said northwest part id' Amherst, and have, 
lor some time past, hired preaching, hoping, at the 
same time. t<> have enjoyed the privilege id' a minis- 
ter of their own choosing, our local situation requir- 
ing the same." The prayer of this petition was 
granted, and, June 30, 1781, fifty-two voters and 
heads of families were set off and constituted the 
Second, or Northwest, Parish of Amherst. Of the 
names found in the act of incorporation, some arc 
interesting as being the progenitors of present active 
if at least the fourth generation. In the 
same month the first parish meeting was held and 
parish officers chosen. In March, 1782, a committee 



MONT VERNON. 



7:::: 



was chosen to lay the lower floor, sell the pew-ground 
in the meeting-house and use the money received 
therefor in finishing the house; also to hire preach- 
ing iijMin probation. In I 7.S2 ;i Mr. Towers, and in 
1783 a Mr. Allen were employed as preacher. In 178:3, 
it was voted to raise fifty pounds to defray parish 
charges. In December, 1783, it was voted to con- 
cur with the church in calling Mr. Samuel .Sar- 
gent to the gospel ministry in said parish. The effort 
to settle Mr. Sargenl tailed, for, in the summer of 
17*4, Mr. John Bruce commenced preaching, and. 
December 29, 1784, they voted to concur with the 
church in giving him a call to settle in the gospel 
ministry in this parish. Also voted to offer Mr. 
Bruce one hundred and twenty pounds as a settle- 
ment, and sixty pounds and twenty cords of wood 
yearly, so long as he carries on the work of the 
gospel ministry here, and thirty pounds and twenty 
cords of w 1 annually, it' he should become dis- 
abled from carrying on the work of the ministry, 
foi so long a time as he remains the minister of the 
place. 

Nathaniel Haywood, Oliver Carlton and Lieuten- 
ant William Bradford were appointed a committee 
to communicate the \<.tes of the parish to Mr. Bruce 
and receive his answer. 

Mr. Bruce accepted the call, and, alter some delay. 
was ordained November 3, 178.i. 

In 1791 the finishing of the meeting-house was 
completed by a committee consisting of Moses Kim- 
ball, Lieutenant Joseph Farnuni and Deacon Oliver 
Carlton. 

March ill, 17!'2, Mr. Jonathan Conant, formerly of 
Beverly, was designated, by a vote of the parish, as 
the most suitable man to serve as a justice of the 
peace in said parish. 

May 25, 1792, " Voted to build a wall by the high- 
way against the burying-ground." 

•• Voted, that the bass viol be not carried into the 
meeting-house to be used in time of exercise." 

October 25, 17'J2, it was voted to allow the bill of 
tin committee for building the gate in front of the 
burying-ground, amounting to £4 19*. ■>•!. 

" Voted to build another piece of wall by the side 
of the burying-ground." 

March 18, 1793, v. .ted the pew in the gallery of the 
meeting-house to the use of the singers. 

March 21, 1796, an article having been inserted in 
the warrant calling the meeting holden this day, 
asking the consent of the parish that the /»(« viol be 
used in the meeting-house on Sundays to assist the 
singers in time of public worship, failed of approval. 

May :;. 1802, it was voted to take measures to effeel 
a separation from the town of Amherst, and a com- 
mittee, consisting of Major William Bradford, John 
Carlton, Captain John Batchelder, Captain Joseph 
Perkins, Captain Thomas Cloutman, Deacon Jacob 
Kendall, Lieutenant Benjamin Parker, Lieutenant 
Joseph Farnum, Eli Wilkins, Parker Richardson, 



Nathan .lone-, and Lieutenant fine. thy Hill, was 

ap] Mil to pel l! loll the tOfl II lellll \\ e lllelclo. 

On the last Thursday of May, 1802, the parish 
voted to petition the General Court to incorporate 
them into a town, with the same boundaries as those 

fust established between the First and Second par- 
ishes; also, that a strip of land half a mile wide, 
lying in the easterly part of Lyndcborough, extend- 
ing the entire length ol this parish, and adjoining 
it, be asked lor as a part of the new town. 

Nathan Jones, Eli Wilkins, James Joseph Smith. 
Langdell audi 'aptain Joseph Perkins were appointed 
a committee to prepare a petition for that purpose. 

On the fust Monday of June, 1802, chose Nathan 
Jones, Captain Joseph Perkins and Captain Benja- 
min Parker to present the petition to the General 
< 'ourt. 

November 21, 1803, it was voted to accept the 
report of the committee of the General Court in re- 
gard to I he incorporation of the new town. 

" Voted, that the name of the contemplated town 
be Mont Vernon." 

An act incorporating the town of Mont Vernon 
was consummated by the signature of ( lovernor John 
Taylor Oilman. December 15, L803. 

'flic verdure of the farms which cluster about the 
eminence upon which the village is located sug- 
gested the name of the town. 

The number of tax-payers in the town thus in- 
corporated was one hundred and thirty-live, April 1, 
181)4. 

Thus was completed an entire separation from the 
parent town. Twenty-three years before, this had 
been partially effected by the formation of the Second 
Parish, as religiously independent of the first, and this 
had not tended to unity of feeling or action. Political 
differences had succeeded the religious diversities 
which induced the former action. In 1783, two years 
..nly from the organization of the Northwest Parish, 
one hundred and twenty-one residents of the First 
Parish addressed to the Legislature a petition ask- 
ing that, as they had in part disunited the town, 
and the result was variance, discoid, contention, 
that "separate interests established by law had 
made their town-meetings scenes of confusion, 
irregularity and vexation, therefore th 

that the division of the body corporate I 

pleted and those polls and estates set oil' in ministerial 
matters be wholly separated from us in all matters 
whatsoever." 'flic Legislature took no action on this 
doleful petition, but twenty years later the desired 
relief came, to the satisfaction of both communities. 
In the party divisions which distinguished the close 
of the last century and the beginning oi tie present, 
the ruling influences in the Second Parish were as 
intensely Republican or Jeffersonian as were those of 
the First in an opposite direction. For thi 

18 2. .Major William Bradford, classed as an 

"offensive Jacobin," represented the town at the 



734 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



General Court by aid of the Second Parish vote, and 
the Federal elements rejoiced to be free from the 
connection. 

The first town-meeting was held January 23, 1804, 
at the Centre School-house. Joseph Langdel] was 
chosen moderator, John Carlton town clerk, and John 
Carlton, Jus. Langdell and Jacob Kendall selectmen. 
At the first annua] town-meeting March 13,1804, 
the same town officers were re-elected, and Major 
William Bradford chosen as representative. 

Later Ecclesiastical History.— Rev. John Bruce, 
the first pastor, ministered to Mont Vernon Church 
from 1784 to his sudden death of apoplexy, March li'. 
1809. He was born in Marlborough, Mass., August 
31, 1757; graduated at Dartmouth in 1781. Of 
the first ten and last eight years of his pastorate 
there, are no church records. A list of the members 
of the church, in Mr. Bruce's handwriting, about 
1798, makes its membership one hundred and ten. 
The next veai' fifty were added by profession. This 
revival was the first known in this section, and it 
awakened much interest tar ami wide. Mr. Bruce 
was a successful minister. " He was meek, |iioiis, 
humble, kind and gentle. Among his distinguishing 
traits, aside from these, were his solid sense, prudence 
and discretion. All who knew him loved and revered 
him." Mr. Bruce married, in 1785, Lois Wilkins, of 
Marlborough, who survived him with four sous ami 
two daughters. The sons were heads of families, 
all worthy citizens and life long residents of Mont 
Vernon. Their united ages at their decease were 
three hundred and twenty-two years. 

On the decease of Mr. Bruce, Rev. Stephen Chapin 
immediately received a call from this church, hut. was 
not installed until November 15, 1S09. Born at Mil- 
ford, Mass., in J77.S, a graduate of Harvard in 1804, a 
pupil in divinity with the famous Dr. Emmons, of 
Franklin, Mass., his firsl settlement was in the neigh- 
boring town of Hillsborough, four years, from 1805 to 
1809. Mr. Chapin was a man of positive convictions 
and bold, unadorned and uncompromising in his style 
of preaching. His earnest, aide preaching and string- 
ent discipline made a deep impression upon his 
people. 1 luring a pastorate of nine years, one hundred 
ami fifteen were added to the church. On one Sab- 
bath in 1817 fifty-one converts were received into 
fellowship. 

While all hearts were completely united in him, 
the day of separation came from a quarter least sus- 
pected. In October, ISIS, the pastor suddenly an- 
nounced a change in his views respecting the mode 
and subjects of baptism. He renounced infant bap- 
tism. He was a man sincere and true, and consci- 
entiously embraced Calvinistic Baptist views. He at 
once resigned his pastorate and was dismissed in No- 
vember, ISIS. After a three years' pastorate as a 
Baptist clergyman at North Yarmouth, he was, in 
1822, called to a professorship in Waterville College, 
Maine, and thence to the presidency of Columbia 



College, at Washington, D. ('.. which he occupied 
for many years. The salary of Mr. Chapin was stipu- 
lated at four hundred dollars per annum, ami if, from 
any cause, he was unable to preach, no abatement, un- 
less such absence exceeded six week-. 

Alter an interval of a little more than a year from 
.Mr. Chapin's dismission, Rev. Ebenezer Cheever, a 
native of Reading, \'t., a graduale of Bowdoin 
College, was ordained December 8, 1819. He con- 
tinued pastor until April S, 1823, with an addition to 
the church, in the mean time, of twenty-two mem- 
bers. He baptized thirty-nine children in less than 
three years. In the spring of [820 the first Sabbath- 
school was organized here, being held in the school- 
liouse and composed exclusively of children. After 
leaving here, Mr. Cheever was pastor of a church in 
Watcrford, N. Y., and at other places, and died in 
New Jersey. Two weeks alter Mr. Cheever's dismis- 
sion, Ke\ . Nathaniel Kingsbury, from Connecticut, and 
a graduate of Amherst College, commenced his labors. 
He was ordained November 8, 182::, and dismissed 
April 6, 1836. He removed West and died some 
years since in Wisconsin. Mr. Kingsbury was not a 
man of marked ability, but his ministry here was 
prosperous, and during it one hundred and fifty-four 
were received into the church. Two periods of pe- 
culiar interest occurred, the former in 1828, when 
thirty-four were added, the latter in 1831, when 
nearly sixty united by profession. Those were re- 
vival days, when the ministers aided each other in 
what were called "protracted meetings," which were 
often seasons of thrilling interest and great power. 
Many of the converts of 1831 were persons in mature 
life. It included the lawyer and the two physicians 
then in practice here. Never, before orsince, has this 
church been the scene of such religious activity — 
scencsstill living vividly in the remembrance of main 
among us. 

It was in 1830, during Mr. Kingsbury's pastorate, 
that the temperance reform began in the church, and 
was vigorously and steadily prosecuted outside until 
it expelled liquors from the town. The youth of the 
present .lay can hanlU imagine I lie condition of this 
small community, with eight tavern licenses signed in 
a single year. In some places they sold a hogshead 
a week ; but a small portion of this quantity was dis- 
pensed to residents, but enough to alarm the 
thoughtful ami virtuous. At that period two public 
roads led northward, through different sections of the 
town. These were thoroughfares, thronged with 
light and heavy travel. At all hours of the day lines 
of canvas-covered merchandise teams might be seen 
hearing their heavy freight from and to the seaboard. 
To modify and control public opinion was noeasy mat- 
ter, — work which required strong heads and true 
hearts. Dr. Daniel Adams may lie named as one 
early prominent in this movement of philanthropy. 
He delivered convincing and effective addresses on 
this subject in this and other towns. 



MONT VERNON. 



Rev. Edwin Jenniscm, :i graduate nf Dartmouth in 
1827, succeeded Mr. Kingsbury, being installed April 
6, 1836. Hi- was a native of Walpole, N. II., and 
had been settled in the ministn in that place from 
1831 to 1835. His pastorate in Mont Vernon con- 
tinued until August 19, 1841, during which time 
twenty-three were added to the church. As a ser- 
monizer he excelled, but visited little. During bis 
ministry the discussion of the slavery question agi- 
latcd tli' church and sum. -what disturbed its peace. 

In 1837 the church was removed westerly to the 
opposite and more sheltered side of the street, en- 
tirely remodeled, being finished in two stories and 
furnished with a bell and organ. The town conveyed 
to the Congregational Society all its right to this 
meeting-house, reserving tor a town hall one-half the 
ground-floor. Also the town stipulated to finish the 
town-hall appropriated for their use, and to sustain 
the roof of the bouse, making all repairs which mighl 
be required from time to time, anil that the Congre- 
gational Society have side control of the house, they 
sustaining and making all needed repairs on the body 
of the building excepting the town hall. This eon- 
tract has been scrupulously adhered to these forty 

eight years, and the church and town occupy the 
edifice harmoniously within clearly-defined limits. 
The tailing health of Mr. Jennison compelled his dis- 
mission, and alter a voyage to Europe he settled in 
Ashburnham, Mass., and subsequently, from 1 .si 7 to 
L849, at Hopkinton, N. H. His frequent ill-health 
at length compelled his retirement from pastoral ser- 
vice. He located as a farmer in Alstead, N.ll.. 
supplying for a timeone of the churches in that town, 
and from 1852 to 1854 the church in the adjoining 
town of Langdon, N. 11. Hedeceased several years 
since. 

.Mr. Jennison's successor at Mont Vernon, Rev. 
Bezaleel Smith, was installed hen August 19,1841. 
He graduated at Dartmouth in 1825, and had been 
previously settled at New Hampton. V II.. and at 
Rye, N. II. He labored in .Mont Vernon nine years, 
closing his ministry here in 1850. He was a sound, 
hut not brilliant preacher, cautious and discreet, a 

pastor who made uemies. Slave-holders wen- by 

vote excluded from the pulpit and from the Lord's 
table, and thirty-two persons added to the church 
during his pastorate. He removed from here to Rox- 
bury, \. II.. and after laboring there two years was 
called to the pastorate of the church in New Alstead, 
X. H., from tin nee to i In 1 church at Hanover Centre, 
N. H. Some ten years since, the infirmity of old 
age compelled his retirement. He died some years 
since at Rutland, Vt. 

Rev. Charles D. Herbert commenced preaching 
here .Inly 5, 1850, and was installed November 6th. 
He is a native of Ellsworth, Me., and a via Inc. oi 
Bowdoin. Coining here young and enthusiastic, he 
devoted himself with singleness of aim and Christian 
zeal to his work. His labors here exhibited him as a 



kind, sympathetic and sincere friend, and earnest, 
consecrated man. Under his ministry, in 1851 and 
1852, quite a number of young people in the 
Academj and outside attained the christian's 
hop,-. The whole number added to the church 
during Ins ministry was fifty-five, lie closed his 
labors here earl) in 1856, and was soon after settled 
over a church in West Newbury, Mass. After a 
ministry there of many years he qualified himself 
for the practice of medicine and labored in Rut- 
land, Mass., some years, both pleaching and prac- 
ticing. Some years since, he was recalled to Ins 
former parish at West Newbury, and now is in the 
ministry there. 

In the fall of 1856 the church extended a call to 
Rev. Charles E. Lord to its vacant pastorate, ami his 
installation occurred late in that year. His people 
regarded his sermons as very well written. He 

quietly pursued the even tenor of his way until the 
summer of 1861, when he requested and r ived a 

dismission. He has since been in the ministry at 
Chester, Vt., and some years since was a professor in 
ti i ■ schools for clergymen in New York, lie is 

a native of South Berwick, .Me., and a graduate of 
I lartmouth < Jollege. 

Early in 1862 the church invited Rev. George F. 
Sanborne to succeed Mr. Lord, lie ministered to 
them about three and a half years, until the summer 
of 1865, when he resigned to accept a call to N'orth- 
horough, Mass. Mr. Lord is a native of Reading, 
Mass., and a graduate of Amherst College. He is now 
a resident of Hartford, Conn. The ministry of both 
Messrs. Lord and Sanborne was barren o I noteworthy 
incident, and the numerical increase to the church 
slight. The Civil War was raging and public atten- 
tion was concentrated upon it, to tin 1 exclusion of. 
other interests, 'flic clergymen of Mont Vernon, 
like most of their brethren during that eventful 
period, omitted no effort to set anil keep the public 
opinion around them in what thej deemed the right 
channel, — the prosecution of the war for the destruc- 
tion of slavery and the conquest of rebellion as the 
only basis for a reunited country. They sought, in 
and out of the pulpit, to stimulate the zeal ami 
sustain the courage ol their people. And the event 
has justified their patriotism as of the true quality. 
A peace, based on righteousness, was conquered. 

In tin- summer of 1865, Rev. IS. M. Frink, a native 
of Jackson, N. II., and a graduate of Bangor Semi- 
nars, began his ministry of two and one fourth years 
with this church, sundering the connection in 1867 
o accept a call to Portland, Me. He i- umi set- 
tled at Shelburne Fall-. Mass. Mr. Frink is a man 
ol' great vital force and activity ami an engaging 
speaker. 

Though his stay in Mont Vernon was brief, the 
line, commodious parsonage is a memorial of his 
enterprisi and energy. Early in 1866, appreciating 
the need of a parsonage and having faith in his 



HISTOKY OF HILLSBOROUQH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



ability to secure tin- necessary means, he- set Oil foot a 

subscription, and, with others inspired by his ener- 
getic spirit, collected, in a brief space, the requisite 
construction fund to erect the elegant structure 
which stands opposite the church ami very near the 
site formerly occupied by it, from 1780 to 1837. These 
buildings, with the stable since added, cost aearlj 
two thousand dollars. 

Late in the winter of L867-68, Rev. Setli H. Keeler, 
D.D., became the minister of the parish without 
pastoral charge, lie continued preaching in Mont 
Vernon nearly eight years, closing his ministry late 

in September, 1875, when he removed to S erville, 

Mass., where lie has since resided. Though advanced 
in years when bis service to this people commenced, 
he approved himself as an able, scholarly and faith- 
ful religious teacher. In is?:! ami 1874 some forty 
persons united with the church as the result of 
special religious interest in the community. Dr. 
Keeler is a graduate of Middlebury College, and had 
previously been a pastor at Windsor. N't., South 
Berwick, Me., and for many years at Calais, Me. 

September 5, 1880, Dr. Keeler preached a cen- 
tennial sermon, the church having been organized in 
September, L780. 

In November, 1875, Rev. Wm. H. Woodwell was 
engaged to supply the pulpit for one year, with 
reference to permanent settlement, and his labors 
continued nearly four and one-half years, he deliver- 
ing his farewell discourse March 28, 1880. He is a 
native of New buryport, Mass., ami graduated atBow- 
doin College. He is now in the ministry at Orient, 
Long Island, \. Y. 

The church employed various candidates during the 
summer of 1880, ami in October, Rev. Charles C. Car- 
penter accepted their invitation to settle with them, 
and began pastoral service November 1st, though his 
installation was deferred until July 1, 1881. 

In tin summer of 1883 he was attacked by an affec- 
tion of the throat, which threatened thesuspensi f 

his ministerial work. By medical advice he sailed for 
Europe in September, in pursuit of relief. His ab- 
sence covered a period of less than three months, and 
was passed wholl;, in Great Britain, of which he made 
a rapid but extensive tour. Returning much improved, 
he resumed his labors and continued them until the 
summer of 1885, when the condition of his health 
compelled a resignation of his pastorate, which was 
dissolved by a council July 28th, having had a dura- 
tion of lour years and nine months. 

He has removed his residence to Andover, Mass. 
Mr. Carpenter performed his work here with energy 
and fidelity, so diligently and thoroughly that the im- 
press will long abide. That one with such varied 
capacities foi usefulness as a pastor ami citizen, and 
who had so readily identified himself with the com- 
munity, should be abruptly withdrawn from it is an 
event that causes profound and universal regret. 

Mr. Carpenter is an aide preacher; his sermons are. 



alwaj - original and Scriptural, and interest and edify. 
They are never encumbered with superfluous verbiage, 
but are simple and clear, concise and direct, with no 
lack of fit illustration. Rev. Charles C. Carpenter 
was born at Bernardston, Mass.. July 9, 1836. His 
fatherwas Dr. Elijah W. Carpenter, a physician of 
that town. Mr. Carpenter titled for college at Willis- 
Ion .Seminary. Massachusetts, and at Kimball Union 
Academy, New Hampshire. Failure of health obliged 
him to forego a collegiate course. He- studied the- 
ology at Andover. and was ordained to the ministry 
at Montreal in 1860. 

He was in the sen ice of the Canada Foreign Miss- 
ionary Society, principally at Caribou Island, Labrador, 
from 1858 to L867. In 1866 he wasappointed financial 
superintendent of Robert College, at Lookout Moun- 
tain, Tenn., where he remained until 1872. In 1875 
In- became pastor of a church at South Peabody, Mass., 
resigning, in 1880, to accept a call to a less arduous 
charge at Mont Vernon. 

The honorary degree of A.M. was conferred on 
Mr. Carpenter by Hamilton College, New York. 

The membership of the church is about one hun- 
dred and sixty-five. More than one-third of these are 

non-residents. The average attendance at Sabbath- 
services through the year 1884 was one hundred and 
fifty-one, and the average attendance al Sabbath 
school was ninety. The entire average amount raised 
ami expended for support of church and purposes of 
Christian benevolence for the last five years has ex- 
ceeded one thousand dollars annually. 

July 3, 1884, the new creed recommended by the 
National Council of Congregational Churches was 
adopted by this church. 

From the formation of this church up to the min- 
istry of Dr. Keeler the uniform practice was to have 
two sermons at the church on the Sabbath. About 
1870 the new usage was introduced, of only one 
preaching service, and that at half-past ten A.M., thus 
very materially lessening the labor of the clergyman. 

The salary of the minister at the settlement of Mr. 
Jeiiiiison, iii 1836, was fixed at five hundred dollars 
per annum. In 1850 it was advanced to six hun- 
dred dollars, and in 1856 to seven hundred dollars, 
which is the amount now paid, with free use of par- 
sonage. 

Vestry. — At the remodeling of the church, in 
1837, a mom was finished on the lower or ground- 
floor of the meeting-house for use as a vestry. In 
1855, when furnaces were introduced to the chureh, 

this r n was needed, and the second story of the 

scl 1 building, a few rod- north of the church, which 

was used as an academy from 1850 to 1853, was ac- 
quired by the society, and appropriated as a vestry. 

Deacons. — Appended are the names of those who 

have served in the office of deacon from the forma- 
tion of the church, in the order of their appoint- 
ment,— Oliver (ailton, Nathaniel Heyw 1, Richard 

Ward, Daniel Smith, Jacob Kendall, John Carlton, 



MONT VERNON. 



T::7 



.John I'.ruce, .losiah Kittredge, William Conant, Joseph 
A. Starrett, George E. Dean, William II Conanl 

There have gone out from this church ten preai hei - 
of the gospel, not all uativea of the town, but mem- 
bers of this church, and entering the ministry from it. 
They are as follows : — 

1. Joshua Hey wood, son of Deacon Nathaniel Hev- 
wood, who was prominent in the organization of the 
Northwest Parish and for some years a leading citizen. 
Joshua graduated at Dartmouth College in 1795, 
studied divinity, was ordained and installed at Dun- 
stable, Mass., June 5, 1799, Rev. John Bruce preach- 
ing the ordaining sermon. He continued pastor there 
until lie died, November 11,1814, aged fifty-one years. 
He was a large man, of dark complexion, and verj 
much in the esteem of all who knew him. 

2. Daniel Weston, son of Daniel and Mary Harts- 
horn Weston, born .Inly is, L764; graduated at Har- 
vard 17!>7; studied divinity; became minister at Gray, 
Me., where he died May 28, 1837. 

3. Solomon Kittredge, son of Josiah Kittredge, 
graduated at Dartmouth; studied theology, and set- 
tled in the ministry in Indiana, where he died. 

4. Charles B. Kittredge, brother to Solomon named 
above, graduated at Dartmouth; studied divinity at 
Andover; settled in the ministry, hist at Groton, Mass., 
and at West borough, Mass., where he died Novem- 
ber 25, L884, aged seventy-eight. 

5. Darwin Adams, born 1801, son of Dr. Daniel 
Adams, graduated at Dartmouth in 1sl!4 and al An- 
dover; settled at Alstead, N. II., and at Stow, Mass.; 
now living at < iroton, Mass. 

6. James Woodbury Perkins, son of Captain Jo- 
seph Perkins, settled in Warner, N. H., and at Al- 
stead, V E.; died in Wisconsin. 

7. Henry Adams Kendall, son of Asa Kendall, 
graduated at Dartmouth; settled in Dublin, N. II., 
184(1; dismissed in l.soO ; installed at East Concord, 

N. 11., June 26, 1851 ; yet resides there, bin wit! 

pastoral charge. 

8. James C. Bryant graduated at Amherst College 
and at Andover Seminary, 1840; settled at Littleton, 
Mass., resigned to become a missionary to the Zulus 
in South Africa, where he died. 

9. William O.Baldwin, son of Samuel Baldwin, 
born August l'o, isiM ; graduated at Amherst College; 
is settled in the State of New York. 

Hi. George W. Stinson, son of William and Lois 
Stinson, did not pursue a collegiate course ; settled 
in the ministry in Illinois and died there 

Rev. William Shedd, a Congregational clergyman 
of distinction; was a native of Mont Vernon, but 
left lure in boyhood. 

Charles Peabody, a Baptist, James Gilman Smith) 
a Methodist, and William (J. Cambridge, an Univer" 
salist clergyman, were all natives of the town. 

There has been but a single church formed in 
Mont Vernon. There were several Baptist families 
in former vears in the South School District, who were 



connected with the church in Milford, and there are 
Methodists ami Baptists iii the southerlj and easterly 
sections ol the town who attend and aid in support- 
ing their respective churches in Milford and Am- 
herst. 

Educational.— Mont Vernon, prior to the close of 
1803, was an integral part of Amherst. Whatever of 
schooling tnosl of its adull inhabitants had received 
they had obtained from the school privileges provided 
by tin' mother-town, and used by them as a part of its 
its population. By the records we find that in 1762 it was 

voted " To keepascl I in five divisions, the sell ctmen 

to divide ;" but as no appropriation was de, tin- was 

only a prophecy of what they would do years later. 
The first appropriation was made in 1771, when the 
town voted twenty pound-, lawful money, for school- 
ing, and that "the school be kept some part of the 

lime in several parts of the town." Also voted that 
the people of the town " keep as many schools as they 
sec lit, and each famih lliat does keep a school shall be 
entitled to draw their proportion of tin- money above 
granted." The next year twenty-six pounds and 

two-thirds of a pound were voted. But little attention 

was paid to other than private instruction through 
the years of the Revolutionary War. In 177* it was 
" Voted to keep a grammar school," and in that and 
the year following the names of two teacher- appear 
as thus employed. March 8, 1779, the town was di- 
vided into "squadrons" for schools, each to draw its 
proportion ol' the money appropriated. They made 
an appropriation this year, and gradually increased it 
eaidi subsequent year. 

In 1781 it was voted thai "tin- scl I- be kepi 

by each neighborhood classing together." In 17*7 
a grammar school in the ( 'eiitre District was provided 
for, conditioned "that the district shall make up to 
the master in a private way what their proportion of 
! he -el I in \ falls short of an a de. plate salary." 

This year, al same meeting a committee, of whom 

Rev. John Bruce was one, was appointed "to examine 

the ability of schoolmasters and mistresses." and 
none should be employed in any district but those 
recommended by them. From 17*7 to 17!'" the an- 
nual appropriation for schools was one hundred and 
fifty pounds. In 1789 the town voted to " excuse such 

as had united fol the support of an academy from the 
payment of any school tax, so long as they should 
sustain the proposed academy." The use of the tow n- 
house for school purposes was also granted them. 

February 10, L791, an act of incorporation was 
grained forth.' Aiirean Academy at Amherst. Twen- 
ty-six of the thirty-one grantees were of Ainhersl 
and live from other towns. Nathan Cleaves was the 
..iilv grantee in the Second Parish. This school s....n 
after went into operation. It had an existence often 
years, and ten preceptors, among whom were J. Hey- 

WOod and Daniel Weston, from the Northwest Parish. 
In 180] this academy was finally closed for lack of 
funds. 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOKOruH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



At that time a law was in effect requiring that "in 
shirt- and half-shire towns a portion of tin school 
money should be applied lor the support of a Latin 
Grammar school," or a school in which that language 
might he taught, if desired. This will explain the 
following votes: April 13, 1801, '•' Voted that tin 
grammar school he kept eight months in the First 
Parish and four month- in the Second Parish this 
year." 

March 2, 1803, seven hundred dollars was appro- 
priated tor schools, three hundred dollars of whirl, 
n;i- i" bi used for the support of grammar schools, 
the Centre District of the First Parish to have two 
hundred dollars, and that of theSecond Parish to have 
one hundred dollars; and it was provided that even 
person in town have liberty to send to the gramma! 
school. These votes will explain the fad that foj 
several years immediately preceding the incorporation 
of Mont Vernon a school of high character had been 
kept in the Centre District, — a select school, open to 
any in the parish. David Dodge and Ephraim P. 
Bradford were two of its teachers. 

At the first annual meeting of the new town, March 
13, 1804, it was voted to raise two hundred dollars 
for schooling and to choose a committee of twelve 
persons to class the town for the convenience ol 
schooling. March 27th this committee presented 
their report, dividing the town into live school dis 
tricts (classes) and defining their respective limits. 
May 7, 1804, accepted report of committee and voted 
to raise money to build new school-houses in three 
of the districts; voted to raise one thousand dollars 
for this purpose. March 12. 1805, appropriated three 
hundred dollars for schooling during the current year. 
This sum was raised each successive year from that 
until 1822, when it was increased to three hundred 
and fifty dollars. In 1830, there having been a small 
source of revenue (about thirty dollars) derived from 
the literary fund applied to schools, the town voted 
but three hundred dollars, which was the amount ol 
appropriation until, in the year 1851, it was increased 
to four hundred dollars, in 1853 advanced to four 
hundred anil fifty dollars, and in 18">4 fixed :ii five 
hundred dollars, which, being augmented by the lit- 
erary fund, amounted to live hundred and sixty dol- 
lars, the average amount devoted to schools between 
1854 and 1870. 

In the latter year two hundred dollars additional 
school money was voted, and il has been continued 
annually, making lor the last fifteen years an average 

of seven bundled and sixty dollars expended U] 

the district schools annually. Additional to this, 
since 1871 the town has given McCollom Institute 
four thousand two hundred dollars. With the de- 
cline of population has come a diminution of the 
number of pupils in our district schools. In 1859 
the whole number was one hundred and forty-nine, 
and in 1860 one hundred and sixty-seven; for the 
years 1884 and 1885 it is less than one hundred ol 



total attendance. The School money has increased 
in the ratio that the number of those receiving its 
benefits have been diminished. 

From 1803 to 1818 there is no record of any special 
superintendence of schools bj an examining commit- 
tee. For ten years, inclusive, from 1818, a superin- 
tending committee, consisting of three persons, was 
chosen by the voters at the annual town-meeting. 
Below are the names of these, with the number of years 
they served: Dr. Daniel Adams, ten years; Jonathan 
S. Adams, nine years; John Prentiss, one year; Ar- 
tenias Wood, lour years; Rev. K. Cheevcr. three 
years; A. F. Sawyer, three years. From 1827 to 
1840-41 there is no trace of a superintending com- 
mittee. The Board of Selectmen made the appoint- 
ment from 1841 to ]S77, since which the voters have 
done it at the March meeting lor the choice of the 
town officers. The persons who held the office from 
1841 to 1853 were Dr. Daniel Adams, Rev. Bezaleel 
.Smith, Samuel Campbell, Dr. Samuel G. Deal bora 
and Rev. < . D. Herbert. Since 1852 the committee 
has consisted of one person onlj : 1853-56, Rev. 
Charles D. Herbert; 1857-59, Rev. Augustus Berry; 
1860-64, Charles .1. Smith; 1865-66, Charles A. 
Towle; 1807, Joshua V.Smith; 1868-72, Charles .1. 
Smith; 1873-77, George W. I odd ; L878, J. W. Car- 
son; 1879, Charles J.Smith; 1880, William H.Ray; 
1881-85, Charles J. Si, nth. 

The conspicuous feature in the educational record 
of Mont Vernon since 1850 must be its academy, now 
known as McCollom Institute. For nearly every 
autumn from 1835 to 1850 there had been kept a 
select school, usually by a fresh graduate from one 
of the New England collegi s. 

Enterprising citizens of the town had long cherished 
the hope that a higher institution of learning would 
one day crown that noble eminence on which their 
village reposed. The beauty of its scenery, the grand 
outlook, stretching away to the distant horizon, the 
pure, health-giving air ami many other elements 
marked it as a most desirable locality for public 
education. 

In June, 1850, an act of incorporation was obtained, 

and they named the projected scl 1 Appleton 

Academy. 

A verv opulent citizen of Bo-ton hearing the name 
had often visited the place, having a mother and 

three sisters long resi I here, and they hoped to 

win an endowment by this recognition. They did 
not consult him as to the name, and he did little for 
their institution. Its first board of trustee- wee 
eight citizens of the village-, with Dr. Samuel G. 
Dearborn as secretary. Its first term was taught in 
the fall of 1850, in the hall over the district school. 
in which its sessions were held until the completion 
of its new building, in 1853. 

Lucius B. Clotigh was its fust principal, assisted 1>> 
John Odronaux. The first is a most respectable 
lawyer in Manchester, and the last has long enjoyed 



MONT VERNON. 



739 



wide celebrity for his ability as a public teacher of 
law and medicine in the city of New York. Alter 
this there was no school until the fall of 1851, when 
George Stevens, who had some two years before 
graduated at Dartmouth, commenced what proved to 
be the placing of the solid foundation of an institu- 
tion which, until then, was only an idea. He trans- 
lated that idea into a fact. He had entered college 
from Mont Vernon, to which place his parents had 
removed in 1844; had taught district and private 
schools in the place. He was among his kindred and 
friends, and most fully in sympathy with those who 
had undertaken the establishment of an academy 
here. He left Pittsfield (N. H.) Academy to assume 
the charge of this, and brought with him a dozen 
students from that vicinity who had learned his value 
as an instructor. He had for his assistants two ac- 
complished ladies, and the second year Kev. John 
Colby, a graduate of Dartmouth and a fine scholar, 
was his associate teacher. It was mainly through 
Mr. Stevens' influence that the tine academy building 
was erected in 1853. He drew the plan and per- 
suaded the trustees and citizens that all difficulties 
would vanish before well-directed and persistent en- 
deavor. The funds were but partially secured at its 
commencement, but when completed, it was but one 
year before it was free from debt. His enthusiastic 
devotion to his work brought success. During the 
fall term of 1853 one hundred and twenty-five pupils 
attended. 

After two and one-half years' service, Mr. Stevens, 
in the winter of 1853-54, communicated to the trus- 
tees his fully-matured decision to complete his law 
studies and enter the legal profession. Removing to 
Lowell, Mass., he, in a short time, commenced prac- 
tice in that city, which he pursued successfully well- 
nigh thirty years. His death occurred June 6, 1884, 
aged fifty nine years. 

As in the lives of individuals, so in the life of in- 
stitutions, sharp vicissitudes occur. The disappoint- 
ment and vexation of those who had hoped that Mr. 
Stevens would continue here for many years was not 
slight. The school was suspended for one term. 

Rev. Fenner E. King, the third preceptor of this 
academy, a graduate of Wesleyan University, Middle- 
town, Conn., came in the fall of 1854 and remained 
one year with two lady assistants. 

The fourth principal was Kev. Augustus Berry, a 
graduate of Amherst College, and for many years the 
esteemed pastor of the church in Pelham, N. II. 
He, with two lady assistants, had charge of the 
school five years, from 1855 to 1860. His administra- 
tion here was a successful one, and marked by the 
ability of many of his students who have since at- 
tained eminent success in varied callings. 

The fifth principal was Rev. C. F. P. Bancroft, who 
came here immediately after graduating at Dart- 
month, and remained from August, 1860, four years. 
He was young, genial and enthusiastic, with conceded 



ability and soundness in judgment. It was not a 
favorable period for large schools. Thecolossal Civil 
War, then raging, engrossed the public thought, and 
educational interests were in the background. The 
institution suffered no loss of prestige through his 
connection with it. When he commenced his work 

here the fund belonging to the institution was seven 

hundred dollars. Dr. Bancroft occupies a high rank 
as an educator, having for the last twelve years been 
at the head of the famous Phillips Academy, Andover. 
He is identified with this town by marriage ties, and has 
ever manifested a cordial interest in its prosperity. 

The sixth principal was Rev. Charles A. Towle, a 
graduate of Dartmouth, whose connection with it 
continued two years from August, 1m'.7. The school 
was fairly prosperous with him and two lady assist- 
ants at its head. He resigned to study for the 
ministry, and is now settled in Illinois. His suc- 
cessor was Dr. Joshua V. Smith, who remained two 
years, unfortunately to witness a decrease in num- 
bers. He was a graduate of Bowdoin and now a 
physician in .Massachusetts. 

There was a suspension of one year, until August, 
1.SII9, when Professor Lucien Hunt, a veteran teacher, 
came from Falmouth, Mass., to become its eighth 
principal, the number of pupils during his stay of 
one year ranging from twenty-five to forty. 

Mr. D. A. Anderson, a graduate of Dartmouth and 
now a teacher in New Jersey, was the ninth princi- 
pal, remaining two years, from 1870 to 1872. The 
school was not altogether unprosperous during his 
connection with it. 

Early in the year 1871, George W. McCollom, then 
of New York City, offered to the trustees, as a per- 
manent endowment, the sum of ten thousand dollars, 
provided they would cause the name to he changed 
from Appleton Academy to that of McCollom Insti- 
tute, and provided further that the town of Mont 
Vernon should, for five successive years, raise and 
pay to the institution the sum of three hundred 
dollars, being an aggregate amount of fifteen hun- 
dred dollars. The conditions were complied with, 
and now for fourteen years the school has enjoyed 
the income from this valuable endowment. Mr. 
McCollom was a native of New Boston, but came 
with his parents to Mont Vernon to reside in earlj 
life. He married the eldest daughter of Asa and 
Mary A. A. Stevens, of this town. She died in New 
York in 1865, and her husband's donation was in- 
tended as a grateful memorial of her. A marble 
tablet placed by him in the hall of the institute hears 
this inscription: 



Mr. McCollom died in New York September 4, 

1878. 

In 1872, Hon. George W. Todd, of Rindge. N. II., 
became the tenth principal, a man of untiring zeal, 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



great executive ability and large experience. He at 
once associated with him as classical teacher Rev. 
Charles P. Mills, an accomplished scholar, a graduate 
of Amherst, and now in the ministry at Newbury- 
port, Mass. 

Mr. Todd held the office of principal six years, re- 
tiring in 1S78. His later assistants were Messrs. F. 
A. Eldridge and G. W. Putnam, graduates, respect- 
ively, at Harvard and Dartmouth. Mr. Todd re- 
moved from town in 1879, and died suddenly at 
Norridgewock, Me., April 15, 1884, when he was in 
charge of the High School in that town. 

William H. Ray, a graduate of Dartmouth, suc- 
ceeded Mr. Todd, as the eleventh principal of this 
institution. He remained here three years, vacating 
his position hereto accept a more lucrative one in 
Y r onkers, N. Y. Professor Lucien Hunt, the eighth 
principal, succeeded Mr. Ray in 1881, and contin- 
ued at the head of the institute two years, when he 
resigned. Mr, Arthur V. Goss, a graduate of Dart- 
mouth, was his assistant here. 

Hiram Q. Ward, from St, Johnsbury, Yt., a gradu- 
ate of Dartmouth, was principal from 1883 to 1884. 
His success not being marked, he was nut re-engaged. 
In August, 1884, Mr. Cassius S. Campbell, of Dart- 
mouth College (1858), was engaged fur live years, and 
his diligent and energetic supervision promises a 
bright future for the school. 

The endowment of the school is respectable, but 
more would be acceptable. There is a library of 
some twelve hundred volumes, extensive and val- 
uable apparatus for the illustration of physical 
science and an invested cash fund of thirteen thou- 
sand dollars. 

For fourteen years past the town of .Mont Ver- 
non has raised each year three hundred dollars, 
and given it to the institute for the tuition of its 
resident youth, if their attendance is in such num- 
bers as to absorb it; otherwise any balance goes into 
the general fund of the school. Thus it is used by 
the town as a High School. The entire number of 
students who have been enrolled as members of this 
academy during the thirty-five years it has existed 
is about fifteen hundred. Its foundations were laid 
in an earnest desire to elevate the standard of intel- 
lectual and moral culture in tin- community around 
it. Its Christian character has ever been upheld and 
pronounced, and it has been an ally to the church 
near which it stands. Every three years its alumni 
gather for a triennial reunion, — occasions which bring 
together hundreds whose presence testify their at- 
tachment and gratitude for the strength and help it 
has given them for the conflicts of life. 

Beside the endowment fund of Mr. McCollom, other 
friends have remembered the school. Among the larger 
donations Hon. Samuel Appleton, of Boston, gave 
about one thousand volumes of books for a library ; 
Hon. William Appleton, five hundred dollars; 
Messrs. William H. and A. Conant, fifteen hundred 



dollars ; and Hon. George Stevens, of Lowell, five 
hundred dollars. 

Poor Farm. — From the incorporation of the town 
until 1837 it was the practice to sell to the lowest 
bidder the board for the current year of such poor 
persons as were wholly unable to maintain themselves 
at the annual meeting. Such as required only partial 
support from the town were to be provided for by the 
selectmen according to their discretion. 

In the year 1837 a farm was bought in Lynde- 
borough, about three miles from Mont Vernon village, 
by the town, and occupied by itspooruntil 184fj, when 
it was sold and another bought, a half-mile southeast 
from Mont Vernon village, and occupied as a pau- 
per farm until 1870, when the farm and contents 
were sold in compliance with the vote of the 
town. 

Post-Office. — Mont Vernon was not made a post town 
until 1823. Letters for its inhabitants were distributed 
from Amherst. Appended are the names ofthe several 
postmasters, with the year of their appointment: 
Porter Kimball, 1823; Daniel W. Baker, 1829; Jesse 
K. Smith, 1832 ; Daniel R. Baker, 1835 ; Franklin O. 
Kittredge, 1842; Thomas H. Richardson, 1849 ; Dan- 
iel R. Baker, 1853; Nathaniel Bruce, 1861 ; Alonzo 
S. Bruce, 1873; John M. Fox, 1885. 

Military. — The people of Mont Vernon believing 
that the War of 1812 was just and necessary, ar- 
dently favored its prosecution, ami quite a number en- 
listed for permanent service. Captain James T. 
Trevitt, commanding a company in Colonel Steel's 
regiment, was for sixty days at Portsmouth, expecting 
an attaek from a British fleet cruising near by. This 
company was made up of men drafted for special 
service. Dr. John Trevitt was a surgeon who con- 
tinued permanently in the service after the conclusion 
of peace, and died in 1821 at Augusta, Ga., at his post 
of duty. Dr. Rogers Smith was an assistant surgeon 
on the frontier. In the days of "militia musters" 
Mont Vernon was always well represented. For thirty 
years a first-class company of infantry was sustained 
here under the old militia law. 

In the late Civil War this town was represented by 
nearly forty citizen soldiers. 

None of those who enlisted from this town were 
lost in battle, but seven died of disease contracted 
in the service. Subjoined is this list: 

James C. Towne, Henry N. McQucstion, William 
H. Upton, Charles Robinson, Nathan Kendall, George 
W. Brown and John Alexander. 

Wm. II. Ireland lost his life by drowning. 

George N. Bruce went to the war a lieutenant and 
returned a lieutenant-colonel. 

C. F. Stinson went out a private and came home a 
captain. 

George A. Marden was quartermaster of Berdan's 
regiment of sharpshooters. 

There has been since its incorporation but one 
territorial change in Mont Vernon. Through the per- 



MONT VERNON. 



741 



sistent efforts of a few individuals, and against the 
remonstrance of the large majority of its citizens, a 
tract exceeding one thousand acres of land was an- 
nexed from Lyndeborough to Mont Vernon at the 
winter session of the Legislature of 1852. There 
were fourteen families added to the population of 
Mont Vernon by this change. 

Mont Vernon is unquestionably a place favorable 
to health. Epidemics are of rare occurrence. The 
most notable instance of the prevalence of any malig- 
nant epidemic was in January and February, 1812, 
when the terrible disease known as spotted fever 
visited certain sections of this county. It attacked 
several familes here and proved fatal to some ten or 
twelve persons, nearly all adults. 

The salubrity of the breezes which fan these hills is 
attested by the tact that over two hundred persons, 
who either were resident in the town in 1820 or who 
have lived here for the term of twenty-five years since, 
have reached the age of eighty years. 

Physicians. — The entire number of physicians who 
have been in practice here is twelve, viz. : Henry 
Codman, Zephaniah Kittredge, 1 Rogers Smith, 
John Ramsey, David Adams, Jesse K. Smith, Daniel 
F.Hale, Samuel G. Dearborn, Alfred A. Gerrish, 
Maurice E.Jones, Sylvanus Bunton, Frederic Chand- 
ler. 

Four of the above were natives of the town, viz. 
Drs. Kittridge, Codman and the two Smiths. 

Physicians who were natives of the town other 
than the foregoing, ami places of residence, — 

Drs. Stephen Carlton, Acworth, N. H. ; John Peabody, Salem, Mass. ; 
Stephen Peabody, Orange, Vt. ; Nathan W. Oaves, Ann X II : Na- 
than Cleaves, murdered in Mexico; Ingalla Kittridgi I ■ i SI 
Josiah Kittridge, Pembroke and Nashua, N. H.; Charles M Kittridge, 
Fishkill-on-the-Hudson, N. Y. ; Luther Smith, Hillsborough Bridge, 
N. H. ; Norman Smith, Croton, Mo. ; Ira Weston, Bradford and Wind- 
ham, N. II. i William Trevitt, Columbus, 0. ; John Trevitt, I mod 
States Army ; Daniel L. Adams, Bidgefield.Conn. ; Henry Trevitt, Wil- 
ton, N. H. ; Irving W. Boardman. 

Lawyers.— Two lawyers were located here many 
years since,— Aaron G. Sawyer and Andrew Wallace. 

Representatives.— The followingis a list of repre- 
sentatives sent to the Legislature from Mont Ver- 



William Bradford, three years, 1804-06 ; voted not 1" s 
John Batchelder, three years, 1808-10. 
Benjamin Ion. mi, ttvi yeai 1811-15. 

Andrew Wallace, one year, 1816. 
Kzekiel t'pton, five years, 1X17-21. 
John Brace, five years, 1822-26. 

Aaron F. Sawyer, t! 

Nalham.l Brio--' iVin y.ii . 

Daniel W. Baker, two years, ls::4-35. 

Porter Kimball, one year, 1836. 

G -■ Raym I, thn i yi ire, 1837-39. 

Nathaniel Bruce, two years 1840-41. 
George Raymond, one yeai I i 

Zephaniah Kith ;■: .„„■ v.-ar, 1st:;. 

\\ illiimi I'Miianl , ■-. year, !sld. 
Leander Smith, thn e years, 184.")-47. 



John Averill, on.- year, 1848, 

Joseph \ -in rett, oo | 

William Brui a one year, 1850 

Leander Smith, two years, lXM-f.2 

Alonzo Travis, three yeai 

Charles It. Beard, two years, 1856-57. 

Ira Ki ii. I. ill. i«. years, 1858-59. 

Charles J. Smith, two years, 1860-61. 

Ira Roby, on,- year, 18G2. 

William ii. Bruce, two years, 1863 64 

Henry C. Dodge, one year, 1865. 

George A. Brio'.., ■ year, 1866. 

Charles F. Kittredge, one year, 1S07. 
Andrew W. Raymond, i 

.1 ii \. i: i, twoyears, 1870-71. 

James I pton, two years, ls7-.'-7:i. 

John Trevitt, two years, 1874-75. 

Daniel 1'. Kendall, two years, Isto-77. 

ciarl, Campbell, two yeai 

Elbridge F. Trow, two years, 1880-82 ; 1884, voted not to send. 
Under the law, as it stood before 1S77, with the 
Senate consisting of twelve members, two citizens 
of Mont Vernon held the office, viz. : 1839 and 1S40, 
Dr. Daniel Adams; 1863 and 1864, Charles J. Smith. 
Population of Mont Vernon.— 1810, 762; 1820, 
729; 1830,763; 1840,720; 1850,722; 1860,725; 
1870, 601 ; 1880, 516. 

Noted Citizens. — Among the more conspicuous 
citizens of Mont Vernon, Dr. Daniel Adams is entitled 
to remembrance. Daniel Adams was born in Town- 
send, Mass., Sept. 9, 1771!; graduated at Dartmouth 
College in 1707 anil at its medical school in 1799; 
married, August 17, 1800, Nancy Mulliken, of Boston. 
After residing several years at Leominster he removed 
to Huston. For a period was engaged in publishing 
an agricultural journal in Huston; came to reside in 
Mont Vernon in 1813, and was employed in preparing 
hisvarious publications and in his profession here 
until his removal to Keene, in 1846. His "Scholar's 
Arithmetic," Adams' "New" and "Revised," all 
were in very extensive use lot many years. He wrote 
and published several pamphlets. Dr. Adams was 
very highly esteemed in Mont Vernon, and during his 
thirty-three years' residence here he wielded a con- 
trolling influence in behalf of temperance, education 
and morality. In 1830 and 1840 he was a member oi 
the New Hampshire Senate from the district where 
he resided. He died June 8, 1 86 I. 

A man whose noble character and brilliant, 
eventful public life should give him a record as one 
honoriug the place of his birth was the late Dr. 
William Trevitt ofColumbus, Ohio. A sketch of his 
immediate ancestry, as it relates to a family prominent 
in the town, is of interest. Richard Trevitt came from 
Englandand waskilled bythe Indians at Fort William 
Henry, lie left a little son, Henry Trevitt, born at 
Marblehead, in ]7-">."., who, at ten years of age, came 
to Mont Vernon with his step-father, Amos Steel, ami 
. '-'id in active service in 
the War oi' tic Revolution and fough! under Stark at 
Bennington. He moved to Ohio ami died in Licking 
County August, 1850, aged ninety-six. His children 
were nun .-—seven sons ami two daughters. 



742 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



One son only remained in New England, — his eldest, 
Captain J. Thompson Trevitt, who led a company at 
Portsmouth in 1814. All the others, except Dr. John, 
the third son, who died in 1821, at Augusta. ( la., either 
preceded or followed their lather Wist. Captain James 
Trevitt died in 1858, leaving two sons, the youngest of 
whom is Dr. Henry Trevitt, of Wilton, N. H., and 
the eldest, Captain John Trevitt, graduated from 
West Point, 1844; served several years in .Mexico and 
on the Western frontier; returned to the old home- 
stead in Mont Vernon after his father's death, where 
he still resides, devoting himself to farming and civil 
engineering. Dr. William, the youngest of the seven 
sons, of Henry Trevitt, was horn at Mont Vernon, 
February 7, 1809. He pursued his preparatory 
studies at Francestown and Amherst, and his pro- 
fessional with Dr. Daniel Adams. He graduated 
at Dartmouth College in 1830, and subsequently at- 
tended medical lectures at the Pennsylvania Univer- 
sity. 

In 1830 he began the practice of his profession in 
Fairfield County, Ohio, removing two years later 
to Perry County, where he continued in his chosen 
profession until 1840. During his residence here he 
represented the county in the General Assembly of 
Ohio for three successive terms, being but twenty- 
five years of age when first returned. In the spring 
of 1840 he removed to Columbus, having been ap- 
pointed Secretary of State, to fill the vacancy occa- 
sioned by the death of C. P. Harlan. At the expira- 
tion of his term he was appointed physician to the 
Ohio Penitentiary, and served in that capacity until 
1846. 

At the outbreak of the Mexican War Presi- 
dent Polk appointed him surgeon of the army, and 
he held that position until the last gun of the conflict 
was spiked. During the last part of the war he ex- 
changed services in the field for headquarters, and 
was attached to the staffs of Generals Taylor and 
Wool. In 1849 he resumed medical practice at Co- 
lumbus. In 1X51, on the adoption of the new State 
Constitution, he was elected to tin- office of Secre- 
tary of State, and was re-elected in 1853. In 1857, 
President Buchanan appointed him consul at Valpa- 
raiso, Chili, the most important mercantile post on 
the South American Pacific coast, and, subsequently, 
advanced to the consulship at Callao, Peru, and 
while there was acting American minister. In 1861, 
at his own request, he was relieved, and returned 
again to Columbus. Subsequently, upon the death 
of ex-Governor Medary, he assumed the management 
of the Crisis that then had the largest circulation in 
Ohio. Afterwards, in 1867, he established another 
paper. Finally, February 8, 1881, he closed, at lin- 
age of seventy-two years, an active, eventful and 
very useful life. Dr. Trevitt was, politically, an 
unswerving Democrat, though widely esteemed by- 
all parties. He was survived by a wife and three 



The late Oliver Carlton, Esq., of Salem, Mass., was 
another son of Mont Vernon whose life and character 
shed lustre upon the place of their early training. 
He was a grandson of Deacon Oliver and the fifth 
son of Deacon John Carlton, and was born July 20, 
1801, in the ancestral house, and on the same farm 
which has been owned and wrought by five genera- 
tions of the name. In 1818 he entered Phillips 
Academy, Andover, and, in 1820, Dartmouth College, 
from which he graduated in 1824 with the second 
honors of his class. 

Adopting the profession of teacher, he was, in 1825 
and 1826, a tutor at Hanover; afterwards a teacher at 
Haverhill, Mass., from 1827 to 1830; at Marblehead, 
from L830 to 1832; and in 1832 was placed in charge 
of the Latin Grammar School at Salem, where he 
remained until 1856, — a period of twenty-four years. 
Teaching from 1856 to 1860 at Portsmouth, N. H., he 
returned to Salem, and from 1860 to 1867 conducted 
a private school. For forty-three years a teacher, he 
retired to private life, and died June 21, 1882. He 
was a man of pure and upright character, and, as a 
scholar and tutor, was equaled by few and excelled 
by none. 

Hon. Aaron Worcester Sawyer died in Nashua, 
August 23, 1881, aged sixty-three. He was the 
youngest son of Aaron F. Sawyer, who practiced law 
in Mont Vernon nearly twenty-five years. Aaron W. 
was horn here in 1818; attended school at Hancock 
and elsewhere; studied law with his father. He at- 
tained a high reputation as a lawyer and jurist. He 
was frequently honored by his fellow-citizens with a 
seat in the Legislature ; was one year (1800) mayor 
of Nashua, and for some years a judge of the Su- 
preme Judicial Court. 

George Wilkins Kendall, eldest son of Captain 
Thaddeus Kendall, a merchant of Mont Vernon, was 
horn at Mont Vernon August 22, 1809, and died in 
Texas October 22, 1807. "He was a poet, journalist, 
author and farmer," and eminent in all. 

Hon. George Augustus Maiden is the son of Ben- 
jamin F, and Betsey (Buss) Marden, and was born at 
Mont Vernon August 9, 1839; prepared for college 
at the academy in his native town ; graduated at 
Dartmouth College in 1861. In the following au- 
tumn he joined the army, serving three years as 
quartermaster of First Regiment of Berdan's Sharp- 
shooters. Returning to New Hampshire in the au- 
tumn of 1804, he engaged in the study of law in the 
ollice of Minot iy. Mugridge, in Concord, until the 
following summer, when he became owner and editor 
of the K't mi trim kejtitliliran. at Charleston, West 
Virginia. Disposing of this interest in April, 1866, 
he was employed for the remainder of that year al 
Concord in editing and preparing for the press the 
"History of the War Regiments of New Hampshire,'' 
published by Adjutant-General Natt Head. In Jan- 
uary, 1807, be went to Boston as assistant editor of 
the Daily Advertiser. The property of the Lowell 



MONT VERNON. 



743 



Courier being for sale, he, in conjunction with Ed- 
ward T. Rowell, a college classmate, bought it, and 
has continued to edit it for eighteen years. In 1873 
he represented Lowell in the Massachusetts Legisla- 
ture, and in 1874 was elected clerk of the House of 
Representatives, a position which he hold for nine 
years, from January, 1874. Being returned to the 
House the previous autumn, he was, in January, 1883, 
elected its Speaker, and was re-elected in 1884. In 
1885 was a Senator from the Seventh Middlesex Dis- 
trict. In 1880 Mr. Marden was a delegate to the 
National Convention which placed General Garfield 
in nomination for the Presidency. Always a stanch 
republican, Mr. Marden holds a prominent place in 
political circles, and has a wide reputation as an able 
journalist. 

Hon. George Anson Bruce, son of Nathaniel and 
Lucy (Butterfield) Bruce was born in September, 
1839, at Mont Vernon; fitted for college at Mont 
Vernon; graduated at Dartmouth in 1861; studied 
law one year with Hon. D. S. Richardson, at Lowell. 
In August, 1S62, he enlisted in the Thirteenth New 
Hampshire Regiment, and went to the front as first 
lieutenant of Company B. He served with distin- 
guished bravery until the close of the war, holding at 
its close the position of brevet lieutenant-colonel. In 
1865 he resumed his legal studies at Lowell. In 1866 
he represented Mont Vernon in the Legislature of New 
Hampshire. In 1866 he was admitted to the bar, 
and opened an office in Boston, where he still pur- 
sues his profession with an assured reputation as an 
able counselor and advocate. Establishing his resi- 
dence in the city of Somerville, he was, in 1877, elec- 
ted its mayor, holding the office three consecutive 
years. In 1883 and again in 1884 he was in the State 
Senate from his district, and the latter year was its 
presiding officer. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 



WILLIAM STEVENS, Esu. 

William Stevens is of the seventh generation from 
Colonel Thomas Stevens, of London, who was orig- 
inally from Devonshire, England. He was a member 
of the company chartered in London for the settle- 
ment of Massachusetts Bay, which, in 1628, sent out 
John Endicott and one hundred others to plant a 
colony at Salem. He contributed fifty pounds ster- 
ling to the stock of the company, and was one of the 
signers of instructions to Endicott before his coming. 
His business was that of an armorer, and he fur- 
nished a supply of arms for the colony. He did not 
emigrate to this country, but "sent three sons and 
his daughter, Mary, as his adventure to our cause." 
The youngest of these sons, Cyprian Stevens came 



from London about 1660, being then a lad of fourteen, 
He settled at Lancaster, Mass., marrying, January 22, 
1672, Mary, daughter of Major Sim.. .n Willard, of 
that town. He was the father of five children, of 
whom the youngest was Joseph, born about 1682. He 
married Prudence, daughter of John Rice, of Sud- 
bury, Mass.; lived in Sudbury, Framingham and 
Lancaster; removed, in 1720, to Rutland, Mass., and 
died there in 1745. He was one of the first settlers 
of Rutland, and a leading man in its early history, 
holding its various town offices. He was captain of 
the militia and a deacon in its church. He was the 
father of fi.ve sons and the same number of daughters. 
On the morning of August 14, 1723, he went from his 
house to the meeting-house meadows in Rutland to 
make hay. Four sons followed him, Phineas, the 
eldest, being sixteen, and Isaac, the youngest, but 
four years of age. They were surprised by a company 
of Indians. The father fled to the bushes. Phineas 
was taken prisoner, and the two next youngest, 
Samuel and Joseph, were slain. They were preparing 
to kill the child of four years, Isaac, when the elder 
brother, by signs, made them understand, if they 
would spare him, he would carry him on his back, 
and he carried him to Canada. They were held in 
captivity upwards of a year, and were only redeemed 
at great expense and trouble, the father for this pur- 
pose making two wearisome journeys to Canada. 
The elder of these boys became the famous Captain 
Phineas Stevens, of Charlestown, N. 1L, an able and 
brave man, who rendered most important service in 
protecting the frontier from French and Indian in- 
cursions. He was born at Sudbury, Mass, in 1707, 
and died in the service of bis country in 1756. He 
was the father of seven children. His younger 
brother, Isaac, was born in 1719; married, first, in 
1743, Mercy Hubbard, of Rutland. Mass. She dying 
in 1746, he married, in 174*, Abigail Barling. By the 
first wife he had a son and a daughter, ami by the 
last three sons and a daughter. He removed in early 
manhood from Rutland to Carlisle, Mass., and died 
there. His youngest son. Calvin Stevens, was born 
at Rutland, January 27, 1753; removed in infancy to 
Carlisle. In 1773 he married Esther Wilkins, and in 
177b removed from Carlisle to Hillsborough, N. H. 
Here he had his home forty-five years, and removed 
thence, in 1821, to .Mont Vernon, where four of his 
children had settled, ami .lied there in 1834. He 
was a soldier of the Revolution, having been in the 
battle of Bunker Hill. While at Hillsborough he 
was for many years a town officer and magistrate, and 
was known for uprightness, intelligence and rectitude 
in all the relations of life, lie was the father of 
thirteen children, ten of whom survived him. Nu- 
merous descendants honor his memory, of whom, of 
the fourth generation, is Hon. George A. Marden, 
late Speaker of the Massachusetts House of Repre- 
sentatives and now a member of its Senate. 

Asa, the seventh child and fifth son of Calvin 



744 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Stevens, was born at Hillsborough, February 5, 1787; 
married, in 1811, Mary Ann, youngest daughter of 
Rev. Joseph Applet..,,, of Brookfield, Mass., and a 
sister of the late Hon. William Appleton, of Boston. 

Soon after bis marriage be settled in Mont Vernon, 
and died there in January, 1863. His wife survived 
him until November, 1867. They were the parents 
of seven children, of whom six survived them. 

The subject of this sketch (William Stevens), their 
third son, was born at Mont Vernon, July 28, 1816. 
He passed the first twenty years of bis life under the 
paternal roof, alternating farm labor with attendance 
upon the village school. His academical studies 
were limited to two terms at an institution in Han- 
cock, N. H., in 1836-37. His father was a thrifty 
man and possessed of considerable means, but be- 
lieved his sons more likely to succeed in life without 
(ban with parental aid, and the large estates accumu- 
lated by the three who grew to manhood proved the 
wisdom of his judgment. In 1838, when twenty-two 
years old, William travelled West, as far as Illinois. 
In 1839 he sought and obtained employment at the 
Stark Mills, in Manchester. N. H., then managed by 
his cousin, the late John A. Burnham, Esq., of Bos- 
ton. After a few weeks' service there be went to 
Boston, securing a position as a salesman in a cloth- 
ing-store under Faneuil Hall. He continued here 
until 1841, when his elder brother, Calvin, who was 
engaged in an extensive business in smoked pro- 
visions at 13 Front Street. New York City, invited 
him to a position in his establishment, where he re- 
mained some eighteen months, when he purchased a 
stock of ship stores at 116 Wall Street, and conducted 
business there until the autumn of 1844, when he 
sold out and located in Ludlow Street as a dealer in 
smoked provisions. In March, 1846, he removed bis 
business to 76 and 78 Worcester Street, associating 
with himself bis younger brother. Asa, making the 
firm of W. & A. Stevens, and here they conducted a 
large and prosperous trade until .lime, 1865, when 
William retired and returned to Mont Vernon. 

By unremitting devotion to business tor more than 
twenty years he had acquired an ample and well- 
earned competency, and to enjoy it wisely turned his 



feet to bis native bills. He purchased of his father's 
estate the homestead, enlarged and improved the 
buildings, added to his domain by the purchase or 
other lands, and now these twenty years has occupied 
this elegant home in a manner befitting a gentleman 
tanner of taste and means. Mr. Stevens is a fine 
type of that increasing class of New England boys 
who, obedient to the promptings of a self-reliant am- 
bition, have gone forth from the country to the great 
cities, and. by unflagging industry, enterprise and in- 
tegrity, have won fortunes, and before the forces of 
life are spent and decay overtakes them, lovingly 
cme back to their early home to beautify it by 
liberal expenditure, to dwell there and toconferupon 
the surrounding community the benefits which opu- 
lence enables the public-spirited and generous-hearted 
citizen to dispense around him. Mr. Stevens is a 
man of broad sympathies, always on the side of those 
who need help and strength, and the voice of cheer is 
always given where needed. 

Politically, he is an earnest but not bigoted Repub- 
lican. Repeat,, IK a candidate for the Legislature. 
his personal pupularity has always given him a full 
vote, and in the last State election his candidacy pre- 
vented the choice of a representative in a decidedly 
Democratic town for the first time in its history. 
I tonnected with no church, he is liberal in his religious 
views, confident of the wisdom and mercy of the 
All Father, believing that in any ease the dead are 
safe, and cannot go where " the Divine law will not 
protect them, nor where the Divine law will not en- 
circle them." He is a member of the Masonic 
fraternity. 

Mr. Stevens has been twice married, first, to Louisa 
W. Dye, of Newark, N. J., who left him four 
daughters,— Mary Ann, now Mrs. Charles F. Wilkins, 
of Omaha, Neb. ; Ella L., unmarried ; Catherine, now 
Mrs. C. Henry Hobbie, also of Omaha; and Frances 
E., unmarried. January 4, 1876, he was again 
married to Mrs. Helen L. (Ober) Whipple, the widow 
of John Whipple, of New Boston, N. H., who died 
in a Confederate prison during the late Civil War. 

They have on,, daughter, Helen Willette Stevens, 
born September 3, 1880. 



APPENDIX 



MANCHESTER. 

Freemasonry in Manchester. 1 — The history of 
Craft Masonry in this city dates from August, 1845, 
when Lafayette Lodge, No. 41, was moved from Pis- 
cataquog village (then a part of Bedford) to this side 
of the river. A dispensation was granted to the lodge 
June 9, 1824, with Brother Robert Duulap as tin- first 
Master. It was chartered anil duly consecrated Sep- 
tember 1st following, and commenced work in a lodge- 
room provided by the late Brother General William P. 
Riddle, who was the stanch and liberal friend and 
supporter of the fraternity during his life. Bro. Dun- 
lap afterwards became the Grand Master of the State, 
and many others of the twenty-three brothers who 
assembled at the first meeting to consider the subject 
of the formation of a lodge became prominent in the 
order, and did noble work in its interest. They have 
all been gathered to the Grand Lodge above, and 
their memories are a valuable legacy to those who 
now sustain the important duties of their member- 
ship. 

Lafayette Lodge was named in honor of the French 
nobleman who rendered such great service to the cause 
of freedom in the struggle of this country for her inde- 
pendence. He was a Mason, and at the time of the 
formation of this lodge was making a triumphal tour 
through the United States. 

Lafayette Lodge remained in Bedford about twenty- 
one years, covering the most eventful period of its 
existence, years which put to the severest test the 
fidelity and fortitude of the craft in every part of the 
country. The history of Lafayette Lodge is a proud 
record of the brotherhood in this vicinity, ami is evi- 
dence of their devotion to the truth. 

Speaking of this subject, a distinguished brother 
says: " The consecration of the lodge was in ample 
form, and the exercises of the day were interspersed 
with appropriate music by the Bedford performers. 
It was a gala day for Piseataquog village, then the 
principal place in these parts, for Manchester of the 
present time was not dreamed of for years after 
these events occurred." 

For the four succeeding years the lodge was greatly 
prospered — the brethren " did walk together in love," 



and Masonry was very popular. About this time a 
new lodge was formed in Hooksett, another in Mer- 
rimack, down the river, and another in Derry. But 
in 1S28 the dark age of Masonry in this country com- 
menced. A fierce and relentless anti-Masonic war 
was waged. Their ceremonies were misrepresented, 
their principles maligned and good Masons them- 
selves bitterly denounced. It was carried into church 
and political parties. It found its way into families, 
causing bitterness and alienation. The shock that 
thus agitated the country was felt by Lafayette Lodge. 
For seventeen years no work was done — not a Mason 
made. 

Along the track of these years we find evidences of 
the pressure brought to bear against them — meetings 
became less frequent. In 1831 the by-laws were so 
amended as to require but four meetings a year. 
From 1833 to 1837 there was but one meeting a year; 
then for a time meetings were more frequent; 
meanwhile, the lodges in the vicinity went down, and, 
yielding to the pressure, lost their charters. These 
were signs of distress. But Lafayette Lodge held its 
meetings and preserved its charter. All honor to 
those noble craftsmen who, so long subjected to the 
assaults of persecution, maintained the right and kept 
the faith. 

When the lodge was moved to Manchester, it occu- 
pied rooms in the so-called Duncklee Block, on Elm 
Street, hut soon became prosperous and able to im- 
prove its place of meeting and furniture. In 1847, a 
new hall had been prepared, and in December it was 
duly dedicated, Brother Sylvanus Cobb, of Boston, 
delivering the oration. 

A few events in this lodge during the succeeding 
years are worthy of passing notice. In December, 
1848, Okah Tubbee, a chief of the Choctaw nation 
of Indians, residing on the borders of Arkansas, took 
the three degrees of Masonry in this lodge, under 
authority of a dispensation for that purpose. In Sep- 
tember, 1852, the centennial of the making of George 
Washington a Mason was duly celebrated. In 1854, 
the anniversary of St. John was celebrated with im- 
posing ceremonies, under the auspices of Lafayette 
Lodge, assisted by many lodges from other parts ol 
the State. 

Soon the hall in Duncklee Block became incon- 
745 



746 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



venient, and larger rooms were necessary. In 1856 
Masonic Temple on Handon Street was erected and 
the lodge transferred its place of meeting to that 
building, and occupied it the first time April 25th of 
that year. 

Later in the season the belief that another lodge 
should be formed began to be entertained. Ac- 
cordingly, a petition was presented to the Grand 
Lodge, signed by John S. Kidder, Isaac C. Flanders, 
E. W. Harrington, Samuel G. Langley, E. H. Davis, 
James S. Cheney, George W. Morrison, N. W. Cum- 
ner, George B. Chandler and many others, asking to 
be authorized to form a new lodge by the name of 
Washington Lodge. No. 61. 

January 1, 1857, the Grand Master granted letters 
of dispensation, and appointed John S. Kidder the 
first Master of the lodge. 

On the 10th day of January. 1857, Washington 
Lodge held its first meeting, and its officers were in- 
stalled by Deputy Grand Master ( Jeorge H. Hubbard. 
At the annual communication, in June following, 
the G^ind Lodge granted a charter, and on June 
25th the ceremonies of consecration were performed, 
in ample form, and Washington Lodge, No. 61, took 
its place among the regular lodges of the Slate. 
From that day to the present tin- two lodges have 
worked side by side with that harmony and fraternal 
spirit which should distinguish all good Masons. 

As Lafayette Lodge took its name from that high- 
horn patriot and friend of freedom, who was the friend 
and companion of Washington in the camp and in 
the field, so it was fitting that the newly-formed 
lodge should take the name of the father of his 
country. 

In 1870 the great fire of our history destroyed, with 
many other buildings, Masonic Temple. Nearly all 
the furniture of all the Masonic societies was de- 
stroyed, and the fraternity suffered great disaster. 
Hut, Phoenix-like, there arose from the ashes of our 
former home a far more commodious and beautiful 
temple. Even while the smoke and flame yet clung 
to the ruins of the fust building the enterprising 
and energetic brothers who owned the property be- 
gan to plan for a new temple, and in due time the 
brethren hail the satisfaction of seeing ereetedthe 
second temple, better than the first; and "so the 
work shall not cease." 

It was formally dedicated December 26, 1870, by 
the Grand Lodge of the State, assisted by Lafayette 
and Washington Lodges, the late Brother John R. 
Holbrook, M. W. Grand Master, conducting the 
ceremonies. It was a very happy occasion. The 
craft had watched the building as it grew in com- 
pleteness and detail, and their interest in its dedica- 
tion was enhanced by the purposes to which it was to 
be devoted. 

The ceremonies were happy and successful in every 
particular. Resides the formal exercises usual on such 
occasions, a very interesting and instructive historical 



address — from which much of the matter herein has 
been taken — was delivered by Brother John R. New- 
ell, and an able and elaborate oration by Brother 
Joseph Kidder. More than a thousand people wit- 
nessed the exercises, and the fraternity entered upon 
a new era of success. From that time Craft Masonry 
in .Manchester has maintained a high degree of pros- 
perity. Its influence has been powerful, and its 
works of charity have been countless. The lodges 
have taken a front rank among the lodges of the 
State, and have done a great amount of good work. 

Lafayette Lodge now numbers two hundred and 
ninety-four and Washington two hundred and eighty- 
one members. There are also residing in the city 
ahout two hundred more members of the fraternity, 
part of whom belong to lodges in other places, and 
part of them are unaffiliated. The institution of 
Free-Masonry holds a prominent place in the history 
of Manchester, and has made its impression upon her 
people and customs. It has identified itself with 
many public buildings by performing the ceremonies 
of laying the corner-stone, or by dedication services. 
Its growth and prosperity has been commensurate 
with that of the city, ami its future is even more 
promising than its past lias been successful. 

Capitular Masonry was established in Manches- 
ter November 15, 1847. A preliminary meeting of 
nine Royal Arch Masons was held September 1st, at 
which Daniel Balch was selected for the first officer 
and appointed to present their petition to the Grand 
Chapter of the State for a dispensation and charter. 
This was granted under the name of .Mount Horeb 
Royal Arch Chapter, No. 11. and Daniel Balch was 
appointed HighPriest. This Chapterat once assumed 
a prominent position among the Chapters of the 
State. Its members were made officers of the Grand 
Chapter, and its influence upon the condition of the 
order was fully recognized. 

In 1850 its membership was 34; in 1860, 113 ; in 
1870,186; in 1885, 280. 

In the fire of 1870 the Chapter suffered a financial 
loss in common with the other Masonic bodies, but it 
was well prepared to restore its furniture and bear its 
part of the burden of refitting and occupying the new- 
temple. In all respects, the history of Mount Horeb 
Chapter is full of honor and satisfaction. Its mem- 
bers comprisesome of the ablest and most respected 
men oftheState, — men who have been an honor to 
every position where they have been called to act, 
and whose names will lie carried upon the rolls of the 
fraternity with distinction, and whose examples will 
rest in tlie memory of their brethren while life lasts. 
Cryptic Masonry. — Adoniram Council of Royal 
and Select Masters No. 24, was established in Man- 
chester September 11, 1856, by a dispensation granted 
to Daniel Balch, Ira Bliss and Moses O. Pearson by 
the (irand Council of Connecticut to form and open 
a Council, etc., and on the 27th of the same month a 
charter was issued. 



APPENDIX. 



747 



The Council worked under the authority of Grand 
ouncil of Connecticut until the formation of a Grand 



ouncil in New Hampshire, June 11, 1862, when a 
ew charter was issued and Adoniram Council became 
"Jo. 3 in the Councils of this State. It has been ex- 
:eedingly prosperous in all respects. Its membership 
low numbers two hundred and thirty, the largest in 
;he State. It suffered, in common with other Masonic 
aodies in the fire of 1870, a total loss of its property, 
but soon repaired its misfortune and provided an 
elaborate and elegant outfit for all the Cryptic work. 
If we may judge from its success and present condi- 
tion, this Council has the promise of long and remark- 
able prosperity. 

Trinity COMMANDERY, No. 1— Trinity Encamp- 
ment of Knights Templar, the first in the State, was 
established at Hanover under a charter from M. E. 
Sir Henry Fowle, Deputy General Grand Master of 
the General Grand Encampment of the United States, 
bearing date the 24th day of March, 1824. The peti- 
tioners for the charter were James Freeman Dana, 
James Poole, Timothy Kenrick, Amos Bugbee, Ammi 
B. Young, Alpheus Baker, George W. Culver, Henry 
Hutchinson and George E. Wales. 

The Encampment was consecrated May 8, 1824, by 
M. E. Sir Henry Fowle, with public ceremonies ac- 
cording to the following programme : 

1. An ode was sung by the Handel Society, of Dartmouth College. 

2. Prayer by the Rev. President Tyler, of Dartmouth College. 

3. Consecration of the Encampment by Sir H. Fowle, D. G. G. M. 

4. Installation of the officers. Installing prayer by Kev. Professor 
Shurtleff. 

5. Address by Sir H. Fowle, D. G. G. M. 
C. Ode by the Handel Society. 

7. Prayer by Rev. rrofessor Hadduck, of Dartmouth College. 

8. Benediction by Rev. President Tyler. 

The early records contain a history of the proceed- 
ings of the Encampment from its organization down 
to May 3, 1830, when the election of officers for the 
year took place. This, so far as can be ascertained 
from the records, was the last meeting of the Encamp- 
ment ; but we know that it was represented by some 
of its officers in the Grand Encampment as late as 
1837. Sir Charles W. Adams, one of the early mem- 
bers, in recording a brief history of the Encampment, 
says : " In 1826 and 1827 there were gloomy forebod- 
ings for the future, and for Masons a period of dark- 
ness and gloom. We struggled along through the 
excitement until April, 1830." He then speaks of 
the annual meeting of that year, and of what oc- 
curred, and adds : "This was our last meeting, and 
we went down with the Masonic establishments of 
this section of the country." 

From this time the Encampment was dormant till 
the autumn of 1851, when a meeting of the few sur- 
viving members and of other Sir Knights residing in 
the city was held at the Masonic Hall in Manchester, 
to take the necessary measures to petition the General 
Grand Encampment for the renewal of the charter. 
Upon the petition then made to Sir Charles W. 



Moore, General Grand Generalissimo of the General 
Grand Encampment, a dispensation was granted, and 
the Encampment was revived and established at 
Manchester with Sir Daniel Balch as its Grand Com- 
mander. 

From the time of its reorganization the career ot 
Trinity Commandery has been one of continued suc- 
cess and prosperity, steadily increasing its members 
and taking a high rank among the commanderies of 
the jurisdiction. It is now the largest commandery 
in the State, containing among its two hundred and 
seventeen members men of deservedly high rank in 
every profession, who have ever manifested a zealous 
interest in all its affairs, and who have always been 
ready to give their time and bestow their means for 
the advancement of its interests. 

The strength and integrity of character of its 
members, their attachment to the commandery, their 
liberality and knightly courtesy at all times, their 
earnest devotion to the principles of the order, have 
not only contributed to its success in the past and 
preserved unsullied the high and honored name 
which knighthood attained in the community, but 
also afford satisfactory evidence of future prosperity. 
The A. and A. S. Rite.— In 1S62 a dispensation 
from the Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite, having 
its Grand East in Boston, was granted to John 1>. 
Patterson and several others who had received the 
degrees of the Rite to the thirty-second, inclusive. 
By virtue of this dispensation, which was for a Lodge 
of Perfection, many members of the York Rite were 
elected and received the degrees of this Rite to the 
thirty-second, which were conferred either in Nashua 
or Boston at the request of the Manchester brethren. 
Although it has not been deemed judicious to estab- 
lish working bodies in Manchester, yet a consider- 
able number have taken the degrees of the Rite, and 
ere long it is understood there will he a request for 
the Supreme Council to charter the usual working 
bodies to the thirty-second grade. The Rite is in a 
prosperous condition in this vicinity, and contains 
many of the most active and influential members of 
the fraternity. 

The Red Cross of Rome and Constantine.— A 
Council of this Illustrious Order of Knighthood was 
formed in 1873. The charter was granted by the 
Grand Imperial Council at London, England, at the 
head of which was the Earl Bective, to Joseph W. 
Fellows and eleven others, May 14th, in the name of 
Labarum Council. 

This Order of Knighthood is essentially Christian in 
its doctrines, and is founded upon the legend that 
Constantine beheld in the sky a cross with the words, 
" En Touto Nika " (" By this sign ye shall conquer ") 
on the eve of the battle of Saxa Rubra. The Emperor 
was inspired with the belief that this was a sign from 
the True God set in the sky to foretell his success, and 
he imparted such courage and confidence to his 
armies that a great victory was gained, The motto 



748 



HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



has been "Latinized," and is used "In Hoc Signo 
Vinces " upon the banners ofthis and other < >rders of 
Knighthood. The name of this ( 'nun HI," Labarum," is 
ofdoubl ful origin, but was undoubtedly Lhenamegiven 
by Emperor Constantine to his banner, upon which 
was inscribed the monogram composed of the first two 
letters of the Greek work Kristos. This Council 1ms 
done but little work, and 1ms not yet united with the 
other Councils in this country, but contemplate- taking 
steps to form other Councils, and a < hand Council of 
the < Irder as soon as members sufficient in number arc 
created to warrant the expense and labor necessary to 
their support. 

.Masonic Relief Association.— The fraternity 
formed an organization, April 14, 1874, for the relief 
of the families of Masons who have deceased. It is 
intended and practically does afford a system of life 
insurance for moderate amounts at a very low rale. 
The plan is that each member shall paj one dollar 
into the treasury at the decease of any one member, 
so that the family of the deceased shall receive as 

many dollar- as there are lie niliers. A small sum is 



paid to provide for expenses; but the mai 

of the association is very inexpensive and careful. 
There is always kept in the treasury a sum of dollars 
equal to the number of members, ready to be paid 
immediately upon the decease of any member. The 

g I faith of the fraternity is the guaranty fund, and 

n has nei er failed to respond when called upon to do 
so. The association now numbers near four hundred, 
and its popularity increases with every year, and the 
grateful hearts of many who have been aided in the 
hour- of bereavement testify to the good it performs. 
Public Building.— Curing the last Congress a bill 

was passed appropriating two hundred thousand dol- 
lars for a public building in this city. 



HANCOCK. 
John While, mill, Esq., held the office of postmas- 
ter here for fifty-four years, from the first institution 
of the office, in 1812, until his death. His grandson, 
Adolphus D. Tuttle, Esq., has held the same position 



LBAp'06 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 





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